Happy New Year!!!

Happy New Year everyone! Hope your New Year is safe, prosperous, and undeniably enjoyable. We're going over to a friends' house and bringing in the New Year. Four adults and seven children. OH MY! And all the kids are under 11 LMAO!
I told the youngsters they could stay up until midnight, IF THEY COULD.
It's exactly this time of year I go through reflections. What have I done last year? What am I doing next year?
I'm blessed this year with my family's health and well-being. I'm blessed to be in such wonderful company as my Goblin Sisters. I have wonderful friends and a career which I LOVE. I'm going to be working on my health and career this next year. The whole family will be eating better, and I want to take my career to the next level. It's shaping up to be a great YEAR! I hope yours is wonderful, too!!!
Grins*

Shrek would be proud

I keep coming back to the part in Shrek when Donkey is questioning Shrek about his "layers". Shrek uses an onion for example, which sets up a rather funny dialogue.
And that's what I'm doing today. Layering. Have my notebook out, and I am writing more notes in my sections of THE NOVEL. The process is really fascinating. It's still like I'm watching a film, but it's slower this time. More thought out. Richer. Fuller. I love it. I'm enjoying the process a lot more than I thought I would. LMAO
Did you catch that, Janie? (GGG) About halfway through the first half of my blocks. I'll be working on this the rest of the week.
Grins*

Jerry Orbach and Reggie White

I can't believe it. Jerry Orbach is dead. That can't be right. Reggie White passed Sunday at age 43. I think I'm in denial.
Reggie White was an all-time sack king. He played for the Green Bay Packers at the end of his career and retired from there. I loved to watch him play. Reverend Reggie, they called him. A man who's heart was as big as he was. God Bless, Reggie.

Jerry Orbach could lay a zinger on you that had your mouth wide open and your eyes even wider. He acted in several venues. Theater. Television. Movies. I loved to watch him on "Law & Order". Man, I would just wait for him to open his mouth, and that delicious wit to pop out. I could watch him several hours a day as he played Lenny Briscoe. But I also loved him in film. Who else could be Lumiere? Who could be the Dad in "Dirty Dancing"? No one. My favorite scene is when he's sitting on the dock, and Baby comes up to him. The poignancy touches me every time. We'll miss you, Jerry. God Bless.

*******

My Artistic Endeavors

I cleaned like a FIEND today. Had the kids shackled with garbage bags in one hand and dusting rags in the other.
I have this whole rearranging thing going on. I want to paint ALL the trim in the living room. I want to finish the bathroom. PLEASE DON'T ASK. 'Tis not a pretty sight. Then there's all the knobs in the hallway. Artwork in the living room. And I am going to craft (in a perfect world) pieces for my living room and kitchen.
Tomorrow I am going over to my Craft Mentor's (Betsy, I adore you!), and she will be showing me the ropes.
I CANNOT believe how much room I have in my house. It's unreal. Since I cleaned my linen drawers in the hallway, I have two empty drawers. OMIGOD! Yes! I said EMPTY! Just goes to show I haven't cleaned them out in three years LMAO.
Now...I am in desperate need of totes. Totes of all sizes. Yes. Yes. Come to me, oh plastic containers. And do my bidding. LMAOOOOOOOO
Grins*

Part Two

Ahhhhh. That's better. More of an even keel now. I'm going to make it. Had to square things up a bit.
It's the last week of December. Utterly incredible. I still need to layer my blocks and study THE NOVEL further. And I'm having this uncontrollable (and for me...this is saying something) urge to clean the house. Start anew. All that yada.
It's that damn HGTV, I tell you. Manic people SHOULD NOT watch the stuff. There should be a disclaimer. "WARNING! If you give no thought to jumping headlong into several projects at once and love to multi-task...DO NOT WATCH!" NOW they tell me.
(SHRUG) Too late. I'm hooked. And now I'm working up a schedule to fit ALL my stuffs into. First and foremost...THE NOVEL. Followed closely by decorating the bejeezus out of my house. *rubbing hands together* Paint...I need fresh paint. And brushes...and that neat little tape that makes sure I don't make a mess. *mumbling to self* drop cloths...sponges...rollers...paint chips...
Grins*

The Post That Never Was...

HMPH! Here I am...blogging away. And my last post was EATEN! I kid you not. Oh, but that is irritating. I was witty. I'm sure of it. Yeah, yeah. And intelligent. Sure, I was. And um...spellbinging. Magnificent. Awe-inspiring.
LMAO
All right. Probably not. But still, it's the thought that counts :)~~
And my thoughts have disappeared into the Blogging Netherworld. Sheesh. I may have to blog twice today.
Grins*
More to come........BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

Merry Christmas!!!

Merry Christmas everyone! Hope your holidays are lovely. I'm enjoying my day immensely. Kids are stuck to the PS2. My youngest is jamming on her new microphone cassette recorder, and the middle girl has the Bratz Twins doing their nails and hair at their new salon. LMAO
I got a glue gun! WOOHOO! And all kinds of artsy craftsy stuff. Keep in mind, I've wanted to be artistic in this venue FOREVER. I have the will but no real direction. But now, NOW, Dear Readers....I have a friend who is taking me under her artistic wing...THANK YOU BETSY!!! I have my glue gun, paint, and all these little pieces of wood and goodies. I am excited! We'll start Glue Gun 101 fairly soon.
Everyone here is happy and healthy. Kids have another week off. Perhaps I'll be glue-gunning them to the closest piece of furniture LMAO.
Grins*

My Grandma Bell

My Grandma Bell is eighty-five years old today. She's an utterly amazing woman with iron will and a strong backbone.
My love of romance started in Grandma's rumpus room. All the adults would play cards and talk. I would grab a romance down from the MANY shelves and curl up next to a window and read. She fed my love of romance and didn't realize she was shaping the future I was to have. Or who I was to become.
I write romances. I love romances. And in my heart, I know it started in Grandma's rumpus room. Your life has touched me more than you know, Grandma. And for that, I'm forever thankful.
Your granddaughter has grown up. She has children of her own. But I look back on those hours spent in your house, immersed in book after book, and smile. Your gift has kept on giving.
I love you, Grandma Bell. Happy Birthday!
Love,
Crystal*

Sugar, sugar everywhere

It's that time again. Yep. Making some cookies tomorrow. Of course, SOME is the understatement of the year. Going to be making some butterscotch, chocolate chips with pecans, homemade turtles, and peanut butter cookies. I think that sums it up. The oven will get quite a workout.
Felt fairly "BLAH" lately. Don't know what's bit my butt. Got in the holiday mood today. Put Sirius Holiday on and made out some Christmas cards. I'll finish the rest early next week. I'm just so damn tired all the time. UGH.
Maybe it'll be better after the holidays. The kids will open presents in ONE WEEK. Don't think I haven't heard THAT about sixty times today. I threatened to start removing the presents if the countdown continued. Ahhhh.....blessed silence.
Grins*

I saw sunshine today!

It really IS the little things. Course...that was a necessity shopping trip. The good with the bad people :)~~
The shopping is mostly done. I have a little bit to do the 23rd. But other than that, I'M DONE! WOOHOO!!
I need to work on THE NOVEL. I'm searching for purposes for each of my sections. That is my next big homework assignment. Which I will work on probably tomorrow.
Cookie and cupcake making on Saturday. Kids' concert on Monday. And Tuesday is their last day. OH MY! I'm hoping Santa slips some sedatives in Mama's stocking LMAO.
Grins*

The Arctic Tundra

I'm talking about my BEDROOM! Brrrrrrrrr. Apparently my wall heater went out before two. Because that's when my orange tabby, who's in heat, started that God-awful meowing which woke me up. I tried to relight it (the heater, not the cat) but couldn't. It won't STAY lit. So. It's a cold son of a gun in here right now.
BUT...how opportune. Instead of piddling around on the computer, I will be compelled to take my frost-bitten heiney into the living room where there are NO distractions, but there is HEAT! BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
And it is there, beside the lovely Christmas tree, where I will work on my blocking and write notes longhand. GASP! The only problem with that, is that I must slow my brain down far enough so that my hands may keep up. (GGG) I hate to lose something valuable in the crevices of my mind. Of course, wouldn't be the first time (shrug and grin).
Grins*

I'm addicted to HGTV

I need a glue gun. Now! I've never wanted one before, but now I MUST have one. My evenings are being taken over by HGTV, and I am loving it. The stuff they can do! With nothing, people! NOTHING! I am awed. (GGG)
Okay. Not that I've purged my sickness for a few moments, I really AM feeling puny. And it has nothing to do with HGTV. I'm not feeling under the weather, I'm feeling like I'm under the bus. After it has run me over a time or two. Maybe it's just nerves. Who knows? If it spreads throughout the house, I'd say that's a good indicator it's probably an airborne somepin LMAO.
Printed out my BLOCK instructions for THE NOVEL. And read a blog by a woman who entertained the hell out of me. I do better with "telling it like it is" than "shine me on, sugar". She was brutal. And truthful. And I was snickering halfway through. There are too many self-important people in publishing, I'm sure. And I'm confident, but I'm not stupid. I'm just an instrument. It's the words, my friends. Always the words. As long as they come, in whatever form, I'm fine.
Grins*

Fell off the Blog Wagon

Where did this weekend go? (Looking around and seeing NOTHING) I remember waking up on Saturday. Left the house early. Next thing I know it's Sunday evening. Watched the Packers EKE out a win. WHEW! I was sweating that one. And now it's Monday, and I was having blogging withdrawals. So, here I am. Have one child home sick. Loads of cookie fixings in my kitchen. And yet... I'm just not up for it right now. I think I left my arse somewhere Saturday. That's the only logical explanation.
Some cable channel was showing "Fellowship of the Rings" this weekend. I watched that again. That's only the second time I've watched it. And it was GREAT! Several things I didn't notice the first time, I GOT the second time. Really, really wonderful.
It's Monday...and what does that mean? That means about three hours of homework. If I type "Joy", will everyone get the sarcasm dripping from the letters? Show of hands please................kay.
JOY!
Grins*

In search of the perfect gift

Well then. Decided to do some on-line window shopping before the big expedition tomorrow and saturday. The Internet is a lovely thing. Finding 1170 matches for one item is not. I think I'm in denial. It's like pulling the thread on the bottom of the sweater, and ending up with a big pile of cotton. NOT a good thing. I am going to seek out a pain reliever for my aching head and get back at it. A friend suggested gift cards. I'm just not well with that yet. Give me a couple of years. When the kids are all teenagers, I'm sure this will get easier. Or maybe I'm just kidding myself. Hell, it sounded good LMAO.
Grins*

Is it Friday yet?

Lord, I am READY for the weekend. Do some Christmas shopping. Loads of wrapping. Give the children some money and let them do some shopping. Ought to be um... interesting. I'm taking them ONE AT A TIME and shopping for the rest. So. Four trips. With pre-teen children. On a weekend. I really AM short-sighted :)~~
Literary life is great. I feel as though I'm really getting somewhere. I just need to SLOW DOWN. LMAO. This isn't my strength. So, I'm working against my grain in that aspect, but I know it will be so worth it. The picture is clearer, and I'm so thankful for my Goblin Sisters and their wisdom.
I have about one more hour before the kitchen will take up the rest of my night. Couple dozen drumsticks, two pans of potatoes, and five pounds of hamburger meat for tacos. The hamburger meat is for tomorrow. But HEY! I ain't cooking. I've already decided that one. I'll devote more time to THE NOVEL tomorrow.
Also... a little known fact. There could be a test later.(GGG) I write best when listening to music. Usually pop on Sirius 80's or 90's. I'm jamming right now.
Grins*

I got it!

Oh my! This one was a long time coming LMAO. I'm finally beginning to understand this whole character thing. (Getting on my knees and giving thanks) :)~~
So. Now I have the lead, the romantic involvement, the opposition, and the confidant. Therein lies my five threads. I'm just dancing here. When it all comes together, I'm just euphoric. So. Then. Ahem. LMAO
I think I've gushed long enough. When my mentor has time, I'm going to ask her to help me post pictures of my people. YAY!
Now...it's time to block and such. That is my assignment for myself tomorrow. To go over it until I've got that, too.
Hopefully, it'll come.

Grins*

The 5 People You Meet in Heaven

Okay. Let's start with this. I hate to cry. Loathe it actually. It's uncomfortable. Not aesthetically pleasing. Irritating. But I HAD to see this movie. And I did...with a box of tissues and nasal spray by my side. And they both got a workout. I was crying during every commerical break, but I can honestly say this ranks in the top five of the best movies I've ever seen. I mean WOW!
So this book is now on my Christmas wish list with a big, gold star (G).
I'm not going to wax too philosophical, but I will jot down a couple of thoughts.
I believe we are where we are right now for a reason. Everything has purpose. Everyone has a place. You meet the people in your life for a reason. You will touch them, and they will touch you in ways right now you can't even comprehend. Every life has value. Every soul a place. Embrace what you have. And rejoice in your life.
Grins*

Block Party

It's Sunday! A day of Packers football. Oh. And. Um...the beginning blocking of THE NOVEL (GGG). I've printed out the sheet, and I'm looking it over. However, it doesn't come with the book, "Blocking for Dummies," so I may have to enlist some help. I'll see if I can figure it out.
I'm going to rent PPV "Van Helsing" at noon. Any excuse for Hugh Jackman. Purrr.
The good news being EVERYONE will be gone next week. BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA. This translates into...There will be NO knocking on my door every ten minutes. Friday is a BIG shopping day. It'll be a nice break. (smacking myself in the forehead after reading what I just wrote) Obviously I need professional help. :)~~
It WILL be a good day to get out of the house though. Breathe some fresh air. Remember what sunshine looks and feels like. It's been awhile LMAO.
Grins*

Thank you!

First, I would like to thank all the people with their heartfelt congratulations. But especially my lovely Goblin Sisters who manage to put up with me LMAO. It means a LOT.
I'll be working on pieces of THE NOVEL this weekend. I've got a little checklist around here somewhere The Witch sent. I'm such a BAD researcher. I like to get in, get the facts, and get on with my life. I envy Joely the ability to dive in and love every minute of it. SIGH I'm more the kicking, screaming type :)~~
I'm looking forward to getting my character sheets back and tweaking them to a higher level. Hopefully, not TOO much tweaking though LMAO. OYE!
I'm off to research. I'm leaving a trail of breadcrumbs.
Grins*

Horoscopic Intervention

Just as all the fun things in your life seem like they are going to be cancelled, lightening strikes and excitement is back in the picture. It’s not what you expected, however, for you must take what others are saying more seriously. After all, you can see that it’s not all about instant gratification. There are things worth waiting for.

This is my horoscope for today. I think it says it quite nicely.

More later.

Grins*

Another Contract!!!

I am SO excited! I just signed another contract with Whiskey Creek Press. It's my second! WOOHOO! "Virtually Yours" will be out in October 2005. I'm too wound to attempt rest. I e-mailed all my important people and will inform the rest of my family tomorrow. Oh. And spread the news to the general population LMAO. I once asked a fellow author if a T-shirt would be tacky. She said "not at all".
So. Um. I wonder what color I should go with. LMAOOOOOOOOO

BIG BIG GRINS***

A writing workbook

Wow. They make writing workbooks. This flies in the face of everything I've ever known. I simply have to laugh for this reason...I NEVER KNEW!
In my lovely writing group, I am being exposed to all sorts of different ideas and processes. I must admit I love it. Anything to keep the gray matter synapsing along.
If I wanted to write. I wrote. All the characters were in my head. If it "clicked", I rocked right along with it. But...GASP!...there are worksheets. And notes. And theories. And...well, LOTS of stuff. It's a whole new side to something I dearly love. And apparently...there are a BUNCH of these books out there. (Shaking head and grinning) Hmm. What a world. So. I'm reading through my shiny new workbook and checking it all out. Fascinating. Utterly fascinating. They may have something here LMAO.
Grins*

Good thing I like Toby Keith

My middle daughter is going to drive me to drink. I just know it. :)~~ Queen of the Procrastinators. I've now just finished helping her with her Toby Keith report. You know...the one she knew about a MONTH AND A HALF AGO. And so, this evening was a pleasant one. She was on the bed scribbling madly while I dictated to her. God love her. She's so damn smart. And then she gets lazy. SIGH. So many more things to do than study. She had a picture published in an art book when she was five. Artistic is putting it mildly. She'd rather draw than anything. And she's good. But...she's got a mind like a steel trap. Hears a song once and knows the words. We go over her homework, and she can repeat what I've said almost verbatim. It's the GETTING THERE that is giving me more gray hairs LMAO. Hmm. Looking back. I'll have to devote another blog to the other children. SIGH. The world of checks and balances. But this one is for you, sugar. Now pass Mama the tequila. :)~~
Grins*