The Mayland Writers' Group would like to wish everyone, everywhere a very happy Thanksgiving. May your day be filled with love, laughter and peace.
This was my yard on the morning of Friday, November 21. I think we got about 3 inches of snow that day, and how beautiful it was. 
As much as I love snow, I think my neighbor's cat Tango is ready for it to be gone. Too bad they're calling for more tomorrow into Wednesday.
Four generations come together for this photo: Gera, Isabela, granddaughter Ashley and daughter Danielle. Definitely a great birthday.
That second photo has been one of my favorites since I first saw it when I was a kid. I've always wanted to have a poster of it made and hung up in my writing room. (When I get a writing room set up that is.)
Today is group member Kate Groff's birthday. I tried to get a more recent photo of her for the blog, but wasn't able to. So, I just grabbed some that were already "out there." (So there Kate.) :-) She has a great looking family, doesn't she.
Kate also works with the Toe River Arts Council (TRAC) helping promote the artwork of many local/regional artists. I love her sense of humor and straight-forwardness, and I'm glad she is a member of our little group.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY KATE!
The Gazzybow GooseAfter some prodding by his wife Janell and various friends, Walter finally decided to try and get this fairytale published. He got together with friend and neighbor Jack Ferrell, an award-winning artist, and the book finally came together. Grateful Steps Publishing in Asheville, NC saw the potential and immediately snatched up the book and began the long process that is publishing.
Pick up those pens and let's see where this goes.
Who left the broom? Who left the door open? What is happening in the dim interior? What will happen outside in the light?
Pick up that pen, pencil or computer and get writing.
One more August birthday. Today it's group member Janell Rein. (That's her with her husband, author Walter Rein.) Janell isn't a writer, but I'm betting she could be. She comes to our little group with her husband and has become a very integral member. She is always ready to give wonderful critiques and is very supportive of all our writers, not to mention that she is one of the strongest women I have ever met.
Chrissy is the author of the novel Souls of the North Wind as well as numerous essays and short stories. You can check out her work and latest info at http://www.authorsden.com/chrissykmcvay and http://www.amazon.com/gp/blog/A1I7QGUDP043DG/ref=cm_blog_blog.
I love this photo. I wish I could take credit for it, but I found it on the web. Let it inspire you to write a poem, essay, short story...whatever. If you'd like, post some comments about the picture; give us an idea of the thoughts it provokes. You might help some other writers along, or get some ideas from their replies.
If you have some prompt ideas you'd like to share, let me know. You can post it in the comments, or go to our profile page and send an email.
Happy Writing!
Today is group member Jack R. Pyle's birthday. 
(Chrissy McVay's author photo)
(Angel and her sister as puppies)
(Angel hamming for the camera)
Chrissy and her family have many years of wonderful memories to fall back on. With that, and the help of their other dog Sasha, they'll keep a warm space in their hearts especially for their Angel Michelle.
(My favorite picture of the puppy that was Angel)
Angel has gone on to the Rainbow Bridge, but her essence remains here in the hearts of her family.
Rainbow Bridge
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together.
... Author unknown...
(View from the home of Mr. and Mrs. Fuller in Little Switzerland)Looking for some writing inspiration? Look around you. Whether you live in the mountains, the city, flatlands....it doesn't matter. There is inspiration everywhere. You can write a poem about apartment living, and the noisy neighbors. Or maybe an essay about the horses who reside in the field next to your house. How about a short story about the lovable town drunk who spends every Friday night in the local jail? The world around you is a colorful tapestry. Open up your imagination and let the ideas flow.
(Flowers and butterflies on the Little Switzerland homestead of Chrissy and Tony McVay)
Looking around you...at where you are and where you've been...is the best way to jump-start your imagination.
Today I'm going to highlight some websites that may be of interest to writers out there.
Jack Pyle and Taylor Reese are two of our most prolific authors. Together, they have written books on the use of the almanac in gardening and every day life.
These books come in handy, especially if you have tried to use an almanac of any kind, and just can't seem to understand it. They take those almanac lessons and put them in plain English.
Taylor Reese has published books of poetry, humor and even his memoirs.
This time around, I want to showcase member Walter Rein's first book Wonderful Wawa's Words of Wisdom. This book is both funny and thought provoking. You know you are in for an interesting read when at the beginning you see a warning: WARNING: The Believer General has determined that reading this book could be harmful to your faith. You can read a summary and/or purchase the book at Amazon.com and other online bookstores. It's a great read and I look forward to more from Walter's so very creative mind.
