Fly Away...A Grandmother's Pride...and Sorrow

My daughter called today to tell me that my grandson was sworn into the Air Force today. He's only seventeen and will graduate the end of May. Two weeks later, he'll begin basic training. What happened to the little boy who used to amuse me with his grown up words and sense of humor?


Is this the same boy who made black belt in Tae Kwon Do?



I remember seeing a child breaking boards with his head and concrete blocks with his hands. Now he's a man. A man old enough to fight for his country.



Andrew and Julie (Andrew's mother)

So today, my grandmother's heart is proud of the strong man, but sorrowed at losing the little boy.

Fly, Eagle, Fly!



Thanks for stopping by.

Working...but Sick

Most workplaces have a policy where an employee must work the day before and the day after a holiday in order to be paid. My company is no exception. However, we can schedule vacation days and still get paid for the holiday.

BUT, if you are sick, you must work or you won’t be paid. So, today I had to go to work with a stomach virus and perhaps gave the virus to other co-workers I came in contact with. If not for the Alka Seltzer every four hours, I couldn’t have made it through the day.

We also cannot use sick days to care for a sick child or spouse. So when my hubby goes in for his heart scope, I have to take a vacation day. And if he has to have surgery, then I have to use my vacation days to be with him in the hospital.

I’m a firm believer in companies not offering sick days. They should offer vacation and sick as personal days and allow an employee to use them as needed. It’s a mental thing. Using a personal day instead of a vacation day makes no difference in the scheme of things, but it feels better to take a personal day than a vacation day. Now, that sick day after the holiday…that’s another story.

It snowed last night and with wind chill the temperature is in the single digits here in Central Ohio today. So far 2008 isn’t making me smile!

Thanks for stopping by.

Kindness Matters

Our Pastor gave a sermon last Sunday that inspired me to blog on the topic of kindness. When I was new to the internet and websites (a few years ago), I established a personal website and joined a group that tasked members to perform one random act of kindness (on the internet) each day. Imagine receiving a message in your guestbook or on your blog that simply made you smile. I had many angels give me messages that brought a smile to my heart, and I hope I did the same by the messages I left for others.

Today, our media seems intent on broadcasting “doom and gloom” events, rather than focusing on positive acts. It’s easy to become depressed over the state of the world. It’s easy to get caught up in griping and complaining. It’s easy to blame others for our own misery. And the cycle continues, infesting all those around us like a virus infiltrating our minds. Are you part of the problem? Do you see these attributes as part of your personality?

If you answered no, then you are a much better christian than I. If you answered yes, then you have the power to change your outlook. All it takes is performing an act of kindness. Kindness matters.

When was the last time you made a decision to add a bit of kindness to someone’s life? I’d like to task everyone who reads my blog to make a conscious effort to perform just one random act of kindness each and every day, whether in person or on the internet.

Make 2008 your year to make a difference in your life and in the lives of others! I’m signing up. How about you?

Happy New Year!! May God bless you and yours. Thanks for stopping by.

Merry Christmas

I just wanted to wish all my readers a very merry Christmas! May your hearts be filled with love, your homes be filled with laughter, and your dreams be filled with hope.

God Bless and thanks for stopping by!

more, More, MORE!!

I heard a radio commercial this morning and began thinking about what a greedy world we live in. Are we never satisfied with the blessings we do have? Do we always need bigger, better, faster, MORE?

I've long wondered what it felt like to be an early pioneer traveling across the land in a covered wagon, braving the elements, and building a homestead. Can you imagine cooking with a wood stove? Today we have electric stoves, gas stoves, no burner stoves, microwaves, convection ovens, toaster ovens...and MORE!

But the one thing that really hit me this morning was that ad about HD Radio. I think it's nice that we have radio. I enjoy listening to music from my favorite stations in my car and while I'm getting ready for work. But why do we need HD radio? Why do we need "crystal clear" broadcasting and MORE stations?

The same with television. We had television with the three major stations and public television. Now we get more stations than one could ever watch through cable and satellite dishes. But...wait...there's MORE! If you're like me your local cable station is no longer content with collecting money for the multitude of stations...nope. Now there's digital television. MORE stations, MORE money. And, HD TV. Soon everyone who wants to watch television will have to purchase a new HD capable TV. Why? So MORE companies can take MORE money from those people who want MORE!

What happened? Why are people struggling to pay their bills? Why are there more houses sitting vacant? Why are more people filing bankruptcy? Why are we so unhappy with what we have?

Our country has turned into a greedy country with greedy people. Perhaps it's time we stopped and got off the treadmill. What do we NEED?

Every day I pray for many things, but I don't pray for more radio stations or more television stations. I suppose I'm in a minority, but I'm getting off the treadmill and focusing on the things in life that really matter. And that isn't MORE, unless it's MORE focus on the blessings that God has granted us.

Thanks for stopping by!

I'm a Finalist...

in the romantic suspense category for an Eppie Award! Yay, someone likes my book, Foxfire! What a great feeling.

Epic stands for Electronically Published Internet Connection. I'm thrilled to have passed the first round of judging! I'm in some great company and the final judging will be tough. Winners will be announced at the EPIC Convention in Portland, Oregon March 8 & 9.

Check out the beautiful award by clicking here!

Getting ready for our family Christmas party tomorrow and praying that the weather won't be as bad as predicted. A little snow would be fine, but no ice, please God!

Have you hugged a family member today? Have you said a prayer for a loved one? How about someone you don't know that needs God's help? A little faith goes a long way.

Thanks for stopping by!

Looking Back...and Looking Forward...

As 2007 draws to a close and 2008 is soon to be born, it's a time for reflection and goal-setting. Many people establish goals without looking back. I'm raising my hand and saying, "Yep, me too!" However, if you don't look at what the changes you've made in the past year, how you've grown, things you've learned...how can you establish credible, accomplishable, inspiring goals?

In the past, I've set goals based on what I want to accomplish. Sometimes they have been unrealistic...things I've set as a way to challenge myself to do more, more more! Sometimes I succeed, sometimes I fail.

This year, I've looked at how I've grown, how I've changed, what I've changed, and one important question a fellow author asked: "If you do the same thing next year as you've done this year, will you end up in the same place?" My answer was yes. And that's not where I want to be.

My biggest obstacle this year is finding quiet time to write. Working full time leaves little time for "my writing time." With the few hours in the evening, I have a husband who needs and deserves my time. I have children and when they call, they deserve my time. My aging mother deserves my time. My pets deserve my time. So, how do I relieve my self-imposed stress? I need to make a change. So...my most important goal is to set the alarm earlier so I can write without distractions for an hour or more each morning. It's within my control. I just have to decide which is more important...snuggling beneath the covers for that extra time or accomplishing a few pages of writing. I know once I get "in the groove", it will work for me.

What are my goals for 2008?

1. Attend the ACFW conference in September (Minneapolis)
2. Set my alarm an hour and a half earlier, and go to bed an hour earlier
3. Write two pages every day

How about you? How will you establish your goals for the new year?

Joshua's Hope

COMING SOON...



Hope Courtland escaped her marriage to save her life. Her only regret is leaving her four-year-old stepson, Joshua, behind. Though she wants custody, no attorney is willing to tackle her ex-husband in a custody battle. Hope’s faith begins to falter. She learns that Joshua is paying the consequences for her freedom, and in an act of desperation, she kidnaps him. Suddenly, she becomes a suspect in her ex-husband’s murder.

Zack Stone is content to be sheriff of Pine Cove, Tennessee, where the worst conflict he deals with is handing out speeding tickets. Though his faith is strong, he struggles with issues of forgiveness surrounding his wife’s death. When he rescues Hope in a rainstorm, the last thing he expects is to find a woman who stirs his heart. Being a small town sheriff shouldn’t involve kidnapping and murder, but Zack can’t turn his back on Hope and the little boy she loves.

Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow!

We had about four inches of snow on Wednesday, and we are going to get another three inches tomorrow! The bad thing is it's going to hit during rush hour. I'm so grateful that I work only seven miles from home, but it takes me about 20 minutes on a good day since I'm on rural two lane streets with lots of traffic and traffic lights.

I love snow. If it's going to be cold, then I say let it snow! It is so beautiful falling and makes the trees so picturesque. I'm hoping to get a good picture tomorrow night after work. Check in tomorrow to see!

I received my cover for Joshua's Hope tonight already! I'm holding off on posting it because I had a couple of questions and if possible I'm hoping for a small change.

Today we received a listing of overall rankings of books published by The Wild Rose Press. I was extremely happy to see Hit and Run in the upper 25%. Foxfire not far behind. Both books can be purchased from either Amazon or from my publisher...The Wild Rose Press. These make great stocking stuffers!

Til tomorrow...

A Bit of Humor and a Gripe

So the cats have been very good about not destroying our Christmas tree thus far. We have these pretty plastic realistic looking icicles which we put on our tree each year. They catch and reflect the light so beautifully. Hubby said he found one on the floor. I started searching to see if there were more and picked one up beneath the tree. Then I noticed an irregularity with one of the bottom limbs. An ornament was where it shouldn't be and one icicle was lying on the branch instead of hanging correctly. I started looking closely at the tree and came nose to nose with...my cat Wilbur who was lying on the branches like he belonged there! **sigh** What possesses a big cat to think he can climb into an artificial tree? I mean he doesn't have any claws, and there's no trunk to...well, I guess a trunk wouldn't be good for a clawless cat.

And then I have a gripe. Hubby has been having a lot of trouble with his feet. Last week the doctor ran blood tests to check for possible gout. He gave him a six day dose of steroids which did reduce the swelling and inflammation, but now the pain is coming back. Still no word from the doctor. Hubby called today. Doctor called and left a message for hubby to call his nurse who is "better equipped" to deal with this sort of thing. So hubby called the nurse and left a message on her answering machine. I hear all this second hand. When I ask hubby what "this sort of thing" is, he doesn't have a clue. So, I called and asked the doctor to call me on my cell phone. He finally did--at nearly 7pm tonight. I briefly told him hubby was still having pain and that he hadn't been able to reach the nurse and she isn't in on Wednesdays. Doctor says, "Well, we need to get him in some better shoes. He needs to take Aleeve. Keep off his foot." So I ask, "Does that mean the blood work didn't confirm gout?" Doctor doesn't have a clue. He asks, "What did the nurse say?" Okay, wasn't he listening to me? I explain again that we haven't talked to the nurse. Doctor says he will try and look in the computer for the lab results. I realize now there is a real problem. See our doctor is associated with Mount Carmel East and he likes all lab work to go through them so it is automatically fed into his computer system. Nope. Our insurance insists that all our lab work must be done through Labcorp in order to be covered. Labcorp faxes the results to the doctor and they never do anything with it!! I swear it's the truth. Now that they won't use the manilla folder but rely on a computer to look at patient history, they can't read results from another lab. And...they never update with the correct medications...but that's another story. I digress. So I tell the doctor that we had the test done through Labcorp. Doctors says, "Well, that explains it. I won't be able to find it. Who knows where it is." Long story short, he asks me to call the lab and have them fax it to him tomorrow. I say, "They already did and you don't know what happened to it. I'll have them fax it to me." His reply. "Good. Call me with the results. I won't be in the office on Thursday."

Arghh. The cost of health care keep going up and the quality keeps going downhill. So next time the doctor tells me to get my blood work done, I'm going to refuse. He never sees it anyway. Why waste money?

December is Your Chance to Win...

A Love Inspired Suspense novel by Marta Perry...A CHRISTMAS TO DIE FOR. It's easy to get your name in the drawing. Anytime during the month of December, all you have to do is post a comment on this blog. You can choose to comment on any blog that I'll post this month. Each time your comment, your name will be added to the "fishbowl". No limit on the number of times you can enter. If you don't have a blogger account, you can still post a comment as annonymous. Just be sure to sign your comment so I'll know whose name to enter.





More news! JOSHUA'S HOPE has been contracted by The Wild Rose Press. I'm very excited and can't wait to see this one in print. The ebook will be released first, with the print version to follow six months later. More news as it develops.




We decorated our Christmas tree last night. Just like last year, our three cats decided to leap onto the top of the tree (which is an artificial tree) to snatch the beautiful aqua bird perched there. **sigh** No bird on my tree this year. So far, the remainder of the ornaments remain so we are crossing our fingers. Hubby was not happy that he had to realign five branches which the curious felines had dislodged. I'll post pictures when I get my camera working.

Thanks for stopping by!

It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World

Have you ever seen that old classic movie? I remember watching it once long ago, but my hubby loves that movie. He also loves A Christmas Story, A League of Their Own, Shawshank Redemption, Murphy's Romance, and The Jerk. There are a lot of others he will watch over and over but I can't think of them off the top of my head. For Christmas, we don't buy big gifts for each other. Our kids are all grown and out of the house...well, except for our three cats. So, what we do is buy things that will fit in our stockings. Each year we try to find something different and small enough that we can get several items inside. It's fun and an inexpensive way to surprise each other. This year I want to find a copy of The Jerk for his stocking. I'm not sure if they even make it any longer. A few years ago I tried to find Finnegan, Begin Again. He loved that movie, too. They quit making it a long time ago and I haven't even seen it on television recently so I can tape it.

I did hear something fun yesterday though. A friend at work said they have those great big stockings, really huge, at the dollar store. I thought about buying one of those for myself. See, that way he could buy me the digital camera and video recorder in one and it would fit!

I am truly in the mood for Christmas this year. Not the commercial aspect, but the actual season...the celebration of the birth of Jesus. I remember the tradition we had when the kids were little. After candlelight service we'd come home and light candles on the cake I had baked and sing happy birthday to baby Jesus.

Since our kids are grown, we always have a family get together at our house on a weekend before Christmas. This allows the grandchildren to be home on Christmas day. Our date this year is the fifteenth. In some ways, I wish we could hold our get together on Christmas Eve so we could all celebrate the birth of Jesus together.

Do you have any Christmas traditions? Do you know where I can purchase a copy of The Jerk?

Another Random Act of Kindness...

So, is this a new movement against the evil stalking our land? I hope so! I'd like to imagine people doing one random act of kindness a day. And then the receiver feeling so blessed that they in turn do an act of kindness. This could snowball exponentially! Can you imagine it?

So, here's the story for today. My husband told me that he was in line at McDonald's to get his breakfast on the way to work. When he pulled up to the window, they handed him his food and said he didn't owe a thing! The lady in front of him had asked what he had ordered, and then had paid for his breakfast! Is that not unbelievable!

It's so true that we can believe the doom and despair we hear about all the time, but when something like this happens, people tend to disbelieve.

I'm convinced there is an underground movement, headed by angels, to change the world...one random act of kindness at a time.

An Act of Kindness to Pay it Forward

I heard a really sweet story today. A lady I work with told me that she had forgotten to stop at the store on her way home. She remembered a couple hours later that she needed eggs because she's fixing deviled eggs for our pot luck at work tomorrow. So, she had on sweat pants and a t-shirt, slipped into sandals and headed to the nearest store. While she was standing in line she began talking to the man in front of her. He was tall and thin, around her age, and they talked about how the weather would be changing, and other nonpersonal topics. When the line grew shorter and it was this man's turn, he told my friend to go ahead and get in front of him since she only had a dozen eggs. She thanked him and told him how much she appreciated his kindness after the rough day she'd had. She put the eggs on the belt and the man spoke up. He told the cashier to put the eggs on his bill. She was so astonished!

There are so many good kind people out there, but we never hear of the acts of kindness. Why doesn't the media talk about the things that lift our spirits instead of all the doom and gloom news reports?

This simple act made me think of how much better the world would be if we all would remember to perform just one random act of kindness each day. And when we receive an act of kindness, we should remember to pay it forward. God blesses those who do as Jesus would do.

Success!

Medicating the cat has become a pure battle. Last night hubby wore his thickly padded jean coat to protect his arms and body from injury as we tried to force the meds down Templeton's throat. I didn't realize a cat had so many muscles in their neck and head! Finally we managed to get some of the meds into him. Of course, whenever hubby and I are in the same room now, Templeton runs and hides. He knows that two means a sneak attack.

Tonight hubby had to work late. I worried about how I would medicate the demon cat with no help. I decided to try tricking him. Every night after work we give the cats one can of Fancy Feast divided into three equal parts. So while they were lined up eating their portion, I filled the syringe and aimed it into the corner of Templeton's dish. He glanced up at me and then went back to eating. Success! He ate every smidgeon including all the medication. Woo hoo! Now if only we had tried that a week ago.

I'm Signing My Cat Up to be a Wrestler...

...no seriously! Those who have followed my blog know about my cats: Charlotte, Wilbur, and Templeton. Each have very different personalities. Templeton is the most unique. He greets guests and insists on having their attention. If they ignore him, he's been known to leap to their shoulders or do a tight rope balancing act on the railing which runs along our living room (we have a bi-level home). He knows how to open cabinet doors and annoy us by banging them over and over to get attention. I could go on and on, but I diverse from my topic.

Templeton has an allergy to something. The vet isn't sure what it is. Hubby and I think it could be the Frontline that we used to prevent our indoor cats from contracting fleas from our outdoor feral colony. (That's another story as well).

So...we took Templeton to the vet and she sent us home with a liquid steroid medication. Problem--have you ever tried to give medication to a fifteen pound lion? I swear that's what our sweet loving cat turns into when we "attempt" to give him the meds. The vet gave me a "syringe" to measure the medicine. Hey, first time wasn't too bad. Templeton didn't know what to expect. Though he fought against being restrained in hubby's arms, I managed to get the syringe between two teeth and push the plunger sending the liquid straight down his throat. One time!

Catching Templeton to administer future doses has posed a huge problem. He knows what we're up to when we sweet talk him. This morning hubby managed to capture Templeton and I forced his head up. Have you ever tried to pry open a cat's lips when they don't want you to? After a few struggling moments, I managed to secure him long enough to press the plunger and voila! I sent a stream of pink steroid meds across the top of the cat's head and onto my wall. Not a pretty sight. Sticky stuff.

Templeton's head now sports a spiky do. All he needs is an eyebrow ring to be in vogue.

Tonight another near success. Only lost half the measure of meds onto hubby's arm.

**sigh**

I'm sure there has to be a better way to do this. I'm thinking of chaining each of his four legs to a different stake while he's on his back. Maybe a U-clamp around his neck bolted to the floor to hold his head in place. Then hubby can work on pulling a couple teeth to make a hole for the syringe. That should make my job a little easier.

Come Out, Come Out, Where Ever You Are!!

Oh where or where has my muse gone? She keeps hiding from me and she won't tell me why. I think it's because I'm struggling with which direction to go. I just can't seem to let go of the 153 pages I'd written for SAY GOODBYE. It can be saved, but it will take a lot of editing. That's something I hate to do. When I stare at all these pages and know that I'll have to go back and read page by page and make major adjustments to get to the point of being able to finish...it's so daunting that I push it aside. I started rewriting it from a different angle. What I've written is good...but knowing that 153 pages of words cranked from the heart are sitting there and will be trashed is keeping me from moving forward. So, I started something brand new. It's not working. I'm forcing the words and the scenes are so unnecessary.

So, where are you hiding, muse?

A Night of Music

I'm taking the night off to enjoy the CMA Awards. I love country music! This year there have been some really moving performances. The best so far was Sugarland, who also ousted Brooks & Dunn's long string of wins for Duo of the Year. Wow. I had goosebumps. Just the lead singer and a guitar. That gal can sing...or in the words of my hubby "She sure has a great set of pipes!" Carrie Underwood has won two awards so far. This is her second win as Female Vocalist of the Year. And how great to see George Strait win Album of the Year. That guy is so smooth.

Right now one of my favorite voices is singing...Josh Turner. Man, that deep voice gets me. And he's pretty good eye candy, too!

Thanks for stopping by. Hope you had as great an evening as I've had.

The Hard Part is The Beginning

When people learn that I am a writer, many tell me that they have been thinking about writing a book. Thinking and doing are worlds apart. If you are serious about writing that book, then you have to take the big leap and get started. The beginning is the hardest part of writing.

In the first chapter, you'll need to introduce your main characters and the main conflict of the story. By the end of the first chapter your reader should be able to tell what type of book you are writing (i.e. romance, suspense). And you will need to start the book with a hook. Make your reader WANT to read the book to find out what is going to happen.

Avoid backstory. Many new writers want to dump a bunch of backstory in the first chapter. Backstory stops the forward momentum of your story. Instead, show the backstory in little pieces throughout the book. This keeps the reader wanting to know more.

For example, I'll use an example from my novel FOXFIRE.

My first chapter has two parts. The first is in the heroine's point of view. The second is in the hero's point of view. The characters meet in the first chapter (necessary in a romance). Here are the last few lines in the heroine's point of view:

Grace rolled over and punched the pillow. She hadn't been a prostitute. Well, not exactly.

Get your attention? Make you want to keep reading to find out what happened in her past? This is what creates a page-turner.

Okay, now jump to the second part of the chapter which is in the hero's point of view. These are the last few lines of the first chapter:

Tyler couldn't bring back his wife or their baby, and he'd live with that loss the rest of his life, but he had an opportunity to avenge their deaths. He might spend the rest of his life feeling guilty, but he'd bring Max Clayton down, even if it meant using Grace Wilkins to do it.

Okay, now I have your interest. How do I drop backstory?

Here is part of Chapter 9. Grace and her Dog Tiffany have gone to collect the mail. She finds an envelope with no return address. I've left off pieces of this portion for brevity:

Curiosity got the best of her and she pulled the strip to open the envelope. Peering inside she saw a silk ivory scarf.

"What in the world?" She pulled it out and a piece of paper fluttered to the ground. The scarf draped luxuriously across her arm. The silk shimmered in the morning sunlight. She ran her hand down the length, its simplistic beauty mesmerizing her. She loved the feel of silk.

Tiffany sniffed at the paper that had fallen at Grace's feet.

Grace stopped and picked it up. The words scorched her vision. Printed in block letters was a name that made the bile rise in her throat. Gracie Jo. Only one person had called her that--the man she'd been hiding from for three years--Max Clayton. She read the note again. Gracie Jo. I know you like silk. This is for you. A gift. Like old times. How did you like the roses? Weren't they pretty? Such a vivid shade of red. The color of fresh blood.

She wanted to run back to the house, lock herself inside, and cower under the bed. She had thought she'd be safe here, but nowhere was safe. Not even Foxfire. And that meant...tears stung her eyes...no one was safe. Not Brad, nor Harri, nor Tiffany. And God forbid, not even Tyler.

Grace actually tells Tyler the story of how she met Max, and what happened between them, in Chapter 9. This is done in dialogue. The stakes have raised and in order to find Max, they will have to be honest with each other. However, if I had dumped all this in the first chapter, there would be no surprises for the reader.

So, what are you waiting for? Take those characters you've developed and that story that's buzzing in your head and take the plunge. Write the first chapter. Once you've accomplished that hurdle, the rest will be much easier.

Purple is My Favorite Color

Saturday my daughter brought over the jacket she hand knit for my birthday. It is made of really fine, really lightweight, really warm wool. And it's my favorite color...purple!! It fits perfectly, too. Check it out.









Isn't it beautiful? I wore it to church yesterday and everyone loved it. Likewise, all my co-workers oohed and aahed over it today. It's the perfect weight to wear in the office and so professional looking. This weekend I'm going shopping for a purple skirt. Yes!! An excuse to go shopping.

Have a wonderful day. Thanks for stopping by.

The Success of Failure

All the items on my mental "to do" list were swirling through my mind as I drove to work one beautiful April morning. The last thing on my mind was the possibility of being terminated due to downsizing, but that was the reality I faced.
In less than a heartbeat my salary dropped to nothing. Tears held at bay, I stuffed years of my life into a cardboard box and made the journey home to break the news to my husband. My job had entailed a healthy salary that allowed him to take early retirement. Now how would we pay our bills? We had no savings and no retirement “nest egg.” And I had two major strikes against me in looking for a new job. I was a woman and over the age of fifty.
For the first time in my life I drew unemployment to survive. My severance pay allowed us to fund the costly Cobra insurance for both of us, and by tightening our belts, we managed to meet our monthly obligations while I searched for a new job.
It was a time for introspection and reflection. Had I been happy with my career direction? Was the salary worth the time sacrificed or had I traded happiness for financial freedom? I turned to prayer and asked God for direction. Instead of asking myself what I wanted to do with my life, I asked God what plans He had for me. I knew God would get back to me in His own time. And I settled down to wait. Over the months that I searched for another position, I enjoyed the laughter of our grandchildren, and wonderful relaxed conversations with our children. My husband and I became closer as we spent time together in our home. I found I had missed so much on the career treadmill I’d taken.
This led to a rethinking of my goals. I'd been happiest years earlier when working in a support role where I didn't take work home at night, and didn't spend outrageously long hours away from home and out of state. Being a mother of eight, and finishing college at the age of forty-three, I knew a lot about organization. And I loved handling a variety of duties.
With that in mind, I changed my resume and focused on looking for an Administrative Assistant position. It wasn't long before I was hired into a company only six miles from home.
Since then, my health has improved and my outlook on life has brightened. Oh, I’ve given up a lot, such as working long hours into the night, missed family get-togethers, driving sixty plus miles a day, and high blood pressure.
Looking back, I believe God intervened in the career path I’d chosen to get my attention. Sometimes we need a good kick in the pants when we’re going astray. God got my attention and He answered my prayer. No, I didn’t verbally hear His voice telling me what to do, but He set me on the path I believe He wants me to walk.
I'm grateful for God’s intervention. Had I continued in my managerial role, I would have missed so many wonderful blessings in my life. I'm not looking back. Though my salary is less than half what I used to make, I am so much more blessed. I go through each day with a smile on my face and peace in my heart, and the knowledge that God always provides what we need, when we need it.

What Are "The Good Old Days?"

I can't believe it is November already! Soon we'll have to get used to writing 2008. I can remember when I thought the year 2008 would find this world full of robots and all kinds of techy things...wait! All those things are here already, aren't they? I suppose in the year 2058 the teens of today will be remembering 2008 as "the good old days."

So many things have changed over the years, but mankind remains the same. The same struggles that went on in the old testament are the same ones we face today. Sure we have nicer houses, many modern conveniences, luxuries our grandparents never imagined would exist...but battles are still fought between brothers, between cultures, between countries. Ecclesiastes 1:2-11 NLT says it better than I can:

"Everything is meaningless," says the Teacher, "completely meaningless!" What do people get for all their hard work under the sun? Generations come and generations go, but the earth never changes. The sun rises and the sun sets, then hurries around to rise again. The wind blows south, and then turns north. Around and around it goes, blowing in circles. Rivers run into the sea, but the sea is never full. Then the water returns again to the rivers and flows out again to the sea. Everything is wearisome beyond description. No matter how much we see, we are never satisfied. No matter how much we hear, we are not content. History merely repeats itself. It has all been done before. Nothing under the sun is truly new. Sometimes people say, "Here is something new!" But actually it is old; nothing is ever truly new. We don't remember what happened in the past, and in future generations, no one will remember what we are doing now.

When I read this, I feel a bit depressed. But then I go to Ecclesiastes 3:11-14 and I smile again.

Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God's work from beginning to end. So I concluded there is nothing better than to be happy and enjoy ourselves as long as we can. And people should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor, for these are gifts from God.

Thanks for stopping by and I hope you have a beautiful day!

More Wonderful Gifts...

I couldn't have asked for a better birthday! Being born on Halloween has always made me the center of many jokes, all in fun, and all taken in that light. In a way it's a perfect holiday for a birthday. It begins the season of my favorite family-centered holidays--Thanksgiving and Christmas.

The sun shone brightly yesterday, the weather mild in the mid 60s, and a light breeze blowing. Hubby left for work before me and wished me a happy birthday while I still snuggled beneath the covers for another fifteen minutes before my alarm sounded. The evening before we'd brought our cat home from the vet, where he'd been under care for feline urinary tract blockage for nearly six days. Waking up with him snuggled beneath the covers with me was a great present. When I opened the refrigerator a few minutes later, a card fell out. My hubby is so cute, hiding my cards where I'll find them after he leaves. It was a beautiful card and the words fit us perfectly. Probably the best card I've ever receivd from him.

I wore a brand new teal sweater that my fried from work had given me for my birthday. My youngest daughter called to sing happy birthday to me. We talked for about a half-hour. Okay, I'm allowed. It was my birthday!

For break, I always meet with four of my friends. One had baked cupcakes to celebrate. How sweet! I allowed myself this one treat without feeling guilty. I received a birthday card from my ex-boss! He's a workaholic and he hated when I left my position with him to take this one I'm in now. But he's always been really friendly.

Then, the biggest surprise of all, my boss heard a co-worker wish me happy birthday and...

Well, first let me say I've worked for this man for three years and he's never given me a card or acknowledged any special days, not professional admin day, not birthday, not even Christmas! He called me and asked if he could take me out for lunch to celebrate my birthday! We had a really nice lunch and I got to know him a lot better on a personal level. Wow! He kept complimenting me on how great he thought I was, how he appreciated someone he could trust to always get the work done, and said if I ever needed anything to be sure to let him know.

My middle daughter was going to visit me at lunch, so I had to call and tell her I wouldn't be there. We talked and she wished me happy birthday, and actually she called later to tell me a really funny story about her boys. That girl should write a book.

After work I went to Applebee's for half-price happy hour with my girlfriends. We bought five different appetizers for half-price and pigged out. My hubby joined us because we had decided not to pass out candy to the trick or treaters. Our children are all grown and there are so many negatives attached to the tradition today.

We hurried home at 7:30 because my son, who lives in Indiana was in town opening a new store and planned to stop by to visit. I haven't seen him in a couple years, os it was a wonderful birthday gift to see him! While we were talking my brother called from Texas. I listened to him sing happy birthday and told him I'd call back after my son left.

Had a great visit with my son. There's a possibility he could be transferred to Ohio or to Northeast Indiana, which would put him closer to us. Another phone call came in but it showed unknown caller and I didn't recognize the number so I didn't answer.

After my son left, I called my brother and chatted for about a half-hour. By this time I was really sleepy and anxious to get out of my work clothes. I saw we had a voice mail message. It was from my oldest daughter! Rats! That was her cell phone number I'd seen ringing in earlier.

She made me a beautiful hand knit sweater jacket. I've seen pictures and I can't wait to get it! She's said she would try to bring it this weekend. Unfortunately it was too late to call her, but she wished me a happy birthday.

What a wonderful, blessed birthday!

Thanks for stopping by. I hope you have a beautiful day!!!

Three Gifts

Tomorrow, October 31, is Halloween; it is also my birthday. But today I received three gifts.

The first from a co-worker and good friend. She said she couldn't wait until tomorrow. She gave me a beautiful teal sweater that is soooo soft. I hope it's not too warm to wear it tomorrow.

The second gift was being able to bring our cat, Wilbur, home from the vet. On Thursday night we had to rush him to the MedVet Hospital because his urinary tract was completely blocked. We left him until 7am when we transported him back to our side of town to our own vet. He has been on antibiotics and has been catherized for four days. They removed the cath yesterday afternoon. They were concerned because he wasn't eating, but after we got him home he chowed down! He'll still be on antibiotics for a week or so and must go back for a recheck, but he's home!

Gift number three was a phone call from my son. He is in Columbus. His work sent him here to open a new store. So, on my birthday, tomorrow, he's coming over to visit.

I'm supposed to be participating in a power draft writing week and I committed to a goal of 28 new pages. Hmmm. Saturday - nada. Sunday - nada. Monday - 7 pages. Tuesday - 2 pages. I know I won't type anything tomorrow unless I make myself get up early and write before work. That leaves only Friday night and Saturday. Saturday I believe I will be attending a three to four hour meeting for my local COFW writing group. I'll be on the board and we have to establish the budget for 2008. Why do I set myself impossible goals?

Hey...there are only 55 more days until Christmas! All the stores have put out Christmas decorations and trees for sale. I guess it's not too early to promote my ebook called "Lighting the Tree." It's a book about a miracle that happens on Christmas and it's delivered by an unlikely Santa. Here's a link where you can find out more. Click here.

Have a wonderful day! Thank you for stopping by.

The New Dress

I've been reading a wonderful book called THE ANGELS OF MORGAN HILL by author Donna Vanliere. The book is set in Tennessee in 1947. Reading one passage brought an old memory to the forefront today.

The passage: "I'd been wearing the same dress to church for two years. Somebody made it out of a flour sack (even women's dresses were made out of flour sacks) and handed it down to me when I was seven and it was way too big then. Now it was way too small, riding up above my knees."

I'm probably one of very few who actually remember or had a dress made from a flour sack. These flour sacks were floral prints and offered an economical way to stitch new dresses. I had quite a wardrobe full of these practical dresses when I lived with my grandmother for a few years. I knew the rules. After school, I would hang up my dress, take off my socks, put them inside my shoes and put on "play clothes." I would wear the same dress and socks for two days, then they would go into the laundry basket.

I came home from school and took off my dress, preparing to put it in the dirty clothes since I'd already worn it twice. My grandmother, who could be very stern at times, told me to hang my dress in the closet. I tried to make her understand that I'd already worn it twice. She insisted that I hang it in the closet. I cried. I didn't want to wear the dress for a third day. But I was taught to obey and respect my elders. So, with silent tears on my cheeks, I opened the closet door and reached for a hangar. To my surprise, I found a beautiful new store bought dress hanging inside that closet. It was the most gorgeous thing I'd ever seen. It was blue and mint green with tiny little flower appliques. My grandmother's face was lit with a big smile. She even allowed me to try it on and run across the street to show it off to my very best friend.

I can't picture what those flour sack dresses looked like, but I vividly remember that organdy dress.

Do you have any memories that stand out in your mind from childhood? I'd love to hear.

Thanks for stopping by! I hope you have a blessed day.

What About Forgiving?

Today in our Sunday School class we were studying the story of Esau and Jacob. If you aren't familiar with it, the story begins in Genesis 25:19. It is the story of ultimate forgiveness. We talked about forgiving and heard some stories that began to inspire me.

My newest novel is going to explore how one act can drive two people apart, and what it takes to forgive.

Is there someone in your life with whom you've had a disagreement that drove you apart? Have you forgiven or been forgiven? What would it take to repair that break? Can you take the first step?

May God bless you, and thank you for stopping by.

A Crossroad or a Dead End?

Have you ever traveled through the countryside and come upon a road that ended with a fence in front of you and a perpendicular road that forced you to turn either right or left? No going forward?

Think about writing. Many times you will come to a dead stop. When that happens, have you ever thought of it as one of the roads I described above? Instead of a dead end, perhaps you need to journey in a different direction. If you think of it as an adventure into new uncharted territory, you might be able to envision two different roads. Which will you choose?

If you've been following my blog, you know that I've been struggling with my latest manuscript. I recently cut 20 pages because it wasn't going where I wanted to go. Yesterday, I ruthlessly cut another 39 pages. The problem? I didn't turn left or right. Instead I turned around and backtracked.

After much introspection, and many prayers, I have come to the realization that I've been forcing my passion for writing to fit a "mold." Because I enjoy reading romance, especially romantic suspense, that's what I've been writing. But I turned in the wrong direction. I sold myself short. Sure, I can write a novel that readers tell me are page-turners, that they couldn't put it down, and they eagerly ask when my next book will be out. I won't lie. That feels good. It's a great ego boost. But it's not the real me. What is the real me?

I have been on a faith journey for some time, and have come to the realization that I need to write inspirational to add sunshine to my soul. And I don't need to try to fit any particular mold. What I need to do is put my fingers to the keyboard and write, truly write from my heart. Whenever I do that, the words flow freely. When I wrote "Hands of Time" and sent it to Chicken Soup for the Soul, that piece flowed from my hands in a matter of minutes. And they bought it. Not just once, but three times! That piece has been in three different Chicken Soup books, and is the story they use on their website to promote one of their books.

I may not get the books I intend to write published, but I will nourish my soul in writing them. If I get a contract, it will come in God's time. And that brings a smile to my heart, and a joy to my soul.

Thank you for stopping by, and may God lead you in the direction that will bring joy to your soul.

Scavenger Hunt!

Sweeter Romantic Notions (SRN) is throwing a Halloween party! Join us on a scavenger hunt. All the answers can be found through our main site.. http://www.sweeterromanticnotions.com

It kicks off on Friday October 26th and will end on Halloween!!

There will prizes, books and goodies, and maybe some chocolate too!

Here's the rules:
Answer the following questions and email the answers to sweeterromanticnotions@gmail.com with "contest" in the subject line.

The winner will be announced on the Group Loop October 31st and in the First Friday News Blast!

So, let's get scavanging!!

1) In the October News Blast what was the title of Edita Patrick's release from New Concepts Publishing?

2) Who has the picture of a dog on their cover art?
Elle Fredrix?
Kim Watters?
Adelle Laudan?
What is the title of that book?

3) What branch of the military is Sela Carson's husband retired from?

4) Cindy Green is published by By Grace Publshing?
True or false?

5) Diane Craver has three titles listed on her author page at SRN?
True or false?


Good luck!!!!
Happy Halloween!

Getting lost...

Today’s quote on my perpetual calendar said, “Getting lost at times reveals itself to be a blessing, not a curse, prompting a search for a better route.” That quote really hit home with me, since I deleted twenty pages from my current WIP.

I began think about the quote and how it relates to so many aspects of my life. How many times have you taken a detour off a major highway and found yourself on a strange road with no signs to direct you? It has happened to me. My first reaction is fear. The old song about a man who gets on a bus that never returns and his fate is unknown runs through my head. Once I took an incorrect turn and wound up on a two lane country road that went through several “blink once and you miss them” towns. But the scenery was gorgeous. I knew I was heading in the correct direction, so I decided to just enjoy the view and the relief from battling traffic. It had been a rough day, getting up before dawn and traveling three hours to a meeting, then having to face the long ride home. By the time I reached a familiar road again, I had relaxed and no longer white-knuckled the steering wheel. Traffic had died down and the remainder of my journey passed quickly.

In my writing life, I’ve found myself lost and unsure what the next scene should be. Usually it means exactly what I’ve done today. I’ve taken the wrong path, instead of allowing my characters to lead me through their story. It’s painful to lose hours of words, but the blessing is always in the rewrite.

So, the next time you are “lost” on your journey, no matter what that might be, look for the blessings you find in the new route.

Thanks for stopping by.

Matchmaking Fun

Have you ever cut out pictures of your hero and heroine to help you with focusing on their physical characteristics? I know some authors who create a storyboard--a physical poster with pictures, descriptions, plot points and more and put it where they can see it as they write their stories. I've never been able to do that.

I can't outline or write an entire synopsis before I begin. Oh, I have a rough idea of the story and what happens, but I write as a pantster all the way. Since I've been struggling with my current ms, not knowing if I should completely rewrite or just need to rethink the ending, I thought perhaps I really didn't know my characters as well as I thought I did. So, I spent my lunch hour on a matchmaking mission.

What fun! I took the Sunday paper ads with me. First I searched for a picture of Raeann. I knew her the minute I spied her in a neat casual outfit. Then the real enjoyment came into play. I got to pick out her mate! Woo hoo! There were so many guys that looked perfect to be heroes in my books, but I was looking for Braden. I found him posing with a "bogus" family. I knew he was the man I'd written about. And when I put Raeann next to him I saw the perfect couple.

I almost felt like climbing on the hood of my car and playing a fiddle and singing! Oops, does that date me? Remember "Fiddler on the Roof" and that catchy tune, "Matchmaker, Matchmaker?"

Better Than a Box of Chocolates!!

I admit it. I am a chocoholic! In March I gave up sweets to help bring my glucose count down. It has worked, and I really don't miss it too much. If I feel like I really need to have a bite of something sweet, I don't deny myself now, but I don't overdo it either.

See, I've found something better than a box of chocolates! It doesn't cost a thing and it brings a big smile to my face every single day. What is it?

It's the beauty in every single day! When I'm driving to work, I'm never at a loss to see something that makes me give thanks to God for his creations. It might be the sun shining through a cloudless sky, or a mound of clouds so big and fluffy, as if they are stepping stones to heaven. I love to see raindrops on leaves and petals of flowers. I adore the first snowfall of the year and being the first to make footprints in the pristine whiteness. But most of all, I love the kaleidoscope of colors that God paints when the leaves change in the fall! Today, driving home I couldn't stop smiling at the beauty surrounding me. Yes, definitely better than a box of chocolates!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Writing What is Unseen

Our sermon in church today focused on II Corinthians 4:16-18. This message spoke to me in so many different ways. Our pastor asked us several questions. The most significant to me was "Am I more like Jesus than I was a year ago?" The answer is yes.

Faith is something which grows within us daily. Each struggle, each triumph, each new day brings us closer to knowing God's plan for us. I'm always asking myself if I truly have Jesus in my heart, or if I'm simply paying lip service. Sometimes it is hard to tell. But as I look on the times I turn to prayer throughout the day to ask God to place a healing hand on someone who is in pain, or ask Him to remove a burden which is worrisome to me, or thank Him for the many blessings in my life, including unanswered prayers, I know that He lives in my heart. I am blessed.

I've been asking God what direction He wants me to take with my writing. I have a passion to write. It is a hunger that gnaws at me. Yet, I don't know what direction or plan God has for me.

Today, during the sermon, God touched my heart. He told me through my Pastor that I should not be looking at what can be seen but at what cannot be seen. God created us in His image. Each day that we spend as a servant to God brings us closer to being the person that He created us to be. What is inside me is where my words must come from. I know that only by trusting in God and writing from my heart will I fulfill His plan for me. My journey may take me up many hills and down many valleys, but it will be a journey worth taking.

Thank you for stopping by. May your day be blessed.

Oh Me, Oh My, My Brain is Confused!!

I've had a rough day as far as thinking about my current manuscript. I know I have to finish it, but I keep thinking it just isn't strong enough. Self doubt is a terrible thing.

So, when I saw the post in one of my writing groups about a Left Brain Right Brain test, I decided to take it. Why not? Had to kill some time and stop flogging myself.

Hah! Okay, before I go any further, here's the link--Left Brain, Right Brain Test.

Have you tried it yet? Go ahead. Then read on.

Okay, at first all I could see was the figure going clockwise. Nothing changed it for me. Then I came home and pulled it up on my flat screen monitor. Ack!! She keeps changing. If I move my eyes away and back again, she changes direction. Okay, so no wonder I'm having a difficult time deciding if I should continue with my manuscript or not. My brain is fighting with itself!!

Okay, go ahead and post a comment. I'm dying to see if there are any other weirdos like me!

Six Most Dreaded Words

I wish I had a nickel for every time I've heard the six most dreaded words--"Hurry up and write another book." Arrrrgh!!!

That's the peril of being a writer. Non-writers do not understand the publishing business. They think I can just write a book and 'voila', just like magic, it appears in book form. I try to explain the process, but their eyes take on a look of muddied water. **sigh**

Looking at the bright side of this (as I always try to find something good out of the bad), I feel honored. The comments that follow those six most dreaded words are: "I just couldn't put the book down." "You have a way of writing that keeps me turning the pages." "I love the way you write. Straightforward, no words wasted, but written in such a way that I have to keep reading to see what happens next."

I love hearing things like that. And when someone says those six most dreaded words, besides feeling like I have to defend myself, I also have to smile because they wouldn't say them if they didn't like my writing.

I only wish I could talk one of my fans into becoming my agent.

Thanks for stopping by!

Oh No! Not Goodbye!!!

Have you ever received a catalog from a company you have never purchased a single item from that had splashed across the front cover: "Is This Really Goodybe?"

Over the years I've received so many. Some say: "This may be your last catalog!"

I wish!! Oh, don't get me wrong. I enjoy looking through the catalogs. Sometimes I even dog-ear a page or two, but rarely do I order. Do they really think that "threat" is going to cause me to pick up the telephone and quickly place my order to prevent me from **gasp** falling off their mailing list?

The catalog I received today was from Chadwick's. I believe I ordered from them about twenty years ago when I was skinny and firm. But today's catalog says: "I know you like new styles, leading fashion trends, quality fabrics, and a good deal when you see one. Our records tell us so...in fact, you were once ranked among our best customers but, unfortunately, we'll have to say goodbye if you don't order from us soon." Funny, I thought I said goodbye years ago when I quit ordering.

Now further down, the words go like this: "Let's start over! To encourage you to give us another try, we've made an exclusive final offer just for you...I would love to welcome you back!"

Okay, if we've never said goodbye, how can you welcome me back?

Bet I get another three or four catalogs from Chadwick's before the year ends. Some people just don't like saying goodbye.

Speaking of which, did I tell you the title of my newest manuscript is "Saying Goodbye"?

Have a great day and thanks for stopping by!

Blogging Brain Damage

I have brain damage. It's official. I admit it. Each day I look at this blank white space for a blog and I wonder what in the blazes I can possibly talk about. I think my brain damage comes from working at a computer all day and then coming home and...working at a computer! I dream of computers. I carry a computer with me and work on a computer during my lunch hour.

You know how they say that a person starts to look like their pets? Well, what about people who spend so much time glued to their computers? Am I starting to look like my SONY flat screen or my HP processor?

I don't think there is a cure for this kind of brain damage. I doubt that a lobotomy would work.

I even volunteer to...do more work on my computer. Saturday I volunteered to take over the responsibility for my RWA chapter's newsletter. Am I crazy???

**sigh** I think I'll have to do something I dread doing. I'll have to become a plotter instead of a panster when it comes to blogging. Soooooo, I'm going to try something new. Yeah, yeah. You've heard that before. But this is cool! Listen!

I'm going to blog on one topic for an entire week. That way I won't have to come up with something new for each day! HA!

I'll defeat this blogging brain damage yet.

If you've made it this far, thanks for stopping in and reading.

Hear Their Cries

My heart has been so heavy over the senseless loss of a beautiful little girl. It is horrible to lose a child in any way, but when the death comes from the blow of a parent, one who has been entrusted to care for God's little angels, it is beyond my comprehension. I haven't been able to get this off my mind. So, I'm taking the liberty of posting something I wrote a while back.

She knelt upon the cold, damp floor,
And clasped her hands in prayer,
Tear stains upon her dirty cheeks,
Clad in tattered underwear.
Outside the door, the fighting raged,
Yelling, cursing, words of hate,
An adult world so filled with pain,
Another sleepless night, her fate.

He cried and squeezed his eyes so tight,
While sounds of anger filled the room,
Mom and Dad in screaming rage,
He knelt in silence in the gloom.
Pajamas warm, a fluffy bed,
A room stock full of toys,
Frightened and alone he prayed,
His words not heard above the noise.

Now I lay me down to sleep,
I pray the Lord my soul to keep,
If I should die before I wake,
I pray the Lord my soul to take.

Lord, Jesus, please save our children.

Click, Click...Click, Click, Clickclickclick....Click!!

That is the sound of my fingers flying across the keyboard. This past week has been great! My accomplishments:

1. Monday managed to get myself to the Aladdin Shrine Complex by 7am to set up for our holiday trade show. All 88 tables, point of sale, and wines were displayed beautifully in an hour and a half. Record time.

2. Tuesday - hosted the largest ever holiday trade show for my industry--total customers in attendance, 1213. Never got a potty break because of the huge lines waiting to register. Worked a straight 13 hours.

3. Drug myself into work on Wednesday and actually managed to finish out my 8 hours without snoring.

4. Thursday - played catch up on the piles of work waiting on my desk, making one small dent only.

5. Friday - Nearly completed matching up invoices for the Cincinnati Trade Show with the product coming back into the warehouse. Have to wade through the pallet of wine on Monday. Still waiting on the invoices for the Toledo, Cleveland and Columbus shows.

6. Today I attended my local RWA chapter writer's meeting. What a great meeting. Somehow I managed to volunteer to take over our Newsletter for next year. Maybe I still haven't caught up on my sleep. LOL! Learned all about publishing from the bookseller's end from Linda Keller, 2006 Bookseller of the Year and winner of RWA's 2008 Steffie Walker Bookseller of the Year award. Linda gave an insightful and entertaining workshop of nearly two hours. Immediately following we had a booksigning event at the Pickerington library.

So, the click, click, click you are hearing are my fingers flying across the keyboard. I'm all rared up to finish SAY GOODBYE, my second inspirational romantic suspense novel.

Thanks for stopping by!

On the Bookshelf Today

Since Halloween is approaching, and that is my birthday...what? You didn't know I was born on October 31? It's been a fun day to have a birthday over the years. I've always had fun telling everyone that I'm a witch. Of course, I'm not! I guess that lighthearted look at this controversial holiday gave me the inspiration to write TWISTED SPELL.

I was pleasantly surprised to learn that my story had been reviewed by Night Owl Romance. The reviewer gave the story a rating of 4 out of 5.

This was a cute Halloween story that had me chuckling at Dora’s antics. I enjoyed this story so much that I look forward to reading more from Ms. Erhardt. You will definitely be entertained with this one.(Diana)

Read Full Review

Thanks for stopping by!

A Sad and Depressing Day

Nearly every day there is an article in my local newspaper about child abuse. My friends and I discuss these instances, citing that the parent or significant other adults involved should be heavily punished. It is inconceivable that anyone can do the horrible things we read. Yet, we are removed. We know it happens, but it happens to strangers, not to anyone we know or not in our families. Today I was slammed hard with the knowledge that it can hit home.

My son's best friend, who practically grew up in our home and still calls me Mom, lost his two year old granddaughter. How? His daughter abused the child who died as a result. When I first heard of the death, I heard the child had actually fallen down the stairs and later died of a ruptured intestine. All I could think of was how tragic that this had happened, and that the child's remains were being held for autopsy and the incident was being investigated as possible abuse. Last night the mother admitted she had abused the child and tried to cover the bruises with makeup because she was afraid of getting in trouble when they took the child to the hospital. She was arraigned in court today and the funeral is Monday.

I can't imagine the pain that family is enduring now. The terrible loss of a beautiful child, and the knowledge that another family member was responsible. Now they face in addition to a funeral, the publicity and horror of a court trial.

My prayers are for the family, and for God to care for his new little angel.

God entrusts us with these little angels. We are to care for them and keep them safe. If ever I needed proof that Satan is ever present, it is with the knowledge that the world's children are not safe. Not even with their parents.

With heavy heart, I now fall to my knees.

Knitting a Novel

This past weekend I had the joy of spending a day and a half with my granddaughter. She is so smart and so much fun to be with. Earlier this year I taught her to knit. I was surprised when she brought her left over yarn and needles with her. She hadn't forgotten one thing I'd taught her. I used to love to knit, but I've had some problems with my thumbs that prevent me from holding needles for any period of time, so I've given up the craft. But as I watched my beautiful granddaughter weave that yarn into an intricate pattern, I began to realize that writing is much like knitting.

In knitting each stitch carefully interlocks into the next to complete a row. Each row connects to the next to form a pattern. The pattern continues until a completed article emerges.

In writing each word carefully interlocks into the next to complete a sentence. Each sentence connects to the next to form a paragraph. Each paragraph continues until a completed manuscript emerges.

Some knitters follow a detailed pattern to complete their project.

Some writers follow a detailed outline to complete their manuscript.

Some knitters don't follow a written pattern, but use their own creativity to design their projects.

Some writers don't outline, but let the story develop as they write their novels.

Tomorrow I'm going to get busy and knit a novel.

Thanks for stopping by and reading!

He Murdered Her Sister

“Keith did it. He murdered my sister.” Beth's face was set in stone, her eyes puffy and red from crying.

It was the second time Ryan heard her accuse Keith, but her accusations had no basis in fact. No one had seen the driver. He sat on the sofa facing her. He leaned forward letting his hands dangle between his knees. “Beth—”

“He did it. Why don't you believe me?”

“You can't positively identify the driver. You’ve got to understand—”

“Understand this, Detective. Keith killed my sister. I'll prove it to you.”

Ryan rubbed the stubble on his chin. This had been a rough day and it was only going to get worse. “I'm sorry. I know you're upset. Think hard, Beth. Is there anything else you can remember? Anything at all.”

“No.” She pressed her lips firmly together.

“I know how you feel about Keith, and I understand why. But he doesn't own a truck. He drives a Mustang.”

“I know what he drives, and I know Keith did it.”

“I can't arrest him without a witness or other incriminating evidence.”

“Then find it. That's your job.”

The conversation was going nowhere. He'd asked all his questions. He still had reports to file and it was getting late. He stood and placed a hand on Beth's shoulder. “I'll do my best. Look, I've got to go. Is there someone you can call to stay with you?”

“I'm fine,” she answered. She shrugged his hand away.

“I'm trying to be a friend, Beth.”

Her steely eyes held his gaze. “Friend? I don't need a friend. I need you to do your job. Arrest Keith.”

********************

Since today was gripe day, I thought it might be fun to share the above excerpt from my novel, HIT AND RUN. I have tons of gripes of my own, from aching feet to a ganglion cyst growing on my right pointer finger. But my gripes don't compare to what Beth is going through. If you enjoyed the excerpt, you can check out more on my website.

Thanks for stopping by!

Smiling Despite it All

Today was one of those days where I truly put the "smile" to the full test. It all started with having to set up for a huge holiday trade show for my day job. The truck carrying all the wines and point of sale material was due to arrive at ten to eight. I arrived at seven to make sure all was ready for the setup. Salespeople began to arrive and mill around waiting for the ... truck. Salespeople are paid on commission, so their giving me this time was costing them money. The truck arrived almost an hour late. (Have to smile)

Arrived back at the office and spent the next two hours fielding calls from our suppliers who would be at the show to pour the wine for the tastings. They didn't know what time the shows started, nor did they remember where. (Have to smile)

These shows are held throughout the state and I coordinate all four. One in Cincinnati (tonight), one in Columbus (tomorrow-the one I was setting up), one in Toledo on Wednesday, and the last in Cleveland. Cincinnati called me at 2pm to tell me they were short one of the wines for their 5pm show! All the managers in Columbus had already left for the show. No one to transport. Had to call the supplier and alert them to the issue. (Have to smile)

Came home and decided to help out hubby because he wasn't yet home from work. Took out the trash and put it on the curb to be picked up. Took out two cans of yard waste because that company (different from the trash) would also come tomorrow. Hubby arrived home, thanked me, and informed me that there would be no trash pickup tomorrow because today was a holiday--Columbus day. (Have to smile)

Told hubby I wanted to go out to eat. He thought it was a good idea. We wanted to get home in time to watch Dancing with the Stars. We locked the house and headed out to his truck, which was parked behind me in the driveway and...the passenger front tire was going FLAT!!! An hour later, we'd managed together to change that tire. Since hubby has a heart and lung problem, he gets out of breath very easy. I did my best to do the carrying and heavy stuff. Time five minutes to eight. Decided to stay home after all. Hubby said he wasn't hungry any more. All he wanted was soup. I decided not to eat. **sigh** (Have to smile)

Warped Reflections

In our family room we have a "cornered" fireplace, which my husband built shortly after we bought this house. The brick encasing it from ceiling to floor has been the resting place for Christmas wreaths each and every Christmas season. Several years ago one of our daughters made me a beautiful quilted wall hanging. By using various patterned scrap material pieces, she created a scene of the hill with three crosses, the foremost prominent one depicting the cross on which Jesus was crucified. I loved the way it looked displayed above the mantle in our family room.

Earlier this year I watched a "Trading Spaces" episode where they placed a mirror above a fireplace, and explained how to angle it downward to reflect the room, giving it a bigger appearance. That made me think about making a change to our brick wall by removing the wall hanging and replacing it with a mirror. One day we were looking for some unrelated thing, when I spotted a "perfect" mirror. The price was right, so we snatched it up. My hubby finally got around to hanging it, and I was so excited to have a new change (he hates any changes in furniture rearrangement, etc). But after hanging the mirror, what it reflected appeared distorted. It's hard to explain, almost like looking at a picture that has been skewed incorrectly. In fact, the mirror actually makes one dizzy if you stare into it while you are moving. **sigh** I love the mirror, but I avoid looking into it whenever I'm "moving". I warn all our visitors about it, also. Our son, who makes windows for a living, told us the mirror was warped. Who ever heard of a warped mirror? Not me! Live and learn. I suppose some day we'll replace the mirror with another one.

The imperfect mirror made me think of how many times we might look at our reflections and either miss something that others "see" in us, or perhaps see something in ourselves that others don't. Reflections can be deceiving--even in a "perfect" mirror.

Oh, the wall hanging? It is proudly displayed at the top of our stairs where every visitor can look on its beauty, and hopefully feel the love of God that cements our house.

Thanks for stopping by and reading!

Snip, snip, snip

This is the day I blog about accomplishments. When I reflect back over the week, I have to confess I've written zilch on my manuscript. I think I've gotten a bit gunshy on trying to write this as an inspirational romantic suspense. I know where the story needs to start, but I really don't like the plot on the suspense/mystery portion. So, I'm thinking of leaving out that whole plot line. Can I actually sustain writing a complete novel on just the romance? So here I go mentally snipping away at my manuscriptm but I haven't managed to type anything at all this week--with the exception of blogging.

The only other accomplishments this week have been non-writing related. Like getting my hair all snipped off.

Guess this has been a week for snipping.

Thanks for stopping by!

Going Down in a Sea of Books

What is it about books? I just can't seem to part with them. I have books on my shelf that I began collecting over forty years ago! And I keep buying them. I was doing fairly well with purchasing only paperbacks which I would give away, sometimes to friends and family, sometimes to charities. But then I found Zooba. Wow! For $9.99 I can get a brand new hard back book each month including shipping. It doesn't get any better than that. So...now I'm back to finding corners to stash my books. My bookshelves downstairs are overflowing. So it the bookcase headboard of my bed. Likewise, the bookcase in my office along with the two two-tiered wall shelves my husband built. **sigh** But I can't get rid of them. I keep thinking some day I will be all alone, lonely, with nothing but a television and my BOOKS. Books will entertain me no matter how old and decrepit I become. Now, hubby doesn't read anything but the newspaper and those little plastic tags that come on the many plants he purchases for our yard. But that's another story for another time. I have to get back to what I was doing...sorting paperback books to give away to charity.

Thanks for commiserating with me.

Thursday's Real Life Character

He weighed about 350 pounds, but he reminded me of an ex-football player, not a flabby overweight man. He had dark hair, obvious from the full but close-cropped beard and mustache. His eyes were as dark as his hair and deepset. The black ball cap with a red brim tightly snugged the top of his head. He paced the sidewalk in front of the neighbor's house directly across the street from me. Six paces to the left, then six paces to the right. Back and forth, back and forth, nervously puffing on a cigarette. I noticed him when I pulled into my driveway after a long day at work. I could feel him watching me as I retrieved the mail, unlocked the door, and went into the house to turn off the alarm. I looked out the screen door, and nothing had changed about his demeanor. The pacing continued. The cigarette went in and out of his mouth. A little uneasy, I closed the door and turned the lock. After feeding my three hungry cats, I kicked off my shoes and padded to my office. I opened the drapes and looked out. The man was still there. I wondered about his purpose for being in our neighborhood. No strange cars were in sight. As I watched he suddenly turned and walked across the lawn of the house he'd been pacing in front of and opened the door and disappeared inside. It was then I realized he must be visiting and had stepped outside to enjoy a smoke or two.

This real-life character sketch will go into my notebook and I'm sure he'll appear in a future novel.

Thanks for stopping by!

Can't Not Smile

My daughter and I both find ourselves saying "I can't not..." There are lots of times when this is the correct thing to say, despite my son-in-law stating it isn't grammatically correct.

Let's say you see a hundred dollar bill on the sidewalk in front of you. What do you do? Me, well, I can't not pick it up. Sure it sounds funny, but you'll never convince me it's incorrect to say that.

Today is my day to blog about something I've learned.

One of the major things in life I've learned is that you have to smile each and every day. Smiling lifts you up and gives you a positive outlook. If you smile at others, they will smile back. Even when I'm feeling bad, if I force a smile, soon I start feeling better. Smiling will keep you from having a bad day. That doesn't mean that only good things will happen to you, but if you smile, you'll be able to deal with the worst of them without falling into a pit of despair. When I wake up each morning, I make a decision. I can decide to be unhappy, or I can decide to be happy. All it takes is a smile. I can't not smile!

Thanks for stopping by.

What??????

Grrr. I am sooooooo mad. I have to admit that I am hooked on some of the reality and entertainment type shows like Survivor, Dancing with the Stars, Biggest Loser, and American Idol. Tonight I was watching both The Biggest Loser and Dancing with the Stars. Now, why do the networks have to do this to me? Both the Biggest Loser and Dancing with the Stars overlapped each other in such a way that the "loser" on each show would be announced at approximately the same time. So, here I sat flipping back and forth, back and forth, not wanting to miss anything. Grrrrrr.

But the biggest gripe of the evening for me is Dancing with the Stars. You know, it should be a "dancing" competition, but because half the votes come from the home audience, the worst dancer is still in the competition. I love Wayne Newton. He's an idol that has been in the entertainment world for a long time and an accomplished entertainer. However, he cannot dance. Let me reiterate. He CANNOT dance. But because of his audience appeal he is still going to torture me next week with his flat footed awkward moves on the floor.

Sometimes I just have to gripe.

Thanks for stopping by!

Did She Really Say That???

Today my blog is "something to smile about" and my goal was to keep my eyes open for things to share. My daughter left me a voice mail message that left me laughing so hard, I knew it was the perfect "something."

Every year we women go through the "annual" gynecological exam. If you are all like me you dread it. I mean it's so yucky. The positioning of the body, the baring it all, are things that our husbands never have to submit to. Now, my doctor does one great thing. Being a woman, she understands! She puts those cozy little slipper socks over the metal foot braces. Of course the rest of me stays freezing cold under that thin little paper top and sheet. But I digress. My daughter's tale:

She called her doctor's office this morning to schedule her yearly exam. The receptionist looked at her records and said, "You were here on November 7th last year. How about the 9th? Will that work for you?"

Daughter's response: "Well, that is my wedding anniversary. I'd really rather not be put in that position on my anniversary...unless it is by my husband!!

And that, dear friends, is something to smile about.

Thanks for stopping by!

Where I've Been...

Can't believe tomorrow it's back to work as usual. Friday I attended a booksigning party at the University Plaza Hotel. It was so much fun. The evening was the kick-off of my local RWA chapter's yearly conference. Lori Foster, NY Times Best Selling Author, was our key note speaker, and I had the honor of sitting next to her at the signing. I also had the privilege of picking up Rhonda Penders, co-founder of The Wild Rose Press at the airport earlier that day and driving her to the hotel. Rhonda is a very gracious, down-to-earth, and friendly person.

On Saturday, our conference began at 9am and ended at 6pm. I was very pooped, but inspired by the time I got home and crashed.

Before the end of the conference, the TWRP authors who were at the event managed to get together with Rhonda for a picture. From left are: Tabitha Gibson, Rhonda Penders, Jules Bennett, myself, and Sandra Wickersham-McWhorter.



A good time was had by all! Thanks for stopping by!

Where are Your Buns?

When my middle daughter was a teenager, we had stopped in McDonald's one evening and both ordered Big Mac's. I was going to blow my straw wrapper at her and she opened the "box" the burger was in and was moving it from side to side (like a shield) to avoid my aim. One particularly quick movement sent the top of her bun sailing to the floor...right in front of a guy who was sweeping the floor. I told her to "pick her buns up off the floor," and then we both burst into uncontrollable laughter. The little brat took off to the bathroom leaving me to sit at the table laughing and wiping tears while every "sane" person looked at me wondering when the man with the straight jacket would appear. Why am I remembering this?

I'm ashamed to say that I blew my diet tonight. Yep, I'm on the South Beach diet and I've been doing just great. In fact, I've been having to force myself to eat and I rarely eat the snacks in between the meals that are recommended. Anyway, today I picked up Rhonda Penders, co-owner of The Wild Rose Press at the airport. Skipped lunch. We made plans to eat dinner at 4pm. I had a salad. Then attended a two hour booksigning, which was great fun...but when I got home I was hungry. Hubby and I went to Frisch's and I ordered a turkey club wrap. I figured the thin red pepper wrap wouldn't be too bad, but I forgot to tell the waitress I wanted a "wrap". I received what I asked for a turkey club sandwich (on a sub bun). I was so hungry I decided to keep it and I actually ate half of the sub bun. Bad, bad, me. So, I've been thinking about buns. The too big buns that I carry around with me and one of the reasons I'm dieting, and the bun I ate that will surely adhere to my personal buns.

So, that's my story for the night. Now I'm off to bed.

Thanks for stopping by!

Author Interview with Maggie Toussaint

The Blog Studio band has the audience on their feet, clapping to the beat of a lively show tune, "76 Trombones". From the wings the famous OSU Marching Band, emerges joining with the Blog Studio Band. The audience goes wild as the band forms the famous script "Ohio", and from behind the curtains Carol Ann comes out and dots the "i".

After the band marches back off stage, and the audience is seated, Carol Ann yells "GO BUCKS!"

**Applause and hoots follow**

Carol Ann takes a seat in the middle of the set and the audience hushes.

CAROL ANN: This is an exciting day for me. It is the last of my author interviews for 2007. And, I couldn't think of a better way to end the series than to invite a very dear friend of mine to come and share her warm personality and wisdom. Her upcoming book is called NO SECOND CHANCE and the cover is absolutely stunning. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome, author MAGGIE TOUSSAINT!!

**Camera pans to the book in Carol Ann's hand**



**As the audience applauds, a slim beautiful shining auburn hair strolls out, waving at the crowd**

CAROL ANN: Maggie, thank you for coming all the way the Blog Studio today.

MAGGIE: Thank you for inviting me.

**Carol Ann looks at the book and once again holds it toward the audience**

CAROL ANN: This bookcover is absolutely stunning. I'd love to hear more about the story.

MAGGIE: I’m very excited about my upcoming release from The Wild Rose Press, No Second Chance. They say you can’t judge a book by the cover, but I sure hope the cover from my romantic mystery gets people to sit up and take notice. The cover artist captured the heart of the book, from the tender love story, to the evil villain, to the rescued horses.

People often talk about writing the book of their heart. That’s No Second Chance for me. I’ve been working on it on and off for years because the story of these rescued horses wouldn’t leave me alone.

The idea of the book grew out of personal experience. My oldest daughter rode horses throughout her youth. We spent our weekends doing horse stuff, spending time with horsey people. Eventually my husband and I served on the board of directors for a nonprofit that accepted horses for therapy for chronically ill children. It was so rewarding to help others, to see the improvement in the children each time they visited the farm.

I always said when I got this book published I’d use the proceeds to help horses. I’ve designated Day’s End Farm Horse Rescue in Lisbon, Maryland as a beneficiary of a portion of the proceeds from No Second Chance. This farm rescues horses all over the United States. Check out their website at www.defhr.org

The release date for No Second Chance has yet to be determined, but it’s looking like November 2007 for the e-book and April 2008 for the print release.

Check my websiteand The Wild Rose Press for the announcement in the coming weeks. And be sure to view my fantastic book trailer for No Second Chance. I uploaded it to My Spaceand it should be up on my website soon.

I have two other books coming out soon. Read more about Seeing Red and In For a Penny on my website.

CAROL ANN: Tell me a bit about your journey to becoming an author.

MAGGIE: How long do you have??? ((hearty laughter)) Stories have always captivated me. I listen to them or read them and I’m transported to another time and place. That love of stories and the fact that I used to write five page letters to my friends all the time fused as I matured into a burning desire to write. While my girls were little and I was stuck at cheerleading practice or the barn or wherever, I’d scribble in a notebook. I kept at it, whenever I could, on desperate little scraps of paper. Finally I had a book.

I darted into the world of editors and agents like an Olympic sprinter, madly waving my completed story at any and everyone. It stunk. I didn’t learn that until much later, not until I joined the local Romance Writers of America chapter.

I networked, took writing classes, and improved my craft, all the while raising my family and working as a scientist. Years passed. Rejections lined my file folders. I switched to writing mysteries. I landed an agent. More years passed. New York didn’t come calling. I decided to try small presses. My agent and I parted ways. Then within six months, I landed 3 book contracts, my first being House of Lies with The Wild Rose Press.

Unsolicited of advice for newbies out there: don’t do it the hard way, like I did. Write what you like and stick with it. Don’t keep chasing your tail or you’ll end up running in circles.

CAROL ANN: What do you find is the hardest thing about being an author?

MAGGIE: If you’d asked me before I sold, I would have said selling your book. If you’d asked me in the first quarter this year, I would’ve said learning the promotion ropes. Here in the third quarter of the year after House of Lies released, the hardest thing for me is finding balance in my life. Promoting my current book, editing my contracted books, gearing up for the next wave of published books, and writing a new book – all those things get squished into my writing time. Which means I have to be wickedly efficient at time management. I set goals each week and report them to my writing coach, another newly published writer. We keep each other moving forward, cheering each other’s successes, commiserating when we stumble.

CAROL ANN: It certainly sounds as if you have found that balance. You know, a friend of mine, Paige Cuccaro, has a site called The Cave. On it you can see what many author's offices look like. Would you mind describing your office space to the audience?

MAGGIE: I have the best room in our house. I have a sliver of a waterfront view over the top of a butterfly garden. My computer is positioned between two windows, letting in lots of sunlight, which I absolutely require. I have two six foot tall bookshelves crammed full of books and family pictures. There are stacks of papers for various projects. I work my day job as a reporter from my home office too, so there are lots of stacks. I have a loveseat sofa for lounging and the usual assortment of staplers, desk lights, paper punches, etc. My miniature bean bag frogs rest on my monitor stand and help me think when the writing is slow. I have a wind chime on the pull of my ceiling fan. I love hearing soothing sounds from chimes. My guitar leans up against my file cabinet, my yoga mats are propped behind the loveseat.

CAROL ANN: Now that sounds like the perfect all around office to me. I'm envious. My office, unfortunately, seems to be the room everything that doesn't have a place winds up to rest. I have soooo many books that they overflow the shelves in my office. Thank goodness I don't have any large collections or they'd land there as well. How about you, Maggie? Do you collect anything?

MAGGIE: Seashells. I have boxes and boxes of seashells. I was a dreamy kid who listened to the wind whistling through a conch shell and imagined I was one of Blackbeard’s pirates. I’d use flat scallop shells as play money, and I’d use thick clam shells as dishes when I played house with my dolls. I have those glass lamps that you fill with shells – two of them – and they don’t begin to hold all my seashells. I love the different textures of seashells and I love the smell of the sea.

CAROL ANN: It's easy to see why your books are so successful. You have a talent for "showing" by making great use of the senses. Let's pretend that you can go back in time and visit any period, any place. What would you choose?

MAGGIE: Are you nuts? I need flush toilets, antibiotics, shopping malls, dentists, hair color, and cell phones. Why the heck would I leave all that behind? I’d much rather read about history and imagine how it would be. I would have died in the first ten minutes on the Oregon Trail.

**audience roars with laughter**

CAROL ANN: I guess I deserved that! Okay, here's an easier question. What does the word romance mean to you?

MAGGIE: It’s the greatest adventure of all. It’s two people who act on their mutual attraction. It’s sixth grade clumsiness and eyes meeting across the room. It’s tingling skin and butterfly bellies. It’s push and pull until you are both truly caught in a web of passion. It’s the best magic of all.

CAROL ANN: Ah, magic. I love it. While we're talking about romantic things, who is the one person you can always depend on to make you smile?

MAGGIE: My husband of thirty years makes me smile. My best-ever cheerleader to follow my writing dream, my Mom, makes me smile. My kids, my sisters, my two best friends since childhood. My writing buds. I need all of them for smiles.

CAROL ANN: You are such a delight, Maggie. You seem to be handling "authordom" with great finesse. What advice would you give to aspiring authors?

MAGGIE: Don’t assume that you know anything. Keep taking writing courses and learning how to do it better. If you let pride stand in your way, you’ll be stuck at the bottom of the heap forever. You can learn to write. It isn’t an inherited trait. But it takes practice and discipline to ride out the good times along with the bad. Build a strong support network. You’ll need help and advice along the way. And the best advice of all – treat others the way you’d like to be treated.

**The band plays a quick drum roll, signifying time is running out.**

CAROL ANN: Well, this interview has certainly gone fast. It seem like the OSU Marching Band just left the stage, and now it's time for us to do the same. Real quick, before we leave, do you believe the pen is mightier than the sword?

MAGGIE: The pen (actually the computer) gets my vote, and it has a worldwide reach. With words, people are entertained, enlightened, and enriched. That’s my goal, to entertain, to lighten someone’s day, to create a world where everything turns out happily-ever-after. Did I mention that I’m an optimist?

And then there’s the flip side to pens and swords, as my husband reminded me: “If a person’s in the pen, he isn’t allowed to have a sword.” See? He does make me smile!

**Audience applauds and laughs**

CAROL ANN: And he made the audience smile, too. Maggie, thank you again for spending this time with me.

MAGGIE: Thank you for having me stop in, Carol Ann. I’ve greatly enjoyed sharing my thoughts and experiences with you. Thank you for being my friend this year, and for sharing your time with so many fabulous authors through your blog interviews. I’m so glad to know you for the loving, giving person you are. I wish you well with your books, hoping that all of your dreams come true.

**Carol Ann and Maggie hug. They wave to the audience and walk off stage while the band plays the Blog Studio theme song (reminiscent of the theme for Cheers)

**the camera rolls to the credits**

CREDITS:

Maggie's Website: www.maggietoussaint.com

Maggie's My Space: http://www.myspace.com/maggietoussaint

The Wild Rose Press: www.thewildrosepress.com

Latest News...and Off to Bed

I submitted the first three chapters of Joshua's Hope to The Wild Rose Press a couple of weeks ago and recieved a request for the full manuscript. I took one more read through and made a few changes that smoothed out the plot a bit. I really think this is the best story I've written, despite the rejection from Steeple Hill.

Tomorrow I'm sending the full manuscript to The Wild Rose Press for their perusal. Wish me well.

And tomorrow it's back to working on my newest manuscript Say Goodbye.

Oh, and don't forget the booksigning on Friday night. Sure would love to see you there! Check out my website for information.

******

Today I've been dragging from lack of sleep. I went to the store and purchased a sleeping aid on my lunch hour. I don't think I'll need it tonight. I'm exhausted, yawning, and heading to bed.

Thanks for stopping by.

Counting Sheep Again

For over a week, I've been going to bed really tired, only to end up tossing and turning and finally giving up about an hour later and getting out of bed. I read, I write, I try everything to get my mind quieted down so I can rest.

Nothing seems to work. I've even tried counting sheep.

I'm getting paranoid about going to bed because all I can think about is not going to sleep. And then, of course, I can't.

Sigh.

Anyone know of a cure?

Suspense...Romance...

It's been a manic Monday for sure. Very busy at work today and I forgot to bring my USB drive with my manuscript on it so I could write on my lunch hour. Bummer, so I just ate in my car and took a little snooze instead.

Tonight has been a night of suspense and romance. Started out with the season premier of Dancing with the Stars...suspense...who will win?

Now I'm watching The Bachelor. Romance in the making.

Well, I know I should be writing, but how can I tear myself away from great TV? I call it research. LOL!

Thanks for stopping by!