Frustrated with the weather this weekend, wanting to get a large portion of yard work done, we ventured out in between showers. It actually turned out really sunny and warm, so we stripped off our coats while we planted some flower bulbs and weeded. Then a dark raincloud enveloped the sun. We both thought, it's just rain, we can finish what we were doing. But, all of the sudden, hail started falling. It hit my head and arms with a vengeance! Laughing we took cover under the porch overhang. Spring in Oregon, you have to love it!

So, we weren't very successful at the yard work this weekend. Too bad. I didn't seem to have motivation to do much at all! So, I guess you could call it a weekend of recuperation. I didn't write a single article or book idea. I don't feel very productive but I guess I needed a break.

I did do a good job at walking though. I walked both days, even though it rained both times. Spirit and I started walking in sunshine and ended with rain. It was warm rain though, which doesn't bother me as much as cold rain.

Well, here's to a productive week!

Last night, I drove down to Eugene for my Willamette Writers group meeting. I found a seat in the back this time, so I could take the presentation in from a different perspective. It was nice to see all the other writers interested in the speaker, listening closely.

Our speaker was Shannon Applegate, a creative non-fiction writer from Oregon. She spoke on weaving historical and personal truths throughout a work. Specifically, she talked about writing a memoir. She defined for us the difference between an autobiography and a memoir. I found this interesting, as I did not know myself the differences.

Autobiography - a chronological, linear accumulation of experience, usually starting with birth and recounting all significant events throughout a life. An autobiography usually omits nothing significant but rather is considered a "sum-happy".

Memoir - a vivid, intense specific life experience described for readers. Rich in detail, revealing a changing to the soul. A memoir is described as a window into life or a lens - a narrow focus.

Shannon emphasized the need to tell the truth, citing several recent examples of false memoirs being published - or literary hoaxes. Misrepresentations by authors have shaped literary history, for example some historic liars - Thomas Chatterton and James McPherson, used their imagination to create "truths". Another hoax writer - Clifford Michael Irving, his story is told in the movie "The Hoax".

Shannon illustrated how things are remembered, going to the root of the word - meaning re-member - to put back together to have a whole body, each member or part at a time. She also made it clear that writing a memoir makes it more real than the actual event, going so far as to say it cannibalizes your memory. A new truth is invented in remembering.

She shaped how she shaped the narrative of her books, using dialog, making sure to check with the other person speaking, to make sure it was all remembered correctly. What I remember and what you remember may be different. She said to capture the truth and the spirit of what was said. She says that a memoir is crafted, as is every text.

She made a point to say she includes a bibliography for each book, letting readers see the facts. As for research, she answered the question, when do you know when to stop researching, with when you run into the same facts you've seen before.

Her books include "Skookum" and "Living Among Headstones".

I learned a lot, thinking of several themes or topics I could write about. It's a big world out there, with such a rich history. I just need to find a time and a place I'd like to write about.

I started a one-year membership at our local pool yesterday. My work has a wellness program that pays a certain amount each year for fitness classes or weight loss programs. It's a great opportunity. I make sure to use my wellness credits each year.

So, I signed up for a pool membership, since I like to swim. I arrived, ready for the lap swim. There were several classes going on and private lessons but several lanes were open. I lowered myself into the water and swam over to lane 2.

As I began to swim, I felt relaxed and excited all at the same time. I've enjoyed swimming for as long as I've been able to swim. As a child, my family and I spent most of our summer days down at the river, swimming and basking in the sun.

The feel of the water around my body, the sound of splashing, feeling my muscles working to move me through the water and the solitude of my designated space felt so good. I endured my lap swim workout for 30 minutes and felt proud. I think this is an activity I can continue for awhile, and stick to it.

This wonderful place has been near and dear to my heart since my mom first introduced me to it about 5 years ago. She first heard about the ranch during a radio program on our local Christian radio station. Since then, CPYR has grown but still needs our support.

Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch began in 1995, with the rescue of two horses. Founders Troy and Kim Meeder began the program to rescue abused and neglected horses. Then, a ministry followed, reaching out to abused children and those from broken homes. The main part of the ministry includes the testimony from the horses themselves, coming back from near death, to trust and live a healthy life. The children learn to trust the horses, healing in the meantime.

Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch is located near Bend, Oregon, with a magnificent view of the Three Sisters. One of the stops on my honeymoon was to introduce my husband to the ranch, to have him meet the horses and hear of the ranch’s ministry. Visitors are welcome to the ranch, but please view the ranch’s calendar for hours or contact the ranch in advance of your visit.

The non-profit ranch is home to 25-30 horses at a time, with limited room. Donations provide shelter and food for the horses; volunteers operate the ranch. Volunteers are welcome to help out around the ranch. My mom and I volunteered during the fall. We helped build a fence, and other odd jobs. It was hard work but definitely worth the effort.

Please remember Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch in your prayers. Visit the CPYR website for more information on donations, and to read each horse’s story. A warning to those sensitive beings – have tissue nearby if you begin reading one of Kim Meeder’s books: “Hope Rising” or “Bridge Called Hope: Stories of Triumph from the Ranch of Rescued Dreams”. These stories will tug at your heart.

I wrote an article for Suite101 last night called "Amtrak National Train Day May 10th". Make sure to check out the special offer for Buy one ticket, get one free on April 4th. Tickets need to be for travel on May 10th only. But if you buy one adult ticket, you get a companion ticket free! That's a pretty good deal. Be sure to check out the routes.

Most of the Amtrak routes have amazing views, which aren't available from the road. Last June, I took Amtrak to San Francisco. Although I was on the train for 10 hours, I saw some beautiful places. The route is called the Coast Starlight, because it leaves the Willamette Valley in the afternoon and reached Sacramento in the morning. It wasn't too bad to try and sleep on the train. The seats recline, and I had headphones with music. The sound of the train will rock you to sleep too!

The train is a fun, affordable way to travel. If you have some flexible time to travel for vacation, make sure to look into Amtrak.

Ah, a break from the rain showers today as we were driving home from church. The sun was shining so I ventured out into our backyard. I found joy in the splendor of spring before me, as the flowers glistened in the bright sunlight. Wet from a recent shower, the raindrops looked like crystal shining in the sun. Here are a few images I took with my camera:

Well, I actually had some time to sit down and write today. It took me awhile to actually start but I did. I wrote several pages of notes for my book topic.

I really didn't know where to start. How does someone start writing a book? I think the beginning is the hardest. There are a lot of options I have and decisions to make about writing style, chapter titles, sub-titles, and on and on. I tried to pencil out an outline of the book today. It was hard for me to do it on paper because I am so used to using a computer to write! But I just wanted to write with pen and paper. So it's a messy outline but at least it's a start.

I'm sure I will be editing and revising sections of the book on an ongoing basic. I'm sure I will have others help me with it too. But I got some thoughts down today and it's becoming real.

I hope I can find some more time soon to keep it going. I don't want this project to be put aside like most of them before. But I guess that's why I have this website, to help my readers help me. Keep me on track! Send me messages and comments on my book progress, so I will be urged to keep going!

I did it! I wrote my 100th article at Suite101.com today. I was also able to tie my article into being my #100. I searched for 100th anniversaries and celebration and events happening this year, because I thought it would be fun to tie the two together. I wasn't having much luck. I did see that it's Ford's 100th anniversary of producing the model-T but I knew that someone had already written about that at Suite101.

Then I found out that the Tunguska Event happened in 1908. The more I researched it, the more I thought it fit my Meteorology & Climatology topic. I learned some very interesting things.
Make sure to take a look at my article: Siberia's Tunguska Event of 1908

Today I published my 99th article for Suite101.com. I'm looking to write my 100th today or this weekend. I'm so excited to finally reach 100. When writers at S101 hit 100, we get a bonus! This is pretty much my last bonus at Suite101, so I hope it make it extra special. I received a 10% bonus for reaching 50 articles, and a 20% bonus for becoming a Feature Writer. I get the 30% when I reach 100!

Next month is my anniversary at Suite101. I've been plotting my monthly revenue, because I'm a nerd sometimes. It's continually gone up, which is very positive. It's not like I make enough to quit my day job, but it's enough to almost fill up the car with gas! I've heard from other more veteran writers that revenues continue to increase with time, and continued dedication to writing.

So, I will keep at it. I hope to make my 100th article something special. I will post an entry when it's complete.

I've received several special weather reports from the National Weather Service today predicting snow for most of Western Oregon. Wow, I thought Spring just began! Well, March sure is a month for crazy weather, as it is a month of transition. The air is unstable, causing freak snowstorms and other spring extreme weather events.

Well, I'll be watching for snow tonight but I have my doubts it will appear. It has been cold but snow is not normal for the Willamette Valley, especially this time of year.

I do remember having snow one Spring Break as a kid, but we lived in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains then. I remember that we got a pile of snow that Spring Break, high enough to step right onto from our back stairs. We made snowmen and had snowball fights, and tried to stay warm all bundled up. I remember then thinking it was very strange to have snow that late.

I'm trying to finish an article on late season snow but am having trouble finding the right climate data on snow in March. I will continue searching, and hope to have my article posted before the snow begins to fall!

Stay warm and enjoy the last snow (maybe) of the season!
Read my article on extreme spring weather: Extreme Spring Weather article