My Day on the Summer Treasure Hunt! Enter to Win.

Okay kids, today is your lucky day. Not only is it Saturday, but you now have a rare chance to win a copy of my book, The Sharp Edge of a Knife.

There is a catch, though.

You don't email the lucky answer to me. You have to send it to Joyce DiPastena, who is in charge of this fantasticly fun treasure hunt. Here are the deets:

PRIZE: The Sharp Edge of a Knife (inspirational historical, based on a true story), autographed copy.

 

QUESTION: What is the correct title of the humorous anthology I coauthored? (Hint: Look in the right hand sidebar)

 

WEBSITE/BLOG: www.nicholegiles.blogspot.com

USA ENTRIES ONLY

 

To win all you have to do is visit my site (which you are now doing) and find the answer to today's question, then email it with your name and AND MAILING ADDRES to jdipastena@yahoo.com. (you will not wind up on any mailing lists). DO NOT LEAVE YOUR ANSWER IN THE COMMENTS!

Deadline: Midnight PST

 

The winner will be contacted and announced tomorrow, following the deadline.

All winners will be “drawn” by WWW.RANDOM.ORG.

 

Also, since you're here, feel free (or pressured or bribed) to become a follower. I try to post interesting things regularly. No pressure (or lots--whatever it takes). Good luck!

 

Winner, Winner Chicken Dinner!

Well, okay. Not really a chicken dinner. But it got you here, right? Well. Anyway. I've officially finished the spreadsheet, done the math, and praised the geniuses who created random.org to discover who is the lucky preliminary winner for the Original Office Box and Wrong Number book launch contest.

The winner will receive a free, autographed copy of my new book, The Sharp Edge of a Knife, and her information is being passed onto the contest chair person, Rachelle, to be entered into the big drawing of an Original Office Box.

And the winner is...

Queen of Chaos

Who's winning entry number was the result of this blog. Notice how she included links and my book cover. Great job, your Highness!

Clapclapclapclapcheercheerclapclapclapdancesingclapcheerclapdancesingclapcheer! Congratulations on winning. I've emailed the queen, and requested her mailing information asap. If I don't hear from her within 24 hours of that email, another winner will be drawn. 

Thanks for playing. Don't forget to enter my most recent contest here, for a chance to win more free stuff.

A Visit with Author Rachelle J. Christensen

**Scroll down for information about my blog tour and contest.

Yep, I know it’s amazing. Three blogs in two days. You’d think I didn’t have anything better to do besides blog. You know, like write press releases and make dinner and do laundry and plan signings and blog tours and oh, um, hm, what else? Write books. Yeah. That little thing. But sometimes, blogging gets to jump up on the list. Especially when I’m kicking off my blog tour and giveaway for The Sharp Edge of a Knife, while still participating in another tour and giveaway for someone else.

Did I mention that March has gone crazy on me? Well, you know. It has. Whaddayagunnado?

Anyhoo. It’s been over two weeks since I did an author spotlight, and I figure it’s about time I took care of that. Today, I’m talking to my good friend, Rachelle J. Christensen who just celebrated the release of her new book, Wrong Number.

 
NG: What’s your favorite flavor of ice cream? Today, my new favorite is Ben and Jerry’s Key Lime Pie

RJC: Ben and Jerry’s used to make one called Oatmeal Cookie that was to die for—I haven’t been able to find it lately so I really like old-fashioned vanilla with fudge sauce and sliced bananas.

NG: Oh, I hope they didn’t discontinue your first favorite. Ben and Jerry’s did that to me once. They discontinued the pineapple mango flavor called Island Paradise. I’ve never forgiven them.

I digress. Back to the interview.

NG: Who is your favorite author? (Besides yourself or me, since everyone already knows we’re both awesome.)

RJC: Well besides us? That does make it hard because I'm reading all kinds of different genres and authors all the time. An easy way out is to have you check out my goodreads http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1663930 list of favorites and repeat-offenders to see more all time favorites. But I will say that I like Mary Stewart, Agatha Christie, Mitch Albom, Nicholas Sparks, Clair Poulsen, Jessica Day George, and Shannon Hale.

NG: Great selection there! And I’ve seen your Goodreads list. Lots of fun books on your shelves. By the looks of your reading taste, one might think you’re a writer. Oh wait, you are. But that leads me to another question. What is your most favorite thing to do when you’re not writing?

RJC: I love reading and I also like to go for a run while listening to my iPod.


NG: Nice! I read tons as well. I’m not a runner, but I do work out every day, so I get the iPod thing too. But since you like to run, I wonder, if you were an animal, what kind would you be and why?

RJC: A cat! When I was younger I wanted to be a cat because they could lay around all day and sleep and didn’t have to do chores or weed the garden.

NG: Wait, I thought you liked running! But then, lazing around does have merits. I could get used to that kind of life. Ahhh…

And speaking of a lazy life—wait, there’s no such thing for a writer. Strike that. How about this. Name one or two power snacks that keep you going as you write.

RJC: Apples and my favorite treat--graham crackers spread with peanut butter and topped with bits of dark chocolate.

Hm. Interesting combination. Sounds kind of good, actually. Except the dark chocolate part. I might have to try that with milk chocolate as a substitute. Thanks for the idea.

Now the last question is the important, tell-all question, the one that tells us what kind of person you REALLY are. Do you prefer diamonds or pearls?

FJC: Diamonds

NG: I knew it. You’re going to sparkle under the limelight, definitely. Congratulations in advance on that score. Rachelle, thanks for the visit, and the answers to what makes an author tick.

RJC: Thanks so much for having me--it's so fun to visit with friends!

For more information about Rachelle J. Christensen, click here.
 
To read the first chapter of Rachelle’s book, Wrong Number, click here.

To purchase the book, click here.

Sun and Snow, Launches and Spotlights

I woke up this morning to sunshine, only to have a snowstorm roll in by mid afternoon. Drat! I even let my son ride his bike to school because it was kind-of-sort-of-warm I suppose this now means I shall have to take the truck to pick him up when school gets out. Can't have him riding home in the snow, now can I?

In other news, today is Thursday, which means I posted something of meaning and value on the LDS Writer's Blogck. So, if you find this post rather dull and boring, or if you just can't get enough of me--which is most likely the case--you can click here and read about why every novel should have a theme song, and how music can chase away writer's block.

A quick reminder that tomorrow is the day of the big contest announcement. You might see a little blinking picture up on my sidebar. That's the only hint I'm giving, but I will say you don't want to miss this one.


Sigh. I have bad news and good news. The bad news is that the Barnes and Noble in Orem, UT where I was planning to launch The Sharp Edge of a Knife will not have my book in the system in time for me to launch next week. **frowns** BUT the good news is I am still planning to launch this month and will make a big announcement about where as soon as I figure it all out. If you just can't wait to own a copy, don't fret. The Sharp Edge of a Knife is right now, this minute, available online. Go ahead and order it, and if you like it, be sure to leave a review. If you ever meet me, I'll still sign it for you, promise.

And now, before I forget and become all entangled in my own issues, I'm going to move on to this week's author spotlight, Sarah M. Eden, who's newest book, Courting Miss Lancaster, is being released next week.

NG: Hi Sarah, tell us a little about yourself.

Sarah: My family has lived in the arid deserts of Arizona since before the invention of air conditioning. So insanity runs in my family. Not something most people would include on a resume, but it's great for an author. Writing requires a certain degree of mental instability. And a tendency toward insomnia.
             

I write a lot at night and while my kids are at school and any time I am supposed to be cleaning my house. My 6-year-old describes my books this way: “Kissy, romantic books where the people lived a long time ago and talked funny.” Yep, pretty much. I write clean romances that take place in Regency England (think the first two decades of the 1800s: Napoleon, Jane Austen, Mad King George). The endings are always happy, the characters are usually funny.

NG: That sounds, well, achingly familiar. Interesting. And what inspires you to write?

Sarah: Perhaps the single greatest source of inspiration for me lies in the fact that writing gives me an excuse to avoid responsible things. “Wow, I have very large piles of dishes on the counters (yes, plural) of my kitchen. Sorry. I need to write.” “The PTA is hoping I will bake 6 dozen cupcakes for the bake sale in a half-hour. Sorry. I need to write.” “What is that, children? You want dinner? There are frozen waffles in the freezer. Mom needs to write.”
             

Inspiration? Check. 

NG: Hm. Once again, I can relate all too easily. This is almost eerie. Okay, one last quick question and then I'll let the readers check out the trailer. What is your greatest writing challenge?

Sarah: I have a deep and unshakable need to consume large quantities of unnecessary and useless calories (and by this I mean Cheetos). This need creates another need—to exercise my backside, hips and gut off. These very real needs often get in the way of my writing.
             

To my joy, I have managed to invent, in many different versions, a contraption made up of very large books, packing tape and the back of the sofa in my living room which allows me to type while spending some quality time with my elliptical machine while burning calories to which I'd rather not become too permanently attached. I would take a picture, but it's pretty embarrassing. Embarrassingly awesome!
            

 I am also developing a system by which I can type and eat at the same time. I call it “Click, click, click, chew.” Fascinating. I'm thinking of writing a book about it. 

NG: Okay, now you've really got me intrigued. I might have to try that trick with the elliptical. Um, you haven't patented the invention yet, have you? Wait, don't answer that. I don't want to know. Pretend I didn't ask that question.

Thanks, Sarah for that wonderful insight into your life as an author. To order a copy of Courting Miss Lancaster, click here. Or watch this way cool trailer: 

To learn more about Sarah M. Eden, click here.

Worth The Cost

Over the past month, I’ve had several people ask me why I chose to go all the way to Phoenix for the ANWA conference this past weekend. It’s not a huge conference, and several of the speakers are authors who will also be teaching at the upcoming LDStorymakers conference in April here in Utah. The conference itself wasn’t expensive, but if I add up the cost of hotel and transportation, it did cost me a bit more that I’m usually willing to pay. But I did it anyway, because I wanted to go, and because I felt like I was supposed to be there for one reason or another.

Did I get my money’s worth? Yeah, I did. I had several important ah-ha moments, got some great advice, and heard words that felt custom designed for me. And yes, I’d do it again; even though I won’t even try to pinpoint the “reason” I was supposed to go. At least, not yet. I think sometimes we just get to know that we got something important from following that spiritual direction, even if we’re not able to give a name to the blessings that come from it.

That said, I will tell you a little about my favorite classes. J. Scott Savage gave the keynote address, during which he talked about the importance of setting proper expectations for ourselves. We made a list of things we can control versus those which we can’t. For instance, we can’t control what an agent wants, but we can do our best work and send it out there. We can’t control what’s “in” in the market or being in the right time and place, but we can polish our query and submit often. We can’t control how long an agent takes to get back to us, but we can send our query and then get right to work on the next project.

He also touched on several other subjects, like the folly of comparing ourselves to other authors—since we’re all individual and shouldn’t even WANT to be the same as someone else. He gave us tips on overcoming writers block and reminded us that it’s always darkest before the dawn. Which translates to, the journey’s always hardest right before you stumble into success. I loved that part, but my favorite piece of advice is that we break through the barriers to reach our potential.

Amen and nuff said. Thanks for that, Jeff. (He also had a class about finding an agent, which was also crammed with excellent advice.)

Later in the day, Aprilynne Pike talked about the life cycle of a writer and all the highs and lows we go through, even after we’ve signed with an agent and /or publisher. I loved her analogies, and though I didn’t get the exact steps written down, left the class with one thing to remember: I am a capable writer with an original story to tell. I think I’ll print that one and put it on my bathroom mirror as a reminder. Thanks, Aprilynne.

Helen Blair then spoke to us about tapping our subconscious minds, and helping our conscious and subconscious minds to play nicely together in order to reach our potential for creativity. She taught us how each part works, and why we sometimes suffer the effects of writers block. This class really spoke to me because I’m a big, big believer in this kind of thinking, and I found the whole lesson fascinating. Again, a whole class of takeaway for me, but during this session, I had a sudden epiphany of an important paragraph that needs to go in the beginning of one of my books. Yes, I wrote it down. And yes, it was a very important realization. Say it with me: Ah-ha!

There were several other classes I could tell you about, and other things I learned. But seriously, I need to get back to work on my book. I will say, though, that the ANWA ladies did a great job of putting this conference together, and for all the people who are wondering if it was worth it, the answer is yes. Yes it was.

Now, before I forget, there are lots of fun things happening on my blog this month. Check back on Friday for another big giveaway being held in conjunction with a book launch for my good friend Rachelle Christensen, who’s book Wrong Number is now available online and in stores. During this promotion, I’ll be giving away one copy of my new book, The Sharp Edge of a Knife, which is now available online, and should be in stores very soon. Following that, I’m launching my book (see title above) with a blog tour and more giveaways. I’m also planning a physical launch party, so watch for that announcement as well. (Still working on location—sorry for the delay.) Also, keep an eye on my event list on the sidebar to see where you can come meet me in person. Lots of fun events happening in March!

And now, I’m really getting back to work. Have a great day and write on.

Lots of Random

What is it about fate that makes certain weeks extra busy, and others extra slow? And why haven't any slow weeks been thrown my way lately? Seriously, sometimes I think it's a miracle that I get any sleep at all. Just saying.

Not that I'm complaining, mind you. I'm actually very excited about everything I have going on right now. But, you know, there aren't enough hours, yadda yadda. The good news is this is a cool, fun, interesting week. Here's the rundown:

1. Today I blogged on Writing Fortress (aka Cedar Fort Authors) about why networking is important. Click here to read more.

2. The winner of the $20 Barnes and Noble gift card has been posted, along with a few random Monday comics on LDS Humor. (Yes, posted by yours truly.) And while I'm talking about winners, the contest winners for all the other contests I posted about last week have also been chosen. I'm not one of them, but scroll down and click on the links to see if you might be one of the lucky ones.

3. Tomorrow, right here on this blog, I'll be reviewing a book called Love Your Body by Brooke Parker R.D.. It's a short read with excellent suggestions on how to rethink your eating and dieting habits. PS This is NOT a diet book! I'm not a big dieter, but I do think eating right is important. Check back on Tuesday to read more about it. Also, as a bonus, enter to win one of five copies of the book, being given away by the publisher. Yahoo! More free stuff.

4. Wednesday I've been asked to present at the League of Utah Writers meeting. This is a great honor. I'll be bringing my coauthor Cindy Beck with me, and we're speaking about our journey From Proposal to Publishing and Promotion. (Aka how Mormon Mishaps and Mischief came to be.) The meeting is being held at the library in Provo, UT, room 201 from 7-9 pm. Oh yes, and it's free to the public. That is, unless you're a heckler. Then you'll be forced to buy my books as payment.

I'll also have a few books handy for purchase, and will sign them for you if you ask nicely. Or if you bribe me with chocolate. Either way.

5. Thursday is my regular posting day at LDS Writer's Blogck. Since I've been busy taking care of Monday-Wednesday's obligations, I have no idea what I'm blogging about there. I'll surprise you. But still come leave comments. They make me so happy.

6. Friday I'm jumping on a plane bound for Phoenix. (Okay, not literally jumping. We all know what happened when Kramer did that.) Yahoo! Off to the ANWA Writer's Conference. I'll be spending the rest of the weekend hanging with my ANWA sisters, learning, relaxing, and writing. Along with some other authors, I'll be signing right after the conference, probably somewhere in the hotel, so if you're in the Mesa area come by and say hi. I'll even sign a book for you. **Crossing my fingers I'll have copies of The Sharp Edge of a Knife before Friday**

7. What else?  Oh yes, March 5th is the day I'll post about my next way cool giveaway. This is in conjunction with a blog tour for my good friend Rachelle Christensen's new release, Wrong Number. You don't want to miss this one, people. So mark your calendars. Also, you MUST read this book. It's a page turner, I tell ya.

8. I'm also still looking for a way awesome, incredible, cool grand prize to give away on my blog tour for The Sharp Edge of a Knife. Speaking of that, I'm also STILL waiting for confirmation on the launch date. I have a tentative schedule, but it all depends on how fast the bookstore can get books. One way or another, I'm launching in mid-March, even if I have to change locations. I'll let y'all know asap.

9. There's still time to register for the LDStorymakers Conference in April. And if you hurry, you'll be able to just squeak by inside the deadline for the first chapter contest. Great prize this year, too. Check it out and register, if you know what's good for you. I'm going, which means all the cool people will be there.

Am I missing anything? Seriously? Because I know I am--not including my kids' indoor soccer games, basketball, music, yadda yadda yadda. What is it? Remind me already!

Exciting News and A Spotlight: Donna Hatch

I am totally writing right now--had an epiphany and am doing a rewrite on one manuscript so I can then focus on finishing another one--cuz I have great ideas for both. Separate ideas. But I can only work on one at a time. You know, one brain two hands and all that. Oh, the life of a writer.

But I have to take a short break, because this news is too cool not to share.
Look what came in my mail today...

He he! Hooray, cheer, cheer, excitement all around. Okay, so really, I only get to keep one of these. It's a proof copy--the kind where the publisher and author get one or two to look over and approve before the big order is printed. So, my publisher gets the other two. But look! It's here! And guess what? It looks amazing. I LOVE it! Love the cover, love the chapter headings--everything. Yay!

This means my author copies will be here in a few weeks, so it's officially time to plan a party. More news on this soon.

Don't forget, I'll be signing copies of Mormon Mishaps and Mischief at the AuthorPalooza event being held at the Sandy, UT. Barnes and Noble (this is right by Southtowne Mall) from 1-4pm. I'm there with about 30 other authors, so this is going to be a totally fun event. But if you can't make it, don't stress. Cindy and I will also be at the BYU bookstore in Provo on Thursday, Feb 11th from 11:45-1:30. Come say hi if you can.

Oh, I almost forgot to do my author spotlight this week. Today, I'd like to introduce you to Donna Hatch. This interview was conducted by someone who is not me, so you won't recognize any of my usual questions. However, I like her answers and have been given permission to post the interview here. Thanks Donna!

Hi Donna. Tell us about your release, The Stranger She Married.

Okay, here's my elevator pitch:

The Stranger She Married is book one of the Rogue Hearts Series. Torn between a disfigured war hero with the heart of a poet, and a handsome libertine who may not be all he seems, impoverished Alicia must marry by the end of the month. Despite a murder threat looming over her, learning to love the stranger she married may pose the greatest danger of all … to her heart.

The cover is gorgeous! Can you tell us a little about how covers come into being? Do you have input into the process?

Most publishers don't let the authors have any input, but I was lucky -- mine does. I filled out a questionnaire with character descriptions and a concept of what I'd pictured. The finished result was nothing like I'd imagined, and the hero looks nothing like the cover, but they got the heroine spot-on right down to the eye color.

What are you working on now?

I'm finalizing the edits on book 3 of the Rogue Heart's Series which isn't titled yet. (Gulp.) Book 2, The Guise of a Gentleman will be out in April. Each book is a stand-alone book, about a different brother of the Amesbury family, and the family members wander in and out of each other's books.

You have a posse of kiddos, how do you find time to write? How do you balance family with writing?

Yes, with 6 children, making time to write is very challenging. I do much of my writing at night after they are in bed, or during nap time, but when I'm on a roll, I write instead of unimportant things like fixing dinner. I haven't dusted since last Christmas and I gave up scrapbooking. This year, my youngest child started kindergarten, so now I can write after they all leave for school. I also work in an office part time every afternoon, so that really cuts into my writing but I'm very focused, (or obsessed) so I keep at it at odd times of the day. And night.

What is the coolest thing about being an author?

A huge rush came when I got my contract and I was giddy about it for months. But I have to say that was nothing compared to the day my book came out and I saw it on the home page of my publisher. The euphoria was almost a surreal experience. The giddiness is still with me and I've noticed people inching away from me when my grin gets a bit too happy. I guess I scare people. And now I do it without even opening my mouth.

What has surprised you about being a published author?

How excited my friends and family were for me. I knew they'd be supportive, but I had no idea how they'd rally around me and help me promote it like they have. My niece even set up a fan page for The Stranger She Married!

What do you like to do when you aren't writing?

I love to read more than almost anything else. And I love music; I sing, play the harp, and am the choir director for my church. I also like to swim, water ski, snow ski, and dance. I’m totally uncoordinated, so I don’t play any team sports and sports worldwide thank me for it. And, sappy as it sounds, I love to spend time with my husband, talking, walking, playing racquetball, or just cuddling.

Thanks again, Donna, for letting me spotlight you here. For those interested in purchasing a copy of The Stranger She Married, click here.

And now back to editing, writing, and planning a launch party.  (Tick, tick, tick--yeah, I actually have a plan.) Write on!


**The author of this blog did NOT get a free copy of this book, and will not receive compensation of any kind for this spotlight, except maybe the gratitude of the book's author. But I do plan on reading this book because I'm interested. Does that count?

A Party Made of Wicked Awesomeness

And Other Random Things

In case you have forgotten or didn’t already know, Thursday is my day to blog over at LDS Writer’s Blogck. My post today is about a writer’s journey being an uphill climb. I posted some great pictures with it, so if you have a minute, click here to check it out. You won’t be sorry, promise.

Also, last week I attended a party made of wicked awesomeness, and I’ve been so overwhelmed with getting back into the groove after my vacation with the family, that I’ve been remiss in blogging about it. Which is totally my bad, since I really, truly had a fabulous time and was so excited that when the list of authors was put together, my name ended up on it. Makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

Suzzette and Elana put it together, Elana being the party planning goddess of the Sith Lord Variety (find the explanation of the Sith Lord thing on Elana’s post here), and Suz being the hostess who rearranged her entire house just so we could all hang together. (She must have a very buff furniture-moving-type husband who didn’t mind that his wife kicked him out of the house for the night.) Those two are da’ bomb, I tell ya!

I had a fab time hanging with some authors I already know, and meeting a bunch more who will now expand my ever-growing circle of writing comrades. Plus, there was food. And prizes. And games that had us all laughing until we cried. So. Much. Fun.

Check us out, toasting to our own awesomeness with sparkling cider.

Right to left, standing:L.T. Elliot, Mary Campbell, Me (in the pink sweat shirt), Alaina Evans, Elana Johnson, Angie Lofthouse, Carolyn Vawdrey, Michelle Argyle, Suzzette Saxton, Windy Aphayrath.

Kneeling:Jenn Wilks, Tess Hilmo, Ali Cross, Natalie Whipple

You’ll notice that every one of these ladies has that something special glowing in her eyes, that little spark that says, “I’m going to be big someday.” And I know it’s absolutely true. So check out all their blogs and websites, and become a follower and all that jazz. You know how writers love fans and followers.

Wait. Somehow, that statement makes me sound like the Pied Piper. Yikes. But I’m not. I promise.

Cue creepy Star Wars-type music.

*Waves hand in a half circular motion.* You will become a follower.

End music.

Anyhoo… on my personal writing journey, another hurdle has been jumped. The Sharp Edge of a Knife went to press today. Should be available sometime around January 31st. Yahoo! Excited, nervous, excited, nervous, happy. I think. Now I should probably get to the part where I plan my launch party. That will be my major task for Friday. That, and finishing up the Sharp Edge website.

In my plan for the New Year, I’ve decided that if I plan one major task each day, maybe I’ll accomplish that one thing and then a few smaller ones. So far, it’s kind of working. Who knew?

Last Post of 2009, and One Resolution

I realize I've been a bit lax in my posting this week. True, it's been rather on the busy side for most people, but still you'd think I could find enough time to post a short blog, right? That's what I'm doing right now.

Christmas was wonderful with my family, even though it zoomed by so fast. I think that's the hazard of having so much going on in life. It seems to just fly right by. Here it is New Year's Eve, and the last day of 2009 and I have no idea where this year has gone. But that's okay. It's been a good year, and I'm positive that 2010 will be even better. We'll start it off by hanging out at a family party tonight, then we'll drive over to the mall to see the city fireworks at midnight, and then finish things off with pie and hot chocolate at Village Inn--the only restaurant in town we're positive will still be open. (We know this from experience from the last two years.)

It will be a fun night, and a great way to start off 2010. I'm not listing my resolutions here yet, but if you want to read about my thoughts on the matter, check out my post on LDS Writer's Blogck today. I also blogged about making attainable goals and resolutions on Monday at the Writing Fortress.

By tomorrow, I'll have finished the final-final-final edits on The Sharp Edge of a Knife, and will have them turned in to my publisher for typesetting. Then I'll have a short break (a real break from life which I will post about later) before I get the galleys and send it off to print. Yahoo! Can't wait for this one. When that's all said and done, back to all my other projects. Expect to see a blurb posted here in the next week or two, and possibly some teaser art.

Also, for those who read my post about this and were wondering, I did exchange gifts with my siblings. I made cinnamon roasted almonds (the ingredients for which I already had on hand) and gave each of them a bag. My parents got wooden photo cubes with school pictures of my kids. So, I wasn't the Grinch, I didn't spend a lot, and it didn't end up being that big a deal except that most of the plans for spending family time together fell through. Bummer. I guess there's always next year. But the almonds were a hit, and the photo cubes a favorite gift of my parents.

And now, I'm off to see a movie with my family before we go our separate ways. (Yeah, my oldest two are going to parties. Eeekk!) I hope your New Year's Eve is fantabulous!

Happy 2010.  Let's make it unforgettable.

Resolution #one: Learn how to use TweetDeck so it posts to all my social networking sites.