dizzylittlechat

I'm alive

2012-01-19T09:43:00.003-07:00

So, I'm alive. I know I completely neglected this blog, along with other things in my life while I was very sick and pregnant and then for the first few months of my baby's life. I mean... look at his face! I'm completely in love and intoxicated by him!

I'm trying to find a balance again and that brings me to today! I joined a writing critique group and we met for the 2nd time yesterday. I think its going to be really good for me because it will give me some deadlines and force me to find time to write. Hopefully. :)

We shared the first 15 pages of our WIPs and then talked about them. It was the first time I had read any of it to someone other than a family member, and they really seemed to like it so that was good. I got across the emotions and suspense I was going for in the beginning so I feel like that was successful.

I have worked over that first part extensively so I was glad that it seemed well received. This month I would like to focus on 3 things:

1) My second chapter I have written in two different ways and I need to sort through how I want to do it.

2) I have a little over 50K words. I am aiming for 100K for the finished product. Once issue I'm having is that I had decided to make it into three books, but I feel as though I am 75% though my storyline for the first book at 50K. So Im debating if I should figure out a way to stretch the first book out to the 100K words or if I should try to condense everything into one super solid book?

3) I need to move forward even though Im mulling the prior things over and get a new chapter written.

Those are my three goals this month. My writing group meets again Feb 15th and we have to select a 15 pages to bring for critique. I'm excited to be getting back into it again. I really love to write and I really want to get this book finished! I've been working on it for so long, I just want to have the whole thing done. I need to finish for myself- its something I have committed to do and I'm going to do it. Even if its a little harder juggling with a baby. Who I am am head over heels in love with. :)

24 Weeks....

2011-06-03T09:11:00.000-06:00

Hi! It's been a minute, huh? OK. So, I am finally ACTUALLY feeling better! I know I thought I was out of the woods on my last post... but NO SO FAST. My body decided to be sick for almost 6 months. Yikes! Well, now I'm 24 1/2 weeks and feeling better for the most part! Well at least not nauseous ALL day. So I am planning on writing again. I know you've heard that before but now Im SERIOUS. For real. I even set up my writing room. :) Anyway, I will be posting more frequently while I try to get more finished on the book and get ready for the baby! Oh, it's a BOY, by the way. My due date is Sept 21st, which will be here before I know it!! Anyway, I thought I should just post my INTENTION on here that I am gearing up to get going again, now that I don't want to die. :)

More SOON!!

a riddle...

2011-03-18T09:11:00.000-06:00

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riddle: what happens to a dedicated writer when she finds out she is pregnant and has hoooorrrriiibbbllleeee morning sickness that lasts all day and all night??

answer: she falls off of the face of the planet for the first trimester.

Hello. Its me. I am alive. Barely. So first, I apologize for the lack of EVER writing, or even mentioning what was going on. I basically was just trying to survive.

It is a true miracle that I am pregnant. We have been trying for about 6 1/2 years and have done everything short of In Vitro, which we were planning on doing this summer. And then... WHAM I just got pregnant all on our own! Everyone says that always happens, when you stop worrying about it or stop trying. But I swear, I've not worried and not tried before, and nada.

Anyway, the one day that I didn't write on here, that I said that there was a family event... well that was me finding out I was pregnant! :) I was COMPLETELY shocked and almost a week late because I never get pregnant! Anyway, it has been very very exciting, short of me thinking I was dying on a daily basis.

I am feeling better sometimes in the mornings now, and so I'm ready to keep writing. I am doing an edit of what I have written so far, and just to help me get back into the groove. So once I finish that, I will be back to a set word count again.

The baby is due late September and we are soooo excited!! Again, my apologies for going AWOL.
But hey... I'm just growing a human. :) :) :)

Hope things are going well for everyone!!! More soon.... I promise!! Have a great FRIDAY!!

end of week 2- "a month of obsession"

2011-01-24T09:02:00.000-07:00

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End of Week 2 of "a month of obsession."
Yay! Made it to the end of two weeks. Here are my numbers:

Jan 18- 640 (This was my one exception, but since I wrote 7K words right before, and I had a major family thing that day, I'm letting it be ok.)
Jan 19- 2,207
Jan 20- 2,034
Jan 21- 2,107
Jan 22- 2,113
Jan 23- Day Off

The best part is the feeling I get when I've hit my word count for the day. There is nothing like it. I get this huge grin on my face and I'm so excited! The other thing that's really fun is to look at my 'project statistics' in Scrivener. It keeps track of my word count for each section, but also the whole tally. It tells me how many pages it would be printed out and how many that would translate to in paperback. It is so exciting to see my progress when I'm writing like this!

I can't believe we are towards the end of January already! This month has flown by and I'm so excited about what I have to show for it.

Ok gotta keep it going!!

end of week one- a month of obsession

2011-01-18T17:38:00.000-07:00

END OF WEEK ONE!!

I am so proud to say that I have kept up with my goal, and even surpassed it! Here are my numbers since last time:

Jan 13: 2,107
Jan 14: 2,125
Jan 15: 2,052
Jan 16: 7,116 (!!!!!!!!!)
Jan 17: Day Off

I can't even TELL you how much of a difference this is making. I have had so many breakthroughs, it's intoxicating.

The first thing I learned about writing 2000 words a day is that its DIFFICULT. Sometimes, I just ended up sitting there. Waiting. Thinking. Trying to be brilliant. Or just maybe write a word- yes, let's start there.

Before this Month Of Obsession, that's where I would have stopped. But if I wasn't at my wordcount, I couldn't stop anymore. So I would just keep thinking, and thinking. I had decided that I wouldn't let myself do anything else (internet, reading, movies, etc.) until I had hit my wordcount for the day. Sometimes, that ate up the entire day.

But, you know what? EVENTUALLY, I thought of something. Every. Time. I didn't know I could do that!

Another thing I learned is something that I've read a bunch of times, and Stephen King says it in On Writing, but for some reason I didn't just LISTEN to him, I had learn it the hard way, of course. Here it is: If you are IN your book, your story, your creation- ENOUGH- your brain starts connecting things in ways you have never experienced before. It always takes me a little bit of time to get back IN it, before it starts flowing. What I've found when I'm writing so much more is that I'm thinking about it ALL THE TIME. I wake up thinking about a character. I see something and suddenly think of a perfect way to tie in two seemingly unrelated story lines. It became so real, I found myself dreaming about it, and waking up thinking of solutions, or where I will go next.

Sunday was supposed to be my day off. I don't know if since in my mind I was thinking I didn't HAVE to write, that it just all flowed, or what, but it was AMAZING. I seriously couldn't stop. Honestly I didn't get out of my pajamas until about 3 in the afternoon. I just wrote and wrote and wrote and wrote. It was like I couldn't stop! I was in the ZONE. I mean... 7,116?? For me, that's a personal best. :)

It's interesting, because I have been working on this series for years, and I have soooo much written. But a few months ago, I finally got the storyline SOLID. I finally got it to work. I figured out an ending and solidified how I was going to write it.

Now its just getting it OUT. On the paper.

It really helped me to tell my friends and family about my commitment. They ask me about it every day and keep me motivated and accountable.

I havn't finished today, so I've got to go for now. But it feels good to check in here, and say that I'm still going strong on A Month of Obsession!!

word count ~ 2000

2011-01-13T08:00:00.002-07:00

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Feeling good, feeling good. I have hit my goal every day so far:

Jan 10: 2006 words

Jan 11: 2093 words

Jan 12: 2570 words

The first day I hit it pretty easily. The second day was rough. But a day like that is exactly why I need a word count because when I pushed myself I FINALLY got it. Granted, it was 10:30 at night. But I got it. Yesterday I had my 2000 by 11am. So it just kind of depends. I decided to tell family and friends about my commitment and that has really helped. I didn't do that before because I think I was afraid that I would have to REALLY do it, no matter what. So, once I got out of my own way... things are going nicely.

I am trying to read a lot lately, which I really believe helps with my writing. I read a large variety of genres and authors, and that helps a lot too. I'm in a book club and this month's book is Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, which surprisingly I haven't read and I'm excited about. I have also started next month's book, Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare because I am moderating next month, so want to be ready. For my psychological thriller, I'm reading Thr3e by Ted Decker.

I also try to watch good movies, and I find that I pick up on different things from doing that. On Sunday my husband and I watched The Godfather. I hadn't seen it, which is unacceptable. Fantastic movie, of course. I'm excited to see the next two. Yesterday for my lunch break, I watched "The Machinist," with Christian Bale. I can't believe how much weight he lost for the part! Holy hell, he was skin and bones- literally. Crazy movie!

I swear its good for me to be exposed to a lot of books and movies while I'm writing. Yes, for my job, I get to read lots of great books and watch movies, all in the name of research. :)

A MONTH OF OBSESSION... continues.....

obsessed- a one month commitment

2011-01-10T09:00:00.001-07:00

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One Month. Today is January 10, 2011. Here is my commitment to be obsessed with my WIP for a month. We are talking totally immersing myself in it, pounding the pavement and putting everything else aside. I WILL hit a minimum of 2000 words a day, six days a week. There you have it. A Stephen King inspired word count for someone who is serious.

I feel like it's a movie that I've seen, and I just have to get it down on paper. Here we go....

I can feel it seeping into my system. The obsession. Bring it on.

a lesson from my learning curve...

2011-01-07T11:08:00.000-07:00

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Happy New year! Sorry its been a little while, but the holidays just grabbed a hold of me! :) That's ok, I spent a lot of time with family and friends. And my manuscript. So that was good! I also read a bunch of books: To Kill a Mockingbird, The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, How to Write Killer Fiction, The Girl that Kicked the Hornet's Nest, The Firm and The Uglies (my reviews are on my goodreads).

So. It's a new year. 2011. I have very high hopes for this year. Things are going to be better, Im going to be better, more dedicated etc. My biggest new years resolution is obvious: FINISH BOOK 1. And not by the end of the year.... SOON! Im gonna become OBSESSED. That's my goal- obsession.

I feel like Im on such a good track with it right now. I have a solid outline and Im no longer struggling with the ending (of the trilogy). I have a SOLID plan. Seems like I should have had that before now right? Well, originally the story started with what is now book 2, and so in developing my antagonist in book one, I fell in love with the character, and was struggling with having the character do what he/she does. But I think that's what will make this character great. A complex character, with decisions that aren't black and white at all. Characters that are faced with impossible situations, where no matter what they choose, it will change them and stretch them.

Another thing I decided, or rather learned the hard way, was that I am going to write the book from multiple viewpoints in 3rd person limited. There are a series of things that I have learned a long the way that I WISH I would have known at the beginning. This is one of them, so I'm going to give you the cliff notes of my research.

Point of View- this is a HUGE deal. I didn't think it was, or I thought I understood it, but I didn't. POV will dramatically change how your book is written and how you shed light on things as the author.

First Person (Thoughts and feelings of one main character who is telling the story) First person will always have "I" in it. This is a good choice for a first time writer because it's not confusing at all and you can help the readers feel like they are inside the head of the character, allowing them to identify with the author fully.

examples: Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte, The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold, The Meaning of Night by Michael Cox, The Woods by Harlan Coban

Second Person (Turns the reader into the character) Second person will have "you" in it. This is not used very often and is not a good choice for a first time writer.

example: The Orchids by Thomas Cook

Third Person Omniscient (All knowing, can include thoughts and feelings of any character and can head-hop within scenes). This is a good choice for a huge body of work, something like Lord of the Rings, because you can move your story forward and let the reader in on many viewpoints along the way. The downside of this point of view is that there will always be a barrier between the reader and the characters. They will never feel as if they are IN the situation, which you can achieve with either first person or third person limited. This used to be the preferred way of writing but has fallen out of favor in recent years.

This is the viewpoint I had unknowingly started writing it, and then I did all this research and basically its a huge NO NO to write your first novel in this viewpoint. Everyone says STAY AWAY, to the point that publishers may not even look at it. So, that caused a lot of rewriting for me, BUT I think that its better now, because exactly what they say would happen did. You feel MUCH closer to the character. The thing that was crappy for me learning this later in the game, was that there were scenes I'd written that now I have to take out completely, or rework them into another perspective.

examples: A Time to Kill by John Grisham, And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie, Lord of the Rings by J.R. R. Tolkien, Anna Karenina by Leo Toldtoy, Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell

Third Person Limited (Thoughts and feelings of the main character, similar to 1st person, but instead of "I," the character's name is used. Phrases like "he said, she said") This perspective is often used and is recommended along with 1st person for beginning writers.

The challenge for me with this is that there is no way this story can be told from only one person's perspective because it is very complex and in my opinion would not do it justice. So that brings me to another option of Multiple POV.

examples: Harry Potter by J.K Rowling, Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card, The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway

Multiple ViewPoints (Includes thoughts and feelings from more than one main character, but ONLY one at a time. It will be broken up with *** or through a new chapter) This is not a recommended style for first time writers... but its what I'm using. I just feel like it would be impossible to tell the story from one persons perspective. But I do like using the 3rd person limited instead of omniscient because I think you will really feel connected with the characters and that's really important to me.

The caution with this viewpoint is to use as few perspectives as you can and still effectively tell the story. Readers start to identify with whoever is telling the story, so if you switch it too often, you will have frustrated readers.

examples: My Sisters Keeper by Jodi Picoult, The Memory Keepers Daughter by Kim Edawards, The Hunt for Red October by Tom Clancy, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants by Ann Brashares

Within these categories, the book can either be written with objective or subjective viewpoints:
Objective: Basically a camera's perspective- no thoughts or feelings, just the what someone says or facial reactions.
Subjective: Allows for internal thoughts and feelings.

So, that's my sum-up of POV. I have learned what a big difference this can make in a book. From me just switching from omniscient to 3rd person limited from multiple perspectives, it was challenging to think of new scenes that get the same thing across, from one of my POV characters.

I'm plugging away, and loving ever second. I'm still in love with Scrivener. It's a fantastic program.

Well I should be back to regular postings again. :) Hopefully this POV explanation was helpful- it helped me solidify it all in my mind by writing it!

Ok, I'm off to hit my word count for the day! 2000!

gratitude

2010-11-22T09:12:00.002-07:00

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This morning I am blogging from another state and there's 8 inches of snow!! It's beautiful! I turned on the Christmas music and I'm feeling pretty good about having it on.

I wanted to quickly make a list of things I am thankful for this week, in the spirit of the Thanksgiving holiday....

Hubby- I know it sounds ridiculous how much I still adore him after all this time, but I truly am the happiest married person I know. He is my air, and that's all I really need to say.
My girls- Even though they are not my biological daughters, I love them so very very much. They are my girls and make my life so much richer. Their smiles, their laughter, their little jokes, their similarities and differences. I love them more than anything.
My dog- I get a lot of crap for how much I love my dog, but I don't care because he makes me soooo happy. He really really does. I know he is filling a spot in me that is craving my own baby, but I can't imagine loving him any less when that happens. (I know. Everyone says that will change) I love his little personality and I especially love how he snuggles with me.
My complicated family- I love my family so very much. The dynamics are so interesting, and the struggles have been many, but I am confident we are stronger for it. I have two amazing parents, in their own ways, and I have always felt loved. I feel like I have a really great relationship with each of my sibs- there are six of us all together, which makes me very lucky.
I am very very thankful for the upcoming stability that is beginning in our lives. We have had a very up and down year with my husband's business, and it has finally paid off. He successfully closed a large transaction that will give us not only stability but huge piece of mind. I am so proud of him. In this rough economy for him to have created something like he did is a huge fete.
I am so very very thankful that I have had the opportunity to work on my book this year. I was so unhappy for so long, trying to be successful in an environment that was all numbers and black and white thinking. With my husband's continued support, I have been able to chase a dream this year and I can honestly say that EVERY SINGLE DAY, I have been thankful for that chance. I cannot even tell you how amazing it has been to have someone be so supportive. I never would have got as far as I have without him believing in me and challenging me to DO IT.
Our health- I am so very very thankful that none of my family has had any major health issues. I know what an amazing thing that is, and knock on wood, I pray it stays that way.
I am thankful for our freedom. I am thankful for all of the brave men and women that have served or are currently serving to keep us safe and free. I hope they can all come home soon.
I have wonderful friends and I am so thankful for them. They add so much spice to my life and I am so thankful for good and lasting friendships. I have such a dynamic group of friends from all walks of life, and I love that about each of them. Their individuality, passions, hopes and dreams make me want to be a better person.
I am thankful for the holidays- any reason to celebrate anything and I'm all over it. I love love love the holidays. I love the decorations, the music, the excitement in the air and the spirit of giving. I love family gatherings and reactions to the perfect gifts. I love hosting parties and spending extra time with good friends. I love freshly fallen snow- it makes you feel like you can do anything, like you have a fresh start.

This year has been both fabulous and extremely stressful. I feel like we have been humbled and that we have learned many valuable lessons. I am looking forward to the upcoming year. In many ways, I feel like we are arriving, like this next year will be one of the best of our lives. I am excited to settle, to know exactly what our future will entail and to focus on living instead of surviving. I am full of gratitude for my life, for the people that are in it, and for the amazing things they have taught me this year.

It may sound trite to make a list of things I'm thankful for, but it is so important to take time to notice the things around you that you are grateful for. No matter what has gone on in your life, there are always things to be thankful for, to be mindful of. I guarantee that you will instantly feel better after acknowledging these types of blessings in your life.

In a strange way, I am also thankful for blogging... the ability for anyone to be given a voice, a sounding-board, an outlet, and a support system.

Even though it was a hard year, I think that the struggle will benefit us- it gave us a healthy perspective that leaves me full of thanks on this snowy morning.

"Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow."

SCRIVENER!!!!!!

2010-11-18T09:40:00.000-07:00

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Scrivener 2.0 has arrived, in all of its glory! This software is THE BEST writing software EVER. Bar none. LOVE it LOVE it LOVE it!! The reason I haven't written on here lately is because I'm spending every second in THIS SOFTWARE writing!

I cannot even begin to tell you how intuitive it is. It has features I didn't know I needed but then suddenly I can't live without it. If you are writing ANYTHING, any kind of long document, this is a MUST. I CANNOT believe I didn't have this before!!

I found it on accident, while searching for a better way to track my daily writing goals (thanks Stephen King) and someone mentioned this software. So I went to the website and learned that the creator, Keith from England, was a writer, struggling with the fact that there wasn't the right kind of software to support him. So, he developed Scrivener... out of necessity, comes brilliance.

I downloaded the free trial and within minutes was convinced THIS WAS IT. I also loved that it is totally inexpensive- its about $50. I seriously would have paid more. I should be on a commercial for them. I LOOOOOOOOOOOVE this software.

Here is their website:

SCRIVENER SOFTWARE- Literature and Latte

And here is the link that has easy to follow tutorials that show all of the capabilities.

TUTORIALS

It was funny because the 2.0 version wasn't out yet when I found it, and I was already soooo excited about it. I wrote and wrote and wrote and told everyone around me all about it. Then about three weeks later I came to do a post here, and went to get the icon for the picture at the top... and the 2.0 version had been released! So then I abandoned my post, and spent a bunch of time on the new tutorials finding new gems that I didn't even know I needed but now can't live without! AMAZING.

Dear Keith,
Scrivener has changed my life. Thank you so very much for all of your efforts in creating such intuitive software. I will continue to spread the word about how much I FREAKING ADORE SCRIVENER. If you ever need anyone to promote your software, you have your satisfied customer. Seriously. Also, I love how you say 'whilst' in all of your tutorials. It makes me want to visit England as soon as possible.
Thank you thank you thank you. Brilliant software. You have my eternal appreciation. And from what I've read around, this is the general consensus.
Sincerely,
Writing and Happy

As a sidenote... I probably should have mentioned this earlier, but the software was developed for Macs, but I have heard that a Windows version has either just been released, or will be soon. So, keep your chin up, PCers. Or, just get a Mac. Because really. Im a MAC. And you will NEVER go back once you have dabbled in Macworld.

Anyway, I am such a happy writer thanks to Scrivener. I know this is a silly post, but in all seriousness, it really has helped me organize my writing and navigate it much more effectively. I just had to share how much it has helped me... because how did I not know about this??????

Man, this learning on your own thing is a little crazy. But, it does allow for moments of sheer happiness, when you discover something groundbreaking. Like Scrivener. Seriously. Stop reading and purchase.

Happy writing!!!

never give up

2010-10-12T12:03:00.013-06:00

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You know that feeling. The sinking feeling when you realize its not going to work. You hear the "no" in the conversation and you realize that all of your efforts were in vain.

That's the moment most of us give up, lick our wounds and decide that we won't reach quite so far next time.

Its a human, knee-jerk reaction.

But.

Sometimes there is more inside of us. A deep pocket, way in the back, that we haven't accessed before. We've never had to got there, and we never would have, were it not for this frustrating situation.

This is something I have learned from my husband. No matter how many times he hears no, or it can't be done, or it's impossible... all he hears is: you haven't figured it out yet- back to the drawing board.

I admire this quality in him, and I am trying to develop it further in myself. These are the moments that force us to grow. Sometimes we fight it... we aren't ready for change, its hard, you have no support or you are just tired of the fight. Tired of the continued efforts that only amount to banging up against another wall.

At that moment in time, you are in good company.

Abraham Lincoln went to war a captain and returned a private. Afterwards, he was a failure as a businessman. As a lawyer in Springfield, he was too impractical and temperamental to be a success. He turned to politics and was defeated in his first try for the legislature, again defeated in his first attempt to be nominated for congress, defeated in his application to be commissioner of the General Land Office, defeated in the senatorial election of 1854, defeated in his efforts for the vice-presidency in 1856, and defeated in the senatorial election of 1858. At about that time, he wrote in a letter to a friend, "I am now the most miserable man living. If what I feel were equally distributed to the whole human family, there would not be one cheerful face on the earth."

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To be great, you must find the ability to continue against all odds.

Winston Churchill was defeated in every election until he became Prime Minister at the age of 62. SIXTY TWO.

He later said,

"Never give in, never give in, never, never, never, never - in nothing, great or small, large or petty - never give in except to convictions of honor and good sense. Never, Never, Never, Never give up."

Thomas Edison's teacher told him he was too stupid to learn anything. It took him 1000 different attempts to perfect the lighbulb. What if he would have stopped before the 1000th attempt??

Einstein was told he was "mentally slow" and was even expelled from school.

Henry Ford failed and was broke 5 times before he was succesful.

R.H. Macy failed 7 times before his store finally caught on.

Tom Landry, Chuck Noll, Bill Walsh, and Jimmy Johnson accounted for 11 of the 19 Super Bowl victories from 1974 to 1993. They also share the distinction of having the worst records of first-season head coaches in NFL history - they didn't win a single game.

Walt Disney was fired by a newspaper editor because "he lacked imagination and had no good ideas." He went bankrupt several times before he built Disneyland. In fact, the proposed park was rejected by the city of Anaheim on the grounds that it would only attract riffraff.

The first time Jerry Seinfeld walked on-stage at a comedy club as a professional comic, he looked out at the audience, froze, and forgot the English language. He stumbled through "a minute-and a half" of material and was jeered offstage. He returned the following night and closed his set to wild applause.

After Harrison Ford's first performance as a hotel bellhop in the film Dead Heat on a Merry-Go-Round, the studio vice-president called him in to his office. "Sit down kid," the studio head said, "I want to tell you a story. The first time Tony Curtis was ever in a movie he delivered a bag of groceries. We took one look at him and knew he was a movie star." Ford replied, "I thought you were spossed to think that he was a grocery delivery boy." The vice president dismissed Ford with "You ain't got it kid , you ain't got it ... now get out of here."
Decca Records turned down a recording contract with the Beatles with the unprophetic evaluation, "We don't like their sound. Groups of guitars are on their way out." After Decca rejected the Beatles, Columbia records followed suit.
In 1954, Jimmy Denny, manager of the Grand Ole Opry, fired Elvis Presley after one performance. He told Presley, "You ain't goin' nowhere, son. You ought to go back to drivin' a truck."

21 publishers rejected Richard Hooker's humorous war novel, M*A*S*H. He had worked on it for seven years.

"Only those who dare to fall greatly can achieve greatly."
Robert F. Kennedy

"Everything will be ok in the end.

If it is not ok yet,

it is not the end."

Unknown

So, dig deeper.

Try again.

Don't take no for an answer.

Go and be great.

It's what you are meant to do.

the spice of life... and why my job freaking rocks

2010-10-06T09:11:00.000-06:00

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....aAaAnNnNdDd so it continues....

Im officially obsessed with the fall. Everyone in my house is teasing me because every meal tastes "fall-ish and I have decorated the house with halloween spookiness. I just think, if you can add spice to life, why not?

We went camping up the canyon this weekend with the girlies and it was sooo refreshing! Just what we needed. It was great to relax. I think I have forgotten how to relax to some extent! Being so busy all the time, I find I have to force myself to slow down!

Meanwhile, I have been plugging away on my book with my newfound words of wisdom from Stephen King. Ok, so the confession is that I have not hit 1000 words every day since I posted (LAME I KNOW). BUT I have written more than that a few times, and I am writing with more frequency. I will get there- things have been really crazy lately with our traveling so much and the kids back in school with their games and stuff. I have to say that a few things he said in his book have really affected me and helped me so much. I feel like I'm on a roll!

dRuMroLl pLeAse......I would like to welcome back my fall line up.... greys anatomy, how I met your mother, 30 rock, dexter, big love, flash forward, parenthood, friday night lights, house, bones and the office. My new addition this year is Lone Star, which I have only had time to watch the first episode, but it was good! DISCLAIMER: I do not watch all of these shows ALL the time and often get very behind... but thanks to DVR, I am able to catch up (often during the summer). And I always try to run whilst I'm watching...

I actually find that the more books I am reading and even when I'm watching a bunch of different kinds of shows, I think it makes me a better writer. Am I allowed to say that? How cool is my job? I really do pay attention to things like character development and plot and what I liked or what doesn't work. I am marking up all the books I read now, taking notes in the margins, and underlining things. I am constantly trying to learn something new from whatever it is that has my attention. When I'm out and about, I watch how people interact, their facial expressions, listen to their conversations (hey- its my job) and always try to learn something. I find that I am influenced in my writing by things that I have gleaned from situations around me.

CURRENTLY READING: Mockingjay by Sue Collins, The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest by Steig Larsson, Play Dead by Harlan Coban, Interview with a Vampire by Anne Rice (OCTOBER book club selection), and (rereading) To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee.

Today I am meeting my friend Denise to go over where we are in our books and help each other along. It really does help me to meet with her, to get ideas, to keep the excitement going and to be held accountable.

INTENTION: I WILL WRITE 1000 words today no matter what no matter what no matter what. My goal is 2000 words today. I will report tomorrow morning!!

Hope you all have a wonderful day!! Get out and enjoy the weather, or hole up inside with coffee, a fire and a good book! The fall only lasts for so long!!

thank you mr. king

2010-09-26T09:29:00.005-06:00

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I just finished "On Writing- A Memoir of the Craft" by Stephen King. Love, love, loved this book. I read it in two days and marked it up a shameful amount. I was really excited when I found out that he had written this book with all his golden nuggets of advice.

The first half is a memoir of his life- an overview of the things that happened to him that influenced him as he became a writer. The second half is specifics on writing itself- the mechanic and the evolution of his stories. And lets be honest... he IS Stephen King! He knows what he's talking about. For years now I've gone to author's websites and read everything I can to find things like this. I am always hopeful that there will be a section 'for writers.' This was like those sections... on crack. Everything you need to know, stripped of all of the fluff, brutally honest and crammed with insight.

I enjoyed this book so much that I want to share the things that were important to me in my writing. Here are some of the nuggets of advice from Mr. King that had a large impact on me:

"If you want to be a writer, you must do two things above all others: read a lot and write a lot." This is by far the piece of advice that all authors/writers agree on and vehemently advocate. Mr. King talks about how there is a learning process going on every time you read, and thats why its so important. You pick up on grammatical lessons, plot structure and good vs. bad dialogue. You will be a much better writer if you READ. At the end of his book he give a list of books he's read in the last few years (well, at the time he wrote it) and it is quite extensive. He says each book influences you and your writing style so it is important to read a lot of different authors and styles. "Constant reading will put you into a place (a mind-set if you like) where you can write eagerly and without self consciousness.

You've got to pound the pavement. You have to actually WRITE. He talks about how you have to be involved in writing without first waiting for your "muse." If you spent enough time writing... the muse will come. "If you don't have time to read, you don't have time (or the tools) to write. Simple as that." Stephen King wrote "The Running Man" in one week. WOW.

The writing program he suggests is 4-6 hours a day behind a closed door. 1000- 2000 (increasing as you go from beginner...) words a day, six days a week.

NEW COMMITMENT- I am going to try this out. I promise to write at least 1000 words, 6 days a week, starting TODAY.

The writing room- He suggests you have a room that you can close the door, leaving all of the distractions outside. It also programs your brain and your subconscious to know that you are going to write. You can't leave the writing room until you have hit your goal.

Tell the truth and be true to your characters. Your stories should be CHARACTER driven, not PLOT driven. "Plot is, I think, the good writer's last resort and the dullard's first choice." This was a very interesting piece of advice to me because I HATE HATE HATE the story-boarding part of writing. But I hate REWRITING even more than story-boarding, which is why I get stuck sometimes trying to figure out what to do next. He suggests that if you just let your characters take over, they will lead you in the most true direction the book could go. I loved this part: "...If you do your job, your characters will come to life and start doing things on their own. I know that sounds a little creepy if you haven't actually experienced it, but its terrific fun when it happens. And it will solve a lot of your problems, believe me." I have had that happen, and he's write- that's the BEST part of writing. Because then your characters are REAL. I have gone back and forth between writing like that and trying to figure out endings. He says that most of the time he doesn't know how things are going to end up. He has 'hoped' something will turn out one way, but it may or may be the way it ends... and its up to the characters, not him.

NEW COMMITMENT - Character driven. Ok, Im going to go with it and see what happens. I need to let the characters just BE themselves and see where it takes me.

First draft should be completed behind a closed door and without any help from anyone else. He says when you are wanting to share it with someone, to resist that impulse and to keep the pressure on. The hope of success and the fear of failure will drive you forward.

Basically, if you are writing anything... go get a copy of this book. The suggestions in ON Writing are fantastic. I really couldn't put it down. I love that someone as accomplished and famous as Stephen King took the time to write a book about how he does what he does. To people like me, eager to learn and just starting out, the advice was invaluable. It's a pretty amazing thing that something he wrote back in 1999 can have such a heavy influence on me, in 2010. And there we have the magic of writing... thank you Mr. King.

fall goodness

2010-09-22T09:52:00.004-06:00

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It's the first day of fall! Fall is my very most favorite time of year. I love the crisp air, the colors, the spicy fall treats, scarves, and since this is the season that I met my husband, it always makes me remember when we were dating.

In honor of fall, I break out some subtle warm colored decorations in my house and do some rearranging to make it feel really cozy. I am all about Salt City Candles that have the best and most delicious scents. Today I am burning 'pumpkin spice' in honor or welcoming FALL.

I have been trying to incorporate 'fall' into my cooking lately, which my girls think is funny, but I think they secretly like it. I have been making these really yummy chai-like protein shakes for breakfast:

Fall Breakfast Shake

Ice

8-10 oz. milk

1 banana

1 scoop vanilla protein powder

3 shakes of cinnamon

1 1/2 shakes cloves

dash pepper

(do you like my exact measurements??)

Blend and enjoy. I have also learned if you blend it for too long it becomes real foamy-ish, which I don't like. So blend it until the ice is tiny, but not much longer.

Here is another breakfast favorite:

Zucchini Pie

4 c thinly sliced zucchini
1 c chopped onion
1/4 c butter plus 2 T olive oil
2 eggs beaten
1 c grated cheddar cheese
1 c grated monterey jack cheese
(you can use 2 c colby jack for the cheese)

seasonings:
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 t garlic powder
2/ T parsley flakes
1/2 t basil flakes
1/2 t oregano flakes

one tube croissant rolls or dough of choice

As an alternative to using the croissant rolls for the dough:

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Butter-Flaky-Pie-Crust/Detail.aspx

Saute zucchini and onion in butter and oil. Add seasonings. Line 9" pan with dough. In large bowl mix eggs and cheese then add zucchini mix. Pour into lined pan and bake at 375 degrees for 20 to 30 mins.

A yummy fall lunch- definitely Minestrone

Fall Minestrone

Chicken Stalk

3-4 tomatoes, diced

1 can tomato sauce

1-2 stalks celery

White Beans

Carrots

onions

1 clove garlic, minced

yellow squash

zucchini

spinach

orzo pasta (or I get the wheat pasta)

Lawrey's salt

pepper

thyme

sage

garlic salt

2 bay leaves

Cook and enjoy!

And of course, there HAS to be peach cobbler!! YUM!!

This one is from allrecipes.com

8 fresh peaches - peeled, pitted and sliced into thin wedges
1/4 cup white sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons cornstarch
(I usually double this next part so that the peaches to yummy bready part is equal)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup white sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
1/4 cup boiling water
MIX TOGETHER:
3 tablespoons white sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
In a large bowl, combine peaches, 1/4 cup white sugar, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Toss to coat evenly, and pour into a 2 quart baking dish. Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine flour, 1/4 cup white sugar, 1/4 cup brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Blend in butter with your fingertips, or a pastry blender, until mixture resembles coarse meal. Stir in water until just combined.
Remove peaches from oven, and drop spoonfuls of topping over them. Sprinkle entire cobbler with the sugar and cinnamon mixture. Bake until topping is golden, about 20 minutes.

Yesterday at my moms I had some pear butter and I am going to get the recipe for that soon, so I will put it on here when I do.

Fall is magical to me. I get really excited about it... can you tell? I have to make myself wait until October to get out the halloween decorations. Im trying to just be content with my fall-ish ones for now. :)

I'm hoping for some stormy weather too. That's the best writing weather you know.

I love this song... it feels like fall to me...

dear fall,

i love you.

always,

Houston... we have no problems

2010-09-15T10:56:00.002-06:00

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Change of Venue for the next few days: HOUSTON

I'm writing today from Houston Texas, where I came with Hubby for the closing on his purchase of assets from a large company here. This is a hugely exciting deal for us and I could not be more proud of him. He has worked NONSTOP on this for so long that sometimes I can't remember what he looks like :)

This has been an insanely uphill battle from the beginning- we are talking CLAWING our way up. Last night I was musing about how he has made this entire thing happen out of nothing. He has woven all of these seemingly unconnected pieces together... like a huge intricate spider web. Seriously, it is amazing that it has all fallen into place. I am so lucky to have such an intelligent, savvy and likable man for my spouse. Gonna call him Spider.

Texas is BEAUTIFUL! The city is really cool because there are all the incredible buildings but then there are these AM.AZ.ING homes- no wait- estates- everywhere with these winding roads and huge reaching trees right in the city as well!

The humidity reminds me of when I was little, growing up in Virginia. It's weird how just the air takes me right back to childhood! I can hear the cicadas in the trees. When I was little, there was an outbreak of them and they were EVERYWHERE. Seriously, people didn't want to go outside! I think they were the ones that only come out every 17 years or something. If you don't know what they are...check them out here. They are CRAZY little creatures!

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Anyway, I am happy to be writing and working on my book from Houston. It's a beautiful, sunny day and I'm looking forward to writing and then going to the pool this afternoon. I'm reading the third book of Stieg Larson's "The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest" which I am excited about. For some reason, I can't seem to put this series down! I have flown through the pages and I'm really excited to hear what happens in the final book.

I was saddened to learn that Stieg Larsson died from a heart attack before any of his books were ever published. In 2008 he was the second largest selling author and was the first author to sell more than one million e-books on amazon. I can't imagine putting in alllll the work he did- the books are all really long and very complex- but never getting to see them published. And not only published, but they became a legendary trilogy.

I'm the happiest girl today. Life is good. Not even a tiny complaint. In fact, I am just so thankful for all of the things I have in my life.

Thank you, Houston, for all of the good things you have brought our way.

the little things

2010-09-10T06:40:00.002-06:00

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It's the little things that make life so sweet isn't it?

I had a great day yesterday writing and finished the rewrite for what I have of book one. YAY! Huge accomplishment. That would be good in and of itself.

I have kept what I'm writing under wraps for the most part. But, feeling like what I have written is pretty good, I decided to share parts of it with some of my family members.

I do have to admit, a tiny part of me wanted to be taken more seriously. I wanted them to believe that I am really writing a book, not just sitting at home twiddling my thumbs.

I have never read any of it to my dad. Well, I might have read him one part a really long time ago, but it wasn't nearly the storyline it is now. So yesterday, I had him over for lunch (and a haircut) and I told him I was really excited to share the beginning of my book with him. I was a little nervous because my father was an english major and is an attorney to boot. He edits a lot of documents for a living. Plus he is very smart, and I was a little nervous he would just tell me it was good, but not really seem like he meant it.

So I read the very beginning and he was acting like he really liked it. He seemed to be into it, but he needed to get back to work. Then he said that he would call me and I could keep reading the first chapter to him while he drove. So I kept reading while he drove.

Then all of a sudden, he's like, "Oh crap!" I thought maybe he was hitting traffic, and was worried about getting back. But no.

"What happened?" I ask.

"You have got to be kidding me!"

"What?"

He starts laughing. "I was so involved with your story that I missed my exit!"

Such a little thing. But it meant so much to me.

Eight Years Ago Today

2010-09-09T10:11:00.002-06:00

I met Hubby eight years ago today. I think that's pretty freaking cool. We are the happiest married couple I know, and for that, I am proud.

Eight years ago, I was working somewhere we will call Big Glass Building and I was an administrative assistant. I worked out of one office three days a week and out of their other one, 25 miles away, on the other two days a week.

I had been hearing about this hot new guy, but it was almost comical how I would not quite be able to see him. He'd be walking into a conference room and I would see the arm of his jacket or something. It was kind of funny. Anyway, he worked on the floor above me at the time. So he'd been there for almost three months and I'd never met him.

On the first Monday of every month, we had a meeting with everyone in the company. However, Mondays were usually the days that I was at the other location, so I didn't usually go. But that day, they were doing a spotlight on me (I know... that seems kind of funny now. I dont know any other companies that do that... but maybe they do). Anyway, so I came to the meeting and they did the spotlight at the beginning.

Well right as they finish, I happened to look behind me at someone shuffling in.

ENTER NEW GUY.

Wow, I think. He is totally sexy! Mmmnn and those green eyes! I turn around quickly but am very aware that he was right behind me the whole meeting.

When the meeting was over, I ran into Receptionist on the way back upstairs. Receptionist's boyfriend had been really mean to her and they were in a fight and she was a mess. She asks me if I can watch the phones for a minute while she goes to the ladies room to compose herself.

Of course I said I will, so I was at the front desk manning the phones. So I'm answering and some guy from our office called the front desk to help him figure out what time it would be in Hawaii right then.. blah blah....

So Im trying to remember what the time difference would be when... in walks New Guy.

I look up and muffle the phone receiver and ask him if he happens to know what the time difference would be in Hawaii. He answers immediately, because sexy New Guy knows everything I could ever want the answer to. He goes around the corner and is gone for a few minutes.

Then he comes back and leans his arms on the receptionist counter.

"Hey. I'm NEW GUY."

I lean a little closer to him and look up at him through my lashes.

"I know who you are."

At this, he smiles and can't keep my gaze. He says, "Oh really? And how do you know who I am?"

I give a little shrug. "You know, the ladies here... they talk."

"Oh really?" He is captivating and I can't catch my breathe. It's like time has stopped.

Then of course, someone walks in and I have to handle something. Someone needs a form or something. We break our conversation, as if we can't let anyone else know. He gives me a smile and a head nod and retreats back around the corner.

I'm dizzy. He is having a crazy affect on me. Finally Receptionist comes back and I go to my office.

I had a workspace in the same office as my boss. On this particular day, Boss tells me that he has someone coming in to talk with him and he had forgotten to tell me to book the conference room. It's an important meeting. Unfortunately, all the conference rooms are booked, so he tells me that I am going to have to be scarce for an hour or two.

This has never happened before, so I decide to go down to the break room. I'm walking down the hall when I pass the office three doors down from mine. As I'm passing it, I hear a "hey." It's that voice. Deep and sexy.

I turn, and there is new guy. Setting up his new office. Three doors down from me.

He starts making small talk with me and my stomach is doing those flip flops like I'm 14 again. He invites me into his office, where we proceed to talk. For an hour and a half straight.

Feels like its five minutes. I have never met anyone like him before. He is nine years older than me. He has three kids. He had just come over from another company. He lives and hour and a half from where I live. He asks me all sorts of things and when I talk, he listens. Like I'm the only one left in the world. He smiles and is a little flirty with me, but not too much. Just a hint... which intrigues me.

I don't find out for many months that after I left his office, he called his best friend and told him that he had met the most amazing girl that he was in love with her. True story.

The next morning, I had made peach cobbler and brought it in to the office. Fall is my FAVORITE time of year, and there is nothing yummier than peach cobbler with peaches right off the tree.

I send out an email to the company letting them know that there is cobbler in the break room for all to enjoy.

Minutes later, I get an email from New Guy.

"Hey Peachy,

I am out of town, but I wish I could try out some of your cobbler. If you want to email, here is my personal email address NewGuy@hotmail.com

New Guy"

And that's how it starts. We begin emailing. All the time. He starts showing up at a business class Im taking for work, with ice cream, trying to get me to ditch early. He made me homemade guacamole. He takes me up the canyons to see the beautiful fall leaves. I don't know why I trust him, but I do. We talk like we have to tell each other everything about our entire lives. In fact, we want to know more about each other so much that we start writing "Random Thoughts" ... just a 'stream-of-consciousness' writing about anything that has happened to us in the past.

Things like "This guy in third grade had a crush on me and when another guy liked me too, he punched him out on the playground. I have only ever had salmon out of a can so I don't think I like fish. I love to sing and routinely perform. I got the scar on my chin when I was six- we were playing tag in the kitchen that had wood floors. I was wearing socks and a chair was base... I slid right into the chair, splitting my chin open. I hate the dark. I love listening to the crickets outside at night...."

Our company is full of rumors, so we decide to keep it quiet. The second floor is under construction so we meet there for five minute 'rendezvous.' He shows up at the other building I work at with bagels and orange juice for breakfast.

He is intoxicating. I can't get him out of my head and the days blur together- a string of moments when I am with him.

He shows me a song. It's by Ben Folds, called "The Luckiest." It describes us perfectly and I can't believe I've found this man.

The words are:

I don't get many things right the first time
In fact, I am told that a lot
Now I know all the wrong turns, the stumbles and falls
Brought me here

And where was I before the day
That I first saw your lovely face?
Now I see it everyday
And I know

That I am
I am
I am
The luckiest

What if I'd been born fifty years before you
In a house on a street where you lived?
Maybe I'd be outside as you passed on your bike
Would I know?

And in a wide sea of eyes
I see one pair that I recognize
And I know

That I am
I a
I am
The luckiest

I love you more than I have ever found a way to say to you

Next door there's an old man who lived to his nineties
And one day passed away in his sleep
And his wife; she stayed for a couple of days
And passed away

I'm sorry, I know that's a strange way to tell you that I know we belong
That I know

That I am
I am
I am
The luckiest

We will end up dancing to this song at our wedding.

My favorite line is "In a wide sea of eyes, there is one pair that I recognize." That completely sums up how I feel every time I see him.

After only three weeks, we are at Einstein's getting ready to leave. We are in our separate cars, facing different directions, windows down.

The air is crisp now and the leaves are all turning. Its scarf weather and I have the heat on a little. We really need to go but neither of us wants to leave.

"I think I'm in love with you," he says and I can tell he means it. I'm scared, but I say it back, a huge grin threatening to break my face in half.

We date nonstop, every second we can be together. I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop, for me to figure out something that ruins this whirlwind, and brings me back down to earth.

But it never comes. We date for two years. Then he proposes to me on Laguna beach at sunset on Valentines Day.

I love everything about this man. I truly do. It not just something I say, when I say we are the happiest married couple I know. We really are.

I know that I am the luckiest.

Happy eight years baby. Love you always and forever.

tips tips tips... write write write...

2010-09-08T13:28:00.003-06:00

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"Writing is easy: All you do is sit staring at a black sheet of paper until drops of blood form on your forehead." Gene Fowler

Here are some interesting tips I found today for writers:

http://sprott.physics.wisc.edu/pickover/bestseller.html

http://abundance-blog.marelisa-online.com/2009/05/24/54-tips-for-writers-from-writers/

http://sprott.physics.wisc.edu/pickover/nytimes_bestseller.htm

http://www.paper-dragon.com/1939/dent.html

http://fictionwriting.about.com/od/writingroadblocks/tp/block.htm

I really enjoyed these in particular- they are the top 10 tips from authors....

http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2010/feb/20/ten-rules-for-writing-fiction-part-one

http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2010/feb/20/10-rules-for-writing-fiction-part-two

everything will be okay...

2010-09-08T11:27:00.001-06:00

I sent the this to Hubby today. Closing for the deal he is working every waking second (and many non-waking) is Monday. He's under the gun, and I was trying to find something positive to help give him a little extra boost of energy.

Its that moment, right before its over, when you're just not sure if you have it in you to keep going. Whether it is in a marathon, in a work setting, finishing a book, dealing with family situations or personal struggles... everyone has been faced with that exhausting moment when you are just not sure if you can find the strength to keep going.

I liked the advice because it helps you remember that if you pinpoint something in one moment of time, it might look like a failure, but if you move further down the road, you realize that what looked like a failure was just another step in your journey that made you stronger.

It kind of reminded me of the advice I used to get from my great grandma, whom we affectionally called TuTu:

"You will feel better when it stops hurting."

This has never once helped any situation I have been in. Ever. But, it always made me smile.

I love this song and it think if you play it loudly enough when you are stressed and not feeling optimistic, it will somehow seep into your bones and give you that extra push.

So turn it up!

perfection....

2010-09-02T09:15:00.007-06:00

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Its that feeling. The one where everything falls into place and its like you were never meant to do anything but this. Where you just can't get it wrong and everything fits perfectly.

I had a day like that yesterday with writing. Yesterday I was on fire and I loved every second. Time just flew by and I got soooo much accomplished. That's the part of writing that I love. It really felt like I was just watching the characters play it out- they just did what they would naturally do and it just worked.

I have been purposely vague about my book on here. I guess I haven't really even revealed anything that would lead you to believe I am a good writer or that I can even finish it. I don't know why it makes me so nervous to put a little of it out there. I was reading Kristen Lamb's website (this is a great website for writers to check out!) where she gives tons of great writing advice, and there was a part discussing whether or not to post part of your book online and why we decide for or against sharing our work publicly.

She was saying that often we think that we can't share our idea because its the most unique and unbelievable idea for a novel that has never been thought of before and it would be much to risky to share it. (Her point was that this is NOT the case) Ok, I admit I had similar feeling to that... I do feel like my idea is different and fresh enough that it is really worthy of being published. Not yet of course, but someday.

And for some reason, I feel like if I put it out there someone could steal the idea. Which is a little silly and probably kind of snobby of me to think that its sooo good that its worth stealing. Not to mention it is nerve-wracking to put it out there before its perfect. There is still so much work to be done.

I still feel too uneasy to put some of it on the world wide web. Maybe someday I will feel a little differently. Or maybe I can just hurry up and finish it. :)

So today I am so excited to get back to it. I think I should be done with the reworking by tomorrow and then I will be back to my favorite part of creating new material!

I used to write on here what books I was currently reading until I found goodreads. But I think I should at least mention it sometimes because I think it is extremely important for me to be reading as much as I can. It will ultimately make me a better writer. I find that I am heavily influenced in my writing based upon things I have come into contact with recently. So I am really trying to make reading a part of my daily routine. For example, check out how many books Mette Harrison has read during the month of August! Her website has been extremely helpful to me as well. There have been days where I have gone to her website just to get motivated! Thanks Mette!

Anyway, right now I am reading Kathryn Stockett's The Help, and the second of Stieg Larsson's Millennium Trilogy, The Girl the Played with Fire. I am really enjoying both of them. Completely different genres and totally different writing styles, which is great for me to learn from.

I have yet to come upon a website like mine, where it is someone that is working on a book that has not been published at all. I'm sure there are people out there, and I would be very interesting in finding them!! Hmmmm maybe I should do a little digging....

skype

2010-09-01T08:23:00.007-06:00

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So I tried out Skype last night. I know... Im WAAAAY behind in technology I guess. Anyway, I "hung out" with my BFF in Las Vegas for two and a half hours! That's crazy! It was sssoooo much fun!!

Some random tidbits from our conversation that were way more fun on Skype than on the phone:

We made dinner at our houses together... apart. I made tacos and she made lasagna.
We both had wine... and Patron shots to celebrate us being in the same room... sorta
We both did a dance at some point.... just because we could.
She helped me when I got something in my eye... because if you get close enough to the camera... its like you are right there.
I showed her a new painting I've been working on and she was surprised at how big it is (thats what she said)
Our dogs all freaked out at the sound of the other dogs, but when we put them up to the camera, they didn't really get it. come on, who doesn't know how to skype??
The best/worst part of the conversation was when she was talking to her hubby on her phone (on speaker) and accidentally knocked her wine glass over causing it to shatter and spill red wine everywhere, which made her dogs freak out (she has 4) and then her son came in the room and we were both telling him to stay put cuz there was glass and I was just on the other side witnessing everything with my eyes all wide.

It was kind of weird to hang up and not have to clean up the wine and the glass... it felt so much like I was at her house and should be helping with it! Seriously a strange feeling!!

But, it was really fun. You've gotta try it out if you haven't. BFF and I are going to make it a weekly occurrence, which I am really excited about. We used to be neighbors, ya know, so we got used to seeing each other all the time. If only we'd known that we wouldn't always live by each other, we would have taken better advantage of it!

A toast to Skype... bringing people that are miles apart to the same bottle of wine.

(if that's not their tagline... it should be!!)

Love the Way You Lie- Eminem feat. Rihanna (HelenaMaria Cover)

2010-08-31T12:57:00.001-06:00

I just found these twin sisters and they have amazing voices!! I am loving hearing all of their songs.

You can check them out on youtube.

mock-up book jacket summaries

2010-08-31T12:18:00.003-06:00

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Today I wrote mock-up summaries for the book jackets for books one and two. I think there will ultimately be three. I have the beginning of book one, beginning and middle of book two started. There will be a lot of reworking since the plot has kind of evolved, but at least I have a direction.

It was really helpful for me to do the book jacket summaries because it helped me get my head around the big picture story. The storyline and premises are pretty complex, so its always been kind of hard for me to "sum it up." So this was a really good exercise for me.

I read it to one of my sisters and she was really excited, which made me even more excited. She said she knew I was a good writer, but that THIS was REALLY good. She couldn't wait to hear more. I know she's totally biased and of course she would like it, but it was nice to have some positive feedback. I haven't shared very much this time around, which has made me more comfortable, because I don't have to have any sort of judgements before its "perfected" but it also has taken some of the fun out of it. I loved hearing that someone liked my story. It made it that much more fun to pick up where I left off and push through when I didn't know where to take it.

Things are coming together more, the more I work on it. I have some exciting and very moving scenes coming up which Im really excited to work on. First I have to finish the "re-work" of the chapters I already have, but Im not too far off of that. Im hoping by next Wednesday to be done with that part and moving on.

I am really loving writing and being creative. It is so much fun to work from home and create as I go. I love it when I get in a groove and I feel like I'm just watching a movie, not the one actually making it up.

If you are writing and ever get stuck, try to back and out do a big picture exercise. The mock-up book jacket summaries really helped me get my head around things. There is a huge thrill that comes with thinking about when it will be done, when the story will be all out of my head and down on the paper. Writing the summaries made it seem closer.

Gotta go write some more!!

a barney-ism

2010-08-30T16:05:00.006-06:00

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August is coming to a close. Kids are back and school and Labor Day is just around the corner. September brings the crisper air, beautiful fall colors... and its back to our regularly scheduled programs to be viewed whenever we want (thank you DVR). One of my favorites is How I met Your Mother, which the picture above comes from. There are all sorts of "Barney-isms," in fact, there is a whole book that it pretty funny called "The Bro Code" that is chock full of them. Anyway, the one above I actually think is pretty good in a strange twist. I remember when he said that in the episode and I swear I found myself thinking of it at moments when I was sad, and since it was so silly and trivial the way Barney said it... it just seemed so easy to do. Just BE AWESOME. Just stop feeling sad or frustrated or angry or whatever and just BE AWESOME. And whatever awesome is to you- just be that.

There are so many self help book about becoming a better person or attaining the things you desire the most or having a good attitude or the "secret." But this is so simple, I swear it works. It just a paradigm shift in your mind that immediately makes you feel better.

Try it. Because Barney is nothing if not honest. True story.

...somewhere in the middle...

2010-08-26T09:32:00.004-06:00

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When you are in the middle of a manuscript, this road sign is exactly how you feel. Everyone says the middle is the toughest. I have had some good writing days lately and am glad to be making some progress. I am GOING to keep plugging away. I am GOING to finish.

Its been almost three years since I first had the idea for this book. It has morphed and changed - hopefully in good ways- a lot since then. I had to take a break from it for almost two years while I was working full time at an exhausting job. I am still thankful every. single. day. that I am able to do what I love full-time.

I have to thank my husband for always believing in me... even when I doubt myself. He had been my rock and has cheered me on every step of the way. He has read and edited for me, and story-boarded with me. He has given me constructive criticism (yes... it was kind of hard for me to take... but it DID end up helping me see things I hadn't seen before). People can do amazing things if they have someone that believes in them. Thanks baby.

Most people think its really nice that I am trying to write a book and go after my dreams... but I don't really think they are taking me seriously. And the one and only way to prove them wrong is just to FINISH the book. For example, when I meet someone and they ask me what I do, I can't say "I'm and author" yet, or really even "I'm a writer" because I don't have anything published yet. YET. So I have to say, "Im writing a book."

And lately it's kind of sucked because of Inception, which I LOVED. Although it is NOT a similar story-line, my story also deals with dreams and the subconscious. So of course people think I got my idea from that movie, even though I started it years ago. Which shouldn't surprise me or annoy me, but it makes me feel like I'm just another person copying something... which I'm not. And, of course... the only way I can prove that is to FINISH.

So, even though I am in the middle, which is the hardest part I think, I just need to keep going. I need to remain confident that I have a great idea, and that it is going to get done.

It has really helped me to look at other writers websites and blogs. They always have lots of good tips and talk about things I am going through, and keep me motivated. I have a list of these blogs and websites on the lower right-hand side of my blog, in case anyone else would like to look.

So. I am determined to get through the middle. To finish what I started. To prove that what I am doing is legit, and brilliant.

Take that nay-sayers.

I am a stepmother

2010-08-18T08:15:00.008-06:00

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stepmothers are evil. all the movies say so.

stepmothers never have your best interest in mind, and they don't really love you.

they love your dad. they battle you for his attention. they have a running commentary of snarky comments that they occasionally filter, but not very much.

they cant wait until its time to bring you back to your mother. they can't believe they signed up to deal with you all the time.

only.... it's not true.

at least not for me.

I am a stepmother.

One who actually loves them, who is trying to help mold them into classy, intelligent, kind, strong, beautiful women.

When they were little, I read them books, I sang them songs at night. I tucked them into bed and laid down with them to scare away the boogey man. I tried to remain calm when arms were broken or fingers were burned. I've cleaned up throw up and had them fall asleep on my lap next to the toilet.

I've been to all the soccer or basketball games, recitals, ceremonies and performances. I cheered them on and took a million pictures, videotaped, scrapbooked and blogged. I've met their teachers, volunteered at their schools, made countless lunches and helped them plough through homework, and occasionally scrambled late into the night to finish a forgotten project.

Now as they are getting older, I giggle with them when they tell me stories that "you can't tell dad, because he's a not a girl" and I listen to their excitement over their discovery that boys are actually kind of cute. I offer up the best advice I can when friends are being fair-weathered, or someone feels left out. I hug them when things go wrong, or when they are sad. I make them popcorn for our movie nights and plan fun things like GNI (girls-night-in) when their daddy is out of town. We sing at the top of our lungs into spatulas (aka our microphones) and dance our hearts out to Justin Bieber. I paint their toes and share clothes with them. I braid or straighten or pull back their hair. I make them yummy meals and laugh when they say... "next time... can we not have it the healthy way?" I try to think of fun things to take them and their friends to do together and I don't get mad when I wake up at 6am to realize that their sleepover had turned into an all-nighter.

I think about each of them, individually, all the time. I worry about their tender hearts getting broken, by people at school or boy they like. I encourage them to get good grades and we talk about the colleges they want to go to. I adore their father- in front of them, and talk about him when he is away. I want them to have a great example of a healthy happy marriage.

I love them- not because that's what I'm supposed to say, but because I really do.

The part of being a step mother that they never talk about is that even with all the things you may do, it doesn't always matter. It doesn't always count or get recognized. I still get my feeling hurt by those little girls sometimes. I don't get to be at everything, and sometimes they forget to tell us about events we could have gone to. I don't get to be a part of major decisions, and if their mom doesn't want them to stay with me when their dads away, then they can't. What their mom thinks will always trump what I think, and sometimes its hard to hold my tongue when their mom gives her opinions of me and they repeat it.

But even through all the stuff that is completely unfair and the viewpoints that are skewed, and the stereotypes of stepmoms in all of their infinite evil, it will never change the fact that I have three great kids that I love and adore. I am lucky to be able to be a part of their lives, and I know they love me too.

Hopefully the other stepmoms that are out there will keep taking about how they love what they do, and wouldn't change anything. Hopefully someday when I say Im a stepmom it won't have such a negative connotation.

But for now..

I am a stepmother. And proud of it.

vantage point

2010-08-12T08:21:00.005-06:00

Did you ever see that movie Vantage Point? The one where all of these people in a crowd witnessed the same assassination, but everyone interviewed had totally different perspectives? To the point that it almost seemed like they weren't even in the same place?

I think my family is the live version of that. I come from a large family, and while we are close, our relationships have become very interesting in the last few years. There have been several... fractures, we'll call them. The main fractures stemmed from a few major topics: religion, life choices, drugs, and then my parents also got divorced, and my dad remarried. Soooo to put it mildly, we've had a lot going on.

Everyone has a different perspective on each incident, and sometimes we feed off of each other. So if someone is really upset about something, it can spread like wildfire through the rest of us. Or, sometimes, there will be differences of opinion and thats when it gets kind of messy.

At the beginning of the summer we had what I will refer to as "The Incident." Something happened with my youngest brother, who was still living at home with my mom. My mom ended up calling the police and my brother was issued a citation.

ENTER: VANTAGE POINT

Everyone has a different take on WHAT exactly happened that day, and the motivations behind it and WHY things happened the way they did. Subsequently there ramifications... which resulted in my brother moving in with my dad, and now he won't talk to my mom.

So the weird thing is, I can hear my dad's side of the story, and completely agree with his logic. But then I hear what my mom was thinking, and I totally get where she was coming from. Unfortunately, its my brother that is caught in the middle, and he has his own perspective on it, which is motivating his current actions.

It is AMAZING to me how different they each remember The Incident. I mean there are seriously completely different stories!

I feel bad that the vantage points of the issue are so different. Because it ends up dividing further and causing deeper wounds to all involved. I don't for one second think any of them is anything but completely convinced how they remember it is the absolute truth. No one is fabricating. They just remember it differently.

Its a paradox. Without a resolution.

FOLLOW-UP on yesterday's INTENTION: 88% success rate. I did work out, clean my house, & work on my manuscript. I did not finish the chapter, but at least I put some time in. I decided that my next painting will be of this rowboat in the water.

TODAY's INTENTION: Today Im doing upper body for my workout. My knee is killing from yesterday (I did Chalene Johnson's Turbo Jam II- I love her!!) I have two clients coming for hair appointments and then Hubby gets home. YAY!! Tonight is my girls "meet the teacher" at their school. So I don't think I will get a lot of writing done today. :(

I am sooo excited to see Hubby. He hasnt been home in a while and I miss him so much!

Hope everyone has a great day filled with INTENTION and PURPOSE.

graduation

2010-08-11T09:14:00.004-06:00

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A note for my sister:

Dear SISTER,

Tomorrow you graduate from college. This is a mAjOr accomplishment and I want you to know that I am really proud of you! I know how hard you have worked and the hours and hours of study time and preparation you have put in to making it to the end. I admire your dedication and fortitude. I hope you always remember the passion you felt for learning and bettering yourself. This is a huge milestone in your life and I am proud to be your sister.

I love you always!

Your Favorite

Intention from Friday: Pass/Fail..... yeah. FAIL. :( How sad, but I have to be honest. I did end up running the kids around and all sorts of things, but I did not finish the chapter. In fact I haven't finished it yet! BUT. TODAY, I have the house to myself. On my TO DO list today we have:

workout

clean

finish chapter

pic new subject matter to paint

I can TOTALLY get all of that done today. Only four things... sounds easy right?? rrriiiiggghhht. Only there are about fifty million subdivisions of "clean" and "finish chapter." BUT I vow that I will NOT do anything until I have those four things accomplished. Take that INTENTION.

I did my best....I did my best... I did my best...

2010-08-06T09:58:00.007-06:00

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Before I launch into what Im going to write about today, I want to declare my intention for the day... this is a new thing I'm starting, which was inspired by my sister (love ya sis).

INTENTION: I will finish at least one chapter of rewrite today. The reworking process is my LEAST favorite part of writing. But, I NEED to do it in order to make it better. I've kind of been stumbling on this part lately, which is making it not as fun to work on. I just need to dig in and get it done so that I can get back to the part I really like... creating new material.

Ok, so now that my Intention is out there... I will report back tomorrow. Ok, now, back to your regularly scheduled program:

When we lived in Las Vegas years ago, my brother got me the Vicious Circle DVD by Dane Cook. I had never heard of him and didn't watch it right away. However, when I finally did, I was crying laughing with how freaking funny this guy was. His impressions were right on and his delivery was fabulous. Every once in a while, something will happen that will make me think back to some bit he did and I will laugh in spite of whatever situation I find myself in.

So lately, things have been... I'd say almost unmanageably stressful for my husband with his work. Even though I'm not directly involved, I have a pretty good understanding of the complexities of the situation. There have been some extremely high intensity moments in the last few months, where most people would have buckled. I know I would have.

Hubby has this amazing way of compartmentalizing and handling stressful situation. I do not possess this gift. I get stressed easily, which I am working on changing, and I have gotten better.

Aaaannnnyyyywwwaaay. So there have been many times over the last few weeks where if I was in his situation, I would have been THIS BIT:

Oh Dane... how I love you. Thanks for the laugh... and the truthfulness.

I did my best... I did my best!

UPDATE: soooo apparently, the youtube video I found with the clip is copyrighted?? Yes, that would make sense. I just thought it was fine if I found it on youtube, ya know? Sorry copyright law people. I didn't mean to infringe. I just wanted the peeps to be able to witness something hilarious and totally relevant to moments in life. Anyway, hopefully you will be able to find it some other way. It's pretty freaking funny.

my love affair with rainy days

2010-08-04T14:58:00.008-06:00

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the smell of a rainstorm. there's nothing better.

Today we got a reprieve from the hot hot hot weather, when the angry sky opened itself up and let loose. For some reason, stormy & grey weather= best writing weather for me. Not really sure why that is, but whenever it is like this outside, I get really excited to be at my computer all day long. I get in my most comfy clothes, make a hot cup of coffee and hunker down on my chaise lounge, with Max snuggled beside me.

I've been working through my manuscript again, with a fresh perspective because I have been doing summer-kid-travel-stuff, which has been wonderful. I truly have enjoyed myself this summer, and that's the first time in YEARS I have been able to say that. I am happy as a clam. Loving making my own schedule and doing things I care about with my family and friends.

Im excited to move things forward again on my book. Maybe sometime soon I'll put some on here so you can have an excerpt. maybe.

Now that its August, today I got the first glimpse of the summer winding down a bit. Im sure we will still have hot weather for a while, but by the end of august I always start feeling that Fall is right around the corner, and FALL is my FAVORITE time of year!! Im ready for the scarfs, gorgeous trees and colors, crispness in the air, football games, hot drinks and holidays. I love how the evenings here get cool and I can bundle up under warm blankets on the back porch and still be outside. I just love the feel of fall. Its the best!

I took this picture last fall up the canyon... see why Im excited?

August always goes really fast getting things ready for the kids to go back to school, and both the Twins and Hubby have birthdays this month- they are only a day apart!

Things have been crazy lately with Hubby's job, and we purchased some additional assets from another company and are working to get everything closed by mid-September. He had been working NONSTOP and I have just been trying to hold everything else together so that he doesn't have so much pressure on him. Im really excited that things are working out for him because this transaction is going to be a really big deal. He has also had to travel A LOT, which I am not a fan of, but occasionally I get to go with him and that's always fun.

Found another great blog I will be adding to my sidereel. I love the way she writes!!

http://www.mamatulip.com

Confession: My most recent obsession has been with LOST. I always knew I should watch it, but I had too many other shows T-Voed and let's be honest... you can only watch so much TV. So I saved it for this summer and I've been completely entangled in its web of confusion. I have been flying through the episodes at night- its my guilty pleasure. I thought there were 7 seasons and I had up to Season 5 on Netflix (which if you don't have Netflix... seriously best things since sliced bread. Don't ask questions, just subscribe.) But much to my dismay, my sister informed me late last night that there are only 6 seasons.... and that the Sixth Season isn't even out yet!!

Quickly I realized that if that was true... I only had three episodes left until I would have to wait for the final season! Is it bad that I had a minor panic attack that I will have to take a break from the Oceanic 6?? I was captivated by the clever story-line and the development of the characters. I'm chalking it up to good research for writing. That works, right???

It is crazy outside right now.... thunder... lightning... pouring rain... the smell...

...and so Im ready to pick up again with my long lost love affair with stormy weather.

Summer and I are officially on hiatus.

where are my freaking sheep??

2010-07-17T07:05:00.005-06:00

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Here it is, a beautiful saturday morning. I stayed up late last night, as is becoming the norm, and so you'd think I'd at least sleep in until 8 or something... but NO... this morning I'm wide awake at 6:freaking:30. But its the kind of awake-ness that although your body is up and going, your mind is screaming 'go back to sleep, you are NOT ready for this day to start yet!'

Today is a weighted day for Hubby with his company. Well this whole week and next week are unbelievably important and its got me tied into a ball of stress. On the outside I'm maintaining composure, and on the inside, Im scrambled. I have that little "shelter" switch turned on inside where I try to make everything seem completely normal for the kids. Hopefully for them, its just another Saturday, another day of summer, blissfully stress-free.

Although one of my girls said to our dog yesterday, "Max, you have such an easy life. You only have to worry about eating and sleeping and playing." Then she looked at her sisters and said, "Remember when everything used to be easy?" I laughed and then challenged her to explain what exactly was so hard and stressful for her in this summer of friends and poolside activities. She sheepishly admitted that it actually wasn't that stressful.

I think back on times like that too when everything seemed easier. I wonder if things just seem that way as time passes, and we only remember the good things? Maybe my sheep are just hanging out talking of easier times, when the didn't have to jump. Whatever the case may be, they better get back to it soon, or I might have to light a freaking fire under them.

red wine

2010-07-11T22:14:00.004-06:00

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there are days. days when the ending of the day is the best part. the days where you were worn out and all you want in the world is to unwind. this brings me to my friend, red wine. hello old friend. so glad you could make it.

red wine and I are closing the end of this long day. dont get me wrong, it was a great day. last night I took seven super happy, screaming girls to the justin bieber concert and they screamed until their voices were gone. then they all slept over. this morning I made a yummy breakfast for them and then gave free haircuts. then my dad showed up for a cut too. then I went grocery shopping and cleaned and cleaned. we grilled for dinner- YUM! nothing better than the summer! and this day was NOT going to end with me fixing the freaking gate lock. its been broken for far too long and Im always worried maxdog will get out. no matter that the drill isn't charged and i have to keep switching battery packs in-between screws. or that its after 9:30 and pretty much dark. no problem. red wine and I can fix it.

in fact red wine and I are pretty much invincible.

I am so excited because tomorrow my best friend is coming in town to visit for the week with her son and I have all these fun things planned. more than anything, I am excited to just laugh and talk and talk and laugh some more and just enjoy her company. there is nothing like seeing someone that you just fall back into where you left off. I think that's what makes a friend that stands the test of time.

red wine and I are like that too. :) pretty sure red wine will always be the best way to finish off any day.

dear red wine...

you complete me.

alpacas and independence (I know.. they don't really go together...)

2010-07-09T10:05:00.008-06:00

How can you not be in love with this alpaca!?

Granted, I know I didn't really know what an alpaca was before I met this little guy... but don't you just want to hang out with him and his little skater haircut? Yeah, me too. Look he's totally winking at you with a little alpacaish grin!!

Ok aaaannnyyyway. So it was the 4th of July the other day. I hope everyone had a great one!

In the spirit of the holiday, here is a list of thing I am thankful for and the freedoms that I enjoy:

my husband- I know I am so lucky to have him in my life. Love ya baby- always have, always will
step-daughters- they truly make my life enjoyable
the freedom to work from the comfort of my home

Maxdog- he is my little love

my family- its been a rough couple of years for my parents and siblings, but we have all tried to help each other out and to forgive. Hopefully as things go forward we can just keep supporting each other and heal. Because when it comes down to it, your family is what really matters
friends- especially my best friend in Las Vegas- love her to death
health- I am thankful that all of my family has their health. My heart goes out to so many friends and the struggles of disease. You are in my thoughts.
the simple things- coffee in the morning, the sunshine, music, fun phone calls, iced chai, fruit all summer, laughing, red wine, alone time with hubby, weekends, a good book, dusk, head hitting the pillow after a great day

I hope that everyone had a great holiday filled with family, friends & of course good food! I am thankful for my freedom to make decisions based on my own judgment and not anything that is forced on me. I am grateful to all those who serve our great country, to keep us safe and somewhat oblivious to the hardships around the world.

Love the USA!!! Happy Independence Day!

goodreads?? how did I not know about this??

2010-07-07T09:32:00.005-06:00

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Hello there!! So its the summer and I haven't been on the computer much! I have done lots of fun things with the girls, been on some trips, painted some new pieces, contracted and FINALLY got rid of a three week flu, and been outside a bunch.

Last night I went to book club, totally unprepared. I actually hadn't even bought the book!! The summer days have just slipped by!! Anyway, I really enjoyed listening to them discuss the book, even though I hadn't read it. It reignited my desire to READ, so THANKS Kelly!!

I also was introduced to GOODREADS! I CANNOT believe I had not done this site before!! It just allows you to show what books you have read and rate them- and then to see what others recommend. It's like a bookreader's facebook cuz you can see your friends and stuff. So I put in all of these books I've read and looked at what some of my friends recommended. It's a great site! Seriously, I am floored at my out-of-the-loopness.

Anyway, sign up! It's a great site and Im really excited to pick out some new books to fall into! This will be a much better way to do book reviews!!

I have been feeling stagnant in my book for the last month or so. Hubby started reading it and gave me a bunch of feedback so I am working through that right now. Feedback is kind of hard for me... Im a little too sensitive for my own good. I think at first it always makes me feel bad, and I try to defend why I did something that way I did. But after a little while, I start to try to take the suggestions and address them.

I had wanted him to read it for a while and give me his thoughts, because I think I am so involved in it, I may not see things clearly. And I just wanted someone else's opinion, to kind of make sure Im on the right track... or at least a track that is interesting. :) So I am going to try to rededicate to writing every day. I really do want to make some headway on it this summer!!

soooooo..... Im off to work on it!! aaannnnddd them Im going to take the girls to the POOL! :)

what's the date again???

2010-06-11T08:27:00.009-06:00

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.... hello????? who is this??

I know, seriously what is the date? What day of the week is it?? I have lost all track of time and reason! Here's a mini version of the last few weeks:

Hubby and I went back to where he grew up in northern california to visit his friends and have him participate in a golf tournament -there was lots of laughs with great friends, multiple concoctions of alcoholic beverages and to top it all off, someone actually has a stripper pole installed inside their house there.... no pictures to follow.. sorry...

We stopped in San Francisco on our way back to the airport and got to go to some of our favorite stores and the yummiest breakfast place in town (Sears!).

The girlies are out of school and we have had many-an-adventure already. One included camping where although we were able to avoid any bears, we accidentally brought the TWIN sized air mattress for us. Have I mentioned Hubby is 6'3" and built with a muscly physique (he will love that I said that )?? Yeah... so no sleeping for me! We also had our dog with us... I know he's a little guy, but when you only have a TWIN size for the THREE of us, its a little squishy to say the least. Oh and I cant forget to mention the awesome mummy sleeping bag that we were all excited to have because it was COLD still.... doesn't really cater to a man that is that tall!! So the top of the mummy bag only came mid-head to him... poor guy was struggling to smush into the bag more so that the top half of him could be covered! It was the kind of night thats really FUNNY like two weeks after the fact!

The girls and I did a painting project on canvas which was really fun. I've been painting a lot lately and I got asked to participate in a Garden gallery showing in September! Im so freaking excited!! So I've been working on some stuff and having a really fun time. Its the strangest thing because I never painted when I was younger. I liked to draw a lot but I didn't really paint. Several years ago, in a series of very interesting events, I ended up meeting with this woman that is an energy reader. I was really wanting her to say I'd have a lot of success with my book. But she didn't. What she said, was that she thought I would be very successful with painting. And Im like, "I dont paint......"

So then fast forward four years and wa-la. I thought I'd try to paint Maya, a main character in my book. I did, and I've been doing it ever since. So that was last fall sometime. And since then I think I have done about 14 paintings or something like that. Not too shabby! My sister is going to help me get a website going to show them all. How cool is that??

Hubby finally took me golfing for the first time ever, which is ridiculous since he used to be Pro. I have only ever PRACTICED. I've hit a million balls, putted and chipped, but I hadn't actually played! I would get tired of all the practicing and not keep going. He said he was "protecting" me.... what do you think? He said he didn't want me to get frustrated and hate it. I guess I can see his point. Anyway, I actually really liked it! We've gone twice in the last few weeks and Im hoping to go again soon.

My oldest stepdaughter turned 12 yesterday!! I cant believe it!! I came into her life when she was 4, so she always remembers me being in the picture, which is incredibly lucky for me. They are all such great girls!

Soooo with the writing.... I know I know. Im on it!! Its been crazy busy, as you can see. And I left a LOT out of what we've been up to! But, I am getting back to my writing and I just wanted to tell you that I AM GETTING BACK TO IT. And hopefully I will be better at writing on here. Sometimes... life just gets in the way of my blogging. :) Im sure you all understand!

Hope you are all living up your summers! Breathe in these days because they will be gone before you know it!

No more plot for you!

2010-05-26T09:29:00.005-06:00

This is my favorite picture from our anniversary trip to Cabo! We had an obscene amount of fun and it will be a trip we will always remember. We went with another couple that we love and then Hubby's brother. So so sooo much fun. This picture was taken on our actual anniversary at a dinner on the beach that our friends organized for us. It was a perfect dinner and I am incredibly lucky to be married to this man. We have been together for 7 1/2 years and married for 6.

Which is worth a toast. Cheers.

When we got home, I swear I had some mexican bug for a week! I was kind of sick to my stomach, but more that than was the strange TIREDNESS that made me ache all day! Not like a "oh im worn out" tiredness. Like a "I cannot move off of this couch if you paid me and dangled a pair of new shoes" kind of tired.

So. Glad. Thats. Over. Anyway, Im trying to get back into the swing of things. So my last entry was that I had come up with an ending. And now I am not sure if that's how it should go or not. I'm feeling like I need someone to look at what I've done so far and tell me I'm on the right track or something. There are so very many ways that the story could go, and so I just don't know if I'm writing the right one. I wonder if other writers feel like that sometimes?

Maybe I need to join a writing group or something. But I kind of wanted to have it mostly written before I did that. I did run into something interesting when I was coming up with the ending. In my mind, I had sort of pegged this guy as the person that turns "bad" for lack of a better word. I was trying to develop him enough to where you really like him. And then this life altering terrible event occurs and changes him forever, causing him to do things he never would have done before. But I ran into a problem because I developed him so much that now I don't want him to turn. I just don't think his character would do a 180 like that.

From what I've read about this type of problem, which would be character vs. plot, character is always supposed to win out. But that kind of screws up my plan... I did figure out a way to overcome it, but Im not sure if its too predictable?

See, I need someone to tell me. But see I think IIII need to tell me. I need to work through it, and then when I figure it out, it will be so much more powerful than if someone else just told me.

I need to just get out of the overview and get into it. I've been trying to work out the plot, and that always screws me up. So there. New plan. Just write and see what happens.

Ok so my plan today is: reread the whole thing to get myself immersed again, then write at least three pages. There. That's a start. And you never get anywhere without a start.