Just sent the following note to a friend this morning. Had to share it with you because I made myself laugh out loud. 
Yes, I am ACTUALLY writing today. Yes, writing my book. Of course I have been researching and compiling and making detailed notes, but I am writing paragraphs and saving them to my hard drive. This is it. This is the book.
Damn, I have to admit that it's scary. Real scary. It's as though I have just made a committment, signed a contract, made some sort of huge move. Hard to describe. It's like, this is it kiddo. Sink or swim. Do or die. Hmmm. Makes one think.
So.... here I sit and sigh. I'm really doing this I say to myself. It's no longer an idea, an infatuation, or synapse sparking in my brain. I'm going for it. Egad! I've never done anything like this. Can I do it? Ya, I can, but I feel like I'm jumping into another world or league of folks who are waiting to pounce on me! LOL!!!! I picture it like this; a floating panel of judges with long white beards and long flowing white robes looking down on me and saying in a booming chorus of voices, "So you think you can play with us? ha-ha-ha-ha!"
I have to do this to make myself laugh. Yes, I am smiling. This is fun, but scary. Yes back to that word. It's one thing to write about your own life, but to try and write about a group of men who experienced so much. Whew!
Well I'm not getting anything done by writing to you, but heck, it's an outlet and I guess that's worth something.
Not so fluently yours,
M
Marion J Chard
Proud Daughter of Walter 'Monday' Poniedzialek
540th Combat Engineer - H&S Company
After spending about 6 hours today, I finished writing the rough draft of my Intro. A big step for me. I forced myself to get focused and actually write a REAL CHAPTER. As I stated above; it's a bit scary. I am on the road now, it's a one way street and there's no turning back. I've made a committment to myself, and my vets.
I come away today with a good feeling and I'm very pleased with my first attempt. I ran on an idea I came up with a few weeks ago, and today I woke up very early and said, "Self, there's no time better than today!" And away I went.
I sent the rough draft to James Hennessey, for I wanted someone to read it right away. I value his opinion and since we were already writing to each other this afternoon, well...
So wish me luck and if I seem to lay low now and then, rest assured I am sitting back with laptop and notes, and pouring my heart into a PC. Praise be to Microsoft... 
Marion J Chard
Proud Daughter of Walter 'Monday' Poniedzialek
540th Combat Engineer - H&S Company
I have completed the first chapter, the Intro Chapter to my new book, No Bridge Too Far. Several of my dear vet friends took the time to read it and give me their impressions, and Colonel Mike Morgan, editor of Army Engineer Magazine, has graciously accepted the position as my official editor.
Mike and I have been talking about the "feel" that I want for the intro, as well as the feel and direction I want for the main portion of the book. Mike has been just great to work with, and I learned a lot yesterday after submitting my first draft to him. With his guidance, I changed a few things to make sure that my audience, including laymen and engineers alike, would understand what I was and am trying to relay.
I happily submit my intro for your perusal and hope you enjoy reading it, as much as I enjoyed writing it.
Please note that this is copyright protected material.
This is a tease to make you want to read the rest of the book when it comes out.
Intro____A_Box_of_Chocolates.pdf
Marion J Chard
Proud Daughter of Walter 'Monday' Poniedzialek
540th Combat Engineer - H&S Company
Go for it Mare!
When your book comes out, Art and I will be up to have you autograph it. What a day that will be.
You know Mare; Ever since you brought out the Frapper map, I have been awed at that great picture of you on your DAD'S lap. The expression on your fgace writes chapters on how you feel about your Father. In your introduction, you refered to yourself as "DADDIES LITTLE GIRL". To me, hoping I'm not alone, this chapter would be just the place for this picture.
Sorry I couldn't bring the picture up ( probably copywrited or something ) but we're all familliar with the picture. And what a place for it.
What Say, Is it possible
chuck
Here ya go Chuck:
Marion J Chard
Proud Daughter of Walter 'Monday' Poniedzialek
540th Combat Engineer - H&S Company
I picture it like this; a floating panel of judges with long white beards and long flowing white robes looking down on me and saying in a booming chorus of voices, "So you think you can play with us? ha-ha-ha-ha!"
Whenever you think about this, look behind you. You'll see dozens of men in uniform cheering you on. :pdt40: Remember you have THEM, as long as they are on your side, you can't loose.
Semper fi 
Brooke
God bless those heroes who suffered and died, for plain folks, like you and me.
War is a crime. Ask the infantry and ask the dead.
I love it Brooke. Thank you and everyone else for their votes of confidence! 
Ya, and I think my chorus can out-sing theirs.
Marion J Chard
Proud Daughter of Walter 'Monday' Poniedzialek
540th Combat Engineer - H&S Company
You've got a few others behind you too... a pretty good support team
Essayons
Chris
Son of Francis "Combat" Stephens- Co. C 36th Combat Engineer Regiment
What can I say but, I love all of ya bunches. You all brighten my day! :glasses2:
My future's so bright, I gotta wear shades! :glasses2:
Marion J Chard
Proud Daughter of Walter 'Monday' Poniedzialek
540th Combat Engineer - H&S Company
Hi Marion 
Is what your book will be publish in France, because I would like very much getting myself it .
véronique
Under every white cross of American Cemetery of Colleville (Normandy), sleeps a piece of Freedom
Rooting for Your book to be published, Now all i gotta do is learn to reed. AL
AL Kincer
Co. B 48 Engineers
BIG 
to Al and Veronique!
Veronique: The book will be available to anyone who wishes to purchase one. More details as the time nears...
Marion J Chard
Proud Daughter of Walter 'Monday' Poniedzialek
540th Combat Engineer - H&S Company
Marion:-
I would ask you to remember that story about the little train that said
I CAN I CAN!!
Sgtleo
Sgtleo 
I am looking forward to your book also! May I cling to your coat tails and become famous vicariously? Seriously, I know it will be a good book because your heart has always been in the right place! 
Jim 
Dogdaddy 1
I am sure all of you will be part of my book in more ways than you can imagine and I will not forget you in my thank you section which will be a chapter within itself.
And yes Daddy, you can live vicariously through me.
Marion J Chard
Proud Daughter of Walter 'Monday' Poniedzialek
540th Combat Engineer - H&S Company
