Award day...resolution tracking...and a fun contest!

New Year's Resolution tracking (now weekly instead of daily)
Writing progress:  Good!  All of these critique groups are motivating me!  Not sure about the final product yet but getting stuff down on paper - which is sometimes half the battle!

Weight progress:  Hanging Tough!  (flashback to NKOTB..LOL!)  Maintaining weight loss, eating healthy and got on the treadmill twice this weekend.  Please feel free to pat me on the back because I need lots of praise for this! 

Reading progress:  Awesome due to Beautiful Creatures.  Love this book...almost done.  I'm making this post short so I can get back to it...yes...it's THAT good. 

Soooo...after seeing this award traveling around in the blogosphere for a while and really wanting it to be mine...I finally got it!  Woo hoo!  Definitely need to add it to my site today.  Thanks to Kim who has hilarious Friday movie days and great teasers.  If you've never been to her site, seriously go!  I also LOVE her subliminal messages...they are hilariously awesome! 

And speaking of awesome, Kristin is having a 100th follower contest over at her blog and if you haven't already entered, you should.  The contest cracks me up and I'm enjoying reading all of the entries.  On second thought, maybe my chances of winning aren't as good if you do go.  Hmmm...didn't think that one through!  LOL!  NO...seriously check it out if you haven't already because it's super fun.

In other weekend news - we DID get that weather out here in NC that they called for...lost of snow and ice and a weekend of being in the house.  I LOVED it!  I did alot of reading, writing, cleaning and laying around.  Not sure how I'm making it into work tomorrow but we'll see.  Thank goodness I actually have 4WD..although nothing works very good on ice.  And Starbucks, which is a normal Monday Must Have for me, may be out of the question *she whines pitifully*. 

I submitted my first bit of writing to my critique group who meets again this Wednesday.  I was much more nervous about this than I should be and fretted over sending it all weekend.  The fun part of all this is getting to read other people's writing and critiquing them as well.  It seems a million times easier to be on the other end of this deal...the critiquer as opposed to the writer.  Why is it so hard to show other people your writing?  I will be constantly worrying about it until Wednesday night is over and I can hear my feedback.  Looking forward to what everyone will have to say and at the same time petrified to hear it!  What a goober I am!

Hmmm...other news?  I celebrated my hubby's birthday this weekend (always fun) and we spent alot of our day playing his new Wii Fit Plus game.  Highly entertaining.  I am a master of the skateboard and juggling.  I seriously rock.  The sad part being that I spent two days walking/running on the treadmill BEFORE playing the Wii this afternoon for about an hour.  I'm pretty sure video games aren't supposed to hurt that much but my calves would seriously disagree right now.  Sad.

I have a bit of writing to do before bed so I better run.

Hope everyone had a good, warm, safe weekend! 
Kristi  

Sad news today - actress Zelda Rubinstein died

My sister emailed me this morning to let me know the news.  You all would probably know her best as the little woman from Poltergeist.  I think I've mentioned this guilty pleasure from my childhood once before but now it seems to take on a greater meaning and I'll mention it again.  I LOVED and adored the movie Teen Witch when I was growing up and Zelda played her typical role in this as a fortune teller and mystic.

As a tribute I have decided to tell you all about this little movie you may or may not have seen - it's total 80's and I have to say it will always have a special place in my heart.  It's about a girl who turns out to have special powers and she uses them to transform herself from total dork to the hottest girl in school.  I didn't say it wasn't predictable.  She has a crush on the football player and while she's focused on being popular and getting him to be interested, she loses her real friends in the mix.  She learns she wants him to love her for her (don't we all?) and well, I don't want to spoil the ending, now do I?  There are some fabulously CHEESY song and dance numbers in here as well.  All 80's and wonderful.  "I'm hot and you're not" is one of my favorites and I frequently sing it to annoy my husband...it's more of a rap really.  Let's just say he knows it by heart and has been known to sign it on occasion.  And now he may hide in a closet forever shamed that I told you that.  Oops.  I hope this link works...it's worth a shot.  Check out the clip below.

 

Anyhoo - It's late and I'm tired so I'm going to cut it short tonight.

Hope everyone has a GREAT weekend...NC is supposedly getting snow and ice tomorrow but I won't believe it until I see it!!!  I will definitely post some of the fluffy white goodness should it come my way!  And if you happen to live in the area I hope you don't have to go grocery shopping - it's a mad house around here when it snows!  There will be no milk and bread left...LOL!  I've said it before but I'll say it again...that phenomenon cracks me up! 

Goodnight All!
Kristi

A revelation and the return of my coffee guy

So yesterday morning as I arrived at work I pondered what music to select on my IPOD for the day.  I have a small speaker system set up at my desk and I can't work or think without some sort of background noise.  Half of the time I don't really listen to it, but I need it there.  Yesterday I decided on some Robbie Williams and as his music came on I found myself smiling uncontrollably.  I had forgotten how much I loved his stuff and how it puts me in this happy mood just listening to it.  (Please not that the Millenium album is my absolute favorite and you should definitely listen to it).

As I thought about his music, I came upon a sudden revelation.  I should have been British or English.  Seriously.  I'm obsessed.  I've been hoping to vacation there but haven't quite found the funds or time yet.  I have a feeling I will want to stay.

I started making a mental list of all of my favorite things throughout the years:
(in no special order)
*Gavin Rossdale - I had a total obsession with the band Bush in my college years.  I have every album ever put out by the band, many B-sides and imports, an entire magazine collection (no I didn't make an album of just their articles from every magazine I could find...that would be CRAZY), an autographed, framed magazine cover that is displayed in my home (currently in the closet...have to convince hubby on that one), stood in line to get his autograph in person after a concert once, couldn't speak upon meeting him, have EVERY album Gavin himself has come up with since leaving the band Bush.
*James Blunt - own every album he has put out and love his mood and odd voice
*The movie About a Boy is an all time favorite along with Love Actually
*which brings me to Hugh Grant...yummy.  Kind of dorky attractive but something about it works.
*The television show on BBC Top Gear.  This one we recently became addicted to because it is honestly hilarious.  But me, a car show?  Very strange that I love it.
*Bridget Jones's Diary - another British movie and book that I loved. 
*Simon Cowell from American Idol...the show woulnd't be the same without him and you know those of us that watch are mostly wanting to hear his snide comments.  I have a serious soft spot for him.  He's hilarious.
*JK Rowling - who doesn't love the Harry Potter books, seriously? 

These are just a few that came to mind yesterday...apparently I love the British/English.  That coupled with my love of a cold, rainy day makes me wonder if I am possibly on the wrong continent.  Or maybe just have an appreciation for the sexy accents. 

In other random news - I saw Starbucks guy yesterday morning and it also made my day.  He's not English but foreign so I think it ties in nicely.  A woman came on the intercom to take my order but before she could finish someone started talking over her and I recognized his voice immediately.  I think his name is Nick.  As I pulled up to the drive-in window he had my coffee ready and as he handed it to me, said "Good morning Gorgeous".  This time there wasn't anything unmistakable about it - it was just a nice, friendly compliment.  And what girl minds being called gorgeous even if she doesn't believe it herself?  He went on to tell me that they had taken him off of the drive thru and put him inside the last few days and he was missing it.  He honestly thrives as a people person.  I told him I guess they were trying to boost inside revenue and he joked that that's what they're telling him but he wasn't really liking it as much. 

It was a nice conversation and one that I needed.  I love sharing tidbits in random stranger's lives and the fact that some of them have no problem spilling little things to me.  Hmm...perhaps why I am addicted to blogging?  It's just nice to know that we live in a nice big world where some people who don't know you at all can treat you more like a friend than a stranger.  As you all know Starbucks guy can sometimes push the envelope with my comfort level with his comments but I think now I know...he's just a good guy trying to get people to smile every day.  And I like that.  We should all be more like that.

Speaking of coffee - time to run.  I'm back to my morning posting...I spent last night critiquing for my group and finishing up my selection to send out tonight.  It still needs some work, but each time I take a stab at it, it seems to get better.  Maybe.  Sometimes I honestly don't know.  I'll let the group decide.

Happy Thursday All!
Kristi   

 

Movie Reviews

First of all - you should all be very impressed that I was able to pull myself away from Beautiful Creatures tonight to blog...seriously hard to walk away from that book...it's very intriguing and leaves you wondering what is really going on.  BUT as I've mentioned a few times before my desire for coffee in the morning overcomes all other things so I'm trying to get on a better schedule...umm...again.  Clearly it didn't take the first time.

If you haven't noticed, I tend to ramble more at night.  Sorry for that.  Last week I was actually able to watch a few movies and while I know they are old and you've all probably already seen them, I still want to review them just in case, like me, maybe you have toddlers or a family or...perhaps a crazy need to write and be at your computer, that may otherwise cause you to be behind on the latest movies and things going on out there in the world.  These movies are already out on DVD and probably have been for quite a while.  Actually one of these movies I bought on Black Friday on Blu-ray for like 4.99.  Seriously can't beat that price and I have to brag a little...it's the least I can do for venturing out on that day!  So without further ado...here we go...

First off - Wolverine!  LOVE, LOVE, LOVE.  If you liked the X-men movies then chances are you'll love this as well.  I've been wanting to see this one for a long time but with a toddler in the house our movie watching has certainly suffered.  I've posted eye candy for you ladies to the right.  Let's just pause and look at that for awhile.  Mmmmm...what?  The movie? 

Oh yes -  it was what you'd expect - high action, high drama and a few tasty Hugh Jackman scenes to keep the ladie's interested.  The hubby and I were amazed at how buff he was for this part.  And if you're a Lost addict like we are, you'll be entertained that Dominic Monaghan who plays Charlie is also in this.  When I watch movies like this it's for the pure over-the-top entertainment of it all and it certainly didn't disappoint.  Was it predictable?  Definitely.  Far fetched?  Absolutely!  Awesome?  YES!  But if you're looking for something deep or inspiring, well, this certainly isn't it.

   Okay the second one we watched was "He's just not that into you"

Cute movie but I have to admit it was a little long and I couldn't find any good photos to post.  This was ONE of my favorite scenes.  The problem with this movie was that it had great material and some truly awesome scenes but it wasn't edited very well.  You were distracted half way through and could feel that it was running on too long to hold your interest.  This is never good for a movie watcher.  Like reading, I want to be transported to another place and time...this didn't do it for me.  It's hard saying that because I honestly believe there were some valid points and some life lessons that for alot of us women were really done well in the movie.  Has anyone read the book?  I wonder if the book was better...it usually is.  My advice - this is definitely worth atleast one watch but don't subject your husband or significant other to this punishment and rent it instead of buying.

And with that - it's past my bedtime!  I'll be visiting blogs tomorrow but mostly MIA in order to finish work on my lastest critique group piece!  Yes the panic has set in!  I received my first email tonight from a fellow group member whose material I get to read and critique for my next meeting!  So excited yet the pressure is on to get mine done and sent out!  How fun this process is going to be!

Happy Hump Day Everyone...well, almost...45 minutes and counting! 
Kristi

Crit Group Motivation AND a new award! WEEEEEEE!

Ok so it's not even February yet and I'm already done with the new year's resolution tracking!  It's annoying even me so I'm killing it.  That said, it's been very helpful with keeping my goals in mind and I will still report my progress...just maybe on Monday instead of every day of the week.  What is that?  Do I sense clapping and cheering?  Perhaps I kept it up too long.  It really was a good idea...in theory. 

Or maybe I'm killing it because I have found other motivation.  While my first critique group experience may not have gone as I planned and I may not have come away with lots of cool new friends *sniff* I did manage to come away with a healthy sense of fear and motivation.  Having offered up some of my own writing for the next meeting seems to have been just the thing I needed to get my rear in gear.  **wait..uncontrollable laughing at that last sentence***  Okay...back to all seriousness - BECAUSE I don't have any friends in this new critique group I want my writing to impress more than ever.  I have an insane need for people to like me.  It's a personality quirk.  So this odd need coupled with the fact that I'm sharing my writing has turned out to be just the silver lining I needed to feel the crit group experience is going to be awesome for me.  My writing has already improved and I've begun thinking about my story all week..obsessively.

I'm sharing the first chapter from my new work in progress.  And to think I originally thought I was done with it!  HA!  I keep finding new ways to give it more life and spunk.  Yesterday, on the way to work, socks came to me.  Yes, strange I know, yet meaningful....socks.  In my opening scene I had a woman carrying books and rushing around...something about it wasn't working for me and I could see the picture in my head but couldn't quite think about what she SHOULD be carrying.  Then, magically, it came to me...socks.  And for some reason it fit perfectly and the mood of my entire opening paragraph was changed by that one visual.  I know it's the right one.  It feels good.  And it's simple.  But I needed to think more about the character I was writing, the mood of the scene and what would make sense in order to convey the feeling I was trying to get across.

My point in all this is that generally speaking when I first write something I'm just trying to get it down on paper...the big idea...the big thought.  But after I do that I generally need to go back in and "breathe some life" into it.  In joining the crit group I'm finding that I'm paying attention to the details and getting my work the way I want it from the beginning and I think this building block idea is going to help make my book stronger as I go.  I'm still unbelievably nervous and I know I will be continually working on my selection all week and break into a sweat as I hit the "send" button to my crit group partners.  Having to wait a few days to get their feedback will surely be maddening.  Most likely I will fret and worry the entire time.

BUT moving on because I'm almost out of time and love to ramble...I got yet another award yesterday from the lovely Carol over at Carol's Prints!!!  If you haven't checked out this blog you really should...she never ceases to entertain me and she is just too cool.  Thanks Carol!!!!

And now...time to run so I can grab some coffee!  Hope everyone has a Happy Tuesday! 

Kristi     

The Wolf Within Prize Pack Give-away!!!!

Reading progress:  Blew this goal out of the water.  My curiosity got the best of me and I started Beautiful Creatures...can't put it down.  Was up until 11:30 last night reading and am already a quarter of the way through.  I forgot how fun it was to be addicted to a book.  I even read it in between painful plays of the Vikings vs Saints football game.  Poor Favre.

Today's the day for my "The Wolf Within" Prize Pack Give-away!!!

Here's what's up for grabs:
*An autographed copy of The Wolf Within
*A $25 Barnes and Noble Gift Card
*A $5 Starbucks Gift Card (because I believe coffee and a good book go hand in hand)

The winner will be drawn on the release date for my book, February 25th, 2010 and announced via my first vlog (hopefully)!  What do you have to do to be entered?  Really not much.  I'm of the opinion that it's much more fun to win free stuff for doing nothing than having to work hard for it.  Plus, I'm a bit lazy.  So all you need to do to be entered is
(1) be a follower of this site and
(2) comment on this post and tell me to enter you in the the drawing! 

That's it!  I seriously love having give-aways!  It's like Christmas all over again.  But in reverse.   

And as promised, here's another teaser from the book:

CHAPTER 5


As I drove away from Gwyn yet again I felt a renewed energy that had long been dormant. I still couldn’t believe I had kissed her at Lily’s. That certainly hadn’t been part of my plan. This wasn’t really working with my goal of trying to keep a low profile and not get too involved.


I had been in a panic over the Chief’s latest news and when she showed up and was ready to go, it just happened. Her words and thoughtfulness had grounded me and pulled me back in such a natural way that my instincts took over. I lost control in that moment and acted on pure desire. I felt more alive than I’d felt in quite a while. My soul was being healed and I doubted she even had a clue how this was affecting me. But now was not the time for reminiscing.

I sped up my cycle, knowing I had to get to the crime scene before the important clues I needed were gone.  Timing always played an important role in my gifts…too much time caused evidence to fade away, sometimes resulting in not so much as a lingering scent.


This time the murder had occurred in a nursing home and as I pulled into the parking lot I started trying to get myself into the right headspace for the crime scene. This was always more difficult for me than I felt it should be. It was amazing I had ever gotten into this profession at all. Crime scenes and blood still sent shivers up my spine and made me feel sick to my stomach. I had resolved myself to the fact that in order to help it was a necessary thing to have to see. It was harder to tune my senses without the whiskey (which I’m sure the Chief wouldn’t approve of) and with so many distractions which tended to surround such an event. I parked my bike and walked over to a nearby bench in order to clear my head.


Sitting down slowly, I closed my eyes and took a few deep cleansing breaths. I tried to listen to the wind and the insects, attempting to turn my entire focus towards my natural surroundings in order to block out the human world completely. I tuned out the cars driving by on the adjacent road, the residents talking behind me, a dog in the distance chasing a ball. All these distractions had to be removed for me to truly hone my senses. I imagined myself in a quiet field, in a clearing surrounded by trees, the sun beaming down from above and heating up my entire body.


After a few minutes I felt my shoulders and body begin to relax. My ears could pick up a nearby snake slithering through the bushes…I was almost there. I pushed myself further, tuning out even more distractions and focusing in on my target. When I could smell the blood from where I sat I knew I was ready to go.


I stood up and followed the scent into the nursing home, down the right hallway, to resident room 113. The Chief and his staff were inside and appeared to be waiting on me to arrive. They knew that I worked best when nothing had been tampered with prior to my arrival. They had done a good job of sectioning off the room to the public and keeping a low profile so as not to disturb other residents. Chief Branson knew how I needed to work so as soon as I walked into the room he and his associates left without saying a word, shutting the door as they went.


I again closed my eyes, this time tuning my senses to track the smells of the room. This was by far the most useful piece of evidence I could find after an incident had occurred. I could smell the blood from the victim and guessed that she had been dead around six hours before the police arrived, which meant about seven hours prior to my arrival. I breathed deeper and found the scent I was looking for, the one that was strangely familiar to me. It started right over the body and I knew it belonged to the killer. In the other crime scenes the scent I had found had only been on the victim and around the victim in a one foot radius. All else had been intentionally scrubbed clean so that I couldn’t follow or track him. I knew this was an intentional act meant just for me and the thought still made me nervous.


As I investigated further this scene was proving to be different. The scent actually went away from the body and out of the door of the room. I knew better than to think he had all of a sudden gotten sloppy. Unless someone had interrupted him…was it possible? Did we finally have the break we’d been looking for?


The adrenaline began pumping through my veins and I felt my heartbeat speed up as I threw open the door and made my way into the hallway. I was slightly aware that the Chief and officers were all staring at me as I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. Focusing again, I caught the scent, but it was lighter…it had already begun to fade and I needed to be fast. I walked to the right and followed it down the long corridor. It had begun to get faint and harder to detect. I took a few steps forward, took a deep breath and feared I had lost it. It must have turned. I looked around and noticed a door a few steps back to the left that appeared to go outside to a courtyard. It was worth a try. I walked to the front of the door and took a deep breath. There it was…barely, but I could tell this was the right direction.

It was harder than I thought to pick my excerpt!  Hope you all enjoy this selection from the book!

This week's goals involve quite a few writing projects:  I have to finish my acknowledgments page, send to my publisher, work on my writing for crit group AND attempt to continue my current work-in-progress.  Some days I wonder if my desire to do too many things has finally caught up to me!  I think my chances are about 50/50 of either (1) completing all tasks and feeling accomplished or (2) finally having a nervous breakdown.  Here's to hoping it's #1!

Hope everyone had a great weekend!!!  Thanks to all of my blogging buddies out there for their support as I publish my first book!  (Who knew actually getting published would be the scary part???)  You all ROCK!

I must go...time for coffee!!!
Kristi

Friday Give-away Teaser

New Year's Resolution tracking:
Writing progress:  Nada.  Tired.
Weight progress:  Still good!  Motivation is lovely!
Reading progress:  Nada.

First of all - TGIF!  Today is my kind of Friday here in NC...rainy, gloomy, chilly but not too cold!  I'm loving it...and yes, I already know I'm odd...but thanks. 

Today's post is going to be quite short - I just wanted to remind you all to come back on Monday when I announce my "The Wolf Within" give away!  Rules and details to follow.  Along with a teaser from the book.

I've been reluctant to mention it because, well, it's release date is only a month away and I still haven't seen the cover art...how SCARY is that?  I'm too much of a planner and worry-wart for this publishing business...seriously...I may need to be on medication after this experience!

Have a great weekend!!!!
Kristi  

My first critique group experience!

New Year's Resolution tracking:
Writing progress:  Nothing today but going to critique group counts, right?
Weight progress:  Excellent - 3 pounds down in the new year and keeping it off...just slow and steady.
Reading progress:  Nada.

So....my first critique group experience was nothing like I had imagined it would be.  AT. ALL.  I think I may be very used to all of my blogging friends and this awesome forum we have for communicating.  I'm one of those super friendly personal people (ummm...if you couldn't tell) who really enjoys connecting and getting to know others - granted, I'm shy at first and a bit reserved but I love, love, love meeting new people. 

Here's how my vision of what I thought would happen tonight went:  I enter the bookstore early, peruse the lovely shelves, buy something I probably don't need and won't read for another few months, get a cup of coffee, awkwardly look for my new critique group, join them five minutes early or so...just in time to chat with interesting people that are gushing about writing and that have this connection that can't be described, they welcome me with open arms and I sit back entranced in their critiques of each other's work...well, you get the picture.  I even envisioned meeting atleast one other woman my age...she and I would totally get along and get each other....we would exchange numbers and I would have a life long friend.  Clearly I read too much fiction. 

The only truth to the above vision was that I did indeed arrive early and of course bought something I didn't need.  In the form of this beautiful cover:

Don't get me wrong...that's not to say that I'm not going back to the critique group at all.  I am.  It just caught me by surprise.  The people were friendly but reserved...it was more business like than I had imagined.  Everyone chit chatted as we waited on the group to arrive but it was awkward...they asked my genre and I explained that my first two books were science fiction but my latest project was more young adult and yet another work in progress was more literary fiction...so I haven't found exactly where I'm comfortable just yet.  I'm enjoying jumping around.  They all just kind of nodded and smiled...but not alot of feedback.  I felt ditzy for randomly spilling things out as is my usual habit when I'm uncomfortable.  I randomly babble and smile and get excited when I talk.  Perhaps I look a little too anxious.  I really just need to scream **like me, please, just like me**.  Because in the end, that's all I want.  I'm a people person. 

I think it's because this certain group has an interesting mixture of people.  It's intriguing.  None of them are like me.  At first I didn't know what to do because it's uncomfortable to feel like you don't fit in but as I listened and watched, I realized this may be the absolute most perfect situation I could have asked for.  What better than to get up to 8 or 9 other perspectives on one piece of work?  I was honestly amazed at what a mish mosh of people we had.  And the feedback was really good. 

They choose ahead of time four people who will get critiqued and the only rule is to keep it to a maximum of 2500 words and you give it to everyone by secure email a week in advance.  Each person has to prepare their critique ahead of time and be ready to present.  They go around the table one by one saying both what they loved about your piece and what needs work.  There is an amazing level of respect from each person that I totally loved. 

I took the plunge at the end of the meeting.  It lasted two hours and fifteen minutes.  I offered to present in two weeks something I write to be critiqued.  I felt comfortable with how it works and I figured this would really give me an idea if this is something I want to continue.  It was just such an odd, surreal experience for me.  Completely out of my element yet touching in a way.  To be around such a completely different group of people who share a passion for writing and help each other along the way was just cool.  I wish you all could have been there.  I still don't 100% know how I feel about the whole thing.  I'm confused.  And for some reason I like it.

The big thing for me will end up being if I connect with someone from the group in the next meeting or two and whether the critique helps my writing.  In order to enjoy going to these things at some point I'm going to have to enjoy seeing someone because at my core I really am a people person and I can only fight it for so long.  Right now it's more like they are all in a fishbowl or a science experiment and I'm probably watching them just as much as they are watching me. 

And with that - it's much too late for me...time for bed!!!

Good night all!

Kristi      

   

Perception - encouraging or misleading?

New Year's Resolution tracking:
Writing progress:  Fairly good.  In the midst of my favorite part:  random scribblings throughout the day as things come to me. 
Weight progress:  Maintaining weight loss and aiming for more...but slowly! 
Reading progress:  Still loving the many tips from "The Fire in Fiction"

I'm trying something new today...blogging at night as opposed to the morning.  My morning blogging has been conflicting with my coffee addiction and I'm not sure how much longer it can go on.  I've already left the house too late to buy myself a Starbucks treat three days last week and one day this week.  This madness cannot continue.  My awkward Starbucks guy probably thinks I'm dead or have had a serious accident.  It's up to me to assure him I'm still okay.  Here's to hoping I'll get both a tasty latte' tomorrow morning as well as some awkward conversation.

I've been thinking alot lately about how perception can sometimes be important when it comes to writing.  Every time I have a story or an idea that I can't wait to write, that's keeping me thinking at night when I go to bed and otherwise taking over my life...eventually I always end up wondering if it's just me?  Is it really good or do I just THINK it's good?  In the end, I write because it completes me and sometimes I need to get those thoughts out of my head and onto paper, but the confict of "wow this is awesome" versus "will anyone want to read it" constantly seems to plague me when I first begin a project.

Perception is excellent at motivating and encouraging.  I have no idea whether or not it's awesome and there's some magic in that.  If I think it's great then I'm going to write like it is...and that has to be a good thing.  Believing in one's self and your work has got to be positive.  I'm pretty sure no one has been motivated by thinking they are horrible at something or feeling like it was real "work".  I guess from my point of view, even if my pereception is misleading and what I'm working on is a true flop...if I get enjoyment out of writing it...does that make it a success in and of itself?  I think so. 

It's consuming me yet I'm in no way ready to talk to anyone about it.  It's tricky telling others about your current project because, well, I don't want to accidentally change it in any way, shape or form by what others may think of it.  I want to finish it the way I imagined it should be in it's entirety but I'm so thrilled about it that I feel like I want to tell everyone I know.  It can be quite maddening at times.

It often reminds me of having a child.  I am now a firm believer that every mother or father upon seeing their child for the first time honestly believes he or she is the most beautiful thing on the planet.  No matter what they truly look like, there's something about those mommy or daddy goggles that momentarily blinds us.  I look back at pictures of my son and wonder how in the world I honestly believed he was the most perfect thing I had ever seen.  He looked a little like an alien.  I'm not joking.  I had no idea.  The mommy goggles were strong.  The hubby and I joke about it all the time.  I really think he's the most precious thing ever...even now...but I occasionally wonder if he really is or if it's my "mommy goggles" tricking me again.

I feel like it's the same feeling I get (maybe not as emotional or strong but similar) when I start a new project.  I'm excited...pumped up...I know this is going to be awesome.  I love the thrill of a new idea and starting a new novel.  Those random scribbles in notepads that I try to decipher later, thinking about characters as I drive, going to sleep thinking about the storyline in my head...it's a magical time.  Obviously I am also a complete over-analyzer.  Wow. 

In other random news - I am planning on attending my first critique meeting tomorrow night.  I'm both nervous and excited.  I've been wanting to get a writing group together with some fellow friends that I trust in the hopes that maybe when I get half way through said new exciting novel I can get some honest, professional feedback.  I have heard only good things about critiquing groups so we'll see how it goes.  My job tomorrow night is just to come and listen to other's give feedback.  I hope to learn alot and possibly take what I learn to create my own group...or if I enjoy it...be brave enough to share some of my own work with this new group.  I will for sure let you all know how it goes. 

For now - bed time.  I can already see a new problem with my late night postings...no work to go to and therefore the mindless rambling begins....I can't win.

Happy Almost-Hump-Day,
Kristi         

 

The blogosphere has validated me!

As if I needed any more reasons to spend more time blogging (I'm quite the addict already) - I received my second and third blog awards!  I have now been totally validated and now Kristin, Lynnette, and Kimberly for that matter can now consider themselves my enablers.  I received the Happy 101 award both on Sunday and Monday!  Woo hoo!  Yay Me!  This one is quite deserving of a **happy dance**!!  I'm quite proud of it!

I would like to thank both Kristin and Lynnette for the award!!! This one comes with rules...I must list 10 things that make me happy as well as pass it on. Since I never passed on my Honest Scrap Award I think I will do it all here today! And without further suspense, let me announce my picks. This was harder than it should be...I love so many blogs. But I tried to be impartial as to whether or not these people already had awards and just go on my gut instinct and my current favorite blogs:



The Happy 101 blog award goes to:
Kimberly - I can't think of a person this award fits better.  Honestly.  Her blog is always fun and never ceases to make me laugh. 

Victoria - Love this blog. She does a very cool job of pairing subject material with gorgeous pictures/artwork with most of her posts.
 
Michele - Always happy with great posts that really make you think.

Kim - Love this site.  Always something fun.

Jennifer - Very funny blog and one I always tend to relate to.

 
The Honest Scrap Award goes to:
Kristin - Very cool looking site and her Teaser Tuesdays are terrific! 

Eva - Beautiful, touching writing here each and every post.  Very moving and emotional.  Another of my favorites.

Holly - One of the new sites I've found that I'm really enjoying!

Elspeth - Another one on my new blog roll that I've been loving!  Great humor and lots of fun!

Stephanie - Very creative writing and a great place to dive into a story as Stephanie gives you pieces with each post.

And now with my 10 favorite things:

1 - Family - ALL of them.  From my patient loving husband to my sister I couldn't live without to the in-laws that I'm lucky enough to have gotten.  I love them all!

2 - Friends!  I have too many good ones to count and that's truly a blessing!

3 - Coffee!  Seriously!  In that order.  I am a coffee addict!

4 - Rain and Snow - Apparently I'm into the precipitation.  There's something about a rainy, gloomy day that I love.  Makes me want to curl up by the fire with a good book.  You can't beat it.

5 - Hiking and Walking - I love being outdoors!  Something about it is relaxing and natural.  Perfect de-stressing remedy.  My husband actually proposed to me atop a mountain while hiking...it was absolutely perfect!  And to make it better - he has a fear of heights.  Now that you've all gotten nauseous I'll move on...

6 - Children - they seriously put things in perspective and do the cutest off the wall things everyday.  With the exception of when mine puts his face in the dog's water bowl and drinks, it's mostly cute.  That one is just plain gross.

7 - Reading/Writing - being transported to somewhere else in your own mind and imagination is just hard to beat.

8 - Chocolate!  Of the dark chocolate variety...especially Dove and Ghiradelli.  It's my weakness.

9 - Snowboarding!  Although I haven't been in quite a while I absolutely LOVE IT!

10 - Red Sox!!!  I saved the best for last!  I'm a total baseball nut and completely addicted to the Red Sox.  When baseball season rolls around my blogging will likely suffer.

Hope everyone has a terrific day!!!!  And thanks again for the awards and congrats to those that now have one as well!

Kristi

Pay it forward - a surprise give away to my 40th follower!!!

New Year's Resolution tracking:
Writing progress:  Good.  I keep going back and forth between two different stories as they move me..but both seem to be coming along nicely..so far. 
Weight progress:  The scale is happily down...now to not get distracted and keep up the good eating habits and exercise.  Easier said than done!
Reading progress:  Nada.  I failed on this one over the weekend but since I did some writing..not feeling so guilty about it today.

Good morning everyone!  What a wonderful Monday...so many lovely comments left for me and a few new faces!  Hope your weekend went well...before returning to the grind I have an announcement...

Congratulations to Eisley Jacobs for being my 40th follower!  As you may or may not be aware, I won a give away for being Michele's 40th follower (see post here) and received a very cool book that I will be reading next!  I thought it would be cool to pass along the 40th follower give away as there was just something so fun about receiving a new book in the mail that I didn't purchase myself.  We all love books, right?  I also like the way Michele chooses to support local venues, new authors and independent publishers so I've chosen my list of books in that same way.  And there are even a few from some fellow bloggers.  And without further ado...here they are...

Eisley - feel free to email me (think you can click on my profile and send an email but if not let me know) with your selection and your address, which I promise to keep private and use only for purposes of sending your free book.  This is too much fun.  I could get addicted to give aways.

Synopsis:
Lily Wright is a doctoral student in psychology struggling to uncover the cause of her own serious depression.  As the anxiety generated by her increasingly disturbing dreams and flashbacks convinces her she has repressed the memory of some traumatic event, she finds herself clinging to the one unexpected bright spot in her life - the intoxicating and debonair Dr. Gabriel Martin.  Losing herself in their whirlwind romance, Lily is almost able to escape the depths of the psychological darkness that once nearly engulfed her.  But when their budding relationship is threatened by an unknown foe, Gabriel's mysterious behavior leads Lily to supsect that he is not who - or what - he appears to be; in fact, he may hold the answers to her own forgotten past.

Synopsis:
There's more to life than playing make believe.  Sandra Moyer has a good reason to distrust actors.  She was once married to one who left her and her child.  However, she's desperate for publicity to help her struggling preschool.  Hollywood playboy Ben Capshaw's request to access her classes to prepare for a role is an offer she can't refuse.  Sandra second guesses herself on that decision until she sees Ben in action with the children.  Her apprehension turns to wonder, and then to feelings she'd thought were closed off forever.  Yet how can she trust that what she's seeing is real?  As a boy, Ben learned that acting was the answer to everything.  The role he's up for now will enhance his career and, he's sure, secure his happiness.  But spending time with Sandra and her daughter stirs up emotions that-for once-aren't pretend.  Ben's ready for a lifetime role as husband and father-if he can convince Sandra not to typecast him.

Synopsis: 
Past mistakes can never be forgiven...
Mike Taylor is the epitome of stability.  His family is proud of his academic and athletic achievements at Georgia Tech, and despite the temptations of college life, he has maintained his moral standards.  Yet beneath the peaceful surface, Mike is consumed with guilt, fearing condemnation and rejection.  A former girlfriend's abortion and the intense love he feels for his roommate's wife constantly remind Mike of his failures.  Unable to forget and full of shame, he refuses to forgive himself.  When Danielle enterst his life, he realizes he can no longer hide the past.  Will she be able to reach him or is Mike past the point of redemption?





I REALLY REALLY wanted to list even more but I'm running out of time.  Hope everyone has a terrific day and I look forward to catching up to each of your blogs!

I'm off for coffee...

Kristi

Status Seekers versus Storytellers

New Year's Resolution tracking
Writing progress:  Back to the brewing...waiting for another writing explosion
Weight progress:  Down a bit...time to keep up the good eating habits and exercise!
Reading progress:  Took the night off.

Good morning! 


Wow...there's something about a Friday morning...atleast for those of us that still have everyday jobs...that is just hard to describe.  It just feels good.  I wake up smiling, knowing tomorrow, if all goes well, will be a day to sleep in and not be awoken by the dreaded alarm.  Speaking of sleep - as you all know stranger Johnny called at 1 and 2 am the night before...well last night (this morning rather) my alarm went off at midnight.  I hit snooze twice not wanting to get out of bed before realizing it wasn't time for work quite yet.  And when you wake up like this, the world is generally fuzzy...not yet making sense.  I had to check my cell phone not once, not twice, but three times to make sure I could REALLY go back to sleep.  Apparently my toddler somehow turned on the "B" alarm in addition to my "A" alarm that goes off at 5:45.  Nice.  You would think when I woke up this morning it would be obvious it wasn't the right time...but not so much.  There was much confusion before I finally let myself fall back to sleep.  So....I'm going on two nights of interrupted sleep...no wonder I'm so glad it's finally Friday.


As for Starbuck's guy and his "Random stranger that made me smile" award I frequently give out...I decided yesterday morning that he deserves to keep it.  Sure, finding the courage to go back was tough for me and he surely didn't make it easy.  (When I got to the window he told me he was trying to behave and that it was hard being dark chocolate...seriously...I can't make this kind of weird stuff up.)  But it was funny, I smiled, we both laughed and I went on my way.  But as I did so I pondered this - would it be more enjoyable for me to have a typical and normal experience every day or is his jolly good, sometimes off the wall humor, along with a big smile...more of a nugget of uniqueness in my day to day normal ho-hum life?  I obviously went with the latter.  He's having a good time.  Sure...it makes me a bit uncomfortable at times...but it also gives me something to talk about and he has a fun spirit that doesn't deserve to be quieted by the likes of me.  So we will most likely continue our odd and awkward banter.


BUT what I really wanted to post about today was something I read in the beginning of "The Fire in Fiction" book that I thought was interesting and thought provoking.  The author categorizes writers into two categories:  Status Seekers and Storytellers.  He goes on to explain that it's tough to tell at first which category a writer will fall into and only after they have become published and have some sort of a career does it normally become more obvious.  Status Seekers have a desire to be published while Storytellers have a passion to spin stories.


It's an interesting thing he points out because I see his point in how these two very different groups will end up reacting to criticism/failure/doubt, etc...


The status seekers become more frustrated as the process goes on while the storytellers seem to look within to correct their product, desiring to make it the best they possibly can and knowing the change has to happen with their own manuscript.  He writes this about when rejections arrive and how the two groups may react:  "Status seekers grow frustrated.  They decide that landing an agent is a matter of timing or luck.  Storytellers may be understandably bewildered at this stage but recognize that something is missing from their writing.  They resolve to do something about it."


I love this section so much I am tempted to go on and on but you'll just have to pick up a copy and read it for yourself...as a writer it's very thought provoking.


There's absolutely nothing wrong with either category but the storyteller's will definitely have a more fulfilling and longer career in publishing than the status seekers.  I'm not doing nearly as good of a job describing these two sets as Donald Maass does in the book, but hopefully you can see what he's trying to say.


I don't necessarily agree with his whole argument because most of us are more likely a blend of the two.  However, I like the subject he brings up and it makes me ponder myself as a writer.  Why do I write?  What motivates me?  Sure...we would all love to see our name on the NY times bestseller's list but is that why we write?  I think for most of us the answer is no.  Do I ever see myself actually making money or profit from writing?  Not really.  I have always written because I enjoy it.  I want others to read it but it's not my purpose in telling a story.  Until recently I had never even tried to become published.  So I believe in that respect I am much more of a storyteller.  But then there's the side of me that gets caught up with seeing my name on a cover, wanting to write more, do more, etc... that I lose track of why I do this writing in the first place.  Because I enjoy it and it fulfills me in a way I can't quite explain.


So think today...why is it you do what you do?  What motivates you?  What kind of a writer will you be once you get rejections and how will you handle them? 


Moving on because I'm running out of time - I also wanted to mention that I loved the music I listened to yesterday but Evanescence was by far the best.  I'm an addict.  I already had a song or two on my IPOD but the album was just as amazing.  I may have to buy another.  So thank you Eva for this suggestion!


Happy Friday all!!!
Kristi


   


   

My first blog award!!!!!

New Year's Resolution tracking:

Writing progress:  Good.  Kind of.  I rewrote the entire beginning of my WIP and changed my MC.  Lots of changes but I feel they were good ones that need to be made.  I spent last night scribbling away into my notebook and it was a feeling I have missed as of late.

Weight progress:  Blah!  Scale steadily inched forward this morning and I'm attempting to remind myself that good eating habits and exercise take time!

Reading progress:  Excellent!  Still reading the Fire in Fiction and it's motivating and inspiring me with my latest WIP.

I received my first ever blog award on Tuesday!!!  Thanks Kimberly!  I spent yesterday morning proudly adding it to my blog, along with some other random tidbits.  I included a blurb about some of the writing books I've read, added a few more of my favorite blogs to my reading list and basked in the glory of my first award. 

I'm hoping to pass it along as is the tradition with receiving such awards but I first need to ponder the possiblities.  So many great blogs out there.

In other random ramblings - I received two calls last night at 1am and 2am from "Johnny" saying he was at the airport and waiting on me.  This isn't the first time I have heard from "Johnny" and he loves to leave me angry and drunken voice mails.  One has to wonder if he has ever stopped to listen to the voice mail message that plays instead of just berating me at 2 am with phrases like "If you don't ever pick up the phone how am I going to talk to you?"  Indeed Johnny, you strange man...you are right.  And that's precisely why I don't pick up.  I keep thinking that Johnny has realized he has the wrong number when weeks go by without hearing from him...but then he calls and leaves me a new entertaining message.  I'd honestly prefer they didn't wake me out of bed when I get up early to go to work but I suppose Johnny doesn't mind.  He really really wants to talk to me.  I had my phone on vibrate for the rest of the night. 

Maybe next time I'll be brave and pick up, tell him he has the wrong number.  He sounds a little scary though so I'm not sure this is a good option...and well, then my momentary entertainment is gone.  But one does have to wonder if Johnny ever really gets in touch with whoever he is after or if he just assumes said person is avoiding him.  I would hate to be the cause of such undeserved thoughts.  Maybe I will pick up next time.

Speaking of being brave...I'm off to my Starbucks for the first time since "the incident".  I'm being brave.  Wish me luck.

In other news:  I have downloaded some Nicole Mullen/Mute Math/Evanescense today for my listening pleasure.  Will let you all know what I think tomorrow....if I remember. 

And my very last thought of the day before I rush off is this:  There is so much free advice to be found on the web and throughout the blogging world from both publishers/agents/published authors that at times, it can be overwhelming.  What do you do with the advice you read? Take it as gospel or just a healthy reminder? 

I personally like to read everything I can and use it to my advantage.  It's great that it's out there but I also think it's imortant to still do your own thing if you truly believe in it.  For example, I recently read somewhere that most main character's these days are women...these books are flying off the shelves and that if you have a male persona as your main character, you may want to rethink it.  The book I happen to be working on has a male main character and so I pondered this all day yesterday.  I'm sticking with him as my main character because the story just isn't interesting otherwise.  But I do so knowing that it's different and a bit risky.  I'm okay with that.  I like reading advice but it doesn't always mean I heed it.  On the other end of the spectrum, I also read how too much backstory at the beginning of the book is distracting and seeing how this could get boring and stale to a reader, I rewrote my beginning and I KNOW it's already better.

And with that...I'm off!!!

Happy Thursday everyone!!!

Terrific Tunes Tuesday

New Year's Resolution tracking

Writing progress:  Still brewing in my head...but I feel another writing "surge" coming on.

Weight progress:  Nothing much to report...good healthy eating habits and motivation continue.

Reading progress:  Just started "The Fire in Fiction" and so far I'm loving it.  But I'm on Page 3 or 4 so we shall see if that lasts. 

Yes, I realize that post title is possibly the cheesiest in history.  And I think I'm okay with that.  It fits me and my annoyingly optimistic personality just fine.  Tuesdays are the days most new music comes out, but new music isn't necessarily what I want to talk about.

How much fun is it to find an artist with an album in which you love every single song???  Granted...we all know it's much more likely to find that ONE great song, buy the album and proceed to listen to the other songs once or twice before giving up.  So today I'd like to salute those albums that actually do have worth in every song and not just the one that gets replayed over and over and over and over on the radio. 

And, yes, I'm currently looking for new music to add to my collection so this post is going to be quite selfish in that way!  So what are your favorites?  What music do you have that you can listen to over and over?  

Here's a few of my favorites that are recurring throughout the years:

James Blunt - Both the "Back to Bedlam" and "All the Lost Souls" albums.  Yes, his voice when I first heard it was sometimes annoying...but trust me, it grows on you.  I love the unusualness of his voice and each and every song has a mellow vibe that I love.  I can listen to both of these albums on repeat and never grow tired.

Marc Broussard - "Carencro" - This one is truly amazing.  Very cool sound and rhythm.  My favorite song is the bonus track "Gavin's song".  Ok, and the "Wanderer".  And maybe "Home".  Okay...all of them!  Check this one out if you've never heard him...I don't see how anyone could be disappointed.

Rob Thomas - "Something to Be" - Love this one.  Even used the song "All That I Am" as my first dance at my wedding...it was that beautiful.  Honestly.  I also have his second album "Cradlesong" but it hasn't hit me in the same way as his first did.  The entire album has a cool vibe.

INXS - "Switch" - Another one that I can listen to the entire way through and quite a few good workout songs on here.  Not as mellow as the others but just as good.

Well, that's all I have time for this morning...have to pump gas on the way to work today.  I don't know why I save this chore for the mornings.  I think it's out of laziness at night but having to do it in the bitter cold of morning...well, that's poor planning on my part.  Ick.  Curse you gas light!

Before I run out...let me also mention that Kristin was totally right yesterday about the Coraline movie.  I checked the box this morning and it says "from the director of TNBC".  Sneaky!  Good catch Kristin and I'm so glad Tim Burton hasn't let me down...yet!  And if you haven't yet checked out Kristin's blog...it's Teaser Tuesday and you really should...I look forward to it every week.

Happy Tuesday to you all!
Kristi     

Book Rec / Movie rec / Football

New Year's Resolution tracking


Writing progress:  Nada.  But feeling ok about it.  I need more time to "stew" about the beginning of my story and my characters. 


Weight progress:  The same as Friday which I ultimately consider progress.  I worked out both Sat and Sun and attended TWO child birthday parties involving cake and appetizers.  Knowing the scale didn't go UP in my mind is a win.


Reading progress:  Finished my book!  Finally!  Now onto the next three on my list:  The Fire in Fiction, The Serpent's Kiss and Beautiful Creatures!

Book review - "Burnt Toast" by Teri Hatcher

I honestly loved this book!  I would give it maybe 7 out of 10 stars...my personal opinion of course.  As I think I've mentioned before - this book definitely isn't for everyone and it's more in the "how to live your life" category or "biography" than an actual fictional story.  I've never actually watched anything that Teri Hatcher has been in...I know...crazy...I've never tuned into Desperate Housewives for the same reason that I have yet to look at Twitter...I know I would love it and find something else to waste my time and take me away from both my writing and my family.  So, I bought and read this book because a good friend recommended it for me and knowing me pretty well, I trusted her.  She was totally right.

First off - as I've also mentioned before - Teri must be one of "my people" and would surely be my BFF should we ever meet.  It's amazing how different someone can be from the mental image you may have of them that has filtered down to your brain from the media.  Of course, one could argue, this book is doing the same thing but I'm not going there.  Like most of us, she's insecure, self doubting, a multi-tasking perfectionist and competitive.  All qualities I struggle with and part of the reason I felt a connection to this book.  If you don't personally have these qualities you would most likely HATE this book.  

There were tons of great reminders and lessons to remember throughout living our lives and I actually highlighted some of my favorite items and can see myself going back from time to time to "relive" some of the things that I think are important to remember.  I thought I'd do so here as well so here are a few passages that really spoke to me.  Believe it or not this is very hard for me because there were SO MANY good ones.

"The decisions that we write off as momentary, insignificant, incidental, everyday encounters are exactly when we have a chance to define ourselves.  To find beauty, to engage the world around us.  To create memories"  This passage is one that really called to me.  It's so easy to find excuses and to be lazy in these parts of our lives each and every day.  I loved this reminder to make every moment count.

"It all comes back to vulnerability.  In a long-term relationship you have to relinquish control.  You have to let yourself need someone else."  Ummm...let's just say "guilty".  I'm huge control freak and need to work on this one BIG TIME.

"We live in a microwave society.  Hot food in seconds.  Velcro shoes.  Video on demand.  Instant Everything.  What does this do to us?  What does it do to our kids?  We push them into situations where they can't wait or aren't expected to wait.  We speed them through life, and what's the result?  They have no sense of delayed gratification.  If you grow up without delayed gratification, you'll never have the patience to suceed in life.  Good things take long-term investment and perseverance."  No comment necessary on this one.

And one of my favorites "The release was so powerful that the momory of that feeling has become something I can use to ground myself.  Sort of like a mantra.  I think of Africa, a place which was, is, and will always be bigger and stronger than I am.  There's comfort in that.  I'm not free-floating and alone.  Africa is big enough to contain me and all my emotional litter.  And so I urge you to look for the black or book or being that can do the same for you.  Do the daily work.  Make the small changes.  Follow your chosen path.  And, when the time is right, you'll find your Africa."

Honestly, there were so many good passages that I couldn't find all of the perfect ones to tell you about.  There was another passage on friends and when to let go of a friend if they aren't good for you that I thought was extremely good.  It's hard to do.  For those of us that have a hard time saying "no" to people, let alone someone we like, it's difficult.  But the truth is if there's someone out there who is always negative or dragging you down, you need to cut and run.  Sure, it may be hard but you'll be a happier person in the long run and you need to value yourself enough to have the courage to do it.

I could go on and on but I'll stop there.  Good read. 

"Coraline" - a cartoon movie by Tim Burton

I actually had to go look up what the rating for this movie was...it's PG.  I almost had nightmares it was so dark.  I would say this movies was a personal 6 out of 10 for me.  It just didn't do much for me.  There was a good story behind all the creepiness but I would never let a child watch it.  And maybe it was made for adults, who knows.  I generally like Tim Burton's dark/eerie stuff but this one just didn't seem to flow just right.  It seemed long and I was ready for it to end.  Short review because, well, I didn't love it enough to gush.  I will say this - it reminded me how much I'd love to have blue hair.  Seriously.  Something about the punk rock colored hair has always appealed to me and if I didn't have a "real" job I would totally dye it.  

Moving on...the hubby and I watched the Packers/Cardinals game last night and it reminded me that sometimes I love football.  Granted, it has to be an exciting playoff game that is close in order for me to maintain interest, but I loved it.  And I was very sad for the Packers.  I felt they could have had a few calls made in the last few plays that would have helped...poor Rodgers got roughed up a bit and I kind of like him, he seems like a good kid.  No Favre...but who is?

We'll see if this lasts until Superbowl time...I fear there will be a lot of football watching at our house over the next few weeks. 

Hope everyone has a great Monday!  Back to the daily grind for me!
Kristi    
     

Good Stuffs

New Year's Resolution tracking:

Writing progress:  Only a paragraph or two yesterday but still better than 0.  It would really help if I didn't have to reread everything I'd written so far EVERY TIME I pick it up. 

Weight progress:  Happily back down that .2 pounds from yesterday and just in time for a weekend of exercise...I expect to report excellent results on Monday!

Reading progress:  Another hilarious chapter down.  The books I want to read keep stacking up...

Well, obviously my morning got away from me today.  Running errands and whatnot seemed to leave me with no time for my usual morning post.  But, it's lunch time and here I am, back in the blogosphere that I love so much.

First off, I want to THANK EVERYONE for their comments and well wishes yesterday.  Good stuffs.  And I'm not talking about Snapple.  It honestly made my day.  Recieving comments on my posts is much like opening little presents throughout the day and I LOVE love love hearing from everyone. 

So a quick report as to my day yesterday:  I managed to only cry (actual tears) once in the morning and tear up twice...okay...three other times throughout the day at the mention of my son...whether his actual birthday was brought up or not.  And I think once I mentioned him myself and teared up.  I was not lying when I said I was special.  So, all in all...I consider it progress.  Only a few tears shed in the morning as I blogged and a few more after just getting to work.  Maybe by the time he's in college I will manage to get along with my day smiling...there's always hope, right?  

As for his birthday it was wonderful...my sister came to visit, we went to dinner at Red Robin (one of his favorites), came home and opened presents.  How strange it is that he's only 2 and I think he has "favorites" already?  In all honesty it's more like my favorite because he can be as crazy as he wants to be and there are tons of other family's there so you would never even notice.  We don't get out much right now.  It's very touch and go with the terrible twos upon us.  We eat in alot.  Anyhow, it was lots of fun and we're having family over tonight to celebrate with the usual cake and ice cream...and pizza because it's Friday and I'm lazy.  Plus what kid doesn't love pizza?

Speaking of my sister...also in the good stuffs category...I confirmed with her last night that it was ok to share this photo with you all.  Really, this photo is for Kimberly and I hope she loves it.  If you've never checked out her blog it's really fun and you need to.  She wrote a review of a book a while back about the book Beautiful Creatures and it was one of the gifts I got my sister for Christmas.  Can't you just see the giddiness in her face?  I may even have her guest blog once she's finished so she can tell us all how much she loved it. 

In other unrelated and random news, of the non-good stuffs variety...do you all remember the Starbucks guy I saluted a while back as one of my random strangers that made me smile????  I'm considering revoking his status but I'm unsure.  Honestly a little wigged out by my incident yesterday morning and so I went to a totally different Starbucks today in avoidance.  Long story short - okay as short as I can attempt to be - as I pull up to the window he and his friends are talking about favorite animals and he tells me his is a "cougar" and they all laugh.  He tells me he enjoys cracking them up.  Good for you.  I laugh with them and tell them I think there's a show about that on t.v. that I have never seen.  As I pull away I am uncomfortable.  You all may not know this about me...but from time to time I am a HUGE conspiracy theorist.  For some odd reason I have it in my mind that they were talking about me.  I'm pretty good with people.  Maybe I was the joke.  I'm always overly nice so it's possible that could be misinterpreted.  Am I old enough to be a cougar?  I'm not sure.  And he's certainly not my type.  Most likely it is all some figment of my imagination but I can't convince myself that I'm entirely crazy.  I'm in avoidance for atleast a week so I can find the courage to go back.

I decided against going to the mountains this weekend so while I'm going to miss spending time with my friends, the less than 24 hours spent with them and over 8 hours in the car just didn't seem to make sense.  So now I'm looking forward to two whole days of sleeping in...which for me isn't late...but it's past 5:30 AM so it's lovely enough.  And exercising.  And lots and lots of writing on my WIP.  (I hope)

Hope you all have a truly marvelous weekend!!!  I'm off to catch up on a few of your blogs before heading back to work...

See you on Monday (unless I get really motivated and blog before then...you never know!)

Kristi  

To tweet or not to tweet and a very BIG happy birthday to my baby boy!

New Year's Resolution tracking:
Writing progress:  continued working on my first chapter...not a huge word count yet but it's coming along

Weight progress:  uh oh...I knew this day would come...  .2 in the WRONG direction today.  but easily fixed....must behave today....wait...birthday cake...hmmm...dilemma

Reading progress:  I'm a sloth.  Seriously.  I've been reading a few pages every night but I'm still on the same book.  I'm loving the material but just not enough time in the day for everything.

I told myself I was taking a blogging break today but I just couldn't help it.  I always have these terrific ideas as I get dressed in the morning...wonderful thoughtful posts on great subjects but somewhere between my bedroom and the computer little fairies come and steal these ideas straight from my head.  It's always the same...I get excited...turn the computer on and then stare at it wondering what I was going to say.  Darn those Fairies!

Today, however, I remember...so GO ME!  HA! 

It was hard to forget the item that has been on my mind lately...To tweet or not to tweet????  It seems like the blogs are full of people talking about Twitter and how it helps an author's writing career and contacts.  I've always been intrigued by Twitter but have intentionally never even gone to the website.  Why you ask?  Because, as I have mentioned numerous times before, I have an uncontrollable addictive personality.  I know I would love it and it would consume me.  Much as blogging has...and speaking of...I'm not sure I made valid on my vow yesterday.  I'm pretty sure I held myself back to under 20 blogs that I read but I may have slinked over...that's my confession today.  Twitter would I'm sure have the same results.

So my question to all of you is - do you Tweet and if so, is it worth it?  Should I get my head out of the sand and try it?  I'm on the fence and need help...is it really so wonderful?

I'm trying to keep this short this morning as I do have errands to run before work - so my second item of the day is my son's birthday!!!  Happy Birthday Evan!  He turns 2 at precisely 5:53 pm tonight and it's oh so hard to believe.  Where does the time go?  I will be trying my hardest not to cry all day.  I'm weird like that.  Everyone at work knows it's his birthday and as they casually mention it I am certain my eyes will water.  My goal today is to be better than last year and merely "tear up" instead of releasing the waterfall of emotion.  I don't know why I'm like this.  It's not sad really..I think it's a mixture of pride and an overwhelming feeling of how lucky I am to have him in my life.  Even now I'm holding them back.  So my job today really will be trying to appear sane to my co-workers and trying not to tell random strangers that I meet that it's my son's birthday.   Wish me luck.

And in celebration here are two quick photos of how far he has come.  Ok, now I really am crying.  Special I tell you, special.

Hope you all have a terrific day!  

Kristi :-)

Genre Confusion and Blogging Melancholy

New Year's Resolution tracking:

Writing progress:  Nada.  I did upload Christmas pictures to the computer finally though...so that's understandable, right?

Weight progress:  ummm...just .1 of a pound down...I suppose the important thing is that it's in he right direction.

Reading progress:  Yes!  One I was able to do...back into my habit of reading before bed and had forgotten how relaxing it was!  Now if I could read more before actually falling asleep....perhaps not the right book?

Lately I've been rolling my new WIP around in my head and there's something that's been bothering me a bit.  Genre.  Do you other writers out there know the EXACT genre you want to write and that genre only or do you tend to bounce around and try new things? 


I ask because I'm not sure I've decided for myself yet.  I love reading science fiction and paranormal romances so naturally my first two books have revolved around this.  (One is buried deep in a filing cabinet and has never been queried...I have THAT much faith in it.  The second one is supposedly being published in Feb 2010 but that's an entire different blogging topic of frustration.)


My new project is more of a young adult/romance type of book but has definite paranormal elements.  The project seems to be going much smoother than my last two and the work is literally flowing out of me.  I'm wondering if it isn't beneficial as an author to try out different styles in order to find the one that best suits you and your abilities.  It just never occurred to me to do so.  It's been happening naturally I suppose.  There's actually another story rolling around in my head that is TOTALLY different and involves nothing supernatural AT ALL.  I've actually already finished two chapters on that one a while back but had to shelve it for my latest inspiration.  Is it odd to have this many different types of stories rolling around or is it just the norm?  Seems like mixing up the equation and trying new things keeps everything fresh and interesting, hopefully not just for me, but for the reader.


On a completely different topic - I have been completely blogging addicted lately.  There are just so many great blogs out there and great people to follow and meet.  I'm wasting much too much time and having much too much fun while doing it.  Normally finding other blogs and people is inspiring to me, but yesterday, for whatever reason...I found it totally depressing.  There are so many cool, great authors out there that are doing awesome things that I just felt....dare I say it?  Normal.  A dime a dozen.  Very depressing.  I'm sure it will pass.

The truth is that we all share a dream and that binds us all together.  Something cool about it but it's that tricky balance of following your own while supporting others that makes the blogging world so magical and on the occasional day, humbling.  And maybe a twinge depressing.

Today I vow to do my best to limit myself to reading only 10 blog posts...okay maybe 15...why don't we just make it a smooth 20?  That seems doable and under my normal amount of blogs I like to read.  We'll see how I do.  I also vow to actually work on my writing today and to attempt to atleast put on my tennis shoes after work in hopes of convincing myself to work out.

And with that...I will leave you all with what I thought was my most entertaining New Year's picture ever.  It's sure to be a family classic and I'm already treasuring it.  Here we are at midnight trying to take a family picture as my soon to be 2year old grabs my champagne and pours it all over us all.  Please note that I normally do not let him stay up this late...it was a special occasion and I promise we went promptly upstairs, changed his PJ's and put him to bed.  I promise.  I really did.  I missed quite a bit of Wii in the process I assure you.

New Year's 09-10

Happy Hump Day to you all!

Kristi

   

The juggling act of life

New Year's Resolution tracking:
Writing progress:  Started first chapter...WOO HOO!
Weight progress:  lost a half pound...SLOW!
Reading progress:  read a few more pages last night and am loving it

Well, this morning finds me juggling all those balls of life over my weekend plans and wondering which one will fall...while knowing all along what needs to happen to keep my sanity.  I hate having moments like these.  I'm honestly not good at saying no.  Ever.  My college friends and I had planned a weekend trip to the mountains a while back (around Thanksgiving) and turns out, the date they had the cabin available is this weekend.  My son's birthday is this Thursday...the big 2!  I'm in denial that he's actually getting older so I will move on...It was a casual group email and we all actually got together at a friend's house prior to Thanksgiving and planned on doing it again this weekend.  We have practically everyone going which I think equates to around 16 people maybe...HUGE group.  Would be awesome.  But we're doing my son's family birthday that Friday.  The hubby and I decided we could leave early Saturday morning, drop little dude by Grandma's, head to the mountain (4 hour drive from here), ski/snowboard, spend the night with everyone and catch up and leave to come home on Sunday.  What we failed to plan for was the dogs and the vet boarding.  The vet has specific drop off and pick up times that don't necessarily coincide with our plan.  It's quickly becoming both a financial and mental burden to try to cram it all into one weekend.  I'm thinking I'm going to have to pass on the mountain trip this time and catch it next go round.  But I really will hate missing out. 

Which reminds me of the book I am finally finding the time to read (atleast a few pages a night)...Teri Hatcher's Burnt Toast.  I wouldn't recommend this book to everyone as I believe it takes a similar person to really appreciate it.  I am loving it but clearly Teri and I, had we ever actually met, would be BFF's for sure.  She is similar to me in too many ways to count.  Her book cracks me up and gives me the daily reminders I need to remember on a daily basis.  I can hear her voice in my head this morning telling me to "value myself" and make the choice that is less stressful for me and will benefit my mental state down the road. 

Last night's chapters had a mention of living in a house with white walls and I literally laughed out loud.  It's something that has always irritated me about my own home.  I love and need color in my home, room to room (even if that color is a version of white)...to make it feel like my own and to give me peace.  We have been slowly painting each room in our house since we moved and it's been a very painful yet rewarding experience.  Teri clearly has me and my odd personality pegged.

Which reminds me why I'm reading the book in the first place.  My good friend, we'll call her Lola (because I'm entertained by the name mostly) recommended it to me.  I often refer to Lola as my woman soul mate and she knows me so well that she knew I would love this book.  She's the only woman I have ever referred to in this reference and for good reason.  I can't explain the connection we have but it's the type of relationship you don't find often.  We are completely different in many, many ways...but at our CORE BEING there's something there that is hard to explain to others.  We are one of the same.  I literally walked into Lola's office one morning and told her I thought that my husband or I was psychic but we couldn't be sure which one.  She's the type of friend you can say that to.  Granted - I was half joking but she and I both knew that there was a part of me that wasn't.  I didn't feel silly telling her...which you have to admit is something special in itself.  We had a lengthy conversation about how most of us probably don't use certain parts of our mind and how it may be possible that we all have skills we don't know we posess.  But yet again, I'm digressing.  My point is that Lola recommended this book to me and now that I'm reading it...I'm pretty sure Teri herself would be a part of our group.

On a totally unrelated sidenote I finally downloaded some of the music fellow bloggers recommended to me a few weeks ago and I'm hoping to listen to some of it at work today.  I'll let you know how I like it!  My selections today are an album from Guilt Machine, Sia's Breathe Me and the new paramore album (I had the old one).  New music is always fun and it gives me something to look forward to in my chaotic day.       

I really need to get a word count up for my new book!  It's on that list of to-do's I never quite get to!

Hope everyone has a great day!!!
Kristi