riddle answer

Here's the answer to the Wordless Wednesday riddle, if you're curious: "Jeff is under the weather."

funny face

mismatch

Last night was "mismatched night" for our church's Pioneer Club. Zachary (right) had to put some thought into his outfit, but for Dylan, it came pretty natural! (And, if you're wondering, yes, I had their permission to post this photo!)

Wordless Wednesday riddle

"manure" in a cover letter?

I found an employment ad today that really caught my attention. (Sorry to those of you I see on Facebook... this will be a re-run!) The ad read:

“Farm and Dairy is seeking a full-time reporter to join its award-winning news team. We are looking for a wordsmith ready to tell the stories of the region's farm and rural communities. Responsibilities include some copy editing and photography. At least one year of experience preferred; must have journalism or related degree. Basic knowledge of AP style and agriculture required.”

I would love to write for a living. I love rural America and rural Americans. I think this would be a great job.

The problem, though, is that I am not exactly qualified. I have two degrees, but neither of them are even remotely related to journalism. My only year of experience is a year of blogging. I really don't know AP style. My agricultural knowledge stops at the edges of my backyard garden. But, if I have a knack for writing (and some say I do), I can learn all the rest, right?

I knew I couldn't really come up with a resume that would get me in the door for this one. I sent samples of my writing, but what good is that if I can't get the editor beyond the resume? So, I knew it was a long shot, but I would need to put all my creative writing skills into crafting a bold, attention-getting cover letter. That is my only hope on this one... and what do I have to lose?

Although I seriously hope for an interview, I will likely not get one. I had fun with the challenge of trying, though. Following is the body of the cover letter I sent to the editor of Farm and Dairy:

"Wordsmith. You seek one; I aspire to the title. I write, because they read. I have an eye for photography. I open my car windows for the smell of manure. If you’re willing to look slightly out of the box, I could be your next reporter.

I hold a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in a field unrelated to journalism. I possess strong human relations and communication skills, both written and verbal. I am a conscientious, accurate, and detail-oriented person, and I learn very quickly in a hands-on environment.

Having informally written as a sporadic hobby for many years, blogging has recently become my outlet for more regular writing. I have kept a personal blog of stories and memoirs for the past year, averaging 2-3 entries per week and 25-30 hits per day. Although not available to search engines, this blog has developed an international following. The attached samples are self-published blog entries.

Although I may not exactly fit the specified qualifications, if given an opportunity, I am confident that I can quickly learn what is necessary to excel as a reporter for Farm and Dairy. Anyone can obtain credentials. Not everyone has a passion for words, creativity and a good story. Which is the most important? Before you reach for the resume that is better credentialed than mine, let me leave you this: How many cover letters did you receive that tactfully (and truthfully) used the word “manure"... twice?"

good week for adoption

This past week was an exciting one for adoption. Within my sphere of friends, two children and two families took one step closer to becoming forever united. My friend Bonita and her husband had their homestudy for an adoption through the State of Georgia foster system, and my blogger friend Tami and her family were matched with their daughter in China, who is a miraculous answer to prayer.

Dora skateboards to church

A couple of Jen's aunts went together and bought Lily a Dora dollhouse and some accessories as a combined Christmas/Birthday gift. We didn't get to see them over the holidays, but this weekend Jen went to a retreat with her aunt, who sent presents home for the kids.

This morning, I stayed home from church with Ben and Lily. She was playing with the new Dora set and I had to share a couple of funny stories.

First, the set includes this coffee table. However, one of the hazards of living in a house full of brothers is that Lily vehemently insisted that it was not Dora's coffee table...

Nope, it's Dora's skateboard!

Lastly, the house came with a sofa, but one of the accessory packs also had a sofa. She set both sofas in rows and told me Dora, Monkey (a.k.a. Boots), and Bear were going to church. She sat on the floor in front of them and taught a lesson (most of which I didn't understand) and sang some songs, including her favorite "B-I-E" (her version of "the B-I-B-L-E").