Well it’s back to school for most of you while Spring is now in full bloom here in Australia. It’s delightful, and each evening I catch the scent of jasmine from our vine out the back – it’s lovely.

Firstly, we saw one of our wonderful staff members in the Garden step down from her duties this month, but luckily she hasn’t strayed too far because she is staying with us! Sarah aka Seeded Spirit decided to just sit back and enjoy being a member without the pressures of staffing duties. I was sad to see her leave her position because she was a trooper. However, in her place I would like to announce that Dusty has stepped up to take over the Expressions Nook – Woohoo Dusty!! Dusty is a wonderful member of our Garden and I know will be an asset to me on staff here.

Well I hope you all enjoy the selection we have in store for you this month. We invite you to stop by and have a read of the wonderful stories, poetry and challenges, all of which continue to showcase the fantastic display of our ladies’ talent!

And if you enjoy writing, why don’t you come and join us?! There’s plenty for you to do here, even if you don’t think you are a writer. There is plenty of room for you to cosy on up with the ladies, and the Mini Challenges are a great way to teach us a little more about the art of creative writing whilst enjoying one another’s efforts. Please feel free to stop by the Literary pages and take a look. We’d love to have you!

Please don’t forget to stop by and read about our Spotlight Author of the Month…..just who could she be this month….*s*

Mini Challenge Nook
Reported by Christina

This month we tackled a couple of Acrostic poems – one in the form of an ABC poem, the other spelling out our names. Come and stop by the Garden and see the wonderful submissions by the ladies!

These challenges continue to be a wonderful success in the Garden, prompting so much feedback and participation. And they are a lot of fun. You can read the selection of August’s Mini Challenges (as well as previous months) on the Literary website at http://www.wosib.org/literary/ under Mini Challenges, and by clicking on the corresponding month.

Fiction Nook
Reported by Christina

The theme for August was to write a story based on the phrase "I'm not the marrying type" And in which pregnancy features.

Congratulation to our August winners! A special thank you to all who took the time to read the stories and send in your votes.

FIRST PLACE
Me? Not the Marrying Type? By Tracy Knight

SECOND PLACE
The Reconciliation by Joanne Pons

THIRD PLACE
Listen to Me by Linda J Vaughan

HONOURABLE MENTION
Twisted Desire by Christina aka Stina

Poetry Nook
Reported by Christina

Most of us at some point or another have owned a pet. As any pet lover/owner will tell you, our pets are more than "just pets" - they are very much a part of the family. And they forever hold a special place in our hearts. This month the theme is to write about your beloved pet (past or present) - be it a dog, cat, bird, snake, or god forbid, a spider! Thoughts about about our furry little friends and what he/she means to us.

Congratulations to all our winners. Linda and I have also decided that since everyone makes the effort to write and submit that they each deserve an award regardless – so beginning from June, we introduced the Participation Award for all those who submitted to the Nook.

A special thank you to all who took the time to read the poems and cast your votes.

FIRST PLACE
Farewell My Friend by Linda J Vaughan

SECOND PLACE
Chocolate Brown Eyes by Christina aka Stina

THIRD PLACE
Ginger Girl by Lindamay Spivey-Bjorklund
and
My Best Friend – With Silent Words by Susan aka Tootypup

HONOURABLE MENTION
Tickles the Rat by Klyn

Challenge Nook
Reported by Linda

Come on over and read the submissions from our members, accept the invitation to dinner and read the menu planned,

This really challenged and the approach of some members was very different and added great interest to the Challenge Nook.

Thank you to all members who took up the “Challenge” I hope it brings great pleasure to all who read.

Linda

Continuing Story
Reported by MaidenFair

August and September is when school begins in my part of the world. Children head off in cars and busses, on horseback and bicycle and even on foot to return to the classroom to continue their education for another school year. Our Story this month is about Penny and her last day before school starts for the year. Come on over to the Continuing Story Nook and join Penny and relive some of your own school days memories.

Non Fiction Nook
Reported by Kesia aka Ms Nasty

Finally, the dog days of summer are coming to a close and, the long arms of winter will be resting her branches, as the turning of seasons blankets the world once again. During the month of August, the Ladies in the House shared with us the moment in time they regret the most and, how it formed the Women of Strength and Inner Beauty we are today. You know what they say, "What doesn't kill us, makes us stronger"; I have found this to be true once again, as the Ladies of Literary shared their deepest souls. Please join us this month, as we share of the scariest moment of the ticking clock, which covered our souls with the cob-web of fear. If you would like to join us, as we express the truths of life, please stop by the Literary Garden and sign up. We'll be leaving a light on for you and, do hope to see you fluttering about the Non-Fiction Nook soon!.

In His Word-With His Love,
Kesia aka Nasty Angel
Reviews Nook

Reported by Kesia aka Ms Nasty
Welcome to September 2007!
Have you read a book recently, which you would like to share, or perhaps you went to a must see movie. Whether you are reporting on a book, a movie, or an establishment you have recently visited, we are eager to hear from you. Please consider joining us in the Review Nook of the Literary Garden this month, as we share of the "must or MUST NOT", see or read events of the month! We'll be looking forward to hearing your views and, do hope to see you fluttering about soon!

In His Word-With His Love,
Kesia aka Nasty Angel
Review Nook Host

Comfort & Celebrations Nook
Reported by Joanne

Hello I'm Joanne and in charge of the Celebrations and Comforts Nook. Members of the Literary Garden are invited to submit poems or very short stories to help celebrate happy events, such as birthdays, anniversaries, births, engagements and other joyous events. They also write and send peoms of support and comfort for those members who are ill or in difficulty as well as sympathy and condolences for the death of a loved one, including pets. In the northern hemisphere summer fading away, and soon leaves will change from summery green to the rich reds, golds and oranges of autumn. School has started for many in the U.S. and will soon be starting for children in Europe and other countries of the northern hemisphere. In the southern hemisphere our sisters are all ready for spring, witnessing bright spurts of color and sounds announcing the renewal of all green things and of humankind, too. Wherever you are you will always find an occasion to celebrate, reflect and send wishes of well-being.

Expressions Nook
Reported by Sarah

Please come to the Expressions Nook and see how your WOSIB sisters have expressed themselves. Literary ladies ... come express yourself. It is interesting to see all the different feelings that are brought about from the theme. Remember, you are free to express yourself on thoughts other than the theme. If you are not a part of the Literary Garden I urge you to drop in and visit the Expressions Nook. From one Month to the next, there is not telling what feelings the writes will stir in you. They may even awake your Muse so much that you may choose to be a part of this stimulating Garden.

Whimsical Nook
Reported by Linda

There is a special corner of my heart filled with whimsical things and our member’s submissions have brought special interest and warmth – there is always room for members to submit. Thank you for visiting our Whimsical Nook and reading the submissions.

I would like to thank everyone who submitted this month. I know all of our Sisters here appreciate your thoughts on their pages.

Until next month, Happy Reading,

Christina, Garden Head

Linda, Assistant Head

MaidenFair, Kesia, Joanne and Dusty
Literary Assistants