June 2016

Darrylann's Graduation from High School

Me and Darrylann in Washington D.C.

At the Lincoln Monument

At the Lincoln Monument Looking out at the Washington Monument

At the MLK monument

Darrylann's Prom in March

John at his Prom in March

Visiting Shaw University

Visiting Bennett College

My middle Daughter graduated from high school on June 11th. In the weeks prior, she had attended her Senior Ball wearing a red dress and my son went to his Junior Prom. When Darrylann graduated, we had a great big Taco Party in our backyard to celebrate. Her grandmother and aunt Donna drove up from Los Angeles to attend the ceremony.

The next day, Darrylann and I left for a college visit tour to the east coast. We visited Shaw University in Raleigh North Carolina where she has been accepted and Bennett College in Greensboro where she has applied. Both schools are HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and University's), Shaw is located in an urban setting and Bennett is one of two HBCU which is for women. Bennett is located on a beautiful campus in Greensboro, North Carolina and is not far from North Carolina A&T University. I really hope that Darrylann decides to attend Bennett but it really has to be her choice. Her father is definitely against Shaw as it has a dismal graduation rate but I hope that she will decide to attend Bennett rather than going to Contra Costa College (CCC) which is a two year community college.   Despite it being a small college, I believe she would grow and mature in ways that she wouldn't have the opportunity to at CCC.

We stayed at a hotel by the airport for two days and then took a train into Washington D.C. I have flea bits on my legs which I believe came from the train. Darrylann thinks they came from visiting Boydton, Virginia where we have property.

After visiting the schools we drove the hour and a half to visit my grandmother's property in Boydton, Virginia. My mother had recently sold the largest piece of property but there were still two pieces for sale. One has a cemetery of my great-grandfather and the other is just along the road. I wandered into the woods and took a few pictures. Stopped to ask a man if he knew where the property was and generally had a great time.

I really enjoyed the train ride and drive through the South as we could see all the small towns and wooded areas. I didn't reserve the 8:45 a.m.train ticket in advance although I had been looking at them online prior to the trip. The night before, I found out they were sold out. I managed to get a ticket on the next train to Washington D.C. which was at 10:45 a.m. I purchased Business Class tickets which I recommend. We had free WiFi, free soft drinks and free pillows. The seats were also roomy and the train car was not crowded. Darrylann and I were able to sit together. The coach car looked very crowded.

I planned the trip in less than two weeks. I used the app TripCase to help manage the trip and keep all my reservations in one place.

I stayed at Hyatt Place in Raleigh Durham Airport. It was centrally located to the airport and the freeways to Raleigh and Greensboro. The hotel room was clean and large.  I reserved a room on a high floor with two queen beds for my daughter and I. There was a nice breakfast each morning and friendly staff in the lobby.

In Washington D.C., I stayed at the Hyatt Place on N St. I reserved a high floor and received a room on the 8th floor which is not a high floor. I didn't mention anything until check out and received a $50 credit. There were floor to ceiling windows in the room and the window shades didn't work. There was construction across the street and you could hear it through the windows. I could also hear playing in the pool which was several floors below. This hotel is in an up and coming area. It is within walking distance of the Red Line Metro station which my daughter and I used to take to Union Station where we picked up our tour bus. The room was not cheap at $300 a night plus tax. I think if we had had a higher floor, then we would have had a view. I'm not sure if I would reserve that hotel again but it was adequate for our purposes.

We flew out of BWI airport which was $91 one way trip in an ExecuCar service which I booked through Super Shuttle.

 Upcoming July 2016 Activities
I am still planning to attend the RWA Conference in San Diego in July. I have many activities planned and am looking forward to learning  many things.

Summer Wish List

• Attend RWA Conference
• Get Darrylann enrolled in College
• Go to the gym regularly
• Finish reading two novels. One per month.

Packing List for RWA Conference #RWA2016

Packing List for RWA Conference #RWA2016 by mspamoore

1 Black Dress (Evening Events)

1 Red & Black Print Dress (Day )

1 Black Skirt with Red Embroidery

1 Red Blouse

1 Black Blouse

1 Dressy White Blouse

1 Cotton White T-shirt (Travel Day)

1 Cotton Black T-Shirt (Travel Day)

1 Black Skinny Pant

1 White Capri Pant

Print Tennis Shoe

Red Wedge

1 Red Bead Necklace

Catching Up!

It's been a busy three months for me. I've got a lot of personal things accomplished and absolutely no words written on my manuscripts. My goal was to have at least one or two of the three manuscripts completed by the time I went to the RWA Convention in San Diego but I have been doing everything but. Yes, yes I know that they won't be edited or ready for submission. I just want to have them completed as I may be looking for a free lance editor or someone to help me with the process. An agent? An editor? A personal critique partner or friend?

Anyway I've been very busy partying with family during the past few months so here is my Quarter in Review:
Personal & Family Accomplishments:

• March- Angie Stone Concert with hubby. Dinner at Yoshi's

• Late March - April : Transferred to a new department at work! Made some new friends. Assumed some new responsibilities. I'm very happy. I saw a notice posted a work in the break room. Submitted my resume and cover letter. Interviewed a week later and started three weeks after that. I'm VERY happy with the move. 
• Celebrated middle daughters 18th birthday.
• Celebrated son's 17th birthday. Gave party for son. It rained. No one showed up.
• Send Son off to Jr. Prom.
• Send daughter off to her Senior Prom
• Hosted family for backyard barbecue. 
• Re-decorated bedroom. 
• Finished reading a Beverly Jenkins historical.
• Purchased 2 additional ones to read.

 Writing / Author Activity

• Completed 2 writing classes. Weapons for Writers through Kiss of Death RWA Romantic Suspense Chapter and Creating a WordPress Blog in 4 easy lessons Class through another chapter. 
• Created sample Wordpress blog for my new psuedonym, Berkeley Jones. https://berkeleyjones.wordpress.com/
• Got results and comments back from RWA chapter writing contests.   Sigh!
• Interviewed a Golden Heart finalist who is part of my critique group to find out her secrets. 
• Volunteered to be the Membership Director for the Cultural Interracial Multi-cultural RWA (CIMRWA) Chapter. Haven't made it to an online board meeting yet. Eek.
• Registered for Passionate Ink party at RWA.
• Registered for Kiss of Death - Death by Chocolate Party at RWA.
• Purchased meal packet for hubby at RWA. 
• Planned packing list for RWA. Yes,I love to travel and over plan like this. 
• Wrote exactly zero (0) words on my three manuscripts in progress. 

Wish List for the Next Month! 
 As I mentioned above, I haven't written a word in 3 months. I would like nothing more than to have a least 2 manuscripts completed by the time I go to RWA.
Goal #1 Write.
Goal #2 Exercise.
Goal #3 Eat Right.

Valentine's Day Week in Review!

Week in Review!

Date night with hubby including Dinner in Jack London Square & Pete Escovedo Concert.

Helped Hubby buy a new car.

Celebrated Daddy's 81st Birthday by throwing a birthday brunch

Gifted him some new red Nike tennis shoes
Baked 6 quiches
Ate too much Honey Baked Ham
Relisted Coach Basket Tote on eBay

Completed Measures Assignment for Strategic Plan Class
Enjoyed Warm Soak in Bathtub
Completed application for Fellowship Program at Work
Reviewed 24 Days of Tranquility principle. Best Class Evah!

Week 2/15-2/21 Wish List!
Find Fitbit
Get back on food plan. Track food daily.
Go back to gym for cardio and Pilates class.
List 2 things on eBay.
Join RWA Online Chapter
Warm Soak in Bathtub
Pack Lunch Daily
Walk Daily at Lunch
Make Dinner Reservations for hubby's birthday

Contest

http://whenblackwomenfall.com/giveaways/when-black-women-fall-giveaway/?lucky=150

Check out these books featuring multicultural characters written by African American authors.

Week in Review! February 2016

Personal:
Purchased tickets for Valentine's Weekend Date Concert
Made Reservations for Valentines Weekend Dinner 1
Purchased tickets for March Date Night Concert
New bright pink gel Manicure & light pink Pedicure
Colored grey hair at temples with Clairol Loving Care #5A
Shopped for Super Bowl Party
Returned impulse purchase items to QVC - didn't fit
Bought 4 boxes of Girl Scout Cookies
Attended 1 Pilates Class/ Missed 1 class
Purchased New Pilates mat - so I don't have to use the grungy ones at the gym
Read Mornings with Jesus daily devotions 7 days in a row


Writing:
Registered for RWA Conference in San Diego in July
Completed Hotel Reservation
Completed Tactics and Actions Assignment for Strategic Planning Course
Didn't final in Great Expectations Writing Contest
Investigated possibility of attending Romance Slam Jam Conference in Detroit 2016

Mission Statement

I've been taking a class on Strategic Planning for my writing career. The course is sponsored by the Passionate Ink Chapter of Romance Writers of America and is held in a great online forum for class work called Moodle. Love it. Hate classes held in Yahoo Groups.
Anyway, one of the assignments was to create a mission statement.

My mission is to become an award winning, best selling author by writing and re-writing, learning from other authors, entering and judging romance writing contests, participating in critique groups and taking classes online and in person.  I network by making friends with other romance writers, joining professional organizations and volunteering my time and energy to support the craft of romance writing. I work daily on improving my craft. My mission is to have fun, live well and enjoy the process.

Week in Review! February Dreams!

Completed 2 one hour Pilates classes
Completed 3 mile and one half lunch time walks
Critiqued one manuscript
Completed Strategic Plan workshop - Goal Setting Assignments

Set up new tablet purchased from QVC - uncertain if I will keep or return
Picked son up from Basketball game and took him to the emergency room
Son to Orthopedist on Monday
Daughter to Dermatologist on Monday
Car to tune up on Tuesday



February Dreams!




















Review critique suggestions on my manuscript
Participate in February critique exchange
Register for RWA San Diego Conference
Complete Strategic Planning Course

Identify contractor for home bathroom remodels
Walk 4 days a week at lunchtime
Attend Pilates Class 2 X per week
Add strength training to workout
60 Cardiovascular workout at gym 3 X per week





Mommy's Rose Garden

Week in Review!

Shave Ice from Hawaii. Snow doesn't have to be all bad.



Author P.A. Moore at Diamond Head in Hawaii Nov. 2015

 

I've been working hard on my developing my writing career and getting published. Working hard on improving my health and well-being as well.

• Enrolled in Passionate Ink Chapter - Strategic Plan Course
• Completed 3 exercises on Values, Vision, Mission
• Developed Mission Plan, Vision Statement and Clarified Values
• Drafted Motivations
• Drafted Blurb for Rumors, Revenge, Remorse
• Drafted Blurb for Over pack, Overdress, Over Dose
• Entered Washington Romance Writers WRW Marlene Contest
• Drafted 5 page Synopsis for Rumors, Revenge, Remorse
• Wrote 2000+ words this week
• Edited synopsis to 675 words for Rumors, Revenge, Remorse
• Entered Kiss of Death Chapter Daphne contest 
• Sign up for Graze snack delivery service at work
• Sold Coach basket online to pay for Hauge class 2/13 sponsored by Silicon Valley RWA
• Signed up for Cultural, Interracial and Multi-cultural Chapter of RWA
• Completed Critique for 1 or 2 Manuscript

Progress on Exercise

• Attended Pilates Class 2 X this Weeks
• Walked or Cardio Workout at least 3 X per week
• Tracked food
• Wore Fitbit daily

Other Things

• Took son to hospital on Friday night for evaluation of sprained or broken ankle.

Next Week's Wish List

• Attend 2 Floor Pilates Classes (Tuesday and Thursday Nights)
• Cardiovascular Exercise 3 X per week ( Elliptical or Bike or Treadmill or Walk)
• Complete 2nd Manuscript
• Complete Synopsis for Deadly Treasures
• Complete Synopsis for Deadly Voyage
• Get oil change for car
• Get car tune-up service
• Son to orthopedist appointment
• Daughter to dermatologist appointment
• Schedule February 2016 massage appointment

Check out Graze Snack Delivery Service.

Kids at the Honolulu Zoo in November 2015

Week in Review!

Pele - The volcano goddess

Me in front of the smoldering volcano caldron in Hawaii - December 2015

I'm well on my way to achieving my goals for 2016.

• Worked out 4 days at the gym this past week. Tried out the elliptical machine and discovered its my new favorite cardio machine.
• Discovered there is a walking tracker on my Samsung phone and put it to use to walk around my office building during breaks. 6 laps around equals 1 mile. Made 2 walks during the week when it was raining.
• Tracked my food daily including my 2 glasses of Beringer White Merlot white that I enjoyed on Friday evening. The super large baked potato with butter I've been enjoying this week as well. Still managed to stay under caloric goals.
• Spent a day in bed because I was feeling depressed, anxious and not well.
• I completed a 2016 vision board aka collage and hung it near my bed.
• Signed up for the Kiss of Death - Romantic Suspense Chapter of Romance Writers of America
• Reserved a room at hotel in San Diego for the RWA Conference albeit not at the conference rate so it is super expensive. So far hubby is planning to go with me so it might be a fun get away even though I won't be able to totally relax with him there. It will be nice to have him company. Last time I looked at the RWA reservations I think there is an option for partners to come along to some of the events such as the dinners and some parties.
• Reread rules for new critique group I joined at the end of last year. First exchange is this week so I am looking forward to getting to know the women in the group.
• Entered 2 different manuscripts into the North Texas RWA Great Expectations contest for feedback and possible bragging rights. Deadline was January 4th.
• Figured out an unusual method of death for one of my mysteries. I hope it is feasible. Goal for next week is to research and ask questions on Crime Scene Writers yahoo groups.
• Drafted rough outline for new erotic romance novel or novella.
• Listed 1 Chatty Cathy doll and 1 Coach Straw Tote on Ebay. Listed 4 Hawaiian shirts on ebay. Proceeds from sales to support contest entry fees and writing classes this year.

Things that were not in my plan but needed to do them:

• Purchased a set of Philosophy scented shower gels from QVC - Can't remember the price but it was on easy pay. Auto delivery with 4 different scents arriving every 4 months for a year. I've been buying drug store scented gels and decided to treat myself this year.
• Purchased a large 10" tablet from QVC - One time only value $129 with easy pay
• Purchased a Susan Graver Faux Leather lined blazer. 5 easy pays of $8.99. QVC didn't have the size I wanted so I am afraid the blazer won't fit. Most likely will send it back.

Goals for the coming week!

• Begin work with critique group.
• Prepare entry/ entries for NEORWA chapter contest. Clarify rules and entry requirements.
• Write 2000 words on Deadly Voyage.
• Exercise.
• Get manicure/ pedicure.
• Pick up pretty journals at TJ Maxx or Ross.

Me in front of the Kauai Marriot Resort. I think I'll stay here when I visit Kauai again.

2016 Goals

Personal

Lose Weight 2 plus pounds per week
Track Food on Fitbit
Exercise 5 times a week at Gym
Walk 5 days a week during lunchtime at work
Work on drought tolerant garden in front yard.
Graduate daughter from high school.
Get daughter into 4 year college with dorm.
Wear hair natural.
Make at least 2 good women friends.
Pay off at least one bill.
Don't buy any dolls.
Clear clutter from garage. Sell/ donate some garage stuff.
Attend at least one scrapbook crop event.
Finish scrapbooking cruise pictures.
Save cash for RWA conference so don't have to charge
Learn WordPress
Set up Etsy vendor page
Attend at least 3 Outdoor Afro Events
Attend at least 3 Girlfriend Social Club events
Hire plumber for replace toilet and other plumbing upgrades.
Replace house front door and screen.

2016 Writing Goals

Attend RWA Conference in San Diego in July 2016
Keep something in the mail! - Write One . Sub One.
Join Cultural, Interracial and Multiracial CIM Chapter of RWA
Join a local RWA chapter
Complete 3 novels that are partially complete
Submit novella to Carina Publishers
Query Agents
Obtain Agent representation
Volunteer at RWA conference
Enter 4 RWA writing contests for feedback and bragging rights
Enroll and complete at least 4 RWA writing classes
Review RWA University classes
Update Blog Monthly
Learn Word Press
Create another blog/ website
Come up with a pen name(s)
Participate in new critique group monthly
Identify a regular critique partner outside of the group

2015 Year in Review! Goals Recap

2015 Personal Goals and Outcomes:

Track Food on My Fitness Pal App - Occasionally. Just recently linked Fitbit to food diary. Plan to use it more in the new year.
 

Eat vegetarian at least 4 out of 7 days - Tried. Even went all out vegan for a few weeks. Deciding to go low carb in 2016 in order to lose weight.
 

Walk 4 out of 7 days per week- No. I was a butterball by the end of the year. Very little exercise and the pictures from Hawaii prove it. Will do better in 2016.
 

Go camping at least 2 times this year - Camped 1 time with Outdoor Afros at Col. Allensworth State Park in June.

Kids in front of one of the stores at Col. Allensworth State Park

Attend at least 3 Outdoor Afro events - Attended 1 event Allensworth Campout

Kids putting up the tent at Col. Allensworth Park

Attend at least 2 Girlfriends Social Events - Attended 2 event - The 2015 Vision Board Party in January 2015 and the Napa Winery Tour/ Outlet Shopping Trip.
 

Pay down Visa card balance - Charged up and paid down 2 new cards. Refinanced remaining balance to 0% interest card.
 

Keep hair natural/ No Weave in 2015 - Sigh. Yes hair has remained natural i.e. no relaxer. Did a big chop/ shaved cut in February. Had hair braided in February. Weaved up in April or May. Re-braided for Hawaii. Natural / Afro in late December.
 

Attend at least 1 scrapbook crop this year - Attended Scrapbook Expo in Santa Clara in August 2015. Stayed late for the Crop but didn't stay overnight as I like to do.  Missed having a hotel room to go to for bathroom breaks and rest from the crowds.
 

Create drought resistant garden in front yard - Dug up bush on side of garage. Replanted with smaller drought resistant plants. Cut back succulents in front of house. Pulled weeds. Edged border with red scalloped bricks.

Side of Garage Before

After but before removal of roots and replanting

After but before replanting

Front of House After Trimming Succulent

Forgot to take a Before Picture so here is the after picture.

 

Update blog 2X per month - No.

 

 

Recap Writing Goals for 2015 and Outcomes:



Become PRO w/ Romance Writers of America RWA - Yes. Submitted ISBN and manuscript. PRO is now required to become a general member.
 

Complete the 2 in progress Novels Deadly Treasures, Deadly Rumors - No.
 

Find Critique Partner/ Partners - I did join a critique group for part of the year. It was very structured, we had to post our reviews to yahoo groups in the email, we didn't use track changes, the moderator had to approve the critique before she posted it.  By August, the group had gone on hiatus.
 

Obtain Agent representations - Didn't even try or query any agents.
 

Complete 2+ erotic novels - No. Didn't even write any new manuscripts.
 

Complete at least 2 writing courses -  Completed 1 course through the Guppies Chapter of Sisters in Crime. I felt the Yahoo groups was difficult to follow.
 

Enter at least 3 RWA writing contests for feedback and potential bragging rights -  I intended to enter some contests last year but didn't.
 

Attend at least 1 writers conference to network and meet potential agents - No.
 

Join local RWA chapters- No.
 

Join Sisters in Crime - Northern California Chapter - Yes. Also joined the Guppies chapter. Didn't feel that the group was supportive as I would like it to be. Folks were rude in email and when suggestions were offered. I'm letting my membership lapse and focusing on RWA groups.
 

Attend at least 3 local chapter meetings of each. - No. Didn't feel that the Sisters in Crime group was welcoming. RWA Meetings weren't convenient but will try to reach out next year.

 

Other 2015 Accomplishments Not Planned:

Taught 2 teenagers to drive.

Celebrated 25th Wedding Anniversary

Celebrated 51st Birthday

Family to Hawaii for 10 day trip over Thanksgiving. Cruised. Visited 4 islands including Oahu, Maui, Big Island and Kauai.