Writing Things

Wife by Wednesday, a USA Today Bestseller

2011-12-15T11:39:00.003-06:00

So, the friend I created a book cover for? Her book hit the USA Today Bestsellers list! She's currently #35 and is thrilled. I can't help to be a little thrilled myself at seeing something that I created up on such a fabulous list. It definitely makes me smile.

Wife by Wednesday also hit the Wall Street Journal list at #4 in fiction e-books, is currently #5 in the Kindle store, and still holding strong at #1 in Romance and Contemporary Romance in the Kindle store.

It is so much fun to work with Catherine, and it is an honor to work on a project that is made of such good stuff! But while photoshop is a great love of mine, writing is my first love. So don't be thinking my attention has shifted too much. ;-)

And here is the final copy of the cover art. There were only a few changes. Click the image for a larger, better look.

What really turns the day around ...

2011-12-07T12:44:00.000-06:00

Now add a burnt grilled cheese, three sick children, yourself being sick, and you've got my Wednesday morning. How did I burn the grilled cheese? Because, I tried to fix the tree by myself. It was tilting, so I climbed under to fix it. This involved popsicle sticks (don't ask), my head (again don't ask), and of course, my hands. I struggling for a good, long five minutes before it started to go. The only satisfaction I got out of it was that my hands were on it when it went over, so I was able to help it a bit. A lot. I threw it has hard as I could.

Beating the ruined grilled cheese with a spatula was fun, as was hiding under my blanket and sulking. Throwing my day out there for social media's amusement was fun too. Especially after I received pats, offered grilled cheese, hugged, and in general made to smile. But it was more fun to get up and write. Nothing turns the day around more than going at something you enjoy. Something that makes you smile.

The words might not be my best, and it might be slow going, but it's better than wasting in a recliner for an entire day.

Cover Art Fun

2011-11-25T09:49:00.006-06:00

After making/managing author Catherine Bybee's website for a while (For those who don't know, photoshop and I hang out a bit on the weekends.), she asked if I would be interested in helping her with some cover art for her debut contemporary romance book. Wanting to see if I could do it, and it sounded fun, I gave it a shot. She loved the turn out and wanted the full deal: front, back, and spine. The book is going into print. And is currently #11 in the Kindle store, as well as, #1 in Romance and Contemporary Romance in the Kindle store. Fun stuff! (click image for full view)

EDIT (November 29): WIFE BY WEDNESDAY is now #2 in the Kindle store, and still #1 in Romance and Contemporary Romance, and now #1 in Lit & Fiction.

I love the literary world!

Classy Moments of October

2011-11-20T11:07:00.002-06:00

The bug man made his rounds last month. He drop by just as #6 was doing his hourly streak through the apartment. That would be running naked, for those of you who might not be redneck. Of course, this is usually done out in public, but I've been given some grace, and it stays within our four walls. Except for that time #2 was a toddler, and streaked across the front yard. Good times.

While the bug man did his thing, I demanded underwear, which #6 got on just as the bug man was LEAVING. Of course. Did I mention the bug guy was in a rush to leave? I'm still not sure if it was the naked toddler or my, uh, under stuff hanging about.

That's just about as classy as me walking the dog a week earlier. You know, that day I wrestled the dog leash, because I'd somehow gotten it tangled around my hair and the hood of my sweat shirt? Yeah.

I'm just grateful that at this year's Halloween gathering I didn't trip a cord and deflate any of the inflatable jumpers.

BERNTHIS

2011-11-18T12:16:00.000-06:00

Google Reader and I just had a fight, because it kicked Jessica Bern out of my feed. BAD, very bad. If you don't have bernthis.com in your blog reader, blog list, blog whatever .... do it. You'll send me chocolate in thanks.

Fall, Thanksgiving, Memories ...

2011-11-02T10:11:00.001-05:00

I am not a cook. Not by a long shot. So what I'm sharing today is not a delicious recipe. Thanksgiving might be all about the food, but trust me when I say that you do not want me to give you a recipe. It's just as likely that I'll leave out the most important ingredient as it is that I can set a tea bag on fire (True story!). However, I will share with you what means the most to me during this time of year ... [I'm over at Shawna Thomas' blog today, for her Thanksgiving Buffet of Writers. Stop by and say hi!]

The Build Up Makes The Climax

2011-10-26T17:01:00.000-05:00

Back when we were crawling out of debt, and living pay check to pay check, halloween was something we did after we checked our bank accounts, our wallet, our pockets, the bottom of our couch .... you know how it goes. By the time we'd make it to the store, we would be picking through the left overs. Fun was definitely had, and we've made really great memories. But it came and went so fast that it hardly felt like a major holiday.

This year has been very different. I started buying one costume every two weeks back in September, and was finished buying everything we needed weeks ago. We got the costumes they wanted, and I was able to get all the extra, smaller things to go with them. My kids have been so excited that I put October on the fridge so they could mark down the days till the 31st.

Surprises and spontaneity are great, but I'm learning that planning ahead, pacing yourself is even better. It's like a well-written novel. There is nothing like an author who knows how to pace a book. One who knows how to draw it out in a way that makes you want to turn the pages faster, but keeps you from doing so because you just have to experience every single word. It is absolutely true that the build up makes the climax. Not in just novels, but in life too.

This year I am experiencing every minute of Halloween, and I'm eating it up! It's not just a one night celebration, it's a month's worth of anticipation and fun.

Have a happy and safe Halloween!

BONNIE by Iris Johansen

2011-10-22T01:54:00.003-05:00

BONNIE

Finally, in the trilogy that began with Eve and continued with Quinn, comes the story that fans have been dying to read. With the help of her beloved Joe Quinn and CIA Agent Catherine Ling, Eve Duncan gets closer and closer to answering the questions that have tormented her. But the deeper she digs, the more she realizes that Bonnie’s father, John Gallo, is a key player in solving this monstrous puzzle. And that Bonnie’s disappearance was not as random as everyone had believed. Eve Duncan finds herself in a deadly dance where answers will be uncovered, and justice might finally be served—if she can stay alive.

Review & Possibly My Life Story

The Eve Duncan series started with the 1998 publication of The Face of Deception. There are thousands of readers who have been following the series since then, I started around 2004.

See, I was a little late in joining the literary world. I’m just about the only reader in my family, and didn’t read my first novel until I was eighteen years old. I’m really not kidding. That novel was Iris Johansen’s The Ugly Duckling. I devoured that book, and since have read it until the back cover has started to come off. However, I was a eighteen and stupid. I didn’t continue reading past that book. But that all changed in 2004. Back around 2003 and into 2004 I found myself yanked into some very earth shattering stuff. It was dark, ugly, and at times felt hopeless. I was also pregnant during part of the time so I was hormonal too (YAY!). Sometime in 2004 I came across The Ugly Duckling. To mine, and everyone who knows me, disbelief I had kept up with this book for five years. I read it, and really saw it. For the first time in my life really understood escapism, entertainment, and for someone who took art for seven years, I understood art, creativity, and beauty on a whole new level. Had I known what books could do for the soul I’d have been reading my entire life. I could have used a good YA book a million times over throughout my adolescence.

To make a long, long story short, I found Iris Johansen’s website and saw that she had a long running series, The Eve Duncan series. I found a used book store and, with the help of my couch, scratched together money we didn’t have and bought every book in the series. I read them. And then I read them again. And again, and I’ve probably read every book in this series at least four times. It was also during that time, and I still remember the day it hit me, that I realized I too wanted to write. Though, that’s another story for another time.

My point, Johansen's Eve Duncan Series kicked in the door to the literary world, and I now read 80-100 books a year. So, as you can imagine and clearly see, I’m a tad sentimental when it comes to this author and her books. I'm just hoping that this post is coherent as I am typing, sniffing, crying, and wiping my disgusting excuse for a nose all at the same time.

And quickly, before I jump into specifics about the book, I do want to say that even though this book is heavy with emotion, not all the books in the series are like this. Johansen has been brilliant with suspenseful plots throughout the entire series, and her secondary characters are just as impressive. She writes the best secondary characters I’ve ever read. Most of which end up with their own books. You can’t help but fall in love with this woman’s characters.

Now, more specifically about BONNIE…

For those who have been reading this series since 1998, I applaud you for making it through this book in one piece! I barely did, and I haven't been reading for that long.

The world of Eve Duncan is always alive. The characters make strong impressions in a world that you feel you can touch. BONNIE is just the same. The interesting thing is that I can’t really recall (and never really do) Johansen getting into too much description about the surroundings, but I still always feel like she puts me right there in the book. And while reading BONNIE I felt like I was picked up by a pair of giant hands, and dropped into Eve Duncan’s world. It’s really magnificent.

As far as the mystery itself, let me tell you how I read this book... I started out at the kitchen table. Then I moved to my husband’s recliner. Then I jumped several times, once nearly landing on the floor. At some point there was pacing. In this book there are so many directions your mind goes that the guessing never stops. It was like being in a maze, and just when you might get lost Johansen blows the entire maze to pieces. Honestly, I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a story line climax so strongly as this one did. When I got to what we will forever call The Page, I busted out into a sob. Not a few tears. Not a muffled little cry that slowly became a sob. Not a gasp and then sob. I dropped the book into my lap and exploded into a sobbed. It was dang near violent. And then she closed the book with one of the most beautiful endings I’ve ever read.

All in all, this book cannot help but be a five star book. The twists are shocking and keep you on your toes, as Johansen leaves a trail of clues that will have the book glued to your hands. There are haunting, beautiful moments between a mother and daughter ripped apart far too soon. And yet in some parts it’s charming and there are even a few moments that make you laugh out loud.

I am in awe of the power that is Iris Johansen. She took something so horrible, a nightmare, and brilliantly crafted it into a story of how love cannot be trapped by time.

In the end there is only love.

COUNTY LINE, Bill Cameron -- You Have To Get This Book!

2011-06-01T12:20:00.007-05:00

Bill Cameron is a writer who knows when to slow down, speed up, and carry you along at just the right pace that you can't help but yearn to finish his books, and County Line is no different. With an intriguing opening, killer chapter endings, no mercy for his characters, twists that will spin you like a wheel, and shocks that come like punches this is a book that delivers.

The characters are nailed to the wall. Cameron portrays, to a painfully real degree, a young girl trapped in the weaknesses and mistake of those meant to protect and love her. You will feel as though you have walked through hell holding Ruby Jane's hand. You'll want to kill for her, hold her, cheer her on and in return she will entertain and amuse you with plenty of wit. Ruby Jane is impossible not to love. The heroes of the story, Pete and Skin, make for quite the grumpy team providing great tension, awkwardness, and light laghter throughout the entire story. You will love, hate, hurt. What more can you ask for in a story?

Having read most of Bill Cameron's books, I can say that he meets all my expectation as a reader. His books have become an automatic buy for me. The icing on the cake is that with every book his edge gets just a little sharper. You will want more.

PW Star Review | Bill Cameron | County Line

#1 Graduates!

2011-05-27T21:08:00.004-05:00

On a happier note, COFFEE

2011-05-14T09:40:00.006-05:00

So, Kari Dell (montanaforreal.blogspot.com) sent me coffee. MONTANA coffee. Only it was coffee beans. I've never actually seen coffee beans. They do have some kind of machine on the coffee aisle, and I'm sure it has something to do with the beans. And no matter how much I love coffee, there really is only one aisle that makes me stop and pay attention, and that is the book aisle.

So the beans were a new thing for me and I was rather excited to get coffee beans, buy a grinder (thanks to The Earl), and make beans turn to liquid. Can't-keep-the-coffee-cup-out-of-my-hand kind of liquid bliss.

NW Pacific people know coffee.

Power, Day Six

2011-05-11T11:14:00.006-05:00

This is very much a belated post. Things went pretty haywire once the power was back on, but the post is written, so...

Mid-day, on day six, we headed out for more supplies. In driving past Fultondale, Alabama we were devastated all over again. It is a neighboring cities to both places my husband and I grew up in. My husband's late grandmother's house is in a neighborhood that was hit particularly hard. His nephew lives in the house now, and it's one of only a few homes still standing in that neighborhood. Thank goodness his nephew came out of it unharmed.

To see the damage, it hurts. Your stomach aches, and your chest feels hollow. It feels like time slows, and you try so hard to wrap your head around it. You can't. So you cry. You cry for every lost life. Every missing person. Every home destroyed. Every dream smashed. There's no balance where your emotions are concerned. You're alive and someone else is not. You can't feel relief without guilt. You can't feel grief without thankfulness. It's difficult all the way around.

I do have a tiny bit of good news. As you can tell by the title of this post, we came home on day six to find that our porch light was on. Within the hour my husband had every appliances up and running. There is still damaged and down wires out back. It makes me anxious, but I assure you that Alabama Power is doing a phenomenal job.

The We Are Alabama website is a good source on find out where you can donate. And James Spann on twitter and facebook is posting needs left and right. His facebook is being monitored by The Salvation Army, The Red Cross, and other organizations so that help can be sent to those in need.

My bedroom lamp. It was good to see it on.

The 'O' That Broke Me

2011-05-01T12:31:00.012-05:00

So the big girl panties don't always stay on.

Today is day five without power but we will talk about yesterday. A different kind of storm.

On a good note, before we begin with the crazy, our water did not have to be cut off. So our toilets are working just fine. However, one of them did clogged up. Thank you, #1. The only thing worse than a clogged toilet is one filled with ... nasty.

I locked the bathroom door so that I could finished the other fifteen things that I was doing before tackling that mess. But #3 thought I was locking the door for fun, and in he went and out the water came. Being that the power was still out and there are no windows in that bathroom, I had to clean up that mess with a tiny flashlight. However, before I could even get started on that mess I realize that the mess is leaking else where. Through the ceiling ... onto my kitchen counter.

As one can imagine this doesn't do much for one's mood, and my mood was already a bit soured. The cold woke me at 5:30 AM. My moving around woke #6. Which woke ~~demon dog~~ the puppy. Which meant I had to take her out to pee an hour earlier. After which she jumped on top of everyone's heads. So then everyone was up. I put the puppy in her kennel, who starts having a fit just as the kids start wrestling. It's the only logical thing to do when there is a mattress on the floor. I manage to settle them down, thinking I might catch a little bit more sleep. Not in this universe. Some idiot. Some blasted idiot started blasting country music right outside my door.

We got lots of cleaning and organizing done. The teen went out to try and volunteer. It didn't go well and that added to a lot of our frustration. I didn't correct my tweets, because I didn't see much point, but the teen was not transporting donations via the Salvation Army. He was sent away from Cordova and the Salvation Army. He eventually went to people's homes and collected things, which he then dropped off at a local store that had an open truck for donations for the tornado victims. We have six kids. Money and donations isn't something we have to offer. But we have time and strong backs. I'm just not sure how to get it put to good use. It's highly frustrating, and I went back to the clogged toilet. Somewhere in all this #6 got diarrhea.

Everyone was grumpy, snappy, and out right mean. I can't count the times I said, "Do you have a heart beat? Do you have a home? Do you have a car? Then zip it." I told myself that all day long. I took a lot of deep breaths. Honestly, I'm not sure what it says about myself that I needed to take deep breaths in this situation. That I'm having to stop myself from complaining when there are people fifteen minutes from me with nothing. When over 300 people are dead, and last I heard over 500 missing.

I should be grateful that I still have children to scold. A toilet that cloggs up. A bathroom to clean. A parking area for people to blare their music. A grill that I can't work, even after five tries. And charcoal that falls out the bottom, onto my shoes (At this point I was laughing like a mad person.).

I should be grateful, but at the end of the day I chose to have ugly words with people and just wanted to cry. So I tweeted, "Is having a very rotten, bad day. I believe it's time to crawl into a hole and sob for a whole." And when I looked back and saw that stupid, stupid 'o' that should be an 'i' I did in fact sob for a bit.

If you can donate to the red cross, please do. If you are ready for spring cleaning find a way to ship stuff to Alabama. It's not good down here. And it's going to be a while before it gets significantly better.

I hope all this makes sense, as I'm typing it all out via my cell phone.

No Power, Day Three

2011-04-29T10:17:00.006-05:00

Alabama Power is working around the clock. They've gotten the number of those without power down to 250,000 from over 400,000 in less than two days. We now have a fully functioning city forty minutes away.

My husband and our eldest are headed that way now. His truck needs to be filled up, and we need some type of container that will hold water. The police have said they are turning off the water today, as a precaution.

We are fine, as you can see in the photos. We have a grill now, and enough ice and hot dogs to last a couple of days. Plus we have plenty of nonperishable items. We have about 8 gallons of water, and like I said, there is a fully functioning city forty minutes from us, should we need to buy more.

From what we can tell #2 is fine. She's about thirty minutes away, and in a more rural area. We have food for them if we should need to try and take them some. Likely we'll end up taking food, a phone charger, and a cooler out to her. Hopefully we'll touch base with her again before long.

Life keeps moving. House chores are getting done, and the home schoolers are busy with their books. When they finish with school there are rooms to be cleaned upstairs.

Life is pretty much like camping inside. With the exception to the ghetto neighborhood, full of people who just want to make a spectacle of themselves, we are doing just fine. I cannot say the same for those in Cordova that are just fifteen minutes from us. The twin tornadoes flattened most of the town. I remember watching the tree line in that direction, just waiting for them to head our way. They didn't. It's a hard thing to balance, the thankfulness for your safety and the sadness for someone's lack of.

You can go to the 33/40 weather blog to see video of the damage across our state. If at all possible donate to the red cross, which has set up a tornado relief fund. Most of all send good, positive thinking our way.

Alabama Tornado Outbreak 2011

2011-04-28T17:21:00.004-05:00

Natural disasters happen all the time, but it's so much harder to swallow when it's your place and your people.

Below are pictures of the tornado that stopped 100 yards from my apartment, to the west, and started up again about 4 blocks N, NE of us. The first three are from Birmingham. The area is about forty minutes south of us. I couldn't take more than that, because when you see a flattened neighborhood, when you see people standing on their homes like they were flattened cardboard boxes, you can only cry and feel an overwhelming need to stop and do something.

My family and I were not out cruising for damaged areas. We had to get supplies, because we were told there was no telling how long it would take to get power back on. My mother figured out the nearest working city from us, and we set off. Not only did my husband and I need things, but we had five children to provide for. We had to get things. Obviously, and shamefully, I did not prepare for now power. I simply didn't think of it. I had checked the weather before bed and thought the storms were coming a few hours later than they did. I'm still unsure if the storms came sooner on there on or if I missed something. I'm pretty fanatic about the tornadoes, as we don't' have the best safety place in this apartment. Regardless at 5:30 AM my husband called to tell me to get downstairs. Minutes later the sirens went off, then the power, then our cells...

It's fascinating how our instincts work. I knew the moment I woke that it was different. I'd woken my children a hundred times. They know the drill. They don't like it, and no one complains more than #1 (our 18yo). But yesterday morning he was up and grabbing children without even realizing what he was doing. I had one of the other children turn Spann on (Our awesome weather man who'd been warning us of this day for some time. He's saved many a lives, that man and his team.). I had everyone in the close but #1 and I.

A couple of minutes went by and Spann reported a tornado being spotted in our area, and two minutes later the power went. I opened the front door so I could listen. I don't stand near the door, I just prefer a window or door to be open so that I can hear, while standing at the closet door. #1 ran upstairs to grab the dogs, which I'd made sure were in their kennels the night before. He didn't make it half way down the hall way when this roar filled the air. I have never heard anything like it, and the 8yo described it as a spaceship landing. You couldn't tell which direction it was coming from, it was above you, behind you, all the way around you. You couldn't tell, but you know what it is and that it was near.

I yelled for #1 who was already jumping the last six steps and passing me to the closet. Scared out of his mind, I'd never seen him move so fast, and he'd left the dogs. As sad as it would have been if something had happened to them, he'd done the right thing.

After we were all in the closet I sent a message to twitter about the roaring with a hashtag, so that our storm watchers and weather people would see it. When you're safe, that is the thing to do. In Alabama we have lots of trees, so during the day communicating where and when you see/hear one helps save lives. Obviously the same goes for the night time. Then our cells went out. I recall #1 looking at me. It was quiet, no power, not cell service, it was isolating and scary. Then we heard the front door slam against the wall, and the slamming and banging started. The wind started twisted through the house, sending it underneath the closet door. It was a very long three to five minutes. I was prepared as much as I could be, and that had to be enough.

And now, as I type this out on my phone, we are fully stocked and ready for some camping days ahead. We are uninjured. Our home is fine. Our vehicles are fine. It is not lost on me how incredibly lucky and blessed we are. Earlier today I cried, but now I've put on my big girl panties. Just like the rest of my Alabamians will do. We might be rednecks, but us southern folk are made of the tough stuff.

On the other side of the road, from the split tree, is a flattened neighborhood.

It's something I will ever forget.

The rest of the photos are the ones in our neighborhood,

all of which is walking distance from my building.

Now THIS is a day!

2011-04-16T14:43:00.001-05:00

#1 Goes to Prom! (Photos)

2011-04-03T06:26:00.001-05:00

I've got it all, baby!

2011-03-24T16:12:00.002-05:00

I'm having myself a pre-release party for COUNTY LINE (Bill Cameron, June 2011)! It's all thanks to Kari Dell, who apparently loves me more than life itself, because I certainly didn't do anything to deserve all these goodies...

But I'll keep them, and love them, and pet them, and... well, you get the picture.

Big Conversations, Little People

2011-03-21T22:40:00.001-05:00

My kids know about cussing. We call them "adult words." They know not to use them, and we've had very few incidents where it has happened. Now I know why. They save it all up for when they're alone. Below is the conversation The Earl came up on a week or so ago.

The five, seven, and eight year old were all playing up stairs together. They were playing so well together, and seemed to be having so much fun that husband didn't want to interrupt. So he eased up on them, just to get a look. The five year old was angry about something. Out of us all he has the worst temper. The boy can put on a nice show, and just as husband got a good view of them the five year old yells out...

"Son to the bitch!"

To which our eight year old corrected, "No, no, no. Son of a bitch."

To which our daughter, who always gets the last word, said, "Yeah, but you gotta yell it like daddy."

I Just Want To Be Me

2010-12-30T10:17:00.003-06:00

Me: "What do you want to do when you grow up?"

5yo: "I wanna play WOW like Zachary (His oldest brother)."

Me: Laughing, "So that's what you wanna do?"

5yo: Nods

Me: "Zachary is going to be an engineer. He's gonna build things. Doesn't that sounds cool? Maybe you'll do that when you get bigger."

5yo, "No."

Me: "A policeman?"

5yo: "No."

Me: "Fireman?"

5yo: "No."

Me: "Teacher?"

5yo: "Momma. I just wanna be me, Matti."

As Inspired by @kidell: I'm Dreaming Of A White Alabama

2010-12-13T11:26:00.003-06:00

I'm dreaming of a white Alabama,
Just like the ones I've never known
Where kids have no school and moms pull their hair out,
And store shelves are empty 'cause we might die

I'm dreaming of a white Alabama,
Just like the ones I've never known
Where kids have no school and moms pull their hair out,
And store shelves are empty 'cause we might die

I'm dreaming of a white Alabama,
with every death note I write to those with snow
May your days be rainy and filled with tornadoes,
And may all your states be as brown as mine.

I'm dreaming of a white Alabama,
Just like the ones I've never known
Where kids have no school and moms pull their hair out,
And store shelves are empty 'cause we might die

I'm dreaming of a white Alabama,
with every death note I write to those with snow
May your days be rainy and filled with tornadoes,
And may all your states be as brown as mine.
May your days be rainy and filled with tornadoes,
And may all your states be as brown as mine.
And may all your states be as brown as mine.
And may all your states be as brown as mine.
And may all your states be as brown as mine.

Now if you can actually manage that to the music... youtube.

Stuff My Earl Says

2010-12-04T14:17:00.001-06:00

"Don't do what I say, know what I think."

Disney's Tangled

2010-11-27T15:26:00.002-06:00

My mother and step father drove two hours today to take the kids and I to see Disney's Tangled. My kids range from 2 to age 7 (8 in January), and they loved this movie. More so we, the adults, loved this movie. My 2yo sat completely still, the boys laughed the entire time, and my daughter... well, being my daughter, she was awe struck. Romance and all that. Her and I sat glossy eyed the entire time. I cried three times and she had the sweetest smile spread wide across her face by the ending.

The biggest thing I noticed were the facial expressions. They were so very well done. In connection with what the characters were doing and the voices... it was perfection. It really drew us in, especially were Rapunzel was concerned. It really drove home the fact that she had been locked away her entire life. Rather than it being all about the hero saving the damsel, it captured the joy of freedom. The feel of the grass, the beauty of the forest, the energy of life. Something wonderful for kids to see.

The settings were amazing. My favorite's were the forest surroundings when Rapunzel first comes out of the tower, the tower itself, and the lake scenes. They were all so colorful, bright, and beautiful. And speaking of beautiful, the kiss. It was in one word: Wonderful. Disney's Beauty and the Beast has always been my favorite Disney kiss. Well, Tangled knocked it right off its pedestal. You just have to see it. It is simply wonderful and swoon worthy for every one who is a romantic at heart. As for saving the girl, Flynn (our hero) saves Rapunzel with a bold move that I actually did not see coming. Most you adults my predict it, but I was very pleased that it was wonderfully unexpected for me.

I was a little surprised to see blood during one of the injuries. It was low key, not gory, and none of my children seemed to really notice. It was just surprising. Even so, as a parent, I wasn't upset or ready to storm the doors of Disney.

Lastly, as a southerner I can't help but love the frying pan, "AKA" a skillet. It was THE best touch.

Barefoot, Pregnant, and Loved.

2010-11-25T11:18:00.001-06:00

Since the age of eleven I've wanted only three things: To be a wife, have lots of children, and stay at home to enjoy every second of raising them. I'm thankful to have all those things. More thankful than can be expressed.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Scissor Conversations

2010-11-21T18:50:00.001-06:00

#4 walked up to me with her school scissors and said, "It's time to cut your hair."

I backed away, "Um, NO."

"Momma, it's just for pretend."

I took the scissors away, "Dear, it is not pretend unless you have PRETEND scissors."

She skipped away, an evil-like skip.

Stuff My Earl Says...

2010-11-17T23:00:00.002-06:00

"I am not a text. I am not a tweet. I am not a facebook. I do not update. I have conversations!" -His response after I voiced that he was taking too long to tell a story.

Karma In A Ditch

2010-11-13T09:39:00.004-06:00

When The Earl tumbled downstairs at full speed to head out for work this evening, I stopped him, "Wait for this one storm to pass. Spann [our trusty weatherman] hasn't cleared us yet." Today was a tornado day. I think I had the kids in the closet three times. My first house, is going to have a storm shelter full of the goods, so we don't ever have to squash into a closet again. Until then, we have to be extra careful. Our apartment is full of windows, so the closet is the only option. Driving to work is never an option when you have a wall cloud sitting on top of you. Did The Earl listen? Nooooo. I mean, after all what do we little, 'ole wives know? It was five minutes later when Spann said, "You should be in your safe place, and no traveling for the following areas..." You can guess that the interstate The Earl travels was on that list, as well as our city, and the city he was headed to. Forty-five minutes and one short, heated phone conversation later, he called...

"Um... I ran out of gas."

Having four young children at home, and not wanting to drag them out at night, I heaved a sigh. A loud one, and then asked, "Where are you?"

"Well, I got that handled. That's not really why I'm calling. I pulled over, right?"

"Right."

"I walked to the gas station, which happened to be right down the road."

"Okay."

"I got the gas, put it in the car, and started to leave. Except I couldn't. I got stuck."

"Stuck?"

"I went too close to the ditch. Then I slid in. I'm stuck in a ditch."

Fumes leave. Laughter ensues.

The Earl did make it to work.... seventy-five tow truck dollars and two hours later. Husbands who listen not to their wives, bad karma does follow. (I am not a star wars person ... I have no idea if I typed that correctly. No flogging allowed!)

A mid-week laugh...

2010-10-21T12:20:00.001-05:00

Dear God,

Please send clothes for all those

poor ladies on Grandpa's computer.

Amen.

Because I love the eyes...

2010-10-08T21:31:00.002-05:00

I like it on the...

2010-10-06T16:25:00.001-05:00

It seems that some people have a problem with the "I like it on the..." way of campaigning for breast cancer. Where the women of facebook are typing where they keep their purse. No explanation just, "I like it on the..." You can see where people's minds immediately go.

Sometimes we need a fun way to approach destructive and heart breaking things. Sometimes we need to laugh at something silly and fun. Sometimes women just need to do something that bonds them to other women. Laughter and unity go the distance, and for anyone to take that and make it something distasteful... Well, it doesn't speak highly of you.

In my book, there is no wrong way to campaign against such a disease. If you don't like a method then move on. There is no need for negative words. Negativity is a disease all on its own.

For the record, I like it on the dishwasher. My purse and.... other things.

To women. To laughter. To love. To finding a cure.

Cooking From the Experts

2010-10-04T11:53:00.001-05:00

To keep potatoes from budding,
place an apple in the bag with the potatoes.

Buy Hungry Jack mashed potato mix.
Keeps in the pantry for up to a year.

When a cake recipe calls for flouring the baking pan,
use a bit of the dry cake mix instead and there won't
be any white mess on the outside of the cake.

Go to the bakery! Hell, they'll
even decorate it for you.

Wrap celery in aluminum foil when putting
in the refrigerator and it will keep for weeks.

Celery? Never heard of it.

Cure for headaches: take a lime, cut it in half
and rub it on your forehead. The throbbing will go away.

Take a lime, mix it with tequila. Chill and drink.
All your pains go away!

Don't throw out all that leftover wine.
Freeze into ice cubes for future use in casseroles and sauces.

Leftover wine?! HELLO!

I shamelessly stole this from @bridgemama, who sends the best emails.

Birds

2010-09-29T12:48:00.003-05:00

To add to the list of things I did not know about myself: I'm apparently afraid of birds. They also make me narrate stupidly on camera. Oh, wait, that's not the birds. That's just me on camera.

And now, thanks to our local park ducks, so is my daughter...

46 Mommas

2010-09-15T12:41:00.002-05:00

46mommas.com

Fire Hydrant

2010-08-27T16:24:00.011-05:00

While out walking our yorkie this evening, #4, while wearing gloves (in August, mind you), went to collecting leaves. At the end of our first lap we passed the red fire hydrant that sits across the street. I noticed that she was looking at it as if it were the first time she'd laid eyes on it, no matter that it was here long before we moved here two years ago, and then ... she started to pet it. She was petting the fire hydrant. She was simply amazed with it. I asked her why she was petting it, and she told me, "It's for fires, momma. It helps people." To me it's just a fire hydrant. To her it's an amazing fire hydrant.

Puppy Extremes

2010-08-20T18:23:00.010-05:00

While out walking this morning, #6 bent down to lick up rain water. The licking up of water was a first; however, him acting like a puppy was not. Barking at people through the window, barking at the front door, licking toes, and now licking up puddles. Is there a line for when it's too much, or am I to just watch him morph into an actual dog? Intervention perhaps? My mother thinks so, I happen to find it utterly adorable.

I have a dog who's still practically new, a new dog book, and a child acting like a dog. My life is all about dogs, at the moment.

Our second puppy.

Adventures

2010-08-15T07:45:00.018-05:00

My children have camped hundreds of times, fought bears, dragons, and things of the like. They've climbed mountains; ridden skateboards and driven across a range of them. They've bounced on flowers, flown across rainbows,
rescued more damsels than anyone I know.

They know their alphabet better than I do, and how to spell their names
forward and backwards. Using magic maps, they've trekked across vast lands,
and visited enchanting castles. They've fought ghosts; they've become ghosts.

The Earl and I have met at least a thousand times, fallen in love even more times.
I've flown with out need of an airplane, and seen the top of a snow capped mountain.
I've been rescued, turned evil, and stuck inside a dozen or so hearts.

There have been fairies, zombies, tornadoes, and wolves. Hearts, colors, and
smiley faces galore. And no matter how many adventures they draw,
I just can't seem to toss any of them.

Time for a Good Sob

2010-08-14T20:07:00.004-05:00

Chain Cow Tour Update, August 2010

2010-08-13T10:59:00.007-05:00

If you're looking for CC, you can find her in:

CC in Kentucky with Keri Stevens

CC at the Romantic Times 2o10 Convention with Keri Stevens

CC at RWA 2010 with Keri Ford

Grateful

2010-07-30T10:49:00.010-05:00

#2 holding #6 at the lake.

My shuffle. I didn't want an iPod, any of them. I wanted that tiny, blue box that holds every piece of music I love. It's not only really cute, it makes the world go away.

Floating on the lake. No matter what's going on. I can pack up the kids and be there in twenty minutes. If I could start every morning off like this I would.

The Earl's random road trips. Spontaneous is not my middle name. A few months ago it was the beach. Last week it was Tennessee. The other day it was down some country roads. I would never do this, not if he didn't drag me out. And it's never where we go, it's the drive, the sitting next to him.

"The answer to peace in my life is never BIGGER. It is always SMALLER." -Erica Orloff

What three small things are you grateful for?

Spilled Milk: What happens when you do cry.

2010-07-29T14:16:00.005-05:00

When the sugar falls too fast and the coffee over flows, crying about it—also known as slamming your sugar canister onto the counter too hard—only makes things worse.

Coffee doesn't just spill in one spot. It runs everywhere. Down the front of the cabinets. Under the tea maker. Behind every trinket you have on your counter top. This makes you say ugly words.

Sugar is the same. It skids across the counter straight to the spilled coffee. As if things weren't sticky enough. And it always, ALWAYS, makes it to the floor, but before it hits the floor it hits your toes. This makes you say more ugly words.

Ugly words, delayed breakfast, starving children, irritation, guilt over breaking that cute, restaurant style sugar canister your husband bought you ... all of which could have been avoided.

Honestly, the milk is just not worth this. I'm going to laugh at it next time. I'm going to look, point, and laugh really hard.

I Am

2010-07-27T18:49:00.004-05:00

I am a wife, mom, friend, and homemaker.

I am loyal.

I am a writer.

I am a home schooler and pajama mamma.

I am a speed-talker.

I am a LOUD laugher.

I am a picky eater.

I am an open-minded individual.

I am a pepsi and coffee lover.

I am a music and book lover.

I am a barefoot, ten kids in the yard, line drying clothes kind of gal.

I am a tickler of children.

I am a cuddler, hugger, and kisser.

I am a lover of all things romance and happy endings.

Fun stuff I did at Erica Orloff's recent blog post, and as she says... "I am NOT a cook or a baker. Or a candlestick maker, for that matter."

Your turn... fill in your I am _______.

DD is not for Darling Daughter

2010-07-16T12:58:00.004-05:00

Admiring the Right Ones

2010-07-13T23:54:00.008-05:00

I admired a lot of people throughout my adolescence, and to the extreme at times. As a young annoying, little thing, my admiration danced around the line drawn between normal and stalker. So when I was let down ... I was LET DOWN. My own fault, of course. I'm sort of an all or nothing kind of gal.

As a child I can recalled admiring one of my cousins, Leslie. She was blonde, tall, leggy, and through my very young eyes, perfect. I remember thinking that she had to be a cheerleader or class president or something. I was convinced that she was the girl that everyone wanted to be and be around. I use to watch her at holidays and do my darndest to sit beside her or get into conversation with her. I'm sure she is completely oblivious to this, and God forbid she find this post lest she start to avoid me at holiday gatherings.

Today my cousin is a District Director for one of the MDA branches (Muscular Dystrophy Association). I knew she worked with kids, but she is on the opposite side of the country and we see each other once a year, so I didn't know much about her work. Today my mother forwarded me the below photo. MDA has just finished this years Summer Camp (The photo is a clickable thumbnail, she's the one in red and also in a blue t-shirt. There's also a couple of articles below that she is mention in.). After seeing the photos and reading up on MDA, I'm even more proud to share blood with this fine woman.

MDA Summer Camp: Something for Everyone

Marine Firefighters Fill the Boot for MDA

We've all, at times, been let down by those we lift up... ministers, teachers, best friends, parents and the list goes on. It's nice to get a reminder that not everyone you look up to turns out to be a let down. Thanks, cuz.

See...

2010-07-03T17:09:00.003-05:00

I only stalk after permission has been granted ---> Click Me!

:^)

Why Having a Toddler is Like Being at a Frat Party

2010-06-25T13:47:00.002-05:00

10. There are half-full, brightly-colored plastic cups on the floor in every room. Three are in the bathtub.

9. There's always that one girl, bawling her eyes out in a corner.

8. It's best not to assume that the person closest to you has any control over their digestive function.

7. You sneak off to the bathroom knowing that as soon as you sit down, someone's going to start banging on the door.

6. Probably 80% of the stains on the furniture contain DNA.

5. You've got someone in your face at 3 a.m. looking for a drink.

4. There's definitely going to be a fight.

3. You're not sure whether anything you're doing is right, you just hope it won't get you arrested.

2. There are crumpled-up underpants everywhere.

1. You wake up wondering exactly how and when the person in bed with you got there.

---> Via Twitter ---> Via Brenna, Suburban Snapshots

:^)

Disastrous Dates Contest Winner!

2010-06-21T13:28:00.005-05:00

Much fun, I'll have to do this again soon.

Tea Love

2010-06-20T22:43:00.007-05:00

I'm snuggled in bed writing with a large glass of tea sitting beside me. We southerners like our sweet tea, and this one is well deserved glass. Two hours ago I had to kill a one inch, black insect with wings. I killed it wearing a towel and Earl's orange crocks.

Before that the kids and I took The Yorkie for a walk, where she pooped in someone else's yard. I had no bags. I had to walk half the apartment complex to get a bag.

Later we walked and road bikes. I am tired! So, I deserve this glass of tea. If it wasn't tea it would be pepsi. If it wasn't pepsi it would be chocolate. But tonight it's tea.

Disastrous Dates . . .

2010-06-15T14:03:00.006-05:00

is the topic on twitter at the moment. I'm researching the most disastrous dates for my current story, in which I will drag my girl through a slew of them. It may be a weird topic to research but I was not popular with the boys in high school and I married a twenty, what's a girl to do? Borrow all of yours, that's what.

I'm going to blog my one sorry excuse for a disastrous date in hopes that the rest of you will share at least one of yours. I'll even put all your names in a bowl, or hat, or something and let one of my cute kids draw your name for a $25 gift certificate to Amazon.

At nineteen my romantic life usually consisted of skipping the dating and becoming an item with someone I'd already known for years. There was a few, very few. One that I recall was with a friend of a friend. I was the third wheel, as my best friend was married. And the guy, whose name I can't even remember, was also the third wheel. His best friend was also married. Eventually we crossed paths. This is already pathetic.

He got my number and we talked for hours, laughing a lot. When we went out, it consisted of a nice restaurant and a stroll that held a beautiful view of Birmingham. The rest of the night was not as good. He took me to see an action flick about people nearly getting buried alive when mountain climbing. Not a date movie. He also cussed and yelled throughout the movie. He'd also put his arm around me and yanked me over, to tuck me in real nice and snug. It wasn't nice a snug, as my butt was half hanging off the entire time.

After wards he drove me home and I was trying to forget the movie and think on the rest. It worked. I was willing for another date, until he called and asked me out. The man wanted me to go to his gym and play volleyball with him and bunch of people I didn't even know. What?Sweat? Embarrass myself in front of a dozen or so? No thank you. I do that quite well on my own. My friends convinced me that I was being ridiculous and told me to go, but under the condition that he went to play tennis with me on a third date (I'm actually pretty good at that).

So I went and chickened out when we hit the door. There was no way I was getting out on the court with all those athletic people. I am not athletic. Not by a long shot. Not to mention I was in wind pants with everyone else in shorts. I was ready to run for the door, but no car. He must have noticed because he took me to a private room where he then began giving me lessons. Bless his heart. You can't teach me sports. Worse, once we started I realized that I'd forgotten to grab something for my hair. So there I was, trying to serve a volleyball to a wall with my arms flying about, and eating my hair. Eventually he gave up and led us out to join the game. I decided to sit it out. He only lasted ten minutes before becoming aggravated with me, and ended the date. He snubbed me on our next phone call.

That is my dating life before The Earl, in one blog post. What's your most disastrous date? Can you beat Clint Redwine who once dated a Marine Drill Sgt.'s daughter, was grilled, and then took her on a thrill ride by getting into a high speed chase after running a stop sign? Or can you beat another twitter friend of mine who went on a date still hung over form the night before, vomiting was involved. Or perhaps you can beat my friend who is from a Mexican family, who obviously knows Mexican food, but was taken to a bad Mexican restaurant where she was then grilled about star wars like she was on a game show?

Share your funniest, worst, most disastrous dates...

Comments are opened until Sunday at midnight, central standard time.

Ten Things That Make Me Happy

2010-06-03T22:34:00.007-05:00

I have pressed the pause button on writing since H.C. Palmquist has so graciously tagged me...

Ten Things That Make Me Happy

1. Myself: I spent my entire adolescence, as many do, shoved up someone's backside. Once I found myself, that made me happy. It's a gift to find and love yourself.

2. The Earl: Oh, it is so sappy. It is so sappy it will make you want to vomit. It is so sweet and beautiful that you'll have to shield your eyes or go blind. When The Earl and I decided to get married I had known him for years, but I didn't really know him. We were more acquaintances than anything. On December 3, 2001 he looked me straight in the eyes and told me that I was going to be his wife. I knew, right then, I was in the right place, with the right person, doing exactly what I was suppose to be doing, when I was suppose to be doing it. We married 18 days later. And other than having children I have never experienced anything like that moment again. To know with out a shadow of a doubt is special.

3. Kissing my Children: I could do this all day long. And I'm not exaggerating, though they probably wish I were. I kiss their noses, their cheeks, their lips... kiss, kiss, kiss. I love them so fiercely that sometimes it feels like my chest might explode.

4. Writing: I can still recall the moment flew up into a seated position on my couch, reading an Iris Johansen novel, and said out loud to myself, "This is what I want to do. I want to give to other women what these writers are giving to me." Since then I've simply fallen in love with the process. It's fun!

5. Simplicity & Nature: Underneath a busy, busy life full of electronics I have a deep love for nature, wildlife, and simplicity. I think nature and simplicity are very connected. The raw basics of life are simple, and we so easily make life difficult.

6. Line Drying: I never had the option until we moved into our apartments to line dry our laundry. I love it for many reasons. Things actually do smell better after line drying. Also, there's a bit of simplicity to it. Being out in the yard hanging things and watching the kids play, especially on a breezy day. Most of all I love to watch the kids run under them. I have many pictures of them doing so.

7. The Apple Cutter: Seriously, it's the best invention ever!

8. People Sitting On Me: Particularly my feet. If I'm on a couch you'll find my feet tucked under myself, under the couch cushion, under a couch pillow, under a balled up blanket.... or best of all, under The Earl, and he loves this! No, really.

9. Love & Happy Endings: I will laugh, squeal, and in general ... go crazy over this one. The Earl even blogged about it once. I read it in books, watch it on tv, write it in stories... I, as mizwrite says, am in love with love and happy endings. They make me happy.

10. Whistling: I love, love, love to whistle.

My Puppy

2010-05-13T21:51:00.000-05:00

He pees on the floor, in his cage, and on me for that matter.

He eats off the floor, the ground, and out of the garbage... that's after he knocks my garbage can down.

He tries to eat my shoes, my toes, and all the blankets in the house.

He likes to bite feet, knees, shoulders, and even rears.

He slobbers, growls, snorts, and makes major messes when eating.

He keeps his nose to the ground, who knows what he's looking for.

He crawls into small spaces, and whines when he can't get out.

He loves to run free outside, and hates to be leashed.

He likes our bed, but that's where we draw the line. Most of the time.

He wrestles, falls, and rolls all over.

Tug-a-war is his game.

He likes the toilet, and loves to splash in a bath.

He rolls, semi-jumps, and sits on command.

He thinks his name is no, and never responds when you want.

He enjoys training sessions, but never for the public.

He gives wet kisses, and stays under all our feet.

He snubs you when jealous, but easily won over by food.

He cuddles like no other, and whines when you put him in him down.

He licks, nuzzles, and puts his nose in inappropriate places.

He's two years old, thirty some odd pounds, brown hair, blues eyes, and not for sale.

:^)

Painful Reading

2010-04-29T17:29:00.000-05:00

****If you are a JANE MACGUIRE (from the Eve Duncan series) fan, this blog post contains SPOILERS about Jane's romantic relationships. Do not continue to read if you have NOT read "Blood Game" and "Eight Days to Live", unless you don't mind spoilers.****

To refresh your memory, I've been holding my breath for quite some time. The wait is over... Iris Johansen's new book is out, has been out, and I've peaked before reading. The couple in question: Jane MacGuire and Mark Trevor, my all time favorite literary couple. At least they use to be. *pouts*

I was fascinated with the relationship between Jane and Trevor in "Blind Alley", and giddy to see the relationship carry over to "Countdown". I had been waiting to see more of them when "Blood Game" came out, only it wasn't what I thought.

I should have known. Really, I should have. Mark Trevor was a man who lived without commitment and responsibility and he was ready to take it on. Jane MacGuire, having gone through a hellish childhood was ready to live life without either. Jane had long been her own parent and parent to other's and was ready to live without rules for once, no responsibility, no commitment. A good thing for her. A good thing for him. I should have realized then that they were in two very different places. I didn't.

Needless to say that when I started "Blood Game" I wasn't ready to see a new love interest step into Jane's life. It actually made my chest hurt. Yes, yes I know. It's just a book. Roll your eyes, I don't care. This is me. I'm all about having that one person. I get all wrapped up in that when it comes to romance. I don't like love triangles much, in fact I've only read one that I enjoyed and it's a beta read for a friend. I don't like falling for a couple and then realizing it isn't going to work. I don't like change, not even in my fiction world. So yes, it made my chest hurt and I put the book down. I haven't picked it back up yet. I was waiting for the next book. Before I continued on with "Blood Game" I had to know the outcome. I couldn't read all through "Blood Game" hoping that in the next one Mark Trevor was going to pounce on the new guy, kick his ass, and take Jane back. *sigh* I would have loved that.

But that's not what has happened. As you can guess the new love interest has apparently won Jane's heart. Where and what Trevor is up to, I have no idea.

My all time favorite literary couple did not stay together. *double sigh*

Sad.

Really, really sad.

My only hope is that when I finally read these, they are so fabulously good that I fall head over heels for the new love interest. However, I'll never be able to be completely happy with this turn of events until I see Mark Trevor *swoon* find someone for him.

You writers... how you pain us.

Anyone else have any books that did this to you? You thought it was going one way and then it went another, and ripped your heart out in the process? *triple sigh*

Beach Trip II

2010-04-10T17:21:00.003-05:00

Up early, packed up, and checked out. Though we didn't leave Panama until late. We hit the beach, the pier, and the Margaritiville shop…again. We went into that shop four times and came out with five bags in all. They love us, a lot.

#3 thinks we need a boat now. #4e has demanded that we go fishing the next time we go to the beach. #5 was ready to go home and #6 just sat in the stroller acting like a dragon, or lion, or something else that growls. #1 had a big brother moment, when he dug deep into his pockets and pulled out change we didn't have so that his younger siblings could look through the beach binocular machine (I'm sure there's a better name for those things.). He then used his last one so I could.

Me with #6 on the beach.

Writing? Seven pages total. It should have been more, but the kids are all at ages that require lots of attention on long car drives. Imagine that. In closing, there was a time when we couldn't afford a toothbrush let alone a spur of the moment beach trip. I'm not forgetting those days.

Beach Trip I

2010-04-08T22:13:00.007-05:00

There is no sleeping in with little kids, and it's no different when on vacation. However, waking to a beach makes it much better. We spent about three hours there and and built mine and the younger kid's first sand castle. The Earl and I did most of the work, but they helped me haul water.

It was great weather and the sand was not too hot. Those are my favorite times to be at the beach. #1 sat under the umbrella still recovering from his friday night gaming and saturday morning photo shoot. The four younger ones enjoyed the water as it came up at their feet, looked for sea shells, and #3 went ninja on the entire Gulf.

The place we stayed at was fabulous. They had a pool with a bar that served just about any finger food and all sorts of drinks. So you were able to eat and drink close to the pool, and look out at the beach. Talk about relaxing! Better, we went up to our room after for a nap.

Later in the evening we took a stroll down the beach. That was probably the best part.
Three of the kids in front, running through the water. #6 on The Earl's shoulders,
and #1 in conversation with us.

And for the Posey people, it's not a beach trip if you
can't hit Margaritaville before going home.

The Volcano Nachos.... the entire reason for the six hour drive. No, I'm not kidding.

Swoon Kiss Hunting

2010-02-23T09:00:00.007-06:00

WARNING: This post could be very painful to sports lovers.

Earlier I was on youtube and on the homepage I saw this kiss. Not just any kiss ... A KISS. It was the chosen image for the one of the featured videos. The reason this is significant is because I'm a romance junkie, and it was A KISS. The image featured a football player kissing a blonde. I clicked play, but there was no football player, no blonde, no kiss. Irritated I went back to the homepage so I could view the image and look it over. See what more I could learn about it in order to google. I'm a pro at this kind of thing.

Seeing as the video was titled super bowl I figured the football player must have been one of the winners and the blonde must have been his girlfriend/wife. I don't watch football so I didn't even know who had played in the super bowl, not to mention who won. Hell, at the start of this blog I didn't even know if 'super bowl' was one word or two. It's two words ... I think. I figured I wouldn't need much info about the image, because they say the super bowl is a big deal. So I figure it will be a snap finding this picture. If you are thinking the same thing you'd be wrong. After seeing a lot of different ways to kiss and, for some reason, a lot of Kim Kardashian, I decided to go back to the picture and take yet another look.

I examine the picture closer ... AH-HA! I see that #9 is on the jersey. I saw some of the letters of his name, but not clearly. So I asked google a series of questions and got: Saints player #9 is Drew Brees, who is married to Brittany. All the while I'm trying to convince myself that this is normal behavior. I must have convinced myself, because I was back to googling, but with names.

Nothing. Drat.

Then I realize that I hadn't been to getty images yet. I go there, I type in Drew Brees name and nada. I'm slightly spoiled with google, so I get really irate when I can't find something. So I do a search on the super bowl and bam there are pictures of the Drew Brees all over the place. Apparently he's pretty important, quarter back or something.

NO KISS.

Back to google I go and finally, finally, finally I google: Drew Brees Kisses Wife ... and the angels sing (I sincerely hope the Brees never, ever in some crazy once in a million chances find this post, because I might find out what it's like to have a cyber restraining order slapped on my ass.). Though I find a picture, I'm not sure if I can use the photo so back to getty images. I don't wanna piss off the copyright law. I know gettyimages has watermarks and I'm convinced that gettyimages HAS to have this photo. I start clicking through all the pages.

Click

Click

Click

And a whole lot more clicking ...

And finally ...

I don't know these people from a hole in the wall. I don't even watch sports, clearly, but holy crap if that's what happens in sport, consider me a new fan.

On a side note there is THE most adorable photo of Drew Brees lifting his son after winning the game. You should look it up, b/c it will melt your heart. Now, excuse me, I'm going to sit and stare at this photo.

**Photo by Doug Benc/Getty Images

Holding My Breath

2010-02-18T17:00:00.000-06:00

Have you ever been so devastated by a book that you had to put it down? I'm currently reading, er was reading, a book that mentions my most beloved literary couple ever. The book isn't even about them, but mentions trouble in paradise. And here I thought they were happily ever after. This couple is THE couple of my fiction world. It hurts my chest just thinking about them splitting up. So I've set the book aside for now, but I will read it, eventually. I'm too in love with the author to not. I'm just waiting until I can read more of it. And until the author writes directly about these two characters again, I'm just going to be holding my breath.

If you are a romance reader or know of someone who is then you know that when we read these books we put all of ourselves into them. Every single one of our swoony-like emotions go into those stories, we are emotionally invested. We put a good bit of trust into a writer when we pick up their stories. It's just the way it is. How can you really escape and really get into the story otherwise? To open yourself up like that opens you up to everything an author has to offer you. The bad part, when you fall head over heels with an outcome only to realize that your outcome isn't how it's going to go. It's rough.

It's a big possibility that I might get a tad too into my books.

And Mother Nature Spoke: Crystal, Build Thee A Snowman

2010-02-16T18:30:00.001-06:00

So, after I pleaded with Mother Nature to give me some freakin' snow, she came through. Granted, it wasn't the 5+ inches that I requested but the kids and I were able to build our FIRST snowman! It was such a fantastic day, and just made me want to move North all the more. We must have spent an hour or more outside, and I wound up with over sixty photos.

Chain Cow Visits Alabama Part III

2010-01-27T09:00:00.044-06:00

And she's off! Finally. CC is Texas bound, headed for Julie Weather. I'm not quite sure why The Husband thought it would be best to get such a big plastic bubble mailer, but he did. He said it was best for CC. LOL

In go the cards...

Say bye-bye to the Posey's...

*tears* Travel safely...

And yes, I really did make it to the post office. See...

Task accomplished, and with no Bobbie Faye moments. *pats self on the back*

Click HERE for all the CC posts! :)

Chain Cow Visits Alabama Part II

2010-01-08T09:00:00.005-06:00

CC is a Chain Cow who has been blog traveling: From Susan in Ireland, to Carol in Wyoming, to Keri in Montana, to Cyndi in Florida... CC made it to Alabama, and survived my family of eight. To follow CC's story click on the links in this paragraph, which will lead you two four awesome blogs that belong to four awesome ladies.

Here's how her visit went.

She hid. A lot. I would too, because coming to a house with this many kids can be traumatizing.

It's because the 4yo liked her. He looks sweet down below, but in reality he kept trying to use her as a new wrestling buddy. Don't worry she is leaving in the same condition I received her in.... well, I might have stolen some Montana hay off her back. But I'm a bit obsessed with the state at the moment, so it's to be expected.

We had a busy week of Christmas traveling and CC was right along with me. She was sweet enough to make herself useful and keep up with my gas money, on the way back from Christmas at my mothers.

She then enjoyed sitting in my tree watching us unwrap our gifts. Personally, I think this is her best photo yet. Our CC is very photogenic but this one takes the cake.

After watching us open gifts, she took a ride on one. We had a little scare, but she pulled through and I don't even think she was scared...even when she saw the pavement coming.

I even gave CC her own Christmas present. She got to hang with this hunk during our New Year Taboo party.

But his wife got jealous. She, like the 4yo, looks sweet but she was really just keeping her enemy closer. Look CC is hot, I'm just sayin'...

We enjoyed having CC. She was a pleasant surprise on Christmas Eve and the most pleasant guest I've ever had. The Posey's love CC. Oh and a tip for Julie Weathers.... CC loves chocolate.

To Texas we go...

P.S. I mentioned in my last CC post that she would be going to work with husband. Something that would have produced many fun photos. However, as you have probably assumed, CC did not make it to work with husband. He forgot her. He is on mine and CC's bad list at the moment.

Click HERE for all the CC posts! :)

We're All Gonna Die!

2010-01-06T14:53:00.005-06:00

Tomorrow we have a 90% chance of 2 inches of snow. Schools are closing down and I'm certain the store shelves are empty. I just smile and nod at them all as they rush the bread aisle. Silly people. Though the kids love it, SNOW DAY . . . . except there's usually no snow past 10 am, except on the tops of buildings and cars. Though, they are just happy to get out of school. I'm happy for them, it's exciting to get out unexpectedly.

I'm just hoping the 90% is actually 90% and not actually 30%. I'd love to see all my kiddos in the snow without having to leave the state. Maybe we'll make our first snow man, I tiny one . . . say about three inches tall? Hey, a snowman is a snowman. Dangit.

EDIT: Husband got back from the store around 5:50 pm. Told you. LOL

Chain Cow Visits Alabama...

2009-12-25T17:49:00.016-06:00

From Susan in Ireland, to Carol in Wyoming, to Keri in Montana, to Cyndi in Florida... CC has made her way to a family of eight in Alabama.

Now, it looks as though it was originally intended that Keri send her to Julie in Texas, with a short stop by my home first. I realized this after going back to Keri's blog, to link it here. However, CC had an entirely different route in mind. She must be aspiring to write as she insisted on dropping in on Cyndi first, to attend the Space Coast Authors of Romance (STAR) Christmas party. You can see just how much fun CC had by visiting Cyndi's blog, which is linked above. I'm glad I never went back to Keri's CC post, and missed the comments, because getting CC was a splendid surprise this Christmas morning. I displayed my excitement by doing gymnastics with CC. *flip, flip, flip*

Tonight she sits on my desk, after watching a movie and playing with chop sticks, trying on my new ear rings. I may never get them back, thanks Cyndi. Her itinerary for the following week includes: an over night work day with Husband (He's thrilled, let me tell ya.), Christmas at my mother's, our belated Christmas this next Friday, and a Christmas party involving the game Taboo next Saturday.

I'm glad to have CC over the holiday's. Though, she may not want any baby cows (I'm sure there is an actual name for them but I don't know it...calf perhaps?? *shrugs*) by the time my kids are done with her. I've already found her a nice hiding spot... top of the fridge. She's quite happy up there too, it's near impossible for my trouble makers to pull a sneak attack on her while up there.

On January third, I'll do my best to get to the post office. I believe Julie in Texas is in for a visit...

Click HERE for all the CC posts! :)

New Discoveries 2009

2009-12-10T20:13:00.011-06:00

Several of the blogs I follow have posted their favorite reads of 2009, that or their recommended books for holiday gifts. I'm going to do something a little different. I've discovered several authors this year. They are not new themselves but they are new to me. To me, these authors are among the best in romance and paranormal romance and I will always be a fan. And going a step further, I'm adding in some other interesting, even if not likable, discoveries from this year. Well, what I can remember.

Authors
Sherrilyn Kenyon
Toni McGee Causey
Jenny Crusie
Rachel Gibson
Susan Elizabeth Phillips
Susan Mallery
Lara Adrian
J. R. Ward
Kresley Cole
Maggie Stiefvater
Gemma Halliday
Kristan Higgins
Lisa Kleypas
Lynne Roberts
Nalini Singh
Patricia Briggs

Blogs
Montana For Real
The Goddess Blogs
Confessions of a Dumb, White Guy
Cake Wrecks

Projects
Fill-in-the-Gaps: 100 Project
Dewey's Read-a-Thon

Social Networking
Twitter <--- If I have to link this, you are under a bigger boulder than even I.
Echofon
Ubertwitter

TV
Castle
True Blood
Vampire Diaries

Cool Tech/Web/Etc.
Sony eReader
Blackberry Curve
Scrap-e-Blog
Simply Fabulous Blogger Templates
Blogger Templates by Deluxe Templates

In General
Movies in 3D!
Montana
Ryan Adams
Folgers GOURMET Caramel Drizzle
Shutting up really is the higher road.
I have a southern twang . . . I'm dealing with it.
That I'm a full-blown romance junkie.
That I write to deal with people's bizarre behavior.
Some books on writing are totally worth reading.
It's more of a must than a maybe to learn some grammar.
That menthol shaving cream makes certain body parts feel a little too minty and fresh.
I really can pull off dark hair coloring . . . Herbal Essence Chocolate Velvet thank you very much.
That it is possible for my momma to work facebook.

Funniest Discovery...
When a writer says they are doing galleys, it is galleys and not gallows, even if it might feel like the gallows to them. I discovered that during a phone conversation with Lynne Roberts, when I kept thinking she was saying gallows. I was very confused at her laughing, until she caught her breath to explain.

I'm sure there are many more but these are what's fresh on the mind. It's been a fabulous year. To many more...

Toddler Dancing to Beyonce - Put A Ring On It

2009-09-24T23:57:00.000-05:00

Why it's best to leave me as I am... A Mole

2009-07-21T23:23:00.014-05:00

When I am a mole I don't drive out to my husband's work, a forty minutes drive, and forget the very thing I'm suppose to bring him.

When I am a mole I don't get locked of my own house and have to interrupt band practice to get my key from the 16yo.

When I am a mole I don't have to argue with the 16yo over who has more jurisdiction over him, me or the band director.

When I am a mole I don't start out on my second trip to my husband's work only to realize, ten minutes down the road, that again I left what I came back for. (In my defense I took the kiddos in for a bathroom break and fed the 1yo)

When I am a mole I don't get back home to realize I had left my house key, that I previously tracked down at band camp, at my neighbors so the teen could get in later.

When I am a mole my neighbors don't have to look at me and ask me, "What is wrong with you today?" (In their defense -if you haven't kept up- I dropped that key off twice in 20 minutes: up the highway, back to apartment, no key, to neighbors to get key, back to apartment, get what I need, back to neighbors to leave key once again.)

When I am a mole I don't call my husband and tell him to shoot me and put me out of my misery.

Seriously, leave me as I am. Don't ask me to venture out of my hole. I like it there and everything that makes the world go round likes it that way too.

-the Mole "AKA" Weremole

Mole Commandments

2009-05-07T17:22:00.003-05:00

Cute and totally has merit. The Mole in me likes, a lot.

The Mole Commandments

This is me...

2009-05-07T13:30:00.015-05:00

...since becoming a stay at home mom. The BFF sent it to me. Though this photo would be more accurate if my sony reader, computer, blackberry, and six baby moles were sitting around close by.

Look, I can't help it that there is no other place I'd rather be than in MY home.