It's June!

The 2007 Arkansas Writers Conference is history. I had a great time, didn't win any contests, sold a couple copies of "Handfast," and won a door prize. More than that, saw old friends and met new ones. Copies of the chapbook (pamphlet format) can be ordered from me and paid for via PayPal [to emma@ emmakeigh.com]. It's $5 (US), shipping included. Just e-mail me with your mailing address and I'll send it out as soon as PayPal tells me you've paid.

I have to congratulate Jennifer DiCamillo (aka Carys Weldon) on placing in several of the contests. It was great to meet her husband, Tony, too.

Spent the remainder of Saturday night with the Little Rock Science Fiction group (LRSFS) celebrating the 30th anniversary of Star Wars with a viewing of the original version of the movie. We also watched a great short, Revenge of the Brick, all done with animated Lego parts.

The Spring issue of Shadow Sacrament is live, and my story, "Ephanie's Story" (I know, I'm terrible at titles), is featured. I've also had news from Sybaritic Press that Slash & Burn will be coming out sometime this summer (crossing fingers and toes).

Be sure to keep up with Valerie Mingus Beck's blog on her fight against breast cancer. If you haven't been reading it, start at the beginning and read the entire story. It's one of the most inspiring stories I've ever been priviledged to read.

Surviving Breast Cancer

I just read through nearly a year's worth of blog entries from my friend, Valerie Mingus Beck, and her husband about Valerie's breast cancer fight. Valerie is 35 years old, and was the little sister of my flower girl (my 33rd anniversary is coming up), and she was the inspiration for my cutting my hair for the first time in 40 years last summer.

This is one of the most inspiring stories I've ever read (and so far has a happy ending!), and I encourage everyone to start at the beginning and read all the entries in order. It's all the more beautiful a story knowing that it's true and is happening to someone I love like a sister.

And last but not least, if you haven't had a mammogram, get one. Keep getting them. Breast cancer is not limited to older women (it's not even limited to women to be honest). Ask your doctor how frequently you should be screened. If you don't have insurance, there's probably a group that will provide cost-free screenings. DO IT.

Self exams every month are important too, but a mammogram can find tumors much sooner.

Next time we'll get back to our usual irreverent ramblings.....