This week I said good-bye to 1.4 pounds. It’s slow progress, but that’s okay, because I’m not on a diet–this is the way I will eat for the rest of my life. And I can definitely live with it–the Simply Filling plan continues to amaze me. 
Jen, Wendy and I usually go out for lunch after the meeting; today we ate at Hogan’s, a sort of ’50s style place. I fully intended to have a BLT, sans mayo, but since changing her mind is a woman’s prerogative, I had a French Dip instead. I enjoyed it thoroughly and without one bit of guilt.
Here’s where this blankety-blank computer ate a paragraph of my deathless prose. I was saying that I’m like a kid at Christmas every morning, checking to see if the daffodils have bloomed (they have). The tulips are about to bust out, too. I’m the same way about art projects–I will paint or glue something, leave it to dry overnight, and fairly break my neck getting downstairs the next day to see what happened. I am as excited by the failures as I am by the triumphs, which probably means I’m crazy. As I’ve said many times before, I learn something from every flop. (Some of you will remember the story about Thomas Edison’s comment on his 1o,oooth failure. He said, “Now I know 10,000 things that don’t work!”
That’s the spirit, Mr. Edison.
Turning to another subject, I’m answering some of the questions I get in the comment section. Someone asked if I could use larger print. I’m more than willing, but I can’t figure out how to do it. I’ll ask some of the younger people tomorrow.
Someone else wanted to know about artist trading cards. Of course I’ve explained before, but a new person joins us, they often wonder what the heck I’m talking about. Well, here goes: those of us who make these little jewels call them ATCs for short. They’re always 3.5 inches by 2.5 inches, the same size as a baseball or football (or any other kind) of trading card. The themes vary widely, which makes it interesting. There are swaps online–I frequent artfortytwo.org–and people will choose a theme (some current examples: Downton Abbey, Alfred Hitchcock Presents, I Love Lucy) and host a swap. The participants sign up for the projects that interest them and make however many cards requested, usually 3, and mail them to the host, who then sends 3 cards back in return. (I always make 5, so I can keep 1 for my own collection and send another to the host as a thank-you.) I have binders and binders full of ATCs, my own and ones I’ve received in trades over the last four years. I kept expecting to get bored and stop the madness, but that never happened. I buy the blank cards by the ton from Dick Blick, and I have a humungous collection of clip art purchased on Etsy. I often make collages, but I’ve done a lot of original drawings, too.
So we’ve probably hit the Too Much Information point by now.
Another of my non-writing passions is gemstones–I have rocks everywhere. I bathe with them, sleep with them, and wear them around my neck in a medicine pouch. (We Laels never do anything halfway.) Then there are animals, of course, and books, both print and audio. Occasionally, I get on a cooking kick, too, although since I started Weight Watchers last October, I don’t make as much fancy stuff. Once in a while, I haul off and whip up Julia Child’s recipe for Boeuf Bourginon (probably misspelled), a delicious stew. It could be adapted to Simply Filling specifications, but it’s a winter dish, and I’m definitely thinking spring.
And that’s the news from Spokane, Washington, my hometown, where all the women are strong, all he men are good-looking, and all the children are above average. (Those of you who listen to A Prairie Home Companion will recognize Garrison Keillor’s famous sign-off line.)
Be kind to yourselves and to each other.
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Sorry about that first attempt, which went out to all the subscribers. I was having computer problems–not an unusual experience for me.
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I am deciding which of your books I am going to re-read. They are all great!!!!!! Hope the rest of your week is wonderful!!!
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Lorraine, why don’t you do what I just did? I reread everything in chronological order with a few exceptions for out of print. I did do all series in order all at once. I was fun and only took a few months.
Happy reading,
Victoria
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Congratulations on the weight loss, Linda.
You sure do have a lot of interests. I already knew that, but seeing it all on one page, so-to-speak, sort of brings it in focus.
Now would be a good time to tell you that I don’t think you’re an author. No, wait a minute, that’s not right…You’re not JUST an author. To write like you do, you are not only a writer, you’re a interior decorator, a landscape artist, a designer, a seamstress, a “doctor and a nurse”, a vet, A nanny, a chef, a gemonologist?, (too lazy to look up correct spelling), and about a hundred other things. You’d almost have to be all of the above to be able to write about it so convincingly.
Thank you for all the books, and all the Blogs, and all the information.
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Wow! That’s the nicest thing anybody’s said to me in the last little while. Thanks.
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I only say it because it is true. Everyone needs to have a great big pat on the back once in a while.
When a person goes through life with no one to appreciate them, it effects the whole being…in every way that counts. I speak from experience, and it makes a person feel less than one.
That is why I try to tell it like it is, no matter how small, or how large, the gift the person has, it should be appreciated to the fullest. And, your gift is great.
Thank You!!
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Congratulations on your weight loss,YAY for you. Have a good night.
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Congrats on the weight. Good going. I agree on not beating yourself up when you back slide a little. Tomorrow is another day. Have a great day tomorrow.
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I love your tribute to Spokane. Everyone is a winner!
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Love ready your blog, all the time. Thank you so much!!!
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Good post , Linda, I love a little detail. Spokane today, was cold and wet for my Wed, golf. Still waiting for spring.
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If the print is too small for some of your readers they can press down the control key and the plus + sign at the same time. It will make the print larger. Do it a couple of times if you want it larger yet. To make the print smaller just press control again and the minus – sign and you are back to normal. Hope this helps someone.
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I’m going to try this, just to see if I can make it work for me. It sounds like a neat “trick”.
Thanks!
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I tried it and boy!, did it ever work!!!
Thanks!
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Wow!That is an amazing trick. Thank you! I will definitely be using that one!!!
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Wow, Sal, where in the worls have you been? I’ve been concerned about you. Glad to see you back.
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That should have been WORLD, not whorls. Sorry!
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Hi Gloria! I read every day, just don’t always post…I guess I am kind of a stalker.
…
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Thank you!
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Weekend is coming – enjoy!
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Sounds like a relaxing day to me!
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Hi Linda, you have many interest. I enjoy hearing about them. The trading cards sounds like fun. I wonder if they can made for bookmarks. Spring is calling. Enjoy the weather!
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Linda I just love reading your blog from Spokane, Washington where all the women are strong, all the men are GOOD_LOOKING and all the children above average even if it is as you say Garrison Keillor”s sign off line..
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Congrats on the continued weight loss. I know I never get tired of hearing about the ATC or gem stones and of course one can never tire of your books. Thank you! Have a great weekend!!!
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Morning all, The weather was in the 30’s yesterday, today its going to be 60. Got to love spring! Have a wonderful reading day!
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Your full life has definitely enriched your writing. Since you are my favorite author it is cool to see the person behind the stories.
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The ATC swap sounds a lot like POSTAL LETTERBOXING. You might enjoy that.
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Linda,
I usually stay clear of the scales as it is a de-motivator for me. Something I’d like to change if I could motivate myself to do it. LOL!
I envy your 1.4 pounds! Congrats! I lost my motivation to go to the gym by hopping on my scales this morning.
I’ve always wanted to write a book. I enjoy writing and getting lost in my thoughts. I don’t know where to start or who to go to for help. Any ideas for me? It would be greatly appreciated. I think if I could find something where I felt some “worth” again, I’d have such a better outlook on life in general.
Thank you,
Laurie
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You are doing so great. Keep it up.
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Your blog has opened up my world to such new and interesting things from gemstones to artist trading cards. Thank you!
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Thanks for sharing the personal info again, it’s always fun to refresh information. Have a great day.
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Losing weight is great….a goal I need to do for myself….just after I read another book…lol……..have a Blessed Easter
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Congrats on the 1.4 loss, that is great. have a great day.
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Happy Thursday, Miss Linda!
I received my autographed copy of “Big Sky Secrets” and my beautiful necklace yesterday! Thank you so very much! Happy Easter! God Bless!
Love, Cindy
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Great news again this week, congratulatiions, Linda.
I enjoyed your blog today, it was newsy! Looks like your getting rain again as we are today here in the Willamette Valley. Sendings wishes for a nice day and………Blessings.
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Congrats on the doing so well in your lifestyle changes (Weight Watchers). I enjoyed reading your question and answer session. There were some interesting things about you I haven’t read before. I hope you have a wonderful Easter. <3
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Congrats on your weight loss. I doubt that I have had any weight loss. I spent the afternoon push mowing the lawn and then came in and ate some jelly beans, shame on me.
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A great last paragraph, husband reading over my shoulder and it made him laugh. Good thoughts. Blessings.
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Slow but sure on the weight loss, is the way to go for a permanent lifestyle change. Good for you!
Thanks for the additional info on the ATCs. I’ll dive in and join when my plate isn’t quite as full.
I’m gearing up with equipping travel sketch kits and testing the new supplies I’m buying. Should be fun to add the spontaneous art to my long term studio projects.
Be well–Be Happy~
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Congrats Linda on your weight loss. My niece followed the diet and still eats like that now. She’s 100 pounds thinner after a year and looks great but more importantly she said she feels great. Have a great week.
Carol L
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Slow and steady wins the race. You are doing great!