Monday, March 30, 2015

Monday Mish Mash

On Saturday evening, the Wayne High School basketball team became the Ohio State Division I Champions! Whoo hoo! This is the first time our school has even made it to the final four. Very exciting. Almost makes up for the football team’s loss in the championship game back in December. Almost. J

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This morning I will be going back to the gym. I’m almost afraid to go, though. The last time I did, I got so sick. But if I want to lose weight and get in shape, I have to go. Plus, I don’t want to have wasted my money on that membership. And I need to make sure my hamstring is okay, too. I haven’t been doing my exercises like I’m supposed to and I go back to the physical therapist next Monday. I’d like to be able to say whether or not it’s getting better. I’m hoping it’s getting better because I’m getting kind of tired driving to the base hospital all the time!

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I received a royalty check in the mail on Friday. I’m always excited about seeing how my books are doing, because I can’t find that information anywhere on line. I didn’t make a lot of money from Oct-Dec (less than $100 on 95 books sold), but it was better than the previous statement. My next royalty statement should include the sales for Ghostly Liaison, which I think is probably my biggest seller (based upon rankings). Still, at this rate, it will take me years to make the Published Author Network (PAN) of RWA. I’ve got to make $1000 through a publisher or $5000 through self-publishing on ONE title for that to happen. But I do want it to happen because it’s the next step in my career (and yeah, this is my career—I don’t plan on ever retiring from it).

Gee… Do you know anyone who would love to buy my books? **grin**

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Okay, so Blind Temptation is with my formatter (yay!) and I’m trying my darndest to get back into Ghostly Interlude. I need to just sit down and write ANYTHING to blast through whatever problem I created (because I’m sure I created the problem, who else would have done it? My characters? Hmmm…). After I finally finish the first draft, then I have to decide what I want to do before I start in on the edits. Maybe you can help me decide.

I have this finished novel (Alien Desires—a sci-fi romance) that needs some polishing (okay, maybe a LOT of polishing). I’d like to query agents with it, but then again, I wonder if I should just self-publish it. What’s stopping me from self-publishing? Well… this book could possibly be the beginning of a series and I don’t have any of the other books written or even ideas of what they should be about. Should I put that kind of stress on me? Plus, something way deep down inside still wants that agent and I know getting the agent is the slow way to getting it published, but that also means I’ll have time (and motivation) to write the next book. But… writing the next book in that series could possibly take me away from my other series. Should that matter? I don’t know!!

The other project I have in mind is writing a novella (which I’d self-publish) about John’s & Sarah’s wedding (they are the couple in Bite Me, I’m Yours). I basically have a lot of it written already (from a book that will never see the light of day) and it’s something I could put out fairly quickly (I hope). Problem is, that novella could possibly feed into another book and I have lots of ideas to continue with this series. Should I put my time and effort into something that isn’t selling well? Or is it not selling well because there aren’t enough books yet? Ugh!

So… Should I polish the novel of a possibly NEW series or write the novella of a CURRENT slow-selling series? Which one makes more sense to you?

I know, what a problem to have, huh?

Have a good day!

Stacy

Friday, March 27, 2015

More Diary Fun

I’m stuck with a blog post, so I started looking through my old diaries and found this little tidbit that made me laugh.
 

April 11, 1972 (Tuesday)

…I’m reading “Flowers for Algernon” for English and “Airport” for me…Today (just 5 minutes ago) Karen hit me with the couch pillow just because I wouldn’t let her use the one I was sitting on. So I through the toy porcupine at her and then she hit me on the head. I’m getting a headache. I don’t see how I can live with her at all. I hate her! And that’s the truth! Bye!

 
FYI: Karen is my sister, who is 16 months younger than me (gee, you couldn’t tell now, could you?). I was 14 when I wrote this and I didn't fix the spelling error of the original entry, so what you see is what I wrote.

See, even back then I was reporting what I was reading. It’s cool that I remember reading those books, too. I really, REALLY liked Flowers for Algernon, even though the ending kind of depressed me.

I should be giving my hubby Blind Temptation this weekend. So close to being published!! I don’t plan on doing any pre-orders. When it’s ready, I’m putting it up for sale. Why wait any longer?

So… Doing anything fun this weekend? The high on Saturday is supposed to be in the 30s. Ugh! I think I’ll just stay inside.

Have a good day!

Stacy

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Wednesday Reads

Still not getting much writing done, but now I think it’s because I made a wrong turn along the way. Ah, but Blind Temptation is just about ready for my formatter (who happens to be my husband). Might actually make a March publishing date after all! Anyway, here’s what I read this week:

Bed of Roses by Gemma Brocato
Mar 19: “Bed of Roses” by Gemma Brocato, book 4 in the Five Senses series, a contemporary romance at 244 pages long. Blurb from Goodreads: With the right amount of nurturing, love will bloom. This close to Valentine’s Day Malin Eckert’s flower shop is entering their busiest season. As if the added work isn’t enough, her father’s drinking has spiraled out of control and Mal discovers she’s been named guardian of a fifteen-year-old sibling she never knew about. To make matters worse, Mal’s crushing on a customer, a serial dater who drops by the shop with alarming regularity to send flowers to other women. Gunnar Sims never had the best luck with women, a fact that doesn’t stop his growing attraction to his florist. His new business is losing money and he should be concentrating on that, but instead finds Mal an enticing distraction. In spite of her best intentions to keep Gunnar firmly in the friend zone, Mal finds herself falling for the classically handsome gym owner. As her affection for Gunnar and her sister, Gabriella, grows, Mal’s heart hangs in the balance when it appears both could be taken away from her. Gunnar is definitely one dream man! I think I fell in love with him a little, too. Okay, maybe I fell in love with the fantasy (I’m not giving up my sweetie!). Now, if this story had a hint of danger (like her previous ones did), it would have been perfect (I guess I’m basically a thrill junkie, huh?). I received this book free from the author for an honest review (even though she KNOWS how I review), but I also agreed because, frankly, I didn’t want to wait until her book came out on April 7th! Haha! Yeah, I’m a fan of this series and recommend this book (and all the others in this series) to anyone who loves reading romance.

So… What are you reading? Anything good? I hope so because I'd hate to think you were reading something bad!

Happy reading!

Stacy

Monday, March 23, 2015

I’m in a Funk Now, But You Can Find Me At These Events Later

Doctor visit went fine. I just have a cold. The annoying-doesn’t-want-to-leave kind of cold. But I was given lots of drugs, of which I’m using most (one makes my stomach upset and whacks out my nerves, so I just stay away from that one. Who needs a decongestant that doesn’t make you sleepy anyway?).

Still operating at a bit of a funk, though. Hoping that doesn’t still equate to no writing. I haven’t written since last Monday and would really, REALLY like to get back to my project. Of course, I’m expecting my edits back today, too (my daughter promised!). I think I’ll be fine to get to work on those. I’m motivated to finish Blind Temptation. And not just because I want to get it published.

See… I plan on attending a few conventions and would LOVE to have the paperback there to sell and sign. And that can only happen if I get it finished in time!!!

What conventions will I be at? I’m so glad you asked!

May 12-17: Romantic Times (RT) Book Lovers Convention (https://www.rtconvention.com/). It’s held in Dallas this year and I hadn’t PLANNED on going, but my friend wanted to experience RT and I couldn’t say no, especially when she said she didn’t mind driving. I just learned last week that I’ll be giving away copies of Ghostly Liaison at the Kensington book signing event (yay!!). Last year I didn’t have any physical books to give away, so I kind of sat and watched the crowd. This year I decided to participate in the FANtastic Day party (since authors were asked if they wished to be included). I don’t have much swag to give, but hopefully I don’t need much (I’ve got my buttons, a few totes, and plenty of postcards!).

May 29-30: Cleveland Rocks Romance Conference (http://www.neorwa.com/conference-2/). In case you couldn’t tell, it’s held in Cleveland (okay, technically Strongsville) and is being run by the Northeast Ohio Romance Writers of America. I was actually e-mailed and asked if I wanted to be part of the book signing for this event. Shocked the heck out of me (they probably just knew me from the Columbus chapter, but still…). I could have just gone up for the book signing on Saturday, but decided to attend the whole convention because it looked fun.

June 4-7: Reader Author Get Together (RAGT)  (http://readerauthorgettogether.com/). This is held in West Chester, Ohio (by Lori Foster) on the same weekend every year and is limited to 500 participants, of which only 100 are authors. I was very happy to have gotten registered as an author before it filled up (because that happened about fifteen minutes after it opened).

If you’re in the area for ANY of these, the book signings are open to the public. Hopefully by then I won’t still be coughing! J

So… Anyone watching March Madness? Got a favorite team? I was really hoping Dayton would have made it to the Sweet 16, but they didn’t. Oh well… Guess I'll just have to root for West Virginia. Go Mountaineers!

Stacy

Friday, March 20, 2015

Temporarily Out of Order

I don’t know what it is I caught, but man, it’s kicking my butt and making me Miserable (yes, with a capital M). So much so, that I finally broke down and made a doctor appointment (which is set for this morning).

I was kind of hoping once I made the appointment I would instantly feel better. Didn’t happen. Bummer.

Anyway, until I feel like joining the land of the living, I’m leaving up the Out of Order sign and I’ll be back once the thought of walking around doesn’t make me sick. I could live in my bed right now and not care.

Hope you’re feeling better than I am. I don’t wish this on anyone.

Stacy

Wednesday, March 18, 2015

Wednesday Reads

I believe my old cold has morphed into a new one. That just doesn’t seem fair, you know? Well, while my cold has kept me too miserable to write, it hasn’t stopped me from reading (especially a book I’d been anticipating). Here’s what I read this week:

Dying Embers by B.E. Sanderson
Mar 11: “Dying Embers” by B.E. Sanderson, a suspense with romantic elements at 372 pages long. Blurb from book: Emma Sweet is tired of being a good girl. When she catches her husband cheating, she hits on the perfect plan to pay back all the men who ever broke her heart. Revenge isn’t as simple as seducing her old lovers and tossing a match, but watching them burn is deliciously satisfying. The one time in her life Agent Jace Douglas wasn’t a good girl, she lost her family. Now she would rather run far and fast when it comes to fire. Too bad for her, she can’t walk away from a case where fire is the killer’s signature. Jace needs to face her fears and catch this murderer before the flames of her past—and the smoldering heat she feels for Detective Ben Yancy—reduce her life, her career and her self-control to ash. Emma was one sick chick. Made an interesting villain, that’s for sure. Probably why I enjoyed this book so much (not that the main characters were bad!).

Veronica Mars: The Thousand Dollar Tan Line
Mar 16: “Veronica Mars: The Thousand Dollar Tan Line” by Rob Thomas and Jennifer Graham, a mystery at 324 pages long. Blurb from book: Ten years after graduating from high school in Neptune, California, Veronica Mars is back in the land of sun, sand, crime, and corruption. She’s traded in her law degree for her old private investigating license, struggling to keep Mars Investigations afloat on the scant cash earned by catching cheating spouses until she can score her first big case. Now it’s spring break, and college students descend on Neptune, transforming the beaches and boardwalks into a frenzied, week-long rave. When a girl disappears from a party, Veronica is called in to investigate. But this is no simple missing person’s case. The house the girl vanished from belongs to a man with serious criminal ties, and soon Veronica is plunged into a dangerous underworld of drugs and organized crime. And when a major break in the investigation has a shocking connection to Veronica’s past, the case hits closer to home than she ever imagined. If you loved the television series, if you loved the movie, then you’ll love this book, just like I did. It starts off where the movie ended and lots of other stuff are still left hanging, so I checked...yep, book 2 is out there. . It’s a mystery, all in Veronica’s point of view, but it’s in third person, which made me extremely happy! I'll definitely be getting the next book. When, though, is anyone's guess!

Becoming His Master by M.Q. Barber
Mar 17: “Becoming His Master” by M.Q. Barber, the 4th in the Neighborly Affection series, an erotic romance at 173 words long. Blurb from Goodreads: From rescue to romance… Teach a wounded submissive the value of his service. The task ought to be an easy one for an experienced dominant like Henry Webb. But novice Jay Kress challenges his teacher like no other. Still bearing the bruises of an encounter outside the bounds of safe consensual play, Jay is desperate to submit to the man who saved him—and shamed by his desires. Henry recognizes the dangers of a relationship built on hero worship. He’ll teach Jay how to stay safe, that’s all. He won’t take advantage of the younger man’s trust. He won’t share his fantasies about his dark-haired, athletic student. He’ll never claim this submissive for his own... I had been anticipating this book ever since M.Q. mentioned it, mainly because I wondered at Henry’s and Jay’s beginnings, which some of it was shared in “Healing the Wounds.” Well, my anticipation was thoroughly satisfied and I devoured this book in one day. I can easily see me re-reading the whole series. I may make it a reward if I reach my goal of 90 books this year. Heck, I'll probably do it even if I don't.

So… How do you feel about pre-ordering a book only to find the price is reduced once the release day arrives? I’ve been burned twice, now, so I won’t bother pre-ordering anymore. No matter HOW badly I want the book (I won't place the blame on the author in these cases--no, this was totally on the publishers). I can tell you, it won’t be a practice I employ. If anything, my self-published book will be cheaper FIRST, for those people who have been anticipating it. It’s the least I could do for my readers. Right?

Happy reading!

Stacy

Monday, March 16, 2015

When All Else Fails--Musical Monday

Yeah, I'm dry. My brain, that is.

The retreat/workshop was great, but I'm feeling a bit overloaded with information. I get that way after some conventions, too. Hopefully it will lead to more writing today. That's if my coughing doesn't give me a headache (yeah, that bugger is still sticking around).

Anyway, nothing worthy of a blog post happened, but I hate to leave you high and dry. I heard this song on Alt Nation (Sirius-XM channel 36) and really like the sound. Makes me want to dance (and I'm always up for that). So, please enjoy "My Type" by Saint Motel and let me know what you think (and not particularly the video, because I think that is kind of strange).


Happy Monday!

Stacy

Friday, March 13, 2015

Happy Friday the 13th—Again

When there are only 28 days in February, the February calendar can be pretty much used for March. Well…until you get to days 29, 30, & 31. At least Valentine’s Day doesn’t follow this month’s Friday the 13th. No, instead we have St. Patrick’s Day to look forward to (I know some places are already decorating. Are they expecting the celebration to start this weekend?).

I most likely won’t be able to answer any comments today because…I’m driving to Chicago (actually, Lisle). Why? I’ll be attending a retreat the Windy City RWA chapter has put together. Donald Maass is giving a day-long class on Writing in the 21st Century and I’m looking forward to it.

Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately?), I couldn’t find anyone to go with me and share a room, so my hubby kindly took the day off and will drive with me and be my roommate for the night, even though he’ll basically be on his own until the class is over Saturday. He doesn’t care. He just likes being with me (insert AWWWWW here).

Now, I hope the fact that today is the 13th and it is a Friday doesn’t mean bad things will happen during our drive. I do expect some rain on the way, though. I can handle rain. It’s not snow.

Winter is over, right? RIGHT???

Remember me complaining about doing my taxes on Tuesday? Of course you do. How could you forget? Anyway, that little (humongous) task rolled right into Wednesday.

Just like when I’m editing, I had to make sure I didn’t screw anything up so I pretty much went over everything. Then, because my stupid software (H&R Block) charges $20 to e-file my state taxes, I went on the state’s site and had to enter all that crap again so I could file on-line for free (told you I’m cheap). Oh, and just when I thought I was finished, I remembered the city taxes. I filed on-line, but their stupid rule said I had to mail it in (along with the W2s), too! Why bother filing on line then? Makes no sense.

All in all, I spent another three hours filing my taxes. It’s really making me consider getting an accountant now. I do NOT want to go through that again. But I’m cheap and just the thought of paying someone to do what I COULD do, but don’t WANT to do, is enough to make my head explode. Ugh!

So… When do you think it’s worth paying someone to do something you’re capable of doing yourself?

If the hotel doesn’t offer free WiFi, I won’t be able to reply to your comments until I get home. Otherwise, it might be late tonight (or early tomorrow morning). Just know I’m not ignoring you. Really!

Happy Friday (the 13th)!

Stacy

Wednesday, March 11, 2015

Wednesday Reads, Taxes, and a Movie

Well, yesterday was a big waste of time. Okay, maybe not a waste—I did have to do the taxes—but it took so freakin’ long! I didn’t finish until 4pm. By that time I didn’t even want to write, so I read instead. Had to reward myself somehow.

Then later, after my hubby came home from work, we went to see "McFarland, USA" at the theatre ($5.50 Tuesdays). That was a good movie and I highly recommend it. I love those feel-good movies and this was definitely that.

Okay, on to what I read this week (I’m still TWO books ahead of schedule, too—whoo hoo!):

Allegiance by Susannah Sandlin
Mar 5: “Allegiance” by Susannah Sandlin, #4 of the Penton Legacy Series, a paranormal romance at 322 pages long. Blurb from book: British vampire psychiatrist and former mercenary Cage Reynolds returns to Penton, Alabama, looking for a permanent home. The town has been ravaged by the ongoing vampire war and the shortage of untainted human blood, and now the vampires and humans that make up the Omega Force are trying to rebuild. Cage hopes to help the cause, put down roots in Penton, and resolve his relationship with Melissa Calvert. The last thing he expects to find himself drawn to Robin Ashton, a trash-talking eagle shape-shifter and new Omega recruit. Meanwhile, as a dangerous saboteur wreaks havoc in Penton, the ruthless Vampire Tribunal leader Matthias Ludlam has been freed on the eve of his scheduled execution. But by whom? And to what end? As war and chaos rage on, love isn’t something Cage is looking for, but will his attention to Robin distract him from the danger living among them? I like this series and the characters who have been featured before. This book was good, too. Had lots of suspense. I just wish it had a little more romance. Not sure if the series is finished yet. If it isn’t, I’ll grab the next one for sure (and hope for more romance!).

The Immortal Who Loved Me by Lynsay Sands
Mar 8: “The Immortal Who Loved Me,” by Lynsay Sands, #21 of the Argeneau Vampire Series, a paranormal romance at 357 pages long. Blurb from book: A few hours ago, Sherry Carne would have sworn that vampires didn’t exist. That’s before rogue immortals rampage through her store, leaving bloody chaos (literally) in their wake. The kicker comes when Sherry learns that one of the vamps on the bad guys’ trail may be her life mate. Her head says it’s impossible. The rest of her takes one look at Basileios Argeneau and has much more interesting ideas. Whatever Basil expected in a life mate, funny, outspoken Sherry isn’t it. But mind-blowing chemistry and instinct don’t lie. They tell him something else, too—that Sherry’s connection to the immortal world goes deeper than she knows. And that she’s in the kind of danger only Basil can save her from—if she’ll just trust him, now and forever… Oooooohhhhhh, I just LOVED this book. It’s been awhile since I could just sit and read (finishing my edits might have helped in that regard). So glad it happened with this book, because I would have had a hard time putting it down otherwise. It was one sexy and funny read. This is one of those series I could re-read back-to-back-to-back if I didn’t have a ton of other books to read!

So… Have you filed your taxes? It took me 5 hours to complete mine. Actually, it’s taking longer than that. I still have to file them all (I wanted the hubby to look them over before I did that). I’m using software, too! What. A. Pain. I can only imagine how long it would have taken me if I did it manually. If I ever start making real money with this writing gig (real money=profit), I may just go out and get myself an accountant.

Happy reading!

Stacy

Monday, March 9, 2015

Autographs

Back when I was looking for my journals, I found my autograph book with them. And yes, it has autographs! I attended a golf tournament in Santa Barbara in 1974 and wished I had an autograph book. The only "autograph" I got that day was Efram Zimbalist Jr.'s initials on my program (which I don't think I have anymore). I was too scared to get anyone else's. But that changed in 1975.

Don't know how I got braver in 1975, but I did. In 1976, I switched to photos. Figured they would be better. They were, sort of. I can at least SEE who the actors/golfers are (maybe one day I'll scan those and show you). Anyway, I took pictures of my autographs so I could share them with you!

Here's my autograph book. Can you tell what era it came from?

Greg Morris (Mission Impossible)

Ernest Borgnine (actor)

On the left is Goober (George Lindsey--The Andy Griffith Show)
On the right is Kermit Zarley (golfer) and Dennis James (television personality).

Alan Hale (The Skipper--Gilligan's Island)

Sandy Koufax (I LOVE this one!!! He is my favorite Dodger)

Huber Green (golfer)

On the left: Bud Allin (golfer)
On the right: Ray Bolger (Wizard of Oz)

 On the left: Dave Stockton (golfer)
On the right: Billy Barty (actor)
 

On the left: Morey Amsterdam (Dick VanDyke Show--hard to tell, but I remember him signing it!)
On the right: Alby Moore (Green Acres)

I hope the pictures came out okay. This was the first time I downloaded more than one at a time. It went quicker, but they're looking funny on my screen. Hopefully when you click on them they enlarge okay. Guess I'll find out when this thing posts.

So... Do you own an autograph book? If so, what kind of autographs does it contain?

Stacy

Friday, March 6, 2015

A Freebie, Pictures, and More Diary Fun

I tend to check out my books on Amazon and B&N, mainly to see if I’ve gotten any more reviews (I haven’t) or to see where they rank in sales (poorly)—yeah, I’m into that self-torture thing. But this week I discovered something:  My Sunny Vampire is free for Kindle and Nook. So…if you haven’t bought it yet, now would be a good time. And if you HAVE bought it and loved it (and why wouldn’t you, huh??), maybe you could tell your friends about it? Can’t get any better than free, right?
 
Okay, enough with the promotion. Well, except you can click HERE to buy it on Amazon and HERE to buy it at B&N. Now I’m done!

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I took some pictures of the sump pump hose that broke outside. It had gotten colder out (and snowed again) and the ground isn’t as mushy (because it froze), so I didn’t fear for my shoes by walking out there again.

 
This picture shows the white pipe separated and how I wedged it against the window well. I still think if someone nudged it, it will pop back up.

 
This picture shows the trench the water made. That was NOT there before this incident. Between the rush of water and the soft ground, it made quite a mess (yes, we have a fairly powerful sump pump).

~~~~~~~

I had fun last week posting stuff I found from my journals, so I’m gonna do it again. This entry was written on June 20, 1973 (I was 15):

Yesterday I bought Mom a pair of pants for her birthday. Tomorrow I get to buy a bathing suit. (if I’m lucky to find one that fits) You know, the only reason I think I write in here is for someone to read it. Like the kids I might have and the husband (if I can get lucky & unshy). The first kid I have is going to be a boy. (Just thought I’d throw all of this in) Well, today is the hottest day yet. If I had a bathing suit, I’d go to the beach and get red. I don’t tan easy. Oh well I’m going to write a letter now. Bye.

P.S. Rick, are you as hot as I am? Probably, huh? Remember—I like YOU!!!

I really like my predictions about my firstborn. I DID have a boy. Somewhere in one of these journals I mentioned his name (which is also correct—so happy I got my way there). I’ll have to find that entry someday. Oh, and MOST of my entries end with a P.S. And yes, all the P.S.s are written for Rick. I had a MAJOR crush on that guy (that lasted for many, many years).

So… Have you seen the trailer for the new Avengers movie? It comes out May 1st. I’ll be watching that one for sure. How about you? If not that one, is there another you’re looking forward to?

Stacy

Wednesday, March 4, 2015

Wednesday Reads and Water Issues

Have you ever heard a strange noise in your house? Did you investigate? Well, I do and I’m sooooo glad I did.

Yesterday it rained. A lot. But there was still snow on the ground. Snow that had apparently frozen our sump pump drainage pipe/hose (teach us not to check on that thing). This hose runs alongside the house (attached to it) and over the window well to the basement and then trails out into the front yard. The pipe burst over the window well and the sump pump was draining pretty darn quickly. The window well filled up and guess where that water went? Through the basement window into the basement.

I thought something had gone wrong with my husband’s fish tanks and instead I was hearing the waterfall that was flowing from the window.

Yeah, I freaked. After I placed a large empty trash can under the water fall (I was soooo glad there was an empty one down there!), I ran outside (my feet got soaked) and yanked to free the pipe from the house (remember, this pipe had burst, so water was kind of squirting everywhere!). Luckily it separated at where two pieces were joined. I managed to wedge the part that was draining the water so that it flowed away from the window and the house. I came back inside and watched the waterfall turn into a trickle and finally stop. Water filled the trash can and was about an inch from overflowing. Talk about being relieved!

I truly thought we had another burst pipe inside the house (like we did last year). The basement got wet where it always gets wet when it rains too much. Well…it might have gotten a LITTLE more water than usual. We don’t have anything of value down there, so nothing was lost. But man, I’ll be glad when winter is over. This stuff SUCKS!

Okay, on to what I read this week:

Marked by Rebecca Zanetti
Feb 25: “Marked” by Rebecca Zanetti, #7 of the Dark Protector Series, a paranormal romance at 282 pages long. Blurb from book: Janie Kayrs has known Zane almost her whole life. He was her friend in the dream world. She trusted him. But that was before he kidnapped her, spiriting her away to an isolated cabin to learn what her dreams never told her. Like how dangerous he looks. How he got on the wrong side of the negotiating table. And how much sexier he is in real life… Zane is a battle-hardened warrior, used to command and solitude. But Janie has drawn him from the minute they met. His need for her could destroy everything he’s worked for, but the risk is too sweet not to take it. They call her the Chosen One. But when it comes down to the questions of peace or war, life or death, safety or passion, it will be Janie who makes the choice… Love is about to start conquering… It was nice seeing these two characters finally get together. Ah, but the Epilogue… Kind of sets up the next series, I guess. Should have known.

So… I have no question for you today. I think my brain’s fried. I hope your winter has been panic-free. I wish mine was. J

Happy reading!

Stacy

Monday, March 2, 2015

Is it Spring Yet?

Woke up yesterday to more snow. Five inches of the stuff. Actually, five MORE inches of the stuff. The stuff we got last week hadn’t melted yet. Heck, it hasn’t gotten WARM enough for anything to melt. That would require the outside temps to be above freezing.

Hopefully, that will all change tomorrow. It’s supposed to get in the 40s. Oh, and it’s supposed to rain. A LOT.

Great. Just what we need. Melting snow AND rain. A recipe for flooding.

Still, I’m ready for spring. February was brutal. I want some warmer weather!!

Today I am attempting to work out in the gym again. Back in January I ended up injuring my leg from walking on the treadmill. Turns out I probably tore my hamstring. Don’t know how I managed to do that. It’s not like I run on the stupid thing. But I’m allowed to ride the bikes and use some certain weights, so that’s what I’m gonna do.

I miss going to the gym (really!), but I’m not looking forward to starting all over again. It’s such a pain. I just hope my leg is getting better. The doctor put me on Mobic and so far it’s working great. Or I healed. I tend to do that after I see the Doctor. It’s like I wait and suffer and when I’ve finally had enough and make that appointment I don’t hurt any more. Never fails. Yeah, you’d think I’d learn and just go at the first sign of an injury, but that would require a working brain and apparently I don’t have one of those. That, or I just don’t like going to the Doctor. Maybe I should go with the second one. What do you think?

I got Blind Temptation back from my daughter on Friday (yay!), so I’m making the fixes to it now. Don’t know if I’ll get the book published in March, but I’m trying. I just want to get it done with so I can concentrate on finishing Ghostly Interlude. Now there’s a book that’s kicking my butt, but I think I came up with something. That tends to happen when I have to work on another project. Oh well, at least I have something to work with when I do get back to it.

I finally watched “The Grand Budapest Hotel.” Not exactly what I thought it would be. I thought it would be a zany comedy. Instead it was zany-weird. I don’t see how this movie was nominated for Best Picture. Makes me wonder what kind of people are on the Academy.

So… If you were to buy a new car today, which car would you buy? I usually have an answer right away for this, but I’ve been so happy with my Xterra, I haven’t wanted another car. And while my husband likes his Solara convertible, he’s been looking at those Dodge Challengers (I wonder if he wants the bright green one like in this picture—I like bright). I have to admit, it would be pretty neat to own one. Not sure I’d want to drive it, though. I like sitting up high.

Have a Happy Monday and try to stay warm!
 
Stacy