The Raw Deal

MENTAL STATUS: "Exhausted". Thanksgiving is over and the perfectionist in me is still trying to deal with what happened.


I'll be honest.

I had a wonderful Thanksgiving with my family. Good food. Lots of laughs. All that was great, but I'm still a little miffed over what happened. You see, I, uh, had a slight wee problem with my turkey.

It was raw.

Yep. Although, raw may be exaggerating, but it definitely was...well, undone. I almost called the turkey hot line.

I'm not exactly sure what happened. I followed the Food Network directions, it looked done, and my meat thermometer said it was done. But as my brother was carving it, he looks up and says, "This thing is still bloody."

WHAT????? (Talk about STRESS! )


The only thing I can think of is that because I bought my turkey late, it didn't have enough time to defrost. Oh well. Live and learn. All I can say is I'm so glad I had my double oven this year. It was a real life saver. (And an understanding, supportive family helps, too)

Anyhew, I don't plan on doing much today. I deserve to relax. Maybe I'll read, maybe comb my hair, maybe get some Christmas decorations out, and maybe even go to the gym.


How was your Thanksgiving?

Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thessalonians 5:18 - "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God."

Pre-T-Day!

IN THE NEWS: New Technology Helps Retailers Catch Shoplifters. Read more HERE.

Ok. I lied when I said I was only going to do three things yesterday. I did like four or five things and NO WRITING. Wah! There's still so much to do before Thanksgiving. I knew this would happen. I knew it would just sneak up on me and I'd freak out. This always happens to me.

-You'd think I'd learn-

Anyway, I really don't have time to post anything. I still have to rinse all my china and crystal and iron my tablecloth. On the plus side, I already made my homemade cranberry sauce and it is out of this world (if you like cranberries). And my gingerbread for my trifle also came out delicious. There's extra, too!

I went to the store yesterday (for my ginger) and I bought some of that cooking twine to tie my turkey legs. So, the store clerk (who is older than me) says, "Oh, did you just get a cat?"
I look at her. She was serious. So I say, "No, it's for my turkey."
Then she says, "Oh, do you still have to tie it? I don't think you have to do that anymore."

You don't?

Needless to say, I was confused. Why would they sell it, then??? And why would she automatically assume I just bought a cat? Who says stuff like that?

Anyhew, speaking of cats... here's something my friend sent me. I thought it was cute. (If you like cats) :)



and the sequel:



Are you all ready for Thanksgiving?

A Little Bit of Me in Every Post...

MENTAL STATUS: "Anxious". And I mean anxious--not in a good way. I mean I have ANXIETY over cooking Thanksgiving dinner. I just realized I forget how to make gravy and stuffing, and I can't find my recipes!

I went over to my friend Kate's blog yesterday and she had this cool link for a personality test for your blog. So, of course, I couldn't resist wasting a little more time and taking the test myself. This is my blog type:

ESFP - The Performers

The entertaining and friendly type. They are especially attuned to pleasure and beauty and like to fill their surroundings with soft fabrics, bright colors and sweet smells. They live in the present moment and don´t like to plan ahead - they are always in risk of exhausting themselves. The enjoy work that makes them able to help other people in a concrete and visible way. They tend to avoid conflicts and rarely initiate confrontation - qualities that can make it hard for them in management positions.

I have to say that is me--er, my blog. Pretty much. Except it makes me sound much more like a free spirit than I actually am. (Trust me, I'm not)

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On the home front, I'm only doing three things today. Three. That's it. No more, no less.

1) Go to the store to buy fresh ginger

2) Make gingerbread with the fresh ginger (for that trifle dessert I talked about)

3) Write at least 1,000 words

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Did ya take the personality test? What's your blog personality?

Weekend Chill

IN THE NEWS: Set up the pins, clear the lanes and try not to roll a gutter bird.
Cincinnati is warming up for Thanksgiving with its traditional Turkey Bowl, an annual outdoor event using frozen turkeys in place of bowling balls. Read more HERE.

On the writing front, I got a postcard back from a publisher saying they got my manuscript. It had a hand written thank you on it with two exclamation points and a happy face was made out of those exclamation points.

I laughed when I saw it. Somebody was in a good mood.
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On the home front today, I plan to get my turkey. (Um, yeah. I haven't gotten one yet)

Is that bad?

I've never waited this late. Usually I'm taking it out of the freezer to defrost by now. But I'm thinking there will still be plenty left. Right?

Right??

Anyhew, the hubby and I rented Made of Honor this weekend. The movie was really cute--and it had Patrick Dempsey in it. BONUS! (Three thumbs up because of that!)

Gosh, we haven't rented a movie since... I think the Simpson's Movie. I think. Whatever. It's been a while regardless. But it was kind of nice. Chillin' with the hubby. Watching a romantic comedy. Eating brownies out of the pan. I love weekends like that. We should do that more often.

What was the last movie you rented?

Guest Blogging

Hey, I'll be over at the Samhain Weblog this afternoon ( after 3PM to be exact). I'll be talking about a new recipe I'm making this Thanksgiving--and how my family won't be happy about it.
Are you bucking tradition, too?
Come on over and share!

Infidel by Ted Dekker

It's the 21st (yeah, I'm early), time for the Teen FIRST blog tour! Every 21st, we will feature an author and his/her latest Teen fiction book's FIRST chapter!


**This book looks pretty cool. I plan on giving it to my nephew as part of his Christmas gift. He especially loved this author's THE LOST BOOK Series.

Ted Dekker

and his book:

Infidel--Graphic Novel: The Lost Books Series

Thomas Nelson (November 11, 2008)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Ted is the son of missionaries John and Helen Dekker, whose incredible story of life among headhunters in Indonesia has been told in several books. Surrounded by the vivid colors of the jungle and a myriad of cultures, each steeped in their own interpretation of life and faith, Dekker received a first-class education on human nature and behavior. This, he believes, is the foundation of his writing.

After graduating from a multi-cultural high school, he took up permanent residence in the United States to study Religion and Philosophy. After earning his Bachelor's Degree, Dekker entered the corporate world in management for a large healthcare company in California. Dekker was quickly recognized as a talent in the field of marketing and was soon promoted to Director of Marketing. This experience gave him a background which enabled him to eventually form his own company and steadily climb the corporate ladder.

Since 1997, Dekker has written full-time. He states that each time he writes, he finds his understanding of life and love just a little clearer and his expression of that understanding a little more vivid. To see a complete list of Dekker's work, visit The Works section of TedDekker.com.

Here are some of his latest titles:

Chosen (The Lost Books, Book 1) (The Books of History Chronicles)

Adam

Black: The Birth of Evil (The Circle Trilogy Graphic Novels, Book 1)

Saint


Product Details

List Price:$15.99
Reading level: Young Adult
Paperback: 136 pages
Publisher: Thomas Nelson (November 11, 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1595546049
ISBN-13: 978-1595546043


AND NOW...THE FIRST TWO PAGES:

(Click Pictures to Zoom!)

Feeling Mushy

MENTAL STATUS: "Mushy". Getting all teared up over my wip progress. The Cinderella-ness of it is moving me.
My writing has been slow (it always is) but steady so far. I have to say, I was little surprised to find that I'm 40% done with this new story already.

Who knew?

Anyhew, as I was writing yesterday, I came to the part where the heroine first sees the hero. Thus, I needed to describe him. Hmm... I really didn't have a clear picture of him this time. I just knew vaguely what I wanted.
So--I NEVER do this by the way--I went hunting for pictures of my characters.
<------ This is "Sam"
(I know he looks a lot like Patrick Dempsey.
LAY OFF!!)






And this is "Sunni"---------------->
Doesn't she look like a Sunni?

(Yes. I do know that she looks an awful lot like Kate Bosworth. You can shut up now!) She's Sunni.


Anyhew, it's kind of funny, but having pictures of my characters really is helping me write. I don't know why I didn't do this sooner.


Do you have actual pictures of your characters when you write?

Loopdee-doo

IN THE NEWS: It took some fancy footwork, but a Goodwill store in Illinois has found the owner of $7,500 in cash mistakenly donated with old shoes. Read more here.

Well, on the writing challenge front, I didn't do so hot. I wrote about 800 words. Bleh. Probably because I wasted time tinkering with the career of my hero. He was originally an attorney but I didn't feel like doing the research to figure out how he could effectively take a leave of absence from his firm--being that he's such a workaholic and all. Make sense? Don't worry about it. He's now the creator of the number one internet search engine in the world. LOL! As you can tell I was a little loopy yesterday.

I really must have been loopy, because I saw a commercial clip on author Shelley Munro's blog and got such a huge kick out of it, I had to put in on my blog and show you all.

Check it out.

Tell me you didn't laugh at that.

Comedy Night

MENTAL STATUS: "Pumped Up". Doing a little writing challenge this week only. I'm ready!

So this weekend the hubby and I (with another couple) went to the Borgata in Atlantic City to see my all-time favorite comedian...Brian Regan.

Never heard of him? Oh, my gosh, he is HILARIOUS. We saw him last year, too. (And he's clean too, which is a bonus.) We had a great time.

Check out this video clip of him:

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Anyhew, as I said I'm going to write as much as I can this morning then I'm going to do a critique or two. Then when the kiddo comes home, I need to take her to get a pair of dress shoes (for church and the holidays)

Wow. I guess that's about all the excitement I can take today.

Are you doing anything exciting today?

Strange but True

IN THE NEWS: "It’s widely believed that no two snowflakes are alike — but it turns out that there are various forms of snowflakes, making the tale a bit more complicated." Read more HERE.



Well, on the writing front, I won't do any writing today. HA! But I do plan on "planning" to write... on Monday, that is. I found a few crit partners interested in doing a little writing sprint next week with me. You know, before the holidays sweep in and my writing time becomes null and void.

Also, my e-book The Role of a Lifetime is one of the free book giveways The Romance Studio is hosting today. Click here and then Book-a-day-Giveway and sign up. (You don't have to win my book. There are plenty of other great books available! )

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On the home front, I'm a little concerned about my daughter. I actually had an argument with her the other day. Over spinach. Not surprised? Well, guess again. This is strange but true. (Honestly, I can't make this kind of stuff up):

Kiddo: "Mommy, I'm starving!"
Me: "Starving? You just had dinner."
Kiddo: "I don't care. I'm starving. What do you have?"
Me (annoyed and looking in the refrigerator) "How about spinach?"
Kiddo: "Okay."
Me (more annoyed because I have to cook again): "I'm not making you spinach."
Kiddo (frowning, hand on the hip and everything): "Well, why did you offer it then?"

To be honest, I don't know why I offered spinach. Maybe because I didn't think she was really hungry and maybe because the first thing I saw was my raw container of spinach (I use for my smoothies). But the fact that we argued because she really wanted spinach threw me. I just wanted her to have something easy. Like a yogurt.
Who has these fights with their 6 year old?

Um, it gets worse.

I made meatloaf last night with green beans. I took one bite of the green beans and had to spit them out. They tasted weird, kind of sour. They weren't all that "green" either. So I immediately told the hubby and kiddo not to eat the green beans and started scooping them off their plates.
Well, don't you know my kiddo starts crying. YES!!! Crying like a baby. So I asked her, "What's the matter?"
She answers with a mouth full of string beans that she likes them and doesn't want me taking them away.

Sheesh.

Wouldn't you be concerned?

Cranberry Goodness

MENTAL STATUS: "Accomplished". The manuscript is just about ready to be sent out...tomorrow.

Well, on the writing front, I'm printing this bad boy of a story out today and will get it ready to mail.

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On the home front, I'm making Thanksgiving Day dinner this year. I have to admit I'm a wee bit nervous. Not because I've never cooked a turkey before. I have! And it's never been dry! It's just that it's been a while, so I might be a little rusty.

Usually my s-i-l does Thanksgiving and I get stuck with Christmas or Christmas Eve (I do not cook a turkey then). Well, this year we decided to change things up a bit. For something different. For fun. And now I'm stressing. Already!

(But holidays have a way of creeping up on you.)

Anyhew, last night I was watching Good Eats on the FoodNetwork, getting ideas on what to do with my turkey. I saw Alton Brown make his own cranberry sauce, which was interesting. I think I'd like to make my own this year, too.

(Actually, what Alton made was a dipping sauce so I won't be making that recipe. But you get the idea.)

I love cranberry sauce. The thing is my daughter really enjoys that pureed canned stuff. So I'd have to have both.

So my questions are: 1) do you like cranberry sauce and 2) do you make your own and know a good recipe?

Author Week

IN THE NEWS: "Even British burglars have manners—sort of. Days after frightening a 91-year-old woman during a home invasion, the burglar sent an apology note along with a bouquet of flowers to her Halifax home, about 200 miles north of London." Read more HERE.

Hey, I'm a featured author today at fellow Samhain author Diane Craver's blog!

Be sure to stop by and say "Hi". (It would be a very nice thing to do, but you could also win something!)

Each time you leave a comment on her blog during “Author Week”, your name will be entered for a drawing.
She’ll draw the winners on Saturday, November 15th!

Contest starts November 10th and ends the 15th.
Prizes:
First Prize is a $10 Gift Certificate to Amazon or one of the publishers of the 5 visiting authors.
Runner-up will receive a $5 GC to Samhain Publishing.

Here are the names of the authors she's interviewing:
Cindy Green - Monday
Debra Parmley - Tuesday
Jennifer Shirk - Wednesday ( ME!!! )
Anne Whitfield - Thursday
Sarita Leone - Friday

Now, doesn't that sound like fun?

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No No NaNo

MENTAL STATUS: "Fuzzy". Read through and edited ELEVEN chapters of my recently completed manuscript so far.

On the personal front, I'm visiting Mom today. She wants to show me a lamp for my kitchen. I can read her like... well, like a book. I think she wants the lamp to be one of my Christmas presents. (Shhhh...)
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On the writing front, I'm almost ready to start submitting my story. (yippee!) And once that happens, I'll obviously be starting a new story.

You know, with everybody doing NaNoWriMo around me, I feel a little "left in the dust". Hardly anyone is around to play with me anymore. They're all too busy "writing". Huh. Excuse me.

It's way too late for me to register and start. But even if it wasn't, I'm not so sure I could. I do like challenges, but I don't do well under pressure for too long. I would snap.

(Hey, but that's just me)

However, I am interested in doing a short 2 week challenge with my crit partners--if they're interested. Just to give me a quick kick in the pants. We'll see.

Are you doing NaNo?

A REAL Mystery

IN THE NEWS: "A 28-year-old man who attempted to pay for his bar tab with gum wrappers was arrested after a scuffle with a police officer on Tuesday night, authorities said." Read more here.

Well, I had mentioned to you all that I was going to a "Murder Mystery Dinner"on Friday night. Oh, I did. And now I must correct what I thought originally was the real mystery. It wasn't getting the hubby to go to this. The real mystery is how they could really call it a murder mystery dinner. I would have called it a "minor interruption while eating your salad" dinner.

The actors didn't have microphones so I couldn't really hear what was going on. The clues and storyline were LAME, then all of a sudden half way through our appetizer salad someone pulled out a fake gun, shots fired, and then I think I said, "Was that it?"

Yes. It was. Nothing happened after that so I guess that was the end. Ugh. Terrible. On a plus note, I was with my friends and there was open bar all night.

Nuff said.
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On the writing front, a friend of mine recently pointed out a great author website, so I thought I'd mention it here. Joanna Waugh has some really handy sheets she made up on body language and color terms. Check it out. She has a lot of other great info on her site, too.

All this week I'm editing my recently completed manuscript and--hopefully--will have it ready to start submitting either the end of the week or early next.

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On the miscellaneous front, I'm thinking of creating a disco mix on my Ipod. I think it's my favorite kind of dance music.

**cue the crickets**

Seriously! It is. Not sure how my friends are going to react to this if I start playing it at our get-togethers.

Do you like disco?

A Mystery

MENTAL STATUS: "Focused". Need to do a lot of errands today and I can't waste time today to do them all.


Well, I need to get a lot done today because...

we're going to a "Murder Mystery" dinner tonight. Oooh. Ahhhh. Yep, it's true. Although I suspect the real mystery is how I talked my hubby into going to this. LOL! It should be fun.

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On the writing front, my print book is finally up on Amazon.com. And yes, you can now pre-order it for the low low price of $9.60.
(I'm still wondering why the picture of my cover is isn't there, though) Grrr....

Have a great weekend!

It's the Little Things...

IN THE NEWS: "Authorities in Arizona say a jogger attacked by a rabid fox ran a mile with the animal's jaws clamped on her arm and then drove herself to a hospital." Read more here.


I'm in the process of trying to spruce up my kitchen. I can't afford to put in new counters--although my brother assured me he could do it for me no problem--so I changed the hardware on my cabinets and bought a much needed new faucet.

**Shown below**

Swanky, huh?

You should have seen what I had before. It wasn't even white to match my sink. It was cream colored and the paint was chipping. Not good. So when I got a coupon from Lowe's and my brother said he could install it for me... well, how could I pass it up? It has a pull down sprayer , too!

Anyhew, that's my home excitement for the week.

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On the writing front, I've completed my galley and will send it in today. Yay!

Now I'm going to try to fit in a few crits even though the kiddo is off from school until Monday.

And I just saw I have yet ANOTHER interview up. This time at ECataromance. Scroll down and check it out. (If you aren't completely sick of me yet) LOL!

Peace out.

I'm Liked! I Really Am!

MENTAL STATUS: "Tired". I have been working like a dog trying to get my galley done for the print version of The Role of a Lifetime. It's due Friday!

The extremely kind and inspiring Chiron O'Keefe gave me a little pick-me-up yesterday and bestowed the "I Love Your Blog" award on my little old blog here.

~Oh, thank you!~

Anyhew, now it's my turn to pay it forward, so to speak.

Here are da rules:

1) Add the logo of the award to your blog

2) Add a link to the person who awarded it to you

3) Nominate at least 7 other blogs

4) Add links to those blogs on your blog

5) Leave a message for your nominees on their blogs

And now here's some blogs I love:

1** Diane Craver's blog I met Diane through Samhain Publishing. Her blog has a nice mix of personal and writing information I always find interesting to read. Plus she does giveaways throughout the month! Some I even won! Check it out.

2** Marianne Arkins' blog Another author I met through Samhain. Another FUN blog that offers great insight to the writing world and the author's personal life. A must read.

3**Kristen Painter's blog One of the head honchos over at Romance Divas. Her blog is funny and fresh and has me religiously popping over there to see what she's up to for the day. It's like reading about your friend. You know, the funnier, blonder, more talented friend who has more fashion sense than you do. Hmm... Hey, wait! I take back this award. She doesn't need it. (kidding) Read her blog.

4** Readin N Writin with Patricia Patricia Woodside always posts thoughtful and interesting reviews and interviews of various authors. There's some great writing info to be had there, too.

5** Romance in Writing Bethanne Strasser posts something interesting every day of the week and I look forward to each and every one of them. (Especially Tasty Tuesday!)

6** Writer Interrupted This is one of the BEST group blogs around. Great writing tips and motivational posts.

7** The Saucy Scribe Debora Dennis always has fun posts to read. I can usually count on her to to brighten my day. (Even if she has to resort to posting a picture of man with a pumpkin drawn on his butt) LOL!

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So that's it for today. I WILL finish up my galley today. But I don't have much time. School gets out early today.

Rats--er, I mean yay. :)

Election Day!

IN THE NEWS: It's a Election Day! Duh.

Where have you been?



Hey, all! I thought I would spare everyone any lengthy diatribe I could possibly offer on a particular presidential candidate and instead talk about...

BOOKS!


(Hey, there's a novel idea!) LOL!

In fact, I'm over at author Marianne Arkins blog today talking not only about books but about what a book snob I am.

Yes, I'm afraid so.

Are you one too? Why don't you come on over and share.

(After you vote, of course.)

And no matter who becomes president, be proud to be an American!

So for Pete's sake, let's not riot or hear muttering about leaving the country if a disliked candidate wins.

Because, there's really no other place to go, anyway. LOL!

Halloween Recap

MENTAL STATUS: "Relieved." Had a CRAZY weekend made up of Halloween, birthday parties and various other places I had to be. I need a nap.

Ah, Halloween. It's a ll a big blurr to me. But I can tell you my daughter brought home a nice bounty of candy. The biggies that were brought home? Reese's Peanut Butter cup, followed by Snickers then Baby Ruth. Very little Twix bars which I was kind of miffed about. (That's my personal favorite) What's with the Baby Ruth's, anyway? Yuck.


Anyhew, here's the kiddo.
<---------------- Not one dime was spent on this costume. I borrowed a lot, inlcuding the shoes, gloves, and leotard. My mom made the skirt.


Went to her school and saw their Halloween parade with all the classrooms. Here's one of the kindergarten teachers.------------->

I thought this kid looked cool.

<------------

Some other cool costumes.

We had a ton more kids this year at our house than last, which I love. At Trick-or-Treating time, I gave out the BIG bars for the kids in my neighborhood, along with plastic rings and game books. (If you live in my "hood" you get treated right.) All the other unknowns got Junior Mints or Reese's Cups--and a bat ring. (Because I had extra) :)

What kind of candy did you give out?