January 8, 2006

As a struggling writer who is friends with many other struggling writers (published and unpublished), I have the pleasure of reading many chapters or scenes from stories that may or may not ever be finished, or published.

As a contest judge, I’ve read 40-55 pages of countless entries in various contests.

As a critique partner, I’ve read the stops and starts and chapters of many books that are on their way to being published, or have not been finished. I’ve met characters and loved them and been sad to see them languish in that world of never-finished stories.

As a member of the Wet Noodle Posse, the finalists of the 2003 Golden Heart contest sponsored by the RWA, I’ve read the beginning chapters of most everyone’s finaling manuscript…and then some.

And then there are the hundreds of books I pick up and read–or at least start–each year.

Sadly, there are times when the characters and scenes don’t stick with me. There have been some contest entries I’ve barely been able to get through, and unfortunately, some published books that haven’t kept my interest.

But then there was Maryanne Cappelluti’s entry in the Golden Heart contest: Bachelor #2. I only read the first chapter…maybe two. But I remember loving it! I wanted more. And I knew she had acquired a well-known agent who would get that book published. So I knew that some day I would read the rest of the story.

Maryanne became ill, and put her writing career on hold. Every so often, I would remember Bachelor #2 and wonder what happened in the rest of the book. It truly was one of those stories, premises, and character setups that stuck with me.

I learned last evening that Maryanne succumbed to a severe form of scleroderma, and passed away. She is survived by her husband and teenaged children.

My heart and prayers go out for Maryanne’s family. She was a funny, warm, enthusiastic person. A wonderful writer and I’m certain, a loving, caring mother and wife.

With Maryanne’s passing, not only do I say good-bye to a humorous, fun-loving woman, but also to the characters in Bachelor #2. They will forever be an unfinished story to me…just like Maryanne’s short life.

The Wet Noodle Posse remembers our sister:
Remembering Maryanne: A Tribute by Diane Perkins

January 6, 2006

is at the Wet Noodle Posse blog.

Here’s a hint:

January 4, 2006

As reported today, researchers at Central Missouri State University found the largest known prime number. It’s 9.1 million digits long.

I’m glad for them…what a coup that must be to find the superlative of anything.

I just have one question: why? Why is this important?

January 2, 2006

were wondering about Angkor Wat (yes, misspelled in my previous entry). In college, I took several classes on Asian art and architecture (particularly architecture), hence my fascination with Buddhist and Hindu temples and tombs.

Angkor Wat is a Hindu temple in Cambodia (now Myanmar) and here is a picture of it (courtesy of my brother Tim, who actually visited the place a year ago):

Here is an inner hallway:

And one of the towers:

(Can you tell I’m jealous? But isn’t my brother a great photographer?)

And just for kicks, here’s a picture of what has been called the most perfect piece of architecture ever built: The Taj Mahal, a tomb designed and built for Shah Jahan of India’s beloved wife.

January 2, 2006

We had a lovely holiday season–relaxing, fun, not-too-stressful. I couldn’t have wished for a better one, except, perhaps, that our white Thanksgiving hadn’t given way to a green Christmas.

But by the time New Year’s Day rolls around, we’re tired of breathing the same air, being off-schedule, and lazy. There’s a time for it, and we took it…but last night I decided it was time we took the new year by the horns and got off our duffs.

At six pm, my dh and I saddled up the kids (and dog) in their outer gear, allowed the littlest to carry a flashlight, and we all went for a “night hike.” The kids couldn’t have been happier!

Our “hike” consisted of walking up the street (up and around the hill that leads to the interior of our sub) in the darkness (six pm in Michigan is dark!) to a small park. The air was crisp and clean and cold and it felt so good!

There was just enough snow at the park for us to recognize rabbit, deer, bird, and dog tracks. My son tried to fool me by pointing to small round holes in the snow, right in line with his own footprints…but I foiled him by identifying the round holes as his walking stick. (Moms are much too smart!)

It was lovely, and a wonderful way to start the new year. I hope we end it in the same way: enjoying being together in the fresh and cool air.

Happy 2006 and many blessings to all of my friends and family!