United States :: Washington :: Spokane

ML Emails

Dichotomy6958 — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 15:13:02 +0000

This year the Spokane Region is seeing a huge influx of new members, many of whom have affiliated only in the last few days. I'll be reposting the text of the ML emails that have been sent out over the last month so that Spokane's new affiliates can see just what's been going on.

Keep in mind that some of the information in the older emails may be out of date -- for instance, we've already had our Kick-Off Party and put the Midnight Write-In behind us. I'll add the date of the original email to the list and post them oldest first, so you can easily follow the history, and Dana and I will continue to add any subsequent ML emails here so there will be no need to sift through your old emails during November to find a link we provided to you in an email.
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_________________________
Samantha
Spokane, WA - Municipal Liaison (2003-2009)
Age Group: 50-Plus - Moderator

United States :: Washington :: Spokane

Roving Write-Ins!!

Dichotomy6958 — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 22:02:18 +0000

What's a Roving Write-In? It's a fun, unique write-in location discovered and hosted by you, to find a quirky coffee shop, grocery store aisle, art gallery, bus route or campfire just perfect for writing.

A quick scan of our calendar will show that Spokane has 6 scheduled write-ins every week, each in a different part of the region. (OK, technically only 5 distinct areas of the region are represented, with the sixth being a virtual write-in, but you get my drift.) But we realize that our schedule can't always fit yours -- some of you work nights; others have days off during the week or transportation issues that don't allow you follow the write-ins around town.

One of the realities of planning local NaNoWriMo events is that your Municipal Liaisons must finalize many of the events before you folks log back onto the site. There's no chance once November starts to scout out new writing venues. With your assistance, we can use the Roving Write-In to test out new locations for next year.

So we are continuing the Roving Write-In in hopes that you can help us fill in the gaps. Below is a list of the criteria for a SpokaNaNo Write-In

You agree to attend any Write-in you post, even if there are no confirmed RSVPs (often folks will just show up, and the RSVP list rarely matches the actual attendance).

You have the permission of the management and they know what to expect. If there are any requirements for attendance, you post them here on the forum (i.e., minimum purchase required, charge for internet access, time limitations, etc.)

Feel free to provide management with the SpokaNaNo region's direct email address in case they have any questions. In an attempt to foil the spam bots trolling for valid email addresses, I won't post it here. If you don't already have the SpokaNaNo gmail address, send me or Dana (Jayce_Grae) a NaNoMail and we'll provide it to you.

A Write-In must be held in an all-ages location. Sorry, no taverns or bars that don't have a restaurant section that allows the under 21-crowd to attend.

It must be safe -- both for you and other people attending. Don't schedule a write-in at your home, or post personal information online.

If there is a limit to how many Wrimos your venue can accomodate, let us know. Disaster will ensue if there are only two tables available and 8 folks show up to write.

While it is not necessary to be have online access during a Write-in, it is essential that there are enough electrical outlets. Many of us write on laptops that have no battery life, and access to electricity is mandatory if we're going to write. If electrical the outlets are not well-distributed throughout the room, power strips and extension cords will be needed. (I carry at least one power strip in my laptop case in November, but I may not be at your write-in, so plan accordingly).

If at all possible, the location should be on or near a bus route, to accomodate those Wrimos who depend on public transportation.

Report back here after your write-in to let us know how it went. Was the room too noisy or cold? Did the coffee shop have the best cookies you've ever eaten? Were there enough outlets? light? parking? Was the staff friendly or did they make you feel like you had overstayed your welcome?

If at all possible Dana and I will attend, but unless you schedule it for a Wednesday evening, we'll already be hosting a write-in from a different location. We need as much input as possible for potential write-in sites for next year.

If you want your Write-In to be added to the official calendar (which includes qualifying for SpokaNaNo loot that Dana & I will have for you at each scheduled write-in), you'll need to schedule it for a Wednesday evening so one of your official Municipal Liaisons is able to attend (that's Dana (Jayce_Grae) and/or me, Samantha (Dichotomy6958).

Dana or I will post one Wednesday Roving Write-In to the SpokaNaNo Calendar Sunday afternoon for the upcoming Wednesday. If there is more than one contender, extra points will be given to creativity and unique venues. Perhaps you know someone who knows someone who can get us into an art gallery, a radio station, the roof of the Paulsen Building, a museum ... Of course the perfect place might well be your neighborhood cafe or a classroom at your (or your child's) school we can use after hours.

To get things started, could those of you who have already posted possible writing events in other threads repost them here so all the information on alternate write-in locations are in one place?

Thanks,
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_________________________
Samantha
Spokane, WA - Municipal Liaison (2003-2009)
Age Group: 50-Plus - Moderator

United States :: Washington :: Spokane

Local Dares Thread

Roselyn — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 23:53:30 +0000

I like all the dare threads around the site, but I thought we deserved one of our own, so...here we are. :)

The following dare is inspired by the fact that I had to sign some paperwork this morning and the only pen I had was my faithful Fish Pen.

+A character finds a pen shaped like a fish and carved out of wood.
++ If the character uses the pen somewhere in the story.
++ If the character signs an important document with the pen!

Do you have any dares that might have a local flair? Bonus points if you include them when your story isn't based around here!!
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United States :: Washington :: Spokane

SpokaNaNo Chat room (Virtual Write-In)

Jayce_Grae — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 03:05:42 +0000

Yes, we have a chat room again!

Feel free to drop in and say hello if we are there, or leave us a nicely worded message if not. The link is posted in the regional header, but you will need to send either Samantha or me a NaNoMail (PM for you savy users) to get the password. We're keeping it semi-private so those sneaky Bellingham Wrimos can't see our nefarious plans for beating their wordcount! Muahahaha..... *cough* er, well, yes. You can find the link by clicking the "Regional Info" tab in the Header (the area our calendar is listed) and looking under "Links", or you can click here: http://bit.ly/45hxVc.

Please remember to register/sign in using your NaNo name so we know who you are. For those of you who haven't used this chat room before, you will need to register with the site first, creating your own password and then sign in to the chat room with the password we give you. Our password is for the chat room only. Once you have registered for the site, a temporary password will be emailed to you. You will need this temporary password to log back in the second time. I recommend checking the box that says "remember me" or "keep me logged in" or something similar.

As always, if you have problems or questions please ask. We'll do our best to give you the right answer. =)

See you around!

EDIT: For those of you who received your writer wallets at the Kick-Off party, you will need to add a 09 (zero nine) at the end of the password printed under the Virtual Write-In info. Sorry for the misprint!
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Dana
"This is a lot more fun when they're not shooting back!"
Spokane, WA - Municipal Liaison

United States :: Washington :: Spokane

What's distracting you?

Taube — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 08:01:17 +0000

I admit up front that I started this topic because I wanted to tell a story.

So, what's distracting you right now? Kids, pets, great TV show, phone calls, work, homework, etc.? (Note: 'the forums' is a given if you're reading this!) Funny story? Want to complain? Share below.

So here's the story that was the inspiration for this oh-so-important thread. I mentioned this in the chat a few minutes ago, before it became hilarious, but I'm on the couch at home and my puppy was sitting in my lap and playing with a toy. Let me introduce you more thoroughly to my pup: she's almost six months old and is named Pooka (Irish "mischievious sprite"). She's a mix between a poodle and a soft-coated Wheaton terrier that apparently goes by the amusing name of 'Woodle." Here's a pic if you're interested. Pic is about four months old, so she's three times as large and a lot floofier now. Yeah, she's adorable and yeah I'm showing her off.

So, she was chewing on a toy and I was trying to reach around her to my laptop on a side table and all was good with the world, if not with my typing speed. Then she started drifting off to sleep and wiggling around, and then BAM she rolled off onto the floor. She was pretty startled but not hurt, but I was badly distracted by needing to point and laugh at her for the next several minutes. Just when I got settled back into my writing, she indicated she wanted to go out. Sigh . . . shuffle shuffle . . . brr, cold outside now . . . shuffle shuffle . . . back to writing. Oh wait, I'm still cold . . . need a blanket. Oh hey, Pooka went into the kitchen and made a crashing noise - I should probably go check that out.

And now that she finally passed out on the floor and I'm free to get back to my novel? Naturally, I feel compelled to share this on the forum.

Happy writing and good luck staying focused!

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United States :: Washington :: Spokane

The Race is On

Dichotomy6958 — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 16:30:22 +0000

I usually only start posting the Spokane standings late in the month, but as we're heading into the dreaded Week 2, I thought that a little friendly competition might keep the words flowing.

I'll try to re-sort the list on a daily basis, so you know how you're measuring up against your fellow Spokane authors. Don't see your name on the list? That's either because

you have not set Spokane as your home region yet (if that's the case, check your NaNoMail, you'll have a message explaining how to do that from either Dana or me waiting for you); or
you've only recently started posting your word count and my records haven't yet caught up.

Keep in mind that this list doesn't automatically re-sort. It should show the correct word count, but I have to manually sort the order, and that's only going to happen once a day, as I update my statistics.

This year, instead of adding a new post to the thread each day, I'll just edit this beginning post. You can post in the thread to brag about your standing, challenge the person below you to catch you, or warn the person two places ahead that you're coming after their spot.

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_________________________
Samantha
Spokane, WA - Municipal Liaison (2003-2009)
Age Group: 50-Plus - Moderator

United States :: Washington :: Spokane

How's it Going?

truly.brave — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:07:04 +0000

Just checking in to see how everyone is doing on this the second day of the Nano challenge.

Since I am continuing a series of novels, I was concerned when I didn't have time to finish reading the first three all the way through before I started writing yesterday.

Would I blow it on the first day or would I do okay?

I am pleased to report that my characters were waiting for me and a few new ones have dropped in as well.

It was awesome!

So, I've reached the 5,800 word mark after my writing this morning but still need to go back and pick up some of the pieces of the previous story lines.

I did discover that in last year's novel I had integrated a band called "The Gypsies and Book Bandits", so i think they'll have to make a return to the circuit in this book.

Best of luck to the rest of my fellow writers.

May the muse be with you.
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United States :: Washington :: Spokane

The Traveling Muse

Jayce_Grae — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 18:28:03 +0000

Where the Muse goes, words follow.

One day Melete decided she needed more practice inspiring her writer, so she went exploring in search of ideas. She wandered into a truck stop on Broadway around midnight and found a small bit of inspiration in the back corner of the attached diner.

"There are so many writers here! Some working by hand, others by laptop. The sound of that fryer alarm is kinda annoying. And what's this? Pirates! Help, help! We're being invaded by Pirates! Huh? Oh. Well maybe if they stay in their corner. Who's Sharon and why does that burly pirate want her so badly?"

All this and more Melete thought as she explored that corner into the wee hours of the morning. Finally, the pirates' increasingly loud and boistrous conversations sent her scampering out the door in search of a quieter place.

Later that day she discovered a new coffee shop and being hungry, stopped in for lunch. The entrance was a tight fit, but like a gourd, it opened out beautifully into a room filled with empty tables and comfy velvet chairs. There were only a few people writing when Melete arrived, but as the afternoon wore on, the room filled up.

"How exciting! Look at all these Muses! Mmm, this tea is heavenly. Ooo, her soup smells wonderful! All these great things for inspiration. Grae has to come here more often. And look, if I sit right here, just so, on this chair I can see the entire cafe and look out the windows too! The music's not too loud, but it is kinda old. Hmm, the writers seem to be having issues with a few of the outlets. Everyone is so happy and cheerful here. What a great, warm place to write cozies. And look! New Muses being discovered too!"

Melete stayed watching the people for several hours and then slipped out once they left. She took a Dagoba chocolate with her to entice her writer into coming back.
_____________
Melet's writer, Jayce_Grae, encourages other writers to share their Muses' adverntures here. PIctures are welcome (under 500 pixels please), as are links to Muse inspired blogs. Melete adds, "My writer needs all the help she can get!"

{{Bonus kudos if you can work the decription of your muse into the narrative/blog/etc.}}
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Dana
"This is a lot more fun when they're not shooting back!"
Spokane, WA - Municipal Liaison

United States :: Washington :: Spokane

Regional Challenges? YES!

Ami — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 18:36:32 +0000

So, who did we challenge this year? I am not seeing any sign of our annual Spokane vs. Bellingham tradition, or any challenges at all, actually. Though, I wasn't around much last year, so maybe I am just behind the times, and we've since settled our scores? ;D

On a related-unrelated note, I just broke 1,000 k and am feeling pretty awesome.

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United States :: Washington :: Spokane

Traditions/Rituals etc...

sunlit x tides — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 03:39:06 +0000

Hey there. So I'm watching Slither with my best friend but I've got NaNo on the brain! Ah! Less than four hours. Anyway, back to the topic. I was just wondering what some of your traditions, rituals and whatever else you guys do before, after, during NaNo.

For myself, I listen to songs to help me get ideas for my story.
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“A dream is your creative vision for your life in the future. You must break out of your current comfort zone and become comfortable with the unfamiliar and the unknown.”---Denis Waitley

United States :: Washington :: Spokane

Library

Kat.M.Stillwell — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 19:46:36 +0000

So, I'm at the library right now, will be here for some time. I am currently on the computer but when I get off I will be sitting near the windows (the wall of windows) on the first floor. Come hang out with me!
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United States :: Washington :: Spokane

Sign In -- Introductions

Jayce_Grae — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 22:27:38 +0000

Welcome to NaNoWriMo 2009! Whether you're a new participant, a returning Spokane region author or a visitor from afar, please take a moment and introduce yourself here. Don't be shy, we've asked this of you before. =)

Share as much or as little as you like: How many times have you done NaNo? How many wins do you have under your belt? Do you know what you'll be writing yet, or are you winging it? What genre are you attempting this year? If you're visiting, what brings you to the Spokane lounge? If you're local, what part of town (or zipcode) do you live/work in? What's the biggest hurdle you must overcome to complete NaNo? Your proudest NaNo moment is - ? How did you find us? What's the real meaning behind your username?

Here's me:

My name is Dana and I'm one of your Municipal Liasons this year. I'm a middle-aged mother of three, living in Cheney. I've participated in NaNo for four years now, but since I'm middle-aged don't ask me to try and remember how I discovered it. j/k. Two of my children also participate, although not to the extent I'd like them to.

I am totally winging it this year - that seems to be my modus operendum. Don't fix what ain't broken, right? =) Usually I attempt some form of mystery or paranormal. I think I'll just close my eyes and pick one at random this year. Of course, that may kick me in the rear later on, but we'll go with it for now.

My biggest hurdle is making decisions - no, it's getting through the middle of the story - no, it's procrastinating - no, it's.... you see my dilema? My proudest moment? Helping a despondant Wrimo accomplish his goal last year - Yay!!

I really look forward to meeting most of you - either here, the chat room (it's coming soon, honest!) or in person at a write-in. Samantha is ultra busy with work, but I know she'll be around sometime.

Now it's your turn! =)

Oh - and my username? It's a very old RPG character of mine who's been hanging around since my teen years. She can be a pest sometimes.
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Dana
"This is a lot more fun when they're not shooting back!"
Spokane, WA - Municipal Liaison

United States :: Washington :: Spokane

Clarification of terminology

ancorder — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 04:42:32 +0000

Okay, so there are barely two hours left before the fun begins. I'm loaded up with extra candy because I got zero trick-or-treaters this year. I've been procrastinating all day by looking forward to procrastinating once midnight hits. I have no plot. No problem.

But I do have a question. What's a novel? The NaNo site defines it as a "lengthy work of fiction" and that if I consider my work a novel, so do they. But I'm really interested in the idea of interconnect stories. I'm not talking about a short story collection, but connected pieces that end up functioning like a novel. And yes, this is different from chapters. So if I write 50,000 words of connected stories with a scope that's larger than any of the individual pieces, am I writing a novel?

Would anybody consider this cheating? I have done NaNo twice before (2/2 wins!), and did novels both times. Part of the reason I want to do connected stories this year is because I haven't actually finished either of the two novels, and I'd like to have some complete work at the end of the month. Plus I've been reading people like Stu Dybek and loving how those pieces intertwine and create the effect of a world like a novel does. (Okay, and honestly, I'm working on my creative writing thesis, and if one or two of the NaNo stories ended up being used for that, I'd feel a lot less bad when my advisor yells at me when he finds out I'm doing NaNo.)

So, again, if anybody finds the idea of connected stories distasteful then I'll just do a novel. I've got a character who is screaming for that kind of attention anyway.

Cheers.
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Keeper of Roman

United States :: Washington :: Spokane

Pop Culture Reference to NaNoWriMo

MrBr00ks — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 23:28:32 +0000

http://www.pvponline.com/2009/11/02/write-fight/

I think this is cool, and he gives credit by adding a side note and an official link.
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United States :: Washington :: Spokane

Wednesday Write-ins?

Kat.M.Stillwell — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 19:58:24 +0000

I heard something about there being a different location for Wednesday Write-ins every week. I don't see anything about today. Anything planned even or does no one know? If there is nothing planned I propose the Downtown library. I'm here right now and will be here for several hours. I might even stay until they close. Really up my word count (seeing as I haven't written *anything* yet today). So yeah...
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United States :: Washington :: Spokane

Your playlist

sunlit x tides — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 19:46:31 +0000

Hello there. So whats on your iPod, iTunes, MP3 or other music players that you use to write to? I'm trying to find some upbeat and fun music to write to. I have a lot but I'm looking for more.
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“A dream is your creative vision for your life in the future. You must break out of your current comfort zone and become comfortable with the unfamiliar and the unknown.”---Denis Waitley

United States :: Washington :: Spokane

ROAMING WRITER

Tunguska — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 08:07:10 +0000

Not to be confused with the roving write in - but fairly similar - its a concept I came up with a couple of years ago when I was simply trying to find places with plug-ins to quietly get my word count up and started stuffing my computer into a pink rolly bag that has sort of become my Nanowrimo on the go kit.

Starting to think up some personal lists of places to appear so this is my new topic.

Tunguska
Author-at-large

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SWIMMING TO COLORADO 2008
INCOHERENT FEET 2007 (won)
MORONIC HANDS 2006 (won)
RUDE HAIR 2005 (won)

United States :: Washington :: Spokane

Any problems so far?

AC Violeteye — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 20:15:42 +0000

I decided to change stories today, after about a week of dithering.

Anyone else around here running into difficulties with your story, nitpicky plot stuff, or anything else?
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2006: Wearing the Green and Gold
2007: Sousa: A Tale of Blood, Sweat, and Caffeine
2008: Canfyre
2009: Canfyre #2 (working title)

United States :: Washington :: Spokane

TGIO Party - RSVP =)

Jayce_Grae — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 18:34:47 +0000

Yes, I know it is a bit early to start asking for RSVPs for our TGIO Party, but we're doing it anyway. =)

This year's celebration is a bit different. We're having it at a restaurant! No cooking for you, no cleaning for us, and something for the youngest kids to do, too!

Where: Savage Lands Pizza, Spokane Valley (see the calendar for a map)
When: Saturday, Dec 5th, from 2:30 - 4:30pm
(The calendar in the wallets says Dec 6th, but we had to make a change. So sorry!)

Important Notes:

We'll be in a separate party room with tables and booths available.
The Playland area should be available for the kids, but no guarantees.
Please order your food first and then come sit with us! (Thus the 2pm calendar time). Separate tickets are encouraged. Menu items include Pizza, Salad, Burgers, Sandwiches, Sodas, Alcohol and more!

We're excited about being able to support a local family establishment while celebrating your accomplishments! Whether you've written 50,000 or 500 words you are amazing, so come out!

Please do RSVP since the room is only so big. If everyone in the region comes, we'll need to make arrangements to take over the eatery! That would be great btw. =)

See you there!

Samantha & Dana

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Dana
"This is a lot more fun when they're not shooting back!"
Spokane, WA - Municipal Liaison

United States :: Washington :: Spokane

Eep!! Venue Change for 11/1 Write-In

Dichotomy6958 — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 16:44:23 +0000

I learned last night at our midnight write in that the Empyrean won't be open today until after our write-in is scheduled to start (or maybe at all). I sent out a regional email in the wee hours of the morning, but so far, the NaNo servers haven't yet delivered my copy of that message, so I'm not sure if anyone other than the folks at the truck stop last night are aware of our change of location this afternoon.

For today only, we're moving our Sunday Write-In to Social Coffee on Indiana.

Sunday, 11/1 - 12:30 pm - 3:00 pm

Coffee Social
113 W Indiana Ave
Spokane, WA 99205-4828

I'll swing by the Empyrean and post a notice on their door on my way to Coffee Social, but hopefully everyone will see this message and/or the NaNo Servers will deliver the message I sent out in the middle of the night.

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_________________________
Samantha
Spokane, WA - Municipal Liaison (2003-2009)
Age Group: 50-Plus - Moderator

United States :: Washington :: Spokane

Fundraising Team

Ami — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 23:28:50 +0000

Hey everyone, are we going to start a fundraising team this year? The OLL has a nifty function where you can set up a sponsorship team, so each member has their own page that can be donated to, as well as the team total.

Especially with the economy the way it is, I'm sure the OLL could use a little bit more effort this year from all of us to get the funds flowing.

Apparently, it takes $10 just to run the servers for three hours! Crazy.
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United States :: Washington :: Spokane

Midnight Write-In

MrBr00ks — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 17:51:57 +0000

Any ideas when this is? I have one, but there might be a chance of getting kicked out, heh. There are study rooms that are always open off the entrance to the Foley Center on Gonzaga campus, and they are pretty big with internet access. I have been in there several times past midnight and no one has said anything, or even come by to check out the room. That is just one idea. Other than that, I might be at the Perkins down town, by Fast Eddies if there are no plans. Also, I would like the pw to the chatroom, thankyou.
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United States :: Washington :: Spokane

Halo Goodness

MrBr00ks — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 15:31:12 +0000

Yes, I donated for the first time. Yea! That is all, lol.
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United States :: Washington :: Spokane

Favorite Quotes from books?

MrBr00ks — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 19:48:46 +0000

Ok, to pass time while waiting for the kick off party and midnight write-in: Favorite Quotes from books?

Here is one of mine in a book I just finished:

No one ever does live happily ever after, but we leave the children to find that out for themselves.

STEPHEN KING, Wolves of the Calla (Dark Tower V)

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United States :: Washington :: Spokane

Recipe List!

Roselyn — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 15:44:59 +0000

Hey, we talked about doing a recipe sharing thing, so I figured I'd start it out... I want to hear from everyone though! Especially whoever made that hummus....it was amazing!

Here are my cookies:

Ingredients:

2 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 cup butter (I use Brummel and Brown Yogurt Spread)
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 cup Sugar (Use the real stuff! Tastes really bad with fake sugar for some reason)
2 large eggs
6 oz chocolate chips
Large bag of organic caramels (can be found a Huckleberries)

Directions:
Preheat oven to 375.
Mix the dry ingredients together in one bowl.
In another bowl, mix the butter and sugars until fluffed. Beat in the eggs one at a time.
Then gradually add the dry ingredients, beating fully.
Stir in chocolate until just mixed. Don't over mix!
Drop tablespoons of dough about 2 inches apart onto non-stick baking sheets.
Take the caramels and cut them to fit your dough. Usually 1/2 a caramel works if you get them at Huckleberries.
Tuck the caramel inside the dough, being careful that it isn't touching the bottom of the baking sheet. (It might burn)
Bake 10 to 12 minutes, or until lightly golden.
Cool cookies on baking sheets until firm.
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