August 25th, 2011

I'm so excited!

I just hired the new illustrator for my children's story book, "Giraffes Don't Take Baths." Travis sent me so many awesome samples, I couldn't possibly turn him down. We will talk in the next few days to kick around our creative ideas for the picture book and then I will let him do his magic. I plan to launch it first as an e-book, get some feedback for any final changes and then print the book hard copy.  

The second reason I'm excited is because I ran into my former neighbor, Linda, at the store in Dassel tonight. I was in my little car, Lucy, and her husband, Steve stopped to admire the car. Linda said how cute the car was and as soon as I heard her voice, I knew it was Linda. As soon as I spoke, she knew it was me. We visited for a few minutes and caught up. She'll call me and hopefully we can go to lunch in the near future. She used to babysit my dog Moose and I used to babysit her dog Zach. Both have gone off to Doggie Heaven, but it's amazing how dogs can bond neighbors (and former neighbors) together.

I went into the store and had a uniquely small town experience. I was at the checkout and the phone rang. Joyce answered the phone and said a few words to the caller. She turned to the man in line behind me and said, "Rick, that was Marcy. You need to pick up some frozen peas, Hon." Only in Dassel. I love small town life.

July 28th, 2011

Welcome to Minnesauna!

The entire country is experiencing a heat wave of epic proportions and Minnesota is right there in the mix of hot, sticky and steamy. Weezer the Sneezer has been spending a lot of time under the deck and in the shade of the cottonwood tree.

I've published "Weezer the Sneezer Finds a Home" on epubbud.com and I'm working on getting it into a kindle, iPad and Nook format as well. I'll provide a link to the sites when it's ready to roll.

At work, we're already thinking about back to school. As a kid, the summer always went too fast. As an adult, it goes even faster. I need to slow down and take some time to enjoy it.

Bella passed her obedience classes! We both still have a lot of work ahead of us on the jumping, barking and begging, but she enjoyed the instructor and meeting the other dogs at the class. Speaking of dogs, I read the best book in the world last week. "A Dog's Purpose" by W. Bruce Cameron is hand's down one of the best books I have ever read. It explains why some dogs have an "old soul" and why dogs like or dislike certain people. If you get a chance to read it, trust me, it's well worth your time.

June 9, 2011

It's "Adopt a Shelter Cat" Month!

I had a great time at the Heart of Minnesota Animal Shelter Pet Walk in May. It threatened to rain, but the walk went off without a hitch. The animal shelter raised over $6,000 in walker donations and the silent auction was still going strong when I had to leave for the day.

The HMAS has an adorable 9-year old cat named Bubba. Weezer and Bella have finally acheived dog-cat harmony and I'm afraid to mess it up. I had my cat, Bubba, for 14 wonderful years. He was a classy tuxedo cat.

While Weezer snoozes her days away on the deck, Bella and I are going to dog obedience classes this month. 

 January 31, 2011

Holy Cow!!! THIS-HAS-BEEN-THE-TOUGHEST-WINTER-EVER! I shouldn't complain (I'm hearty Minnesota born and bred) but this has been a tough one. The one saving grace was Lorna Landvik, a brilliant Minnesota author, making an appearance in Cokato. Cokato and Dassel have been named the #1 and #2 Best Places to Raise Kids in Minnesota and an event at the Cokato Library is exactly what makes our little towns so wonderful. I had the opportunity to not only visit with her a bit, but get an authographed copy of a favorite book.

As much as I love, love, love reading books on an e-reader, I love an authographed copy of a book better. Lorna said something so true when she was talking about the magic of someone reading a book to you as a child. "It's such a feeling of ahhhhhhhhhhhh." I completely agree.

December 1, 2010

 Hi all and Happy Holidays. Every year, Thanksgiving reminds me that I have plenty to be thankful for.

For instance, I'm very thankful to have such a great sister-in-law, Michele. She is a teacher at the St. Peter Catholic School in St. Paul. Her school has a book fair every year and this year, I've been asked to read my children's book, "Weezer the Sneezer Finds a Home." This is a great community event at the Barnes and Noble at the Maplewood Mall. The book fair is Saturday, December 11 from 8am to 10pm. My reading is at 11am on the upper level and the book signing will follow in the children's section. I hope the weather cooperates.

I also hope to have at least a few illustrations for the newest book, "Giraffes Don't Take Baths." I'm so excited about this new story! I have a brilliant illustrator working on the project and he really seems to get the feeling I'm going for. I won't let the surprise out of the bag, but there are hidden elements throughout the story. Who would guess you could learn to tell time or count with a story about stubborn animals? Ok, I've said too much.

Gotta go. Happy Holidays everyone.  I wish you all blessings and kindness.

 November 3, 2010

I'm super excited to be at the 2nd "Weezer the Sneezer Finds a Home" book signing at the Little Red Hen occasional sale in Dassel, MN on Nov 6th, 2010. It's Chris' birthday so we'll celebrate his special day on Saturday and Sunday. My sister-in-law Michele has graciously set up a book signing at the Maplewood Barnes and Noble on Dec 11, 2010 at 11 am for my children's picture book. I don't think I will ever get tired of talking with folks who love books. 

October 15, 2010

First off, I'm sorry I haven't blogged for awhile. The summer got away from me. On a sad note, my old dog Moose died. He was my buddy for over 14 years. He gave me love and kisses every day of his life. I miss you Moose.

Speaking of summer, we are having it in October this year. We had 67 degrees today and the sun has been shining non-stop for the past 2 weeks or more. 

 My exciting news is that I have just hired the illustrator for my next children's book, "Giraffes Don't Take Baths!" This is a book specifically for toddlers 2-4 years old who are going through the "no" stage. The animals in the book refuse to get dressed, eat, like their babysitter, etc., but the children love those same things.  

 I plan to have a few very quirky things that appear in the background, so everyone will have to pay attention to the details. :)

June 15, 2010

The Hutchinson Library book signing went fantastic. I read "Weezer the Sneezer" and "Clarinda and the Groundhog Boys." Clarinda was written in the 1950's and it has 2 very heavy-handed morals: Always be reasonable and listen to your Mother. My brother and I loved this story as a kid. My Mom had a complete repertoire of silly voices and she made the groundhog boys, Willie, Wally and Whoolie, come to life.

I met an author/illustrator at the Cokato Library today. Nancy Carlson has published 60 children's books. She writes 10 books a year and 2 of them are selected for publication. Her interaction with the children was inspiring. She has a 32 year career head start on me and I can only hope to be that comfortable in front of an audience someday. 

What I really enjoy is how giving people are to each other. I asked her what advice she would give to someone just starting out. With no hesitation, she rattled off some great ideas.

June 2010

I spent the best day at a garage sale yesterday. Yes, I said it. A garage sale. It happened to be a very special fundraising "2nd Annual Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer 3-Day for the Cure" garage sale and I was there to sign my children's book, "Weezer the Sneezer Finds a Home." I've been personally affected by breast cancer (my mother died at 51) and I walked in the Breast Cancer 3-Day in 2008, so I felt more than compelled to help out.

The cool thing is everything was donated so nothing was priced. But not everyone shopping liked it. They seemed to torment themselves with self-doubt of "how much do I think this is this worth? I don't know. I wish they would just tell me a number so I could say yes or no." 

The gals, Sue, Donella, Sherry and Sam baked delights that couldn't be beat. Donella stayed up until 4:30 in the morning making a hypnotic concoction of graham crackers, Hershey's chocolate, nuts and other decadent unmentionables. She has a secret sugar cookie recipe I would pay big money for.

And when you meet a guy named Ron and he has "Ron's Rules for Garage Sales", well....you know you've met a professional. 

We offered free coffee to everyone, but the best comment was from a guy who said, "If any of my first 3 wives were this kind I might still be married." I love priceless, off-the-cuff comments. 

I also met a charming and absolutely hilarious 61-year old woman looking for a man with grandchildren. She was at a neighboring garage sale with a borrowed 3-year old little charmer named Gracie. Gracie was learning how to sell so she asked everyone 3 questions regardless of age: "Are you a Grandma/Grandpa? Would you like to be my Grandma/Grandpa? Grandma/Grandpa, will you buy some stuff?" That is so BEYOND cute. 

I wish I could borrow Gracie for my next book signing at the Hutchinson Library on June 10th at 10am. I happened to meet the children's librarian at Paws on Parade. Sherry had one of the therapy dogs. 

May 2010

The Heart of Minnesota Animal Shelter book signing for "Weezer the Sneezer Finds a Home" went GREAT! During the educational sessions, I learned the difference between a service dog and a therapy dog. A service dog can go anywhere legally but a therapy dog has to be invited into a facility. 

I enjoyed the "Musical Sit" contest (think musical chairs) and they had prizes and a silent auction. The volunteers do a terrific job to find the perfect forever homes for the animals that end up in the shelter.

April 2010

Whew, I got the blog written in April by the skin of my teeth. It's been absolutely beautiful in Minnesota this Spring. By the end of April, I already feel behind in yard work and gardening. Our Canada geese are back and they will hopefully have babies on the pond in late May. We have 2 pair this year fighting for the territory. Our past inhabitants are Harold and Maude. Fred and Ethel are newcomers. I'd describe them as persistent.

I have a very exciting book signing of "Weezer the Sneezer Finds a Home" on May 15th, 2010. The Heart of Minnesota Animal Shelter (HMAS) has their "Paws on Parade" fundraising event from 9:30am to 1pm. It's being held at the McLeod County Fairgrounds in Hutchinson.

My second book is 95% complete when it comes to writing. The next stage is illustrations and printing. Stay tuned for "Gators Don't Like Tators." It's a day in the life of animals who only say "no" and toddlers who (surprisingly enough) only say "yes." Parents and grandparents alike are going to like this story.

 March 2010

I think I can safely say we have made it through winter! The snow is melting and our geese, Harold and Maude, are back in the neighborhood.

I heard the funniest story the other day from a Grandma. She said that her 3-year-old granddaughter was at a petting zoo. Her parents were asking her the sounds that each animal makes.

"What does a cow say?" "Moo."

"What does a sheep say?" "Baaahhh."

"What does a duck say?" "Aflac."

Just the thought of the conversation cracks me up.

 February 2010

Announcing an exciting new venture

I'm launching a fundraising opportunity for any non-profit band, choir, club, class or troop!

Fundraising doesn't have to be a hassle or boring. Earn $2.95 for every "Weezer the Sneezer" book you sell. Call or email me for an order form.

I'll be signing books as a fundraiser for the Dassel-Cokato Arts Association on Sunday, Feb 14th at 3pm at the Performing Arts Center at the D-C High School. Tickets can be purchased by calling 320-286-4120 or at the door.

I spend a lot of time talking about Weezer, so I really should give the dogs equal time. Moose, our 14-year old Westie, loves playing with Tupperware and other misc. plastic containers. A gallon milk jug with a penny in it is fun for days.

Bella is our 3-year old Jack Russell. She could give the Energizer Bunny a run for it's money. She goes from 0 to 60 in no time flat. But when she crashes, she CRASHES. Her favorite thing in the whole wide world is a good, old-fashioned sock. The smellier, the better.

2/10/10

I just had the most interesting dream. The idea of "Weezer the Sneezer" came in a dream, so when I wake up, I pay attention.

As a little background, I'm the Marketing Manager at a company in Dassel. Every now and again, someone will stop by my desk with an advertising idea. I've never tracked whether the ideas arrive the morning after "Mad Men" or not.

So, in the dream, a little old lady, Laura stopped by my desk with a cut-and-paste-handwritten-on-yellow-legal-paper-ransom-note-looking idea with 3 brilliant bullet points. I was in a meeting with the top brass (even though we really don't have top brass) trying to come up with a campaign for a school district in California. I don't remember what the bullet points were, but my reaction to her brilliance made her feel valued and I felt valued that she shared her ideas with me.

And, isn't that how being published makes anyone feel? Our thoughts have value and I recommend everyone try expressing themselves in written form.

The story idea for my next book came while walking on a very hot, humid day at the French Market in New Orleans. I'll save that for another day.

January 2010

And Happy New Year!

Oh, the weather outside is frightful. And the fire is so delightful. We have 20 below zero temps (not including the wind chill). There are days I wonder why we live in Minnesota. (Oh yeah. My family, friends, work and home are all here. But beside that.....why???????)

Weezer the Sneezer is happy to have a warm home and a treat jar full of snacks. I can't walk by that part of the counter without her reminding me that she's hungry. Her new favorite thing is a dollop of whipped cream on her nose when I add it to my coffee in the morning. Weezer and the dogs all come running when they hear that distinctive Reddi-Whip sound.

I'm starting a new contest for the new year over on the fan page. A mom sent me an ADORABLE picture of her kids enjoying the book. I think it will be great fun for Weezer fans to snap a photo of them reading Weezer the Sneezer. Email it to me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it along with your name and state and I'll add it to the website. We'll see who wins as being the farthest fan. Wouldn't it be a hoot if there's someone from another country reading it? How fun!

December 2009

Merry Christmas to all!

Thanks Diana, Producer Mike and Dodi at Spirit 92.9 radio in Sauk Rapids. It was a thrill being interviewed on the morning show December 23rd. As soon as I figure out how to attach the file, I'll add it to the site.

November 2009

I just booked another signing at a great little store at Ridgedale Mall called "Grand Crazy". Grammy Jan has a store for Gramdmas, Grandpas, Aunts, Uncles and everyone else that celebrates the joy that a baby brings. I second that emotion. I'll be signing books on Dec 12th from 11am to 2pm. Grand Crazy is located in the mall right outside Macy's Women's and Children's door.

The book signing at the Little Red Hen in Dassel was terrific! We had great weather (60 degrees in November in Minnesota makes everyone happy) and great friends and family and folks shopping and having a good time. Brenda and Kent always have a great bunch of cool furniture and funky decorating ideas.

The most interesting thing at my first book signing was the unique kids names-Zepplin, Zirin, Hadley, Keirden. I had to ask so many times "now, how do I spell that?" My parents were rebels not having an "H" in Ronda. I've had to explain their decision my whole life.

I suspect little Zepplin will have some explaining to do as well. But I bet there's a great story...

October 2009

As it turns out, construction paper was my friend at the Litchfield Library for Family Fun Night. The kids and I made cat ear headbands and had a great time. Rayna and Peyton thought I should have more selection in headband material and they were right. Little Ella wanted a blue headband and I didn't anticipate that request at all. I'll be more prepared next time. The kids and Mom's asked great questions and I can see why they call it a fun night.

Thanks to Jan Pease for bringing cookies and encouraging everyone to have a good time. I'm available to any library in central Minnesota for a reading and book signing. I'll bring the construction paper.

September 2009

Wow, the book is finally complete! And I'm so thrilled, I can hardly stand it. I have boxes and boxes of books in my den so there's a lot of work ahead of me to sell it.

I'll be reading my book October 15th at the Litchfield Public Library at 6:30 pm. I have to admit, I'm a little nervous to read in front of 30 kids. Advice from parents is to "talk to them like adults and you'll be ok."

Right now, I'm trying to come up with fun activities associated with cats. It can be food-related or a picture for coloring or music. Since I don't have a "Weezer the Sneezer" song, I'm thinking construction paper is my friend.

August 2009

Hi there and welcome to my blog. This isn't Weezer talking; it's actually Ronda. So, hummm, what do I want to say? I suppose I can write about the journey of a first time self-published author.

I've written plenty of things as a ghost writer. I write sales letters and catalog copy and press releases. But nothing has given me the same satisfaction as this little children's book about my sweet kitten, Weezer.

Weezer came to us in terrible condition. Frozen off ears, a broken tooth (where she bit something), a hernia (where something bit her), ear mites and a terrible whole body infection. Someone had loved her at some point. She knew that people = food + comfort & a door to a house meant warmth. She has terrific social skills. She jumped on my lap while I was mowing lawn on a riding mower the first night she showed up at our house. I've never seen a cat do that. She needed love more than she was scared.

Every morning she sits on a bar stool at the breakfast counter for her breakfast. (To keep the peace, she has to be higher than the dogs during meal time). My husband was making his lunch one day and she sneezed all over his corn dog waaaaaay across the counter. He had to throw it in the garbage. The vet calls Weezer's sneezing "excessive discharge". Yes, that's a good description.

She's an incredibly smart cat. And she's the best dog I've ever had. I call her and she comes running to me and she minds better than my dogs, Bella and Moose. They hated her at first. Now, they tolerate her. I won't go so far as to say they are friends. Although, Bella and Weezer worked very well together today to capture a chipmunk inside the dog fence. 

Weezer's an incredible hunter. I feel bad for the chipmunks. But if they were smart, they'd pack up and leave. The squirrels did. I haven't seen them at the bird feeder all summer.