Would this be a mutton dressed as lamb situation?

I don't think it's necessarily mutton as lamb, but I think something more tailored would be more flattering. I also have a personal aversion to pink ruffles, keep in mind. It's the ruffle around the bottom that kills it for me.

I think this one would look better, even. [link]

Thanks, smonster. I love the colors in that one, but I'm more comfortable with a bit more sleeve.

ETA: I'm definitely getting this one, and wearing it over a white t-shirt. [link]

Calli, I don't think it would be mutton-dressed-as-lamb. But then, I'm wearing black lipstick AND shoes with giant bows on them, so I may not be the best judge. But I think it looks like a pretty, spring-y dress.

However, a less unhygienic gesture than my previous offering would be to return the fancy box with a note suggesting he sell it and use the proceeds to buy some lessons in manners. Don't think Jilli would approve of this one, though.

Bwah-ha-ha! Jilli would think of it longingly, and then return to trying to stay on the moral high ground. But yes, smonster. DISENGAGE.

Yay Kristin! I think that's a hopeful sign.

I also got spam from Teppy. I feel included!

I was feeling left out of the Teppy spam, but just checked my secondary email account and had email from her. Now I feel all included and shit.

Which is important, because my workplace is undergoing some transitions that aren't easy for me to take.

And for anyone who cares, I used to use a first name underscore last name @yahoo email address, but a couple of years ago started using that as my "spam" account. I check it occasionally. My "real" account is first name DOT last name@yahoo now.

Hey, I got Teppy spam too, in my spam filter! I feel all validated. And if that had popped up in my inbox I'd have opened it quite quickly, because, hey, Teppy!

Lewis suggested that perhaps I might also explore some retreats-- something geared at writers who might have the kind of experience I have, rather than the typical conference which is geared at the unpublished author. That way, I can decide if a more extensive program would be the thing for me.

Barb, have you considered Breadloaf? Everyone I know who has participated says it's a game-changer.

Want me to spam him?

This made me laugh and laugh!

Sounds promising, Kristin!

Wanted to make sure Jilli saw baby in his monster and bats outfit: [link]

javachik- i sent you email re: Emeline's tball team, did you get it?

The simple fact of the matter is, no matter how good I am or think I am, in terms of craft, I'm simply not good enough nor do I stand out quite enough to make publishers take that chance on me-- to be worth that risk.

But isn't a big part of the equation luck? The manuscript just happens to be the right thing at the right time when someone's looking at it. I don't think you should be too hard on yourself. It seems like right now the tide of the market is going the wrong way.

More on the political climate discussion from upthread:

Yesterday,

A tea party organizer angry over Rep. Thomas Perriello’s (D-Va.) vote in favor of health care reform published what he thought was the freshman member’s home address on a blog, in case any readers “want to drop by” and provide a “personal touch” to their views.

Rather than giving out Perriello’s address however, the tea party activist mistakenly printed the home address of the congressman’s brother. Perriello’s brother and wife have four children under the age of 8.

Today,

Federal and local authorities are investigating a severed gas line at the home of U.S. Rep. Tom Perriello’s brother, discovered the day after Tea Party activists posted the address online so opponents could “drop by” and “express their thanks” for Perriello’s vote in favor of health care reform.