To Tweet or Not to Tweet

I've been thinking (at least more seriously) the last while of joining Twitter. I've been reluctant in the past because I'm not sure how to squeeze one more thing into the schedule, but I'm leaning more in that direction and want to know your opinions.

If you are on Twitter, what do you like about it? What do you use it for? How much time do you devote to it?

If you aren't on Twitter - there are a few of us left, right? :) - what are your reasons for waiting to make the plunge? 

Great Expectations

During Sunday dinner at my parents' house, my mom announced to my kids that she had a game for them. Clearly with high expectations for what the game might be, my oldest son said, "I hope you don't disappoint us!"

Subconsciously I think the same thing when I start reading a book. I have expectations (sometimes high ones) and I'm hoping the book won't disappoint.

Recently I started a new book with high hopes - loved the cover, the concept, the characters - but sadly I was disappointed after the first chapter. The more I read the more I became aware of the author's device for avoiding overused actions like stared or smiled. While this can be a good thing, in this case, it led to overwriting. Because the actions were so well described or lengthy, I found myself constantly being pulled out of the story.

On the flip side, I recently re-read Hattie Big Sky by Kirby Larson. This book doesn't disappoint - even the second time around. The writing is concise and powerful. The historical details lend to the story, not overshadow it. And best of all, there's a little romance. My favorite books are ones like this - ones where I fall effortlessly into the story.

What do love about the books you love? What disappoints you in a book?

Flash Fiction Blogfest

The rules for Ali's flash fiction blogfest were to write 250 words or less about something unexpected that occurs on Independence Day. Since I can't write short stories to save my life, I resorted to my PR background and wrote a very cheesy, "fictional" news article. It even has a picture. For those familiar with The Onion, this is the kind of article you might find there. Enjoy!

“UTTER” CATASTROPHE MARS MOUNT RUSHMORE

MYSTERY COW HEAD APPEARS OVERNIGHT

Rapid City, South Dakota, July 4, 2011 – Workers at Mount Rushmore National Monument were startled Monday morning to discover a giant cow head carved into the rock beside the four presidents. No one can account for how the gaffe came to be.

“I’ve never seen anything so bovine in my life,” an unnamed night guard said. “Who wants to watch Fourth of July fireworks coming up over the head of a cow?”

Local cattle spokesman, Hugh Heifer, defended the position of the mystery sculptors. “I don’t know who they are,” Heifer said. “But if I did, I would applaud their expression of patriotism. Cattle have played an integral role in the history of this great country and the artists clearly felt this would best show that.”

Much debate has been sparked regarding what to do with the cow head. Some argue for blasting it off, though there is concern of how that might affect the rest of the monument. Others believe the new addition should stay, a tribute to the bullheadedness and hard work of unknown artists.

“In the end, being Independence Day,” Heifer said, “whether you’re a cattle lover or not, there's no reason not to celebrate until the cows come home!”

Trip Take-Aways and an Award

My longtime friend Becki, who's also a writer, passed on this award (thanks, Becki!). Instead of sharing seven random facts about myself, though, I thought I'd share seven Trip Take-Aways from our recent vacation to South Dakota.

1. The Black Hills are beautiful. I couldn't get over all the green and the trees.

2. Parts of Wyoming can be beautiful too.

3. Technology is heaven-sent for long trips in the car. My older two watched movies with headphones, I listened to my I-POD with headphones while I drove, and my daughter got to listen to a lullaby channel on my DH's phone!

4. Knowing someone who lives (or has been to) our destination meant seeing things regular tourists might miss. Like this church in Rapid City - it's an exact replica of one in Norway.

5. I can do hard things. I know I've said this before, but I keep running into this lesson. I was terrified (nearly couldn't sleep the night before) about driving so far with a toddler. But we did it. And now that the long drive is behind us, it's amazing how other trips now seem much more manageable.

6. I can enjoy the journey - as much as reaching the destination. Because of car sickness, I was the main driver to and from South Dakota. But I really enjoyed listening to my music and watching the scenery (and discovering a new book idea).

7. Seeing Mount Rushmore in person was worth it.

Is there a destination you've visited that surprised you with how beautiful or fun it was? What's the best vacation you've been on? Is there a certain place you return to every year?

The other part of accepting this award is passing it on to five others. So here are five people who's blogs have brought "sweetness" to my life:

Jessica R. Patch
Sarah Forgrave
Terri Tiffany
Wendy Paine Miller
Sara V. Olds

*Check back here on Friday - I'm participating in Ali Cross's flash fiction blogfest.

Back to Reality

We're back today from our fab summer trip to South Dakota - with plenty of laundry, exhaustion, fun memories and blog ideas in tow.

What fun things did you do this week? What fun things are you going to do? How many days does it take to recoup from vacation? :)