• The Next Big Thing–My Version

    One of my favorite authors, Liz Flaherty, tagged me in a blog-trek called The Next Big Thing, so here I am answering questions about my current works in progress (WIP). This is a first for me, I rarely talk about what I’m working on, but maybe I need to do it more often.  I’m tagging five other authors, so be sure to check in with them next Wednesday and see what’s new in their lives. Okay, here goes… What is the working title of your next book? There are two of them: The Music Is You and Like Fine Wine. They’re not a series, but they are connected because I…

  • Thanksgiving

    I was extremely thankful yesterday, but I was being thankful at sister PJ’s house with family and wine, so here’s the Thanksgiving Day gratitude list a little late.   1. Family, both nearby and extended   2. Turkey because really, what’s better than turkey?   3. Wine (see #2) Skyping with Grandboy, Son, and DIL and sharing the Skype with everyone at sis’s house yesterday My nieces, Kate and Meg, who are beautiful, charming young women and always good fun! Today’s list looks like this: Prayers for Dee’s comfort through the holiday yesterday were answered Dropcam that lets us watch little Grandboy while he sleeps in his crib Playing on…

  • I Can Be Such a Brat

    Why? I have a remarkably blessed life and yet today, I’m restless and anxious and grouchy and unable to focus. I have two major deadlines staring at me ,and I simply can’t seem to motivate myself to do anything useful at all. Oh, it’s not that I’m not getting any work done, I am, but I could be doing so much more. Plus, I have rolls and pies to make for Thursday at sister PJ’s Thanksgiving celebration, and my house needs to be cleaned. One would think that if I couldn’t focus on the paying gigs, I’d be doing something else useful. But nooooo… You know what I’m thinking about?…

  • Counting My Blessings

    We closed up the lake house this weekend and I’m sad that lake season is over. I’ll miss the big bay and our little cottage, but most of all, I’ll miss my dear friends. I hated leaving this afternoon after we’d winterized and packed up. We stopped by each family’s homes to say our good-byes and get hugs to last us until we go back up for the holiday Open House in three weeks. Then we head up again for a New Year’s Eve party, which thrills us no end, but we’ll surely miss our weekends at the lake. The good news is that it’s only a little over four…

  • All Things Heart…

    …are on my mind because I had a checkup with the cardio guy today. I have AVNRT—AV Nodal Reentrant Tachycardia—basically, a short circuit in my heart that makes it speed up for no apparent reason. My cardiologist is a kind man and clearly very smart. I enjoy talking to him about all kinds of things. Today it was horses and Hoosier National Forest and wearing orange during deer hunting season if you’re going to be hiking (or riding) through the woods. I like him. He takes good care of me and this dumb little electrical issue in my heart. However, he’s young and eager and would really love to fix…

  • Still Grateful…

    …on this Wednesday. I got to spend some time with friend, Dee, today and that was a treat! She looks so good and I’m always happy to hang out with her. Good friends like Dee. Sunshine and crisp November temperatures. A new purse. Talked to Son about his class schedule for next semester. Love hearing about his plans. A new video of grand boy giggling that made Nanny and Pops giggle too! How about you? What are you grateful for today?

  • Back to the Land of the Living…

    So, I made it through whatever wicked bug took up residence in my body and I’m feeling way better today. But I missed my grateful list last night, so here it is. I’ll post another one at the end of the day. It snowed–like maybe 12 flakes, but it was snow and I saw it falling. Winter’s on its way and I’m okay with that. Work. I have work and that’s always a good thing. Lani made it back from New Jersey safely. My ‘Droid—man, I love this phone! Reference this post and see how much my world has changed. Fresh flannel sheets—so warm and cozy!

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  • Sunday’s Gratitude

    Even though I’m sick (some yucky stomach bug that jumped me last night at the Retreat and still has me in its clutches), I’m very grateful for all the blessings in my life. A weekend of pleasure with my IRWA colleagues at Retreat. It was my first one, but certainly not my last. As a matter of fact, I’m the other half of the 2013 planning committee. Can’t wait to get to work with Cheryl to start planning next year’s event. Got so much writing done on the widow’s story. It should be ready for betas in another week if all goes well. Cute little video of Son making Grandson…

  • Saturday and I’m Very Grateful

    It’s been a really great day at IRWA Retreat. Lots of writing, lots of critiquing, lots of sharing ideas, and lots of good fellowship. For all of that, I’m thankful. I’m also glad for: The perfect weather day–cool, but not cold and sunshine. I even worked outside for a while. The third floor bedroom and the stairs, which have been good exercise. Learning new writing tips and ideas from my colleagues. Laughter. Meeting new writers here and finding things other than writing in common. How about you? How was your Saturday special?  

  • Friday…It’s IRWA Retreat…

    …so lots to be grateful for tonight! Lovely drive down to the Retreat–listened to music and sang along with Rod Stewart. Retreat is in a beautiful venue–an old manor house that’s full of history. Laughter in the next room–everyone is enjoying themselves. Already doing writing and critiquing, so we’re off to a roaring start. Sandy and Cheryl–my two critique partners. How about you? What are you thankful for today?