tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55213955647861637432011-11-27T19:06:34.231-05:00You must be tenacious. There are always more failures than successes. Katherine Hepburn (my favorite actress!)Mrs. Majorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08981990206811807876noreply@blogger.comBlogger591100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521395564786163743.post-8256675408356625052010-07-01T18:51:00.011-04:002010-07-02T07:19:26.450-04:00

July's issue is out and I'm having fun distributing it throughout Fauquier County! It's definately more of a challenge with the kiddos home from school but it is so much easier now that I have my distribution list down. I "work in" paper drop-offs between swimming lessons and grocery runs. Today we hit the Fauquier libraries to take in our due books and pick up new ones. The kids "spun the

Mrs. Majorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08981990206811807876noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521395564786163743.post-91715094751883301832010-06-07T19:00:00.005-04:002010-06-12T07:44:51.491-04:00

This is the first page of June's issue, my first as a Newspaper Gal! I hope to be one for a long time. Each day I'm either distributing papers, calling or dropping in on prospective advertisers, reading a couple of chapters for the next book review or drafting an ad for a business in town. The local community has been really great. Everyone is excited and supportive. I continue to talk to my

Mrs. Majorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08981990206811807876noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521395564786163743.post-70656355621348144932010-05-19T10:18:00.001-04:002010-05-19T10:19:51.372-04:00

Starting a business is really time consuming. It also consumes the mind. I literally had to cut some things out to make my new endeavor happen. Blogging was one of them. Writing was the second, unfortunately. Well, I'm back to writing and boy have I missed it! And, I'm back to blogging, too.I've started a newspaper for kids, The Fauquier Kid. It has local news, stories, book reviews,

Mrs. Majorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08981990206811807876noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521395564786163743.post-40958767047893956032010-04-18T10:53:00.004-04:002010-04-18T10:59:39.617-04:00

Wanted you guys to know I am starting up a new project. Not necessarily a story project but an idea I have had for a long time and am now focusing on. May be an answer to my "job" need but probably not entirely. Even if this new project is a partial answer, it would be fantastic because it definately involves children's writing. I can NOT wait to tell all of you about it but need to get to a

Mrs. Majorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08981990206811807876noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521395564786163743.post-7092659185422464212010-04-07T20:46:00.005-04:002010-04-07T21:11:30.576-04:00

So, with my first novel Homer and Rosie, I outlined it prior to putting pen to paper to write even a sentence. The main reason was it was required for one of the final lessons of my Institute of Children's Literature class. Once I began writing, it came easy. When I began The Companion, I did a lot of preparation but I did not do an outline. I was desperate to begin writing it. So, I began

Mrs. Majorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08981990206811807876noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521395564786163743.post-58712134220808263492010-03-28T17:15:00.007-04:002010-03-30T11:00:19.821-04:00

My fantastic (and sometimes drive me crazy) Mom just celebrated her one year anniversary on her liver transplant! In the world of transplants, this is a really big deal because the majority of "issues" happens within the first 12 months. And, with the anniversary, a flood of memories hit me (and all of us). The trips to UVA with my pregnant sister taking turns driving. That first trip down

Mrs. Majorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08981990206811807876noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521395564786163743.post-83571739947037035662010-03-17T15:26:00.004-04:002010-03-20T08:19:46.848-04:00

You may recall I mentioned Syd Field's Screenplay The Foundations of Screenwriting in a previous post recently. Well, ScriptFrenzy (a sister to NanoWrimo) is coming up April 1! Now you may be saying, Jenn, I'm a novelist not a scriptwriter but hear me out: Last year at this very same time of year, I got an email from ScriptFrenzy's Jennifer Arzt. I thought the same as you guys and came very

Mrs. Majorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08981990206811807876noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521395564786163743.post-73629975978903764852010-03-11T06:45:00.004-05:002010-03-11T06:59:09.709-05:00

Writer's Digest has a contest coming up. Entry submission deadline is May 14, 2010. The contest includes just about every genre so check it out!As for me, I've been submerged in my decision about work. Should I give freelance writing a go? Can I be successful and make any money at it? Or should I go back into real estate? Residential this time. I worked in commercial management and leasing

Mrs. Majorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08981990206811807876noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521395564786163743.post-29636337929714999402010-03-05T10:41:00.002-05:002010-03-05T10:59:14.611-05:00

I recently sent the first 3 chapters of Homer and Rosie to 3 editors who attended the SCBWI Mid-Atlantic conference in Arlington last November. The first 2 haven't responded but the editor who would have received hers last, sent a nice note back. Granted it included that she didn't have the space in her small imprint to include my MS but that was something I already knew. Even as the kids and I

Mrs. Majorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08981990206811807876noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521395564786163743.post-60907180689380760262010-02-27T08:06:00.008-05:002010-02-27T15:41:07.732-05:00

The realm of the working world has been at arms length for me for five years now. And, I have to say, I have enjoyed it tremendously! For the past four years, I have been happily writing children's stories. Now, the challenge is, how to find a part-time gig that pays fairly well (or I should say pays what I think my time is worth which is no doubt inflated because my time has become precious

Mrs. Majorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08981990206811807876noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521395564786163743.post-45885007971901622332010-02-19T20:38:00.013-05:002010-02-21T13:06:53.657-05:00

Is your writing suffering? Are you stuck? Is the winter bringing you down? Well, here in Virginia the Farmer's Almanac is more accurate that I would have wished this winter. We've already gotten more snow than any other winter in history! And, my kids have been home. A lot! Which means, you got it, my writing has suffered. I'm all for any trick or gadget that can help. And, thanks Suzette

Mrs. Majorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08981990206811807876noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521395564786163743.post-18507587650081590532010-02-03T08:02:00.002-05:002010-02-16T21:03:32.097-05:00

I have finished Stephen King's Under the Dome! What a feat. At 1,100 words approximately, it took me quite a while. I'm a slow reader anyway, reading every word, which I know is the wrong way to read but wasn't told that before it became a habit. I savor every word like a piece of chocolate. A Hershey kiss can last me ten minutes! Anyway, I have to say I'm not usually into paranormal enough to

Mrs. Majorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08981990206811807876noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521395564786163743.post-64795133473113564852010-01-24T07:56:00.006-05:002010-01-24T08:51:45.482-05:00

The kids had a snow day on Friday. Well, actually it was a Sleet Day and while Nev was working from home, I needed to keep the kids occupied, preferably on the second level of our house. They endured the grocery store and a slew of other errands and then after lunch, we all hopped in the Big Bed (that's code for mom and dad's king) and watched Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs. Well, I was

Mrs. Majorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08981990206811807876noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521395564786163743.post-22473271600310109762010-01-09T08:01:00.007-05:002010-01-09T08:53:13.437-05:00

Contrasting pictures. And yet, this novel and movie have the same theme.Since I signed up for the 2009 SCBWI conference I attended in November, I have been making my way through Patricia Reilly Giff's collection of novels. And, I have enjoyed each and every one. I just finished Nory Ryan's Song, which is a tribute to Ms. Giff's ancestors who weathered the famine in Ireland. While a historical

Mrs. Majorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08981990206811807876noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521395564786163743.post-21395182465520553862010-01-02T13:35:00.005-05:002010-01-02T13:56:26.198-05:00

This is the gingerbread house the kids and I made before Christmas. We dubbed it the Sagging Shack. I added too much water to the icing and well, it made the doors and windows droop. Instead of being upset, we thought it was funny. Apparently, an old lady lives in this little cottage and everything on her body sags including her skin. For the past two months, I felt like I was the Droopy

Mrs. Majorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08981990206811807876noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521395564786163743.post-26739423206286738862009-12-21T07:12:00.004-05:002009-12-21T07:32:53.230-05:00

What a weekend! Warrenton was only a couple inches shy of two feet of snow. My husband and I were originally heading to Richmond on Friday for a Christmas party we look forward to every year. The kids were going in the opposite direction to Winchester to stay with my mother-in-law. Once we realized we probably wouldn't get home much less be able to pick up the kids on Saturday, we decided to stay

Mrs. Majorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08981990206811807876noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521395564786163743.post-69576485074012471592009-12-15T14:26:00.004-05:002009-12-15T14:45:52.721-05:00

First, I apologize for dropping off the face of the blogging world. My only excuse is that I've been really busy with kid stuff and Christmas just like all of you. My main excuse is my inability to write these days. But, in case you guys are out there, here is an article I wrote for my local paper some time ago. Hope you get a laugh:Recently, while visiting my parents, I understood the depths

Mrs. Majorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08981990206811807876noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521395564786163743.post-14038473980666926732009-11-17T14:52:00.002-05:002009-11-17T15:48:16.963-05:00

How often does an unpublished writer get to listen to agents and editors talk about how to improve your writing? Unpublished, maybe never. Unless you attend a conference. And, the advice is invaluable in my opinion. While much of it seems obvious, similar to Ms. Giff's advice I wrote about yesterday, as we all know, it isn't. So much of what I heard on Saturday I have read somewhere before

Mrs. Majorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08981990206811807876noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521395564786163743.post-43065916268039839942009-11-16T13:27:00.006-05:002009-11-16T14:28:06.465-05:00

Saturday's SCBWI Mid-Atlantic conference in Arlington was a blast! As I posted on Friday, it was my first writer's conference and I can't wait for my 2nd. Last week, I felt stale and blocked. Partly because I was trying to get over the flu but mainly because I needed to be reinvigorated. What a day! Volunteering was indeed a terrific way to meet people and have fun. I am so glad I did. I

Mrs. Majorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08981990206811807876noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521395564786163743.post-32247477973955070752009-11-13T15:55:00.004-05:002009-11-13T16:26:43.491-05:00

Heading to the SCBWI Mid-Atlantic conference tomorrow in Arlington, Va.!! So very excited as it's my first writer's conference. I feel like a kid the night before a trip to Busch Gardens. A little nerdy, I know!I'll be volunteering with the food committee partly because I almost always volunteer at whatever I do and partly because I figured it was an easy way to meet people since I only

Mrs. Majorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08981990206811807876noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521395564786163743.post-36856584066304010792009-11-11T09:29:00.005-05:002009-11-11T09:38:47.666-05:00

Just in time to make those Christmas purchases for the children in your life, Publishers Weekly has posted their list of the top 100 books for children published in 2009. Hitting the top spot for a picture book is Chris Barton's "The Day-Glo Brothers: The True Story of Bob and Joe Switzer's Bright Ideas and Brand-New Colors". The brothers developed the first flourescent paint which was

Mrs. Majorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08981990206811807876noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521395564786163743.post-5582740713097115482009-11-04T14:18:00.003-05:002009-11-04T14:54:17.364-05:00

First, I apologize for the lack of a picture but my computer is winning today and insists it doesn't feel up to adding one! I'm about to kick it out! I'm diffusing now....Who out there has eaten way too much of their kids' Halloween candy? I'm having diabetic moments and still feel the need to "help" my kids out by savoring their treats. Plus, we have a lot left over from our own supply since

Mrs. Majorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08981990206811807876noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521395564786163743.post-56877398846516821762009-10-28T06:24:00.003-04:002009-10-28T13:11:21.988-04:00

It's a few days before Halloween and I'm feeling a little ragged. Baking and party planning not to mention that we have been pulled out of town every weekend for something important. And, I NEED a laptop! I've said my prayers to the Laptop Gods. October has been our "not at home" month! Looking forward to November and here's to hoping my hubby and I get some Saturday's watching movies by the

Mrs. Majorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08981990206811807876noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521395564786163743.post-69490777983549828722009-10-19T06:49:00.000-04:002009-10-19T07:08:44.811-04:00

My seven year old has been naming everything new in her life, Alice. You may recall the turtle we found in Rappahannock County and then released in the woods behind our house? She (or he as I have no idea how to tell a turtle's gender) was when the "Alice" syndrome started. That was this summer. My four year old is following suit as he usually does but I don't think he is intending to copy

Mrs. Majorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08981990206811807876noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521395564786163743.post-5209643699045589572009-10-12T09:54:00.000-04:002009-10-12T10:30:57.547-04:00

What a great time of year!! Fall is my personal favorite. I also think the beginning of the season is the perfect time to exercise your descriptive writing. The season is fresh and even if it isn't your favorite, there are bound to be specifics that you either love or dread. In my Institute of Children's Lit class, we had to do a 250 word description of a significant place or event from our

Mrs. Majorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08981990206811807876noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521395564786163743.post-39840007780179116352009-10-05T06:35:00.001-04:002009-10-05T13:18:46.802-04:00

While my husband yelled at the t.v. and then he and the kids laughed as they did belly bumps during the Redskins game, I did one of my favorite things of all time: Read a good book while cuddled up on the couch with a blanket. aahhhhh.The best kind of characters are full of quirks, problems and mistakes while still pulling you in and making your adore them. Joyce Hinnefeld accomplishes this

Mrs. Majorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08981990206811807876noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521395564786163743.post-68739555029937639522009-09-30T11:10:00.001-04:002009-09-30T11:47:39.528-04:00

(I'm endeavoring to get back to business. More about writing, less about personal. It seems since my vacation over a month ago, my mind has been unfocused and full of cob webs and it's flowing into this blog. Time to clean those suckers out!) I remember reading that Stephen King mainly wrote in an office in his home. Once he became well published, he bought a very expensive and heavy desk. He

Mrs. Majorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08981990206811807876noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521395564786163743.post-57860702008014609522009-09-28T14:21:00.001-04:002009-09-28T15:21:44.900-04:00

It's been a while since I have posted anything and I'm feeling rather guilty. But, I just haven't had anything to write about. Does that happen to other people? My mind has been so wrapped up in my WIP that I haven't been able to make it think of anything else.Then, and this is a great excuse, I became an aunt for the first time! My favorite and only sister had a boy on Thursday evening. She

Mrs. Majorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08981990206811807876noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521395564786163743.post-10500696317645194612009-09-14T10:47:00.001-04:002009-09-14T11:30:58.201-04:00

As football season officially began yesterday (at least for my household!)with the loss by the now very disappointing Redskins (please don't let it be another year of this!), I thought I'd post a column that I wrote which ran in my local paper, The Fauquier Democrat some time ago. Win One for Me, Coach Gibbs, Please!Autumn is here. The best season, in my

Mrs. Majorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08981990206811807876noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521395564786163743.post-34020289299919603422009-09-08T12:56:00.000-04:002009-09-08T13:36:19.573-04:00

It's review time. I have been reading constantly but can't seem to keep up with the blog reviews! These books were recently released:You Know Where to Find Me is Rachel Cohn's newest YA novel. It's a great story centered around a character drawn to be a misfit of sorts. What she turns out to be is the tough heroine who knows she is not going to follow in her cousin's path and take her own

Mrs. Majorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08981990206811807876noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521395564786163743.post-28414846814006472142009-09-02T06:18:00.000-04:002009-09-02T06:42:11.134-04:00

I am beginning to think writing is a little like marriage. Currently, I'm working on a project I am calling The Companion. I found what I believe to be a great story idea and character. I met that character at a party. Baby shower to be exact but there was plenty of wine flowing so I'd say it was a party. She and I talked for several weeks until I decided I couldn't be okay without her. I

Mrs. Majorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08981990206811807876noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521395564786163743.post-58560733122906511122009-08-29T07:58:00.000-04:002009-08-29T08:15:00.370-04:00

I walked to the Farmer's Market by myself this morning. Foggy, humid and quiet. The kids usually go with me. But after my daughter's first week at school, they both slept in. I had a little quiet time all by myself. A nice experience while walking amongst the old houses of our centuries old little town. I couldn't help thinking about the history that has taken place here. And, in each house

Mrs. Majorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08981990206811807876noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521395564786163743.post-45168293499426374842009-08-27T06:37:00.001-04:002009-08-27T06:55:13.619-04:00

I'm officially addicted. To iced coffee. It started this summer and I'm afraid I may not be able to kick it until my old house gets so cold, I have to write wrapped in a blanket! Then I may begin brewing a hot pot midday.It started early summer when I had a Starbucks frappucinno for the first time since I quit my real estate job to be a stay at home mom. They are not only full of calories and

Mrs. Majorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08981990206811807876noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521395564786163743.post-6039968144020306482009-08-25T07:00:00.000-04:002009-08-25T06:35:44.554-04:00

I am lucky enough to have just gotten back from two weeks of vacation. Over a week at a little beach in North Carolina called Sunset Beach and then a few days in Richmond, Virginia visiting my husband's brother and going to Busch Gardens with the kids. So much fun! I was able to read several good books while watching my son chase the surf and my daughter dive into the waves. The beach is a

Mrs. Majorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08981990206811807876noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521395564786163743.post-51737503416539118792009-08-24T06:30:00.000-04:002009-08-24T06:59:53.360-04:00

We're back from a nice vacation and now it's back to school for my daughter. I'm so down about it, I have to really try to pick myself up. I'm focusing on the good things coming. Apples, Halloween and having a little time to myself. To write! I thought I'd post an article I wrote before last summer for my local paper, The Fauquier Democrat. I don't think I'm up to writing a post about how

Mrs. Majorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08981990206811807876noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521395564786163743.post-19190503701038058352009-08-07T06:35:00.000-04:002009-08-07T06:57:52.078-04:00

My family and I are heading to the beach today. We'll be gone for about two weeks. It's usually a pretty sad time because my daughter will start school immediately when we get back. Our vacation is always planned for the end of the summer because we spend it at my in-laws beach house and it is rented much of the summer. Not being a beach fan (I know, I'm a freak), it's not my favorite time of

Mrs. Majorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08981990206811807876noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521395564786163743.post-39756192182828622162009-08-05T08:24:00.000-04:002009-08-05T08:40:49.357-04:00

When my kids were babies, I would carry them around and sing to them. I have a horrible voice. Seriously. I knew very few songs, especially baby songs, so I would make up my own lyrics. Much more fun. I also made up names for my kids. I do use some of the oldies but goodies. Darlin', Sweetheart, Sugar (pronounced shuugar). Now, when I was a little girl, we used the word stinker when we had

Mrs. Majorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08981990206811807876noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521395564786163743.post-12900773715163763722009-08-04T05:30:00.000-04:002009-08-04T06:41:03.827-04:00

I received this award from one of my very favorite bloggers and fellow children's writer, Amy Tate. I am terribly fortunate to have received this and to have found a great blogger pal like Amy. It's unfortunate that I can't bestow the award to her myself.I actually received it several weeks ago. But, being a novice blogger, I hadn't yet found others who hadn't received this award recently. So

Mrs. Majorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08981990206811807876noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521395564786163743.post-2684668793377152692009-08-03T06:15:00.000-04:002009-08-03T06:39:16.960-04:00

I agreed to join the PTO last spring. After doing some volunteering here and there and a lot of popping popcorn for the kids' popcorn friday snacks, a couple of desperate pto'ers stuck my name in as secretary under the nomination.When I first started at the elementary school, ahuhm, my daughter started at school, I avoided the PTO like the plague. I figured it was a group of moms with nothing

Mrs. Majorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08981990206811807876noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521395564786163743.post-47105013402243120722009-07-30T06:39:00.000-04:002009-07-31T06:48:20.531-04:00

The idea I'm working on next is so completely different than my first. I can barely think of anything else. Except waiting for critiques of Homer because I am still in love with Homer the pony! Afterall, he was my first.I enjoy this part of the writing process because the possibilities are endless. I like the setup. The creating of characters, choosing a name that fits, figuring out where they

Mrs. Majorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08981990206811807876noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521395564786163743.post-23258482802373703532009-07-29T06:30:00.000-04:002009-07-29T07:23:57.324-04:00

I haven't sent my first book, Homer and Rosie, to even one publisher. I haven't tried to contact any agents. I've researched and made lists but I just can't seem to jump into it. I'm gearing up to start my next book to be called, The Companion, unless I change it, which is likely. I'm really excited about it. It's completely different than my first. But, still, I can't seem to begin the

Mrs. Majorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08981990206811807876noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521395564786163743.post-85207380641768997942009-07-28T10:44:00.000-04:002009-07-28T08:00:08.728-04:00

A little fun, albeit badly written, poetry for your hot Tuesday. And, I changed the color of the blog background. I needed a change and thought it easier than painting my living room.We had a turtle come into our lives.We named her Alice.indeed she was wiseOh no, Alice thoughtwhat have I doneI've gotten myself caughtI can't even run.we released her tothe wetlands behind our house todaydon't you

Mrs. Majorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08981990206811807876noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521395564786163743.post-34107565426784875412009-07-27T06:44:00.000-04:002009-07-27T07:42:44.480-04:00

Gaze your groovy eyes to the right. Isn't there a song that says, "to the left, to the left"? hip hop, I believe. Anyway, I'm a little punchy this morning, being Monday and all. I've finally started a reading list. This is not to say that I haven't been reading ALL summer and in fact ALL the time since I've started my blog several weeks ago. But, I hadn't started the list. Part of my problem

Mrs. Majorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08981990206811807876noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521395564786163743.post-77313407999420000162009-07-24T06:48:00.000-04:002009-07-24T07:15:37.360-04:00

My carpenter is a scoundrel. He is refusing to repair something I thought he had agreed to do. When he, one of my painter's crew and I walked around the house weeks ago to discuss the many rotting boards needing repair, a windowsill and another spot were on that list. My husband was not with us as he was hard at work at The Nature Conservancy saving precious land from development (well, he was

Mrs. Majorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08981990206811807876noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521395564786163743.post-27787665516499186942009-07-19T13:33:00.001-04:002009-07-21T19:18:05.395-04:00

Novice blogger that I am, I have just heard it is Unplug Week. I plugged in to check a few of my favorite sites and read Susan Mills' blog A Walk in My Shoes. Thank you Susan for letting me know. Apparently, this is the time to stop blogging, twittering and posting on facebook and write. If you are a writer I guess. So, I will see all of you in a week. By then, I hope I have found a name

Mrs. Majorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08981990206811807876noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521395564786163743.post-38876663209724088822009-07-17T07:18:00.000-04:002009-07-17T07:36:18.557-04:00

Last summer, I hosted a Fairy Tea Party for fiveteen 6 year olds. Our dining room was draped with english ivy and toile. Lace and pink flowered miniature tea cups graced the table. Small silver and gold picture frames designated where my daughter chose each of her guests to sit. I drew a fairy holding a butterfly in icing on the cake. Classical music permeated the dining room from the

Mrs. Majorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08981990206811807876noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521395564786163743.post-18014634159849087252009-07-15T06:25:00.000-04:002009-07-15T06:48:42.569-04:00

Yesterday, I had one of those days where I refused to get in the car. I watered the garden with coffee in hand while the kids played in the yard still in their pajamas. Several white butterflies kept us company. During my summer breaks when I was a kid, my sister and I would play outside in our p.j.s. We would climb onto the trampoline we got as a hammydown from our older cousins. Our

Mrs. Majorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08981990206811807876noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521395564786163743.post-83501429115812844442009-07-14T06:29:00.000-04:002009-07-15T06:11:17.393-04:00

This past Saturday my mom and cousin, Jeff, unwrapped their birthday gifts in front of all the family, some 20 or so of us, in the very large living room of my cousin's house. He sat at one end with my mom at the other like two pillars of the room. Our heads rocked from left to right as we watched them unwrap and joke. Stand up comics, if you will. One very large package had sheets of very

Mrs. Majorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08981990206811807876noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521395564786163743.post-58329246120989515712009-07-13T06:45:00.000-04:002009-07-14T07:17:52.582-04:00

I know, I know, I need to write about inspirations for us children's writers. But, too much has been happening. Listen to this!This past Christmas, my mom got really really sick. She is (or was) the healthiest person i knew. Onry and sassy. But, she picked up what seemed like a typical cold over this past Christmas. By mid January she was so sick she almost passed out in Target. By March,

Mrs. Majorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08981990206811807876noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521395564786163743.post-19030256326412218852009-07-11T04:33:00.001-04:002009-07-11T05:02:48.607-04:00

I haven't posted in a while. Been very busy planning my little (and only) sister's baby shower. It's today and I really hope it goes well. I usually think baby shower games are really cheesy but believe I have some good ones planned. Should be fun especially if most of the guests have a little wine before hand (which I've no doubt they will!). I have to say, even though it is way too early to

Mrs. Majorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08981990206811807876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521395564786163743.post-24646909415523539942009-07-06T07:25:00.000-04:002009-07-06T14:42:03.716-04:00

I was reading an article from a writer here in Fauquier County, Susan McCorkindale. She has found out that it is Cankle Awareness Month. Check it out. Check her out. She's hilarious. Susan McCorkindaleIt sparked a memory:I have dreaded heading to the doctor for my daughter's checkup each year since she turned one. She is consistently in the 3rd to 5th percentile. Meaning, of all the kids

Mrs. Majorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08981990206811807876noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521395564786163743.post-47828295662057304682009-07-02T13:55:00.000-04:002009-07-02T14:08:00.169-04:00

Since I grew up within walking distance of the Skyline Drive, I am thrilled that our new administration selected it to receive much needed funds. Below is the article published in the Rappahannock News. Thank you President Obama! By Stephen Dareing Special to the Rappahannock NewsSource: Rappahannock NewsTHURSDAY, JUNE 25 2009 For years, Shenandoah National Park, a part of which is in

Mrs. Majorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08981990206811807876noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521395564786163743.post-5590101212134747852009-07-02T06:05:00.000-04:002009-07-02T06:28:58.485-04:00

How do kids view money? Mine view it as a means to get a toy or an an overly processed food. Or sometimes a nice homemade lemonade at the farmer's market. Now, that's nice. But, basically, my daughter and son only think about money when I tell them I don't have any. The conversation usually goes like this:"Mom, can we stop at Chix-Fil-A?""No.""But why can't we?" (daughter w/ a whine)"Because

Mrs. Majorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08981990206811807876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521395564786163743.post-61431683084547956812009-07-01T06:34:00.000-04:002009-07-01T07:28:09.218-04:00

Yesterday, we began painting our 120 year old clapboard house. When I drove up around lunchtime after running the kids to swimming lessons, I was horrified and thrilled to see the work our painter had done. There was very little paint left on each of the boards. The house looked like one in a picture during the Great Depression.Because the porch was such a mess of water and paint chips, the kids

Mrs. Majorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08981990206811807876noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521395564786163743.post-91168054714031965422009-06-30T06:53:00.000-04:002009-06-30T07:05:17.405-04:00

One of my early inspirations were my grandmom's sisters. She had 6! She also had 3 brothers but I didn't get a chance to meet any of them. But, her sisters were something special. Each was very different and several had quite a wit! Some of my family's folklore comes from these fine ladies. I grew up in the same house they did. My grandmom was the oldest and because there were so many of

Mrs. Majorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08981990206811807876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521395564786163743.post-53602757174483580382009-06-29T06:33:00.000-04:002009-06-29T13:25:07.362-04:00

How does that old saying go? 99% perspiration, 1% inspiration. I think that's it. It makes a heck of a lot of sense, right? I've always been told by writing teachers and read on others' blogs that you have to persevere. I like that. I have perseverence. Atleast with writing. And my kids, but you kind of have to keep them around, huh?But, what happens if you're inspired a lot more than you put in?

Mrs. Majorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08981990206811807876noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521395564786163743.post-16291921186144154212009-06-25T06:46:00.000-04:002009-06-25T07:00:15.584-04:00

I enjoyed the small roar of the airplane as it flew over my house and me as I held my Warrior yoga pose on the back porch. Six o'clock in the morning and someone, many someones, were heading to Washington, D.C. on business or to be a tourist. Others will be coming home from one of the same. It was headed to Dulles Airport, east and north of where I stood on my back porch doing deep breathing

Mrs. Majorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08981990206811807876noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521395564786163743.post-89167218666936150912009-06-23T07:06:00.000-04:002009-06-23T07:21:31.374-04:00

Last evening, in spite of my fear of lyme disease ridden ticks, I was delighted to see my kids rolling down the hill in our back yard. Feet and head facing north and south, their bodies rolled east. I had taught my oldest this a while back, remembering how much fun it had been for my sister and I when we were kids.Knowing I would check their little bodies and blonde heads later, I stared at them

Mrs. Majorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08981990206811807876noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521395564786163743.post-37185720003476599942009-06-22T14:43:00.000-04:002009-06-22T16:19:38.648-04:00

So, this is my first blog posting. I'm a writer. I should say I am a writer and wanna be author.Are there sometimes where you wonder why you are so drawn to writing? I do. I believe I have lost my mind. I know now why it took me so long to realize I loved it so much. I mean, I majored in English Writing in college but didn't do anything with it for over ten years. I blame having children and

Mrs. Majorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08981990206811807876noreply@blogger.com1