Happy New Year!!!

Yes. It's been quite a year to remember.

I've had the wonderful and not-so-wonderful happen.

The wonderful:
I have a teenager in the house now. (Did I put that in the wrong category?)
I have a full-time job (outside writing) that helps pay the bills and promo stuff.
I actually received about eight child support payments. (I knew it wouldn't last, but it was nice while it was there.)
The kids are all happy and healthy.
I've had number one bestsellers on Fictionwise and Whiskey Creek Press.
I'm another year older.
The writing seems to be growing and evolving.

Speaking of writing...What He Wants received FOUR STARS from Romantic Times Magazine (February issue). I won't be able to receive the online review because my subscription doesn't start until January (with the March issue). But I'll be snagging my copy at Waldenbooks and reading what they wrote about my story. Then, of course, I shall be sharing that with y'all.
If you receive the magazine, email me. I'd love to know what they wrote about the book.

Don't know when I'll be able to get back on a computer and blog. Probably after the first.

So, until then...Happy New Year, my lovelies!!!
May it be blessed, bright, and bountiful.
Crystal*

Why I spent Christmas morning in the ER

Well then.

Been one hell of an ending to a year, don't you think? And yes, at 6:30 am Christmas morning, I was in the nearest ER because I'd been throwing up for nine hours straight. A nice shot in the hip (burned like hellfire itself), and I've quit throwing up. Now if I could only take care of the other end.
Ah. Well.

Kids had a great Christmas. And I hope you and yours did, too.

I've spent a bit of time (when not throwing up, sitting on the toilet, or sleeping) putting bits of my life into perspective.
First...I will never, not EVER, eat cream cheese again. Because the second time 'round is NO good for NOBODY.
Second...I won't be attending RT this year, though I had originally planned on it. I think buying another computer first would be best.
Third...it's stuff. And I cope with this on a day-to-day basis. I'll think of something that I used to have and try to readjust my thinking to 1)Realize it's gone. 2)Know it's never coming back.
Stuff. Just stuff.
Fourth...People are fundamentally good. And I have enough Thank You cards to write to prove it. Thank God.
Fifth...the writing will come. My Muse scattered with the ashes of the house, I'm thinking. Because I can't get into the swing of it for anything. Irritating? Yes. But I know it'll come back. Because I still get those little pieces of dialogue/character/story at the oddest times. I'm just scared to open the floodgates when I don't have a trusty desktop to take the load off. Longhand? I think it would be a nightmare. If I can't transcribe from thought to fingertip, I'll lose something in there. So I'll wait a bit on that.

I have no pearls of wisdom. I barely have enough "oomph" right now to type this. But I wanted all of you to know that I wish you and yours the best of holidays and happiest of new years.
Crystal*

Oh yes, my friends, there is a Santa Clause

He left a tin of popcorn on my desk today with four candy canes attached. He's also made sure that my kids have a nice Christmas even though other events would suggest otherwise. AND...(because I'm pretty sure my chickens don't read this)...there is a special surprise for baby chicken on the way. Details as the event approaches. But let me just say that my publisher is one of a kind.

I love the spirit of Christmas. And even though I'm not quite ready to *grin* yet...(*wink* @ Bryan)...I think my spirit is a little stronger.
There is a Christmas program tonight for the elementary children, and I'd be lying if I said I was looking forward to going to the school and receiving all the glances and whatnot. But I suppose that's part of it all.
I haven't gone back to the site of the house. I've put it off and put it off. And just when I think I have a grip, I find that I don't really.
I want to go during the day. It wouldn't be fair to drive-by in the dark and call it good. I need to actually be able to grieve for the walls that no longer stand and the memories made in the house that linger only in my mind now.

So even though there is still more dark than light...I can see the beams shining down and lighting those dark places. A little bit at a time.

Crystal*

One week later...

...it's rather surreal.

We're making do with what we have, but I'm so eternally grateful for the community we live in and our co-workers. I'm simply overwhelmed by the generosity and caring.

I appreciate all you lovely people, also. *waving* I wouldn't know how to put together a PayPal account if my life depended on it. So don't worry about it.

I could sit here and blather on about what I don't have...but I'd rather not.
Here's a list of what I DO have:

Every member of my family.
My favorite pair of underwear. Details not provided. But they are PRETTY.
All our animals, though three of our cats are still MIA.
Both vehicles.
The digital camera that we forget to get out of the van.
My new tennis shoes because I wore them to work that day.
BRAND NEW socks that match from Penney's. And they're FUZZY, too. *dancing*

What more could a girl want?
Crystal*

My house burned to the ground Saturday

I got a call at work Saturday, a little after three, that my laundry room was on fire. I left immediately. A couple of minutes later, my best friend, there with the kids called and said to call 911. I did.

By the time I got to my house, a third of it was burning. I thought to myself...not to bad. We'll lose the last couple of rooms and have smoke damage. A couple of minutes later, half the house was gone. And the fire had spread to the north pasture. The fireman who arrived on the scene had a first priority to stop the spread of flames. I understand this.

My best friend told me to take the kids to our friend's house. She didn't want the kids to see the house burning. I quickly left.

Two of the chickens didn't even have shoes on. One had slippers. We literally lost everything we had in that house. Everything.

I haven't grieved yet. I'm still holding onto my sanity by a shred. And I have yet to see the site where the house used to stand. I don't think I'll handle it all too well.
Do I care about the towels, cd's, etc. that I lost? Not really.

I care about the outfit I brought all three girls home in. I care about the pictures I can never replace. I care about all the homemade gifts that have been made with little hands and big hearts.
And it hurts like hell.

Everyone in this community at our works has been unbelievably kind and caring. Donations of money and clothes are coming in. Food. Help in every shape and form. I'm incredibly grateful, blessed, and humbled by everyone's generosity.

I'm also so damn tired and frazzled that I can't put together a coherent sentence. As soon as I finish one task...six more open up. It's incredibly wearing. I have a horrific headache that won't go away. I'm so tense that every muscle in my body aches.

And the chickens? Safe. And so well-adjusted that they put their Mama to shame. Because, you see, they are grateful for all this stuff. They think we're rich. Because even stuff that has been gently worn or used is new to them. And they embrace it all with an amazing spirit that lifts mine every day.

Me? I have sad eyes. I can feel them aching in their sockets as I try to get a handle on a situation that has taken the floor from underneath me. Sad eyes that wonder when it'll be okay to be happy again and not worry about what tomorrow brings.

I apologize to all the entrants for my contest. My computer is lost. All my files. All my books on it. Everything. So I'll get to you, I promise. But I'm not sure of timeframe.
We're taking it day by day.
So please keep my family in your thoughts. We appreciate it.
Crystal*

I'm not WEIRD! I'm ECCENTRIC!

Thanks for all the well wishes. Have a doctor's appointment Monday morning. *groan*
I'll draw the three winners when I get home this evening. (I get off at 5:00 pm)

Lyvvie has challenged me to write six weird things about myself. I find these little memes fascinating. So without further ado...
Six Weird Things About Crystal (in no particular order or severeness):
1. I remember the most inane, useless stuff. Really. The little factoids that cling to my gray matter with evil intent and probably take the place of stuff I really need to know. *shrug* But who can remember?
2. I have OCD. I've confessed to this before. And no, you don't get to know my magic number.
3. The left sock MUST be put on before the right. I attribute this to years of marching in band where the left ALWAYS came first.
4. I do NOT listen to radio commercials. The ONLY exception being the BC Clark jingle that has been playing on the radio for more years that I've been alive. Ask any Oklahoman to give you a couple of lines, and I guarantee that they can.
5. I have a thing about noses. (Geez. I cannot believe I'm actually sharing this one.)
I love a cat nose. Dog nose. Horse nose. You get my drift. Not quite sure where the nose fetish came from. I'm not so keen on homo sapiens' noses. But there ya go.
6. I will break out into song any damn where I please. Embarrasses the chickens...but that's a perk.
And bonus, um...eccentricities:
1. I don't drink warm pop.
2. I don't let the microwave timer ding.
3. I hate to hear a phone ring.
4. I've actually done my own little "Singin' in the Rain" dance. No details provided.

I'll check in later with WINNER'S Names!!!
Grins*

Just shoot me.

Please.

I've felt like shit the last two days. Actually, I felt crummy Monday afternoon but sucked it up. Tuesday...not so much.
I'm having these horrific pains on my right side. Had to actually break down and call the doctor. Damn it.
The last time I did that...I had my nonfunctioning gallbladder removed. Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
Now you know why I don't like going to the doctor. Plus...um...I wait until something's really wrong to go. Damn it again.

Professionally...I think we get our EPPIE scores Friday. *fingers crossed* I'm hoping for the best. Let y'all know how it works out.
Take care of yourselves.

Oh. By the way...you guys are GREAT! Loved the comments on my last post. Nanu nanu, indeed.
Grins*

I'm scarred for life

The other day I was messing around with the chickens while they were playing PS2. They said something to me, and I said, "Really?"
The oldest chickens pipes up, "Fa Rizzle."
For those of you who need a little vocabulary update...that loosely translates to "For real."
Where in the hell did that come from?
Why in the name of all that's holy and good did my oldest chicken channel Snoop Dogg? *eye twitch*
Of course, I almost wet my pants because I was laughing. But that's beside the point.

Pop culture seeps through our lives in the oddest of places. And it springs up likewise.
The good, the bad, the ugly.

And although my children wouldn't understand a "Mork and Mindy" reference, I make it my business to understand all of theirs. For obvious reasons. Never can tell exactly what's copacetic and what's harmful.

Fa Rizzle.
Grins*

Oh, the weather outside is frightful...

...and so are the chickens.

In cold weather, the consumption of toilet paper, ibuprofen, and food has gone up considerably. Chickens are climbing the walls. The Mama is in her room blogging (hiding). Yeah, I'll make no bones about it.

Yahoo is only sending through about a third of my emails. The fuses in our well are fried (no water). And I'm cranky.
However, this afternoon, all will be right with the world again.
Fuses are being bought as I type this, and I've tried to straighten out the Yahoo snafu. (Ha! I made a funny.)
Meanwhile...back in my subconscious...I couldn't go back to sleep this morning at seven thirty or thereabouts because my mind is on Water Goddess. So that will be filling my time this morning/afternoon.

I just realized that I haven't given away a book or two in awhile. So I'll have a contest for a week. Anyone commenting on this blog through Midnight December 8th CST will be entered. If you comment twice...your name will be entered thusly. (I really do like that word.)

What will you win? Good question. There will be three winners. If you've a mind for naughty, I'm putting up Fall Fires and Christmas Candy. If you'd rather have something a little less spicy, I'll put up The Portrait.
All will be sent in pdf.

And to end this loverly blog, how's about an Okie snowman? And check out that snazzy blue scarf that middle chicken donated.

Grins*

Jack Frost...kiss my ass

I'm dealing with this and this and this. *sigh*
Kids home today and tomorrow. Our work shut down today. And tomorrow there are enough people there that I don't dare try to go in. All the ditches on my road are gone, and I don't want to become part of the scenery.

It's cold Cold COLD! All the furry babies are inside. And I just want to be lazy and curl up. Pitiful, huh? But I do have several ideas and dialogue running through my head. That's a good thing. Stay warm.

Grins*

25 days 10 hours 29 minutes...

...until Christmas.
BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

You know. That wasn't right. Even for me. But alas, there it is. *grins* I'm assuming that there are others out there as shell-shocked as I. C'mon. Tell me ALL about it.

Drove to work this morning, and it was 71 degrees. When I leave this afternoon...it'll feel like just the opposite. Literally. 17 degrees. *gasp* *wheeze* Talk about not right.
Okay. I realize it's late November. Yeah. Seriously. But I also realize that I detest driving in winter weather. And the road I live on becomes not so pretty. Fishtailing all over the place, whitened knuckles gripping steering wheel while expletives are uttered through clenched teeth.
That is SO going to happen.

Chickens are all doing well. Had a basketball game the other night, and I took my new digital toy. May have to download some pictures on here this weekend. First...find time. Second...download pictures. It's a sequence of events, people. *grins*

Hope you and yours are warm and cozy on this lovely Wednesday.
Grins*

Got coal?

Okay. I'll admit it. My day has seriously inhaled. Tomorrow I go back to work, and I've done NO writing. None. Nada. Zip. Damn it.

Today the children and I put up the Christmas tree. Because I thought that would be fun. (I'll plead temporary insanity.)

They argued about the color of the limbs they would get to put in. They argued about who would help put the lights on. They argued about who would put the topper on. They argued about who would get to hang up the last damn pine cone. They argued about who would plug the SOB in. They argued about the Christmas stockings. They argued about who would put the damn pipe cleaner candy canes on. They argued about EVERY. Damn. Thing.

Then I had the absolutely brilliant idea of them helping me hang lights on the outside of the house.
Me=blatantly stupid.
We ruined two strings of brand, new lights. Oldest chicken and baby chicken both broke a string. So I'm done. Period. Though the tree looks REALLY pretty.
And then the little buttheads had the AUDACITY to ask if we were going to wrap some presents today. I would rather jab myself in the eye with a sharp stick.

Not only have I noticed how absolutely pissy they were today, I can't help but notice what jackasses other people are.
Yesterday: To the lady who let me cross the little shopping mall lot and then waited until I got halfway to the sidewalk before gunning it around me...the middle finger I showed you does NOT mean "Hi!"
To the sorry SOB who pulled in my parking space even though I had my turn signal on and my van halfway maneuvered to home...you suck.

There. Now that I've vented a bit, perhaps my head won't blow off my shoulders.
I'm off to work on some of my writing.
Grins*

Got a new toy

Allie. Bitch kitty from hell. And those are my pretty red toes.


And it's a PG toy. *grins*

I've moved into the high-tech world of digital cameras after a lengthy conversation with a photo chickie from Wal-Mart. They obviously don't pay her enough. Especially for having to deal with techno-goobers like myself.
So I've taken pictures of some of my furry babies and will attempt to post them on here.
Adds a whole new dimension, methinks.

That top left picture is Chance. The horse dog. And yes, he IS as goofy as he looks. But he's a good boy. The top right picture is Pumpkin. Pretty kitty of Perfect Timing fame.

Too much fun. Enjoy the weekend. I'll stop in as time allows.

Grins*

Happy Thanksgiving!

Hello, my lovelies!

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.

I'm thankful for many things this year. Family, friends, my writing. And as I age, I become increasingly aware of those around me who may need a helping hand. NOT a handout. A hand up.

Let me give a little background.

I've been through some very difficult times in my seemingly short life. And there have been times when I've literally had not a dollar to my name. One of these times, I worked at a chemical plant in the nearest city. I worked my ass off twelve hours a day and was barely making my bills. It was so damn hard some days. But you persevere because you have to. Because you have kids to feed. Because you need gas in your vehicle and shoes on your kids' feet.
I knew Christmas would be sparse. Even the Dollar Store was a bit too much to ask for.

But I received a surprise that to this day brings a tear to my eye. A lovely, large box at the guard shack to Crystal Inman and girls. From Santa Claus.
Yep.
Santa Claus.
I was dumbfounded. At a loss for words. And so completely touched by coworkers' generosity.

I never found out exactly which ones put together the holiday care package. I suppose in the long run that it doesn't really matter. What matters is that feeling. That I wasn't completely alone. That I didn't have to worry about providing something for my girls. That someone completely unrelated to me cared enough to give of themselves.

I had some relatives that pretty much told me that no matter my problems, I could deal with them myself. They didn't care. And didn't seem to understand that I wanted help. Not a handout.

So I ask this holiday season for your generosity unto others.
When you see the big, red kettle...empty your change into it. Adopt a family to help. Give to a worthwhile charity. Volunteer.
Make a difference in your community. Even the smallest gesture can have a great impact.
Grins*

HUGE news!!!

I've been invited to participate in a Romance Writer's Panel Discussion February 2007 in conjunction with the Norman Arts Council. WOO!!! *pumping fist in air*

And guess who else has been invited? *dancing in my chair*
Sharon Sala, Christine Rimmer, and Merline Lovelace.
Oh. My. God!!!

I will, of course, be the peon. But that's fine with me. Did I spell "peon" right? Hmmmmmm. *shrug* You know what I mean.

Now I have plenty of time to stress out, er...get myself together, before the big event. Friends of the Norman Library also hold a Romance Book Sale the same day. Talking AND shopping. What more could a woman want?

So if you're around Norman, Oklahoma on February 10th...drop by the library. Please.
LMAO

Grins*

Cluster Theory

When I was five, I didn't have much of a personality. Life was filled with naps, fingerpainting, and learning the alphabet. I do remember a big ta-do with my kindergarten teacher because I WOULD NOT drink chocolate milk. Thus, I dug in my heels and that was that. Mom had to come down and back me up, of course. I was, after all, just five. *grins*

When I was twelve, we moved to another school district. I had to start all over with making friends and trying to fit in. I certainly felt like I didn't. And one of my best friends was also from another school, so all was well.

Junior high was hell. Period.

In high school, I was into band. And various other activities I won't share here. LMAO
I hung around with a group of girls that were as different as different could be. What brought us together? I certainly couldn't tell you. Perhaps a wicked sense of humor. An overwhelming urge to stand on our own two feet. Loyalty.
But academically? Socially? Nope. None of the above. Family lives? Negatory. But there was SOMETHING.

I'm an adult now. On most days. *wink*
And who is in my little cluster? People who love books. I am blessed both personally and professionally to surround myself with people who love what I do. How amazing is that?
I've got around 140 friends on the MySpace page. And all but about five are readers/writers/publishers. My exceptions would be UFC men (GO TIM SYLVIA!!!) and a couple of people I work with or graduated with.

So the Cluster Theory in a nutshell? It's the inner circle. The ones we let into our lives when we have the chance to pick. We cluster up together and link arms to face the world. The support system that won't ever let you down.

(Loving, wonderful thoughts go out to Betsy. I love ya, woman! You'll be just fine. And if you need to talk about ANYTHING, I'll always be here for you.
Hugs*)

Grins*

Half-naked used to be good enough

I really don't know what it is with the kids. Half-naked used to be just fine. And now they actually think they need clothes.
???

I spent a LOT of money yesterday on clothes for the little heathens. (I enjoy calling them heathens because the oldest asked me what that meant and I said "strange and uncivilized." You see where I'm going, don't you? *grinning*)

Back in the day...I had to FORCE them to wear clothes. Going au natural was just the thing. And now the oldest is addicted to beanies and hoodies. Middle child has found THE store to get clothes at in the mall. And baby chicken can wear something exactly twice before it becomes stained/torn/unsuitable for wear. *sigh*

It's crazy. Simply crazy. And socks? Holy shit. I swear there must be an alternate universe out there with beings sporting my family's socks. I hope they enjoy them. I just bought a lot more just to even out this whole parallel universe thing.
(I was going to impart my Cluster Theory. But I'll hold off for another day.)
Watching UFC this evening. Writing tomorrow. Hope you and yours have a good one.

Happy Saturday!
Grins*

1000 BOOKS!!!

I received my royalty check today for this quarter. And the number on the lovely check is more than I make for two weeks of my full-time, above minimum wage, paying job. Oh. Yes.

And that's great. But I don't write to make money. Sure, nice perk. But here's the biggie... I have sold almost 1000 copies of What He Wants this last quarter. And all together, I've sold more than that since its release date!!!
Isn't that absolutely freakin' amazing?

I realize that to those of you who sell print books and have an established name that this isn't a big deal. The number may just receive a simple smile. But to me? I was beyond ecstatic! I called my best friend. My mother. My sister. My other best friend. And I am SO not a phone person. But...ya know...I was pretty damn excited.
Still rather jazzed, to tell the truth. *BIG GRIN*
So. 1000. *dreamy sigh* One milestone down, many more to go.
Grins*

Directionally impaired

Oh. Lord.

Tomorrow I head off to a work-related meeting. In another city. A city that I've never been to. Okay. Once. And I wasn't driving.
I am afeared.

I downloaded directions from our company website. And mapquest.

Hell in a handbasket. This could be very, very bad. However, I do have my cell phone. And my trusty Diet Pepsi. But holy shit.
*heart fluttering*

What little aspect like this scares the shit out of you that other (probably rational) people handle just fine?
Grins*

Too many? And when is when?

I saw the previews to Spiderman 3 the other evening. One of those "make me sit up and pay attention" previews. Because, you see, I LOVE Spiderman. Probably from the early Electric Company episodes. But I digress.

It's Spiderman 3. Not the first. Not the second. But the third.
I didn't particularly care for the second installment. It was incredibly sad for me to watch. Peter Parker just kept eating it. And eating it. And well, eating it some more. The ending was great. But it was a SAD movie. And as you should know by now, I don't do SAD.
Will I go see Spiderman 3? Sure, I will. The same as I'll go throw down money to watch all the Harry Potter movies. Or Pirates of the Caribbean.

But let's look at this logically. Most movies/books/media of this sort grow weaker with frequent telling like taffy that's been stretched too far and too thin. And that's a shame.

I loved the first Batman. It's one of those movies that has all sorts of lines that I still enjoy to this day. A lot of it was the absolute brilliance of Jack Nicholson. And the brooding intensity of Michael Keaton. Hearing Kim Basinger shriek every five point three minutes? Not so much.
But the second Batman? Or the third? *shudder*
A waste of time. Not to mention money.
The first Rocky? A classic. No doubt about it. The ones that followed? Spare me the absolute painful retelling of the same story over and over and yet OVER again.

And books? Nora has made the trilogy her motif. And three is powerful anyway. As long as you don't let the middle child become a filler.
But series that seem to go on and on ad nauseum? What a waste of time and effort. If all you're doing is making do with the same story and switching names, then you need to move on. Let the characters live happily-ever-after without beating the hell out of them.
Janet Dailey has the Calders. Jude Devereaux has the Taggarts. And I enjoy most of these. But when the family tree has split and has as many branches as there are blades of grass...narrow it down.
Make it worth the telling. And the sharing.
And for God's sake. Know when to say when.
Grins*