JackaBee Books is a collection of my works and every day thoughts.


I am so happy to know that I passed Bio 141 with an A. That was just what I needed to get into the nursing program, so now, I will begin my journey in three weeks as a nursing student. If I didn't learn anything else this summer, I learned that perseverance really does pay off. It is really important to apply yourself, focus, and have extremely good study habits because if you believe in yourself you can do anything, I'm a witness to that.

JackaBee Books is a collection of my future works and everyday thoughts.

JackaBee Books is a collection of my works and every day thoughts.

I am still in school and trying to maintain an A average. Lately, the only thing that I can do is study. It is very complex learning all the bones and muscles of the body again. It's been 5 years since I took this class; it was hard then and it's still hard, but I'm maintaining. I'll know my faith July 27, definitely by Aug 1. If all is well, I will start the nursing program by the middle of August and if I do, I will celebrate because that will be a major milestone for me. I am claiming these next two years because my goal is to walk down that aisle as a honor graduate. I regret one thing, I should have gone to college after high school when I had the opportunity, now I will be graduating from college with my oldest son, and he'll have his master's in Urban Developement.

JackaBee Books is a collection of my future works and everyday thoughts.

JackaBee Books is a collection of my works and every day thoughts.

I am still here, just busy with school work and studying. I don't have a lot of time to anything else because I consume all of my time with my studies. I have to make an A so that is my goal. I would like to say that I am flattered because I recieved an email from someone last night asking about advice on how to break into the market. I hope that my advice was helpful. I would also like to say that my revised version of Rusty the Singing Horse is available. Thanks for reading, have a nice week end.

JackaBee Books is a collection of my future works and everyday thoughts.

JackaBee Books is a collection of my works and every day thoughts.

I am back in school. I thought that this day would never come. I recently wrote a post about that and week later, I received the phone call I had been waiting for. Finally after about 5 years, I get to pursue my dream. I am very happy and thankful. Now I can feel like a whole person.

JackaBee Books is a collection of my future works and everyday thoughts.

JackaBee Books is a collection of my works and every day thoughts.

Lately I have been trying to write, but I just can't get my thoughts together. When this first happened to me years ago, I was worried because I thought that I was losing my touch, and that went on for years. Now that I look back, I think that I was just too preoccupied to write. Now, it is happening again, and I am not preoccupied. Could it be writer's block? This can't happened. I have some unfinished works; I have two, no four, no five-I rest my case. This is frustrating!

JackaBee Books is a collection of my future works and everyday thoughts.

JackaBee Books is a collection of my works and every day thoughts.

This is something that hit me one day while trying to write a poem. This is so far away from what I was trying to achieve. I am going to have it edited so tell me what you think.Jacqueline Butts
Copyright 2009
Life’s Paths
Maybe life is just a learning tool and we could look at it as being just that. Everyone has a purpose in life, what that purpose is, well, sometimes we just don’t know, that’s the mystery. Then again, maybe life is a path that we follow that takes us in many directions. It consists of a multiple of varieties like people, an array of colors, sunshine, and even darkness. Some people have a smooth path and some have a rocky path with obstacles along the way. Buts that’s okay, because it is up to you, to smooth out that path. Some people will also have a fork in their road but that’s okay too, because, you will endure confusion along the way, but don’t use that confusion as an opposition for you to learn.
Some people fall off their path, and some just keep on going. There are some people who go through life unhappy and not ever fulfilling their dreams. On the other hand, some people go through life fulfilling their dreams and are unhappy. And some people just go through life.
That same path will introduce us to people, some good, and some bad. But from each meeting, try to learn something because they were put there for a reason. Also, there are people that we will encounter that will open our eyes, and maybe blow our minds, and maybe that same encounter will have such a positive impact, that we are willing to change our lives for the better, and then that person is gone; they are gone away to help someone else. So don’t dwell in your sorrow because of their absence. Appreciate that time spent because it was a gift, not a tangible gift, but a gift of knowledge and that is something that no one can take away from you. Just use that knowledge to better yourself and pass it on. Like wisdom. If we live long enough, we will have wisdom and if we are really wise? We share that wisdom to help the next person. It is true, “You haven’t lived until you have something to regret.”
Another path life will take us is greed, jealousy, and arrogance. It won’t hurt to donate your time or maybe some personal belongings, you don’t always have to make a profit. “No good deed goes undone.” I don’t know what constitutes richness or wealth, but don’t think that everybody in a big house and driving a fancy car are rich. They maybe house poor and hungry. And if they are really rich, that doesn’t mean that they are happy. I heard there is a difference between being rich and being wealthy. I never thought about distinguishing the two, but it sure did shed some light on my ignorance. Having an abundance of money, being famous, and education does not define success. Nor does it give you a reason to hold your nose up and look down on people either. Don’t forget where you came from. The same thing goes for status and credentials. Success is what you make it. You could be successful in your own heart for something that you are proud of that goes unknown. Also, never feel slighted because you don’t have what the next person has just because you go to church every Sunday and Wednesday night, and the other person doesn’t go at all. Does that really mean that “their ancestor’s prayed for them” and yours didn’t?
If I didn’t learn anything else in life, I have learned if you stay on the right path and believe in yourself, your dreams will come true. So be careful what you ask for because you will get it, so specify.
By,Raybute

JackaBee Books is a collection of my future works and everyday thoughts.

JackaBee Books is a collection of my works and every day thoughts.

By the age of three I knew I wanted to be a nurse, and at the age of seven, I wanted to become a Price is Right Model/actress. So by the age of twelve, I wanted to write. My father only agreed to nursing. At age nineteen, I walked across the stage to receive my nursing certificate. Unfortunately, I never past my boards and till this day I am still chasing a dream that I really don't want anymore. Now, I know that it is in me to care for people, but deep down inside, I would rather write. Over the years, I resented all nurses because I wasn't one of them and I felt like a failure, and I still do at times, I'm slowly getting over that feeling. Although I recently had my first book published, It's hard for me to get over that empty feeling. I used to feel empty because I don't have any credentials behind my name. More than half of the people that I know, especially in my family, have college degrees, rather it's a BS or Masters; I don't have that, all I have is a nursing certificate, BONET certificate, and a driver's license. I have always day dreamed about writing such as at work, in school as I was taking my prerequisites for RN and before I went to bed and when I woke up, I thought about writing. I'm beginning to see that no matter how many degrees you have or what your title is, if you are not happy doing what you want to do, then you are not going to be able to fully concentrate on your job, and chances are, you are going to be very unhappy eventually and you definately cannot give it your all. ( you will eventually get depressed and crack). I learned that the hard way. The only time I was happy at work was when I lived in L.A. and I was working for Central Casting part- time. I was an extra, and every time I went to different sets, I felt at ease, I knew that I was set out to be an actress. I regret letting that go, but you haven't lived unless you have something to regret. I have been out of work a year next month and I have been so happy, actually I was at my happiest last month because I have recently accepted the fact that, although I can't quit my day job, ( I will be returning next month)I can escape to my land of writing when I get off work and be happy. For years I couldn't make that balance, but now I can because I believe in myself. My life is complete now because I wrote my first book and to see it in a book form,I think that is every writer's dream. I just can't explain how over joyed I was. Now, I'm not saying that it was the best, because it wasn't. I will say that the illustrations are awesome,but it had so many grammatical errors and that is why they are being corrected at this moment.That experience made me become more determined and it made me overcome that self- shame that I had for many years and I now have self-worth. I am now looking forward to taking more writing classes and attending conferences. I am glad to say that I am finally doing what makes me happy and I can do it all day long with a smile.

JackaBee Books is a collection of my future works and everyday thoughts.

JackaBee Books is a collection of my works and every day thoughts.

Before I write what I intended, I thought I would post what I shared with my son last night. I was telling him about the time when I went to read my book at an elementary school. In the front row was a little girl. I sensed a vibe from this girl before I started reading. I sensed that she would be the inquisitive one and sure enough I was right. She just had this look on her face that I cannot explain and would you belive, that little six year old made me nervous for the entire time. She was cute as she could be and very, very, very, smart; I got to give that to her. She's going a long way in life. Let me tell you what she asked. Question # 1: "If you wrote the book, how come you don't know the words? Why can't you just read it without looking at it?" Question # 2: If Old Man Farmer is so sad, then why is he looking so happy?" Now, what six year old is going to ask such questions? She is definately precouisious. But do you know what? The next time I go for a reading, you better believe I will know my, material and I had that picture corrected with Old Man Farmer. Well, if you want some honest feed back, just ask a child. that is about as honest as you can get.

JackaBee Books is a collection of my future works and everyday thoughts.

JackaBee Books is a collection of my works and every day thoughts.


While suffering with my allergies for a week, I stumbled across an idea that I pondered for two months, and just like that, it hit me while I was in the bed with the sniffles, and the sneezes. I popped up, and reached for my pen and paper, and there; a masterpiece was born. At least, a masterpiece for me. In all of twenty-two minutes, I wrote the cutest little children's story that teaches a lesson of morals and values.I am thrilled to be so creative, and on that note, I am going to send it to a publisher. I can wait 3-6 months for an answer, and if not, I am so confident, I will publish it myself. That is how good it is. I have decided to send one story to a publisher and one poem to a magazine. I have written my query letters and I am not even nervous, in fact I am full of confidence. Well, enough of my basking, I have to get to the post office.

JackaBee Books is a collection of my future works and everyday thoughts.

I have been sick all week with allergies. I admit, I failed to take my Claritin like I've been told and that is the price to pay for a hard head. I feel much better, at least, while I am sitting. I 'm hoping that I will feel better by tomorrow. As I was lying around this week, I had time on my hands to finish a story; A story that I pondered for two months. That is really short for me. Normally I ponder for two years or more. The thing about it is that, I wrote the story in twenty-two minutes.Now, that's a first. I am so proud of myself because it is a story of values and a lesson learned for a child. I can't wait to get it out there and I tell you what inspired me. I was going through my scbwi (Society of Children's Book Writer's & Illustrators) packet and I came across a magazine that was looking for stories for lessons learned and I said to myself I think that I can do that, and I did. Now I am proud and I need to post it on the site to get feed back.

JackaBee Books is a collection of my future works and everyday thoughts.

Hello, I have been under the weather all week. I am starting to feel better so I will be back next week.

JackaBee Books is a collection of my future works and everyday thoughts.

I am feeling very confident because of two reasons. one, the correction process with my book is almost over and I can receive faxes. Two, I can be proud when I do my summer reading and promoting my book. Also, although I have donated two books to my church's educational program, my pastor wants to buy a few copies for the littles ones graduation. I'm so thrilled.

JackaBee Books is a collection of my future works and everyday thoughts.

Cocktails On my Deck

Cocktails for one please yes just for me.
I’m a lady you see and that’s how it’ll be.
Hot, chic and sassy that’s right I’m classy.
Rose petals between my toes moonlight
Shines, this is my time. No need for candles
No need for music, quiet though but not lonely.
Basking in my nowness, sipping on the finest of wines
My memory takes me to another past time.
Very calm very relaxing.
Heck, wouldn’t give this up for nothing in this world.
As I exhale in this night air and have cocktails on my deck.

Copyright 2009
Jacqueline Butts

JackaBee Books is a collection of my future works and everyday thoughts.

Contemplating.That suites me today especially when I was trying to learn how to spell it. It took me 10 minutes to look it up. It is true we spell like we pronounce the words we speak. I was pronouncing it comtenplating I guess that is why I couldn't find it at first. I always ponder my thoughts before I even put any words on paper and once they are on paper, I have several rough drafts. Once I think it's worthy, I then go to the computer where I lose my mind and write everyhting but what is on the paper. At least that is what I recently did to a story that I had beeen CONTEMPLATING for 2 years now. All I had was a title and a few lines, so when I sat at the computer, those few lines (about 200 hundred words) turned into 10,000 words in 2 days. I was writing for 2 days, all day.(wow, that's alot of 2's I think I'll play that number) Sleep deprived I was. I think it's worthy, especially the title. I got to give it to myself, I can think of some pretty good titles. I must say that the story line is good too. That is why I am CONTEMPLATING on sending it to a tradtional publishing company. This will be my first time doing that so I am nervous and if I keep getting rejected, I will publish it myself because that is how much I believe in myself. I self published my first book and boy oh boy did I learn a whole lot the hard way. All I can say to self publishing is that it made me learn how to do for myself such as learning how to get an editor and NO, you won't be recognized in many writing communities and find your own book reviews. It's a lot of work, it is what it is Self Publishing. I'm glad I know what to do now( I learned a valuable lesson). Ok, getting back. I think while I am CONTEMPLATING this one story, I might contemplate on sending two more stories off as well, and while they are circulating, I can focus on another story that I have been CONTEMPLATING for 15 YEARS. yep, my little mind can actually hold on to a story for 15 years. I 'll talk about that another time. Well, enough of this contemplating. I think I am going to go ahead and start on some query letters.

I often wondered what I would write about if I had a blog. I don't talk much; a person of few words.So what exactly could I say everyday. Well, I still don't know. I do know that I like words and they are very important to me. I often look at the Today Show and wonder what new word I would learn. I just heard Ann Curry mention pragmatic. That's new to me so I put it in my little word book that I have. As I surround myself around all of my books and writing utensils, I wonder what am I trying to prove to myself. I have a computer that I do not know how to use. I just remembered have to copy and paste, I still have to learn how to link my blog to others sites, I don't know how to tag and a host of other unmentionables,-and I want a laptop. Then I have the nerve to want a website. I have a fax machine that I don't know how to use. I can send faxes but I can't recieve them-and I have a destinctive ring. I have a copier but I don't know how to scan. I have a shredder that needs to be emptied. I even have a digital camera, but I neeed to find the cord so that I can charge it, and once that's done, I have to learn how to operate it. I guess I have everything that I need for now especially plenty of paper and pens. But most of all, I have my mind because that's about all that I need for now so that I can think of my next story.

If you’ve ever been accused of imagining things you will relate to Old Man Farmer’s predicament. He has seen and heard his horse, Rusty, sing and dance. However he is the only one and Rusty will not perform on demand. Farmer Martha is concerned that Old Man Farmer is overworked and takes him to see the doctor. When the doctor prescribes rest Farmer Martha takes over the work on the farm and soon she is seeing things too. A call to the doctor brings an unwanted result. The doctor was furious because he was disturbed from his busy schedule. “One more prank like that and I will see to it that you will never care for this farm again.”
Will Old Man Farmer and Farmer Martha be able to straighten out this mess? Will they lose the farm? Can anyone help them out of this dilemma?

Boys and girls seem to love horses and will be attracted to this book as well. Children are sure to like the illustrations of the dancing horse.

Review
© 2009 Shari Lyle-Soffe

This is another one of my poems, in fact, it is my favorite.

Midnight Meadow

The meadow is so beautiful at midnight.
The flowers glow with a radiant color
And a smell that is extremely breath-taking.
So beautiful you can eat off the ground.
The path is green and smooth it feels so
Refreshing between my toes. It leads to
The water where the moonlight skims across
Leaving my reflection. The waves are shapely
Moving about so beautifully it is astounding.
Suddenly, I feel a breeze, what a pleasant
Atmosphere. I also feel releived, I must be healed.
I look ahead and reach out. I look back
There's nothing there for me. All I can
Say is goodbye and join hands with a smile.
There's another breeze, a cool crisp breeze
That lifts me over the shimmering waters
And takes me away at midnight through the meadows.

Copyright 2009 Jacqueline R. Butts

Just acknowledging poetry month with one of my poems,

" The Weakest Link"

I am only one person. A person that has taken
On many roles. I feel as though I am the weakest link.
How can I manage. There is nothing feminine about me.
I am the despondent mother that clutches her bible.
I am the father without any masculinity.
I am a counselor without any guidance
A cook without any ingredients have I been disobedient
I am a maid without any strength and the offspring
Without the time to care, oh how I look on with such despair.
I feel as though I have experience in every field
But there is no recognition, benefits, or vacation.
Is it rewarding? I asked myself.
I stretch myself thin, I bend to the near end
As I end this day I kneel to pray and ask
Am I the weakest link?
"I don't think so" a voice says
"The weakest link is the link that doesn't
Ask for strength, guidance, knowledge,
courage, or patience."
I have great stength to carry on many roles.
Yes there are benefits, recognition, and even
A vacation one day.
But most of all, there is a reward
that only God knows about and
I will receive it one day.

Copyright 2009

I wrote my first book Rusty the Singing Horse some years ago. I admit that I am not the perfect writer, but I do have a very good imagination. When the time came for me to submit my manuscript, Last year. I was pretty confident because it had gone through about four different rounds of editing with various family and friends. Well, at the last phase of pre-publication,( if there is such a word) I inquired about the editing services. I was told that it was too late. "WHAT, TOO LATE!" Mind you, I know I inquired about the editing services in the beginning. So when the book came out, this past February,I had mixed and reserved feelings about it. I wasn't happy at all. All though I was proud to be a published author, I still wasn't impressed with my book because my intuition was telling me that something was wrong. I received 60 books with my book package and I gave them all away. Donating to various churches, after school programs,day cares, family and friends. I was even invited to read at a school and a daycare, but I still didn't feel right about my book,


my pride and joy. After I did all of my networking, I was told that I had errors in my book by a dear friend ( I appreciated that) and then it was insinuated and I was asked about the color of the characters in the book. ( I didn't like that) What difference does it make and further more; with that book I didn't think of color. So I became depressed for a month. 1. Because I had just sent those books off to people, prestigious people at that. What an idiot I was feeling. 2. I learned that most book buyers don't acknowledge self published books. 3. How can I find an editor. and 4. How can I get a book review. Well I finally found and editor from a well known publisher's website. I received her services and at no time at all I found out how many errors I had. I was EMBARRASSED. I might as well had written my book over. I was embarrassed and relieved at the same time. I immediately had those errors corrected (Like recently) and I am also making a change to one of the characters. After all of that turmoil, there was a silver lining in the sky. I received a very good book review and I added it to my back cover. All of my changes should be finished by the 3rd week in May, I hope. I am so glad that no one bought my book. For all of the people that I gave and donated books to, well, I have to go back and give them new copies. Despite all of that, I'm still on good terms with the publishing company, but I learned a valuable lesson. "GET AN EDITOR FIRST!"

JackaBee Books is a collection of my future works and everyday thoughts.

Hello,
This is my very first time on Blogspot, and I am just feeling my way around. I guess I can start out by saying that Jackabee Books stand for the collection of books that I will have over time. I only have one book published now but in time that will change.