First of all, Kenzie's guest blogging over at Tina Donahue's place, so drop in for a sneak peek at Teacher's Pet and say hi?
One my daughter's friends informed us she was going to Walmart at 9pm on Thanksgiving Day in order to be in line for a 40" television ($250).
I asked, "You're going at 9pm just so you can be first in line at 4am?"
"No; Walmart is opening at 10pm Thanksgiving night."
O.M.G.
And then I heard this morning on the radio some stores are opening at midnight, which means some workers have to leave their families in the middle of Thanksgiving festivities in order to have everything ready for the INSANE shoppers who 'just can't wait'.
When did we get so greedy?
I think I complained the week of Halloween because I was seeing Christmas decorations go up Oct 31st. And Christmas carols being played on Nov 1st. Seriously? I know there are only two T-day songs (Adam Sandler's Turkey Song and Over The River And Through The Woods), but good gravy....at the rate we're going, Christmas will be an all-year event and it won't be special anymore! Think about it: Some places already do 'Christmas in July' specials, so is Easter/Christmas really that far behind? 'Black Monday' the day after Easter? Give me a break!
I heard the workers of Target and some other stores (forgive me; I was in shock that people actually had to DO this) have started an online petition for retail workers to be able to enjoy Thanksgiving with their families. I'll admit; not everyone has the luxury of being at home on holidays. Heath care, travel industry, food service/hospitality/entertainment and any service-oriented career workers have to work. Plus gas stations need to be open, and a few convenience stores....hey, I once ran out of diapers or baby wipes, or forgot we needed milk. But I digress. Where was I? Oh yes. I remember a few years back when a family friend got up super early on Black Friday to take advantage of the $25 DVD/VCR combo player. Guess what? Two weeks later that very same item was STILL only $25!
Or if you have that money to burn, stay home and shop online! My favorite Black Friday as an adult was a few years ago when I did most of my shopping on Amazon.com in my pj's. I ventured out around 2pm and went to a local store and missed the crowds entirely. The store was a mess, but I found what I wanted and didn't have to wait in a long line OR get trampled by people shoving.
I used to love it when I had the majority of my Christmas shopping in layaway by the end of September. But those days are now behind us, due to financial reasons. So this Christmas, I'm having to use some creativity, and besides the cookies I normally make, I'm taking a stab at making my own homemade chocolates. I still have to buy a few candy molds, but wish me luck! While the rest of you are fighting the crowds, I'll be in my kitchen, up to my elbows in flour and sugar. Any local friends reading this: Stop in from your frenzied shopping and you'll get a hot cup of coffee or cocoa and a fresh-baked treat. My gifts are made with love and besides, everyone likes stocking gifts, right?
Remember: It's the thought behind the gift which means the most, not the amount of money spent (until you're old enough to appreciate that statement!)
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Monday, November 14, 2011
New Cover Art!
Isn't it pretty? I think he exudes Matt's personality perfectly! A little full of himself and cocky, but you can see in his eyes he loves Amy. And for her part, that faraway look in her eye tells you she wishes she could see him more than twice a year:)
Blurb:
Can a blind date turn into a romance? Amy Callahan wants to find out, so when she flies to California to spend a week with Matt Slagal, she discovers the ups and downs of a long distance relationship. Which one prevails..."Absence makes the heart grow fonder" or, "Out of sight, out of mind"?
In other news:
Kenzie has been asked to join The Writer's Evolution:) She'll be posting on Sundays, so I'll try to make a point of reminding you, at least on Friday!
I also finished self-editing book #4, Balancing Act, over the weekend. Now I just need to double check the file; I discovered early last week I'd renamed it 'Gretchen 3', but have been editing 'LTSTA 2'. So I need to check both files to see where I stopped editing G3. Very annoying! Note to self: Please remember which file is the one to be edited?
Over the weekend, I had hoped to veg out and enjoy a mini-vacation, but when 1am early Saturday hit, and I was still eleven pages from the end of BA, I called it a night and decided to sleep in. I was mildly shocked when I woke up at ten-thirty! And discovered Kenzie's Teacher's Pet edits waiting for me also! So I did TP first, and got stuck on a minor issue. Finished editing the rest and sent the issue to a friend for input. Then I tackled BA and finished it. The SU and daughter had asked me earlier what movie I wanted from the video store, and brought me 'Love And Other Drugs'. But by the time I was finished with the edits, all I wanted to do was crawl in bed and sleep.
Yesterday after church, I tackled the scene and sent it off. Then settled in front of the DVR and watched 2 Broke Girls, The Good Wife, L&O SVU, and CBS Sunday Morning. Then followed it with 60 Minutes (I only wanted to see one segment), and Amazing Race. Still haven't watched last night's Good Wife or LAOD, but that's on tap for today. Yes, I am putting off my NaNo project for one more day. I have some blog posts to write and laundry, then I'm exercising my right to watch TV and one movie today.
I also have to make arrangements for Tuesday night or Wednesday: My BFF called at 8am and told me her dad had suddenly passed away last night. So I need to make a trip to Anderson, IN either Tuesday night or at least Wednesday morning. Now I think I know why I kept forgetting to cash my royalty checks last week: That's going to be my gas money! See? Everything happens for a reason. Not how I'd envisioned spending my money, and I'll probably miss out on karaoke this week, but hey...it's my BFF.
Friday, November 11, 2011
Flashback Friday: Strange Way Of Making A New Friend!
November 1981:
I'd managed to get good grades during the 1st nine weeks of the semester, plus had a new boyfriend. I began to relax and notice other kids in my classes.
One guy in my 3rd hour P.E. class looked like a guy in my 4th hour Algebra class. I took a second look; no, they were two different people. In P.E., we began a weight-lifting unit, and the good-looking one I'd noticed was paired with me, courtesy of our teacher.
Since I had no idea what I was doing, and Mr. Good-Looking did, I followed him around and copied his movements (often too heavy for me, lol!) We reached the machine where you hook your feet under the bars to raise the weights, and I guess he decided to take pity on me.
"You want me to change the weights?"
My pride rose. "No; if you can do it, so can I." I went on to successfully lift the 100lb weights; got up and said, "See? What's so hard about that?"
The next day, I could not get out of bed. Further inspection showed I'd probably torn or at least pulled the muscles in my legs. Mom wrapped both knees and sent me off to P.E. with a note. I limped into class; the teacher told me to only run one lap instead of two. So after our warm up exercises, I followed along at a much slower pace, sort a wounded horse gallop.
Mr. Good-Looking lapped me, dragging one leg behind him. "Oh, my leg. Oh, my leg!"
"Shut up Cross!" (his last name was on his T-shirt.)
"I offered to reset the weights!"
This went on for two more days. He and I badgered each other during our one and only class, and when the swimming until began, I proved to be the only female swimmer who could almost out-swim the boys. And one fatal day, B (yes, I finally asked him his first name!) and I were on opposite sides of the pool (we swam the width, not the length, and in the deep end). I dove in; surfaced, and began my crawl stroke. All of a sudden, my right hand landed on a bare shoulder at the same time one landed on mine. Next thing I know, we're hugging each other and heading for the bottom of the pool. We let go of each other, surfaced, apologized, then went on our merry way. And took some ribbing from other classmates about making out, lol!
That was also the day my boyfriend K had asked me to meet him after class, so instead of going out the doors I usually did, I joined B and a few others at the other exit to the gym.
"I hear you're dating K. Why him?"
"Why not him? We're both in band, and we spent a lot of time together last month."
"He has no neck. How can you date a guy like that?"
I was beginning to fume. "He does too have a neck. Why don't you mind your own business?"
By this time, we'd reached my meeting spot. I saw K and stopped walking. B grinned, shook his head, and continued on.
The next day, B again questioned my reasons behind dating K. And then when I turned around to walk with him, K was upset.
"Why are you walking down the hall with HIM? He's an ass."
"He's in my class, and just a jerk. He caught up with ME, not the other way around."
But by the end of the month, B and I were on friendly terms, while my relationship with K was strained, since I lived six miles out of town and neither of us had our drivers licenses yet. And Marching Band contests were over, so we only saw each other in the hallway before lunch, or after school. And none of our other classes 'meshed', so we didn't even see each other during the passing periods.
Next Month: Good Gossip Travels Fast and The Curse of My Neighbor Haunts Me! (Yes, it's funny!)
I'd managed to get good grades during the 1st nine weeks of the semester, plus had a new boyfriend. I began to relax and notice other kids in my classes.
One guy in my 3rd hour P.E. class looked like a guy in my 4th hour Algebra class. I took a second look; no, they were two different people. In P.E., we began a weight-lifting unit, and the good-looking one I'd noticed was paired with me, courtesy of our teacher.
Since I had no idea what I was doing, and Mr. Good-Looking did, I followed him around and copied his movements (often too heavy for me, lol!) We reached the machine where you hook your feet under the bars to raise the weights, and I guess he decided to take pity on me.
"You want me to change the weights?"
My pride rose. "No; if you can do it, so can I." I went on to successfully lift the 100lb weights; got up and said, "See? What's so hard about that?"
The next day, I could not get out of bed. Further inspection showed I'd probably torn or at least pulled the muscles in my legs. Mom wrapped both knees and sent me off to P.E. with a note. I limped into class; the teacher told me to only run one lap instead of two. So after our warm up exercises, I followed along at a much slower pace, sort a wounded horse gallop.
Mr. Good-Looking lapped me, dragging one leg behind him. "Oh, my leg. Oh, my leg!"
"Shut up Cross!" (his last name was on his T-shirt.)
"I offered to reset the weights!"
This went on for two more days. He and I badgered each other during our one and only class, and when the swimming until began, I proved to be the only female swimmer who could almost out-swim the boys. And one fatal day, B (yes, I finally asked him his first name!) and I were on opposite sides of the pool (we swam the width, not the length, and in the deep end). I dove in; surfaced, and began my crawl stroke. All of a sudden, my right hand landed on a bare shoulder at the same time one landed on mine. Next thing I know, we're hugging each other and heading for the bottom of the pool. We let go of each other, surfaced, apologized, then went on our merry way. And took some ribbing from other classmates about making out, lol!
That was also the day my boyfriend K had asked me to meet him after class, so instead of going out the doors I usually did, I joined B and a few others at the other exit to the gym.
"I hear you're dating K. Why him?"
"Why not him? We're both in band, and we spent a lot of time together last month."
"He has no neck. How can you date a guy like that?"
I was beginning to fume. "He does too have a neck. Why don't you mind your own business?"
By this time, we'd reached my meeting spot. I saw K and stopped walking. B grinned, shook his head, and continued on.
The next day, B again questioned my reasons behind dating K. And then when I turned around to walk with him, K was upset.
"Why are you walking down the hall with HIM? He's an ass."
"He's in my class, and just a jerk. He caught up with ME, not the other way around."
But by the end of the month, B and I were on friendly terms, while my relationship with K was strained, since I lived six miles out of town and neither of us had our drivers licenses yet. And Marching Band contests were over, so we only saw each other in the hallway before lunch, or after school. And none of our other classes 'meshed', so we didn't even see each other during the passing periods.
Next Month: Good Gossip Travels Fast and The Curse of My Neighbor Haunts Me! (Yes, it's funny!)
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Terrific Tuesday with Mahalia Levey:)
Welcome! Please introduce yourself and tell us about your latest release.
Good Morning,
I'm Mahalia Levey aka Hales. I'm a multipublished author digitally for now. The Price of Defiance just released. I've been excited because it was released previously but only as a very short story less than three thousand words. It's now forty-eight thousand words and some change :) As you can tell that's quite an expansion.
Have you ever had an idea for a story which scared you after you began writing it?
No. I get an idea and just roll with it! I have had stories hit difficult patches but that happens a lot to everyone.
Have you incorporated actual events from your own life into your books?
Yes. I was adopted and had some emtional trauma and issues in my adoptive family that have made me the person I am today. I have a lot of darkness in me that no one sees. I'm generally really happy but sometimes when triggered the crap comes rushing back and I have to wade through the bad memories. I use my demon world build to unleash all the angst and hurt. It's very theraputic and free lol.
How much research do you do? Do you research first and then write, or do you write first, then research as needed?
Sometimes I research. I generally set the settings at places I've been to. I don't do many time pieces so if needed I'll just search up a topic or an area I have never been to.
Is there any message you want readers to take from reading your work?
I think it depends on the story. I write a lot of Inter racial and there's always a learning lesson. The unique part of being three different races is that I know the cultural norms of all of them, the bad sides and the good sides of each one. I've also lived in the high mid class neighborhoods and then you could say near poverty ones. I've been in the culture pot of the world and lived in the hood an seen an entire different life than the one I was born into. Experiences help make us who we are. So I have a ton of life lessons to offer and share. I sometimes do that in a story.
I think one of the crucial moments in my life was the first time someone pointed out I wasn't white. I was adopted by a caucasion family. I'd assumed I was tan. I wasn't a color growing up I was a daughter and that fist fight in second grade with a little mean boy set the stage for me to lose my innocence very early. After that I understood the whisperings and ways people would look at my mother.
Are you a plotter or a pantser? And have you ever had a story take on a life of its own?
I am a panslotter. I have a premise and a title before I begin. I search out names I'd like to use and then put down the beginning, soft middle and possible ending. From there I write until the story is done and I don't write the characters they write me :P I find if I force something I have to backtrack and fix it.
How long did it take for you to be published?
Um. I was asked to challenge myself in end of 08 with no experience. I sent something in a month later. Got a rejection but revise and resubmit and a handful of months later had a contract. My first book didn't release til May 2010
If you could go back and tell yourself anything when you first began your writing career, what would you say?
If you don't remember basic technique and grammar lessons to brush up. I went in blind and had to do a lot of catching up. I took as many classes as I could find on line for whatever interested me to hone quickly. I'm still working on my craft it's an on going learning process but if I'd have thought to take classes earlier it'd been a lot easier for me.
Laptop or pen and ink? What are your ‘must-haves’ when writing?
Laptop. My writing is atrocious. I have to have music, noise, snacks and coffee. Used to be chocolate and coffee now it's healthy snacks and decaf coffee.
Who are your favorite authors? Who would you say influenced you the most?
I have so many. Sherrilyn Kenyon of course. Joey W Hill, LKH,Anne Rice, C Feehan, Johanna Lindsay, Madeline Hunter, Galen Foley, Karin Tabke, Virna DePaul, Sandy Sullivan, Andrew Grey, Laurann Dohner, KoKo Brown, Debra Glass and there are so many more. SK influenced me the most and the rest are constant inspirations.
What would your readers be surprised to learn about you?
I don't know. Probably that I didn't grow up in a Christian home.
For Fun:
Favorite Thanksgiving memory?
Hmm. I don't have a childhood one. My mother was an absent parent more into her patients than her children. We usually went to The Holiday Inn Buffet rather than her cooking on holidays.
After I left home I learned how to cook from my children's father and his family. It was my first time sitting at a table with people there and not alone. It was nice. Thanksgiving is now one of my fav holidays. I love to make sweet potato muffins.
Any special Thanksgiving traditions?
Cooking :P
Pumpkin Pie or cake?
Sweet Potato Pie. I made pumpkin pie for the family and was looked at like i was crazy. African American families don't gen do Pumpkin pie lol. Needless to say learning dif cousine for the dif sides of me has been an education.
Thank you for being here today! Please tell us where we can find your books.
You can find me at
fb search Mahalia Levey
Blurb
America Patterson loves living on the edge. Car model by day, illegal street racer by night, she’s known as the best. Except underneath her flawless façade lies a young woman filled with turmoil. When her hobby lands her in hot water, she finds herself handcuffed and bailed out by the one person who’d abandoned her….
MMA Fighter Alejandro Escovedo is summoned home after a tournament that had left him sore and questioning his career. Expecting a nice welcome home, he instead finds himself rescuing his best friend’s sister out of jail. This time he’s had enough.
Their explosive past gives him all the rights where America is concerned, and he is more than ready to take her on. By ending her daredevil ways and finding the trigger to her self-destructive behavior, will he convince her he’s back to stay or drive her further away?
Genre: Erotic romance, BDSM, contemporary
~Excerpt~
“America, where are you?”
“Saint, I’m in big trouble.” Amy gripped the cell tightly to her ear. “I’m at Truman Memorial Hospital, about to be taken to jail.” She started to sob when reality dawned on her.
“Thank God, you’re alive. I’ve been going out of my mind since the link to the wreck was sent to my cell phone. Sit tight. We’ve been fielding police and the media, trying to protect your professional name. Sis, Alejandro demanded to be the one to handle the situation.”
“I’m sorry for scaring you.” Her brother and his team of misfits were all she had while growing up. Being named after their country of conception and proved just how zany her family was. Saint Vincent got his name chopped in half to Saint. “Is this going to hurt your business?”
“No. Alejandro will make sure you have a smooth transaction. I’m forwarding him your info now. Sit still and relax. Can’t have the baby of the family locked up and forgotten.”
She winced at the thought of seeing Alejandro again after so long. Her voice dropped an octave. “Can’t you come? I haven’t seen him since—”
“Miss, we’re ready to transport you to the police department,” Officer Blake interrupted.
“I gotta go.” Amy snapped the phone shut and handed it back to the officer. He was kind enough to leave, allowing her to change into the scrubs they’d sent for. She rapped and opened the door after toeing into the slip-on canvas shoes. “I’m ready.” Head dropped low, she allowed them to escort her to the jailhouse that was a ten-minute ride away.
Being booked took longer than she’d expected, and it mortified her. A nifty machine imprinted her fingerprints electronically after they took her mug shot. The issue with her identification became clear once she had a chance to speak and separate her professional identity from her personal one. When they finished processing her fingerprints and mug shot, she followed them through general population and looked at all the criminals on the way to her holding cell. The door buzzed and opened, and she was ushered in. She cast a glance at the officer, who shook his head, locked the door, and turned his back.
I’m not a criminal.
“Saint, I’m in big trouble.” Amy gripped the cell tightly to her ear. “I’m at Truman Memorial Hospital, about to be taken to jail.” She started to sob when reality dawned on her.
“Thank God, you’re alive. I’ve been going out of my mind since the link to the wreck was sent to my cell phone. Sit tight. We’ve been fielding police and the media, trying to protect your professional name. Sis, Alejandro demanded to be the one to handle the situation.”
“I’m sorry for scaring you.” Her brother and his team of misfits were all she had while growing up. Being named after their country of conception and proved just how zany her family was. Saint Vincent got his name chopped in half to Saint. “Is this going to hurt your business?”
“No. Alejandro will make sure you have a smooth transaction. I’m forwarding him your info now. Sit still and relax. Can’t have the baby of the family locked up and forgotten.”
She winced at the thought of seeing Alejandro again after so long. Her voice dropped an octave. “Can’t you come? I haven’t seen him since—”
“Miss, we’re ready to transport you to the police department,” Officer Blake interrupted.
“I gotta go.” Amy snapped the phone shut and handed it back to the officer. He was kind enough to leave, allowing her to change into the scrubs they’d sent for. She rapped and opened the door after toeing into the slip-on canvas shoes. “I’m ready.” Head dropped low, she allowed them to escort her to the jailhouse that was a ten-minute ride away.
Being booked took longer than she’d expected, and it mortified her. A nifty machine imprinted her fingerprints electronically after they took her mug shot. The issue with her identification became clear once she had a chance to speak and separate her professional identity from her personal one. When they finished processing her fingerprints and mug shot, she followed them through general population and looked at all the criminals on the way to her holding cell. The door buzzed and opened, and she was ushered in. She cast a glance at the officer, who shook his head, locked the door, and turned his back.
I’m not a criminal.
Monday, November 7, 2011
Recharging The Batteries
You have to do something for yourself every once in a while, right? I chose to indulge in some mild 'shopping therapy' the past several days.
-I bought a beautiful, gray-and-black striped shirt for either wearing to karaoke; New Year's Eve; or even to a signing next year.
-I also convinced the SU to let me get a sleeveless white sweater, to wear over any long-sleeved tee or even a turtleneck this winter. And, I think it will look even better on me if I cut off the belt loops; the belt is too small for my waist, but that was the largest size they had.
-Saturday, I grabbed friend BC Brown and we went off to the VendorFest Craft Show. Neither of us bought anything; I've set up at this particular craft show the last 2 years just to get the word out that I do indeed exist. It was not a rewarding experience, and the organizers hiked the booth rental fee, so I chose not to participate. And judging from those vendors I spoke with, I'm not the only one who was discouraged. But it did have an upside: Several vendors remembered me and asked how my books were selling. So I passed out a few cards and introduced BC, who had brought some of her cards as well.
And then I took a wrong turn, so we 'wandered' Washington until we found our way back to the main road!
-After returning to 'civilization', we grabbed something to drink and headed over to Fantastic Sam's and indulged in a wash and style. BC's turned out great; mine looked like Nigel from Spinal Tap. But what the hell; it's not like I needed to look awesome or anything! Came home, fixed hamburgers for the family, and got sucked into watching Storage Wars all evening.
-Yesterday, I went to across the river and watched a hilarious production of The Birdcage. I had never seen the movie, and BC was working backstage as one of the lead's dressers, so she told me the story. I laughed from the time the curtain went up! I'm sorry I'd forgotten my camera batteries had died; otherwise I'd have pictures of HS football players in drag. And it was a toss-up who upstaged whom: The 'butler/houseboy' or 'Albert'!
Now today, it's back to reality. After suffering through a fifteen minute tirade of 'don't you dare complain about me not letting you have any money; I let you go here and here and there..' as well as complaints about how he let me have unlimited access in the past and 'how you f***ed it up', he shut up and is now letting me type in peace. Why can't he let one tiny mistake (which happened over fifteen YEARS ago) disappear into the forgotten realm of memory?
But no; he's angry and bitter about his situation and health. One the one hand, I wonder if my life had been better if I'd divorced him back in 1993, or if he'd died in 2005. Now, I just want him to hang on until after he gets his disability and my books start earning me a living.
And I've got a secret: That mistake he constantly holds over my head? I was helping out a relative w/o his knowledge, and tried to pay off a bunch of medical bills. If he'd kept his damn hands off the credit card, things would have worked out a lot better. But he suffers from his family's mentality: Someone else is always to blame. And in this case, my signature happened to be on the rubber check. Never mind his quick trip to KFC, Taco Bell, or even Menards or Lowes.
-I bought a beautiful, gray-and-black striped shirt for either wearing to karaoke; New Year's Eve; or even to a signing next year.
-I also convinced the SU to let me get a sleeveless white sweater, to wear over any long-sleeved tee or even a turtleneck this winter. And, I think it will look even better on me if I cut off the belt loops; the belt is too small for my waist, but that was the largest size they had.
-Saturday, I grabbed friend BC Brown and we went off to the VendorFest Craft Show. Neither of us bought anything; I've set up at this particular craft show the last 2 years just to get the word out that I do indeed exist. It was not a rewarding experience, and the organizers hiked the booth rental fee, so I chose not to participate. And judging from those vendors I spoke with, I'm not the only one who was discouraged. But it did have an upside: Several vendors remembered me and asked how my books were selling. So I passed out a few cards and introduced BC, who had brought some of her cards as well.
And then I took a wrong turn, so we 'wandered' Washington until we found our way back to the main road!
-After returning to 'civilization', we grabbed something to drink and headed over to Fantastic Sam's and indulged in a wash and style. BC's turned out great; mine looked like Nigel from Spinal Tap. But what the hell; it's not like I needed to look awesome or anything! Came home, fixed hamburgers for the family, and got sucked into watching Storage Wars all evening.
-Yesterday, I went to across the river and watched a hilarious production of The Birdcage. I had never seen the movie, and BC was working backstage as one of the lead's dressers, so she told me the story. I laughed from the time the curtain went up! I'm sorry I'd forgotten my camera batteries had died; otherwise I'd have pictures of HS football players in drag. And it was a toss-up who upstaged whom: The 'butler/houseboy' or 'Albert'!
Now today, it's back to reality. After suffering through a fifteen minute tirade of 'don't you dare complain about me not letting you have any money; I let you go here and here and there..' as well as complaints about how he let me have unlimited access in the past and 'how you f***ed it up', he shut up and is now letting me type in peace. Why can't he let one tiny mistake (which happened over fifteen YEARS ago) disappear into the forgotten realm of memory?
But no; he's angry and bitter about his situation and health. One the one hand, I wonder if my life had been better if I'd divorced him back in 1993, or if he'd died in 2005. Now, I just want him to hang on until after he gets his disability and my books start earning me a living.
And I've got a secret: That mistake he constantly holds over my head? I was helping out a relative w/o his knowledge, and tried to pay off a bunch of medical bills. If he'd kept his damn hands off the credit card, things would have worked out a lot better. But he suffers from his family's mentality: Someone else is always to blame. And in this case, my signature happened to be on the rubber check. Never mind his quick trip to KFC, Taco Bell, or even Menards or Lowes.
Friday, November 4, 2011
Flashback Friday 1971
During my whirlwind trip home over the weekend, I looked through the old photo albums and discovered that while, yes I deed I had worn the witch costume for Halloween, my sister was NOT scared; in the photo, quite the opposite; she appeared to be laughing hysterically at me.
There were no Thanksgiving pictures from 1971, but I have to assume we went to relatives for Turkey Day. I know my 8th grade year was the first time I remembered NOT going to someone's house, but that memory will be arriving in nine more years. So check back next month for the 1971 memories of my birthday and Christmas, because there were PLENTY of photos! Or even next week, as I recant an important social event in 1981. Trust me; you will NOT want to miss next week's memory!
There were no Thanksgiving pictures from 1971, but I have to assume we went to relatives for Turkey Day. I know my 8th grade year was the first time I remembered NOT going to someone's house, but that memory will be arriving in nine more years. So check back next month for the 1971 memories of my birthday and Christmas, because there were PLENTY of photos! Or even next week, as I recant an important social event in 1981. Trust me; you will NOT want to miss next week's memory!
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Happy Wednesday!
Life is slowly returning to 'normal', or whatever you care to call 'normal' anymore. The shock of what happened last week is wearing off, and though reality hasn't quite set in for those involved, we're beginning to work through the issue as a family. And no, I'm still not ready for full disclosure yet. Give me a couple more weeks, and I promise I'll stop being so vague.
NaNo is in full swing with my writer's group. One person has already attained nearly 6K; I edited 24 pages yesterday, so I count it rather productive. There are only 85 pages left in that MS, so if things go well, I should finish by the end of the week.
Went shopping this morning for a few needed items like laundry detergent. We'd been low since last week, and I rationed it carefully, only washing underwear, socks, and jeans. I know several loads will be washed today; that really bothers me when it piles up like that.
Disgusted with the whole 'K' clan....if she filed for divorce, then YES, she SHOULD give the ring back! (I'm not giving her the satisfaction of my blog popping up on any references to her last name.) And I heard her whole snit is because she doesn't want to move? Give me a break! What part of 'for better or for worse' did she NOT understand?
Tonight on the karaoke singing list:
-Smile (Uncle Kracker)
-Babe (Styx)
-Best of Times (Styx)
-Baby One More Time (B. Spears)
-Bad Company (Same name)
-Bad Girls (D. Summer)
and Baby I Love Your Way, if she has it.
I'm also taking another shot at Melissa Etheridge's Angels Would Fall. I bombed on it last week, because I forgot the melody! Note to self: Refresh memory with YouTube vids before attempting songs not heard in a while????
I've got a busy day ahead:
-Clean up kitchen (hubby griped, but hey, what's stopping HIM from doing it? Oh wait....that's usually my job....)
-Start laundry (fun, fun, fun.....at least I can edit in between loads)
-Edit some more (hoping for another 24 pages)
-Stop by newspaper office for copies of last Thursday's paper; JF's obit was in it.
-Bank, if other royalty check arrives.
-Take daughter to appointment after school
-Remind the SU to take youngling to dentist; spacers are in for his missing teeth.
-SU said something about a trip to Denny's for b-fast; I want Applebee's for lunch!
-Karaoke tonight! (Hey, I can spring for a round of drinks tonight!)
I also realized I need to write my November newsletter! Oops.....
What's on YOUR agenda for today?
NaNo is in full swing with my writer's group. One person has already attained nearly 6K; I edited 24 pages yesterday, so I count it rather productive. There are only 85 pages left in that MS, so if things go well, I should finish by the end of the week.
Went shopping this morning for a few needed items like laundry detergent. We'd been low since last week, and I rationed it carefully, only washing underwear, socks, and jeans. I know several loads will be washed today; that really bothers me when it piles up like that.
Disgusted with the whole 'K' clan....if she filed for divorce, then YES, she SHOULD give the ring back! (I'm not giving her the satisfaction of my blog popping up on any references to her last name.) And I heard her whole snit is because she doesn't want to move? Give me a break! What part of 'for better or for worse' did she NOT understand?
Tonight on the karaoke singing list:
-Smile (Uncle Kracker)
-Babe (Styx)
-Best of Times (Styx)
-Baby One More Time (B. Spears)
-Bad Company (Same name)
-Bad Girls (D. Summer)
and Baby I Love Your Way, if she has it.
I'm also taking another shot at Melissa Etheridge's Angels Would Fall. I bombed on it last week, because I forgot the melody! Note to self: Refresh memory with YouTube vids before attempting songs not heard in a while????
I've got a busy day ahead:
-Clean up kitchen (hubby griped, but hey, what's stopping HIM from doing it? Oh wait....that's usually my job....)
-Start laundry (fun, fun, fun.....at least I can edit in between loads)
-Edit some more (hoping for another 24 pages)
-Stop by newspaper office for copies of last Thursday's paper; JF's obit was in it.
-Bank, if other royalty check arrives.
-Take daughter to appointment after school
-Remind the SU to take youngling to dentist; spacers are in for his missing teeth.
-SU said something about a trip to Denny's for b-fast; I want Applebee's for lunch!
-Karaoke tonight! (Hey, I can spring for a round of drinks tonight!)
I also realized I need to write my November newsletter! Oops.....
What's on YOUR agenda for today?
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