1. I know technically it isn't Friday, but I have family coming into town early tomorrow morning so it's doubtful that I'll be able to make it online.
2. A few weeks back me and my husband finally finished all five seasons of Friday Night Lights. If you haven't watched it, you should. It's a great, heart warming, real show about love, life, family, and so much more than football. After we were done my husband turned to me and said "It feels like some of our best friends just moved out of the country without even telling us." And it totally did. It had a satisfactory ending, but it was still sad to say goodbye to the town of Dillon.
3. I went through and finished another round of revisions, it feels good. I'm slowly getting the hang of it. I was able to cut some scenes and realized that I was missing some key information and added that, but I don't think I'm quite done yet. But it feels good to get back in the game, I've been kind of lazy with the writing game as of late, but it's summer and family time is more important, especially with my oldest about to enter the wild world of public school. I'm trying not to think about that too much, it just makes me want to cry to think that he's already that age.
4. I've downloaded some really great music the last couple of weeks and it's amazing what a difference is makes when it comes to my imagination. I've believe that music can really help with the whole writing process (most of the time, not always). I've downloaded some Mumford and Sons, Iron and Wine, The Fray, and Amy Whinehouse (I was saddened to learn of her death, and at such a young age, it's so sad).
5. Okay, so my daughter started walking at 8 and a half months (yeah, it's pretty unbelievable, but she did), and she is now 18 and a half months old. You would think that being able to walk for more than half your life she would have the hang of it, but unfortunately she has inherited a disturbing trait from me- clumsiness- the kind that would make even Bella Swan cringe. She falls, I kid you not, at least ten times a day. It's insane, and quite frankly, a little embarrassing, although she doesn't quite understand the concept of embarrassment. Yeah, I feel pretty awful for passing it down to her (I run into walls ALL the freaking time!) but hopefully as she gets older her falls will be of a more graceful nature...we'll see how that plays out.
Alright, the weekend is near, the sun is still shining, and there's plenty of summer left for you have adventures. Hopefully I have some fun ones with my family over the next few days, and I hope you do, too!
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Books,Books,Books
Every few months I get restless, because I run out of books to read. So I buy some more. My husband makes fun of me for it, but he doesn't understand the obsession that drives me to spend his hard earned money. Not that he would ever claim his paychecks as his, we share. Afterwards I get all giddy with excitement to read those purchased goodies, and usually I'm not disappointed with my selection. What is it about reading that makes me this way? I think everyone needs an escape every now and then, reading is mine. Here is a list of said goodies I got this time around:
Paranormalcy along with the sequel, Supernaturally- very enthused about these two because I've heard such wonderful things about Paranormalcy and I also discovered Kiersten White's blog and she seems like a really cool chick.
Incarceron and Sapphique by Catherine Fisher: I've been debating about this series for a while, I've read reviews but was still on the fence, but I decided to take a chance. The plot sounds unique and it's always nice to find a book that's a little different from the rest of the pile.
Anna and French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins: Okay, I've heard many wonderful things about this book. I'm estatic to read it for myself.
Sirensong: This is the last book to the Faerie Walker series by Jenna Black. I own the previous two and really enjoyed them, I also got my sister into them. It's such a cool take on the whole fairy mythology which, i admit, I'm sort of obsessed with. I can't wait to see how it all ends.
Reckless: This is by Cornelia Funke, and I'm ashamed to say the first book I'll read by her. The reason I've stayed away is because I was intimidated by this great woman who is kind of a hero in the fantasy fiction realm. But I am over the fear and ready to finally read her printed word.
Gracling by Kristin Cashore: Another book that I've been putting off, but has kept popping up in my mind.
What Happened to Goodbye by Sarah Dessen: I have loved Sarah Dessen since high school, I enjoy all of her books and writing style. She is awesome. I encourage all who haven't read any of her work to get out there and pick up one of her books. She's so cool, and I read her blog religously and we both share a common addiction: television.
Haven by Kristi Cook: I think this one came out a relatively short amount of time ago, but it intrigued me. I don't know much about the author, and sometimes that's a good thing.
The Replacement by Brenna Yovanoff: This I bought from the recommendation of a favorite author of mine. Maggie Stiefvater, hope it doesn't disappoint. The whole changling mythology is also one that interests me.
The Iron Witch by Karen Mahoney: What can I say, I love me some some fey. I didn't mean for that to rhyme.
Hourglass by Myra McEntire: Another book with great buzz that I couldn't resist.
I also preordered 'You Against Me' by Jenny Downham and 'Vanish' The sequel to 'Firelight' by Sophie Jordan. A few months back I also ordered 'Bloodlines' by Richelle Mead which takes place in the same universe as the Vampire Academy books- I loved that series and have high hopes for this new one.
Okay, that's all...for now. I'll write about my impressions as I go along, if I remember to... I'm so excited to READ!
Paranormalcy along with the sequel, Supernaturally- very enthused about these two because I've heard such wonderful things about Paranormalcy and I also discovered Kiersten White's blog and she seems like a really cool chick.
Incarceron and Sapphique by Catherine Fisher: I've been debating about this series for a while, I've read reviews but was still on the fence, but I decided to take a chance. The plot sounds unique and it's always nice to find a book that's a little different from the rest of the pile.
Anna and French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins: Okay, I've heard many wonderful things about this book. I'm estatic to read it for myself.
Sirensong: This is the last book to the Faerie Walker series by Jenna Black. I own the previous two and really enjoyed them, I also got my sister into them. It's such a cool take on the whole fairy mythology which, i admit, I'm sort of obsessed with. I can't wait to see how it all ends.
Reckless: This is by Cornelia Funke, and I'm ashamed to say the first book I'll read by her. The reason I've stayed away is because I was intimidated by this great woman who is kind of a hero in the fantasy fiction realm. But I am over the fear and ready to finally read her printed word.
Gracling by Kristin Cashore: Another book that I've been putting off, but has kept popping up in my mind.
What Happened to Goodbye by Sarah Dessen: I have loved Sarah Dessen since high school, I enjoy all of her books and writing style. She is awesome. I encourage all who haven't read any of her work to get out there and pick up one of her books. She's so cool, and I read her blog religously and we both share a common addiction: television.
Haven by Kristi Cook: I think this one came out a relatively short amount of time ago, but it intrigued me. I don't know much about the author, and sometimes that's a good thing.
The Replacement by Brenna Yovanoff: This I bought from the recommendation of a favorite author of mine. Maggie Stiefvater, hope it doesn't disappoint. The whole changling mythology is also one that interests me.
The Iron Witch by Karen Mahoney: What can I say, I love me some some fey. I didn't mean for that to rhyme.
Hourglass by Myra McEntire: Another book with great buzz that I couldn't resist.
I also preordered 'You Against Me' by Jenny Downham and 'Vanish' The sequel to 'Firelight' by Sophie Jordan. A few months back I also ordered 'Bloodlines' by Richelle Mead which takes place in the same universe as the Vampire Academy books- I loved that series and have high hopes for this new one.
Okay, that's all...for now. I'll write about my impressions as I go along, if I remember to... I'm so excited to READ!
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Borders
I was saddened to hear the news about Borders. I think I've mentioned here before that I used to work at a Borders after graduating from High School. It was in the Cafe and I really enjoyed my time there, short as it may have been. This is also a disturbing trend for established authors as well as aspiring authors. What does the future hold for us??? Kind of a scary question that I may or may not want an answer to.
Then there's the whole economic downturn. We are barely recovering from an economic crisis and are in the throes of another, this cannot be a good sign for the latter. Some 11,000 people are being laid off, that sucks. Our country is in dire times and I'm a little freaked out about it all. But I'm trying to be positive. There is hope out there somewher that we may not end up being China #2. It's hard to see things going up instead continuing to spiral downwards. I think this may be the reason for the increase in Dystopian novels being written and sold. The idea of our Country falling apart seems like a very real possibility and people are just morbidly curious about what could possibly happen if something radical were to occur.
But do not fret, my friends, I don't think that the end of civilization as we know it is just around the corner, I think we have to fall a little harder for something like that to actually take place. Okay, I'm kind of done with my tangent. Here's the thing- I Love books and I Love bookstores, and at the end of the day this is just sad for all of us book lovers out there. I don't want my kids to read their adventures on some plastic digital device, I want them growing up reading old fashioned books like the many generations before them. We need to take a stand. I know that not rolling with the tides of change isn't really an option, things are going to change and progress whether we like it or not, but there are things that we can take a stand against. So go out there and support your local bookstore. Buy a real book, one that you can hold in your hands, and feel the way the paper molds between your fingertips, take a sniff (you won't get high, only on imagination) and appreciate the nostalgic feeling you get from the wiff.
Goodbye Borders, thanks for the memories. You will not soon be forgotten.
Then there's the whole economic downturn. We are barely recovering from an economic crisis and are in the throes of another, this cannot be a good sign for the latter. Some 11,000 people are being laid off, that sucks. Our country is in dire times and I'm a little freaked out about it all. But I'm trying to be positive. There is hope out there somewher that we may not end up being China #2. It's hard to see things going up instead continuing to spiral downwards. I think this may be the reason for the increase in Dystopian novels being written and sold. The idea of our Country falling apart seems like a very real possibility and people are just morbidly curious about what could possibly happen if something radical were to occur.
But do not fret, my friends, I don't think that the end of civilization as we know it is just around the corner, I think we have to fall a little harder for something like that to actually take place. Okay, I'm kind of done with my tangent. Here's the thing- I Love books and I Love bookstores, and at the end of the day this is just sad for all of us book lovers out there. I don't want my kids to read their adventures on some plastic digital device, I want them growing up reading old fashioned books like the many generations before them. We need to take a stand. I know that not rolling with the tides of change isn't really an option, things are going to change and progress whether we like it or not, but there are things that we can take a stand against. So go out there and support your local bookstore. Buy a real book, one that you can hold in your hands, and feel the way the paper molds between your fingertips, take a sniff (you won't get high, only on imagination) and appreciate the nostalgic feeling you get from the wiff.
Goodbye Borders, thanks for the memories. You will not soon be forgotten.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Slacking
Okay, so techincally I haven't been slacking. Things have been kind of cray-cray around here, which has made it somewhat difficult for me to do any posts. Not that there is anyone that's actually reading this, but I digress. We got back from our large Pickett clan camping trip on Saturday night, and carried along some kind of bug, you know, the kind that makes you hurl. My husband got the worst of it, he never throws up, I think he's done it maybe two or three times since I've known him (we met when I was fifteen, so almost ten years) and he threw up at least that many times on Saturday before we headed home. I have no idea how he was able to drive five plus hours feeling like that. I would have taken the wheel, but we drove his precious truck over and I have never once attempted to get behind that wheel before and the idea caused a lump of fear in my stomach. I would have been horrified if something happened to his beauty while I was driving.
Anyway, we're back now and settling in nicely. I can't even begin to describe how wonderful it is to sleep in your own warm bed after three nights on an air mattress in the freezing cold night tempratures of the mountains. I still need to put away a few things, but it's nice to be back.
I've also been working on my manuscript and attempting to get it finished off. Everytime I think "okay, it's finally ready" I get a reality check and realize that there are still a few loose ends that need to be tied in. It's going well, though, and I still love the story, so that's good. I'm having a hard time cutting out things, which I desperately need to do. It's still too long and I need some serious outsider opinion on it. I'm trying to find a critique group around my area, but it seems to be a near impossible mission. I'm trying to be optimistic about it. Somewhere out there are a few fellow writers that are in the same bind as me, searching for an outsiders help on their plotline, and I'm just sitting here waiting for them.
Okay, reality is calling. I need to do some dishes and cleaning and whatnot. And the kids are being a little too quiet- never good!
Anyway, we're back now and settling in nicely. I can't even begin to describe how wonderful it is to sleep in your own warm bed after three nights on an air mattress in the freezing cold night tempratures of the mountains. I still need to put away a few things, but it's nice to be back.
I've also been working on my manuscript and attempting to get it finished off. Everytime I think "okay, it's finally ready" I get a reality check and realize that there are still a few loose ends that need to be tied in. It's going well, though, and I still love the story, so that's good. I'm having a hard time cutting out things, which I desperately need to do. It's still too long and I need some serious outsider opinion on it. I'm trying to find a critique group around my area, but it seems to be a near impossible mission. I'm trying to be optimistic about it. Somewhere out there are a few fellow writers that are in the same bind as me, searching for an outsiders help on their plotline, and I'm just sitting here waiting for them.
Okay, reality is calling. I need to do some dishes and cleaning and whatnot. And the kids are being a little too quiet- never good!
Monday, July 18, 2011
Vacation Vacation
This will probably be my only post for the week. We leave on Wednesday for our yearly Pickett clan camping trip. This year is going to be just a tad bit different since some of the family is either living in Alaska or can't make it out. It'll be sad to have the group be smaller, but the kids will still have a blast. I'm already dreaming about tinfoil dinners and s'moring it up around the campfire.
I've been editing some more and it feels good to be back in the game. I took a little break after the fourth and haven't had much energy for anything but taking care of the familia, so it's nice when you finally get that motivational breakthrough. I think I figured out what has been bothering me about the manuscript and I'm going through it to fix it all up and polish it even more. For some reason I was under the impression that you did most of the editing after you got an agent, but hahaha, not so. I'm kind of a perfectionist and I keep finding things in writing that I know needs improvement, so then I set out to make that happen, which sets me back with the whole query thing. But I want my work to be the best it can be in my hands before I send it out into the world for someone else to judge it. The weird thing is that I still love the story even after all the work I've put it. You'd think I'd be sick of it by now, but I want to do the best I can for my characters, they deserve that much.
Okay, well, I've got some laundry that's piling up, a belly that is growing from lack of exercise, and kids that need bathing. Hope everyone else has a fabulous week full of fun in the sun and some writing in the shining rays.
I've been editing some more and it feels good to be back in the game. I took a little break after the fourth and haven't had much energy for anything but taking care of the familia, so it's nice when you finally get that motivational breakthrough. I think I figured out what has been bothering me about the manuscript and I'm going through it to fix it all up and polish it even more. For some reason I was under the impression that you did most of the editing after you got an agent, but hahaha, not so. I'm kind of a perfectionist and I keep finding things in writing that I know needs improvement, so then I set out to make that happen, which sets me back with the whole query thing. But I want my work to be the best it can be in my hands before I send it out into the world for someone else to judge it. The weird thing is that I still love the story even after all the work I've put it. You'd think I'd be sick of it by now, but I want to do the best I can for my characters, they deserve that much.
Okay, well, I've got some laundry that's piling up, a belly that is growing from lack of exercise, and kids that need bathing. Hope everyone else has a fabulous week full of fun in the sun and some writing in the shining rays.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Back To Reality
So I've been kinda AWOL, I guess adjusting to life after the Fourth was harder than I had anticipated? No? Maybe I just needed a little break from the internet. But here I am, again, returning to the scene. Kind of like that character from the beginning of your book that sort of disappeared in the middle and makes a come back at the end.
This is week is going to be quite interesting. We have family coming to stay with us tonight and they'll be staying through til the weekend. Then my husband's other two brothers are staying over tomorrow night for some rock concert. Thent there's my husband's old college roommate that's also in town for work. I'm beginning to see a theme here...maybe I should tell the hubs to stop having so many people over...just kidding, I love his family and I know they're going to have a blast at the concert. As for the familia that's in town for the week, my brother-in-law and his wife and three kiddos are here to help us. You see, I no longer have a bathroom upstairs. My husband ripped out the vanity and floor and stuffed everything else in the bathtub. We're remodeling and since that is what my brother-in-law did for a living for many years, they're coming up to help us fix it all up.
I'm pretty excited about the remodeling. We picked out the new countertop and vanity and tile this past weekend and it's going to look pretty sweet. Having said that, it's going to be tough to have people invade my house for that long. I have this thing called a routine that I like to stick to and it's going to be difficult to let go of it and go with the flow while they're here...wish me luck and send me good vibes- I'd really appreciate the support.
Okay, I should get going. It's likely that I won't be back again until next week when my life returns to normal. Then mid-week next week we're going camping, so that should be fun. Have a nice week to everyone out there in the blogosphere!
This is week is going to be quite interesting. We have family coming to stay with us tonight and they'll be staying through til the weekend. Then my husband's other two brothers are staying over tomorrow night for some rock concert. Thent there's my husband's old college roommate that's also in town for work. I'm beginning to see a theme here...maybe I should tell the hubs to stop having so many people over...just kidding, I love his family and I know they're going to have a blast at the concert. As for the familia that's in town for the week, my brother-in-law and his wife and three kiddos are here to help us. You see, I no longer have a bathroom upstairs. My husband ripped out the vanity and floor and stuffed everything else in the bathtub. We're remodeling and since that is what my brother-in-law did for a living for many years, they're coming up to help us fix it all up.
I'm pretty excited about the remodeling. We picked out the new countertop and vanity and tile this past weekend and it's going to look pretty sweet. Having said that, it's going to be tough to have people invade my house for that long. I have this thing called a routine that I like to stick to and it's going to be difficult to let go of it and go with the flow while they're here...wish me luck and send me good vibes- I'd really appreciate the support.
Okay, I should get going. It's likely that I won't be back again until next week when my life returns to normal. Then mid-week next week we're going camping, so that should be fun. Have a nice week to everyone out there in the blogosphere!
Friday, July 1, 2011
Five For Friday
1. First off, I have no clue where this week went. Seriously, how is it already Friday???
2. So, turns out we WILL be traveling down to visit family for the Fourth, pretty exciting stuff. The hubby figured out with work and whatnot, so I'm excited to see some familiar faces and I know the kiddos are as well.
3. My dad is also coming up for a visit and I haven't seen him in a YEAR so that's also really exciting. He's an amazing cook and I'm looking forward to him making me some of his signature dishes. The guy has cooked for Leonardo DiCaprio for goodness sake (true story, he's cooked for him on a few different occasions and has also been a guest at his home, crazy stuff!).
4. Traveling is always a stressful thing, but when you add little ones to the mix it gets even crazier. Packing lots of DVDs for the portable is essential, along with snacks, and some good tunes to keep yourself sane along the way. I highly recommend chocolate as well.
5. The Fourth is a big deal in the Pickett Clan, that and Thanksgiving are my favorite times to get together with everyone because well...we bring some pretty rockin' food to the mix. I LOVE all the stuff that me cook that is now tradition and this year is no exception. My husband is going to make his amazing desert and I'll watch him while he does so :) But on a more serious note, I love the fourth for what is represents for this nation, I'm grateful to live in a land where I can have opinions and not fear my government coming after me for them. I hope everyone else remembers why it is we celebrate this holiday and has a safe and fun weekend!
2. So, turns out we WILL be traveling down to visit family for the Fourth, pretty exciting stuff. The hubby figured out with work and whatnot, so I'm excited to see some familiar faces and I know the kiddos are as well.
3. My dad is also coming up for a visit and I haven't seen him in a YEAR so that's also really exciting. He's an amazing cook and I'm looking forward to him making me some of his signature dishes. The guy has cooked for Leonardo DiCaprio for goodness sake (true story, he's cooked for him on a few different occasions and has also been a guest at his home, crazy stuff!).
4. Traveling is always a stressful thing, but when you add little ones to the mix it gets even crazier. Packing lots of DVDs for the portable is essential, along with snacks, and some good tunes to keep yourself sane along the way. I highly recommend chocolate as well.
5. The Fourth is a big deal in the Pickett Clan, that and Thanksgiving are my favorite times to get together with everyone because well...we bring some pretty rockin' food to the mix. I LOVE all the stuff that me cook that is now tradition and this year is no exception. My husband is going to make his amazing desert and I'll watch him while he does so :) But on a more serious note, I love the fourth for what is represents for this nation, I'm grateful to live in a land where I can have opinions and not fear my government coming after me for them. I hope everyone else remembers why it is we celebrate this holiday and has a safe and fun weekend!
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