delaney.blog

I've Moved!!

2011-07-19T14:52:00.000-07:00

Please visit me at my new blog!

Diary of a Mad Romance Writer

2010 Greetings

2010-01-02T08:31:00.000-08:00

May 2010 be a year of

Happiness, Love, and Prosperity for all!

Merry Christmas 2009

2009-12-25T09:52:00.000-08:00

Harlequin's Holiday Open House

2009-12-15T12:18:00.000-08:00

Would you like to chat with some of your favorite authors? Have a chance to win free books? Then the place to be on the evening of December 16 is at Harlequin's Holiday Open House chat! Nearly 100 authors will be attending the festivities. The fun starts at 7 p.m. EST at eHarlequin and will encompass 3 hours of chat, followed by Post Parties on the message boards.

I'll be chatting with the Home and Hearth authors during the first hour (7-8 p.m. EST) and giving away 3 copies each of THE RODEO RIDER (Harlequin American Romance, August 2009) and BACHELOR COWBOY (Harlequin American Romance, January 2010), the first two of my series set in the fictional town of Desperation, Oklahoma.

Come celebrate the holiday season with us!

Update on Payton

2009-10-30T12:40:00.000-07:00

Life has been busy and a bit topsy-turvy lately, so news on Payton hasn't been updated recently.

She's home! Even after a second trip to Children's Mercy for nearly a week, because of feeding problems. But the feeding tube she came home with to supplement her bottles has been removed. She's eating, keeping it down most of the time, and gaining weight. In 12 days, she'll be 3 months old. It's been a fast 3 months at times, while at others, it's dragged. We're all so glad to have everyone home and getting back into a routine.

Her first Halloween will not be spent trick or treating. Being out in public and especially on cold nights, is out of the question. With viruses of all kinds around these days, precautions are being taken with her. We want to keep her heatlhy and happy!

Thanks to everyone for the prayers and wonderful notes of encouragement!

Goodbye, Teddy

2009-08-26T07:10:00.000-07:00

Latest Payton Update

2009-08-14T19:51:00.000-07:00

(Reposted here from Facebook because I'm lazy.)

We've had what we consider good news. The doctors decided the heart cath was a success as far as telling them what they needed to know. They've decided to let nature take its course at this point and let the holes close on their own. At least I think that's what Lyndsay said. (Something about many babies having a small hole that closes on it's own within a short amount of time.) If it's found that there isn't enough blood flow, they'll put in a shunt. If the blood flow is good and they don't need the shunt, she'll be home as soon as she can "eat" on her own. (Gavin was 5 weeks premature and would NOT take a bottle or anything. We should've known he'd continue to be a stubborn little guy. )

The ventilator will be removed tomorrow, along with the feeding tube at her belly button. They'll start feeding by bottle after that and see how it goes. If all goes well, she could be home as soon as next weekend. Surgery will be scheduled in 2 weeks to 2 months, depending on how she does. Gaining weight and maturity is the goal. I'm assuming she'll be seeing a cardiologist here during that time. They expect about a 2 week stay in Children's Mercy again for and after surgery.

Lyndsay and Adam will be home tomorrow evening to spend time with the other three kids, then return to KC after the weekend. They want to be here for Ally and Gavin's first day of school on Monday. Plans right now are tentative, so we're waiting to see how everything goes.

More updates when there's news. :)

Baby Day...and more

2009-08-12T14:30:00.000-07:00

(Photos will be available when Blogger lets me upload them!!)

Payton McKenzy must have been in a rush to be a part of our family. She was a month early. At 5 lbs. 10 oz, she's the smallest of my daugher Lyndsay and her husband Adam's now 4 children. Although we thought everything was fine, except the need for a little help breathing, we learned less than 8 hours after she arrived that she has a heart defect. It was a miracle it was detected so early. Most babies with TGV (Transposition of the Great Vessel) are a few weeks old before anyone suspects and investigates. We all thank the NICU staff at HCA Wesley in Wichita for being alert.

What's TGV? According to Wikipedia (the simplest to use at this point, Transposition of the great vessels (TGV) is a group of congenital heart defects (CHDs) involving an abnormal spatial arrangement of any of the primary blood vessels: superior and/or inferior vena cavae (SVC, IVC), pulmonary artery, pulmonary veins, and aorta. In simpler terms, the veins and arteries are reversed. (more from Wiki) In a normal heart, oxygen-depleted blood is pumped from the right side of the heart, through the pulmonary artery, to the lungs where it is oxygenated. The oxygen-rich red blood then returns to the left heart, via the pulmonary veins, and is pumped through the aorta to the rest of the body, including the heart muscle itself. TGV means this doesn't happen correctly.

But another miracle is keeping Payton alive. VSD or Ventricular Septal Defect, which means she has a hole in her heart (2, actually) allowing oxygen to mix in the heart. VSD and other defects often accompany TGV.

She was airlifted via helicopter the next morning to Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, MO. She's doing great! They're weaning her off the ventilator and hoping to be able to wait a week or two so she can gain a little more weight. As long as she continues to do well, they're able to do that. Success rate for the surgery is 95%-99%, we we're all being positive. We certainly won't refuse any prayers and positive thoughts for Payton while she's in the hospital!

More news on Payton as we get it.

Trio of Local Romance Authors to Sign Books

2009-08-07T12:54:00.000-07:00

It's always nice to meet with friends, and this time it's meeting with two friends to sign copies of our books on Saturday, August 22 at Waldenbooks in Towne West Square, Wichita, KS, from noon until 3 p.m. I'll be signing copies of The Rodeo Rider, along with Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense author Patricia Davids, who'll be signing her newest release, Speed Trap, and Wild Rose Press author Penny Rader, who'll be signing her debut historical, Sapphire and Gold. Please stop by and chat with us! We'll have chocolate!!

August Harlequin Americans

2009-08-02T09:32:00.000-07:00

Don't miss the great Harlequin American Romances this month!

A Very Weird Miracle?

2009-07-26T09:00:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I blogged about the disappearance of our dog, Willow, on the 4th of July. Less than fifteen minutes later, the phone rang. I couldn't imagine what the City would be calling me about on a Saturday afternoon. It was the animal shelter! Someone had brought in Willow!!

Last weekend, a cute little lost Pomeranian showed up at my oldest daughter's house. Sabrina created, printed, and posted signs around the neighborhood about the dog, but in a week, she'd had no response. So when the animal shelter called to say Willow had just been found and dropped off there, we decided an exchange was in order. "Muffy" was returned first, then we were off to find our baby. We roamed the holding kennels until we finally found her. There was no doubt who the Bassett belonged to. She recognized us immediately. As we returned to the desk with the necessary paperwork to get Willow released, we could hear her howling. She was ready to go home!

I still find it very strange that it took three weeks for her to be discovered and taken to the shelter. The paperwork stated she was found about five miles away by someone who lived more than twenty miles in the opposite direction. At this point, it probably doesn't matter, but we've decided she can't be left outside when no one is around to make sure she isn't escaping (which I highly doubt happened) or being snatched from our yard.

She loved the backyard and spent both days and nights there, before she disappeared. Because we were still working on house training, when inside, she slept in her kennel or had free roam of the kitchen, which leads to my office. I can see her from my desk, so she isn't lonely...which doesn't mean she isn't going to howl for attention. :)

So to whomever found our Willow, thank you!

Shame on Me!

2009-07-25T09:30:00.000-07:00

Almost an entire month has zoomed by, and I haven't stopped in to say hello. Shouldn't summer be lazy? Not here! And not for me!

It appears I haven't been blogging, but that isn't true. Besides here, I also blog at Bits & Bytes: Romance...the Writers Way, my writers group's blog. The 29th is my day to blog, but I'm constantly posting comments on everyone else's posts. It's very interactive, and we're having tons of fun talking romance writing. If you aren't a writer, that's okay! Readers are more than welcome to share their thoughts, and maybe learn something along the way.

Want to meet your favorite Harlequin American Romance authors? Check out our blog! News, recipes, writers' tips, cleaning tips, and all kinds of good stuff can be found there. My blogging date at HAR is the 19th, but I missed it this month. :( Must do better!

Last weekend, two of my daughters, my oldest granddaughter, and I went to see the new Harry Potter movie. I was sadly disappointed. I've only read the first book, so I'm not privy to all the ins and outs, but I have seen every one of the movies. I had a really hard time following what was going on in this one and even dozed off at one point, which resulted in a poke from my daughter. :) Mallory, my youngest, said it was because so much was left out, yet there were things in it that weren't in the book. (Mallory is an HP expert, having read each book multiple times. DO NOT play HP Trivial Pursuit with her unless you want to lose, big time.) Maybe I should start reading those books!

Sad things going on here. I posted earlier about our new puppy, Willow. On the 4th of July, someone stole her from our backyard. :(( She was playing out there in the early evening, while the neighborhood fireworks were going off. I could hear her howling at one point and went out to check who was making all the noise. (The fireworks, not the pup.) Discovered it was a neighbor, three houses to the south and muttered some unkind words under my breath, then went inside. Willow was fine. The next morning, she was nowhere to be found, her collar laying open just inside the fence. She's chipped, so if she'd run away and someone found her, a trip to the animal shelter would be all that was needed for her to be returned to us. No more pups for us. I'll stick to our two cats, Tosca and Mocha. They're tortoiseshell calicos that look like mother and daughter, but aren't related. One of these days, I'll post some pictures of them. Oh, and there are the four betta fish we have. Two belong to my daughter Chelsea, a male (the fish, not the daughter and whose name I forget) and Harley, the female. My two are both males, Shrimp and Spock. Watching them swim around can be soothing, and they notice when I'm paying attention. Maybe a bird someday? Who knows?

I've just finished writing the first draft of the third book in the Desperation, OK series. I hope readers love this one as much as they seem to love the first one, The Rodeo Rider, available in stores next month. Hearing from readers adds such a spot of joy to my day! Don't be shy to let me know what you think!

Last but not least, if you haven't met the Ditzy Chix, my very very bestest friends, stop in at our website. Or even better, come visit us on our Facebook page! We've just gone from 10 of us to 11, and will probably have another new chix or two in the future.

Yes, you can find me on Facebook! (How did this happen?) I love chatting with others there!

Until next time, have a lovely summer! Fall will be here soon--my favorite season--so what's left of the lazy (ha!) days of the last of summer should be savored. Make some memories!

The Ditzy Chix on Facebook

The Proposal

2009-06-29T08:55:00.000-07:00

To a writer, "The Proposal" sounds like it's something about writing. It isn't.

Chelsea, Mallory and I celebrated the end of 5 days and nights of baby-sitting 3 (and later 4) of my grandkids by going to see The Proposal, starring Sandra Bullock (my fave) and Ryan Reynolds. It's been killer at the box office and only slipped to second this week to Transformers, but is still going strong.

As we entered the theater, a man exited and loud enough for us to hear said, "The Proposal. Don't see it. Crummy movie." I laughed. Apparently he had expected a more serious movie. I expected and received exactly what I'd hoped for and more--laughs.

Sandra Bullock plays Margaret Tate, editor extrordinaire and hated by all within the confines of Colden Publishing. She's tough as nails, runs roughshod over everyone, especially her assistant, Andrew Paxton, played by hunky Ryan Reynolds. After quickly firing a fellow editor for not doing what she was able to do, she learns from her big bosses that she's being deported. Her passport had expired when she attended a meeting in a foreign country, and she's a Canadian citizen working in the U.S. No more job.

Using her usual tell-em-what-do attitude, she devises a plan to marry Andrew and keep her job. Andrew isn't pleased, but goes along with what she thinks is a simple scheme by bartering for an editorship.

Cut to panoramic Alaska, where Margaret (no, not Maggie) and Andrew arrive to meet his family (Craig T. Nelson and Mary Steenburgen, parents) and attend "Gammie Annie's" 90th birthday celebration. Betty White does a great job as the wise-cracking grandmother, and the laughs flow like water throughout. We learn there's some tension between Andrew and his father, and there's Andrew's high school sweetheart to add to the mix.

There were only a handful of movie-goers at the 10 p.m. showing, but it was clear everyone enjoyed the movie. My only complaint with this and most romcom (romantic comedies) is that the romance develops suddenly. Hate, hate, despise, then boom! The Proposal did a little better with this than most others. Much better than How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days.

This movie is a must for my DVD shelf, added to my Sandra Bullock collection. BTW, for those who might be interested, it appears Sandra has been plumping her lips. ;)

If you're looking for a good romcom, this is it for the summer. And look for another from Sandra this fall, followed by a second movie in November. She's been busy!

As for the guy leaving the theater as we entered? Try Transformers.

May You Be In Peace, Michael

2009-06-25T19:06:00.000-07:00

Summertime and the Livin' is...HOT

2009-06-22T12:14:00.000-07:00

The official start of summer was yesterday, celebrated by many as Summer Solstice. While we've been dealing with a lot of rain lately in these parts, the forecast shows nothing but 98 and 99 degree days. They don't like to say 100 unless they're sure of it. Guess what? I'm sure of it! Add some sticky humidity and the heat index soars, making moving around at all impossible.

So I'm staying inside today, expect for those brief interruptions when the grandkids escape down the street to play in a small pool at a neighbor's...without supervision. Nana's BP is starting to soar with the heat index. Naps sound good to me. Wish I could take one!

What's on the agenda? Fininishing up one website and putting some final touches on samples for another. After that, I'll be digging into a couple of much-loved characters who never got the story they deserved.

Have a wonderful second day of summer and hope your weather is great.

Take advantage of the new moon today and start something new!

So Much To Do, So Little Time

2009-06-19T18:03:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it's been over a month since I posted, but it has. I really have been busy since then and keep getting myself into new projects faster than I can say NO.

Since the last time, school has let out for the summer, meaning all 4 grandkids are here ALL DAY. That in itself takes up a lot of time, although they aren't always bad and the 2 youngest manage to take a nap at some point during the day, giving us all a little quiet time. But it seems it's never enough to get it all done.

My son-in-law is home from his 4-month long deployment in the Middle East. It's always good to have him back. Nice to have a man's POV on things. Okay, even when I don't agree. ;) I know he's glad to be home, too, and has already done some fishing, along with mowing the lawn. Not his favorite chore, by the way.

I'm finally almost back to normal after a three-week bout with asthma, but I'm not ready to run a marathon yet. Not that I ever planned to. A nice walk would be nice, but, again, when is there time? I do promise to never mow again! Not being able to breathe is NOT fun, and all for a yard where small children don't become lost.

So what else has been keeping me busy? I've added an excerpt from The Rodeo Rider to my website, along with the fantastic back cover blurb! It truly tells the essence of the story, and I love it! My author copies have arrived, so I'm trying to decide whether to throw a contest here on the website for some books and maybe some extras. That may depend on time, too.

If you've ever had the slightest desire to try your hand at writing, my local writers' group has a terrific blog dedicated to how to write a romance novel. Stop in and visit us at Bits & Bytes: Romance...the Writer's Way. We're all having a blast talking shop and love to share!

This past week I've been at eHarlequin.com, leading a discussion in the Conflict Crisis Center on the Write Stuff board on, you guessed it, Conflict. My week of kicking off the new board is officially over today, but don't be shy about stopping in to say hello! I plan to hang around for as long as I can, hoping to pick up ideas from other authors. We're all always learning.

I'm including a special invitation to visit my little spot on Facebook. I dragged my feet as long as I could about joiing and finally capitulated, adding my name and several friends, including writing friends, high school friends, newer friends, and even a few cousins! If only I had that little extra time to play with the applications and quizzes. Maybe later this summer? Who knows what I might discover!

And last, but not least, we have a puppy. Her name is Willow, and she is very sweet. A little too friendly for the grandkids yet, but she's calming down a little more every day and loves to spend all day outside. As long as she doesn't kick up my asthma, we'll keep her. ;) Isn't she a cutie?

So I hope to see you soon and "be your friend" on Facebook. I'll drop in here again as time allows...if it does. Until then, have a wonderful summer!

The Rodeo Rider

2009-05-15T12:04:00.000-07:00

I've been remiss in posting the cover for my August 2009 Harlequin American, but life has kept me busy. If you like cowboys, especially cowboys in chaps, you'll love this cover!

I have a hankering for a new website, so the look of this place may change in the next couple of months. Just as soon as I can find something I really like. Until then, I'll post more here on The Rodeo Rider in the future.

April and May 2009 Harlequin Americans

2009-05-10T12:00:00.000-07:00

DON'T MISS THESE GREAT BOOKS!

Color Me Surprised

2009-04-17T19:03:00.000-07:00

Good news is always welcome, especially when things aren't going well. That's what happened today. While picking up by grandson from pre-K this afternoon, after fighting him only hours before about going to school, I received a phone call that turned my day around and brought out the sunshine. The short contemporary category coordinator for the National Readers Choice Award contest called me to let me know that my first Harlequin American, FAMILY BY DESIGN, is a finalist in the contest. NRCA is judged by readers across the United States, so being chosen a finalist is, to me, a very prestigious honor. This is my second time as a finalist in this contest. The first time was with my debut Silhouette Romance, RACHEL'S RESCUER, in 2001. I wasn't at all disappointed not to win, because just being among some of the best in the business was a thrill.

Sadly, I won't be attending RWA's National Conference in Washington, D.C. where the winners of the NRCA will be announced in July. But just knowing one of my books is again among books by some of the finest authors in the romance industry puts a big smile on my face.

Thank you, readers! And thank you, OKRWA!

A New Blog for Writers & Readers

2009-04-14T22:29:00.000-07:00

I've been very busy! Working on galleys for THE RODEO RIDER and finishing last minute details on BACHELOR COWBOY have been a huge priority. It's so amazing to know that in only a few months, THE RODEO RIDER will be available in bookstores. I'll have more to share on that as the release date draws closer.

I've also recently completed a new website for Inspirational author Patricia Davids, who writes for Steeple Hill Love Inspired and Love Inspired Suspense. Pat and I would love to have you visit her new website and get to know her and her fantastic books.

But there's one other thing that's kept me away.

My local writers group, Wichita Area Romance Authors (WARA), started a blog on April 1, and you're invited to visit!

Bits & Bytes: Romance...the Writer's Way is all about writing romance. We're discussing all aspects of writing romance, from romance genres & sub-genres to the ups & downs of the publishing world and everything in-between.

Whether you're currently a romance writer, thinking about writing a romance, or a reader interested in the fascinating world of romance novels and romance authors, we'd love to have you visit our blog and let us know what you think or add to our discussion via a comment.

Bits & Bytes: Romance...the Writer's Way

WARA Website

More Book News!

2009-03-20T14:50:00.000-07:00

The second of the books set in Desperation, Oklahoma has an official title. BACHELOR COWBOY will be released in January next year. For more information on both it and THE RODEO RIDER, check out the "Coming Soon!" link under "The Books" or click here.

Books News

2009-03-16T22:44:00.000-07:00

It's been a long day with four grandkids here on spring break, but I have news on the release date for my third Harlequin American. TAMING KATE is the working title, and I should have the official one in a fews days. It will be a January 2010 release. This is the second book of a series set in the fictional town of Desperation, Oklahoma, and is the story of the best friend of the hero in THE RODEO RIDER, which will hit shelves this year in August. For more information on the Desperation books, check out my books page via the menu on the left.

Have a wonderful St. Patrick's Day!!!

March 2009 Harlequin Americans

2009-03-12T23:31:00.000-07:00

If you haven't checked out the Harlequin American offerings for this month, now is the time!

Busy as a Bee

2009-03-10T09:26:00.000-07:00

Yes, it's been a very busy time here and not what I had expected. All of us--kids and grandkids--have been down with something during the past month, whether it was colds or flu. Most of us are better, but my cold settled in my ears and although they don't hurt, I can't hear well. It makes for a lot of "excuse me's".

In spite of the not-so-great health, I've been working on several website projects. Besides the normal updating that's done each month, I created a new website for my local writer's group. If you feel the urge, take a look at WARA (Wichita Area Romance Authors). If you're a writer, there are some articles and tips on writing. Later next month, we'll have a blog--Bits & Bytes: Romance the Writer's Way--directly addressing writing romances. We're planning to have some great discussions, so I hope others will join us there, whether writers or readers or anyone curious about writing romance.

By the end of this week, there will be two more "new" websites. My friend, author Patricia Davids, who writes for Steeple Hill Love Inspired, and I have been working on a facelift for her website. We'll be unveiling it later this week. And Harlequin Romance author Susan Meier has a new blog about home cooking that we hope to have jazzed up by the first of next week at the latest.

I'll try my best to squeeze in a quick visit and post here this week and will post the March HAR covers. As always, they're great!

January & February 2009 Harlequin American

2009-02-11T09:31:00.000-08:00

It's my pleasure to introduce my friend Lisa Child's first book in her newest series and all of Harlequin American's February authors and releases. What a wonderful Valentine's gift a book is for ourselves or to lift the spirits of a friend!

Feburary 2009 Releases

And if you might have missed them...

January 2009 Releases

Free Harlequin & Silhouette Books?

2009-02-11T08:32:00.000-08:00

You betcha!! Harlequin is gifting their readers in American and Canada with free downloads of 16 different new releases as a way to thank them during Harlequin's 60th Anniversary celebration.

So how do you get yours?

First let's see what books are available.

Harlequin American Romance, Once a Cowboy by Linda Warren
Harlequin Blaze, Slow Hands by Leslie Kelly
Harlequin Historical, His Lady Mistress by Elizabeth Rolls
Harlequin Intrigue, Crime Scene at Cardwell Ranch by B.J. Daniels
Harlequin Presents, Price of Passion by Susan Napier
Harlequin Romance, The Bride's Baby by Liz Fielding
Harlequin Superromance, Snowbound by Janice Kay Johnson

Silhouette Desire, Baby Bonanza by Maureen Child
Silhouette Nocturne, Kiss Me Deadly by Michele Hauf
Silhouette Romantic Suspense, Stranded with a Spy by Merline Lovelace
Silhouette Special Edition, Dancing in the Moonlight by Raeanne Thayne

Love Inspired, A Very Special Delivery by Linda Goodnight
Love Inspired Historical, Homespun Bride by Jillian Hart
Love Inspired Suspense, Hide in Plain Sight by Marta Perry

Kimani Romance, Irresistible Forces by Brenda Jackson

Nascar, Speed Dating by Nancy Warren

The details:

The titles are available as a PDF and in all eBook formats. There is no drm (digital rights management)

The titles are also available as a Stanza App for the iPhone and iPod Touch

The titles can also be found at all the online retailers like Sony, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Fictionwise.com, eReader.com, etc.

The 16 free books (one for every series) will be available throughout 2009.

It's easy, it's painless, and even better, it's FREE!

Visit Harelquin's 60th Anniversary website to download your free books and read about all the events and celebrations taking place this year.

Enjoy! Indulge!

The Long Holiday Break is Over

2009-02-11T07:58:00.000-08:00

It seems like only yesterday that it was the day after Christmas. (By the way, the day after Christmas is my favorite day of the year. It's another 365 days until next Christmas.) Time has gotten away from me and I see it's nearly Valentine's Day. Now that's a holiday I let go by without a bit of fanfare.

Since the end of the holiday season, I've been busy. I switched rooms. More precise, I switched my office and bedroom. This is not an activity for the faint of heart. And it took three weekends. It also took nearly rebuilding my desk after breaking one side in half...horizontally.

So why did I attempt this death defying feat? My bedroom, in which I sleep 5-6 hours a night, change clothes twice a day, and occasionally read in bed, was the largest of the two rooms. My office, where I spend the majority of the other 18 hours, is the smallest. It didn't make sense to squeeze my life into a smaller room when I had the option of a larger one. Uh huh.

But it was worth it. The broken desk (with accompanying weeping), the ancient (and ugly) government issue 5-drawer file cabinet that weighs more than all my grandkids together and caused my back to ache for 5 days, the boxes of papers and files and "stuff" that still need to be gone through were all worth it. I just wish I knew when everything would find its place and get there, because my moving time has run out, and it's time to get back to real work--writing and friends and websites. Copy edits for my August Harlequin American arrived yesterday. The long holiday break is definitely over.

A Real Friend

2008-12-30T22:27:00.000-08:00

This isn't about someone I know, but it is something I felt should be shared.

I stumbled across a video from ABC's Good Morning America that aired on Dec. 22. The story is about a man who gave up his job for a coworker who was targeted to lose his.

Grab a hanky. This will tug at your heart and bring tears to your eyes. And make you smile.

http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/HolidayTheme/story?id=6509844&page=1

Thanks to GMA and ABC for sharing this story.

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-24T22:37:00.000-08:00

Whatever holiday season you may be celebrating -- Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, Yule, Festivus, Winter Soltstice -- may the peace and joy of the season be with you and yours.

The Women

2008-12-23T09:47:00.000-08:00

I saw this in the theater this past summer and decided it was a movie I'd like to have, so when it went on sale yesterday, I bought it. Last night Mallory, my youngest daughter, and I watched it. I've never read or seen the original play by Clare Booth Luce, nor have I seen the 1939 film, so maybe my fresh view makes me different. The comments on IMDB are vicious, and I'm not sure where they were coming from. I found it to be entertaining, especially the ending.

Mary Haines (Meg Ryan) and her friends have it all. Sylvie (Annette Benning) is the editor of a fashion magazine, Alex (Jada Pinkett Smith) is a successful writer, and Edie (Debra Messing) the ever-pregnant mother of four young daughters. But when Mary learns from Sylvie, who learned it from manicurist Tanya (Debi Mazar), that her husband is having an affair with a "spritzer" (perfume) girl at Saks, her world is turned upside down. Her first reaction is to kick hubby out of the house, which she does, but as time goes on, and she battles her feelings about herself, her marriage, and her realtionship with her mother (Candice Bergen), 11-year-old daughter, and friends, she starts caring about herself. In the end, she discovers that she can bring a fullness to her life and sets out to do it.

There are no men in this movie, just the women. It's not a hard-hitting, psychological trip, nor is it a madcap romp. It's entertainment, and that's what I was looking for three days before Christmas. Mary makes a statement near the end of the movie about how women can have it all...if they want it. To me, that's the difference between now and 1939. Personally, I embrace that difference.

Rent it first, just in case you find you don't like it.

An old, lost post, revived

2008-12-22T05:00:00.000-08:00

With this being Christmas week, topics won't be posted on the usual day. I'm going to mix it up a little with the hope of posting more often, until after the holidays.

I posted the below back in July of 2005, but because of one of Blogger's transitions, it can't be accessed. I'm posting it again because it seems very appropriate for the season.

THINGS WE SELDOM THINK OF

(copied from a local neighborhood newsletter & posted here )

1. At least 5 people in this world love you so much they would die for you.

2. At least 15 people in this world love you in some way.

3. The only reason anyone would ever hate you is because they want to be just like you.

4. A smile from you can bring happiness to anyone, even if they don't like you.

5. Every night, SOMEONE thinks about you before they go to sleep.

6. You mean the world to someone.

7. If not for you, someone may not be living.

8. You are special and unique.

9. Someone that you don't even know exists loves you.

10. When you make the biggest mistake ever, something good comes from it.

11. When you think the world has turned its back on you, take a look: you most likely turned your back on the world.

12. When you think you have no chance of getting what you want, you probably won't get it, but if you believe in yourself, probably, sooner or later, you will get it.

13. Always remember the compliments you received. Forget about the rude remarks.

14. Always tell someone how you feel about them. You will fell much better when they know.

15. If you have a great friend, take the time to let them know that they are great.

Winter Solstice

2008-12-21T14:00:00.000-08:00

Flurries?

2008-12-16T07:49:00.000-08:00

Three inches of flurries. That's what I found when I woke up this morning. And there's more predicted for the rest of the week.

Yesterday's high temperature was 11. Would someone please tell Mother Nature that it's December in Kansas, not February?

I'll admit that the snow is beautiful...until it's time to drive in it. Last Tuesday we had a surprise snowstorm that garnered the city 650 vehicle accidents. I made five trips out during that day, from a two-mile round-trip to take one grandkidlet to school, to a thirty-mile round-trip to take one daughter to work. At least today we'll be down to to-and-from school trips.

For those who live in the white and wild northern states, bless you all. At least you become accustomed to driving in this "stuff". Around here, each snowfall is a new lesson in how to drive slowly and stop even more so. Of course the first snowfall is the worst. Drivers don't seem to retain their common sense from one winter to the next. Not that their memories are any longer a week later, but they do manage to cut the rate of accidents down some. Maybe by the end of the week, they'll have enough practice to slow down and watch out for the other guy...the one who slid through the red light or around the corner sideways.

Right now, spring is way too far in the future for my taste.

Holiday Birthdays

2008-12-15T12:24:00.000-08:00

Thanks to my 16-month-old grandson, who hit the button to shut down my computer yesterday while I was posting the below, I'm finishing this on Tuesday.

Not only do we have the holidays to buy for and celebrate, but my oldest granddaughter's birthday, too. She'll be seven this year. She recently lost the second of her front teeth, so I downloaded the song "All I Want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth". She wasn't amused.

She was born three days before Christmas, and one would think that with so many things available at Christmas, finding a birthday present should be easy. It isn't. I've been having trouble finding something to get her, until I heard an ad on the radio for our local ice skating center's holiday ice show. With the possibility that she may take skating lessons in the spring, it's the perfect gift, and the whole family can enjoy it. Maybe next year, she'll be skating in it.

Was it luck or fate? It doesn't matter, because it was a blessing. Now, if the snow will just stay away...

Snow? ugh!

2008-12-09T12:03:00.000-08:00

It's beautiful! It's fun to play in!

But it's dangerous to drive in, and kids tend to track in tons of it on their shoes.

So what do we have today? After 60+ degree weather? Why, snow, of course!

I have to figure in half again as much driving time when going somewhere. I even managed to hit the curb when trying to turn a corner. Not my fault. The driver behind me going up the hill just didn't want to back off, so when I went down the hill, with the corner at the bottom, I didn't slow down as much as I should have, thanks to the truck following so closely behind me. No biggie though. Just a bit of a bump, and I hope the driver understood that if my brake lights are on, along with my turn signal, I'm going to be turning, so keep a safe distance, unless you want to end up in my trunk. :)

But it was almost worth the yucky drive when I saw a house with 5 or 6 big blow-up decorations in the yard. The wind is blowing hard, so the snowman was dancing with the tree beside it, Santa had fallen on his side and couldn't get up, and Charlie Brown was doing push-ups. At least it gave me something to laugh about! And I did, at least for a block.

If your weather isn't the greatest, take care. Drive slowly and especially watch out for others who aren't able to get their car to stop sliding at a ride light.

Tomorrow it will all be gone. Believe me, one day if icky, slicky snow is enough for a while.

Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker

2008-12-08T20:55:00.000-08:00

Wow. Gail and I spent a memorable evening at the ballet, performed at the historic Orpheum Theatre in Wichita. It was beautiful! So instead of me telling about it, see for yourself.

And another...

Fantastic!

Harlequin American Romance - December

2008-12-07T22:32:00.000-08:00

Have a Holly Jolly Holiday with these books from Harlequin American!

Girl, Interrupted

2008-12-04T20:42:00.000-08:00

An excellent, thought-provoking movie, based on Susanna Kaysen's acclaimed memoir-journal of her nearly eighteen months in a psychiatric hospital in the 1960's. In the movie, Susanna is played by Winona Ryder, but the Oscar win went to a young Angelina Jolie for her portrayal of one of the patients. This look into Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is fascinating, and Winona plays the part of the confused girl exceptionally well. Obviously, this is a very dark story, and, as always, Winona is the perfect dark and chaotic character. She knows there's something wrong, to the point of having attempted suicide, but she doesn't know what, and semi-willingly enters the hospital, hoping someone can help her, but secretly fearing they can't. Jolie plays LIsa, a sociopathic patient, who has escaped and is brought back immediately upon Susanna's arrival. They become friends, of sorts, but it's Lisa who leads Susanna astray to break rules and hinders her recovery. In the end, it is Susanna who makes Lisa see the truth in her self and others the truth in themselves.

I had seen the last few minutes of the ending of Girl, Interrupted while visiting my daughter one evening, then discovered it a few weeks later showing again on HBO. I was intrigued by those few minutes enough to watch it. I'm glad I did. It has been compared to One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, but I didn't see much of a connection, except for the setting of a mental hospital and the fact that the patients in both her often kept medicated. No Nurse Ratched in Girl, Interrupted. In fact, Whoopi Goldberg as Nurse Valerie Owen is the antithesis of Louise Fletcher's character, believing in Susanna and helping her to find her way.

Definitely worth watching. I hope to read the book in the not too distant future.

Bucket Lists

2008-12-03T23:32:00.000-08:00

As I posted earlier, if you haven't seen The Bucket List, you should. It's the perfect time of year for reflecting on our lives, and this movie definitely make one think. Rent it, buy it, whatever it takes, do it.

I realized a few days ago that if I had a bucket list (those things you want to do before life's end), one of them would be something I'm going to do next Monday. My best friend since Jr. High and I are going to see the Moscow Ballet perform The Nutcracker Suite. I love listening to the symphony of this beautiful work at any time during the year, but especially at Christmas. Going to see the ballet performed has always been something I've wanted to do. When my girls were young, it always crossed my mind to take them to it, but the cost of 5 tickets was mind-boggling, so we never did. And, of course, I was certain they would all beg for ballet lessons afterward, if we'd gone. Maybe the time will soon come when I can take my granddaughters, and they can beg THEIR moms for lessons. (Is that wicked or what?)

I'm excited and looking forward not only to seeing this ballet and hearing the fabulous music, but to enjoying an evening out with my best friend. (There's a photo of the two of us almost fifteen years ago that I posted here on July 16.) Gail has just been through a very tough week, having lost her younger brother a week ago, just before Thanksgiving, and attending the funeral service. Having something special we can enjoy together will, I hope, make this time a little easier for her. It's our Christmas gift to each other. I can't think of a better gift than to spend time with someone close.

I'm wondering what else I might put on a bucket list, but I probably won't know until I actually get to do it. Besides, I have enough lists as it is.

Latest Book News

2008-12-02T07:17:00.000-08:00

My September 2009 release has become an August 2009 release and part of Harlequin American's Men Made in America series. And it now has a new title! Stay tuned. There'll be more news about THE RODEO RIDER as time goes by and August draws nearer.

Considering we're expecting a bit of snow here tomorrow, August sounds good!

Happy After-Thanksgiving!

2008-12-01T08:40:00.000-08:00

Whew! What a day, followed by what a weekend!

Our family Thanksgiving dinner waited until evening on Thursday, so everyone could be there. Everyone meaning all twelve of us. Traditional food for us includes the turkey, mashed potatoes (real, not instant) and gravy, corn, green beans, made-from-scratch macaroni and cheese, strawberry salad (angel food cake, strawberries, crushed pineapple, whipped cream), pumpkin and cherry pie, and cherry cheesecake, which really isn't, but it's close enough. Add the usual pre-meal celery, carrots, cherry tomatoes, broccoli, pickles, etc., and to say we were stuffed is an understatement.

But the best part of the day is just being together around the table. That always goes on into the late hours, so by the time we all returned to our respective homes, we were tired but happy.

And then comes the rush to Christmas...

I spent Black Friday finishing all but one item on my list, but although the crowds were still thick, I didn't get up at the crack of dawn (5 a.m.!) to do it. 9 a.m. was good enough for me, and I found more than the items on my list. Returning home, I hit the Internet and spent---well, more than I should have, but I know that what I got will bring smiles to all. A quick trip to check on a book at one of our local Barnes & Nobles (I had a 40% off coupon!), netted me zilch, but I was able to pick up an external CD drive for my new netbook (8.9' mini-notebook) for $15 less than I thought it would be, and I ordered the book online, complete with discount. Not bad for someone who didn't have a complete list the night before.

So with only one gift left to buy, I'm feeling relaxed and even bought the boxes, wrapping paper, and bows last night, ready to start wrapping BEFORE Christmas Eve. That'll be the first in a loooong time. Have I mentioned that I'm Queen of Procrastination?

I hope your Thanksgiving was fulfilling with a great dinner and surrounded by family and friends!

Let the Holidays Begin!

2008-11-26T19:54:00.000-08:00

For me, Thanksgiving is the kick-off point for the holiday season. In only 4 weeks, it will be Christmas Eve, then we'll roll right into 2009. And so I sit here on the eve of Thanksgiving, while the turkey finishes thawing, knowing time is going to fly, and I've only just begun buying Christmas gifts. That could be because I don't know what I'll be giving everyone.

The one thing I don't want to do is rush the holidays. One of our local radio stations has been playing Christmas music for a couple of weeks. For me, that's too soon, but even one national chain store was playing the same only a couple of days ago. And, of course, with Christmas coming on quickly, I'll need to download a holiday ringer or two for my cell phone. After all, 'tis the season.

Tomorrow, after two of my daughters are done attending the Thanksgiving dinners of their "other" families, we'll all get together at another daughter's house for our own family Thanksgiving. Somehow this year, I'm stuck with preparing the whole meal, but it isn't a first, and I'll let them take on Christmas dinner.

There's a lot to be thankful for this year, even though we're expecting the economy to get worse before it gets better. I'm always thankful for my family, and everything else is secondary. I hope those reading this are in touch with their own families, whether in person, via a phone call or the internet. Just remember, Christmas really is right around the corner.

I'll go check on that turkey now...

Hair

2008-11-20T06:00:00.000-08:00

Strange title, huh? Wait for it...

I've been buried in writing two synopses since Sunday, with no time for blogging or even real life. But last night, before going back to try to finish the synopsis deed today, I treated myself to a movie. What movie? you might ask. Check the title of this blog post.

I was a child of the 60's. Yes, that makes me old, as my daughters like to remind me. I remember when Hair debuted on Broadway, with it's unbelievable nude scene that lasted all of 20 seconds. That's right. 20 seconds. Of course, I didn't see it then. That was in April of 1968, and I was in high school at the time. Hair was made into a movie and debuted in 1979, but I was no longer in high school (thank goodness!), had married and was living in what we often refer to as "the sticks" or "out in the middle of nowhere". We didn't go to the movies much, and I never had the chance to catch it on satellite. (We were living out in the sticks, remember?)

So last night, I remembered that IMDB--yes, that website I keep touting--offers free movies to watch on computer. A few days ago, I'd noticed Hair was one of the movies offered, so I thought, why not? I knew the movie would be good, if only for the music. Who from my generation didn't like "Good Morning, Starshine", "Let the Sunshine In", "Easy To Be Hard", "Aquarius" (one of my all-time favorites) and, of course, the title song, "Hair", sung way back when by the Cowsills? (Remember them?) The movie was strange, it was fun, it made me laugh, and the ending took me totally by surprise. Treat Williams and John Savage were so YOUNG! But then I once was, too.

If you've never seen Hair or haven't seen it for a long time--I'm only almost thirty years late, but hey, I'm a late bloomer--you can see it, along with others, for FREE at IMDB.com. If nothing else, you can wax nostalgic for a couple of hours.

Enjoy!

An Educational Adventure in Space

2008-11-17T12:57:00.000-08:00

Well, not really IN space, but close.

Because my oldest daughter and next to youngest daughter left Saturday morning for a one-day cruise, courtesy of Royal Caribbean and United Way, my oldest granddaughter Scarlett spent the weekend with us. My youngest daughter wanted to attend the second day of a school function 60 miles, so we started out on Saturday morning to make the trip, while her mom and aunt headed for the airport.

The trip wasn't bad, and we arrived to find the school get-together breaking up, but we were able to go to the pizza party. Afterwards, we drove to the Kansas Cosmosphere to decide exactly what we would do there and if we could get tickets for those activities. As it turned out, there were no problems with doing what we wanted to do, so we bought our tickets and began our Space Adventure.

The Kansas Cosmosphere is located in Hutchinson, Kansas, where the Kansas State Fair is held each fall. I've been to the Cosmosphere twice, but both times were several years ago and much improvement has been made.

From the Cosmosphere website:

"The Cosmosphere operates the world’s leading space artifact restoration and replication facility and is the only location designated by the Smithsonian Institution to restore flown U.S. spacecraft. Museums frequently contact the Cosmosphere for exhibit production and artifact restoration and replication."

Outside, we were greeted by a 107 foot Titan Rocket, stretching far above the building. Stepping into the building, we were amazed to find a SR-71 Blackbird hanging over our heads from the two-story ceiling. Our first item on the list was to see the IMAX movie, Fly Me to the Moon, the first ever animated movie created for 3D about three young houseflies that stow away aboard the Apollo 11 flight to the moon. It was cute and campy and filled with history of the 1969 flight and moonwalk. After it was over, we continued to the planetarium within the Cosmosphere, where we watched an interactive show about the night sky. (Maybe next time I look up at the stars, I'll be able to find a few constellations!) Then next it was on to Dr. Goddard's Lab, where we saw a live demonstration of early rocket technology in a replication of the 1930s lab of Dr. Robert Goddard, the pioneer of modern rocketry. Finishing up our day of space, we toured the museum, complete with restorations and replicas from space history, including a replica of the Bell X-1 Rocket Plane used in the movie The Right Stuff.

And they say Kansas is boring. If you're headed through our state and you or someone in your family is interested in space, do plan a stop at the Kansas Cosmosphere. It's definitely worth seeing, even for someone like me who was never interested in space. I really should have been. My dad worked at Boeing on the Apollo and Gemini missions. :)

Back on Track

2008-11-13T08:42:00.000-08:00

I've been up to my ears in moving websites and finally finished the last of 9 yesterday. Not that anyone will notice any changes. Those are all "behind the scenes". But it has taken a huge chunk of time, and of that time, I had hoped to be blogging. It didn't happen. Add no school for the grandkids on Monday and Tuesday of this week, and it's been crazier than usual in our household.

It's time to get back on track, so I'll give it another try and hope that it works this time. With the holidays fast approaching, I'm not holding my breath.

I did manage over the past few weeks to watch a gift from my oldest daughter last Christmas. I'd been saving it, ready to savor each delicious episode.

According to Wikipedia, Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, which aired on NBC from September 18, 2006 to June 28, 2007, received mixed reviews. My review of it wasn't at all mixed. I loved it and give it a place on my all-time favorite TV shows. The talented cast, including Matthew Perry (Friends), Bradley Whitford (The West Wing), Amanda Peet, Steve Weber (the guy you often love to hate), Sarah Paulson, D.L. Hughley, Nathan Cordry, Timothy Busfield (Thirty-Something), and many more, gave this show the depth that isn't often reached in prime time television, thanks to its creator Aaron Sorkin. After watching the final episode of the 22 episodes, I couldn't help but wonder yet again why this show was canceled. (I heard it was more a political reason than anything else.) Studio 60 was nominated for Golden Globe, received two other wins and 11 nominations for various awards. With superb acting and writing, what went wrong? Too cerebral for a large number of viewers, who not much later turned to reality TV? I admit that sometimes it moved too fast to keep up with details. Sorkin takes a "walk and talk" attitude with his scripts, which means a viewer must keep on his/her toes. Watching it on DVD only strengthened my opinion on how good this show was and still is. I will watch it again, and probably yet again. After all, what's 931 minutes of time spent in enjoyment?

For information on any movie, TV show or actor, visit IMDB (Internet Movie DataBase). It especially comes in handy when you can't remember what you saw a particular actor on in the past, when a movie came out, and other tidbits and trivia. The boards are great to read, too!

Harlequin American Romance - November

2008-11-11T12:58:00.000-08:00

Are you ready for some Christmas spirit?

Look for these GREAT books this month at your favorite store! And visit the Harlequin American authors blog. Post a comment for a chance to win books!

Moviies, TV, Politics, Halloween, and More

2008-10-29T23:39:00.000-07:00

It's a busy time for a lot of people. Halloween is tomorrow and the big day that occurs every four years is just around the corner. Add the everyday stuff--colds and flu, plotting and writing, taking and picking up grandkids at school--and life is, as usual, crazy.

My youngest daughter will be going into the voting booth (do they still have booths?) this year for the first time. She's nineteen and couldn't care less about politics. So much so that when the rest of us talk politics--and believe me, we do talk politics...a lot--she rolls her eyes, sighs, and leaves the room. What can I say? We're a political family. She'll learn. How could she not? This year she will vote. Count on it. When someone asks her who she'll be voting for, she simply answers she'll vote for whomever Mom tells her to. It may take time, but she'll learn.

I voted in my first election in 1972, complete with a little mad-on that eighteen-year-olds were getting to vote and I'd had to wait until I was 21. (Yes, I'm over the age of fifty...by a few years. Do the math.) To be honest, I can't list who I voted for in all the "biggies", because I don't remember. I've been registered as both a Republican and a Democrat--at different times, of course. I didn't pay a lot of attention. To be honest, I didn't know there was a difference between the two parties, except they ran different people. A few years ago that changed. I pay attention now. There is a difference. It does make a difference to each of us, in one way or another.

I hope anyone reading this exercises their right to vote. My mother always told me that if you don't vote, you don't get to complain. Whether she was right or wrong about that, it doesn't matter. I believe it. So go out and vote on Tuesday!! And, no, I won't say who I'll be voting for. :)

Speaking of politics, my next to youngest daughter (she's twenty-four) and her guy took me to see Oliver Stone's W. last week. I was disappointed. Not in the acting. Josh Brolin did a great job as "Dubya", as did Richard Dreyfus as Dick Cheney, who looked like Cheney but sounded like Richard Dreyfus, and Scott Glenn as Rumsfeld. In fact, everyone in it did a terrific job. The problem with the movie for me was that it didn't have the punch that Stone's other movies have had. Renting it might have been the best option. I'll probably get it on DVD. It's a bit of history not to be forgotten.

Ah, television. How did people manage without it? It makes us laugh. It makes us cry. It puts us to sleep. I'm not one to go out and buy seasons of TV shoes on DVD. Okay, I do have the very first season of SNL. My youngest has the entire collection of every season of Buffy, the Vampire Slayer (which I wish I had time to watch, from beginning to end, but 7 seasons of it?? Have I mentioned that I adore Giles?), and I "bought" the first season of Mork and Mindy with Pepsi points on Amazon, so it was free. I love comparing that Robin Williams to the Robin Williams of today. Wow.

Add a new one to the list: The first season of Criminal Minds. I very rarely miss an episode, although I did last week because I was at the movie theater seeing W., and watching both at the same time just wasn't going to happen. Nor was I going to pass up seeing a movie for free! (Okay, I'd pass up A Clockwork Orange at any time.) When it comes to Criminal Minds, I'm hooked. I was hooked from the first show. I love Mandy Patinkin and have since I saw him in Yentl with Barbra Streisand. But it didn't take me long to become addicted to the others in the series. Who to start with? Hotch? JJ? Derek Morgan? Reid? (Penelope) Garcia? Prentiss? And even Joe Montegna as Rossi has grown on me. For me, Criminal Minds is one of the very best on TV right now. Although I've enjoyed CSI (the original) and all three Law & Orders, CM beats them, hands down. It took me over a week of watching the 6 DVDs in the evenings and late into the night (like tonight) to see all twenty-two episodes of the first season, but it was worth it, and will be worth it again to watch them over and over. I don't think I could ever tire of watching the intricacies of the human mind, whether the criminal mind or that of the captors. It's fascinating. It's thought provoking. It's the only show this season that I can remember to watch. Am I a fan? I'll leave that up to you. :)

With luck, I'll be back again tomorrow. And Monday. And throughout the week. But I learned long ago not to make promises I might not be able to keep. Life sometimes does get in the way.

Harlequin American Romance - October

2008-10-21T07:18:00.000-07:00

This month's offerings from Harlequin American Authors...

What a great month to visit the HAR Authors blog! Read guest bloggers Barbara Bretton, HAR senior editor Kathleen Scheibling, and today's guest blogger, Debbie Macomber.

New Addition

2008-10-20T07:49:00.000-07:00

We have a new addition to our family. No, not a baby. Her name is B.J., and she's a 2 1/2 year-old Bassett Hound. She's not exactly new to us. She had belonged to my daughter, who had to give her away, and we were the happy recipients!

B.J. is about as laid back as a dog can get. Last night, her first evening at our house, she wasn't interested in our two tortoishell calico cats, Tosca and Mocha, who decided to stalk her. Both would sit on the nearest piece of furniture, out of reach, and stare at her, keeping her from moving past them. It made for some almost tense moments when B.J. wanted to move to another room. Tosca, the oldest, didn't seem to mind when she would finally get up the nerve to pass by. They even checked each other out, with no repurcussions. I expect they'll be friends in a week or so. Mocha, on the other hand, didn't take to B.J. quite as well. Stalking was okay, but when we tried to get Mocho to investigate the invader a little more closely, her tail grew and she hissed. I don't expect them to become friends very quickly.

I was awakened this morning by a fast wagging tail in my face. My daughter (B.J.'s former mistress) had arrived to drop off two of her three children. B.J. was obviously excited to see them, but the only indication of that was that tail in my face. She was off the bed in seconds, as soon as she heard their voices when they came through the door, but the sad eyes of a Bassett never changed, just that wagging tail and a friend "woof" to greet them.

So "woof" to all of you this sunny Monday morning! Let's all hope this week brings all the sunshine and good will of a perfect autumn day.

What a Week!

2008-10-17T22:12:00.000-07:00

My intentions were good, but as I've always said, if the road to hell is paved with good intentions, mine is a six-lane super highway. I had planned to get back on a solid blogging schedule, but this was the week that three grandkids came down with croup, one of which only went to school half days on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, and one didn't go at all (half-day pre-K) on those days. Then the fourth, the oldest granddaughter had a tooth pulled. Add the cold (or was it croup) that my youngest came down with, and nearly nothing was accomplished. So good intentions and all that went by the wayside.

With nothing to watch on TV this evening until 10 p.m., I skimmed through the cable listings and saw August Rush listed. I'd never seen it and had thought when viewing the trailer months ago that it might be interesting. Not interesting enough to see in the theater, but watching on cable might be worth waiting for. I watched it. It was highly emotional, and although it needs a strong dose of suspending disbelief, due to the fairy tale/magical element of the story, it was worth the time to watch. I missed the middle of it, due to family demands, but even that didn't keep me from getting caught up again in the end of it.

From Internet Movie Database: (warning! spoiler!)
Lyla Novacek (Keri Russell) is a brilliant cellist who has just finish performing a concert in New York City. Lyla goes out on the town with her girlfriend and end up at a party near New Yorks Washington Square. She meets Louis Connelly (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) an Irish guitar player. They share the love of music and end up falling in love and bonding together that night. It was the most wonderful night in Lylas life. Lyla must rush back to the hotel where her father Thomas (William Sadler) is waiting for her. Lyla promised to meet Louis in Washington Square, but her father forces her to go to her next concert. They are like two ships that pass in the night, never to see each other again, except for the fact that Lyla is now with child. Sadly, Lyla is in a car accident and the unborn child is lost. Eleven years pass and Lylas father is on his death bed, and he must tell her the truth that he secretly gave Lylas baby boy up for adoption. August Rush (Freddie Highmore) is her child, who was born with the gift to hear music all around him. He believes that he will find his parents if they only hear his music, because they are truly bonded by their music. Douglas Young (the-movie-guy)

There's a lot more to this movie, and as I mentioned above, it is emotional. If written as a book, most editors would say the story was too contrived, but that's where the suspension of disbelief comes in. It was beautifully done, in its own way, and I plan to find the time to watch it from beginning to end as soon as I can. It may become part of my DVD collection, but that remains to be seen. All in all, it's a good movie that's worth the time to see.

Back to Normal

2008-10-15T08:58:00.000-07:00

I'm finally getting back to normal...whatever "normal" is. As of yesterday, the final copy of Taming Kate is winging its way to my editor. "Final" isn't quite honest, though. Once a book is turned in, it goes through a few more incarnations, including copy & line edits and later, author alterations. But for now, it's done. Hooray!

As far as "normal" goes, we haven't been having normal weather here in Kansas for quite some time. After a wet summer, we're having a very wet fall. The year has been so wet that forecasters expect 2008 will surpass 1951's 50.48 inches as Wichita's wettest year ever. But at least the weather has cooled off enough that we can turn off the AC and open the windows. Nights have been in the 40's. Great sleeping weather, but not so good for waking up. It's a bit chilly in the morning and requires a snuggly robe before donning long sleeve shirts or even sweatshirts and jeans. I'm just thankful we were able to get our lawn mowed before the rain we've been experiencing for the past three days hit.

Now that life has slowed down a little, I hope I'm able to get back to my blog schedule. It's definitely worth a try, so check back tomorrow!

VOTE!

2008-10-11T11:23:00.000-07:00

Yes, it's that time of year again, when we're hit with a barrage of political ads, articles, conventions, and debates. It will be over soon, and life (TV and newspaper) will get back to normal. But when it's all done, how many of us will be able to say that we exercised our right to vote?

Thursday night, I tuned into HBO to watch one of their very excellent HBO Movies. This particular one had an impact that was expected but hard to describe.

Iron Jawed Angels is a movie about the struggle over the right of women to vote, known as women's suffrage. The majority of us take that right for granted, because all but a few of us have always had it and don't remember how women fought for it for years. The movie takes place in the early 1900's, deftly explaining the history of women's suffrage which began with the National Women's Suffrage Association (NWSA) in 1869, as it moves on to the height of the battle. Hillary Swank does a superb job portraying activist Alice Paul. Frances O'Conner is Lucy Burns, her gung-ho best friend. Add Angelica Huston as Carrie Chapman Catt, Molly Parker as Emily Leighton (wife of Sen. Thomas Leighton), and Julia Ormond as Inez Millholand, and the acting is superb. Oh, and for the Grey's Anatomy fans, McDreamy (Patrick Dempsy) also has a role as Ben Weissman, a Washington Post illustrator who falls for Alice.

The story is fascinating throughout, but it's toward the end when we really see how passionate these women were to have their right to vote. As many as 214 were jailed in a workhouse for picketing the White House and President Woodrow Wilson. The charge? Impeding the flow of traffic, the only thing they could find to charge them with.

Here's HBO's blurb about the movie.

They had no vote, no political clout and no equal rights. But what they lacked under the law, they made up for with brains, determination and courage. Oscar(R)-winner Hilary Swank (1999's Boys Dont Cry) stars in this inspirational true story of two defiant and brilliant young women who dared to make a stand for women's rights--and wound up shaping the future of America. Oscar(R)-winner Anjelica Huston (1985's Prizzis Honor), Frances O'Connor, Molly Parker, Julia Ormond and Patrick Dempsey co-star in this stellar production that boasts the daring directorial style of Katja von Garnier (Bandits) and a pulsating modern music score from artists including Lauryn Hill, Vertical Horizon and Sarah McLachlan.

If you have HBO, don't miss this movie! You can find the schedule for it at http://www.hbo.com/apps/schedule/ScheduleServlet?ACTION_DETAIL=DETAIL&FOCUS_ID=614929. And if you don't have HBO but would like to see it, you may be able to rent it or it can be purchased at Amazon.

And don't forget to vote on November 4th!!

Update

2008-09-29T07:21:00.000-07:00

Considering that I've been MIA for more than a couple of weeks, I'll try to do some catching up.

My oldest daughter and next to youngest daughter are busy with details on their upcoming November cruise. They'll fly from here to Miami or Ft. Lauderdale, stay overnight, then take a one-day cruise, compliments of Royal Caribbean. If only I could go along...

We've been busy getting youngest daughter up to par with dental visits (4 times in just over a week, and the last visit today) and a vision check up for new glasses. She is SO looking forward to getting it all over with!

The reason for my absence can be blamed on the above and working toward the deadline on Taming Kate, the second book set in the fictional town of Desperation, Oklahoma. This has been a day and night effort and has taxed my brain to the max, as we decided to make some changes throughout the book. But it's finally done and put aside for a few days before a final "polish" and trip to my editor via USPS. Hooray!

On the Book News front, Tanner's Prize, the first book set in Desperation, will be released in September 2009. As time goes by, I'll post some information about both. Taming Kate is currently expected to be released in early 2010. If all goes well, there will be more stories from Desperation. The town, not the emotion. ::grin::

More tomorrow!

Everyone Needs a Laugh

2008-09-16T20:34:00.000-07:00

I've been a Saturday Night Live fan since the very first show, which aired on October 11, 1975 with special host George Carlin. That first show is still funny enough to make me laugh when I watch it on DVD.

No matter what your political persuasion, a major campaign season means trying to maintain a sense of humor in the midst of insanity. Over the past 30 years, SNL has given us some of the best Presidential skits ever done. But with the latest, they may have outdone themselves. Everyone, right, left, and in the middle laughed and chuckled and praised the opening sketch with Tina Fey as Sarah Palin and Amy Poehler as Hillary Clinton. If you saw the sketch then or have seen it since online, enjoy it again. If you haven't seen it, now you'll know what everyone has been talking about for the past three days. Enjoy!

Keeping an Eye on the Sky...

2008-09-15T18:01:00.000-07:00

...and on the weather channel.

It was, by far, not the best weekend for our friends along the east coast of Texas. Because I was away from home for the weekend, I wasn't able to keep track of Hurricane Ike, but I did hear and read some accounts, and my heart goes out to everyone, including those who left their homes and those who stayed behind. But not only did Ike wreak havoc and devastation on many parts of Texas, "he" left his mark along a path that left people in other states to deal with rain and flooding, terribly high winds, and loss of power. When I returned home yesterday, I checked the national radar and discovered Ike had made it all the way to the Great Lakes area. I heard Cincinatti and Columbus, Ohio were both without power, and included other areas of the state.

We were lucky here in Kansas. Our 10 inches of rain came before Ike reached land, causing flooding and taking lives. By Saturday morning, when Ike was moving on from Texas and we had been warned of high winds and more rain, I awoke to sunny skies and a beautiful autumn day. We were lucky, but so many others weren't.

For those in Texas who left their homes and belongings behind, I pray their return won't be as horrible as they may think it might be. I also pray this will be the last of the hurricanes to touch our country and all others for a long, long time.

Two Weeks

2008-09-11T07:48:00.000-07:00

Two-time Acadeny Award winner Sally Field delivers a "flawless performance" (TV Guide's Movie Guide) in this bittersweet dramatic comedy about one family's determination to stay together till the very end.

Four grown siblings return home to their terminally ill mother's house for what they think are her final few days. When she hangs on, they find themselves stuck uner the same roof for two difficult weeks. But as the children come to terms with their grief, they discover laughter in the midst of sorrow, love in the face of anger, and an opportunity to gain new perspective of their own lives.

The above summary is from the back of the DVD case. It's all I had to go on when I noticed the movie in the "dump bin" ($5 rack) at a local store. I've always like Sally Field. From TV's Gidget and The Flying Nun to Places in the Heart, Norma Rae (both Oscar winners for Best Actress), Sybil and countless others, she has never failed to give an outstanding performance. One of her most memorable scenes was in Steel Magnolias where her character M'Lynn strikes out against the injustice of her daughter's death.

I should have known this movie would have me in tears. The story is interspersed with scenes of Keith, played by Ben Chaplin, ( Sam Kennedy - Murder by Numbers and Brian - The Truth About Cats & Dogs) video taping interviews with his mother (Sally Field), prior to the arrival of hospice. We get a peek into a mother's love for her children, her hopes for them, her disappointments in even herself. One scene, when her best friend since childhood comes to visit was especially touching and emotional.

But the movie also has touches of comedy, lightening the mood as the siblings work through their mother's coming death and their own lives. Julianne Nicholson as Emily (Detective Megan Wheeler - "Law & Order: Criminal Intent" and Christina Finn - "Conviction"), Tom Cavanagh as Barry (How to Eat Fried Worms - Dad and "Scrubs" - Dan Dorian), and Glenn Howerton as Matthew ("It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" - Dennis Reynolds (also writer, producer), Must Love Dogs - Michael, "ER" - Dr. Nick Cooper, and "That '80's Show" - Corey Howard) were all superb as the sons and daughter.

I won't say that Two Weeks is a must see for everyone. There are some who may not handle the subject well. But for me, it was an outstanding movie that made me cry and laugh, but also made me think about end of life issues. It was a wonderful, thoughtful movie, and I'm glad I bought it and watched it.

Where am I?

2008-09-10T10:32:00.000-07:00

What with Labor Day falling so early in the month and grandkids out of school for it and the next day, finding the few minutes to blog last week was impossible. This week hasn't been much better. Therefore, I am lost.

Should I add that I've been "polishing" the second of two books that I hope will be coming out next year? Taming Kate has been a joy to write, and the time is near to package it and send to my editor. But before that can be done, it must have a complete read-through. That means looking for any and all typos, wrong words used, and funky (it's the only correct word in this case) continuity. There have been plenty of each. It's amazing how much the mind can skip over mistakes, after being "inside" the story for months. It takes stepping back into the real world for a few weeks, so the story can be read with a fresher eye. Sometimes that fresher look can be eye-opening. In the end, it will be well worth the time spent, both for me and for the reader.

So excuse me for missing so many days. I plan to be back on schedule tomorrow and ready to share.

Sixteen Candles

2008-08-28T06:56:00.000-07:00

I was well past the age of 16 the first time I watched Sixteen Candles, but I still rank it in the top ten (or even five) of my favorite movies. We (my daughters and I) have seen this movie so many times, we know it line by line. I haven't watched it recently. I don't have it on DVD, but it tops the list to get next month when it will be (re)released. I chose it today because we were playing the movie game of Scene It, and one of our favorite scenes came up as a question. "Married?" "Married."

Average girl gets THE guy. Not just the guy she has a thing for, but THE guy. And what a guy! Jake is a dream. Not only is he a hunk and a half, but, except for his choice of "current" squeeze in the movie, he has some sense. He's growing up and seeing that a pretty face and a cute body do not a relationship make. It's clear that he has at least a slight interest in Samantha.

What's a girl to do when her parents forget her sixteenth birthday? Samantha's older sister is getting married, and the family has blown off, not only her birthday, but her very existence. And all she really wants is a little recognition of her day and Jake. But Jake is a senior and Sam only a mere Sophomore. It's an "in your dreams" kinda thing.

The dialogue is not only snappy, but priceless. The ultimate teen movie. And for romance lovers, it has that HEA (Happily Ever After) we all look for.

If you haven't seen this movie, you need to. It will take you back to the time of crushes and broken hearts. There's an underlying poignancy in each of the characters, not just Sam and Jake, but even the minor characters, The Geek, Long Duk Dong, and all the rest. John Hughes knows TEENS. Or at least he did with this and his other teen hits, The Breakfast Club and Pretty in Pink. (And, yes, Molly Ringwald was in each...one of the Brat Pack.) All are worth viewing more than once.

The Gold of Friendship

2008-08-27T07:35:00.000-07:00

First, I'd like to congratulate my friend Lisa Childs on her upcoming October book, Always a Bride, and the Romantic Times Top Pick review! Always a Bride is the fourth and final book of her Wedding Party series for Harlequin American. And what a great series!

Today is my best friend's birthday. She will now be caught up with me, number-wise. After the age of thirty, birthdays become more of a nuisance than anything, reminding us that youth has been left far behind with bodies that were once more agile and less wrinkle-free than now. Sooner than we expect it, we hit the big 5-0 and then quickly move to the even bigger 6-0. Don't ask me why they're bigger. No one really cares after 30 anyway.

But with age comes wisdom. The mind stays alert, and we're still able to learn new things. We have the advantage of having learned from our mistakes, and even though mistakes can and will be made, they're fewer and less major. We don't tend to risk as much, and we expect people to accept us for who we are. Yes, even our family.

Another friend (Kathie DeNosky) sent me the following, and I'd like to share it. No matter what your age, whether perky 20's or the golden years of later, it says it all.

Old Age, I decided, is a gift.
I am now, probably for the first time in my life, the person I have always wanted to be. Oh, not my body! I sometime despair over my body, the wrinkles, the baggy eyes, and the sagging butt. And often I am taken aback by that old person that lives in my mirror (who looks like my mother/father!), but I don't agonize over those things for long.
I would never trade my amazing friends, my wonderful life, my loving family for less grey hair or a flatter belly. As I've aged, I've become more kind to myself, and less critical of myself. I've become my own friend.
I don't chide myself for eating that extra cookie, or for not making my bed, or for buying that silly cement gecko that I didn't need, but looks so avante garde on my patio. I am entitled to a treat, to be messy, to be extravagant.
I have seen too many dear friends leave this world too soon; before they understood the great freedom that comes with ageing.
Whose business is it if I choose to read or play on the computer until 4 AM and sleep until noon?
I will dance with myself to those wonderful tunes of the 60&70's, and if I, at the same time, wish to weep over a lost love .. I will.
I will walk the beach in a swim suit that is stretched over a bulging body, and will dive into the waves with abandon if I choose to, despite the pitying glances from the jet set.
They, too, will get old.
I know I am sometimes forgetful. But there again, some of life is just as well forgotten. And I eventually remember the important things.
Sure, over the years my heart has been broken. How can your heart not break when you lose a loved one, or when a child suffers, or even when some body's beloved pet gets hit by a car? But broken hearts are what give us strength and understanding and compassion. A heart never broken is pristine and sterile and will never know the joy of being imperfect.

I am so blessed to have lived long enough to have my hair turning gray, and to have my youthful laughs be forever etched into deep grooves on my face So many have never laughed, and so many have died before their hair could turn silver.
As you get older, it is easier to be positive. You care less about what other people think. I don't question myself anymore. I've even earned the right to be wrong.
So, I don't mind being old. It has set me free. I like the person I have become. I am not going to live forever, but while I am still here, I will not waste time lamenting what could have been, or worrying about what will be. And I shall eat dessert every single day. (If I feel like it)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, GAIL! (And to Dr. Steve, too!)

Happy Birthday Time

2008-08-25T06:33:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe a year has gone by so quickly. My youngest grandson turned one-year-old yesterday, naturally prompting a family get-together and pictures. Because I couldn't decide on just which pic was best, I created a slideshow on Slide.com. He just wasn't quite sure what to do with that birthday cake! Hope you get a giggle out of it.

A Little Off-Topic...

2008-08-22T19:01:00.000-07:00

I've just "outed" myself as a romance author on a local newspaper blog where I frequently post. I won't say where or what it is, because I admit that I'm not always as polite and generous as I should be when posting. It sometimes does get heated, and there's just no sense making someone reading here angry for a dumb reason. But my writing and publishing is not always something I want to make "public" in the sense that I go around telling people. For one thing, "romance" for some people means "smut". I don't agree, but everyone is entitled to their opinion, and I consider reading tastes--likes and dislikes--free choice. Read it if you like it, don't if you don't like it. I won't twist your arm to tell you about my books, but if you ask, I'll give you whatever information you want. Simple.

WHY I WRITE ROMANCE
I write romance because I like to READ romance. Not the sex, per se, although sex is often a part of romance and relationships, but because I like the uplifting feeling when two people have overcome odds and come together as a couple in love. It's that HEA (Happily Ever After) that will make me sniff with a happy tear or two, or sigh with the smile of satisfaction that comes from a well-written book, when all is said and done.

But I'm also a bit jaded. I know that what I write--what all romance authors write--is "fantasy". People don't meet, fall in love and so easily resolve whatever conflicts they might have in 80,000 words or less. Once the wedding and honeymoon are over, real life takes over, and we all must continue resolving conflicts throughout the rest of the relationship. Or hopefully resolve them, anyway. But it's nice to close the book, smile, and think maybe THIS one will make it, or maybe not even think of that at all, just revel in the enjoyment the story gave me.

While at Barnes & Noble buying books today, I was asked by the clerk who was checking me out if I was a writer. (When you're buying a How To Write Romance Book, written by a NY editor and a reference book on synonyms, it does raise the question!) Now, usually, I'll say yes and feel embarrassed. Today I added that, yes, I am, and that I write for Harlequin American. She said, "That's neat!" I said, "It's a job,". I smiled and shrugged. What I should have added was that it's a job I enjoy, and I feel tremendously blessed that my books have been chosen to to be published. It IS a dream, and one that I never thought was possible, and I'd be hard pressed to give it up. In fact, I don't think I ever could give it up, until my mind is completely toast and I don't have the faculties to put coherent words on paper. I believe most of my writer friends feel the same. We can't not write.

WHAT I LIKE TO READ
Well, I like to read romance. I also like to read True Crime. Horror. Biographies. Suspense. Historicals. Even Self-Help. And the list goes on. I'm an eclectic reader, although my oldest daughter is even more so than me. I like books that make me laugh, make me cry, make me think. Books that surprise me or make me feel at home within their pages. I LIKE BOOKS!!

Whatever you're currently reading--and I hope you ARE reading something!--I hope you're enjoying it, no matter what the genre. Reading is like stepping into another world. Books can take a reader places they have never and may never actually experience. Books can give a reader insight into his or her own life and maybe make things better. And as they say in the grade schools, READING IS FUN! I'll just add, TRY SOME TODAY!

Love and Hugs to all the readers out there, no matter what your taste!

A Must See Movie

2008-08-21T08:13:00.000-07:00

When The Bucket List came out on video, I wasn't sure whether to buy it for my collection or not. I didn't. It was a bad decision.

I expected Morgan Freeman to be good, and I like Jack Nicholson, although I feel Jack plays "Jack" in every role. I was surprised to discover he went beyond himself in this movie, and it was more than worth sitting down for the 97 minutes of thought-provoking enjoyment it gave me. It's more than a movie about two older men, more than a movie about dying. It's a movie about dreams and joy and taking a look at your life and daring to take the risk to do the things you've always wanted to do. But when you have 6 months to live, how big is the risk? It can be big.

Whether you do it tonight, whether you do it in a few months, see this movie.

Friendship

2008-08-20T12:44:00.000-07:00

It would be almost impossible to get through life without friends. No, it would be impossible. Friends are the sunshine of my life. They're there when I need a shoulder to cry on, advice, or to share the latest joy. I hope I do the same for them. I try.

With the advent of the internet, friendship has taken a new direction. When I was in school, I had several pen pals. Remember them? A few were former classmates I kept in touch with after moving to a new town, another was in Alaska, and there was another in the Netherlands. I thought my world was broadened as much as possible! I was wrong. Now I have friends all over the U.S. and the world, and at the click of a button--and without sticking on a stamp--it's almost like being there.

Without email and the internet, I don't know if I'd be writing, and since I love writing, that wouldn't be good. The internet put me in touch with others who had the same dreams and goals. Kathie DeNosky (Desire author) was one of the first writers I met online. It didn't take us long to become friends. We're both crazy as loons! We met in person in Dallas, TX at RWA's national conference in 1996 and not only became critique partners, but the very best of friends.

A group of writing friends began to form and grow. In 2001, half a dozen writer friends created a Yahoo group to stay in touch. We called ourselves the Ditzy Chix, the name saying it all. Our numbers have increased and decreased in the seven years since then, but we're staying steady at ten now. All of us live in the eastern half of the U.S. Except for Bronwyn Jameson, our favorite Aussie. We're always there for each other to share the triumphs and defeats of life, and although we've never all been able to get together at one time in person, it doesn't change our friendships. If you'd like to get to know my friends better (and who wouldn't!), you can check us all out on the Ditzy Chix website. You may find you already "know" some of us. Feel free to drop us an email to say hi. We love hearing from new (and old!) friends!

Email: The next best thing to being there.

Back to Back-to-School

2008-08-18T07:36:00.000-07:00

It's here! The first day of a new school year. Okay, last Thursday was officially the first day here, but it's now sinking in, and I'm already loving it!

Earlier this morning, I blogged on the HAR blog about my fondest memory of my daughters' first day of school, when my then youngest Chelsea (#3) cried from disappointment when rain and flooding kept her from going to school that first day of kindergarten. Things have changed. We no longer have to drive fifteen miles (20 minutes) to school from our home on the farm. It's a quick less-than-ten-minute trip to school and back to take and bring the oldest granddaughter--now in first grade!--and on city streets, not muddy country roads.

I spent yesterday getting lined out for the year, cleaning my office and moving the baby's playpen where he takes his naps into my bedroom, giving him more floor room for crawling and climbing and playing. I like to keep him close by to be sure all is well. I can't say the office is still in the best of shape, but it's getting there, and I'll continue to do little by little, filing papers and sorting and tossing, probably until the end of time.

What I should have been doing is writing, or more correctly, editing, on a book due October 1. I'm excited about both books that will hopefully be coming out sometime next year. These stories were begun ten years ago and have gone through several incarnations during that time, searching for the right words and the right home. But this second, with the working title of Taming Kate, has always been one of my favorites, and I'm excited to finally know I'll be seeing it in print soon.

This year the oldest grandson will be starting pre-K, and I'm especially eager to see how he does. The two older girls are now in first grade and all-day kindergarten, and the younger of them will be riding the bus from home. It still means three trips of dropping off and picking up, but I should be used to that. We did that daily throughout the week each school year when my girls were little, until they were all finally in school full days. At least the trip to school and back is now much shorter! When I stop long enough to think about it, that was a long time ago, and they've all grown up to be wonderful young women, two of them with children of their own. How very blessed I am!

I've always loved the beginning of the school year. I especially remember the year, probably first grade, when I had a book bag, packed and ready at least a week before school started with new pencils and crayons. It wasn't a backpack like kids use now, but a satchel. Blue plaid, as I remember, with buckles and pockets and zippers. And new clothes to go with it! Each year, through fifth or sixth grade, my parents took movies (those old 8mm kind) of me walking down the porch steps and out to the car on the first day. Maybe soon I'll find those movies and watch them, laughing at the clumsy nine-year-old pigtailed and bespectacled girl, tripping (literally) down the steps while she carried the family daschund with her to climb into the big blue Chevy station wagon.

I always looked forward to that first day each year, not only the early years, but throughout all thirteen. There's something about school starting that was exciting. Maybe it was the promise of something new happening (boys!) and time spent all day with friends, in class, on the playground, and walking the halls between classes. I dont' remember that "learning" had all that much to do with it, but there was some of that, too. It was a time of freshness, of new beginnings, and it carried over even when my own girls had their first days and to now with the grandkids.

So today and for many days following, I'll have a smile on my face, remembering those special days, when being young meant the excitement of a new school year and the special times it promised. I hope my grandkids have the same happy memories, just as my daughters and I do.

Happy Back To School!

Changes

2008-08-15T10:33:00.000-07:00

I'd planned to keep up with my blogging schedule this week, but life doesn't always go as we plan. I should have known. This week has been stressful in several ways.

School started in our neck of the woods yesterday. With 3 grandkids now in school, we'll be doing some choreography and making sure the calendar keeps updated so nobody is forgotten or ends up at school on a NO school day. For instance, oldest granddaughter's first day of first grade was yesterday. Other granddaughter's first day of kindergarten (all-day) is today, but she didn't have to go yesterday, nor will she go on Monday. Oldest grandson will start Pre-K on the 25th (the day after his baby brother's first birthday), skip a day, then start going full time on the 27th. It won't take us long to get in the groove, and I've learned to set the alarm on my cell phone to remind me it's time to leave to take or pick up one or the other. By October, it'll be automatic. I hope. :)

It's official. I have asthma, and it's been kicking my butt. Monday wasn't bad at all, and I thought all would be well. Wrong. It's been bad since Tuesday, and I went to Immediate Care (again) today to be told this will now be ongoing. No fair. Except for earaches as a child, I've been healthy. Getting older is the pits. :(

Quick updates: I'm about to finish reading Kristin Hannah's Summer Island. It's been great for taking my mind off not being able to breathe, so way to go, Kristin! No movies lately. I'm on a book deadline, so evenings must be spent writing. Reading books gets wedged in there when possible. There hasn't been time for fun, and only a small bit for friends, which will be fixed soon. All in all, things are normal here. :) I hope things are normal (or even wonderfully extraordinary!) for youo and yours.

Not A Movie, But...

2008-08-07T12:14:00.000-07:00

On a lark and needing a fix for some comedy, I bought the first season of Mork & Mindy. I'm glad I did, because time hasn't changed what's funny.

For anyone not familiar with Mork & Mindy, this television sitcom rocketed comedian Robin Williams to stardom. It debuted in 1978 and co-starred Pam Dawber. The comedy is timeless and pure Robin Williams.

Wikipedia says this:

It became famous for Williams' use of his manic improvisational comedic talent. Williams would make up so many jokes during filming, the scripts eventually had specific gaps where Williams was allowed to perform freely. In many scenes, Pam Dawber had to bite her lip to avoid laughing and
ruining the filming.

I don't plan to buy more seasons. This will keep me smiling for a long time.

San Francisco and the Ditzy Chix

2008-08-06T17:08:00.000-07:00

Although I would have loved to have visited San Francisco again (it's been over 30 years!), the cost of airfare, hotel, and time just wasn't within my budget, so I wasn't able to attend RWA's annual conference this year. Of course that didn't stop those of the Ditzy Chix who did attend. Thanks to technology, those who stayed home and those who didn't were able to keep in contact via a phone call or two and email. The one thing they agreed on was that San Francisco can be cold in August!

Those Ditzy Chix who were able to attend were (in photo at right) Carol Stephenson, Bronwyn Jameson, Lisa Childs, Kristi Gold, and (not in photo) Roxanne Rustand. There are a few more photos from SF or check out all the photos from past conferences.

And for an extra special treat, visit Carol Stephenson's blog for a photo journal of Napa Valley and a hot air balloon ride!

Movie or Book First?

2008-08-06T12:14:00.000-07:00

I'm sure everyone deals with this dilemma once in a while. A good book (a GREAT book) comes out, shortly followed by the movie. Or maybe a good movie comes out, and you learn the story was originally a book.

Because I'm still reading The First Wives Club after watching the movie...again...I started thinking about all the movies I've seen and have also read the book. I admit that it used to bother me, as if it was a RULE that I had to choose which was better. And to tell the truth, most of the time the book wins out. But sometimes I can't choose, and so there's a tie.

An example of a tie would be Gone With the Wind. I saw the movie for the first time in high school (196?) and loved it. I read the book much later and loved it. I can't pick between the two, because both are excellent and offer different things. For instance, I can't imagine anyone playing any of those roles except the actors/actresses who did them. But if I'd read the book first, without knowing anything about the movie, I wonder how I would have imagined the characters. I doubt Rhett would have resembled Clark Gable in my mind. :)

And that's really the question. Is it better to see the movie first or read the book first? In most cases of book-turned-movie, I've read the book first. GWTW and To Kill a Mockingbird are two exceptions, and with both, I can't choose which is better. I assume most readers are like me and have a picture in their mind of what the characters look like. When a movie is made, there's no way to match the mental pictures of the millions of readers. Tom Hanks would never have been my choice for Robert Langdon in the Da Vinci Code, even when I tried to envision him while I read the book a second time before I saw the movie. But he did a good job and I was able to forget my prejudice during the movie.

Then there are all the things that are left out or changed when the movie is made, usually because of time restrictions. My youngest daughter is a Harry Potter fan and has her own opinions on the more recent movies. Because I've only read the first of the HP books, I don't have the problems she has when seeing the movie. She's noticing all the things that are "wrong" or not there. I'm just watching the movie and trying to make heads or tails of a few things. But she's never turned down the opportunity to see the movie. :)

So which is it? Movie first or book first? You choose.

Am I Losing My Mind?

2008-08-06T08:06:00.000-07:00

My youngest daughter was diagnosed with GAD (General Anxiety Disorder) a few years ago. It was a relief to finally have an answer to why she had so much trouble attending school, even though she really wanted to, and unable to deal with new situations or even go shopping without somone she knew and trusted being with her. Because of her GAD and the panic attacks that go with it, we've been searching and searching for a way for her to finish earning her high school diploma without going the GED route and without costing a small fortune.

We finally found it this summer when I heard an ad on the radio for Insight School. It's an accredited online school, currently available to students in seven states, where she'll earn the credits she needs for graduation and a real diploma, just as if she were in a traditional school. The fun but also difficult part was choosing the courses she would be taking, starting this fall. Besides the usual core subjects required, she needed several electives, and she wanted to take a foreign language. Her choices were Spanish, French, Latin, and Mandarin Chinese. Yes, you read that right. Mandarin Chinese.

I've taken both Spanish and French, but am probably more familiar with French, so that would have been my first choice. Besides, I like the way it sounds. :) She wasn't so sure she wanted to do that, so I suggested Latin might be a good choice, since most Romance languages (French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese) are Latin-based, as are many English words and science words. She agreed.

She agreed?! Oh, my! While I could have helped her some with Spanish or French, I'm not all that familiar with Latin. Okay, I did attend Mass as a child when it was still spoken in Latin, and I might recognize a word or two, but I don't consider that much of an education. I guess I'll be learning Latin, right along with her. But maybe that isn't such a bad thing. It won't hurt me to stretch my brain a little. Or a LOT.

If you live in Kansas, Colorado, Nevada, California, Minnesota, Oregon, or Wisconsin and are looking for an alternative to traditional schooling for your high school student, you might want to look into Insight. I'll continue to blog now and then about this new adventure and keep readers updated on how it's working out.

Have a GREAT week!

Harlequin American Romance - August

2008-08-02T08:30:00.000-07:00

If Home, Family, and Romance is your cup of tea, you should be reading Harelquin American Romance.

First Wives Club Part Deux

2008-08-01T07:30:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I mentioned that I'd read The First Wives Club before the movie came out. Copyright on the book is 1992, while the movie came out in 1998. This can lead into a discussion on which is better, to read the book first or to see the movie first, but that will come at a later date and time. :)

If you've seen the movie and decide to read the book, expecting to find them much the same (as much as that can or can't be), you'll be disappointed. They're almost two different stories. I happen to like both. But before I go on, I need to say that I haven't finished this (second) reading of the book, and am only half-way through it. My memory of the first read is definitely hazy, so I'll focus today on the first half of the book.

Annie, Elisa, and Brenda attended a private boarding school in NY as girls. They weren't necessarily all good friends, but the recent suicide of one of their former classmates, a girl they all were close to, brings them together again. Each, including the deceased, has gone through or is going through a separation or divorce from her husband and each is struggling in her own way with this. The reader can see how well or poorly each is dealing with all that's involved in a divorce, whether it's emotional, financial, or social. Mid-way, the women decide it's time they get some justice where their divorces and husbands are concerned. These women are smart and savvy, and although this all might feel like "getting even", it isn't just that. It's about the growth of each one of them, individually and as a group of friends who find that, although they're different, they share some many of the same problems and emotions.

Annie deals with how best to care for her Downs Syndrome teenage daughter and her two grown sons. Elise deals with a career she left behind for a husband and with aging in a business that tends to look up to youth and beauty. And Brenda deals with being overweight and a husband who has hidden marital assets and left her to struggle financially.

The book, is a darker and more emotional story than the movie, but in my opinion, it's equally as good. It's a complex story of women moving forward after divorce, and taking care of the baggage that led them to it, both their baggage and that of their husbands...and maybe even their husbands! It's not only a look at divorce, but at marriage and the relationships between men and women.

It's an excellent and well written book and definitely worth reading. But if you've seen the movie, the hardest part is separating the two and letting yourself immerse yourself in the story the book tells.

Note: There was an interesting article in New Yorker about the author and her death...the result of plastic surgery, a recurring theme in her books.

First Wives Club

2008-07-31T09:44:00.000-07:00

When I first saw this movie in the theater, I was still married and didn't become the "first wife" until much later, but I liked is as much then as I do now.

I watched this on my computer over the weekend. Obviously, it wasn't the first time and was probably closer to being the seventh or eighth or even tenth time. Yes, I like this movie and each time I watch it I find something new I like or didn't notice before. Maybe it was because I was so close to the screen this time that I paid more attention to the music and noticed someone at the party in the last scene that I'd never noticed before. I ended up downloading two songs and gasping when I recognized Gloria Steinem. I'd already recognized Ed Koch, Ivana Trump, and Kathie Lee Gifford, the first or second time I saw the movie, but somehow GS had escaped my notice.

The movie is upbeat. Although the first wives are filled with the need for revenge on their ex husbands, the humor keeps it from being dark. The character growth of these women is astounding and eventually leads them to deep friendship. The bond they'd formed in college obviously wasn't as deep as they'd thought. They'd each gone their separate ways over that period of time. That's very normal. But when the tragedy of Cynthia's suicide brings them back together, we see that those college friendships weren't nearly as strong as maybe the former classmates (and roommates?) thought they were. Brenda (played by Bette Midler) obviously has a problem with Elise (Goldie Hawn) and always has. It plays out as jealousy, but I'm not completely convinced that's all it is. In the beginning, Elise deserves a little razzing. (THOSE LIPS!!) I relate most to Annie (Diane Keaton), and anyone who knows me knows why. In the beginning, these three women had nothing in common except being or soon-to-become first wives and having once known each other. Throughout the course of the movie, we see them moving closer and closer emotionally, until, when the end comes, we know nothing will separate them, no matter whether they agree on everything or not. That's true friendship.

The husband casting was good. (I love Stephen Collins in just about anything and especially when paired with Diane Keaton--see the movie BECAUSE I SAID SO.) Getting revenge was the hook for the story, but the growth of the characters was really what it was all about. In the end, even though they went through with getting even with the exes, they used the funds for the good of many, not just themselves.

If you haven't seen it, you're missing a classic. If you have seen it, but it's been a while, watch it again. You'll feel good if you do.

Hump Day

2008-07-30T07:21:00.000-07:00

Next to Friday, Wednesday is my favorite day of the week. Once I get past lunch time, it's all downhill. Only 3 more hours to lunch!

I had every intention of blogging yesterday. I even had a topic for a topic-less day. And then I forgot what it was. My short-term memory is getting worse. Could it be because there are just too many things that need to be remembered? I do write myself notes on the most important things. It's the only way to stay sane and get anything at all done. But too many things are falling between the cracks, so it appears I'll need a new system.

NEWS FROM FRIENDS IN SAN FRANCISCO--
Friend Kristi called last night, laughing about being lost in the hotel. I wondered how they'd managed to get lost in the hotel. Was it that big? Later, I called her back and learned they were actually trying to get directions to Fisherman's Wharf, but she and the others--Vicky Dreiling, Leigh Riker, and Lisa Childs--had been relaxing in the Executive Conference Room, before deciding on the trip to Fisherman's Wharf, so that explained it. (Check out the photos at DitzyChix.com for a definition of the ECR.) They were having a wonderful time, and I wished I could be there with them, but their antics and giggles made me smile, so envy, such as it is, is manageable. :) They did take a trip to the aquarium and had a nice time there. Kristi said the temperature in SF is more like Texas in the winter, around 55, and they were all scrambling to find suitable jackets, even though most had brought something. While 55 degrees isn't exactly cold, when coming from 100 degree summer temps in Texas, it certainly can seem like it! I'm happy to know they're having fun, not that I thought they wouldn't. Being with friends is always fun, no matter what we're doing, and I consider myself blessed to have the wonderful friends I have, even if I don't get to spend a lot of face-to-face time with them. When that does happen, it makes for some really special times and memories.

Monday Madness

2008-07-28T09:49:00.000-07:00

First, a quick note. Due to Blogger/BlogSpot's decision to change their format, this blog may be undergoing a change in the next week or so. I'm disappointed, but because I'm unable to use the enhanced features and widgets, I'll have to make some changes. Hopefully, that will only mean that the appearance will change only slightly and old posts will not vanish into cyberspace. Until I dig into it, though, I won't know for sure.

But it's Monday, so why expect less than one more thing to add to a long list of things that need to be done. :)

School starts in 2 1/2 weeks. After a summer of caring for 4 grandkids, ages 6, 5, 4, and currently 11 months, I'm like a lot of moms out there and ready for school to start. Not that I don't love my kidlets, but the 3 older ones are as ready for school to start as I am. If you have more than one child, I'm sure you understand how the bickering and fighting, whining and complaining, and ignoring stated rules tends to escalate, the longer summer drags on. I'm feeling especially grouchy, too, with higher temperatures and more humid conditions. I won't even mention the higher gas prices. Somehow, we'll all make it to August 14, but it isn't going to be pretty. *grin* And once everyone but the little one is back in school, there will be a new set of things to deal with. But right now, even those seem like nothing compared to what the next 2 1/2 weeks will be like.

Hope you're getting your back-to-school shopping done, even if there are no children in your household. I've always loved browsing the school supplies, along with the office supplies, and even take advantages of good deals on notebooks, pens and pencils when I find them.

Have a great rest-of-the-summer!

This 'n That Fab Friends Movie Mania

2008-07-24T07:02:00.000-07:00

I guess the title is testament to the fact that I've been busy and haven't posted for a few days. I've been mired in work and decided to get caught up with other things today, if possible. But because I have been able to cross a couple of things off my To Do list (the one in my head, not on my desktop), I have that little extra time.

That was the This 'n That for Monday.

One of my very good friends, Kristi Gold, will be leaving early next week to attend RWA's annual conference, this year being held in San Francisco. Although I would have loved to have gone, it wasn't in the cards for me, and I'll miss Kristi while she's gone. She and I and Kathie DeNosky have a weekly phone conversation, utilizing the three-way calling option, but next week, we'll have to skip it. We talk to each other throughout the week, too, but it's nice when we can all be "together" with the one phone call, too. Our fingers are tightly crossed for Kristi. She's a RITA finalist for her fabulous book, Fall from Grace, so it's extra hard for Kathie and me to not be there to cheer her on at the awards ceremony and calm her nerves before it.

And that was Fab Friends and Fun...fun that will be sorely missed by Kathie and me, but we'll survive.

Movie mania? Who has time? Yes, I'd planned to set aside during the week for at least one movie, if not more, but the best laid plans and all that... A couple of weeks ago, my youngest and I watched Little Women. This was the version with Winona Ryder as Jo and not a terribly bad one. My oldest memory of LW was one in 1933 which starred Katherine Hepburn. No, I wasn't born then, but I've seen it. Then there was the 1949 version, starring June Allyson as Jo, Janet Leigh as Meg, and my strongest memory of Margaret O'Brien as Beth and Elizabeth Taylor as Amy. Of course, casting those two was a reach, since Amy was the youngest of the March girls, not Beth. I noticed on IMDB (Internet Movie Data Base...the absolute BEST source for all movie and TV info) that there were also two silent versions, the first released in 1917 and the second a year later in 1918. Not being a silent movie fan, I didn't recognize any of the actors listed, but I thought it was interesting.

My daughter is always disappointed when Jo turns down Laurie's marriage proposal. I can remember feeling the same. And said daughter is sorely disappointed in Jo's choice of Professor Baer, just as I was when I was young. Now that I'm older, I understand both so much more. Jo could never have made Laurie the wife he would need in the future. She would have hated it and so would he, no matter that she understood his music. Amy would understand his music later, just as Jo had. And the professor was the perfect man for Jo, calm and stable, while Jo tended to be wildly emotional at times. Too, he would understand her writing, which was not something Laurie ever would have done, even though he would have accepted her need to write.

I reminded my daughter that Little Women was not the only book Louisa May Alcott had written about her family. My daughter was surprised. I'm not. While women my age were encouraged to read the classics, the next generation didn't fare so well.

And because that brings me up to tomorrow's "Latest Reads", of which there are none, I'll stop for today and call it done.

Birthdays

2008-07-21T08:32:00.000-07:00

'Tis the season for birthdays in our family.

Although most of our family birthdays used to be scattered throughout the year, beginning the end of March and ending in early October, since adding another generation (the grandkids), we now have more to the middle of those months and a couple later dates in the year. And I'm not counting the sons-in-law!

My two middle daughters were born 2 years less 3 days apart. The birthday of the oldest of the two is today, while her sister (2 years younger) was born on the 18th. The doctor had suggested scheduling the 21st when it was time for the younger to appear, but I insisted on scheduling it for the 23rd. She decided to make her appearance the next day and definitely not scheduled. It could have been worse. She could have decided to arrive on her sister's birthday!

From May to August, we have 5 birthdays, one in May, one in June, two in July (the ones mentioned above), and one in August. That's a lot of cake!

So here's to my middle girls, may the coming year bring blessings and happiness...and some quiet times of joy.

Happy Birthday, Lyndsay & Chelsea!

It Doesn't Have to Be New to Be Good

2008-07-18T15:34:00.000-07:00

A couple of years ago, on a whim, I picked up a copy of Kristin Hannah's Comfort and Joy. It was a beautiful and strange story, set in one of the most magnificent parts of the country, the Pacific Northwest. I don't remember why I bought it, except it was a smaller book and took place at Christmastime. I'm a sucker for Christmas stories. And somewhere amongst all my books, I have a copy of Angel Falls, although I've never read it. I also especially enjoyed Magic Hour and passed it along to family and friends after reading it a couple of months ago.

On Mystic Lake, which I finished reading today, is a beautifully sad but empowering novel of a woman who realizes she has lived the life others expected her to live and believed for twenty years that she was happy, until her husband tells her he wants a divorce. There were several aspects of the story I could relate to personally and others that went beyond anything similar to my life, but I find that happens with many books and makes the read more interesting. On Mystic Lake is one of Kristin's older books, but it's worth getting, and I expect I'll read it again someday.

If My Life Today Were a Movie...

2008-07-17T14:40:00.000-07:00

There appears to be some technical difficulty with my blog. Backgrounds and graphics on recent activity are not showing up. Whether it's me (and it probably is) or blogger or just the alignment of the planets, I'm not in the mood to fix it.

If my life today were a movie, it would be an adaption of a Stephen King horror novel. When things start to go wrong, the domino effect comes into play, with one thing after the other falling down.

But enough feeling bad and onto some real movie mania. I've had a copy of Chicago for quite some time, but never took the time to watch it, so the other night, I popped it in the player. It was...different. Entertaining, with good music and some amazing footwork by Richard Gere. I wouldn't list it among my favorite musicals, nor do I plan to watch it again soon, but I won't NOT watch it sometime in the far future.

The opening song, All That Jazz, was wonderful and really set the scene for what was to come. Catherine Zeta-Jones did the number to perfection and was a joy to watch and hear. Although Renee Zellweger isn't among my favorite actresses, she did a superb job in this movie. A little more weight would have made her more attractive, which I find odd in saying about her. Again, Gere did some great hoofing.

It's worth a watch, and I especially liked the song, Cell Block Tango. It was a hoot! All in all, it's worth one watch, if you tend to like musicals, but I'm still trying to figure out how it won so many Academy Awards.

Bear with me on the blog formatting. A weekend of working on it may do the trick...nor not.

Friends: The Real Gold

2008-07-16T11:02:00.000-07:00

My friend Gail sent me a link to the following, and in many ways it defines our friendship.

1. When you are sad --I will jump on the person who made
you sad like a spider monkey jacked up on Mountain Dew!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2. When you are blue -- I will try to dislodge whatever
is choking you.

3. When you smile -- I will know you are plotting
something that I must be involved in.

4. When you're scared -- we will high tail it out of
here.

5. When you are worried -- I will tell you horrible
stories about how much worse it could be until you quit whining, ya big
baby!!!!

6. When you are confused -- I will use little words.

7. When you are sick --Stay away from me until you are
well again. I don't want whatever you have.

8. When you fall -- I'll pick you up and dust you off.

9. This is my oath...I pledge it to the end. 'Why?' you
may ask -- because you are my FRIEND!

Gail and I have been friends since we were 12. It person years, we've been friends for over 45 years. And not just friends, but "best friends".

The way we met was a little strange. When I was in seventh grade, my family moved to a small town where my mother's family was from. I knew a few people. I have TONS of cousins, and I ended up going to school with many of them for six years, so I wasn't a complete "new kid" in school. Before we moved, a friend from grade school visited the town with me one weekend. She knew Gail from Campfire Girls, and we stopped by Gail's house so Pam could say hi. It wasn't long that the final made the move was made and, because we'd met each other earlier, Gail and I became friends.

Forty-five years is a long time. We know each other well. Sometimes, too well. :) We've shared giggles and tears and everything in between, making more memories than can fit in my head. Her youngest son is the same age as my next-to-oldest daughter and were in the same class in school. There was a time when we weren't in contact much with each other, when we both had young children and spent most of our time raising them, but when we did talk on the phone, it was as if only a day or two had passed by, instead of several months.

We're not alike. We each have our own strengths and weaknesses, our own dreams and fears. But we're always there for each other, no matter what. I suspect we always will be. It's too late to change friends now. :)

I've included the only photo I can find of the two of us together. How very strange, after all this time. The picture was taken almost 15 years ago at our 25-year Class Reunion, when we still had some youth left in us. I'll be sharing some stories here on our past and present. I'd love to hear about your friends too!

Mood Music

2008-07-15T19:43:00.000-07:00

I've been downloading a lot of music lately. Yes, legally downloading, as I feel artists should be paid for their work. Oh, all right, I've bought books at used bookstores, even recently, but I don't make a habit of it. To be honest, I've been getting my music free. Yes, legally free. I use Pepsi points, and for 5 points a song, I can get downloads from Amazon. I can even get a DVD movie for 90 points! I haven't done that yet, I'm still gathering music.

Coming to the point where I thought I'd gotten most of the music I wanted and that was available (not everything out there is available for downloading), I haven't gotten any new songs lately. But late last night (make that very early this a.m.), I needed to know one small phrase from a movie/Broadway song. I found it, grabbed the song, and realized just how much I've always liked it. It's the theme song from Camelot, sung by Richard Harris.

And then I went craaaaazy listening to Broadway tunes. Old ones, new ones, some I remember singing in glee club in high school. (That would be "chorus" now, I think.) Songs that made me smile, like "I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair". Songs that made me cry, such as "Climb Every Mountain". So many songs that I had to make a list, but "Camelot" was the only one I downloaded.

Listening to music when I write has become a habit. I have a long list in my player for just that, and another for when I go walking, although I haven't done that. Fun, bouncing tunes, some that I used to dance to back in the Stone Age. Music can lift my soul or quiet it.

There's one other way I listen to music. Pandora is online and free, and a program that lets you choose the type of music you like to hear and make "stations" of your favorites. I've recommended it to several people and haven't found anyone yet who doesn't like it. Check it out. It's worth it! Pandora.

Monday, Monday

2008-07-14T14:59:00.000-07:00

The start to another week, which is okay. It means we're that much closer to the start of school in mid-August. I seems some school systems are shortening the summer, little by little, maybe leaning more toward year-round school? I'm not sure I'd mind that. A week or two break for some R&R doesn't sound so bad.

Summer vacation is more than half-way over, and school supplies are beginning to appear in stores. Can it really be that back-to-school is not far off?

It's obvious things have changed since I was in school. For instance, I was 50 when I had my first ride in a limo. My youngest granddaughter was 5. Her pre-K class held two fundraisers this year, and she was the biggest seller for both. Prizes were given to everyone, and for the first, she picked a nice "boom box". At 5, mind you. But it was the second one that blew some of us away. The highest sellers--8 of them--took a ride in a white limo to McDonalds. Now that's what I call class!

Allie's first limo ride!

2008

Well, yes, of course I was there to take pictures!!

What a wonderful memory for a little girl.

I wonder if I should try going back to school? After all, if rides in limos to McDonalds are the going thing...

Natural Born Charmer

2008-07-12T11:40:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time, I read several books a week. Now, I'm lucky to read one book in a few months. One of my favorite authors is Susan Elizabeth Phillips, and except for her two or three earliest books, I've read them all, at least once.

SEP books are an incentive for me to get things done. No matter what it is, her newest book always becomes a reward for finishing something, making the reading of them even more special.

I was introduced to SEP by my best friend of over forty years, who has always been a voracious reader, and although our reading tastes don't always match (she doesn't read category), they often do, and we share our favorites. I still remember the phone call when she read the opening of Kiss An Angel to me, describing the hero as the Marlboro Man. It was a great book and a very different story, and I've always felt it's one of the darker of SEP's. The next introduction my friend gave me was the opening of my all-time favorite SEP book, It Had to Be You. I adore Phoebe Sommerville and have read my many copies of it countless times. Phoebe is perfectly imperfect.

After reading Ain't She Sweet? for the third time, it comes in as my second favorite. After that, I'm at a loss as to what's next. Or was, until I read Natural Born Charmer. It really is a charmer. SEP is a master at great openings, and NBC has a terrific one. I really liked the flawed hero and heroine. Stubborn, secretive, but both full of sass and humor. The verbal sparring between the two of them is fabulous. It's a story that's both fun and thought provoking. A definite will-read-again for me.

What's up next? I haven't decided. I may take a trip to buy some new books this weekend. Not that I don't have any, but I like to have a nice, tall stack of TBRs to keep things interesting.

Harlequin American Romance - July

2008-07-11T15:18:00.000-07:00

The July Harlequin American Romance books are available now!

Don't forget to visit the HAR Author Blog and get to know the authors.

Movie Mania--Debut!

2008-07-10T18:14:00.000-07:00

For the past 10 days I've been dealing with an asthma attack. I don't normally have a problem with asthma. In fact, there's only been one other time I've been "attacked" by it, and that was 9 years ago! But something triggered it again, and even knowing that it could be controlled only by going to the doctor, I put it off again. Luckily this time it wasn't so bad that I couldn't even drive. I saw the doctor this morning, and by noon was on meds and feeling much, much better.

The reason for the above is because it explains a new topic, aka a label. (Look at the bottom of each post, and you'll see a label describing what topic the post falls under.) Because I found I couldn't do much of anything while trying to breathe under this new attack, I dove into my movie collection and watched a few.

I love movies. Old movies, new movies, action/adventure movies, romantic comedy movies, musical movies... Yes, the list is endless. I've been watching movies since I could sit down in front of a screen (TV in most cases) and not fall asleep. And because I love movies so much, it's impossible to pick one favorite. I have groups of favorites.

I started collecting movies during the advent of the VCR. I never counted how many movies we bought during that time, but there were bunches. And bunches. I've now moved on to DVD, although I can't say I was among the first to do so. I tend to drag my feet when it comes to new technology. That could be why I never had a Beta VCR or movies on laser disks, so maybe "caution" is a good thing after all.

Last count, we (my youngest daughter and I) have 266 movies on DVD, and that isn't a completely accurate count. The 7 seasons of Buffy that belong to my daughter are not among those 266 (and not really "movies"), and there may be one or two others that are missing, not to mention that most of the kidlets movies are not listed either. We now keep a database of movies, and I've lost count of how many times I've had to call home to ask if we have this movie or that movie so I don't buy something I already have.

My birthday present to myself this year was to splurge on movies. I bought 16 within a little over a week. I did find some great bargains, though. And because I have so many and lots of people love movies as much as I do, I decided to share some of my thoughts on the movies I now own. No, not all 266, but the best (and maybe worst, in my opinion) of the lot. It's also an excellent way to make myself WATCH some of the movies I haven't even opened yet!

Here's the list of those newest ones, but I'll decide later which 2 or 3 to post about next week.
TWISTER (Because Gavin, the oldest of my two grandsons, begged to see it.)
THE MIRACLE WORKER (The original with Anne Bancroft and Patty Duke, of course.)
FANTASTIC FOUR
FANTASTIC FOUR - Rise of the Silver Bullet (Both of these because I liked them and thought Gavin would, too.)
INHERIT THE WIND (One can't go wrong with this excellent classic, and I've seen it on stage)
INDEPENDENCE DAY (I have it on tape, but it was a must-have on DVD)
JUDGMENT AT NUREMBERG (A classic must-have that I've only seen once on the late, late show.)
DAREDEVIL (Well, gee, I have ELEKTRA, and who can resist Ben Affleck! yum, yum)
PARENTHOOD (I cry at the end of this because it's a happy ending and Steve Martin does such a great job as the dad...and more reasons later.)
12 ANGRY MEN (I read the play before I saw the movie. Another great classic.)
ALL THE PRESIDENT'S MEN (Hey, I missed it on TV too many times, so had to have it.)
BLAZING SADDLES (The first Mel Brooks movie I remember seeing.)
YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN (More Mel and company and requested by my daughter. We have 3 others.)
AND THE BAND PLAYED ON (Already owned on tape, but this couldn't be passed up.)
JFK (Another owned on tape and one of the few Kevin Costner movies I like. please don't boo me. :) )
ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO'S NEST

Eclectic mix, isn't it? Next week, movie mania (and this movie maniac) will begin in earnest.

And hugs to everyone out there who has to deal with asthma day to day. My heart goes out to you.

Harlequin American Romance - June

2008-06-19T09:07:00.000-07:00

Take family, community, love and how to get it, add few quirky, fun-loving characters, and what do you have? Harlequin American Romance!

Do you read HARs? I do! And I love the stories about relationships, not only between the hero and heroine, but within a community of caring people. Kids, babies, moms, dads, aunts, uncles and more, HAR stories deliver the best!

Did you know the Harlequin American Romance authors have a blog? Lots of things going on there, so check it out and keep up with your favorite HAR authors and discover some new ones. You might even win a book or two!

Be sure to check out this month's fabulous line-up of books from Tina Leonard, Lisa Ruff, Victoria Chancellor, and Kara Lennox. You're gonna love 'em!

Time Flies

2008-06-13T07:41:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, a very good friend reminded me that there hadn't been anything new on my blog since December. I had no real excuse, except that life gets in the way, and I often forget to do things that should be done, instead of focusing on the things that must be done. Blogging is a "should". Paying bills, fixing meals, taking care of grandkids, and writing, writing, writing, are all "musts" that can't be ignored.

So here I am, almost six months later, giving yet another excuse for not posting that's neither good nor acceptable, but it's all I've got.

So what's happened in that almost six months? The usual. :) Christmas came and went. My daughters have had probably more happen in their lives, but even those things affect me in one way or another. Lyndsay and her family returned to their home after fire destroyed part of it in October. Sabrina's husband left for and returned from a 4-month deployment in the Middle East (Qatar) with the Air Force. Chelsea's work schedule changed from "normal" to second shift, and she actually likes it! And Mallory has discovered that being 18 isn't all that different than 17.

I had the pleasure of receiving a 2-book contract with Harlequin American Romance in March, and found myself writing, not only at night, but during the day, while transporting both granddaughters to and from school. At least that last part is on hold, now that it's summer.

Spring also brought us all closer together when my mother passed away in April. If not for my daughters and their families, it would have been a much more trying time. But I'm comforted in knowing my mom, a wholly independent person for most of her life, always involved in many organizations, is much happier now than being confined to nursing home life because of her health. She's at peace, and so am I.

My plans for the summer? We're already 3 weeks into it, and I don't have any, except to finish the second book, TAMING KATE (w.t.) and hope my editor likes the first, TANNER'S PRIZE (w.t.), and simply to enjoy each day with my 4 grandkids to the fullest. By the way, there are new pictures of all of them (and my step-granddaughter) on my photos page. They've grown!

For those of you who have had weather that's kept you on your toes, keep your eye to the sky and stay safe. We've had our share of bad weather, flooding, and tornadoes here in Kansas over the past few weeks, and I know others have had the same. Hugs to my friend, writer Patricia Davids, on the devastation of her hometown during a tornado two nights ago.

Enjoy your summer, everyone!

As Arnold Schwarzenegger said, I'll be back!

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-24T16:32:00.000-08:00

A Visit from St. Nicholas
By Clement Clarke Moore

’T WAS the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that ST. NICHOLAS soon would be there;
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads;
And mamma in her ’kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap,
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.
The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below,
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer,
With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name;
“Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! on, Cupid! on, Donder and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!”
As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky;
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of Toys, and St. Nicholas too.
And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.
He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot;
A bundle of Toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a pedler just opening his pack.
His eyes—how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow;
The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath;
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly.
He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself;
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread;
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk,
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose;
He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle,
But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,
“Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night.”

'Tis the Season

2007-12-12T07:52:00.000-08:00

In spite of the weather many of us are experiencing, I hope this holiday season is proving to be a joyous one for all.

My many friends in Oklahoma experienced an ice storm this week. I know what that's like. In January of '05, we experienced the same thing here. We spent a full week without power and with streets and highways that were beyond challenging. My daughter and her family insisted we come stay with her. Seven days of ten of us sharing their two-bedroom apartment was...interesting. But she had power and HEAT, and we didn't. I'm not sure who was more relieved when our power returned, my daughter and her family or us. But power does get restored and ice does melt. Life does return to whatever normal is, so hang in there, friends!

My upcoming January Harlequin American includes a snowstorm that brings the hero (Nick) and heroine (Becca) closer together. It was also a turning point for the heroine and brought a major change to the way she looked at their relationship.

I loved writing about Nick's family and Becca's three children in Family by Design, and I'm so very pleased that Whitney Kate Sullivan at Romantic Times enjoyed them and the book. Her review is here, so if you're curious, take look.

And I've added an excerpt of the book, so if the season is getting frantic and you need to stop and take a deep breath for a few minutes peace, relax with a glimpse of the story. I hope you enjoy it AND this holiday season!

Family by Design

2007-11-08T22:08:00.000-08:00

My first book for Harlequin American Romance, Family by Design, will hit the shelves in January, but today I saw the cover for the first time, and it's great! Cover art is always a mystery to the author, until she sees it in the final product. I've been very lucky to have had wonderful covers for all of my books, and the cover of Family by Design is no exception. Kudos to Harlequin's wonderful art department for depicting Danny, the heroine's young son, as the adorable little guy he is in the book!

If you'd like to learn a little more about Family by Design, click on the BOOKS link above, where you'll find a blurb about the story and a link to the Inside Story of writing it.

October is a month my family would like to forget this year. With one son-in-law hospitalized with a partially collapsed lung and the other returning from deployment in UAE with the Air Force, it was a difficult month for two of my daughters. Happily, the hospital visit and the deployment are a thing of the past now. But just as we thought the hardest part was over, my next-to-oldest daughter's house caught fire. Charging back inside to retrieve their kitten didn't help the lung of her hubby, and although they'll be living in a temporary house for at least three months while their house is made liveable again, we're all very thankful that no one was hurt and the fire was contained in one bedroom, while the rest of the house sustained smoke and water damage. The weather has been much cooler here, but we didn't need that kind of heat!

I hope everyone had a delightful Halloween (and didn't eat too much candy!) and that Thanksgiving will find you surrounded by loved ones, thankful for many things.

Friends and Parties and Limos, Oh My!

2007-07-17T09:00:00.000-07:00

I've only been home a couple of days from RWA's annual conference held at the Hyatt Regency in Dallas, and already I'm wishing it could have been a longer trip!

It's always wonderful to get to spend time with friends and especially when they're writing friends. Eight of the Ditzy Chix managed to finally get together at a conference and had a fabulous time at a celebration dinner for our achievements this year.

It was an especially super trip because, not only did I room with my friend Kathie DeNosky for the first time, we shared the flight from Kansas City to Dallas. We spent as much time as possible talking and laughing and sometimes shed a tear, and quite often shared that time with Kristi Gold and her nifty roomie Vicky Dreiling.

Of course, there's always the party hosted by Harlequin/Silhouette that's one of the big highlights for some of us at conference. This year, several H/S authors went together for a special treat--and some of the Ditzy Chix joined in the ride back to the hotel from the party...in a stretch Hummer limo. Now just how cool is that?!

His Queen of Hearts in Italian

2007-04-09T23:49:00.000-07:00

It's always such fun to receive foreign copies of my books. The other day, a new one arrived, and it has such a beautiful cover! This one is the Italian version of His Queen of Hearts, the last of my Silhouette Romance books. (BTW, the literal translation of the title is Escape in Dress White.)

I'd love to know what you think of the cover!

Catching Up

2007-04-09T23:29:00.000-07:00

Busy, busy! That's what I've been since the middle of January. Why? Because I learned then that Family by Design will be a January 2008 Harlequin American release! What a wonderful group of writers the Harlequin American family encompasses. I've been able to be in contact with several old friends who write for HAR, and it's wonderful to meet new (I hope) friends. But with an April 1 deadline to have the book finished, there hasn't been a lot of time to be as sociable as I'd like to be. It's all done now, but that didn't mean I could lay around and eat bonbons and watch soap operas.

I've done three new Designs by Delaney websites and am finally now able to catch my breath. (I hope!) Heather Waters, Susan J. Mitchell, and Susanna Chelton Sheehy are worth a look and such very nice writers who were wonderful to work with.

Here's hoping Winter is on its way out and Spring, if not already here, is on its way!

Happy New Year!!

2007-01-03T18:19:00.000-08:00

I'm only a couple of days late, but it's been a busy start to 2007 here.

Nevertheless, may each and every one have a joyful and prosperous new year. May 2007 be a year of happiness and peace.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2006-11-23T11:19:00.000-08:00

Wishing you joy, abundance, and love on this Thanksgiving Day.

Happy Halloween! aka The Moral of the Story

2006-10-31T08:46:00.000-08:00

This post should really be titled, "The Disadvantages of Aging." I'm not yet ready to officially announce being old, but I will bite the bullet and admit that my memory is failing me...often to my disadvantage. I'll simply skip the story and announce the moral: Always keep sign-in information, including passwords, in a safe place. It's easy to forget them and can lead to no posting to blogs.

I doubt I can even begin to catch up, so I won't try. That said, we've moved out of summer here and into fall. Yesterday was beautiful, with the high temp of 76, but a bit windy. Those of us in Kansas understand windy. Then last night, the wind picked up, just about the time I ventured out for provisions, i.e. food, and the temps dropped dramatically. It was even worse an hour or so later when one of my daughters asked me to accompany her on a search for a new Halloween costume. Temp was in the upper 30's and wind gusts were close to 40 mph. The moral of that story: Don't go looking for a Halloween costume the night before Halloween--unless you're a child who isn't picky. And she's 24. Today we're eating Halloween cookies. My plans for the evening, while my own grown-up kids take their kids trick or treating, is to turn the lights out and veg out on old scary movies, accompanied by buttery popcorn.

So Happy Halloween, All Hallows Eve, and Samhein to all!! I hope it's an evening of delightful shudders. And Happy Birthday to Lisa Childs, the Ditzy Chix own Halloween girl!

Another One Bites the Dust

2006-08-16T15:13:00.000-07:00

That really isn't a fair title. The truth is, another Silhouette line is being closed. Silhouette Bombshell did not bite the dust. The authors of the many wonderful books in that line put their heart and soul into their stories, but because sales weren't as high as what the company had hoped for, they've (the guys in suits) have decided to discontinue the line. The last books will be on shelves in January '07.

I really liked this line. In fact, I liked it so much I even tried my hand at writing one. Sadly, it was rejected, but even in rejection I learn something. I may like the "kickass heroines" I read about in Bombshell, but I'm not a kickass heroine, myself. *grin* And that was okay, because I could still read the books. I won't be able to much longer.

If you were a Bombshell reader, drop your favorite author(s) a line and let her/them know. They'll really appreciate it, and you'll put a smile on their faces--something they really need right now.

Heat Wave

2006-07-23T16:23:00.000-07:00

There's nothing like summer. School is out, vacation time is scheduled, and hotter days are the norm. But just what do most people consider hot around here? We found out this past week in Kansas just how hot "hot" can be.

3 of 5 days this past week topped out at 109. We really aren't used to those kind of temps here. Hot, yes. 100 to maybe 105 for a few days, yes. But 3 straight days of 109? Yikes! And to top that, the fourth day was 112! The AC ran. And ran. Even during the night, when the lows were in the 80's. You know that when it's 3 a.m. and the thermometer reads 89 degrees, that it must be a heat wave. I don't know how I could've survived without that AC, but I'm sure going to hate to see that cooling bill when it arrives next month. Double yikes!

But it wasn't just Kansas with the high temps. I heard people from all around the country and into Canada say that temps were high. There was even a power loss in California last night that affected Yahoo.

Personally, I'm eagerly looking forward to September. Or maybe October, even more. Then again, I've noticed that, over the years, we are losing our 4 seasons. The question now is, will I be happy when autumn rolls around, or will we still be experiencing these weird temps?

How has YOUR weather been this summer?

Meet BJ

2006-07-16T12:54:00.000-07:00

Earlier, I'd written about and included a photo of Jules, the new half-Lab puppy in the family. Jules is full of vim and vinegar and tends to be a little over-energetic with the two small humans she lives with, so I suggested to my daughter that a playmate of her own kind might help. In the past, our family dogs mainly consisted of Basset Hounds and Chow-Chows, and my daughters are especially fond of both breeds. After a quick search on the Internet, I found an adorable Basset puppy for sale about a two hour drive away, and off my daughter and her hubby and his mother went to adopt it.

Meet BJ. She is adorable, and both she and Jules are enjoying each other to the fullest. They're very close to the same age, so in spite of Jules being the taller of the two, they can both hold their own while playing with each other.

Now my youngest daughter is crying for a Basset of her own, but, alas, we aren't allowed to have pets where we live. Maybe someday, I tell her. In the meantime, we get to enjoy both BJ and Jules, without the responsibility of ownership. I kinda like that.

By the way, BJ IS smiling.

It's Always Something...

2006-07-10T21:43:00.000-07:00

Is it ever! A few weeks ago, the server where many of the websites I've designed and maintain suddenly crashed. Or something. It took most of 3 days for the server guru to get everything running again, but he did. (Bless you, Charlie!) At first glance everything was fine, but I soon received emails with comments of, "My new page is missing!" and "What happened to the photos?" Several days and emails later, not to mention a few hours along the way, everything was back to normal. But it did throw off the schedule I was trying to make a habit of. That's life, though, and peace (or something that slightly resembles it) has returned. I am sooooo grateful. *grin*

I hope everyone had a terrific 4th of July! Me? Well, I stayed home, sans fireworks, and to be honest, I didn't miss them all that much. There were plenty of pops and cracks going on in my neighborhood, so it wasn't like I completely missed the sounds of celebration. Although there was once in my life that I almost did miss it.

The summer before my senior year in high school, I joined a cousin who was in my class and 19 other Kansas high-schoolers for a church group trip to Mexico. We stayed on a garlic farm, about 200 miles from Mexico City, so it was no border trip for us! We worked for most of the two weeks, painting the inside and outside of the dormitories. During the winter, the farm hosted a school there, and many of the students lived on the farm while they studied.

As the 4th of July drew nearer, we realized that we would have no way to celebrate it in traditional American style. We were disappointed, to say the least. We'd been gone just long enough to have become the tiniest bit homesick, especially because the holiday was approaching quickly. We talked about it, and finally decided to do what we could with the little American-style resources we had and have a barbecue, of sorts. There was no refrigeration on the farm, so we had to go to the nearby village each day to purchase the food for our meals. If I remember, we had hamburgers and what would pass for buns on the 4th. We also had fireworks! Well, not the type we were accustomed to, but it happened to be a Feast Day in the village, so we were able to get Mexican fireworks. I still have the one "sparkler" that I brought home with me. It looks like a kitchen safety match, but when scratch on a rough surface, it sends out sparks, much like our own sparklers here. Just those small touches made everything right for us.

The 4th was also the birthday of one of two young Mennonite men who were doing their CO service in Mexico, driving around that country and helping teach farming methods. We all became friends with Wayne and Steve. They were great guys, and we were so pleased that we could share our little celebration with them and honor Wayne's birthday at the same time.

I'd do it all again, if I had the chance, but I do like being here in the States for this particular holiday.

Summertime, summertime

2006-06-15T10:20:00.000-07:00

My post yesterday got me thinking of the summers of my childhood. Add that to a recent comment on a local newspaper blog about what it was like when my generation were kids and Kristi Gold's aforementioned memory on her website, and today's topic was born.

The world has changed since we Baby Boomers were kids. We had pretty much the run of the neighborhood, my childhood friends and I. That neighborhood encompassed our block, including both sides of the street. As we grew a little older, it included the block behind, but we used that mostly for riding bicycles, because the street there ended in a circular deadend. We spent a lot of time on our bikes, racing, riding with no hands, sometimes pretending they were our loyal steeds.

I became proficient at hopscotch and could beat everybody on the block. It took me some time, but I mastered jacks and the multiple ways to play them. I had a pair of stilts and could walk up and down the porch steps on them. And I loved my roller skates! My favorite make-believe with them was to be a girl who lived in the frozen north, and they were my skis. I even had sticks, at times, for my ski poles and raced down the long driveway that sloped to the street. We played with cars and trucks in the dirt around a huge old tree and carved out towns and roads. And we learned to hang from our knees like circus performers, from the top bar of our swingless swingsets.

As long as our parents knew who we were with, they were happy. As long as we kept within the boundaries of the neighborhood, everything was okay. As long as we came home before dark, they weren't concerned. Our world was safe. We were happy. And at night, we fell into our beds, exhausted but smiling.

There were no Nintendos or X-Boxes. We'd never heard of a computer. We had board games, like Monopoly, Go To the Head of the Class, and Life, but they were saved for rainy, indoor days or winter. We watched old Shirley Temple movies on our black and white TVs when the afternoons were too hot to bear in our non-air conditioned homes. A few times each summer, we'd walk to the neighborhood pool, but it was crowded and noisy and filled with kids we didn't know. We read books and I wrote plays.

I hope some of my memories bring back happy memories for you.