Saying Goodbye to 2008….

 

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind ?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And days o’ lang syne ?

As the final hours of 2008 tick down, I thought I would take a moment and look back on what was a very busy year.  I found a cool list on another site that I am modifying here:

 

1.        What did you do in 2008 that you’d never done before?  Became a published author….yahoo!

2.     What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008? The courage to attend the RWA National Convention.  Every year I say I’m going to do it – only to back down before registration.

3.     What date from 2008 will remain etched in your memory and why?  November 11^th;  The Catcher and the Lie release date with Samhain

4.     Whose behavior made you depressed in ’08? The media; the downward spiral in journalistic ethics gained momentum this year.

5.     Whose behavior merited celebration? My mom, brothers Wink & Gus, sister Kat – they stepped up, as always, to bring comfort and care to sick relatives and friends.  They spent the extra time and effort to travel, bring food, help with bills, visit in the hospital — anything and everything whereas many around them opted out.

6.     Did anyone close to you die?  Aunt Rita, Aunt Ann, and Dr. Bird left this world in 2008.  Although there had been suffering it was still very difficult to say goodbye.

7.     Did anyone close to you give birth in 2008?  No

8.     What was your biggest failure?  Inability to save the Catholic School my boys attended open.  I let a lot of anger build up, before accepting the fact that the current Bishop where I live will never be the leader I need or want…..ooh, still some anger there.

9.     What did you get really excited about this year?  My book release, especially having my mom here with my family.

10.  What political issue stirred you the most?  Oops, too many to count.

11.     What was your favorite TV program?  NCIS

12.  Where did most of your money go?  When we picked up another rescued dog from the Humane Society we ended up racking up expenses; tossing away destroyed furniture, hiring a carpenter to create a special door, vet fees, food, etc.

13.   Compared to this time last year are you happier or sadder? Thinner or fatter? Richer or poorer?   HAPPIER, 3 Pounds Heavier, and Slightly richer – at least my husband is (and we believe in trickle down economics)

14.   Who was the best new person you met?  Although I didn’t technically meet this person face to face – I would have to say my editor Tera.  I think because I was always afraid to even submit my writing anywhere, it was a huge relief to encounter someone who was down to earth, helpful, smart and direct. 

15.   What kept you sane?  My husband and our boys; we have a really nice time together so home is relaxing, light hearted, fun! 

16.  Favorite movie?  Madagascar 2

17.   What was the best thing you bought?  A copy of my book….just kidding.  My husband gave me a Kindle; which I LOVE!

18.   What are your plans for 2009? Eat leftover chocolate cake tomorrow for breakfast; half tonight to celebrate the New Year and polish it off by noon so I can start thinking about dropping five pounds.

Now it’s time for you to share!!!

 

Holiday Decompression…

   In spite of a rather inauspicious start (picture two young boys with a stomach bug spreading joy to the world unto a restaurant table on Christmas Eve) our holiday in Boston was wonderful.  Sitting around the fireplace drinking expired Bailey’s (yes, there is a story there that I cannot share) while playing with a new puppy (not mine, because I really am sticking to my three dog limit) set the perfect tone for the season.  Since I do not make it home as frequently as I would like (frankly, I’d pop in every weekend if it wasn’t a six hour drive) hanging with my mom and siblings is a true treat.

In many ways my gene pool failed me.  My mom is an excellent cook, something I’ve never been accused of.   Perfect stuffing.  Mouth watering apple pies.  She’s got it going on….!   My siblings always manage to throw awesome parties during the season.  This visit, my brother and sister in law, hosted a post Christmas party that was a perfect way to wrap up our trip.  Entertaining others creates a big old pit in my stomach, so I generally avoid it!

Now that I’m home again (my oldest son got sick again in a fast food restaurant on the way home) I’m thinking about the year ahead.  Today I am hoping to plunge back into my WIP — which I’m enjoying, despite a current roadblock.  (I picked up great inspiration while back in Boston hearing stories about local people I grew up with — it’s amazing to realize that some people live lives more suited to Pine Valley or Port Charles.  Seriously, my jaw is still on the table thinking about some of the adventures I heard.)

Hmm, I’m avoiding the whole NEW YEAR resolution list, for now.  I hate over committing and under delivering   But, I have been giving some thought about my writing goals….which may not take the shape I had originally intended.  More on that later!

A Special Day…

Happy Birthday, Nonnie

We’re home, now you’re free

So kick back and enjoy

Say hello to Fat Boy J

 

Love and Hugs!

A Christmas Wish…

For the first time in my life I can honestly say that there is not a single thing that I want for Christmas.  Being with my family in the Boston area – enjoying good food, music, & perhaps a glass or two of wine – is more than enough to make my holiday perfect.  Normally, I can think of one or two items that I would like to find under the tree on December 25^th — this year, nothing.

 

Although I probably shouldn’t admit it, considering world events and the economy, but 2008 has been an incredible year for me.  Really incredible.   It was fun, fulfilling and fruitful.

 

·          Vacations: my husband is something of a work-a-holic.  Since I shared that disease before I had children, I understand his desire to limit time away from the office.  This year, however, we took many trips.  Short in duration but packed full of excitement.  LONGBOAT KEY, CAPE COD, TORONTO, NYC (twice) — Three RED SOX games.  Lots of great memories!

 

·         My writing:  having two books contracted in 2008 was like winning American Idol – minus the humiliation.  Although editors are often portrayed as being snarky, erudite versions of Simon Cowell, I’ve found this not to be the case.   Samhain Publishing is as professional, poised, and savvy as their reputation suggests.  And, The Wild Rose Press, maintains a rock steady focus on their authors.  Without a doubt, I’ve been lucky to land in very capable hands with these publishers.

 

·          So many extras this year:  it’s hard to recall how many times I’ve had those little wow moments, when someone does something unexpected that puts a permanent smile on your face. 

o        Book cover blow-ups: both my husband and my brother Frank had copies of my book covers made into posters.  One hangs in my mom’s cottage, one in my brother’s den, and one in my hallway.  VERY COOL AND VERY SWEET.

o        Blog help:  Gus and Mr. Kersey always take the time to brighten my day with little anecdotes.  THANK YOU!

o        MOM: my mother is cool, always has been and always will be.  This year she drove six hours to be here the day my book was released.  She literally goes the extra mile (or extra 300 hundred miles) for her children.

o        KINDLE:  my husband, Dan, surprised me with a Kindle this year.  I love it!!!!!  Perfect gift for the book obsessed (much better than jewelry).

o        My boys: everyday there is at least one moment when my husband or I wonder out loud about how we hit the jackpot when it comes to children.  They’re not perfect (they have my genes after all) but they are darn cool.

Hmm, I’ve only scratched the surface — but I need to step away from the computer and start packing for Boston!  HAPPY HOLIDAYS!   HUGS TO ALL!

 

 

Your Vote is Your Voice…

Samhain Publishing is inviting readers to pick their favorite releases from 2008.  Click on the link and cast your vote!

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=cx0Pt6VHI_2fJ4m5lSThk8Qg_3d_3d

I voted…and not for myself J

I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For…

I need a sedative … and this time I’m not talking about a double shot of Baileys.  Snow has been steadily falling outside my door for the past six hours.  Picking up my son early from school (yeah, the joy of driving in blowing & drifting snow) was an adventure more suited for someone behind the wheel of a Hummer.  This is Western NY, which means drivers should A) have snow tires on by November; B) have sufficient gas in the tank preventing a breakdown on a major roadway; C) have the foresight not to attempt to drive up a steep incline that has not yet been plowed.

 

My Christmas shopping stalled right around Thanksgiving which leaves me now in scramble mode.  And although I love my mother more than Tahiti’s Pork Fried Rice, she is a pain in the patoot when it comes to buying gifts.  Since she is planning a bathroom makeover, I threatened to buy her a spiffy new toilet. (I really want to hear her tell people that her youngest daughter bought her a commode — ho ho ho).  Okay, I’m kidding.  Sort of.

 

Anxiety around the holidays is normal, but this year I’m overdosing on frazzled nerves.  I handed in a revised manuscript last week for consideration and I’m feeling kind of sick over it.  Not knowing if I blew it…keeps me in obsessive mode.  I’ve also been stressing about some advertising —- a random cover ad I placed for The Catcher and the Lie hardly ever appears on a particular romance website.  I inquired about it at the beginning of the slated two month run and was assured it was in place…but I’ve literally spotted it three times in the past three weeks.  Strange!!!!

 

Oh, and to make my week sparkle just a little more — I’ve had several people comment on how surprised they were by the spicy nature of my book.  In my head, which is not completely screwed on tightly, I think I fall pretty low on the heat level.  Nevertheless, I’m feeling…well, I don’t exactly how that makes me feel.  Okay, scratch that one off of my anxiety list.  My mom didn’t faint when she read Catcher and that’s about all that matters in my book J

 

Maybe a mug of hot chocolate (laced with Baileys) will soothe my fragile emotional state…it’s worth a shot!

I Want to Wake Up in a City,That Never Sleeps…

Spent this past weekend in NYC, soaking up the holiday spirit.  Despite the hectic pace, my family and I had a wonderful trip.  Here are some of the highlights:

• Since most of the large chain hotels were sold out by the time I made reservations this summer, had to pick something different.  The results were fabulous.  Stayed at a boutique hotel, 70 Park Avenue (a Kimpton Hotel) where the service was outstanding, the rooms wonderfully appointed, and the location top notch.
• Radio City Christmas Show – fun for the whole family; my boys loved the live Nativity scene with camels, donkeys, and sheep. I was partial to the figure skating, and my husband loved it all!

 Best Dining Experience – PJ Clarke’s. For 125 years this venerable New York institution with its colorful history has entertained the famous, the infamous and everyone else who appreciate the ambiance and food of a real saloon.  This will be a must stop on my next visit to the city.

 

  

• Moonstruck Diner – Since our boys are still relatively young we decided to skip the formal dinner scene.  Which was a huge relief, I’m sure, to my in-laws who were thus able to dine in peace.  Instead we hit a local diner just a few blocks from our hotel.  Standard food, but wonderful wait staff.  The boys loved starting the meal with an ice cream soda.  Yum! 

Shopping – Coach store on Madison Avenue. Both my husband and my in-laws picked out Christmas gifts here after I insisted that I had plenty of purses…LOL!  They don’t listen very well! Other stores such as FAO Schwarz, M&M, and Hershey were extremely crowded and therefore slightly overwhelming.

Best Extra – My father-in-law insisted on hiring a driver for Saturday.  Let me tell you, this made a huge difference.  Instead of waiting for cabs to scurry us around in the cold, a nice warm vehicle followed us everywhere. 

Best way to wrap up the weekend – celebrated Sunday Mass at a beautiful church across from our hotel. The Church of Our Saviour is a lovely, rather intimate church with a gorgeous interior.  The service equaled St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

 

Okay…must get myself together.  Laundry. Birthday party this morning.  Holiday Office Party tonight!  Hugs until later!

Still Looking for that Perfect Gift?

Sometimes it’s hard to find just the right present for that special person in your life.  Don’t fret…the solution is literally just a few clicks of the keyboard away.  Yes, that’s right.  For a limited time only I want to offer you what few others have…a copy of my book.   It will only take a few dollars to brighten someone’s world this holiday season.  Sure you could spend the $4.50 on a Happy Meal but for many of you that would only provide about 60 seconds of pleasure.  I’ll even make it easy for you by providing the link:

http://samhainpublishing.com/romance/the-catcher-and-the-lie

Go ahead…Don’t be afraid.  Ebooks are the future (at least part of it).  Oh, and check out the cool picture below.  My husband had a poster sized picture of my book cover made.  And, he sent the flowers the same day.  Let’s all say it together now….Ohhhh, he’s so darn sweet!

When I Think of You….

Xerox, in an effort to help people across the nation express their gratitude toward our troops overseas, has launched a program that allows you to send a free personalized postcard greeting to deployed servicemen and women. http://www.Letssaythanks.com  As a nation we too often fail to acknowledge or support the efforts made by our military personnel to protect and defend our freedom.  Unfortunately, what they hear and see is often venomous, anti war rants that diminish their sacrifices and their successes.  War.  Terrorism.  Yeah, people can disagree on when intervention is justified.  But, as a country, it would be nice if we celebrated those men and women who have the courage to put themselves literally on the line for the rest of us.  God Bless Them.  So, take a minute and say thank you!  We owe them a great debt that can never be fully repaid. Enough of Miss Ranty McPanty….

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Week in Review…

Best headline of the week

“Wounded deer attacks hunter who shot him”

John Walsh would be proud.  Never be a victim. Always fight back.

Weirdest story of the week

A Wisconsin Salvation Army leader who faces dismissal if he marries outside the organization is asking people not to stop donating to the group during the holiday season.

Capt. Johnny Harsh of Oshkosh, Wis., says he’s been receiving letters and e-mails from people angered over the Salvation Army’s decision to uphold its long-standing rule that an officer in the agency may marry only another officer.

Who could have guessed that such rules still existed?  Thank goodness that Zack Mayo was with the Navy and not the Salvation Army.  Paula would still be stuck in that damn factory.

Coolest Gift of the Season

The 40 Foot Marshmallow Blaster from Hammacher Schlemmer

 

 

What I Want for Christmas (besides the Blaster)

Lately my hair and I have not been on the friendliest of terms.  We disagree each morning and I think something drastic needs to be done.

HAIR EXTENSIONS

Yes.  Sadly – I am serious.  I hate the length of my hair right now and it is growing at a snail’s pace.  Drawbacks to this latest obsession are cost and the fact that most people I know would laugh uproariously at me.