Tootie

Tootie: Fell a couple weeks ago and bruised my tailbone. It limited me to my time on the computer. Finally, the pain is almost gone. Please forgive me for delays in reviews. I'm back and will get to them as soon as possible (I still have 120 to do!). Thank you all! Best, Cathy

FanStory wrote to Tootie: The Memory of You and Me finished first in the contest "February Fun Poem"

FanStory wrote to Tootie: My Top Cat finished first in the contest "5-7-5 cats"

Tootie: "No longer am I observing my life as if it was another's. Instead, finally, I am observing my life as the life I always believed it was destined to be."

As many may know, I am a published author. Since last October, I am also a full-time writer and publisher. (Yes, it is possible to make a living at writing!). However, never getting my college degree, I still have roadblocks, regrets, and so much still to learn. So, at 59, I've decided to go back to college! I have recently been accepted at SNHU (Southern NH University) to obtain my BA in Creative Writing/English. I can take all my courses online, which is great. Always remember, it's never too late to achieve your dreams! Fears and feelings of inferiority have crippled me in the past, but they will cripple me no longer.

"Have faith in your desires, and, 'keep a'walkin' forward."

* A special thank you to Bill Bishop (Commando). I am thrilled to be co-authoring four books with this very talented (histrionic and flamboyant) Tennessee Mountain Man! He is an AWESOME WRITER, and I'm becoming a better writer because of him. We are posting chapters of our books (either his profile page or mine) as we write them. Our first book will be published this year. Thank you, also, to all those reviewing and supporting our works. Due to my busy schedule, it takes a little time to respond to reviews (when they are posted on my profile page), but please know they will be answered. We truly appreciate and admire you all! God Bless!

Tootie: For those who have reviewed my recent poem, please forgive me for the delay in responding to some of you. Another chapter of co-authored book was in the works and needed to be completed first (just done). I am also very busy with new publishing company. I will continue to respond as soon as possible this week. Thank you for your support and patience. Blessings, Cathy

Tootie: Please forgive me for not reviewing enough or posting much on here the past few months. I have recently made the great leap of leaving a day job to open up a publishing business. This includes a business office and all that goes with it (not home-based). Beginning next year, I will also be overseeing a book club for the community I live in. All this is presently requiring a lot of my time. I've considered taking a leave of absence from this site, but the books I'm co-authoring with Bill Bishop (aka Commando) are still top priority. The next chapter of our historic romance novel is in the works and will be posted soon. There are so many talented writers here on FanStory, and I feel so privileged to write with one of them. THANK YOU for all your encouragement, editing advice and support. Also, for your great poems and stories. I will read and review as time permits. Keep writing and believing in your endeavors! I "SALUTE" you all! God Bless.
Respectfully with Admiration,
Cathy

Tootie: It's been really busy for me lately, with lots of exciting things happening. Today, I was on the Writer's block talking about what it's like to co-author with Bill Bishop (Commando). We both want to thank those who have helped us with reviews and editing along the way. God Bless!

Tootie: It's almost 3 am and after many hours of writing and rewriting a very special birthday poem to an AWESOME writer here on FanStory, although I would like to, I have to wait until later today to respond to some recent reviews. Please forgive me for the delay. I have to get a few hours of sleep first! Thank you for understanding. Wishing you all a wonderful weekend!!
Blessings,
Cathy

Tootie: Thank you to everyone who voted for Chapter 6 of Love Long Distance for Book of the Month. It tied for 2nd place and was competing with some awesome writers. We are honored to be sharing it with all of you as we write it, and we plan to have it completed and published this year.
Wishing you all a wonderful day!
God Bless,
Bill & Cathy (aka Commando & Tootie)

FanStory wrote to Tootie: Why The Rain? finished second in the contest "Feelings Poetry"

FanStory wrote to Tootie: Who Am I? finished second in the contest "Mirror contest"

FanStory wrote to Tootie: Guitar Man finished second in the contest "1-6-1 poetry"

FanStory wrote to Tootie: My Grandpa Eats Jello For Breakfast finished first in the contest "Laughter"

Tootie: I wanted to respond to all my reviews by now, but I have 127+ reviews still to answer (and more coming in). I will respond, for sure, but it may take a few more days. It's important to me to thank each and every one of you for your awesome comments, suggestions and support of my writings. Currently, I am also spending a lot of hours launching a new subscription box business for readers and writers of all ages. I also have a full-time day job. My time on this site is limited lately, but you'll be hearing from me and I appreciate you all!
Blessings, Cathy

FanStory wrote to Tootie: Moments finished first in the contest "This Is My Life!"

FanStory wrote to Tootie: Finally Free finished first in the contest "Failure"

FanStory wrote to Tootie: Bittersweet finished second in the contest "FREE VERSE !"

Tootie: I still have many reviews to respond to and I am also writing, writing, writing, so...please know that I will respond to all reviews--it means a great deal to me to do so and I'm so appreciative of the overwhelming support. It's just that it's going to take me time and time is always what I need most. I am writing this at 1:40 am and I have to go to my day job later. The alarm goes off at 6:30 am. Shee! The life of a writer! Thank you for understanding.
Blessings,
Cathy

FanStory wrote to Tootie: Goodbye finished third in the contest "Write a Rictameter"

FanStory wrote to Tootie: Thank You, Father. finished first in the contest "Final Words"

FanStory wrote to Tootie: The Cat's Meow finished first in the contest "Dualing Dribbles"

FanStory wrote to Tootie: Unspoken finished first in the contest "30 Syllables"

FanStory wrote to Tootie: The Unseen World finished second in the contest "Spiritual"

FanStory wrote to Tootie: Fine Details finished first in the contest "Spiritual Poem"

FanStory wrote to Tootie: Let It Shine finished second in the contest "Write about an inspirational quote"

FanStory wrote to Tootie: Unknown Places finished first in the contest "Spiritual"

FanStory wrote to Tootie: Good Intentions finished first in the contest "I Am Not Perfect"

FanStory wrote to Tootie: Fact, Not Fiction finished first in the contest "What is Love?"

Tootie: Bill Bishop (Commando) still hasn't gotten his power back in the Panhandle after Hurricane Michael. It has been almost a month now! He misses everyone and can't wait to get back online, but he is doing well and writing when he can. He is also helping many others. Bill has a heart of gold, so that is no surprise now, is it? He sends his love to all.

Tootie: FYI - Bill Bishop (Commando) is still without power down in the Florida Panhandle but is keeping busy helping others and also cleaning up his own yard. Several big trees came down on his property and there was lots of damage. He misses everyone and looks forward to being back here soon.
Bill's been writing by oil lamp, so will have some writings to share when he does return. "Goody, Goody!" If anyone would like me to convey a message to him, either PM me or tell me here and I'd be happy to. Hopefully, he will be back online by midweek next week. Blessings, Cathy
On another note: FYI - It's exciting that my picture and a short write-up is in the current issue of First For Women mag. (circ. 3.6 million). It's not about writing, but about making extra income through shopping apps. It does mention, however, that the extra income I do get (up to $100/mo) just by shopping is used for extra funds to promote myself as a published author and pays for my membership to an online writing site (FanStory).

Tootie: Commando (Bill Bishop) has asked me to post this message to let you know he is missing all of you. He sends his love to many. As you know, Hurricane Michael went through the Panhandle this past week. This is where Bill lives and he was on the direct route of it. It hit his area as a strong Category 4 hurricane and left major damage. I'm sure you've seen pictures and videos on TV and the Internet as I have and I can't imagine what it's like down there. He is okay (Thank God!), yet is without power or Internet access. He will be back as soon as he can, but it may be another week or more before both are restored. I am so thankful I've been able to keep connected with him to make sure he is fine. I don't know about you, but it would break my heart if anything ever happened to him. He means so much to me! Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers. I will keep you updated.
Thank you and God Bless,
Cathy

FanStory wrote to Tootie: Beware of the Serpent finished first in the contest "Preach Something "

FanStory wrote to Tootie: Necessities finished first in the contest "Feelings"

FanStory wrote to Tootie: What Lies Beyond finished second in the contest "My Faith"

FanStory wrote to Tootie: Green Eyes Greener finished first in the contest "One Word: Jealousy"

Tootie: Had a telephone interview last week with a magazine to discuss how I generate extra cash using shopping apps. I love Ibotta and other apps and thank my older sister for getting me hooked on them. It was uncertain if I would get past the editor's desk, but found out yesterday that I will be included in an article called Easy Money and it will be on newsstands beginning October 11th. Picture(s) of myself will also be included. Yay! Name of magazine? First for Women. It's in stores everywhere and has a readership of 3.6 million. Hurrah!

FanStory wrote to Tootie: Intercourse finished second in the contest "Seven Words or Less Poem"

FanStory wrote to Tootie: You Melt Me finished first in the contest "5-7-5 winter poem"

FanStory wrote to Tootie: Hugs, Kisses & YOU KNOW! finished first in the contest "Repetition"

FanStory wrote to Tootie: Solid Ground finished second in the contest "Feelings Poetry"

FanStory wrote to Tootie: Time Crunch finished first in the contest "A Typical Day "

Tootie: If you, or someone you know, enjoys audiobooks and would like to listen to one of my books in exchange for an honest review on ACX, let me know and I'll send you a code. I have a few for all three books in my Jean and Rosie series and about 20 available for my Christmas novelette. The narrator for all of my books is Carolyn Power and she's an actor in California. She's played parts in Chuck and Grey's Anatomy and currently plays a homeless woman in Bartlett, an Amazon Prime series.

Tootie: If anyone is interested, my first novel IN POLYESTER PAJAMAS is free to download (ebook) today through Thursday (4/22/18 - 4/26/18) on Amazon.

FanStory wrote to Tootie: Fresh Green Grass finished third in the contest "The Good Old Days"

Tootie: Thank you to all who have reviewed my latest poem, Close Your Eyes, dedicated to Bill Bishop. I am OVERWHELMED and will respond to all as soon as I can. In the meantime, here's a beautiful poem I just read by poet Hafiz that I want to share today:

WITH THAT MOON LANGUAGE

Admit something:

Everyone you see, you say to them, "Love me."
Of course, you do not do this out loud; otherwise, someone would call the cops.
Still, though, think about this, this great pull in us to connect.
Why not become the one who lives with a full moon in each eye that is always saying,
With that sweet moon language,
What every other eye in this world is dying to hear?
- Hafiz
(translated by Daniel Ladinsky)

Food for thought. Wishing everyone a great day! Sometimes life gets tough but poetry can soothe our soul. Blessings!

FanStory wrote to Tootie: In Flight finished third in the contest "Spiritual"

Tootie: To be less formal, I decided I needed a nickname here so I am now Tootie. It's the nickname my mother gave me when I was a kid. If you want to know more about me, though, you can check out my author site at http://Catherine Dougherty.com.
It's so great to be a part of this wonderful writing community. Thank you all for welcoming me with open arms.
God Bless!
Cathy (Tootie)

FanStory wrote to Tootie: A Child's Survival finished third in the contest "Childhood"

Tootie: " Instructions for living a life. Pay attention. Be astonished. Tell about it." - Mary Oliver

Tootie: Could it be the magic in you brings out the magic in me?

Tootie: There is a life-force
within your soul,
seek that life.
There is a gem in the
mountain of your body,
seek that mine.
O Traveler, if you are
in search of that,
don't look outside,
look inside yourself,
and seek that.
- Rumi

Tootie: I come to you first in a whisper.
Then I become a roar.
And all the illusions having passed before you
appear to you no more.

Tootie: Possessions are just empty distractions of the wealth which already lies within your soul, waiting patiently for you to recognize and behold it. Let loose the material that is worth nothing and set your sights on that which you already possess; that which has been given freely unto you from the beginning when you were first formed. - C Dougherty

FanStory wrote to Tootie: Sudden Impact (Ecstasy!) finished first in the contest "5-7-5 Love Poem"

FanStory wrote to Tootie: Hi, Mom. Who are You? finished third in the contest "Book It!"

FanStory wrote to Tootie: What Love Really Is finished second in the contest "What is Love?"

FanStory wrote to Tootie: Hidden Blossoms finished third in the contest "Free Verse Poetry"

FanStory wrote to Tootie: Senses of My Life finished second in the contest "Nonet Poetry"