Ask Alyse: The Writer World Questions Answered

**These are not answered in any particular order.**

Considering Amazon prohibited many reviews by "connected persons" judged by social media connections, what are the options for networking success, in your opinion?
--Create more ties and have them promote your work as much as you do by communicating with their own people, and ask them to boost reading status and hopefully the reviews. Amazon cannot fault all of us for our connections when in reality, most everyone is connected. I come from a small town, I know there are plenty who know of me, but I've no idea who they are; are we considered "connected persons" just because we live in the same town? No. We are connected by persons in the middle which create overlaps.

What do you like about writing? What do you not like?
--I like the creative process and the getting emotions or ideas out that may be bombs on the inside of the soul. I don't like that I work better with people not interrupting me but yet that's all that ever happens anymore...so I suppose the lack of respectability from others when you're actually in the zone.

What are your other interests?

--I like to help others, hanging out with loved ones, reading, traveling, anything creative catches my eye.

What were the early influences on your writing?

--Well, probably the fact that I've loved to read since before I can remember. I suppose some of the earliest influences would be the books I read as a child. I loved poetry, still do. And if you don't include the picture books from back then haha, then I suppose you could consider The Boxcar Children series by Gertrude Chandler Warner a major influence. I actually collect books in that series still, if I don't have one of them, I'll add it. There's so many, and I have always loved a good mystery as well as character strength and adventure. Oh, to have adventure.

Do you have a muse, like music?/What inspires your writing?

--I don't really have any one particular muse, unless I suppose you count the people in my life. I will play music sometimes when I write, but it's not a muse...I mean, I'll play a television in the background too as long as it's not too distracting nor news/westerns. Life events, literature, my travels, anything that sparks an idea that I can run with and bend inspires me.

What are you working on now, if anything?
--My projects haven't really altered in the past year. They've been at a stand still for awhile, but I hope to get back with them. It's driven me a little twitchy not being able to write and work on wips. Two novels, poetry book that I plan to encompass a long span of time. I've other short stories but unless asked to work on them, I want to work on the novels and poetry for now when it comes to my own creations.

What are your ambitions for your writing career?

--I want to do more editing for others and make a name for myself within that context. I want to publish my novels and my poetry book, and maybe compile my short stories into a collection. I wish to work with other writers for books, and maybe work with some people in the film industry to create plays or pieces fit for the screen. I'd also like to collaborate with singers and help create the lyrics. I want to conquer and have my hands in multiple aspects of the writing world over the years.

Which writers inspire you?

--There are really too many to count. Definitely J. R. R. Tolkien. And pro-female writers...I mean, have you read pieces by Libba Bray or Tamora Pierce? Strong characters that you can connect with.

How does writing change the writer?

--It can be a lifeline. And I don't mean in terms of money.

What genre are your books?

--The novels I'm writing I haven't type-casted into a category yet. I mean, they aren't fantasy or sy-fy though, I can tell you that. My short story that was published could probably be urban fantasy and/or sy-fy kind of...I don't really think about that.

Which actor/actress would you like to see playing the lead character from your most recent book?
--In Slayers? You know, I never thought about that.

How much research do you do?

--Depends on the piece or even the part of the piece. When I do research however, I love going on a tangent of it. I'm a research junkie at times.

Do you want to work with other writers on a book again in the future?
--I'd consider it.

Have you made much money writing?

--Not a single penny yet. And no, haven't seen it from Slayers and I think it's best not to dwell on it. However, there is a possibility I'll be doing freelance articles for the local newspaper at some point.

When did you decide to become a writer?

--I was seven.

Why do you write?

--It's a sanity thing at times. And my favorite form of expression. That, and it gets A LOT out of my head. And I just love it.

What made you decide to sit down and actually start something?
--When?

Do you write full-time or part-time?
--Whenever I can...

Do you have a special time to write or how is your day structured?
--No, but I would like to; I work a varied schedule and don't have the space or respect to be able to create that yet. I hope to one day. I like deadlines and such, so I know it would be helpful.

Do you aim for a set amount of words/pages per day?
--Only if I'm on a deadline for something.

Do you write on a typewriter, computer, dictate or longhand?

--Computer mostly, but I do carry multiple notebooks places so that if I have something come to me and I'm not near my laptop, I can jot it down. Sometimes you'll see me scribbling while I'm at work. And I have a voice recorder that once in a while I'll record into that while I do other things, but only if I'm by myself and not in public. I just started that actually.

Do you work to an outline or plot or do you prefer just see where an idea takes you?

--I have a relative outline in my head of some points I want to happen in a certain order, but normally I go where the idea takes me and then put together things like a puzzle or written quilt.

What is the hardest thing about writing?

--Getting the words from my brain to the paper or given the chance to even do it.

What is the easiest thing about writing?

--The grammaticism.

Do you ever get writer’s Block?

--Often.

Any tips on how to get through the dreaded writer’s block?

--I used to say to leave it and do whatever to distract your brain to stop obsessing, and then return and try again. I still hold true to that, even though I don't practice it like I used it. Shame on me.

What are your thoughts on writing a book series?
--I've thought about it, but let me get through the projects I've so far.

Do you read much and if so who are your favourite authors.
--I read as often as possible...and there's too many to list.

For your own reading, do you prefer ebooks or traditional paper/hard back books?

--I prefer traditional. I've nothing against ebooks although my brother will pick arguments with me forever on them, but I remember a book better and enjoy the tactile-ness when it comes to having real paper and ink in my hands instead of an electronic reader.

What book/s are you reading at present?

--I'm trying to finish Black Wings Has My Angel by Elliot Chaze, I just started reading The Diviners by Libba Bray while I was in the hospital, The Beedle and the Bard by J. K. Rowling, and Chasers of Light: The Typewriter series by Tyler Knott Gregson.

Who came up with the cover to Slayers?

--I've no idea, you will have to speak with the higher ups at 7DS Books. It's a pretty sick cover though, which makes me happy.

Do you think that the cover plays an important part in the buying process?
--Yes. While I believe the saying not to judge a book by its cover, it is an essential because when people are browsing online or walking through the store, that's what catches their eyes to make them stop and check it out.

What would you say are the main advantages and disadvantages of self-publishing against being published or the other way around?

--Advantage: you've more say in the format process, cover, etc. Disadvantage: less help advertising/marketing and you have less people likely to help edit so there's a chance of it being lower-quality...however, the latter is not always the case because those Fifty Shades books were mass-produced and were utter crap. (Yes, that's where I stand, be pissed if you wish.)

Do you have any advice for other authors on how to market their books?

--Network. Network. Network. And not just online. Connect with people.

What are your thoughts on good/bad reviews?
--Take them for what they are but don't let them get in your head.

What’s your views on social media for marketing?

--It's extremely useful, but for any feedback, take it with a grain of salt. Also, practice respect and humility and be humble. Just because you're using social media to put it out there does not mean that you need to take less care of others. Don't be a troll, but also don't listen to the trolls.

For editing, what’s your training?

--I've always had major attention to detail and been a grammar nerd, and I have a Bachelor's in English Creative Writing.

Do you consider yourself a confident or an anxious writer?

--Depends on my mood and what's going on in my life or mind.

Do you consider yourself a slow or a fast writer?

--Circumstances tend to matter; it can fluctuate.

Do you work from any kind of a plan?

--A somewhat organized mental one, but a messy one in written format. Unless it's for editing, then it's all organized.

Any tips on what to do and what not to do?

--You need to find things out for yourself and respect your audience. Show thankfulness, but I mean, don't think about your audience in every piece you write, because then you won't stay true to what the possibilities and honesty that your work can become. Don't ruin the potential. Oh, and explore, in both reading/writing as well as in your life, you'd be surprised what can become of it.

In what formats is your book available?

--Slayers is available in both ebook/kindle format I believe as well as hardcopy.

How can readers discover more about you and you work?
--Twitter. Youtube. Amazon. My blog. My like page on Facebook. Search for AlwaysAlyse and you should be able to hit at least one of them.

Author Fun

I was tagged in a blog post by a fellow author, Laurie Lyons. The challenge is to answer the question and then tag other authors. This is our version of tag...yes, the author game is on.

This is hopefully going to be more fun than other games...I mean, you should see some of us on Facebook. On there, we've played other versions of tag where we have to post a segment from one of our work in progresses, or we list our favorite books. We're just like the rest of you with silly online games and tomfoolery...just, we get our nerd on. Our geek on. What have you. Even have fun with grammar sillies.

We're boring people, but with colorful personalities. Many of my friends in the writing world will have me laughing and in tears quicker than most others I know. And I learn a lot from them. Writing world, it's a family. Anyways...take in and embrace the game that we're deciding to share with all of you.

Here are my answers.

What are you working on right now?

I will be honest. I haven't been writing too much lately. My moods aren't cohesive with what I want to put on the page, and I feel like it's doing a disservice to what I want to say when I want to write, say, a romantic scene, when in reality, I'm avoiding anything romantic as much as possible. For instance, if I were to watch a movie right now, I would prefer to watch someone kick ass, lots of action or something. Romantic movies, especially when the romance or the relationship factor, is high, I avoid big time. That's the best way I can explain my mind set, and it's affecting the writing process, because when I write, I put a huge part of myself into the piece.

But, for my work in progresses, I do have things going on. I always have things going on. I have two novels that I've been working on forever now. One is in England, has a mob-like or gang family kind of set up in a way. It's for the most part, a love story. The other novel is kind of a college based book, with everything that goes on in the background of college in a way. You know, kind of a rock and roll vibe but with finals. Haha. The whole: sex, boys, love, drugs, drinking. But it's got a heart. There are also little short stories here and there that I work on, and my verse work: songs and poetry.

Other than the writing aspect, I'm working on the beginning of my editing career. Started my editing services last month, and am open for business. Feel free, if you're a writer/publisher/what have you, to give me holler.

How does this differ from others as its genre?

Ha, that's a hard question. I don't think about genres. Not really. I know I'm going to be having a short story coming out from 7DS Books at some point, and that's my first supernatural-esque story. It's different than other supernatural kinds of stories that I've read, but I don't know if it's different than many in the genre. I don't really truly agree with thinking about genres when you are writing, because then I feel as if it's a constriction. Figure out the genre after the piece is done. Leave that aspect to when you are trying to find a publisher or for the marketing aspect.

How does the writing process work?

I work with my pieces like a patch work quilt. I write in segments instead of straight through. It's easier for me, because my mind isn't always working in a linear path. If I have a scene on my mind, that's what I work on. There are many times, where I just sit down to a blank page, with a few lines or tiny brainstorms in my head, and just write. Then, I take what I have and figure things out from there. It's all one large puzzle. No one formula.

So those are my answers. I was supposed to tag three other authors that I know, but unfortunately, most of my friends in the writing world have already done this game. I guess I'm at the end of the road for this branch.

The Saturday Six Seventeen

1. On Saturday last week, my best friend from my college days was out to see me.  She came Friday, and was here for two nights.  We had dinner with my family, and she helped me wash dishes afterwards, on Friday night.  When my family went to hang out in the camper for a bit, we went up to my room, hooked up her laptop, and popped in a DVD.  We watched Mama Mia up there until my ma came up, and then moved the giggles downstairs.  It was odd to hang out in my bedroom I’ve had since I was little, because it hasn’t been since at least middle school that I actually chilled up there.  Haha.
   
   
2. Saturday, was a special artist’s birthday. Made and sent him a card, and did a shot with him that night.
   
   
3. I’ve gotten some headway in the job hunting mission, let’s see where things lead me.  Cross your fingers folks!
   
   
4. I’ve been making progress on a new writing project. It’s challenging me, and I’m loving every bit of it.
   
   
5. My friend Chrissy and I checked out the store, Spirit Halloween on Tuesday, in Geneseo. It’s one of those seasonal stores.  Many cool things in there, but more for parties and kids for the most part. Oh, and I managed to have a heart-jump-throat moment when one of the animatronic creatures—a giant spider—lunged at me.  Okay, not Halloween yet, but I’ve had my scare for the month. Haha.
   
   
6. Yesterday, I became excited. Why?  My good friend and fellow writer, sent me a copy of her first book in her Serenity Series, Secret, as a gift in the mail.  I’m going to have to hide it on myself perhaps, because it’s pulling me.  Yet, I’m already three books I’m reading simultaneously and have about two more after that which people have lent me.  Those must be read first so that they can be returned to their proper owners. And who knows how many more books I’m going to get soon, my birthday is just a couple weeks away.  Alas…, more books in this world than I can read, and I shall continue to build my library.

~Count your blessings, and whether things are bad or you’re doing well, find something good and hold on!

Much love!

~*~Alyse~*~

The Saturday Six Sixteen

1. I went to the eye doctor’s for the first time in almost two years and found out I needed a stronger prescription. It’s later in the week and my eyes are already starting to feel a bit better after all the stress they’ve been dealing with for about a month or so. And the headaches caused from it are starting to dissipate! It’s wonderful, and it also means I can focus better, for reading, writing, and editing.
   
   
2. I got to choose new frames, and now my face gets to choose between gold and purple. Haha. And I got to learn that spring frames are better than others, being more durable—explaining why my old ones had a hard time staying on my face when I had them, and eventually got somewhat warped.
   
   
3. Wednesday, when I got back into my town from Batavia, I met up with my friend Chrissy when she got out of work. It was a really good night; one we both sorely needed.  We walked around town for an hour, and then drove around back roads, before heading over to Geneseo for supper. Lots of talking. Some laughter. Stories. And good old Marilyn Manson playing in the car.
   
   
4. I edited and beta-read a snippet for one of my friends this week, helping her to get better at writing, and to practice editing more.  I’ve also been reading a little bit on things for editing, while working on my own work.  Always working hard in the writing world, just may be the actual creating, the editing process, or reading. I enjoy it and I know it’ll never stop providing me with a challenge in some sort of way. Here’s to the craft of words!
   
   
5. My friend M. R. Bryant had a Kindle sale from the first until today for her first book, Nation Nine. I talked with her last night, and the sale has been a larger success than one could have hoped!  If you haven’t yet, get yourself a copy and read the book, even if it’s after the sale is over. It’s a good read, especially if you like Dystopian literature, which is usually something I’m not a fan of myself, but I did like the Hunger Games trilogy, and I sincerely enjoyed my friend’s work.  Try it!  The second book in her series will be coming soon, so READ ya’ll. Hehe.
   
   
6. In my town, aside from the local YMCA, we also now have a gym that’s opened 24/7 which opened sometime during my college years. My friend Jamie took me there as a guest for my first time yesterday.  We worked out nearly two hours, where I did a tiny bit of arm and back work, some leg work with the machines, and did about eight miles through cardio (mainly using one of the bikes), constantly changing the resistance levels.  My body felt like jelly afterwards before it became numb, but oh man, it felt so good. I started liking working out during my last year of college, so needless to say, I found myself admitting that I missed it. My high school self would be in shock. Doing a tiny bit of yoga today to keep from locking too much, but you can tell you worked your ass off literally when all your muscles ache. It did allow me to sleep for the most part, better than I have most of the time.

~Count your blessings, and whether things are bad or you’re doing well, find something good and hold on!

Much love!

~*~Alyse~*~

The Saturday Six (Five)

1. On Monday, I spent the majority of my day with Jack again.  It was fun.  We ran some errands with his mom while his siblings were at school, and since he works at a store, he seems to get similar quirks as I do since I worked in a library.  He made sure products that were put back, were put in the correct area, and put away more than one shopping cart.  I admit, things like this should have cued me into knowing I would spend my entire day in laughter.
   
   We spent some time with his mom, who I really enjoy talking with, and he taught me how to play Stratego.  Capture the flag, board game version.  Yeah, I suck at it, which some of my friends from college would probably balk at.  Me, the one who is the one that comes up with game plans, goals and steps, studies weapons, is creative, etc, cannot do a board game dealing with maneuvers.  Oh well.  I enjoyed it, and I really am not the kind of person that gets upset if I lose a game.  I may have a little bit of a competitive spirit, but I know how to be a good loser.  And besides, it was my first time, so it’s all good.
   
   I learned more about Jack, and I had a fantastic time, and by the end of the day, my cheeks ached from the amount of laughter and smiling that I had done for hours.  I cannot remember the last time I exuded so much happiness.  I don’t know, but he does pretty well at making me not think about the bad things and just give flight to free, while still keeping it all low-key and simple.  It’s wonderful.
   
   Singing Disney songs with him and his little sister in the kitchen, albeit a bit off key, was fun, too, just saying.  Granted, I’m not sure if I’m going to be able to watch movies like The Little Mermaid, Sleeping Beauty, or even two of my favorites, Beauty and the Beast and Pocahontas, due to him pretending to sing like a girl.  Oh my, I’m trying not to dissolve into a fit of giggles just thinking about it right now.
   
   
2. Okay, so since it was my favorite part of the day I had with Jack, this is getting it’s own point.  At one point, Jack got out his acoustic guitar and played for me for a good while.  Including singing.  While he made me laugh hysterically when he went out of his vocal range, his playing was damn good.  And there was just something when he did a few songs, that were within his range, that…I guess you could say got me.  I’m not going to share exactly my thoughts completely, or what I felt, but it was amazing…it just, struck me I suppose you could say?
   
   I also did something rare; I sang for Jack.  I’ve sang for my recordings, and for my female friends, and a few small performances (which actually go better with some of my own reaction to my doing this), but never for a single guy.  I sing A Capella of course, because I don’t play an instrument and that would need more practice for the future, but I decided to sing “Soldier” by Anna Nalick to him, since it’s the one I know and do best (go to my youtube page if you want to hear).  I closed my eyes and tried, and I nailed the tune, but I was so caught up in the moment I suppose, that I couldn’t remember most of the lyrics for the life of me.  It was strange.  I also was barely breathing, and it was different for me.  Not like the anxiety I feel for my performances, but I still did get extremely hot like I do at times, which is completely obvious due to my porcelain skin.  Seriously, I’m sure, that with the way my blood flows at times, I’d look like a bottle of wine to a vampire.
   
   Poor Jack, I’m afraid I’ve confused the guy.  He’s got to figure out the look I gave, which he told me later on in the week in a text as he described it went like this: "After I finished a song, I looked to you for approval. I asked 'What?’ perplexed by the look I saw. You slightly shook your head and gracefully closed your eyes and said 'Nothing' as you smiled and your eyes opened with a radiance that shone through the room like sunlight."  I’m not sure what to think, but I know I don’t know how to respond; no sensible words want to form.  And yeah, that smile creeps back.
   
   I figured something out during the music, something I guess you could say took me by surprise and that I didn’t expect.  It’s kind of like magic brewed.  It was something that fits into the indescribable I suppose.  I know from then, that some things are going to be interesting.  Let’s see what life gives.
   
   
3. I also got a chance to chat with some of my writer friends.  M. R. Bryant has a new blog and she’s getting a lot written for her books!  She’s also wanted me to brainstorm a name for a small character, which makes me feel shiny.  Can one feel shiny?  Well, if you couldn’t before, I say you can, because I do. 
   
   I talked with Jess Russell, but then again, when do I go a week without talking with her?  Random and important things, but no matter what, we are there for each other and there’s love.  What else matters?
   
   And yes, I joked and the sisterhood of the traveling pen connection between Michelle Anderson-Picarella, Dawn Kirby, and myself is pretty awesome.  It’s been decided that some would probably pay for the conversations that can occur between us.  We’ve also agreed that we are going to have to do some long talks, either through private webcam or telephone.  I’ll need to get my parents and any children out of listening shot though, never knowing what will come out of my mouth with those two.  Funny, you’d think that we were closer in age and not from different points in the country.  Whatever happens though for communication, going to need fully charged batteries.
   
   Dawn, Michelle, and I also talked about traveling, and my favorite city, Nashville.  And performances.  Michelle has never been to Nashville, but Dawn and I have, both standing upon the Ryman stage.  I’m glad to know I’m not the only one to have felt the magic that seemed to be there, the amount of emotion and inspiration and awe standing where the greats have stood.  I went when I was fourteen, and seven years later, that memory feels so much more recent.  It was powerful.
   
   I’m thankful that I can have writers like these four women to turn to for writing as well as for life.  No matter how different we are, there’s a high acceptance from them, and so much love.  It’s a foundation and air to help wings to soar and float.  You don’t stand still, metaphorically speaking.
   
   
4. Wednesday morning, bright and earlier, my oldest sister and niece arrived.  I was already up because I was having trouble sleeping, but when I saw the text reading that she was here, my mama laughed at me.  Why?  Because I walked up to our living room hallway to cock my head and peak through the kitchen sink window out at our driveway.  When I saw my sister, I squealed and ran in my nightgown to the door.  I love my family, can’ you tell?  Haha.
   
   The girls went straight to bed after giving us naps, and I even took a small nap myself (high rarity of this in my life).  Later on, dad took us around town to run errands with him, and we went out to eat with our sister Ash, her boyfriend, and Camerin.  Camerin seems to really love his older cousin, because when we left the restaurant, he told Madison that she was riding with him.
   
   We then went to my sister’s house, where Camerin decided he had to show his cousin all of his toys, while we looked at photos in the living room, and chatted about various things.  Mom even found a Dear Abby article in the newspaper that had us all laughing, and I tried a straw-ber-rita in a can.  It was strong….  After the tomfoolery there, and because we had to get moving since my dad was falling asleep on the couch next to me and Marci was bound to fall asleep next to Ashley, we told the kids to pick up.  Took a little time, but it happened, and then Camerin didn’t want Madison to go!  It was adorable.
   
   When we got home, Marci taught me how to play Phase 10, and her, Madison, dad and I played.  Madison chose our names…and I don’t know about that kid sometimes, because they were some odd names!  Dad was Silly Cat who then named her Goldilocks, and then she named her mom Angry Syrup, and I got to be Funny Apple.  My niece has an imagination.  A slap-happy one, but a good one.  We played until about one in the morning, and during the game, Madison pulled out….dad won, and Marci and I somehow tied for second place.  Not too bad.
   
   
5. On Thursday, I had Marci go through some of my old tops and a few skirts that I can’t wear anymore.  It made her feel wonderful, because being the oldest she never got hand-me-downs.  Thanks to me, she got to have what we decided to call hand-me-ups!  I’m happy that I was able to make my sister smile and feel good with that.  And it meant some of my clothes that I loved were going to a good home, and are now going to be worn by a beautiful woman.
   
   After supper, Marci, Madison, dad and myself, all went over to one of his friend’s from the VFW, to help count poppy money.  We ripped the bottom of the boxes open and had a pile of green covering the gorgeous granite table top.  Madison was very helpful, helping sort and collected all of the change.  We all chatted and laughed, and Cindy, our hostess, got the men beers, my niece a soda, and us women some nice wine.  A wino!  Ah, how that makes me smile.  And I actually felt like I was being treated like an adult for once, especially when I made a comment to Cindy that you’d think the money was from a different thing, due to the amount of ones.  Her response was yeah, someone must’ve had a really good night!  The stripper joke went over my niece’s head, thankfully, while everyone else enjoyed it.  It was good to see how much money was raised through the poppy sales though, for the VFW.  And to lend a helping hand.
   
   Afterwards, we got home, and I was a bit worried when I got into the house, because I knew my mama was home but she wasn’t down stairs.  I went up to her room, to find that she wasn’t feeling good, so I went and brought her some Tylenol and water, and let her rest.  When I was back downstairs, Marci and dad proceeded to teach Madison and I how to play euchre.  Many people have taken upon this challenge since I was probably eleven, and have failed.  And our sister Ashley could tell you how shocking it is that I’m from our area, am twenty-one, and still didn’t know how to play euchre.  It’s a big thing in our county, and I guess you could say it’s the main card game around here.  Well congrats to my sister and my dad, they managed to teach us and have it sink in.  There’s a chance I shall forget a bit, but I’m slightly more sure of myself in regards to this game than I was before.  I think my dad was also more patient with me learning this time, because my niece was there, too, and he wanted her to learn.
   
   Madison and I were a team, and for beginners, we did decent.  We brought in about five points.  Huzzah!
   
   
6. Yesterday, was an…interesting day, I suppose you could say.  I got a lot done, even though mama had been sent home to rest, and I didn’t want to wake her.  I did most of our laundry, washed and put away dishes, baked brownies for dad to take to today’s euchre tournament (see, I told you it’s a big thing around here), made my niece breakfast, and worked a little on my writing.  Oh, and the stuff that I did have ready to go into storage for my future apartment, etc, I sent up into the barn.  You can now see our living room floor a bit better thanks to that!
   
   Marci, Madison and I had to get some stuff at Walmart, and since Jack wanted to see me, he hung out with us as we shopped.  My sister thinks he’s pretty awesome, and he thought she was hilarious, score for me!  He kept playing the songs he knew without an instrument while we were walking around, and it made me smile.  He also found out how handy my sister is, and the discussed possible ways to have a Scarecrow costume (from Batman) be made.  I love that they connected, and that they liked each other.  In some ways, my sister thought it was sort of like having our mutual friend (her friend first of course) Barry around.  I’m just happy it went well and that we were able to make even a little trip to Walmart fun.
   
   When we were in the parking lot I also got to see my friend ‘Trix, who, I daresay almost leaped out of her van shouting “Lily!” to say hi to me.  I love how friends are at times.

So I know that many more good things happened this week, small and big, but it’s so hard to choose what to talk about when that happens, because I can’t recall the last time I had such a positive week, and felt as happy as I do.  I’ve gotten to see old friends, I’ve gotten to be with my family, I’ve gotten things accomplished, and have had so many smiles and laughs that is makes my heart swell.  Other little tidbits about this week: ran into an old friend at the YMCA who was lifeguarding as I watched my family play in the water (haven’t had time to try on my old suit yet); I got to watch my niece help with my nephew at the store last night; family dinners of us all together; watching my oldest niece read to my youngest nephew; and my Uncle Russ came out with my cousin, Tonya, for a surprise visit this morning.  Good week, wouldn’t you say?

Well, now that I have watched everyone head out for euchre tournament for the kids to hang out with my sister Ashley, I can head up to my bedroom and get some more much needed work done, so that way I can put it out of the way and just plain have it done!

~Count your blessings, and whether things are bad or you’re doing well, find something good and hold on!

Much love!

~*~Alyse~*~