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Along more positive notes, my little online shop (Impecunious Impressions at left) has seen an increase in sales in the last month.

I've sold several geocaching-themed t-shirts, buttons and stickers, several wedding-themed items, and a couple of WV-themed pieces.

My items have now been shipped to Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, and Missiouri.

I think I've sold to all the "m" states now.

* * * *

In addition, someone called the office while I was out to say my plaque would be sent to the house since they couldn't ship to a PO box.

BB, thinking I already knew what plaque was coming, didn't ask.

Since it is time for the release of the winners in the WV Press Association Better Newspaper Contest, I'm assuming that I won something. . .

But, what placement and what category - well, I guess I'll have to wait until it arrives to see.

(I entered in "Best Legal Coverage" and "Best Columnist" by the way.)

* * * *

I was also given an assignement for "Wonderful West Virginia" magazine, a publication I have been told was very hard to break in to.

I queried, got the assignment.

That didn't seem so hard...

I have until August 1 to complete the piece, which will detail Heritage Village at Calhoun Park (historical buildings relocated to the park to create a little town).

I've already written a piece, but now it needs a new style for a new audience.

And new photos.

It will pay $150, but I am hoping more that it will lead to other things.

* * * *

I bought a subscription to Writer's Digest, and just got my first issue. It has an article on "How to break into Travel Writing."

Coincidence?

I'm a-doubtin' it.

So, resume finished and blogging done, I'm off to the hammock to read and learn.

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Want to know more about DeLaHaye? Visit her web site at WV Travelers , or her online store at Impecunious Impressions, or read her weekly column at The Calhoun Chronicle.