What do you want to be when you grow up? Many kids respond with the classics...doctor, fireman, policeman, insurance agent, Wal-Mart greeter, etc....
Taylor has always had a wild imagination. When Taylor was 3, she wanted to be a "seashell hunter." That stemmed from going to the beach and collecting shells. When she was 4, she wanted to be an "artist-mommy." I think that stemmed from me sitting down with her to draw.
Ever since Kindergarten, she has told everyone that she is going to be an author some day. She loves to read and write--both activities of choice. She has about 18 notebooks and a few binders and folders that she fills with her stories. She proudly calls herself a nerd. This girl has got ambition and drive when it comes to this subject. I used to just smile and listen and of course praise her, but now I'm beginning to believe that this is not just a phase. I've never seen an 8 year old want something that much. I think she just may be an author some day.
During the last year, I have been asked countless times by Taylor as to how one gets a story published. I've given her a few simple explanations such as...
1. Find a publisher
2. Send in your manuscript
3. If they like it, they publish it. They pay you.
I figured that this explanation would be enough for an 8-year-old. One day when I was asked yet another question regarding who the youngest author ever to be published, I replied, "I don't know! Go GOOGLE it!"
She did. He's 8.
"Hmmm," she thinks, "I'm 8."
So of course, this gives her a great idea. She is not going to be an author someday but rather today. She then proceeded to GOOGLE publishers. She found a couple which she told me about. I gave her permission to request some information. She got some pamphlets in the mail and was so excited. However, when I read through her stuff, all the publishers required a hefty fee. She was a bit disappointed by that, but didn't give up. I told her we could type a story up, draw pictures ourselves, and go to Kinko's. Oh no. It has to be a real publisher. She shared one of her emails with me the other night, and I about wet myself. Below is an abridged email between a publishing sales agent and verbatim email by Taylor.
Dear Taylor Nikolaus,Thank you for recently contacting Blah Blah Blah and requesting a publishing kit. My name is Ms. Blah Blah. (Then we have a sales pitch along with some other info.) Do you have a manuscript ready to publish? Please check out our website to download the necessary forms.Sincerely,Ms. Blah Blah Dear Ms. Blah Blah,Yes. I have one small book that I might publish. I would like a small list of some of the books you have published. Do you think you could do that? Thanks!Sincerely,Taylor NikolausP.S. My mom wants me to tell you that I'm 8 years old.Okay. What 8-year-old says things like that?!
Dear Taylor Nikolaus,
Thank you for taking the time to write back. What is the book you are working on about? (More sales pitch) Since your mom asked you to let me know of your age, am I correct to assume that she has agreed to pay so your book can be published?
Sincerely,Ms. Blah BlahSales & Marketing DepartmentSo did I mention that this company requires $600-$12,000 to publish a book? Maybe I should sell my kidney Ms. Blah Blah. I don't know about you, but when I was 8, I was playing hop scotch, freeze tag and occasionally making my Barbie and Ken kiss...on the lips...with sound effects.
One thing is for sure, and that is that this little girl has determination. Hopefully she will remember the little people.
Every year we watch the Show Low Parade, but this year we were in it. (I'm sure you'll find a way to deal with your jealousy.) Willy's late Grandpa Nikolaus was the first Mayor of Show Low and his family had the first grocery store--Nick's Market. Grandma Nikolaus wanted her family in the parade this year to honor Grandpa Nikolaus and Nick's Market as part of Show Low's heritage. Just seeing how happy she was made pushing a shopping cart 3 miles, in flip flops, with a temperamental toddler, worth it...just take a look at this cutie sitting in her chair with her umbrella, riding in the float.
We also had a few low points. This one is obvious.
This one, not so obvious. Sorry everybody...we wish eggs were still that cheap.
We spent the rest of the day eating and relaxing at a pond/picnic place and riding quads.
The rest of the aftermoon and evening were filled with sun, row boats, more food, fun, fireworks and Aunt Buffy's puppy chow. How do we top a day like that? 
