New Blog...

I just wanted to post on this blog access to my new blog. In addition to this blog, I will be using www.scburton.blogspot.com. The new blog is intended for promoting my published work.

Why I Write...

One of the things I needed to submit with my contracts is a blog post for the Owl Wise Publishing Blog on what inspired me to write. I thought that I would share it here on my own blog as well.

Hello Everyone,

My name is S.C. Burton and I am excited to finally be having some of my work shared with others. It has been a dream of mine to be able to connect with someone through my words.

I began writing at a very young age. My school was holding a reflections contest and the theme was “Wouldn’t it be great if…” My teacher required that the entire class submit something to this contest. So, being the studious child that I was, I was determined to write the best piece and get a good grade. What seemed to be a struggle for other students was coming with ease for me. The words flowed onto the paper and soon I had a story titled, “Wouldn’t it be great if we ate dinner in the bathtub”. Needless to say, I won first place and have been writing ever since.

My writing style has slowly developed and changed as I have grown older. The words have taken on a new meaning by becoming my way of escaping to a different world; leaving behind any struggles. I enjoy taking the experiences I have in my life and twisting them to be something new. Often within my writing you will see a speck of who I am as a person--through the eyes of one of the characters, the setting, or what they saying.

While I began writing to get good marks in school; I continue to write in the hopes of sharing my passion for words. To show the world that words can be whatever you want them to be. Whether they are used as a place to escape from your daily pains, a way to connect with someone else, or simply a way to express how you are feeling; words are powerful.

As a side-note: I am truly blessed to be given this opportunity. As someone who wrote for my own benefits; I am excited for the possibility of encouraging someone else. My first short story should be released to Amazon in a few weeks and I will be going by the pseudonym S.C. Burton

Dreams Do Come True....

I took a leap of faith and believed in my work--I sent two of my short stories to a publishing company. Today, my childhood dream of becoming a published author is coming true.

My friend Stephanie Campbell, who I met while working at Weber's Alumni Call Center, is an amazing author who has several books published. While working with her we would often discuss our ambitions of being published authors. She started working for Owl Wise Publishing and thought of me. Through Facebook, Stephanie, asked me to send her my work. Within a short three days, I am signing a contract and in a few weeks my short stories will be available on Amazon.

This is all too surreal right now, but I am extremely excited for the new possibilities.

Life's Little Adventures....

Several months ago I posted about my weight. Discussing how I have struggled with my weight my entire life. Anyways, I made a goal in that previous post to lose 30 pounds by December 31, 2011. I mentioned in a later post that I didn't meet my goal fully as I had hoped for, but I came extremely close to it. I started in February 2011 and on January 4, 2012 I had lost a total of 26.2 pounds.I wanted to keep up with my updates; it seems to be the only thing motivating me really. I guess the idea of being accountable to whoever reads my blogs is a good start! I haven't been working as hard as I should be on the weight loss endeavor. However, as of June 13, 2012 I have lost an additional 9.2 pounds. Which brings me to a total of 35.4 pounds!!!

I know it doesn't seem like a whole lot and I am struggling to see where I have lost the weight--I do notice a little in my face, but I am happy with the numbers I am seeing! It is a difficult process. I am trying to find the motivation, but it is hard to stay focused. I keep reminding myself to take baby steps and I will see the progress.

I wanted to publicly post my new goal. I want to lose an additional 40 pounds by my graduation which is April 2013.

Here is to hoping to lose some more weight!

A Much Needed Vacation....

I have been dreaming of returning to Arkansas for many years now. The last time I was there I was about 10 years old and in the 5th grade. Well, after much planning and financial figuring, I was able to go back to Cave City, Arkansas this past week. It was a vacation that I have needed for a very long time. I thought I would share my experiences and photographs from the trip.

Mutt's house is located in Cave City, Arkansas; which is a small city in the northern part of the state (population is a little over 1,000 people). The house is secluded in its own little woods area. There is wildlife that is often sighted, every morning I would watch birds, squirrels, and rabbits while eating breakfast. It truly is a peaceful oasis to relax at.

Mutt has beautiful gardens surrounding her house

Mutt's front yard

The side of the house

The porch

The backyard

Another part of the beautiful gardens

Day 1

I arrived in Arkansas on May 9, 2012. I left Salt Lake City fairly early and I had a layover in Atlanta, GA. When I finally arrived in Little Rock, AR I was greeted by Mutt and Don at the airport. From there we toured Little Rock a little before heading to her house. We went downtown to a little area called River Market. Here we ate the best catfish I have ever had, at a restaurant called the "Flying Fish". Inside the restaurant the walls are lined with those singing fish plaques. It was a small place, but the food was delicious.

Day 2

Today, we began our exploring of Arkansas. While driving to Mammoth Spring, Don thought it would be fun to take me to a state I have never been. So, we took a small detour and headed across state line into Missouri. We weren't there very long, but it is cool to add another state to my list. After our small detour, we headed to Mammoth Spring, Arkansas. Mammoth Spring is Arkansas's largest spring and the second largest spring in the Ozark Mountains. A National Natural Landmark, the spring flows nine million gallons of water hourly. Forming a scenic 10-acre lake, it then flows south as the Spring River, a popular Ozark trout and float stream.

Where the spring starts

Following Mammoth Spring, we went to a tiny town called Hardy, Arkansas. This town is exactly what one would think of when you think of a country town. The street was lined with small shops, people were sitting on benches outside the shops, and whenever you walked pass them they would say hello/howdy.

Day 3
On Friday we (Don, Mutt, Connie, and I) woke up early and headed to Memphis, TN. I think today was my favorite day of my entire trip. We started out by visiting Graceland; we went on the tour of Elvis' house, airplanes, cars, and some of his awards/fame. It was very interesting, I only wished they played more of his music throughout the tour.

Connie and Mutt at the beginning of the tour

The graves of Elvis, his parents, his grandmother, and his brother

Outside Elvis' house

Outside Elvis's Car Museum

After Graceland, we headed to Beale Street. This is such a neat little area of Memphis. There are shops, restaurants, bars, etc.... People walk up and down the street; there are street performers, and lots of music. When we first got there we went to get something to eat. We ended up eating at BB King's BBQ, then we roamed Beale Street and did a little shopping.

Before going back to Arkansas, Don drove into Mississippi to add another state to my list!

Day 4

Today, we woke up and drove to Norfolk, Arkansas. This trip was a bit somber for me, we were able to go and visit the graves of my great-grandpa and grandma Helm, my great-uncle Dick, and my great-great-grandma Helm. I have never met any of these people, but feel as if I have a strange connection to them. I am constantly trying to learn something new about them and their way of life. It was nice to hear stories from Mutt and Connie--it made me feel closer to them. I yearn for the day I can meet them!

My Great-Great-Grandma, Susie Hightower Helm

My Great-Grandpa, Robert Floyd Helm and my Great-Grandma, Myrl Estes Johnson Helm

My Great-Uncle, Richard "Dick" Helm (died at the age of 9)

We also went to a festival in Horseshoe Bend, Arkansas. It was a nice place to walk around--it was like a county fair.

Day 5

Today, was Mother's Day so we decided to spend it at Mutt's house and take it easy. It was a very relaxing day, Doug and Connie came over and we had a BBQ. Mutt made a ton of food, Don grilled some hamburgers, and we ended the evening playing dominos.

Connie, Mutt, Doug

Day 6--Last Day>

My flight was so late in the evening that we were able to explore Little Rock, Arkansas some more before I left. We went to the Clinton Library, walked along River Market some more, to a museum called Heifer, and then to lunch at Doe's. It was a nice way to end the trip. I really enjoyed the Clinton Library; it had interesting facts, neat displays, and an incredible view of an old bridge--plus it was cool, because Don helped build the library.

President Clinton's limo--Don got to drive the limo into the building

Can't leave the airport without displaying my true Razorback spirit

I had an incredible time in Arkansas and cannot wait to go back there!