Bluechocolate Diaries

Music Monday! Coldplay-Paradise

2012-01-30T06:00:00.000-05:00

Photo Friday! Cheers to the Weekend

2012-01-27T18:20:00.003-05:00

Tek Time Mash ants you'll find de guts.

2012-01-24T21:27:00.001-05:00

Ok so you're wondering what that means or even what it's saying. Translation:

"Take your time to mash ants and you'll eventually find their guts."

Ok so you still don't understand what that means, neither did I for a long time growing up. It was but one of my grandmothers parables. Her words of wisdom.

It meant, when looking to achieve a goal. no matter how big or how small. You were to make a plan and follow it and though sometimes life would require you to deviate. You should be patient, because you will eventually will achieve the goal.

It was often said when she felt were in haste to achieve a goal that perhaps she didn't agree with. That too was part of the parable. Granny Hermine felt that if you took the time to make a plan and follow it you might well realize the thing you were so hasty to accomplish might not be in your best interest or that it would cement your interest in the goal.

Sometimes, just sometimes her wisdom jumps up at odd times to hit me upside the head and this is one of those time. Just when I'm running around like a chicken without a head attempting to achieve something that may or may not be good for me.

Sometimes you just have to slow down, reevaluate and soldier on.

Chudney

Music monday!- Etta James- Something's Got A Hold On Me

2012-01-23T06:00:00.000-05:00

Photo Friday!- Can anyone guess where and what this is?

2012-01-20T09:13:00.000-05:00

Third Wednesday guest Blog- Katie Reus

2012-01-18T06:00:00.000-05:00

Things have been a little different on the blog lately. On of those differences is Third Wednesday guest blogs. This Wednesday it's my friend and author Katie Reus. If you've ever met Katie you'll know that she's funny and smart. So without further adieu I give you Katie.

Thank you so much to Chudney for having me here today!

About seven months ago I had my first baby and roughly three weeks afterward I was out walking in the mornings again. I didn’t walk the normal five miles I did pre-birth right away, but something was better than nothing and getting out of the house was a necessity for my sanity. Months later I found myself getting a little bored so I decided to mix things up. I’m not a big fan of gyms and even if I didn’t have a new baby, I’d never make the drive anyway. So, I bought one of those small step machines with resistance tubes (super cheap!) and whoa, talk about mixing it up. I actually sweat and can feel the strain of the different muscles I’m using so that’s a very good thing.

As a reader and a writer, I like to mix things up. I definitely have my go-to authors that are on auto buy (Lisa Marie Rice, Sherrilyn Kenyon) and there are certain genres that I’ve been reading since I was nineteen that I can almost guarantee will always top my book buying scales. But if I read a review (good or bad) that intrigues me or a friend recommends an author to me that’s not in my ‘normal’ reading genre, I’ll give them a try. I’m rarely disappointed.

Nevertheless, it doesn’t matter how much I mix things up, I always come back to my two favorite genres; romantic suspense and paranormal romance. Since those are my favorites, it only makes sense that I also write in those genres. This month His Secret Past released from Carina Press and in a few weeks Alpha Instinct will be releasing from Signet Eclipse. Can you guess which genre is which by title? ;)

Official His Secret Past blurb:Six years ago, Alexis Baptiste’s world was turned upside down when Hunter Cassidy disappeared without a trace, leaving her alone and pregnant. She’s finally moving on with her life when he resurfaces, just in time to rescue her from a would-be assassin. Forced to join him on the run to protect herself and her young son, Alexis is now in even more danger: danger of falling for Hunter all over again.Betrayed by rogue CIA agents after infiltrating an infamous drug cartel, former DEA agent Hunter Cassidy has spent years trying to clear his name. He’s not proud of the things he’s done, and knows he doesn’t deserve a future with Alexis, or the son he never knew he had, but he’s determined to protect them from the men who ruined his life. Convincing Alexis to trust him—and denying his feelings for her—is going to be the hardest mission he’s ever faced.

Official Alpha Instinct blurb:
Fear has a scent. So does desire…

Ana Cordona has been a strong leader for the lupine shifters who survived after all the males and most of the females in her pack were mysteriously poisoned. As tough as she is, with no Alpha male, the pack is vulnerable to the devious shifter Taggart, who wants to claim both their ranch and Ana as his own. When Connor Armstrong comes back into her life, promising protection, it’s almost enough to make Ana forget how he walked out on her before—and reluctantly accept his offer to mate.

The minute Connor sees Ana again, it reawakens a raw hunger. He must have her for his bondmate—his wolf cries out for it. But his human side knows he must proceed with caution because of their complicated past. If he is to truly have her body and soul, he must go beyond his burning desire and win back her heart. Whatever it takes, he is determined not to leave her side again.

But Taggart and his rival pack are not their only enemies. A human element in town is targeting shifters. Their plan not only threatens Ana and Connor’s future, but the lives of the entire pack…

Purchase info: His Secret Past is available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, CarinaPress &; all other major online retailers. Alpha Instinct is also available at Amazon, B&N, the Book Depository and all major retailers.

If you’d like to win a digital copy of His Secret Past or print copy of Alpha Instinct, just leave a comment about today’s blog. I’ll pick two winners (US only for Alpha) January 20, 2012 after noon, Central time.
Please leave your email address in the comments section so I know how to contact you!

Another CONTEST alert: To celebrate the release of His Secret Past and Alpha Instinct, I’m having 7 weeks of contests with weekly prizes (books, books, books! from me and some really fab authors) and a grand prize of an Amazon Kindle. For more details on how to enter, please visit my website contest page.

A little about me: I’ve been reading romance since I discovered my mom’s hidden stash at a young age and the addiction stayed with me into adulthood. I write paranormal romance and sexy romantic suspense for Carina Press, Harlequin Nocturne, and NAL/Signet Eclipse. To learn more about me please visit my website, my blog, facebook or find me on twitter @katiereus.

Thanks again for having me!

Music monday! Kelly Clarkson- Stronger

2012-01-16T10:13:00.001-05:00

Music Monday! Paper Tongues-Get Higher

2012-01-09T21:16:00.000-05:00

Better Late than never. :)

Music Monday! U2- Beautiful Day (Or how I feel about the New Year)

2012-01-02T06:00:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-21T15:01:00.001-05:00

Merry Christmas

And

Happy New Year!

Guest Blog - KC Burn-Writing what you know.

2011-12-20T13:53:00.001-05:00

I asked my dear friend KC Burn to stop by this week before Christmas, completely forgetting that it would be Christmas. I'm so happy she could . With all the hustle and bustle of the season (no I haven't wrapped my presents yet) I'm very happy she remembered me. Today she tackles that phrase I'm sure every writer has heard before "Write what you know." Without further adieu I give you KC.

Hello – happy to be here at Chudney’s blog! Whether you’re writers or readers, it may interest you to know how much of themselves writers put into their work. You may have heard the refrain “write what you know”. It is often true, but it is frequently taken too literally.

Yes, there are a large number of books where the main character is an author. That is a classic example of “write what you know” while taking that advice very literally. But I’m pretty sure most Navy SEALS are too busy to sit around and pen romance novels, and there’d be very few serial killer books. I’m not sure there are *quite* as many around as one might think from the frequency they show up in books and on TV. Which means, in most cases, authors are writing things they don’t know.

I’m sure I’m not alone, though, in using “what I know” as one of the many ways I try to make my characters believable. One of these is neuroses. Now, as I write this on less than three hours of sleep, I start to wonder if my neuroses are some sort of symptom of my sleep deprivation!

I’m a big basket of crazy, but it actually helps me with characterization. I have a number of phobias, one of which is bad enough that I get a full fight or flight adrenaline rush. If I give a character a phobia, I’ll know darn well how they’ll react when confronted with the source of their fear.For me, neuroses are more like quirks of personality, rather than full-blown phobias. For instance, I don’t like people walking behind me. It makes me even more uncomfortable when that person is a woman wearing high-heeled shoes. That “click, click, click” makes me incredibly tense, and I have no idea why. I do know that I go out of my way to avoid those situations.

I don’t like to have the blinds open – ever -- because I think people might be looking in. Okay, I know the “why”… sort of. I’ve never had an experience with a peeping tom, and logically… no one is looking in! But logic doesn’t play a big part.

While I may not give my characters the exact same neuroses I have, I can give them alternate quirks, I can envision how that would affect their daily lives. Even if it’s no more than a sentence or two in the finished work, tidbits like alphabetizing the canned goods, or organizing books by copyright date, can bring a character to life for a reader.

Thank you KC for coming by, and thank you for insight into a familiar piece of advice. One that can leave some of us scratching our heads. For those of you who are unfamiliar with KC's work, she writes Male/Male romantic fiction. If you're interested in her work, please visit either Amazon or Barnes and Noble.

Music Monday! Baby It's Cold Outside- Elf

2011-12-12T07:07:00.001-05:00

Courage.

2011-12-07T22:12:00.001-05:00

The brave may not live forever, but the cautious don't live at all.

- Ashley L.

For all of us who tremble in fear and still do the right thing.

For those of us who dare to take that first step into the unknown.

Who shake and tremble yet do what is right

and those of us that have found our voice.

Courage is not what everyone else would do,

but what is right and what is just.

Just as character is who you are in the dark,

and character brings out courage when it is needed.

It stands steadfast in the face of adversity.

Music Monday! Andrea Bocelli & Sarah Brightman- Time to Say Goodbye

2011-12-05T06:00:00.000-05:00

So beautiful I couldn't resit putting this one up today.

Today is our 8th anniversary!

2011-11-29T20:36:00.001-05:00

Our First dance.

The Kiss!

The munchkin who had an absolute ball!


Me shoving the boys onto the dance floor. As you can see one of my cousins attempted to run.

Ps. Scott if your out there, I hope all is well and my aunts still ask about you.

Music Monday! Sade- By Your Side

2011-11-28T06:00:00.000-05:00

This was the song my husband and I danced to at our wedding. It was also my cousin's song at her wedding.

Dear old Bessy is no more.

2011-11-22T21:20:00.001-05:00


Image: think4photop / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

The only thing that was to be stressful for this week was supposed to be Turkey day Prep. Turns out my car had other ideas. Fortunately it decided that it would be best to die in the parking lot outside of work. Which led to my hubby and his friend standing around and staring into the bowels of the car while another friend of mine and my mother in law discovered that we were all members of the expired triple A club.

So now we have the in-laws uber van. With all the bells and whistles while we find a car that suits us at the price that won't make our wallets cry too much.

All in all Bessy had given us her all. She'd served the family faithfully for 13 years and we can't really complain, but I'd have liked at least another year. Any way have I mentioned how thankful for my in-laws. They rescued me last night and I seriously believe in staying positive so,

Image: David Castillo Dominici / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Music Monday! Delilah- Whataya Want From Me.

2011-11-21T07:26:00.000-05:00

Photo Friday! International Cake.

2011-11-18T06:00:00.000-05:00

One of the University Departments had this cake at

International Fair yesterday.

Guest Post- David Cranmer

2011-11-16T06:00:00.000-05:00

My guest today, is a man I've only spoken to over the internet, via twitter and his blog. David Cranmer is the creator and editor, behind Beat to a Pulp. A webzine featuring hard boiled short stories in a variety of genres that pack a punch.

I wanted to show another side of David not just the writer or the editor, but the man the one who refers to his small family as, the charmers. Without further ado, I give you David.

This is my favorite picture of my mom and me. It was taken several years ago at the family homestead where she's lived for over forty years.

She could be called a stay-at-home mom, but she was much more than that to me. She was someone who listened to my troubles, congratulated me on every miniscule accomplishment, and gave me a love for reading, movies, and music. I remember watching with her many golden oldie films like KEY LARGO and THE ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD. She inadvertently taught me what makes a story tick every time she'd switch off the tube when a show was a waste of time. She handed me THE PRISONER OF ZENDA and Mark Twain books to read. From Sinatra to Springsteen, we would enjoy music together. What an influence!

What credit I may receive for my humble writings, or even the BEAT to a PULP webzine, well, she gets a humongous slice of the credit. She was always in my corner cheering me on.

The curtain to her final season is descending too quickly, and I intend to be there for her. I love you, Mom. Thanks.

Best,
David

Music Monday! Glee- Rumour Has It/Someone Like You

2011-11-14T06:00:00.000-05:00

Photo Friday! Day Date with the hubby.

2011-11-11T18:07:00.001-05:00

Hubby and I had the day off today. So as my friend Nicki put it we had a Day Date at IHOP!

The day was so beautiful we decided to take the wonder pooch for a stroll and ended up being dragged instead.

Busy, Busy. Busy!

2011-11-09T21:11:00.001-05:00

The pace at work is ramped up.

The car needs a hose replaced.

The kids are doing well at school.

The hubby's back hurts.

I still owe a manuscript.

and

I'm in the process of scheduling Guest post.

The third Wednesday of Every month,

will be someone new.

It won't necessarily be a writer.

It will be someone I find interesting.

A tidbit from someone,

that,

I hope you find interesting too.

Music Monday! Jay Z-Run This Town

2011-11-07T06:00:00.000-05:00

Photo Friday! Tailgaiting!

2011-11-03T20:59:00.000-04:00

Adventures in Tailgaiting!

That T-shirt was bought in 1998!

She's happy cause we got a half day!

Ah the boys showing their sporting capabilities

The girls look on. Did I mention it was a beautiful day?

The hubby nailed the throw!

Chris making the catch.

These guys were just a few feet over from us.

Apparently if we got bored tossing the football around we could annihilate a pumpkin. Maybe even with a mace.

Music monday! Gipsy Kings- Baila Me

2011-10-31T06:00:00.000-04:00

Photo Friday! Author photos

2011-10-28T06:00:00.000-04:00

Which do you prefer?


Number 1

Number two


Number three

Thanks to One Six Photography I have these pretty photos and tons more.

Opportunity, Adjustments and Independence!

2011-10-26T20:47:00.001-04:00

Some of you may remember the post I did on opportunity. I wrote it because I was taking that scary leap. I applied to a new position at my new job. I agonized over it. Wondered if I had what it took. Then life smacked me upside the head and made me realize that everything I'd done was to prepare me for this job.

So I applied and they asked for samples of my writing and one of the samples I turned in was that post. It helped land me the job and I'm so glad that I took the leap.But with this job comes the adjustment to a less predictable writing schedule and so I have to make adjustments.

And life is all about adjustments. Life is a constant adjustment. But this position gives me a feeling of pride and a feeling of independence.

Speaking of which:

Happy Independence Day

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines!

Music Monday! Weezer-Say it ain't so

2011-10-24T06:00:00.000-04:00

I painted the interior of my house to this song once.

Photo Friday! It's my blanket!

2011-10-21T13:22:00.004-04:00


Maya says. "It's My Blanket!"

Culture Curious

2011-10-19T18:58:00.003-04:00

I took this quiz from the NY Times . http://bit.ly/mW40CC It's Scary just how accurate it is.

Here's what it had to say about me.

You have an innate ability to see beauty and creativity in all corners of life. With a warm nature and strong family values, you manage to perfectly juggle being culturally aware with keeping grounded and down to earth. The way you see it, the more thrills the better. There's only one place to be and that's on the edge of your seat.

You're sophisticated and inquisitive with a real passion for art and culture. You pride yourself on being an early adopter of the latest music and films and always like to have a good book on the go. Your ability to bring together very diverse and even dissenting opinions is rooted in your appreciation for all points of view. You believe in immersing yourself in interesting experiences that make you look at people, places and opportunities from new angles. Being sensitive and creative you want to feel connected to the world around you and actively seek out opportunities to explore it. It's all about broadening your horizons and living life to the full. Anything else would not fulfill your curious nature. You'll love the list of The Best 1,000 Movies Ever Made, the Critics' Picks and Arts Beat.

In addition here are somethings I found interesting this week:

Mt Purple over at Hunger Hunger (Which used to be called a Daily Obsession)
Painting Teeny Selves at Cakies
Smokes on Fire at Don't Shoe me
Magnum Gray in My Storytelling at The Education of a Pulp Writer. (For those of us that loved Magnum P.I)

See you later!

Chudney (Back in the writing cave)

Music Monday! White town-Your Woman

2011-10-17T06:00:00.000-04:00

Photo Friday! Laurie's b-day gift.

2011-10-14T11:44:00.002-04:00

Ok with the new job it's all I can do to get a post up. It was my friend Laurie's B-day this weekend this is what she got as a birthday present.

It's made from recycled seatbelts. It's super cute and just the right size.

Music Monday! The Temper Trap-Sweet Disposition

2011-10-10T06:00:00.000-04:00

I've heard this song time and time again and never knew who sung it. Thanks to Pandora now I know!

Pier one experience!

2011-10-05T20:37:00.000-04:00

Love this chair!

Anyone seen my Zebra?

Oh there's my Sting Ray!

Music Monday! Chaka Demus & Pliers-Murder she wrote

2011-10-03T13:49:00.000-04:00

Last Saturday night I sat at a banquet table in a room of three hundred women. The DJ played this song and immediately within a few bars I was transported back in time to high school. Now make no mistake this is not how we dressed. But I loved this song in high school so I want to know, what was your favorite high school jam.

Music Monday! Cake- Long Time.

2011-09-26T06:00:00.000-04:00

I turned on the TV this weekend and heard this song, thought I'd share it with you.

Photo Friday! My friend Drishtie.

2011-09-23T08:56:00.000-04:00

Today is my friend Drishtie's Last day at work.
A Gradute Non-Profit Major with an
Emergency Management
and
Homeland Security certification.
She's off to finish up her degree
and brave the wilds of DC
later on.
GOOD LUCK Drishtie!

Opportunity!

2011-09-21T19:43:00.001-04:00


Image: Pixomar / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

They say opportunity knocks.
What they rarely say is that you have to be listening in order to hear the knock in the first place.
Life has a funny way of placing things in your path to prepare you for whats to come in the future. The question then becomes, when you open yourself to what life may be telling you, is it a moment of preparation or is it the real deal? You'll never know unless you take the leap.

Music monday! Cold Play - Every Teardrop is a Waterfall

2011-09-19T06:00:00.001-04:00

Photo Friday! We're back with- My nightly Cocktail

2011-09-16T06:00:00.000-04:00


Two Glucosamine Two Flinstone Gummies One Allegra One Fish Oil Yum!

My favorite flavor -red and other such sayings.

2011-09-14T19:00:00.002-04:00

If you ask my husband what his favorite flavor of Kool aid is he'll tell you it's red. Anyone see the problem here? Yep! That's it, red, isn't a flavor it's a color. It's a long running joke in our family.

We were laying around this afternoon, because he wrecked his back this weekend and after spending the day alone in the house with no one but the dog to talk to. The man needed company and someone to talk to. So I made the easiest comfort food available, mac and cheese and discovered I had Kool aid in my pantry.

Which reminded me of a conversation a co worker and I had recently. He's taking a class on gender. In the process of our conversation he told myself and another co worker that he wasn't brought up to talk about feelings. So much so, that when asked how he was doing during a particularly difficult time, he replied "I'm ok, I'm doing fine."

The person asking, pointed put to him that, Good and Fine weren't actually feelings.

And they aren't. Good and Fine are not emotions they are words we tend to use to deflect attention from our emotions. We are taught to buck up, to keep a stiff upper lip. When we should be encouraged to explore our feelings. Not so we become emotional puddles on the floor, but so we can express ourselves freely and without fear of censure simply because we dare to feel.

Music Monday! Marlon Roudette- New Age

2011-09-12T10:14:00.001-04:00

Lessons from the Golf cart.

2011-09-07T20:13:00.000-04:00

OK so Labor day through me for a loop. I wasn't feeling so well but we went camping anyway. It was a an exercise in marital cooperation.

We set up at tent that we used once, before we Alexandra. She is now six.

I let the hubby take care of the food which resulted in me missing my organic white cheddar cheetos and the only semi argument we had.

We went hiking through the woods and jumped a creek.

We packed the tent up and got it back into it's case.

And in the end I decided that we should go camping more often.

Now for that lesson from the Golf cart.

Part of my routine is picking up specific mail from different buildings and one of those buildings requires me to execute a three point turn with said golf cart. Now there was a student who needed to pass just as I was trying to do so.

Soooo I let him pass. He spoke to me just as he was behind me, to tell me not to knock him down. So I said I promise not to, thinking he was joking. He then replied that he would sue me. Now I couldn't reply what I wanted to so I simply wished him luck with that venture and drove off.

Take from this what you will, but this is the type of behavior that I've been seeing over and over again from young and old alike.

Winding Road!

2011-08-31T21:35:00.000-04:00


Image: Evgeni Dinev / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

So I'm sure you've heard the song "Life is a Highway." Well at my new job I get to do the mail run. Which sometimes involves a gravel path and a golf cart. I was out today and it occurred to me with all that's been going on in my life lately that life was like that gravel road full of lumps and bumps, that rattle your teeth and try to shake your brain out.

Sometimes I'm damned tired of all the lumps and bumps. Sometimes it seems those bumps are out to get me. Or just when I think I know where all the ruts are they up and move . Or the pot holes jump up and grab me. But then I hit a patch of smooth concrete and then I appreciate it. Without the rough I don't appreciate the smooth. But damn if I don't wish there were fewer reoccurring ruts.

Music Monday! Back in the Day- Timbaland Ft Magoo- Luv 2 Luv U

2011-08-29T07:26:00.000-04:00

Busy Week! and Pink Floyd .

2011-08-24T21:02:00.000-04:00

I'm back from the funeral. School started on Monday for the girls and for the next two weeks at least I'm working full time. Getting adjusted to a new rhythm has proven difficult. At least for myself and my husband. strangely enough the girls seem to be adapting to their own.

The eldest is in middle school, a tween with all of the tween issues. We're definitely going to have to get an appointment for braces and the chiropractor for her.

The little one has lost a tooth and it seems a second tooth has become wiggly. Now grandma has gotten her her very own. purple pouch to put the tooth in when it comes out.

I'm still attempting to juggle clothing and feeding them both in addition to the man, who admittedly cooks dinner at least half of the time. So it's back to out regularly scheduled program, there fore I leave you with the video I meant to post on Monday. Pink Floyd's - Another Brick in the Wall

Carole King- You've got a friend

2011-08-17T06:00:00.001-04:00

Happy Birthday Alexandra!

2011-08-15T06:00:00.001-04:00


Happy Birthday To My Baby!

A bright light winked out today.

2011-08-11T18:14:00.000-04:00

I swore I had a better photo of my Godfather, but this one show's him with his granddaughter, on the day of her christening, a happy moment.

Uncle Junior, you are loved and you are missed.

Brave New World.

2011-08-10T21:05:00.001-04:00

I helped someone today at the new job. He is all alone in this country or at least I believe he is. It reminded me of what it felt like to move to the US. You're alone even if you're surrounded by people who are family. There are different rules. People move at a different pace and maybe inhabit a different space.

The first place I moved to had no public transportation. I had to rely on others to get to and from school. Then I moved to Orlando. Which isn't the best place for public transportation but at the very least it has a transit system. Today that young man asked me how to get to another town in Florida and his only option was a Greyhound bus.

I'm happy he had an option even it is the only one, because could you imagine if there wasn't an option? Well I suppose he could have taken a cab, but that would have been a hell of a bill.

Music Monday! Blondie- Maria

2011-08-08T10:14:00.001-04:00

Photo Friday! Found in Great Grandma's Yard. Quail!

2011-08-05T08:23:00.000-04:00

Sexy shoes, Lizards and backs.

2011-08-03T18:35:00.000-04:00

So what do these things have in common. Me!

I admit it I like pretty things. However sometimes pretty things aren't always comfortable. This weekend I opted to buy a pair of cute Jessica Simpson shoes for a wedding. Why? you ask, well the nude shoes I own have ankle straps.

One of those ankle straps went missing and I have no idea where to get a replacement. So I bought another cute pair thinking that I was going to a wedding I wouldn't have to walk. Yeahhh about that. The wedding was at Disney. There was much walking involved and it was hot.

Yet I manged to dance in them!


That's me in the Orange doing the Cha Cha slide with Mickey

So what do lizards have anything to do with anything? Well:

This is what greets me every morning when I leave my house. It's a bit ridiculous really. They give me the evil eye as I walk over them on the way to my car. It's not like i want to witness their attempt at procreation, but they've chosen my walk way every morning for the past three mornings to have their sport.

I joked that the male should be careful because he might throw his back out. Well I threw mine out sneezing later. So I guess the evil eye works.

Music Monday! Keane- Somwhere only we know.

2011-08-01T08:41:00.001-04:00

Late to the Party again!

2011-07-28T15:28:00.000-04:00

I didn't post yesterday because I was feeling overwhelmed. I start a new Job on Monday. I have to get the kids ready for school in three weeks and I'm taking not one but two classes. One of which is because I got a speeding ticket.

Looking around online when I'm procrastinating sometimes yeilds gems of wisdom and this is one of those gems: Surprising benefits of setting your sights lower (not to be confused with lowering your expectations) http://www.cnn.com/2011/LIVING/07/28/reaching.goals.lower.o/index.html

Music Monday! Amy Winehouse- You know I'm No Good

2011-07-24T21:58:00.002-04:00

Poor Amy Winehouse. This was one of my favorite songs of hers.

Photo Friday! The things you do when you can't get Adele tickets.

2011-07-22T14:34:00.001-04:00


The girls cooling off after standing in line for half an hour at the Hard Rock.


So we ended up going to IKEA. Do you like the flying saucer lanterns?

I thought these chairs were interesting.

Alex had her own idea of luxury.

Kira decided we needed a library.

I pretended to be Martha Stewart.


and the kids transported the loot.

my evil friend ; ) who talked me into it all. Karrie.

Doing a little something for yourself!

2011-07-20T09:21:00.000-04:00

Image: Michal Marcol / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

This topic has come up a few times with my family. My aunts who have all been devoted to their families, surprise me at times when they suggest I take time for myself. These women have done everything possible for their immediate families as well as the family at large and have maintained their own distinct personalities.

Why? Because they took time for themselves. They took time out for their own interest. In the end it's all about balance and you can't balance any relationship or partnership if you're not you. Just a friendly reminder do a little something for yourself, it'll help the world seem a little less crazy.

PS What's with google+

Just for David! John Legend- Ordinary People

2011-07-19T08:47:00.000-04:00

Music Monday! Sade- Cherish The Day

2011-07-18T09:17:00.001-04:00

Photo Friday! More RWA pics!

2011-07-15T20:58:00.000-04:00

Ok so this being on vacation is messing with my head. I forgot it was Friday and that my husband was at home and not a work.

Walking along across from Bryant Park.

The Eagle at the entrance to Grand Central Station.

And yes I made it to Rockefeller Plaza.

Changes!

2011-07-13T09:05:00.000-04:00

I'm on vacation. But the word that keeps buzzing through my head is change. I'm with my husbands grandmother. She has seen so many changes in the course of her life. An active woman who has had many trials but just as many good times. She is the picture of resilience.

I'm making a few changes in my life. None of them drastic. It's more about positioning myself for what I want to achieve. To that end I've finally written out my goals for this year and I'm changing jobs. This is about me not waiting for what I want in life to come to me, (not that I've been waiting, but I've been hiding somewhere safe while I plot my next move, so no more hiding.)

So What are you up to this week? What changes have you made? What changes have you seen others make? And How does that inspire you?

Music Monday! Metric- Black Sheep

2011-07-11T06:00:00.001-04:00

Where do we know this song from, that's right Scott Pilgrim vs the World.

Photo Friday! On a Sunday!

2011-07-10T18:34:00.000-04:00

I have to apologize. I was busy getting a submission ready and completely overlooked my blog. So is Photo Friday, on a Sunday.

Just a few experiences from RWA Nationals more to come on next Friday

Passionate Ink had Burlesque performances.

At the FFnP Party I ran into a Faery named Latessa


and Catwoman, though I'm sure I know her as Jeffe.

I went as Lana Kane.

Back to the grindstone for me.

Good News!

2011-07-06T10:54:00.000-04:00

I'm currently making sure the first thirty pages of a Sci-Fi romance/ Space Opera are polished to a high shine, before I send them off. So I had a good RWA which means I got request to see my work which means I'm totally hyperventilating and forcing myself to hit send. See you on Friday with Photo's from RWA and Fourth of July.

Happy Fourth of July! The Boston Pops.

2011-07-04T09:16:00.000-04:00


Image: manostphoto / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Music Monday! Foo Fighters-The pretender

2011-06-27T18:30:00.001-04:00

Sorry I'm late I've being packing for RWA.

Photo Friday! At the beach.

2011-06-24T17:41:00.000-04:00

Spent the afternoon at the beach. Ahhhhhh!

Kids, the doctor and I'm heading out!

2011-06-22T19:34:00.000-04:00

This summer is all about making sure the munchkins get to their various appointments. So today we were off to the doctor for their annual check up. It was good news all around. They are both healthy and except for slight scoliosis in the older one and a heart murmur in the younger one.

It's been years since my last check up, and I'm determined to get back to my regular doctor. I also intend to get my eldest to the dentist for a consult on braces. Pray for me please.

Next week I'm off to NYC for RWA 11 with my bestie K. C. Burn . Oh the fun we'll have hiding behind potted plants and working up the nerve to to speak to editors and agents.

Music Monday! 2Cellos- Welcome to the Jungle.

2011-06-20T06:00:00.001-04:00

Photo Friday! The Dog days of Summer.

2011-06-17T10:02:00.000-04:00

This is what summer morning look like at my house.

The neighbours dogs and mine like to lay about in the grass before it gets too hot.

House cleaning= Exhausted.

2011-06-15T21:03:00.000-04:00


Image: scottchan / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Yesterday I began the campaign to reclaim my house. You see, between, working taking care of the family working part-time and writing, something's got to give and unfortunately that something was my house. Don't get me wrong the basic maintenance was done.

The laundry monster needs to be beat back with the Tide stick. The kids clothes need to be weeded out and replenished. My books, need to receive the same treatment. I have way too many, trust me I would keep them all if I could. When I can't get the king-sized bed I want because of the utter lack of space in my bedroom and they're piled on the floor next to my desktop, it's time to let some go.

My kids are just as bad with there books. The little one has so many that her bookshelf no longer has shelves. Time for mommy to go to IKEA, again.

What got me thinking was cleaning out my husband's side of the closet today. I'm so much better at cleaning out his side than mine. He's lost forty pounds over the last few years, so I was removing all of the clothes that no longer fit, in addition to the things that I've never seen him wear in years.

In writing or life, every so often you have to get rid of the baggage , the superfluous. It's hard and most of us tend to look the other way rather than deal with it. Would that we could have someone come along and clean up our baggage for us.

I'd love for someone to come along and look at my first draft and magically fix it for me. But, I can't and in the end it wouldn't be mine. and I wouldn't learn the things I need to know from it. So I guess in more ways than one I'm stuck cleaning up my own mess.

Music Monday! Florence + Machine- Dog days are over.

2011-06-13T09:16:00.000-04:00

Photo Friday! My Orchids.

2011-06-10T18:24:00.000-04:00

Look Ma they're alive!

I don't really have a green thumb.

I do better with plants that don't require too much care.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Eventful day!

2011-06-08T20:54:00.000-04:00

Image: bigjom / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Fast seemed to be the speed of the day in more ways than one. In the blink of an eye this past school year has flown by and now. Now my little girls are one step closer to growing up. Next year my eldest will be heading to middle school.

Middle school. I now have a tween, not yet a teen. Today was her fifth grade awards ceremony. She came away with the Presidential award for excellence. Grandma sat besides me crying. It was a moment.

However while I took the other child to the doctor afterwards to find out that she had pink eye, but on the way there as I was bragging on the eldest, via my cell. I was pulled over and given a hefty ticket. So the moral of the story? If you're a known lead foot, don't drive while excited and talk on the phone.

Music Monday! Blackstreet- NoDiggity

2011-06-06T07:37:00.000-04:00

http://youtu.be/3KL9mRus19o

Photo Friday! What I'd rather be doing today.

2011-06-03T07:40:00.000-04:00

Blog Silence

2011-06-01T20:14:00.000-04:00

Sorry for the blog silence, but on Memorial day it just seemed right. After all it wasn't a day about me, it was a day of remembrance. Not just a day off. But a day to remember those who have fought and died in the service of this country.

But seriously I did want to talk to you about blog silence. To me it is the Internets version of dead air. The reasons for blog silence are many and varied. And can come down to not being able to find subjects worth writing about. ( As I read this back I realize my phrasing is that of an old professor of mine, shudder)

I have a friend that has all sorts of interesting things that run through her mind. She always has the most interesting topics, yet she's said to me on numerous occasions that she feels like she's running out of things to say.

Another person I know stopped her blog for a while because she felt overwhelmed by social media. That there was just too much going on and they couldn't keep up with it.

I my friends have had silence on my website. My fault, my dead air which I intend to remedy this week.

So my question to you is this, does blog silence lead you to never visit that blog/website again?

Photo Friday! The things I make for friends.

2011-05-27T07:26:00.000-04:00

Made for my friend Jillian.

A walk in the woods!

2011-05-24T21:43:00.000-04:00

The hubby declared that we should go for a hike last Saturday morning and what should we find outside the back gate?

After braving the tortoise, we braved traffic.

Maya leads the way in.

Wild blueberries catch our attention.

Maya got so hot she actually went in the water.

Who is that dog? Not my dog attempting to swim.

Music Monday! Rob Base, DJ EZ Rock- It takes two

2011-05-22T22:22:00.000-04:00

It takes two! http://youtu.be/5IBRbzf3Fws

Photo Friday! At the Atlanta Aquarium.

2011-05-20T07:38:00.000-04:00

Big sister and little bit in awe! It's a beluga mommy!

Sooo Many Fish!

Inspiration other wise known as dragging my muse kicking and screaming to my keyboard.

2011-05-18T18:00:00.001-04:00

So it's rare that I do a writing post, but I got to thinking after seeing someone talk about creative blocks that I could talk about inspiration at least. There are other people out there that do a wonderful job of breaking down the publishing business and giving tips on the things you can look for in a manuscript, but I can write about what inspires me. Keep in mind that I'm going to post links, I'm not trying to drive you away from my blog just show you what I'm talking about.

So someone asked if writers can have cheerleaders, David I'm talking about you. Yes they can, those people who want you to succeed, who put up with you when all you can think about is the story. My husband for instance, I drove him to work one day and forgot to let him get out of the car because I working out a plot point. He is my inspiration, especially when I've had a rough day, one for putting up with me and, two, if he can look at code all day long, I can make myself write a thousand words a day.

Then there are my friends Jeanan, who weathers pretty much everything with grace and exudes serenity. K.C. Burn who can write a book in a few months and has a folder called nebulous ideas. She can follow my switching conversations with ease and talks me down from a ledge when I need it done. Jax Cassidy who in spite of an insane schedule as a graphics artist still manages to do good for charity and write and be there for her family. In fact that's pretty much what these three do.

Then there's the fact that we meet up on most Saturday to write, all day. Even when I, or should I say my muse doesn't want to write. This is the dragging kicking and screaming part. I sit my but in the chair with a caramel latte and write, because the ideas are there and eventually the words come out. so I should say their dedication is inspiring to me.

Then there are these people:

Katie Reus She would be one of those people I meet on a Saturday, but she lives too far away. So I call her instead and talk her ear off.

Wynter Daniels. Friend, the first person to welcome me to my local RWA Chapter meeting.
Holly Bynoe and Nadia Huggins who had the balls and the ability to put together Arc Magazine
William Abbot (take a look you'll see why)

Tiffany over at www.dancingbranflakes.blogspot.com I don't know her personally but her blog never fails to interest me.

These are only a few of the people and their blogs that inspire me.

It's not that I don't find inspiration in other ways, because believe me I'm visual, but in the end I believe that good people inspire good thoughts and good thoughts get you into a better head space to create. Unless your reading my poetry which decidedly dark.

Music Monday! Kesha- Blow!

2011-05-16T07:29:00.000-04:00

For the complete weirdness of it all and my co-worker Kim.

Photo Friday! The Fantastic Mr. Chico!

2011-05-13T15:20:00.000-04:00

Since it's Friday the 13th and blogger is losing my post I thought I should post something cute to counteract all this weirdness.

Benadryl and the spider bite.

2011-05-11T17:31:00.000-04:00

Ok so I took this half asleep on benadryl and it is my camera phone so the picture sucks because my husband made off with my camera for something or the other. The little bugger bit me on my inner arm, needless to say I wasn't happy today because I couldn't take any Benadryl because I had to work. It doesn't look this bad anymore but it's still a little red but not swollen.

Music Monday! John Mellencampand Me'shell Ndegeocello- Wild Night

2011-05-09T07:28:00.000-04:00

Happy Mothers Day!

2011-05-08T11:02:00.000-04:00

Happy mother's day to you all. This is a picture taken of my mother by my father. It's not the happiest picture of her but it was taken in a moment when she let her guard down and my father captured it with his trusty Nikon. My brother and I have a copy each.

Photo Friday! Steampunk invades Restoration Hardware.

2011-05-06T07:46:00.000-04:00

PS these were taken with my camera phone sorry if the quality is off.

Wednesday checklist!

2011-05-04T21:51:00.000-04:00

Get kids and husband off to school and work respectively.
Work.
After work, pick up kids early
Pick up hubby for Dr. Appt
Get homework done in the car
Coordinate contest (collecting info)
fill prescriptions
Drop husband off at work
get girls ready for play
pick up hubby
Eat dinner at in-laws
attend play
Now I'm home ready to pass out. This has been a sample of my days. See you later.

Music Monday! Black Crowes- Hard to Handle

2011-05-02T07:43:00.000-04:00

Photo Friday! Easter at Grandma's house

2011-04-29T18:22:00.000-04:00

Seeking Solitude.

2011-04-27T17:58:00.001-04:00


federico stevanin

It was posted somewhere that when Pisces feel overwhelmed they seek solitude. This has never been more true for me, for the last couple of weeks. Sickness has plagued our household and to be honest I'm tired. I read somewhere else that we humans need a break from the constant stream of information we receive on a daily basis in order to process said information. This is also true. So to my friends out there that have been wondering where I am. I'm hiding out.I'm writing, slowly, but I'm hiding out.

In the mean time I was interviewed by a former neighbour of mine Jamila S. Vincent of Hairouna Across The Seas

Music Monday! AFI - Miss Murder

2011-04-25T07:41:00.000-04:00

Photo Friday! Maya in all her glory.

2011-04-22T16:19:00.000-04:00

Doesn't she look comfortable?

It's Wednesday already?

2011-04-20T20:45:00.001-04:00

I'm currently wondering where the week has gone. Seriously I woke up and it was Monday now it's Wednesday. I have not been slouching around on my couch, much. I have managed to write, this memoir is fighting me every step of the way. I guess since it heard about the controversy Three cups of tea author has gotten himself into, it's decided to hide.

I've been busy this week. I just finished these pieces this week.

And they helped be solidify a plot point for a paranormal I have every intention of writing while I let the Memoir sit for a while.

Music Monday! Nine Inch Nails- Head Like a Hole

2011-04-18T07:43:00.000-04:00

http://youtu.be/ao-Sahfy7Hg

Photo Friday! Peacock.

2011-04-14T21:39:00.000-04:00

I found this in Pier 1 last Christmas. It's now my inspiration piece.

Back to the ER !

2011-04-13T18:29:00.000-04:00

Well not exactly the ER, the urgent care center. If you will take a walk down memory lane with me, you will remember that my youngest ended up there on the fourth of July last year for a split chin. See that post Here. Well my friends it happened again.

This time I was having lunch with a couple of friends after work when I heard my phone go off. It was my husband, and apparently both he and the school were trying to get a hold of me because Alex, you guessed it split her chin on the playground. Now at first I didn't know that piece of information. I found that out in between rushing out of my friends house and driving to the school.

No biggie as long as all her teeth are fine, I'm cool. Do you want to know why? Because Alex is accident prone, the night before she'd left her tutu on the floor and promptly slipped on it. Which meant she ended up face first on the floor.

No my problem today wasn't her splitting her chin, though I would rather she hadn't done it. NO, it was finding some place that would patch her up. Now, I left the school with the two girls in tow and called their pediatrician. The pediatricians office wasn't going to be able to help me at that location because their was no one who was qualified to stitch her up. OOOK. But they would send me to Maitland some thirty minutes away with no guarantee anyone would touch her, because they might want to refer her to a plastic surgeon.

Alright so I made the appointment but I continued to look for an urgent care center. The one we went to int he past was closed until after hours, The one closest to us had shut down I found that out after I pulled up to it. My friend with whom I'd had lunch was kid enough to recommend a place she gone to before which was closer to her house. They did a wonderful job and i was able to pick up my hubby on time while fielding calls from the grandparents.

As my friend Mick Likes to say, "Never a Dull moment."

The post I had in mind for today may make an appearance tomorrow. Hope you guys had a less eventful day than I had.