Happy Independence Day to all yous in America!
We're celebrating here at the homestead too: also with independence on our minds. Today is Queen Teen's 19th birthday. Happy Birthday! It's her first birthday as a non-student and a let-loose-on-the-world adult. This time next year, she won't be a Queen Teen anymore, at all.
So, what will she be?
That's what we'll all be wondering as we pass the fudge cake and champagne later this afternoon. She's got no job lined up (the economy and all) and plans for university are on hold while she sizes up this moment: no commitments right now, no binding ties, and a good handful of cash to start her on her way thanks to my
Er, well, probably not that last one. But I do hope that if she goes away, she comes back soon, and with someone nice. Yes, I admit it, I'm in the market for a nice son-in-law, someone who will treat her like a princess and fix my car on occasion and tell me my cooking's the best he's ever had. I'm rather bummed that Kay's wonderful son is taken already (congratulations Sarah!), and I'm trying to remember how old is Peggy's sweetheart of a youngest son ... but hey, Mr. Know-it-all's got a handsome fellow at home too. Not sure of his age either, but he can fish, and that skill's handy. Granny Sue, surely you must have an unattached son or grandson or nephew close by? I'd like to keep her close to home now that she's able to leave it if she wants to, even if it's the summer home she chooses.
If she reads this, she's going to kill me now. So, moving rapidly along now, for the day that's in it:
American Girl accepts nonfiction only, and judging by what I had to go through to find their guidelines on their site at all, they're not exactly begging for our submissions. The magazine is aimed at girls (one presumes American girls) aged 8 and up, and offers a variety of departments including cooking and real-life profiles. Send your submission by mail to the address at the bottom of their guidelines page (get out) and please wait 12 weeks for a reply. They also publish books; guidelines are on the same page. No mention of payment, but my sources tell me (*ahem*) it's professional range.
The North American Review is the oldest literary magazine in America, looking for quality writing in many forms, and pays accordingly. They receive an amazing 10,000 submissions each year, so make sure yours stands out. Their Kurt Vonnegut Fiction Prize offers $1000 top prize and requires a reading fee; the page hasn't been updated from 2008 yet but it does say "annual", so...
The American Scholar, "is published quarterly for the general reader by the Phi Beta Kappa Society...considers nonfiction by known and unknown writers; unsolicited fiction and poetry are not encouraged." Well, hey, that's not a complete no, right? But if you prefer writing articles, or are PBK, or intrepid as all-git-out, or just willing to risk a rejection letter for a chance at (wow, is this right??) up to $500 per accepted submission?....well, go for it.
Johnny America doesn't pay for contributions but I couldn't help including it partly because of the name (I am so going to call a future pet "Johnny America" now). Other reasons? One, it's a humour magazine, and the world needs more of that. Two, the submission guidelines begin with the sentence "Johnny America is a large rabbit who lives in a bungalow on the Moon between two rivers of wine (one red, one white)"... and then it just gets better, especially when they get around to describing their editorial process involving Richard the Intern and the lazy editor who hopes for explosions. GO READ IT! This is the publication of the Moon Rabbit Drinking Club & Benevolence Society. Oh good Lord. Where has it been all my life?
Pax Americana made the list by virtue of its Latin name (because Latin is cool) and its desire for the irreverent. Their non-mention of payment on the submission page (implying that they don't pay of course) is made a bit eyebrow-raising-worthy by their request for donations. Heeey... maybe I should try doing that? All forms of poetry and prose are welcome if you'd like to try them out.
Have a safe and joyful weekend, everyone, no matter where you are.
24 comments: join in!:
Happy birthday to your daughter, Susan. I'm not sure if she realizes this, but she's got the whole world and her whole life still ahead of her. I envy that stage in life where all your options are still open. The older you get, the more you look back on your life wishing or wondering what would or would have happened had you done this or that ...
My wish for her is that she finds happiness and contentment, in everything she does in life, wherever she may go. And most of all-and I think this is the key- that she recognizes and acknowledges happiness in every single little thing that comes her way, every minute of the day. Sometimes we pursue so much that we are blind as to how lucky we really are.
PS: that Bayley's fudge cake ( I read about it somewhere, but I can't seem to find it in this post, hmm) anyway, that cake appeals to me, do you buy that at the local baker's or do you bake it yourself? COZ if you do, I want the recipe!! I'm drooling all over my keyboard!! I did not dream that, did I ??
Jientje, I love your comment; it's almost exactly the same advice I gave her a few days ago. I didn't want her to be down about the end of school days or being out of work, and I pointed out that the world is full of people absolutely desperate for such freedom as she's got right now...and that this freedom may never come again. We talked about all kinds of things, like traveling or studying somewhere else than her first choice or what kind of work she'd like to do, no matter where in the world it is or whether or not it's paid. Anything's possible right now; that's an amazing feeling.
I will absolutely pass the bailey's fudge cake recipe on--running out of time now as we clean out the car and refrigerator etc., but it would make a good post for one of the next few days!
Happy Birthday to your Queen Teen and congrats Mom on being brave and telling her all the world has to offer!
Although I wouldn't want to be that age again [I wouldn't want to repeat anything I've done, thanks] I do remember the joy of truly believing anything is possible if you just try.
Okay, so I still believe. :)
Safe passage...to America and through "the next step" of your daughter's life.
Susan, Now I'm not trying, well maybe just a bit, to butt in But, I happen to have a Tall, Dark, Handsome,Kind, & Smart, grandson in the US Navy, stationed in Pensacola... Did I mention that he was Handsome, yes, well he is, but the more important thing is he has a warm heart.
Many Happy Returns to your daughter!
Thanks Hope! I really am trying not to let on how scary this stage of her life is for *me*! I do want her to be able to look back from her 40th or 80th birthday and think, 'wow, what a great time I'm having': no matter what she's learned or how much money she's made or not made. I'm really curious about what she'll choose to do!
Brighid, that's not butting in AT ALL... Navy? Oh wow--gotta go check out the drive times to Pensacola LOL. (Funny, I used to live near Annapolis MD, Navy central)
Thanks Akelamalu! It's been a busy but happy day so far; we'll do a real celebration sometime next week.
Happy 4th of July and Happy Birthday to Devyn. 19 years old...didn't it go by fast? Now sorta on this point, and I told meyself, this ain't my blog, but I can't help myself. Why in the hell are you pushing for her to get a spouse already? LOL. As i read this and then remembered the email I thought...WTF? She wants her to get married already...And I don't mean in the next week or so, but that is just something I wouldn't push. She will do it on her own time as I'm sure you know. With all that being said, I wish she would go right to school. I think it's so hard to pick up and go if you take anytime off. But hey, that's her decision. She's and adult now. Your little girl is all growed up. LOL. *me is ducking from the flying objects headed for his head
Thom, I don't push her actually--love to dream about it however LOL and yes I always look for someone lovely to add to the family, but I know it's her choice.
One reason is I don't like to see her *completely* out on her own this year--just being overprotective perhaps? Yeah, I'll admit that--I love her and will worry about her.
As for school, I think in her case it's the right decision. I was finished school at 17, she's 19. Every year she was top of her class and brought home a trophy; this year she was nearly thrown out for non-attendance and her grades, well, ouch. I think she's just burned out with learning for a while, and taking it to university level might only make that worse right now. It was her decision, and I told her I'd stand by her whatever the choice was, so I will. She's aware at least of the importance of an education if not this semester, then next--you just can't get far in this world without a degree.
Okay...well that's what I thought you meant, but you know me, I just can't say it that simply. LOL. I see what you are saying about school now. That makes sense. They grow up so fast and we always want to protect them in everything no matter how old they are. You are just being that wonderful mother that I have the great honor and pleasure of knowing and scrapping with. :)
Thanks for you birthday wishes to America. I accept on behalf of all Americans. lol
Also, congrats for almost getting thru the teen years with your daughter. I know I felt it to be a tremendous accomplishment when both my girls made it out of those tumultuous years. Enjoy her today for tomorrow she may move far away. Trust me, I know.
Happy Birthday, Devyn! This year more than any other more than any other year in your life, the world really does belong to you. You have the golden opportunity. Take the time and see what life has to offer!
I was so fried after my senior year, I wish I had been given the time to unwind and assess my priorities before I was pushed into college. I ended up quitting and didn't go back until I was 31.
Aw, Thom, you've put a tear in my eye--in a good way! I'd love to reach and give you a big hug, but my arms would need to be much much much longer.
Janie, you're welcome! I was looking at her today, and just so glad and proud that she was 19 and gotten through school and seems to have her head on straight, she's fun and bright and lots of other good things---I'm very very proud of her.
Quilly, wow, I did the exact same. I was the youngest, but the first in my family to get sent away to university (at seventeen) and my father died of cancer halfway through. I couldn't cope with anything after that, and dropped out. Going back later is the hardest thing, and dang, you have to pay for it yourself! LOL Of course it's worth it afterwards, but yes looking back I can see that a year off to breathe, and grow up a little, that might have been exactly what I needed to do.
Live and learn! Too bad you can't have a second go at it, after all that hard-earned wisdom! ROFL
Happy birthday Queen Teen, enjoy your last year as a teenager, it will fly! It's tough making the decision on what to do, even if the plan has gone awry, it's so young to make such big decisions. Travel's great but it's a heart wrench Suze, you'll remember my whining and heartbreak when Clare left but she's come back (without a man unfortunately) Where are all the good men?
Actually, I know a 21 year old in Cavan but he's so damn shy and would really love a girlf! Although he plans to emigrate when he's finished Uni next year so . .perhaps not an appropriate suitor!
Oh and regarding your comment about you can't get far without a degree, I have to disagree. I'm the only one with a degree in my family and earning less and a good deal unhappier than all of them. My brothers are tradies, that's where the money is. Perhaps an apprenticeship?
Happy Birthday to your Daughter, Susan. Best wishes for her to have a great day!
Happy Birthday to your daughter.
When I was her age I traveled the world and enjoyed myself and ultimately decided Ireland was the center of the universe. Thank God I followed my bliss (as my Buddhist teacher calls it). May she do the same. God bless.
Happy Birthday to your Queen Teen. Isn't it a weird feeling to think they're soon to no longer be a teen but a grown-up? It rather freaked me out when my kids passed the 30 mark. How did that happen? I still think of them as kids.
All the Irish guys I know are fabulous including my half Irish nephews. Therefore you must have a billion of them walking around searching for that gorgeous daughter of yours.... and I'll bet they're all good mechanics, too.
Looking forward to the recipe. Take your time Susan!
Hi! We had surprise visitors this weekend and I haven't been much online. Happy birthday to Dev; I have been a very absent godmother, I know. So sorry. At any rate, it'll be good to see you soon. Let me know your plans and if there is anything that I can do.
Baino, a shy Cavan man sounds perfectly lovely--welcome to come hang out with us anytime he likes anyhow, being close by. My uncles and cousins are all self-employed builder types and very well-off from it, but that's not a direction my girl can go in I'm afraid; we did talk about striking out that way (my father was a gifted mechanic) but no. And otherwise, her choices really would be restricted from not having that degree.
Thanks Les! It's a great day for a birthday, especially when planning an American holiday!
Sandy, hey: 'follow your bliss' I will absolutely pass that on. Thanks!
Kay, isn't that true? I was saying to Thom that I still think of her as five, no matter how tall she gets; it's hard to let go. Thank you for the lovely words on Irish boys... haven't found the right one yet however!
Hi Elizabeth! E-mail on the way...
Happy Birthday to Devyn you take the time you need to decide what you want out of life.
I got another picture up posted on the blog, no prize for winning but honorable mention to the one who comes close.
Answer tonight when I get back home.
Happy birthday to your daughter. If she is like mine she will surprise you and do something not on the agenda.
I bet it was a great day at your place! Hope it's a grand year ahead for that daughter. :-) ♥
Hey, I do have an unmarried son or two...but your girl might be looking for more adventure before she considers finding a mate, ya know. Which of course is what makes a mother's hair turn gray..er.
Gotta check out Jonny America. Too strange!
Thanks Bill! We're on our way to the airport now (just last-minute-checking the flight status) but I hope to get time to check out the picture. If I don't make it you know I'll see you next time!
Thanks Dr. John! I'm trying to think of everything she *might* do... Peace Corps? McDonald's? but yes, she's the surprising type, so I'm holding on to my hat...
Thanks Mimi! Along as she comes through it safely LOL I hope she has a wonderful time too.
Susanna, I am learning that grey hair thing too well, oh no... but still, would love to see her have these adventures with someone wonderful. She'd be rolling her eyes if I was *saying* this not typing, but oh well... a mother can wish and dream anyhow!
;-)
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