Authors Incognito Writers Retreat

Lucky me, I had the opportunity to organize a writers retreat with Authors Incognito's moderator, Nichole Giles. We rented a cabin in Park City, Utah for three days filled with nothing but writing, writing, a bit of goofing around, and even more writing.

It. Was. Awesome.

And to prove it's awesomeness to you, here are the pictures of all us nutty writers diving into NaNoWriMo land.

First, let me set the stage:

 

 

 

 

 

Yes, my friends, there was snow - not a lot (thank goodness!). But the weather was gorgeous!

 

 

The coveted hot tub. Nichole Giles and I set a word count goal for the afternoon, 

then worked out little tushes off to meet it! But oh, the wonderfulness of soaking in the hot tub was totally worth it.

 

Of course, no writers retreat is complete with lots and lots of laptops, netbooks, and Alpha Smarts!

Now, let the work begin!

 Christine Bryant - Oh Great One.

 Wendy Swore (who kicked our butt with a Tae Kwon Do workout) and Susan Haws - checking out some writing website and brainstorming together.

 The kitchen gatherers - Jenn Wilks, Karen Hoover, and Tobyn DeGraw. 

Tobyn was the task master - You can't do (insert what we wanted to do) until you hit 3K!

 Debbie Davis - Another exercise instructor/writer who seriously kicked our butts with a combo of kick boxing and yoga. We wub you, Debbie (even if you are directionally challenged!). 

 Our sweetheart, Karen Dupaix - who ended the weekend by getting in over 17,000 words. Go girl!

 Michele Holmes steadily worked throughout the entire retreat.

 Becki Clayson decided to get some fresh air and write outdoors. 

I did this one day and it really was wonderful!

 Me and Nichole Giles.

We had a blast organizing the retreat together!

 Heather Justesen totally holed herself up in a bedroom and only came out to eat. 

BUT she walked away having written over 24,000 words! Go Heather!

 Becki still working away.  =)

 Heather and I at the end of the retreat - when I finally got her away from her laptop!

 Sweet Debbie Davis and me.

Best Friends

Heather and Nichole are two of my absolute favorite writer friends ever!

We've known each other for years and have been cheering each other on every step of the way.

I can't wait for next year's retreat. Nichole and I are already brainstorming. So, who wants to join us in November 2011?

It's My Birthday - Shout Horray!

Yeppers, today is the big 3-3.

The funny thing is I thought I was turning 33 last year, only to find out at my own party that I was actually turning 32. So I missed out on a whole year of being 31! That's okay, I had two really awesome years of being 32.  =)

Turning 33 is awesome. I've actually totally loved my 30's so far and adding another year to the end doesn't bother me a bit.

On another note, I got my anniversary gift a bit late - it's finally all finished, framed and hung up, just in time for an extra birthday gift! Isn't Natalie Hunsaker an incredible artist? I LOVE how she captured such a real moment for me and my sweetie.

 We decided to hang it over our living room fireplace mantle.

 Here's an closer upshot.

Doesn't it look awesome?

And now, I get to spend the day doing whatever I want. Hmm . . . I'm thinking writing, playing with my family, and eating out sound just about perfect. Have an awesome day, everyone!

Keeping Up with 1st Graders

Today I accompanied my first grader on his very first field trip. We went to a farm/orchard. It was totally fun and quite the work out. We were almost constantly walking for about four hours. My Fitness Pal chart better be liking my exercise today!  =)

Here are a few of our favorite pics:

 We saw lots of gourds of all different colors and sizes.

 We just might use some of these for our yearbook!

 Rob and I both laughed about this sign at the piglets pen!

 Rob's favorite animals we visited - this very loud, opinionated gaggle of geese!

 Me and my favorite first grader!

After we all got on the bus to head back to the school, Rob and I snuggled up. Then I fell asleep until we arrived back at our school - a little over an hour away!  Those first graders really know how to wear a mom out! 

Caution - Sexy Fat Chick Coming Through!

I had a super funny experience at the gym today. I got hit on by a super buff guy. Now, let me preface this story by telling you I do NOT look like some of these chicks who work out at my gym:

See the toned arms and legs, the flat tummy, the smile? Nope not me at all. Not to mention the fact that she's hardly even sweating (if she is at all!).

No, I look more like this:

Notice the flabby thighs, padded butt, and jiggly arms. Now add a pony tail, a super red splotchy face (thanks to my Black Foot Indian & English descent), mega sweat pouring all over my face, soaking through my XL Jared Coones Run shirt, and yes, stinky, nasty smell (cause I haven't showered since Saturday night) - and you've got me today. Hey, what can I say - I have a very realistic view of my body.  =)

Which brings us back to my story. I've been working out at the gym a lot for my weight loss challenge. There's a super buff guy there, who I see just about every time I'm there. He always smiles and says hi. I always assumed he was one of the personal trainers I didn't know. So, being the polite person I am, I nod or say hello as I pass by too. That's it.

Until today.

About thirty minutes into my running &weight training workout (which was totally kicking my butt - hence the red face and mega sweat), I ran into this guy again while running one of my laps. I had to slow down and walk around some ladies blocking the path & this guy (walking the opposite direction) stops me.

He motions for me to take off my headphones (cause I like to blast Bon Jovi and try to forget the torture I'm putting myself through).

I pulled out the ear buds. "Hi," I said, panting and trying to catch my breath.

"Hi, I'm Steve. What's your name?" Buff Guy said back.

"Danyelle," I reply. Hey, I'm nice like that!

"I see you here a lot, working out and pushing yourself. I just wanted to say I think you're doing a great job. Keep it up," he said.

I smile. "Thanks."

He smiles back, then turns back to head wherever he was going and I put my headphones back on and continue my lap. About ten minutes later, Buff Guy comes up to me again. This time while I'm lifting weights.

"Hey," he said. "I was wondering how often you come in. I thought maybe we could plan some days to work out together."

At this point, I was trying to figure out if that's a business question and he's trying to drum up some more personal training clients or if he's actually asking me a personal question. So, I figured being honest is the best route to go.

"Well, it just depends on my kids schedules."

A surprised look crosses his face. "Oh. You have kids. How many?"

"Four," I reply.

His eyes bug out. "You have four kids?"

"Yes." Just imagine the smile on my face.

"So, I assume you're, uh, married?" Buff Guy asks.

"Yes, my hubby and I have been married for twelve years." I probably looked like a dork, all sweaty with a cheesy grin on my face.

"Oh. Well, uh, have a great work out." And man, he was outta there lickety split!

So, I guess that means he wasn't a personal trainer for the gym, huh? I made sure to stop by the personal trainer board after my work out, and guess what? No Steve's.

I came home, told my hubby about Buff Guy and just couldn't stop laughing! Man, why do these things have t happen when I don't have a friend around to say, "Holy smokes! Did you see that???"

This brings me to a question - Why would a guy try to pick up a nasty-smelling-sweaty-obviously-overweight chick at the gym? Is my allure just that magnetic?  (Yeah, you can peel your laughing behind off the ground now . . . )

I did learn one important lesson today. Apparently it doesn't matter how much we chickies weigh or even how good we smell. If we just keep working hard to be the best chicks we can be, we're always attractive, sexy, beautiful, gorgeous women.

Even if we are red-faced, sweaty, and stinky.

Speed Bumps Ahead

This past month has been full of great big huge speed bumps. It seemed like each time I thought I had cleared one, another came up even bumpier than the last. It's been a tumultuous time. There were many days when I was so exhausted by the stress, I ended up with chunks of time in bed or on the couch with my preschooler trying to recover.

While I really dislike speed bumps, they do bring the important things back into focus. I've re-learned something very important - my family is the most important thing in my life. Sometimes everything else in life has to be put on hold so I can just concentrate on them. I also renewed my testimony of just how comforting reading the scriptures with my children can be. Sometimes when life gets hard, I am tempted to put the scriptures aside and just work my way through my problems. I'm grateful my kids were so insistent that we continue with our routine of reading the scriptures together before school - even if they did have to drag Mom out of bed.  =)

It seems that as of this moment, life is back on track - or at least as on track as it can be. But even though we're functioning smoothly again, I know I'll eventually hit more speed bumps. I'll just keep my fingers crossed that it will be a while before they spring up.  =) 

Totally Cute Apron

Last night, my friend Brandi hosted an apron making class. I was excited, but at the same time rather nervous because my sewing skills are - well, let's just say basic. To help you visualize my sewing habits, when I pulled out my machine to take with me, it had such a thick coating of dust I had to wipe it down TWICE to get it all off!  =)

Brandi & Charlee (another friend who attended) were both super helpful and explained all the steps to create this totally cute apron. And yes - I did all the sewing myself, with lots of help with the gathers (I had never done them before!) and pinning to make it all go faster. And here are the results . . .

I picked out two co-ordinating fabrics from Hobby Lobby. 

This is side one (my favorite!)

This is the other side. 

I love how the stripes and flower print worked together!

A close up of the top. 

Aren't those gathers gorgeous!

BTW - did you notice the double sided ribbon? I didn't know there was ribbon like that!

This ribbon perfectly matched the apron - the light blue on one side and chocolate brown on the other.

I love how feminine and flirty this apron is! It's so totally cute!!!

And it was EASY! (and that's saying something coming from me!)

Thank you, Brandi!

Love . . . Aunt Jan

So, for the last few weeks my hubby's Aunt Jan has been HOUNDING him to watch this Subaru commercial. She's texted, Facebooked, and called until finally he got his tush in gear, tracked it down, and watched it. He laughed, then brought it over to me.

"I have a video I want you to watch. I'll tell you why after."

So we hit play . . .



After the commercial, I said, "Yeah? And?"

"Someone told me I needed to watch this video because it reminded them of you. Or at least the chick in the video's facial expressions reminded them of you."

So I watched it again, and just had to laugh. Am I that expressive? If so, sweet! Then I bugged my hubby until he told me it was my awesome auntie through marriage who loves this commercial so much. She told him every time she sees it she thinks - Danyelle!

Thanks Aunt Jan! You're awesome!

Mormon Times Article

Oh my gosh! I'm in shock!!! I've been spotlighted by Mormon Times (Deseret News) on the announcement of my book! Holy guacamole!!!! Here's the link:

http://www.mormontimes.com/mormon_voices/today_bloggernacle/?id=11203&preview=1

It's their "Today in the Bloggernacle" daily column & I'm the first one spotlighted for Thursday, October 15th, with the Great News title. I'm still wowed and have so much adrenaline, I want to go run around the block about a hundred times!

Signed, Sealed, and Delivered

I've been holding this news in for two weeks and it's been killing me! I've almost burst several times wanting to tell everyone . . . well, now I finally can!

Two weeks ago, Valor Publishing offered Lynn Parson & I a contract for Teaching Special Spirits!!! Yes, that means it's finally going to see the light of day (or at least the fluorescent lighting of a book store!).

I emailed our revised submission to Valor on September 28th at 10:41 am. That evening at 5:42 pm, I received an incredible phone call from Tristi Pinkston (Valor's Acquisitions Editor) offering us a contract! Seven hours after the submission!

The moment: My friend Kelly and I had just walked out of Hobby Lobby craft store and were crossing the parking lot when my cell phone started to ring. I looked at the display and saw Tristi Pinkston's name. My first thought was, Hmm . . . Tristi doesn't normally call me. I wonder???

So I answered the phone. "Hello?"

"Hi, Danyelle," Tristi said.

"Hey Tristi," I replied back. Then I cut right to the chase. "So, what's up? You don't usually call me on my cell."

"Well, I was just wondering if you were busy in June - you know, for some book signings and things."

"Really? Are you serious? Really?" Then I couldn't speak. I started sobbing like a baby. Right in the middle of the Hobby Lobby parking lot. Kelly caught onto what was happening really quick, and pulled me into a hug. I still don't know if her poor coat has dried off from all those tears. When I could talk again, Kelly led me around to her car and shoved me into the passenger seat, while I continued plying Tristi with question after question about what happens next.

It was truly an incredible moment. One of those Wow experiences you never forget.


Lynn's Call: Next, Tristi called my co-author Lynn, who was at a protest rally in front of her city hall. I'm absolutely totally serious people. She was holding signs and everything. Her phone started to ring and she saw a Utah area code. She knew it wasn't my cell phone. But she does have kids who go to BYU, so she answered. And was absolutely floored to hear Tristi on the other end of the line, introducing herself and telling Lynn how much she looked forward to working with her on Teaching Special Spirits. Of course, Tristi was also wondering about all the noise in the background. Lynn explained she was at a protest rally, but not to worry because they were out there protesting a group who wanted their city hall to stop having prayer before their meetings. They both laughed and soon ended the call. When Lynn hung up, she started jumping up and down, telling her hubby and friends about her new contract. Another incredible moment, this time etched in Lynn's life.

Within a few hours, BJ Rowley had our contracts in our inboxes. Lynn and I spent an hour on the phone, reading through it, laughing (ok - giggling like teenagers getting ready for their first prom), and ready to celebrate.

I signed the first set of contracts, mailed them to Lynn . . . who signed the contracts and mailed them to Valor . . . who signed the contracts and they are now back in the mail to us. Yippee! Life is happy, wonderful, and exciting! Teaching Special Spirits will be out on June 15th, 2010.

And two weeks later, I still get all teary-eyed and just think, "Wow. This is so unreal."

But it is real. That's the really incredible part.

Come check out my author website. www.DanyelleFerguson.com

Is It Really Thursday?

Wow! I can't believe it's Thursday already. This week has seriously just been flying by!

After weeks of revisions and re-writing, my co-author and I turned in our revised Teaching Special Spirits manuscript Monday morning. Now we're just waiting for the final verdict from our publisher. Keep your fingers crossed everyone! Hopefully very soon I'll have some news to share.

Now that I'm not tied to my desk forcing my bleeding fingers to keep typing away, I've taken a few deep breaths and looked around my house. Three weeks is a long time for Mom to be on hiatus. I'm still reeling from everything needs caught up on! House work never ends . . . but it most certainly gets worse very, very quickly. So that's what I've been doing this week, cleaning, catching up on kids' homework and projects, co-ordinating the family calendar, and putting life back into order. I'm looking forward to catching up on everyone's blogs, too. It seems like forever since I had time to really go out and enjoy all my friends' blogs.

As for my writing, well - I don't get to take too much of a break in that area either. Right now I'm trying to transition my head from non-fiction mode, back to fiction mode so I can continue working on Rebound. I've been reviewing my outline and notes. I'm so very excited to get back to Rachel and Graydon's story. I'm hoping to have it finished and ready to send out for editing in January. Yeah!

That's about it on my end. I sincerely hope you're all doing well and enjoying fall. And if you have a blog, be on the look out for my visit! Happy Thursday everyone!

11 Years and Counting

August 20th is one of my very favorite days of the year. It's the celebration of my wedding anniversary.

11 years ago today, at 2 pm in the afternoon, I met my sweetie at the alter and we were married for all eternity. It was a beautiful, sunshiny day. So bright in fact, that we had to close our eyes between wedding pictures to prevent us from going blind. LOL!

I still remember the warmth radiating from my heart as John and I knelt across from each other at the alter and pledged to love & serve each other forever. I still feel that warmth each time he comes home from work and gives me kisses, snuggles with me in the morning before starting our day, and holds my hand wherever we go.

John is a complete compliment to everything I am, everything I hope to be. Together, I know we will traverse the rocky mountain climb and rejoice as we fulfill our dreams.

One of my favorite wedding memories was actually long after the ceremony. We finished our session with the photographer, then walked back into the Mt. Timpanogas temple to wait for his family to pick us up for the reception. As we sat in the waiting room, John had me lay back on the couch. He then knelt beside me, slipped off my what-was-I-thinking high heels, and proceeded to give me a foot massage. We softly talked about the day. One of the sisters who serves in the temple saw us. She came in, placed her hand on John's shoulder and said to me, "You are one lucky lady. You definitely found a great guy."

Here we are - eleven years later and she was so totally right. I am one very lucky lady to have found a great guy who is truly my very best friend. I thank Heavenly Father for him each morning when I wake up, and each evening before I go to sleep. That seedling of love we shared on our wedding day has grown. It's a few feet taller now with four budding branches. The roots are deeper and firmly planted in the soil. We still have a lot of growing to do, and I'm looking forward to the many, many more years we'll share.

Some of you may know that our relationship started out with a dance. Swing dancing to be precise. John and I have enjoyed lots of dancing since then - country swing and ballroom to name a few. One of our very favorite dance groups to watch is Lord of the Dance. In honor of our anniversary, I found this video which I think captures our love of dance, laughter, and family.

Just one last thing - John, I love you. More. Times infinity. Happy Anniversary, Sweetie.

xoxoxoxoxo

An "English Trifle" Surprise

Yesterday, I received my copy of English Trifle by Josi Kilpack in the mail. I'm so excited to dive right in and start reading. Thank goodness our family is going on vacation starting this weekend and I can do just that!

Last night, after opening the package and showing the pretty cover to my hubby, I started looking for the acknowledgments. I love reading an author's acknowledgments . . . especially when I know my name will be in them. Hee hee! See, I'm one of the few lucky people who have been testing all of those delicious recipes in Josi's books. And let me tell you, they truly are delicious! Yummy, yum!

Anyway, I started at the front of the book since usually that's where the acknowledgments are located. On the first page is a list of praise and blurbe for the first book in the series, Lemon Tart. Very cool, I thought, browsing to see which of my cool author friends got to have their blurbs published.

Whit Larson, from Mormon Mom Cast . . .

Julie Wright, the queen of coolness . . .

Tristi Pinkston, reviewer extroidanaire . . .

H.B. Moore, who is truly in a league of her own that I can't even begin to imagine coming close to her greatness . . .

T. Danyelle Ferguson, from Queen of the Clan . . .

Say what? I had to re-read that again, and again, and yes, one more time - just to make sure that really was my quote, and my name, and my blog address. Holy smokes!!!!! I started jumping up and down, screaming, and even made my hubby temporarily deaf in one ear (poor guy was standing next to me reading the blurbs, too). Wahoo!

This is the second time one of my reviews has been published. The first was in the most recent catalog from Deseret Book, which included my review of James Dashner's 13th Reality series. Both times, it was totally unexpected and if I hadn't been looking, I would have totally missed it!

What total awesome coolness. I'm on another writer's high. Have I mentioned lately how much I love being a writer?

We're Going to Committee!

Yesterday, I emailed my editor to ask for an update on Teaching Special Spirits. This morning, I received her reply.

You know that feeling you get when you're waiting for something, but you're not sure what will be inside? I sucked in a great big breath, and clicked to open the email.

And almost fainted.

Apparently my email was timed quite well, because all the reader evaluations are back and Teaching Special Spirits is going to be discussed at Wednesday's committee meeting. My wonderful editor said she'd email me back by Thursday with their decision.

I'm so excited and anxious, I feel like I'm walking on pins and needles. I calm down, only to randomly burst into laughter or squealy giggles. Yep, I did say squealy.

I'm happy Lynn and I have finally reached this point. She and I talked on the phone about our hopes for this book. We know it's truly needed for families, church leaders, and individuals with special needs. It's been an incredible experience writing it. There were many bumps through the four year journey that's brought us to this point. There have also been many blessings and inspiration from Heavenly Father. I'm sure tomorrow, Lynn & I will be checking our email in 30 minute intervals . . . and calling each other throughout the day.

And of course, we hope that late Wednesday or Thursday finds us doing a very happy, giggly dance!

Locks of Love

In honor of my three-year-old cousin, Trenton - who has leukemia - I chopped off all my long tresses and donated them to Locks of Love today. It was not only a heart-warming moment, but also a teaching opportunity for the second through fifth graders at my local elementary school.

You see, I let our elementary school's Presidential Service Committee in on the fun of getting my hair ready to be cut . . . and my own eight-year-old had the honor of wielding the scissors. Here's a fun collage of pics from this afternoon . . .

Before we began . . .

Measuring 6 1/2 inch ponytails . . .

The girls and the boys both got in on the action.
One of the boys was the photographer with my camera. He did a great job!

One last goofy shot before we pulled out the scissors!

The first cut! Go MJ!

Yep, that's definitely my hair . . . 7 inches worth!

Ponytail #2 - 8 inches! I love Laura's worried expression!

Only two more to go! Ponytail #3 - 6 1/2 inches . . .
I love the teachers' expressions in the background. There were actually several teachers who came out to share the excitement. It was actually more like they couldn't believe I was actually letting kids cut my hair! :)

This was the only oopsy of the haircut.
MJ really got into it (look at that grin!) and while she was cutting, she starting going up on a diagonal. Oopsy! Not that I was worried . . . I just sat back and smiled, telling her she was doing a great job and not to worry - it's only hair. It'll grow back.

Ponytail #4 - 7 1/2 inches!
Notice Laura holding the ponytail so MJ keeps the cut straight.

My Locks of Love . . .
A combined total of 29 inches of hair!

The after pictures . . .
When I took the bands out, it was pretty uneven which gave me a very choppy-style bob.

Partners in Crime . . .
Me & MJ

Lucky me, my girlfriend Amy came all the way out from Utah just to cut & style my hair . . .
Um, that's just wishful thinking. She actually came out as part of her vacation - but she was kind enough to cut my hair and make it look pretty again. It's not styled, but it's totally cute and I love it! Thanks to my two chicks - MJ and Amy.

I had a lot of fun donating my hair. Now I'm going to start growing it back out and do it all over again. Next time, it will be at my elementary school's 1st Annual Locks of Love event in February 2010. What an incredible tradition to start which will benefit children like my cousin who are battling horrible illnesses and losing their hair. I love the Locks of Love program and am grateful to be a small part of it!