I figure I have a month’s worth of thankful statuses to catch up with, so I hope you don’t mind if I keep going for a bit. I did warn you that I have a long list, didn’t I? No? Well, consider yourselves warned.
It’s the small and simple stuff that makes life grand. So today I’m thankful for:
Twinkling Christmas lights, Little Giant ladders, and our Elves Gone Wild CD.
Online shopping, since Black Friday has turned into Black Thursday (which, IMO has gone out of control) and I have no desire to fight strangers over toys anymore. Also, special advance sales geared toward people who are prepared, and who can shop from the comfort of their bedrooms.
Free shipping!
Amazon—because they have everything, and usually at a discount.
Email. Seriously, I remember a time when I had to write letters to my long distance friends on paper and stick the paper in an envelope with a stamp, then wait days for my words to reach them. Now we can have real-time conversations via chat. Or for that matter, face-to-face ones with Skype,
Vacuum cleaners that pick up fake pine needles, dust, dirt, and sludge off my floor whenever someone walks in. Also, Clorox wipes, Awesome spray cleaner (yeah, that’s actually a brand), and melty wax cubes that make my house smell good.
My convertible Mustang, because even though it’s getting up there in miles, I continue to love driving it. (And it’s still cheaper than therapy.)
My followers, who give me a reason to write blogs every week, and who stick around and comment, even when I’m introspective or reminiscent. Or making silly lists, like this one.
Writer’s groups where I have made some amazing friends who have greatly enhanced my life. Also writer’s conferences and CON’s. Because, well, they’re amazing and fun, and great for my career plans. And the most amazing people attend them.
Take-out restaurants. Because, let’s face it. All too often this is the best way to assure the family gets fed.
Soft new flannel pajamas. Because that is my most productive writing outfit. (Now you know.)
And Chris Baty, who invented National Novel Writing Month, which thousands of authors now utilize in order to bulk up their levels of creativity to bigger, better heights. For the third year in a row, I hit 50,000 words. Yahoo!
So there you have them. My status updates that never made it to Facebook. I hope you’re having a beautiful, fun-filled Thanksgiving weekend. Oh, and if you’re out shopping, keep your eyes open and your fighting hands at the ready. And may the odds be ever in your favor.
Showing posts with label Things I love. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Things I love. Show all posts
Friday, November 25, 2011
Monday, December 13, 2010
Oh, Holiday Munchies, I Love Thee Too!
All right. We’ve established our top three Christmas movies. But I’m nowhere near done. What about you? All this talk about the holidays is making me hungry. Let’s talk treats, shall we?
As I was growing up, one of my favorite traditions was our Christmas treat table. The week of Christmas, my mother would laden the table with holiday munchies and treats—mostly homemade—that we rarely or never ate throughout the rest of the year. Now that I’m a grownup with children of my own, we’ve carried on the tradition, and of course, my children love it as much as I did. So do their friends. Mine too.
Seriously, who doesn’t love treats? (I better not see raised hands on this count, otherwise I might have to call my friends at the mental hospital and see if they have a spare bed to cure you of this awful sickness. I digress.)
Best part? I eat whatever I want from this special table, and I don’t even care. I always love to have specialty breads (banana, zucchini, or a new fav—caramel apple bread), hand dipped chocolates (or certain delicious store bought ones) and a cheese ball with crackers or pretzels.
My daddy also makes this wicked awesome fresh salsa, and my sis-in-law has a yum recipe for spinach artichoke dip that could stop your heart (literally and figuratively). Both of those go great with tortilla chips.
Dang. That’s five instead of three. Oh well. You know what’s on my list of favorite treats. What’s on yours?
As I was growing up, one of my favorite traditions was our Christmas treat table. The week of Christmas, my mother would laden the table with holiday munchies and treats—mostly homemade—that we rarely or never ate throughout the rest of the year. Now that I’m a grownup with children of my own, we’ve carried on the tradition, and of course, my children love it as much as I did. So do their friends. Mine too.
Seriously, who doesn’t love treats? (I better not see raised hands on this count, otherwise I might have to call my friends at the mental hospital and see if they have a spare bed to cure you of this awful sickness. I digress.)
Best part? I eat whatever I want from this special table, and I don’t even care. I always love to have specialty breads (banana, zucchini, or a new fav—caramel apple bread), hand dipped chocolates (or certain delicious store bought ones) and a cheese ball with crackers or pretzels.
My daddy also makes this wicked awesome fresh salsa, and my sis-in-law has a yum recipe for spinach artichoke dip that could stop your heart (literally and figuratively). Both of those go great with tortilla chips.
Dang. That’s five instead of three. Oh well. You know what’s on my list of favorite treats. What’s on yours?
Friday, June 11, 2010
Reasons Summer Rocks
I love summer. I love the warm sunshine, driving with my convertible top down, and walking barefooted in the grass. (Just as long as I watch out and don’t step in dogie bombs.) I love the lush green trees in my yard, and the flowering vines creeping up the pergola surrounding my porch. And fresh garden vegetables—even when they’re just tiny plants in the ground. I love the very idea of growing food in my backyard, and the smell of freshly turned soil that comes with it.
You know what else I love? Lying on a chair by the pool and doing nothing more than enjoying the absence of snow and cold. I even love the smell of sunscreen, especially if it’s Hawaiian Tropic brand. *sniffs the air* Aahhhh.
Oh, and parades and fireworks and outdoor craft fairs / art shows. (Which often smell like popcorn, cotton candy and caramel apples—or—barbecue.)
With summer, comes the sound of music as neighbors and friends host backyard parties, and the ice cream man driving up and down the street trying to entice little children into begging their parents to pay a dollar for a Popsicle they’d pay twenty cents for at the grocery store.
Homemade ice cream. Snow cones. Roasted marshmallows. Barbecue sauce. Fresh peas off the vine. Outdoor concerts. All tiny slices of heaven on earth as far as I’m concerned.
Oh yeah, people. Summer’s here. So grab a book and a bottle of sunscreen and take a few days to enjoy it. Because if you live in Utah—like me—it won’t last very long.
What’s your favorite thing about summer?
You know what else I love? Lying on a chair by the pool and doing nothing more than enjoying the absence of snow and cold. I even love the smell of sunscreen, especially if it’s Hawaiian Tropic brand. *sniffs the air* Aahhhh.
Oh, and parades and fireworks and outdoor craft fairs / art shows. (Which often smell like popcorn, cotton candy and caramel apples—or—barbecue.)
With summer, comes the sound of music as neighbors and friends host backyard parties, and the ice cream man driving up and down the street trying to entice little children into begging their parents to pay a dollar for a Popsicle they’d pay twenty cents for at the grocery store.
Homemade ice cream. Snow cones. Roasted marshmallows. Barbecue sauce. Fresh peas off the vine. Outdoor concerts. All tiny slices of heaven on earth as far as I’m concerned.
Oh yeah, people. Summer’s here. So grab a book and a bottle of sunscreen and take a few days to enjoy it. Because if you live in Utah—like me—it won’t last very long.
What’s your favorite thing about summer?
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Things I Love, End of the Week: I Love My Family
What else did you expect?
There is no better feeling than being a part of a family. Even on days when I'm frustrated or angry, I wouldn't give up my family for anything.I'm not just talking about my husband and kids, although, I love them more than anything and anyone in the world and they are the center of my world. I'm also talking about my whole extended family.
Interesting detail. I'm the oldest of seven biological siblings. I have two sisters and four brothers, and since my parents are divorced and both remarried, I also have four step-siblings. Both sisters and one brother are all married with kids--a total of five. Then my husband is one of the youngest of five. All married, all with three or more kids.
And that's just the beginning. Add in aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents--well, I have one large family. You can imagine how overwhelming family gatherings can be on this level. But it's also wonderful, and fun, and there is so much love there.
Case in point. I had my very first book launch party in December. We held it at a local Barnes and Noble, and spent quite a lot of time spreading the word. (Hm. I think I blogged about this earlier.) Anyway, even though I'd been spreading the word, I really had no idea that everyone--I mean EVERYONE--in my family was coming. We had at least a hundred people that night. Easily. And they were there for me. To support me. To buy my book. To show their love.
I had family there from both Hawaii and France (coincidental timing, I hope) as well as Southern Utah and Northern Utah. People drove for hours to get there. For me.It's not just impressive, it's touching. I love them.
And my girls, the ones I mentioned last week. I love having them in my life. In many ways, they're family too, even though we aren't related by blood.
And then there's my little family. My husband--who bought me sterling silver fairy earrings for Valentine's Day--and my children, who, with their father, are the best part of my life. Every night before he goes to bed, my nine-year-old climbs up on my bed and calls me to come sit with him for a nightly snuggle. He calls me Love. My twelve-year-old daughter will text me at random during the day, just to say hi and tell me she loves me. My fourteen-year-old daughter raids my closet and borrows my makeup and hair supplies--right before she puts on her tie-die shirt and mismatched socks to go play soccer. When I walk in the door from being gone, my sixteen-year-old son puts his arm around me and tells me he loves me. Every day. Just because it's true.
And as I write this blog, I can hear my husband doing the dishes downstairs so I don't have to. And in a little while, he'll bring me a drink so I don't have to go down and get it myself. That's real love.
There's something so special about being part of a family. And I'm sorry if I've gushed a bit, but it's Valentine's Day, so I figure I'm entitled.
Today's the day. Go call the important people in your life, your family--be they blood related or just bonded by love--and tell them how much you love them. Today you have a good excuse. Well, you know, if you think you need one. Which you shouldn't.
Happy Valentines Day, everyone!
There is no better feeling than being a part of a family. Even on days when I'm frustrated or angry, I wouldn't give up my family for anything.I'm not just talking about my husband and kids, although, I love them more than anything and anyone in the world and they are the center of my world. I'm also talking about my whole extended family.
Interesting detail. I'm the oldest of seven biological siblings. I have two sisters and four brothers, and since my parents are divorced and both remarried, I also have four step-siblings. Both sisters and one brother are all married with kids--a total of five. Then my husband is one of the youngest of five. All married, all with three or more kids.
And that's just the beginning. Add in aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents--well, I have one large family. You can imagine how overwhelming family gatherings can be on this level. But it's also wonderful, and fun, and there is so much love there.
Case in point. I had my very first book launch party in December. We held it at a local Barnes and Noble, and spent quite a lot of time spreading the word. (Hm. I think I blogged about this earlier.) Anyway, even though I'd been spreading the word, I really had no idea that everyone--I mean EVERYONE--in my family was coming. We had at least a hundred people that night. Easily. And they were there for me. To support me. To buy my book. To show their love.
I had family there from both Hawaii and France (coincidental timing, I hope) as well as Southern Utah and Northern Utah. People drove for hours to get there. For me.It's not just impressive, it's touching. I love them.
And my girls, the ones I mentioned last week. I love having them in my life. In many ways, they're family too, even though we aren't related by blood.
And then there's my little family. My husband--who bought me sterling silver fairy earrings for Valentine's Day--and my children, who, with their father, are the best part of my life. Every night before he goes to bed, my nine-year-old climbs up on my bed and calls me to come sit with him for a nightly snuggle. He calls me Love. My twelve-year-old daughter will text me at random during the day, just to say hi and tell me she loves me. My fourteen-year-old daughter raids my closet and borrows my makeup and hair supplies--right before she puts on her tie-die shirt and mismatched socks to go play soccer. When I walk in the door from being gone, my sixteen-year-old son puts his arm around me and tells me he loves me. Every day. Just because it's true.
And as I write this blog, I can hear my husband doing the dishes downstairs so I don't have to. And in a little while, he'll bring me a drink so I don't have to go down and get it myself. That's real love.
There's something so special about being part of a family. And I'm sorry if I've gushed a bit, but it's Valentine's Day, so I figure I'm entitled.
Today's the day. Go call the important people in your life, your family--be they blood related or just bonded by love--and tell them how much you love them. Today you have a good excuse. Well, you know, if you think you need one. Which you shouldn't.
Happy Valentines Day, everyone!
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Things I Love, Day 6: Romance and Firsts
I'm feeling a bit melancholy right now. My oldest son, now sixteen, went on his first "official" date today. He asked a girl to the Valentine dance, ordered her a corsage, bought flowers and made dinner plans all by himself. Seeing him be giddy with excitement--wait, maybe giddy isn't the right word. Well, anyway, he's been so excited, that I can't help but remember my own first date, and what it felt like to experience those independent, yet romantic stirrings for the first time.
The heady rush of adrenaline, the fluttering of nerves in my stomach, the tongue-tied conversation lulls that create awkward moments--these are the things I remember. There are a lot of things I've long since forgotten about those first experiences--that dating rite of passage--but the incredible feeling of firsts, that is something I don't think we ever forget. Or at least, I don't.
Firsts--be they good or bad experiences--are definitely worth remembering. Your first date, your first kiss, your first love...these are the important moments that make up our lives. The life experiences that have molded us into who we are today.
And right now, my son is one step closer to grown up. **sniff**
But just because first dates are romantic doesn't mean the second, third, fourth and 1553rd time can't be as well. Even for those people who have been married for lots of years--sometimes more so for them. Granted, it does take some effort from both people, but romance is everywhere. There's romance in the small gestures like a husband surprising his wife by doing the dishes before she realizes it. Or a wife making a well-loved dinner for her husband when he's had a particularly bad day.
Or flowers. Sorry, guys, but bringing flowers home out of the blue--I don't care who she is, your significant other will go all soft and mushy inside over that. It doesn't matter if she isn't a big fan of flowers. It's the thought that counts, and the whole idea that your man had the impulse, that he was thinking of you and had the urge to buy you flowers just because. That is just romantic as...heck. (Sorry, this blog is PG.)
I love romance. Adore it. I think that might be part of the reason why I love things like moonlight, soft music, and waves crashing on the beach. Life can be romantic if we let it.
And since tomorrow is Valentine's day, it's the one day of the year, we should all allow our lives and ourselves to be romantic. Do those small, thoughtful things for each other. Because, hey, everyone needs romance every once in a while.
Okay, time for me to go taxi my son and his date from the dance. Heaven give me the strength to look away while he walks her to the door!
The heady rush of adrenaline, the fluttering of nerves in my stomach, the tongue-tied conversation lulls that create awkward moments--these are the things I remember. There are a lot of things I've long since forgotten about those first experiences--that dating rite of passage--but the incredible feeling of firsts, that is something I don't think we ever forget. Or at least, I don't.
Firsts--be they good or bad experiences--are definitely worth remembering. Your first date, your first kiss, your first love...these are the important moments that make up our lives. The life experiences that have molded us into who we are today.
But just because first dates are romantic doesn't mean the second, third, fourth and 1553rd time can't be as well. Even for those people who have been married for lots of years--sometimes more so for them. Granted, it does take some effort from both people, but romance is everywhere. There's romance in the small gestures like a husband surprising his wife by doing the dishes before she realizes it. Or a wife making a well-loved dinner for her husband when he's had a particularly bad day.
Or flowers. Sorry, guys, but bringing flowers home out of the blue--I don't care who she is, your significant other will go all soft and mushy inside over that. It doesn't matter if she isn't a big fan of flowers. It's the thought that counts, and the whole idea that your man had the impulse, that he was thinking of you and had the urge to buy you flowers just because. That is just romantic as...heck. (Sorry, this blog is PG.)
I love romance. Adore it. I think that might be part of the reason why I love things like moonlight, soft music, and waves crashing on the beach. Life can be romantic if we let it.
And since tomorrow is Valentine's day, it's the one day of the year, we should all allow our lives and ourselves to be romantic. Do those small, thoughtful things for each other. Because, hey, everyone needs romance every once in a while.
Okay, time for me to go taxi my son and his date from the dance. Heaven give me the strength to look away while he walks her to the door!
Friday, February 12, 2010
Things I Love, Day 5: Being Social, Service, and Sunshine
Yeah, I know. That's more than one thing. But really, I'm running out of days here. And as you will see if you look at the date on this post, I'm about 15 minutes past the real-life day 5 deadline. Day 5 is actually over.
I haven't been home. At. All. And as I type this, I'm well aware that I need to go to bed so my brain can handle another conference day. Speaking of conferences, that's another thing I love. Love learning and networking and hanging out with people who get me and what I'm all about.Wait, that kind of does fall into the social category, doesn't it? Yeah. It does. So, I love being social. (Especially when there's food involved.)
Another thing I love is service. I have this need to help others. It's always there, hovering right under the surface of my thoughts. It doesn't really matter how I help or serve people, only that I do it without expecting something in return. That's me. Don't misunderstand me though, I always get a return. It always comes back to me one way or another. That's how life should work. And I love it.
As for sunshine--well, that pretty well explains itself. Right? The sun is like, well, sunshine. It's the thing that wakes me up in the morning and keeps me going. Without sun, I'd be a miserable, ornery person. And definitely gloomy.
There's more. I should probably tell you all about the classes at the conference I'm attending this weekend. Maybe the one about movie special effects, or the one taught by Richard Hatch (from the original Battlestar Gallactica). But I won't. At least, not tonight.
Because, of all the things I've just listed, there's one thing I really, really love right now, probably more than all of the above.
Sleep. Goodnight world!
I haven't been home. At. All. And as I type this, I'm well aware that I need to go to bed so my brain can handle another conference day. Speaking of conferences, that's another thing I love. Love learning and networking and hanging out with people who get me and what I'm all about.Wait, that kind of does fall into the social category, doesn't it? Yeah. It does. So, I love being social. (Especially when there's food involved.)
Another thing I love is service. I have this need to help others. It's always there, hovering right under the surface of my thoughts. It doesn't really matter how I help or serve people, only that I do it without expecting something in return. That's me. Don't misunderstand me though, I always get a return. It always comes back to me one way or another. That's how life should work. And I love it.
As for sunshine--well, that pretty well explains itself. Right? The sun is like, well, sunshine. It's the thing that wakes me up in the morning and keeps me going. Without sun, I'd be a miserable, ornery person. And definitely gloomy.
There's more. I should probably tell you all about the classes at the conference I'm attending this weekend. Maybe the one about movie special effects, or the one taught by Richard Hatch (from the original Battlestar Gallactica). But I won't. At least, not tonight.
Because, of all the things I've just listed, there's one thing I really, really love right now, probably more than all of the above.
Sleep. Goodnight world!
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Things I Love, Day 4: Being a Mom
This is how my day went:
Did a stupid thing by staying up reading until after 2:00 am. Woke up at 7:00 to see first child off to school and drive carpool for second child. Ate breakfast with third and fourth, then left to attend a writer's conference (where I also had a book signing). All was well.
Finished my mid-day signing, finally sat down in a class with a row of gorgeous writer friends when...my cell phone starts buzzing. (It was on vibrate, because--well, I'm not THAT rude.) Obviously, school is out. I ignore the first two calls. By number three, I'm worried. Stand up, scoot down the row, out the door, spend the rest of the hour in the hall on the phone.
Go to next class. Get a text. And then a second and third. Sigh. Answer texts, which makes even more flow in. It's now 4:00. I haven't stopped to eat lunch, but my kids want dinner. Time to go home--try again tomorrow.
No homework is done, nor chores, and kids are fighting over the computer.But as soon as I park the car, my nine-year-old comes running into the garage. "Mom! You're home!" Throws his arms around me and squeezes tight. "I missed you, Mom."
My teen girls wave from behind cell phone text-screens, and my sixteen-year-old son drops his arm around my shoulder (yes, he's taller than me) and says, "So how was your day?" And then, "Can I borrow the car?"
I really do love being a mom. Really.
And tonight, I'm going to bed early.
Did a stupid thing by staying up reading until after 2:00 am. Woke up at 7:00 to see first child off to school and drive carpool for second child. Ate breakfast with third and fourth, then left to attend a writer's conference (where I also had a book signing). All was well.
Finished my mid-day signing, finally sat down in a class with a row of gorgeous writer friends when...my cell phone starts buzzing. (It was on vibrate, because--well, I'm not THAT rude.) Obviously, school is out. I ignore the first two calls. By number three, I'm worried. Stand up, scoot down the row, out the door, spend the rest of the hour in the hall on the phone.
Go to next class. Get a text. And then a second and third. Sigh. Answer texts, which makes even more flow in. It's now 4:00. I haven't stopped to eat lunch, but my kids want dinner. Time to go home--try again tomorrow.
No homework is done, nor chores, and kids are fighting over the computer.But as soon as I park the car, my nine-year-old comes running into the garage. "Mom! You're home!" Throws his arms around me and squeezes tight. "I missed you, Mom."
My teen girls wave from behind cell phone text-screens, and my sixteen-year-old son drops his arm around my shoulder (yes, he's taller than me) and says, "So how was your day?" And then, "Can I borrow the car?"
I really do love being a mom. Really.
And tonight, I'm going to bed early.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Things I Love, Day 4: Dreams, Goals, and Aspirations
You know that famous speech by Martin Luther King Jr.? I have a dream...(Yeah, okay, I know. Everyone knows about that speech.)
But really, I do have a dream. Lots of them, actually. And goals, and aspirations and plans. Not just for myself, but for my family, my friends, the world. I dream that my children will find and follow their passion, discover their place in life and the universe. Me too, but in a different sense. I've found my passion, my calling. Unlike my teenagers, I'm finally to a place where I know what I want. And I'm learning how to get it.
I create goals, follow through, move forward. And as I find success--whatever the size--my children are watching me, learning. Growing from lessons I'm being taught .They're seeing first hand what happens when you aspire to do something, be something, and allow it to drive you.
My dreams are what drive me. And because those dreams include my family and our future, the fire that burns in me, the passion for my goals is passed on to them. They may not become authors, but it is my hope that my kids will grow up knowing that it is possible to follow a dream. That dreams are worth fighting for, worth sacrificing other wants and desires.
We don't know what will happen tomorrow, or next week, or even next year. But today, we can work diligently, knowing that if we keep at it, eventually, our hard work will pay off.
I love that. I love that by seeking out my personal goals I am setting an example for my children to do the same. But even more than that, I really just love that I'm able to dream. To picture something in my head and wonder what it will be like when that dream becomes a reality. I may be a fiction writer, but when I dream, I dream big. Real. Solid. Goals I intend to reach and surpass. There will always be something for which I am reaching, and my journey is a lifelong, never-ending one.
Yeah. I love that too.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwkpihGwSj0
**I was going to post a video here, but it's disabled. You'll have to click the link. But it's worth it. This is a great, great song.
But really, I do have a dream. Lots of them, actually. And goals, and aspirations and plans. Not just for myself, but for my family, my friends, the world. I dream that my children will find and follow their passion, discover their place in life and the universe. Me too, but in a different sense. I've found my passion, my calling. Unlike my teenagers, I'm finally to a place where I know what I want. And I'm learning how to get it.
I create goals, follow through, move forward. And as I find success--whatever the size--my children are watching me, learning. Growing from lessons I'm being taught .They're seeing first hand what happens when you aspire to do something, be something, and allow it to drive you.
My dreams are what drive me. And because those dreams include my family and our future, the fire that burns in me, the passion for my goals is passed on to them. They may not become authors, but it is my hope that my kids will grow up knowing that it is possible to follow a dream. That dreams are worth fighting for, worth sacrificing other wants and desires.
We don't know what will happen tomorrow, or next week, or even next year. But today, we can work diligently, knowing that if we keep at it, eventually, our hard work will pay off.
I love that. I love that by seeking out my personal goals I am setting an example for my children to do the same. But even more than that, I really just love that I'm able to dream. To picture something in my head and wonder what it will be like when that dream becomes a reality. I may be a fiction writer, but when I dream, I dream big. Real. Solid. Goals I intend to reach and surpass. There will always be something for which I am reaching, and my journey is a lifelong, never-ending one.
Yeah. I love that too.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwkpihGwSj0
**I was going to post a video here, but it's disabled. You'll have to click the link. But it's worth it. This is a great, great song.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Tagged--and Things I Love, Day 3: Music and Words
Yeah, I'm pretty sure I mentioned this last year. I love, love, love music. I'm totally the kind of person who hears music in the background pretty much 24 / 7. Even in my dreams. So it goes without saying that I often write to music. I do almost everything to music. Because music is a part of me.
And here's a funny. I don't usually read to music, but when I've been reading a book, then leave and go somewhere (having music playing in the car) I totally attribute certain songs to whatever scene I've just read, or that is on my mind, and the music sticks for me. Ta da! Instant soundtrack creator.
I admit to sometimes having dorkish tendencies. Whatdayado?
Part of what I love about music is the way the songwriters have of telling a story in just a few lines. They're able to do this through word choice. And I love that! I love that people can create such powerful feelings out of something as simple as a few well chosen words. (I also love harmony, melody, and the power of music itself, but am not going to focus on it just now.) There is something so comforting in knowing that words, when used wisely, can have an impact.
So, today, I love music. And I'm running around my house singing--just like a certain friend of mine tends to do when she's feeling especially happy. (You know who you are!)
On that note, my good friend David West totally tagged me last week, and I've been neglecting the game all this time. Sorry, David! So here it is, everything you ever wanted to know about me:
Rules: Answer the following questions with Single Word answers then pass this along to 5 other bloggers. Make sure you let them know about it though.
Your Cell Phone? Awesome
Your Hair? Red
Your Mother? Mom
Your Father? Dad
Your Favorite Food? (Snow)Crab
Your Dream Last Night? secret
Your Favorite Drink? Dr. Pepper
Your Dream/Goal? Bestseller
What Room Are You In? Bedroom
Your Hobby? Traveling
Your Fear? Snakes
Where Do You See Yourself In Six Years? Tropical
Where Were You Last Night? Home
Something That You Aren't? Mean
Muffins? Raspberry
Wish List Item? Furniture
Where Did You Grow Up? Arizona
Last Thing You Did? Laughed
What Are You Wearing? Jammies
Your TV? On
Your Pets? Dogs
Friends? Incredible
Your Life? #amwriting (I’m stealing David’s answer here!)
Your Mood? Smiling
Missing Someone? Always
Vehicle? Mustang
Something You Aren't Wearing? Jewelry
Your Favorite Store? Mall
Your Favorite Color? Rainbow
When Was The Last Time You Laughed? Now
Last Time You Cried? Days
Your Best Friend? Gary
One Place You Go To Over And Over Again? Hearts
Facebook? Yep!
Favorite Place To Eat? Hawaii
I pass this award to:
C.L. Beck because she’s my coauthor and so great to work with.
Rachelle Christensen because she has a book coming out next month and I’m so excited about it.
Christine Bryant because she always has awesome blogging ideas and is such a great friend.
L.T. Elliot because she is my most faithful blog commenter, ever.
Elana Johnson because she is the rockin-est query queen ever.
And one last note to David, who tagged me. I may be nice, but…please don’t make me feed your cats. I’d probably start sneezing like crazy and break out in hives. Okay, that’s a lie. But my son would!
And here's a funny. I don't usually read to music, but when I've been reading a book, then leave and go somewhere (having music playing in the car) I totally attribute certain songs to whatever scene I've just read, or that is on my mind, and the music sticks for me. Ta da! Instant soundtrack creator.
I admit to sometimes having dorkish tendencies. Whatdayado?
Part of what I love about music is the way the songwriters have of telling a story in just a few lines. They're able to do this through word choice. And I love that! I love that people can create such powerful feelings out of something as simple as a few well chosen words. (I also love harmony, melody, and the power of music itself, but am not going to focus on it just now.) There is something so comforting in knowing that words, when used wisely, can have an impact.
So, today, I love music. And I'm running around my house singing--just like a certain friend of mine tends to do when she's feeling especially happy. (You know who you are!)
On that note, my good friend David West totally tagged me last week, and I've been neglecting the game all this time. Sorry, David! So here it is, everything you ever wanted to know about me:
Rules: Answer the following questions with Single Word answers then pass this along to 5 other bloggers. Make sure you let them know about it though.
Your Cell Phone? Awesome
Your Hair? Red
Your Mother? Mom
Your Father? Dad
Your Favorite Food? (Snow)Crab
Your Dream Last Night? secret
Your Favorite Drink? Dr. Pepper
Your Dream/Goal? Bestseller
What Room Are You In? Bedroom
Your Hobby? Traveling
Your Fear? Snakes
Where Do You See Yourself In Six Years? Tropical
Where Were You Last Night? Home
Something That You Aren't? Mean
Muffins? Raspberry
Wish List Item? Furniture
Where Did You Grow Up? Arizona
Last Thing You Did? Laughed
What Are You Wearing? Jammies
Your TV? On
Your Pets? Dogs
Friends? Incredible
Your Life? #amwriting (I’m stealing David’s answer here!)
Your Mood? Smiling
Missing Someone? Always
Vehicle? Mustang
Something You Aren't Wearing? Jewelry
Your Favorite Store? Mall
Your Favorite Color? Rainbow
When Was The Last Time You Laughed? Now
Last Time You Cried? Days
Your Best Friend? Gary
One Place You Go To Over And Over Again? Hearts
Facebook? Yep!
Favorite Place To Eat? Hawaii
I pass this award to:
C.L. Beck because she’s my coauthor and so great to work with.
Rachelle Christensen because she has a book coming out next month and I’m so excited about it.
Christine Bryant because she always has awesome blogging ideas and is such a great friend.
L.T. Elliot because she is my most faithful blog commenter, ever.
Elana Johnson because she is the rockin-est query queen ever.
And one last note to David, who tagged me. I may be nice, but…please don’t make me feed your cats. I’d probably start sneezing like crazy and break out in hives. Okay, that’s a lie. But my son would!
Monday, February 8, 2010
AuthorPalooza and Things I Love, Day 2: Being an Author
In keeping with my goal for the week, I'm stopping for a minute to reflect on the things I love. I'm thinking about AuthorPalooza on Saturday, and how it feels to sign my name inside a book I created. Well, okay, so I helped create it anyway, since I wasn't alone in the work.
And how it will feel to have my name on the cover of another book I can then sign. It makes me think back to what has happened since I started writing, and the incredible growth I've experienced. All the people I've met who are now my friends. People I might not otherwise have the opportunity to meet.
These people are another group of friends for whom I'm eternally grateful. And whether I'm close to them or just getting to know them, my author friends are special to me. We're there to help each other learn and grow and become successful in the writing and publishing industry. I love them all.
At the signing event on Saturday, there were 40 of us, and I was so proud to have met most of the other authors. The rest...well, I've met them now. I think. Most of them. (It's entirely possible I missed someone, and if you're that someone, I'm so sorry! Track me down next time and we'll meet for real.)
Before everyone left, I took a few minutes and ran around the store snapping pictures. Granted, I was in a hurry (because I left my signing table and we'd had a steady stream of people) so some of these are blurry and bright--but pictures are still pictures and I'm happy to have them.
And how it will feel to have my name on the cover of another book I can then sign. It makes me think back to what has happened since I started writing, and the incredible growth I've experienced. All the people I've met who are now my friends. People I might not otherwise have the opportunity to meet.
These people are another group of friends for whom I'm eternally grateful. And whether I'm close to them or just getting to know them, my author friends are special to me. We're there to help each other learn and grow and become successful in the writing and publishing industry. I love them all.
At the signing event on Saturday, there were 40 of us, and I was so proud to have met most of the other authors. The rest...well, I've met them now. I think. Most of them. (It's entirely possible I missed someone, and if you're that someone, I'm so sorry! Track me down next time and we'll meet for real.)
Before everyone left, I took a few minutes and ran around the store snapping pictures. Granted, I was in a hurry (because I left my signing table and we'd had a steady stream of people) so some of these are blurry and bright--but pictures are still pictures and I'm happy to have them.
Today, I love being an author and creating stories from life experience and pure imagination.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)