August 2009 - The Aqua Year

Amazing how time passes. I think we all have those same thoughts.

Here it is August and I am just now getting around to updating for the first time since February, although this time, I might actually have a legitimate excuse!

I started writing my book, Saratoga Sands, back in early January, although I must say, about a third of it I had already written--it just needed to be tweaked. I totally underestimated how long it would take me to write a book though. I forgot I still had to live in the real world too. But, by June I was able to print the first edition (typos and all) and get it out for sale.

I had the first book signing at the Farmhouse, AKA Whetstone's Antiques, the home place where I grew up and that my brother Cal now owns. It went very well, and I am pleased that the books continue to sell.

As for family, youngest daughter Chrystique is still in Michigan, where she runs her own graphic arts business. You can keep up with her on her blog site at www.chrystique.blogspot.com She still has her regular website too at www.cqgraphicdesign.com where you can check out other of her latest endeavors. Her main client, Wilk's publications, keeps her more than busy. She will be home again in a week for the Pathfinder Camporee in Oshkosh where she will help Miss Brenda (Brenda Walsh) run the Kids Time booth.

Mystique and Peter and kids are fine--just busy, as we all are.

Elizabeth will be 11 in October and she is going into 5th grade. Nick is now 13 and will be in 8th grade and Alex is 16 and will be a junior at Lincoln! Time speeds on by.

I now have some of my stories on the Town of Saratoga website, on the history page. I hope to soon sell my book through there as well--at least take orders for it.

I spent a good deal of time early summer writing the Wakely (Historic Point Basse) Whodunit that was performed the end of July. It was an interactive murder mystery and great fun for all involved. It must have been a hit as even the actors wish to return!

I guess the biggest news as far as writing is concerned is that I now have my very own column in the Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune! It is called Rhonda's View Rendezvous, and features historical tidbits but with my own personal view on them, since the column format allows me to write first person, add humor, and a variety of other things not allowed in a standard newspaper feature story. Since it is the personal touch that others like in my stories, this is a good thing! Makes them easier to write as well. The column appears twice a month--at least. If you do not get the Trib, you can find it online at www.wisconsinrapidstribune.com. Just put my name in the search box on the top of the page and you will find my stories.

I have another new writing gig to tell you all about! In December, I was asked to do a puzzle for a weekly national magazine called Happiness. It has been around since the 1960s. One puzzle evolved into several and that evolved somehow into writing weekly features for them. It is such a change from the historical writing I do which requires so many hours of research, so I am having fun filling in with motivational writing. Since I did motivational speaking for a while, years ago, this was easy to do. You can find a word Scramble and a feature by me in every edition of the magazine.

I have also been asked to speak at a couple local clubs, and I said yes. Gee, I guess I am finally getting recognized! And, an online publication called GoRapids approached me about writing for them too. Actually though, as long as I have my Trib column, I would not write for someone else in competition with them.

Late last fall, brother Cal moved the antique shop from Dad's old service station into our childhood home, now known as "The Olde Homestead." You cannot believe how wonderful it all looks in there. It is now the nicest shop in the whole Rapids area, and the only true antique store, although he sells new items as well. I will probably work a couple days a week again for him through the holidays.

Once the carpentry picked up in March, Randy has stayed busy, but with short-term jobs. We have no idea what winter will bring, but we know things will slow down. We are just thankful when he does have work.

Randy's mom turned 90 in early May and she was so bright and chipper and happy at her big party, but soon after went downhill. A heart attack in July took her from us. She will be missed.

Cal and Anita and their extended families are fine.

We had a temperate summer--very nice, and August looks to be about the same. Mostly stays in the 70s which is rare for Wisconsin in the summer, but makes me happy! I like it cool.

Other than day trips, and one overnighter to Minneapolis with Mystique to see Chris Isaak, I have been nowhere since November, but am planning some trips soon. I want to get to Minocqua for a few days of R&R at Anita's lake house, then in Sept will head to MI to see Chrystique, and am even toying with Pennsylvania in October, but that is still up in the air.

Thanks for stopping by. Come back again. Leave a note in the guest book so I know you were here.

As Ever, Rhonda

Side Notes: Sister Anita was the one to pick the color for 2008 and she chose red. I got to choose the color for 2009 and I chose aqua because I love the color and we needed to get "cooled down" from that red hot year! So far, the aqua year has been a good one for me! Published my first book and will sign up for social security--all in the same year!

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If you have not been here for a bit, you will also note a new page HERE.
I have posted a bunch of .exe (executable) files of fun things, some for kids. The emailing of harmful viruses and malware has caused the ISPs to stop allowing .exe files to be sent, so this (or a CD) were the only ways I could share with you. Please know that all these files are safe and I have had them and used them for years. Please check out the "Fun Page" link (on this page and some others, at the very bottom, but on the main page, along the side) and let me know what you think.