Winter has turned into Spring since my last entry! Of course that is just what the calendar says as at our house we have had SNOW SNOW SNOW and all my daffodils were buried by a foot of wet drifts.
At my last entry I was preparing for the San Francisco Writer's Convention. This was my second year and once again it was a good event. The three-day conference hosts dozens of inspiring speakers and relevant information. They have an assortment of workshops from "how to perfect your craft" to "blog blog blog".
I took three days of intensive workshops including several classes on the craft of writing. Listening to successful writers discuss their passion for their characters, their locations, their style, their work schedule, and their SUCCESS I knew once again I wanted that dream. Yes, listening to these successful published authors and the lives they lead was somewhat like walking into a pleasant dream. To be successful with what you love; to travel, lecture, inspire and CREATE. Amazing!
Of course the electronic books have become more popular and with the close or revamping of Borders book store the publishing industry is in turmoil. They have watched as CD's faded to itunes, as DVD's faded to net flixs, and now paperbound books fading to e-books!
Yes, published authors are still in demand but the industry IS changing and now, in 2011, every author has to, not only, write their book but also PROMOTE their creation.
Blog, Facebook, Twitter, personal appearances... Either way, with a publishing house or via self-publishing, tons of leg work and electronic media knowledge is a must! But, all dreams require hard work!
Getting back to the writer's convention, springtime and KITCHEN ART , the main floral arrangement at the convention was a large cluster of ornamental cherry blossoms. Spring always comes early to San Francisco and each February the streets are lined with these flowering trees, thus on a windy day it is pink rain as petal fall fills the air.
So KITCHEN ART you ask? Well, how can you, the parent, grandparent or caregiver, create these beautiful pink branches from the ingredients in your kitchen. Or daffodils or tulips? It is easy. Straws, coffee filters, and food coloring. Lay a folded coffee filter on a baking tray delicately drop on food coloring, open and dry. Carefully rip the filter into the shape and size you desire then twist the filter into the end of the straw. Place your flowers into a vase and voila a springtime arrangement!
HINT: If you have a problem with artificial food coloring try organic food coloring from a health food store or use the beet water after you steam beets for dinner or raspberry juice. Remember one drop goes a long way!
