More Moon....

Here are four more. These show the shadows much better, although I prefer the reddish pictures.

Goodnight, Moon

The eclipse, photographed in White River Junction, VT., by my very talented husband. How beautiful.....

A Little Obsession Never Hurt Anyone

I know it's time to post something new, something timely, something clever....

But I'm in revisions.

Now I've been in revisions for a while. But as I consistently keep learning things I never knew I needed to learn in order to write this book, it is taking a while. That's life, I suppose. I keep my thin thread of patience from snapping by reminding myself that the second book shouldn't---couldn't----damn well won't take as long as the first.

So I'm here. . . I'm just so busy pondering and dreaming and polishing To Seduce the Scholar (yet another twist on a title, something I will SO gladly leave to the editors when the time comes) that it's difficult for me to think of anything else.

I haven't forgotten a child yet. . . I suppose that's something.

Does anyone else wander through grocery isles while visualizing new--amazingly clever!-- chapter hooks in their head, only to leave the store (again) without the one thing they came for?
Do all writers eat the same four meals? Has your family plotted a revolt yet? Inquiring minds want to know.

Fun in the Sun

Does he look happy or what?

I want to look like him (actually the round tummy and spreading hips are not too far off the mark....). I can smell the briny water and feel that powdery sand between my toes.

And I'd much rather look at him than look out my window at yet another gray, wet, snow's-almost-melted-away day. We are SO ready for spring around here!

Anyhoo, here's a quick little recipe to go with your beer and the cold snowy days left this winter. Put on some Jimmy Buffett and turn up the heat!

Taco Soup (very easy-- very, very, very easy....)

pound or so of hamburger
2 1/2 cups beef broth
one package taco seasonings
one can chili beans
1/2 cup corn, frozen or canned
a shake of Cajun or jerk seasoning
1/2 cup chunky salsa

Brown the hamburger, when done throw on the taco seasoning and Cajun or jerk spice. Mix, then pour the broth over the meat and stir. Mix in the can of beans, corn, salsa. Simmer five minutes. Serve with corn muffins, or over crushed taco chips, with cheese or sour cream on top.

Yummy! And the spice makes it easier to shed those winter pounds. I read it somewhere, so it must be true . . . :)

So what gets you through these last days of winter, with spring clothes filling the stores and messy, melting snow everywhere?

A Voice in the Dark

I would have loved the 1940's for their radio shows. I love those faceless voices, and if there is the occasional special effect in the background, so much the better.

I have listened to romances passed on to me that I would not have bought, and enjoyed them so much. I drive from school to school in my day job; Harry has been my traveling companion for years. It took me forever to branch out, but when I did Jude Deveraux was a wonderful distraction. And it's so much fun to listen to Janet Evanovich; just make sure you're in light traffic. Laughing to the point of tears and six lanes don't mix. :)

Finally, I began to understand pacing in a way I never had. I also finally realized the importance of reading my own manuscript aloud (a brilliant piece of advice passed on by a cp).

Are you a music-only person, or do you enjoy books on CD? Do you pick new authors or like to listen to familiar favorites?

The Most Unlikely Places

I've been tagged. And considering my small town, Midwest lifestyle, Alice can't even begin to touch the word "uninteresting". However, if she can take liberties with the process then so will I.

See me smiling and happy next to the incomparable Jo Beverley?

It's not (just) because of her book. It's because she made a positive impact on the health of my middle daughter. I owe her, big time, and it was a joy to be able to say "Thank you" in person.


This is the link that will take you to her 2003 New York RWA luncheon speech. It's one of the best speeches I've ever read.

It begins with an admonition to go get your Ferritin levels checked. Not blood iron levels--Ferritin. It's the iron reserves your body stores. If you're low, life is NOT GOOD. And doctors may pass this by. Do not let them!

My darling daughter, a young teenager in fact, was in the NEGATIVE numbers when I requested the doctors check her. Negative! And I would never have known precisely what to ask for if I hadn't read this speech.

Now this health alert was simply a segway into an amazingly motivational speech that all writers should read. I appreciate her passion for the profession, and her generosity of spirit towards all those just starting out.

But the ferritin info impacted me immediately, personally, and that's what I'll always remember.

Ok, this hardly fits the "tagged" guidelines, but it works in nicely with the "up with romance" theme I have going this month :) If you're reading and you're willing, consider yourself tagged!

And hey--what's the best piece of info you've found in a most unlikely place?

More Good Stuff!

Maybe this is what January is all about--enthusiasm and fresh beginnings!

Anyway, I found another site that is definitely worth your time. If I had a smidgen of computer talent, I'd know how to post one of those button things that link you--but I don't.

No problem!

You all know Romantic Inks. Of course you do. What, you don't? Never fear, just click on the link under my "Favorite Group Blogs" and hie thee over there. (My favorites are my favorites for a reason! :) )

Then read at your leisure, revel in all the awesome advice and interviews, and bid on some amazing prizes! The prize money is sending some lucky deserving writer to Nationals this year. (And it's San Fransisco, folks. They'll need all the moola they can get.) It's a win-win!

Let me know what treasures you claim as your own....