Patti Murphy launches new “Momisms” book project
Patti Murphy has teamed up with national best-selling author Elaine Ambrose to publish a new book on “Momisms” – the odd and silly sayings that mothers tell their children – and are seeking submissions from anyone who currently lives in Idaho. The book, tentatively titled “Mother Knows Best: 100 quotes Idahoan’s Remember From Their Mothers,” will be published in time for Mother’s Day, 2011 and proceeds from the sale of the books will be donated to the Women’s and Children’s Alliance (WCA) in honor of its 100th anniversary. The WCA provides safety, healing and freedom to victims of domestic abuse and sexual assault.
Details about submitting momisms can be found at www.mymomisms.com. Submissions may be sent directly from a submission form on that website, or can be emailed to info@mymomisms.com. In addition, the authors have launched a My Momisms Facebook page where people may post their favorite quotes.
Momisms are those interesting things that mothers say to their kids as a way to make them behave or teach them a life lesson. Examples might be, ‘If you keep making that face it will freeze that way,’ or ‘Always wear clean underwear in case you get in an accident.’ Momisms can also can be wise and inspirational sayings unique to a particular family. We are encouraging people to send in any saying – funny or serious – that their moms used to tell them as they were growing up.
Once a momism is selected for inclusion, the authors might also request a photo of the featured mother. Submitting a Momism automatically grants the authors and publishers permission to publish the material in the upcoming book, and to use the submission in promotional materials if needed.
My feature article, “Memories of Minidoka,” which I wrote for Sun Valley Magazine (
It was an honor to hear my name called out as first place winner in magazine writing, serious feature category at the 2009 Idaho Press Club Awards. One reason I was so pleased was because I received the award for my story, “Memories of Minidoka – Revisiting Idaho’s Japanese Interment Camp,” which I had written for Sun Valley Magazine (you can read it online at 
Each year on the last Friday in April every state in the nation celebrates Arbor Day. This one special day has been set aside to learn about all the many benefits and resources provided by trees. The Idaho Forest Products Commission will be distributing 25,000 free seedlings on Arbor Day. You can get yours at any Home Depot or FedEx Kinkos throughout Idaho, or at the Boise Co-Op or Flicks Theatre in downtown Boise. They also will be holding the annual state celebration, proclamation reading, and tree planting at Capital Park across the street from the Statehouse the morning of April 30. Everyone is welcome to join the celebration and learn more about the benefits of Idaho’s forests. Please go to 
The producers of the E! Entertainment Network show “Too Young To Kill” made a trip to Idaho to interview Patti Murphy about the Sarah Johnson murder trial. Sarah Johnson was 15 years old living in Bellevue, Idaho when she took a high powered hunting rifle and murdered her mother and father because they objected to her dating an older man. Murphy had provided daily newspaper coverage of the 6-week trial in 2005 as a freelance reporter for the Twin Falls Times-News, working alongside national reporters from Court TV, 20/20, and Dateline NBC. Her reporting was picked up nationally by the Associated Press, and it won a first place award of excellence from the Idaho Press Club. She previously has been interviewed about the trial by other national network shows on the Discovery Channel and the Oxygen Channel.
On Saturday, Aug. 29, Smashburger lovers throughout the Treasure Valley can help raise funds for the St. Luke’s Children’s Hospital by purchasing an Idaho Smashburger or Idaho Smashchicken.
There also are Smashdogs, Smashchicken and Smashsalads. A regional menu created specifically for Idaho will be available at statewide stores. It includes: