This Life...
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A Mini-Vacation
This weekend I didn’t work. I know, shock of all shocks, Nan left her little garret and went out into the world. Well, it was time, trust me. I’ve been working pretty much nonstop for almost a month, getting practically no writing done and keeping unholy hours. But, that is the life of a freelance editor. You work when the work is available, so I’m not whining, just stating the facts. It felt lovely to get away though and I’m indebted to my dear friend, C.L. for whisking me to Cincinnati, where we took in the Newport Levee, Main Strasse in Covington, St. Mary’s Basilica, the Newport Aquarium, and the…
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Wow…Just, Wow!
It’s been a pretty cool few of days. In spite of the fact that I’m buried under a couple of heavy-duty editing gigs and am in hermit mode, I’ve managed to collect some great news. My novel Rule Number One is now available on Amazon.com. If you haven’t had a chance to get it yet, here’s a brand new opportunity, <grin>. And, pretty please, if you do have an Amazon account, if you’d stop by and “Like” my book, that would go a long way to supporting me in this little venture. Merci, in advance! My friend and fellow writer, Robena Grant is a finalist in the RWA Golden Heart…
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Mea Culpa
I’m not sure this is really a case of mea culpa or more a case of Nan realizing that something she hated is actually not all that bad, but here goes. Last July, I posted a rant about smart phones—all about how much I hated them. How I despised texting and how rude I thought it was when people texted while they were supposed to be conversing with me at lunch or dinner. Although I’m now of a new mind about smart phones, I’m definitely not changing my mind about the texting part. I still hate it when people put their phones on the table next to them during a…
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Okay, So Now It Is All Party, Party, Party…
What’s better than gathering all your dearest friends around you to celebrate a joyful moment in your life? Not a thing! Last night, the menopause fairies, my sisters, and my two critique partners all came over to help me celebrate the release of my novel, RULE NUMBER ONE. It was a hen party pure and simple, and I had a blast. So far, the phone calls and emails I’ve gotten this morning indicate that everyone else did too. Twelve of us sat around my big dining room table, drinking wine and eating pizza. Patty brought brownies because even though she’s not quite old enough to qualify as a menopause fairy…
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An Elegant Mourning
Today’s post is a repeat of one that I did for the Bettyverse back in the summer. I’m repeating it now in honor of my nephew, Kyle Alexander, who died ten years ago today. God bless you, Kyle, and peace be with you, my dear sister. “We find a place for what we lose. Although we know that after such a loss, the acute stage of mourning will subside, we also know that we shall remain inconsolable and will never find a substitute. No matter what may fill the gap, even if it be filled completely, it nevertheless remains something else.” —Sigmund Freud (1961) Ten years ago, my dear sister, PJ, lost her…
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Not My Mother’s Stretch Pants
My friend C.L. (whom I’ll credit with the title for today’s blog) and I were talking clothes this morning and I mentioned how much I love my Land’s End yoga pants. She immediately chimed in with, “Oh yes, I love my yoga pants, I probably have seven pairs! I put them on as soon as I get home from work and live in them all weekend.” “I know what you mean,” I agreed. “I have at least that many pairs. I work in them every day–they’re so incredibly comfortable. They’re not all big and baggy like sweatpants. They fit you and always look great, so you can pair them with…
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Wednesday’s Links
Wow, I did something this morning that I haven’t done in more years than I can remember—I slept in. Now by “in,” I mean 9 a.m., but when my habit is to rise a little before 6, have breakfast with Husband, make his lunch, send him out the door, and be at my worktable by about 7:30, this is big. I was up late last night editing and when the alarm went off this morning, I simply couldn’t face the day yet. So I stayed in bed, snoozed for a bit longer, and woke up more ready to start back in on work. Coffee in hand, I’m getting back into…
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Tuesday’s Links
Today, I’m sending you to StoryWonk, the fabulous podcasts of writers, Lani Diane Rich and Alastair Stephens. They talk daily about stories, the craft of writing, and the life of a writer. They also offer seminars and classes on writing. Every so often they have guests, but mostly it’s the two of them, sharing insights and ideas about writing. Even if you aren’t a writer, go for the fun chemistry between these two…and for Alastair’s Scottish accent… And on a completely different note, I’ve been using this website in my struggle to get my body back into shape: LIVESTRONG. It’s a great place to track food and exercise–counts calories for…
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I’m at the ‘Verse Today!
We’re talking about cravings at the Bettyverse today–what do you crave for your life in 2012? Come on by and talk to us.
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Savoring
I’ve been hungry for ice cream and not low-fat frozen yogurt or that fat-free nasty stuff from the grocery store. (You do what makes ice cream taste good, right? It’s the fat!) I’ve been wanting some Ben & Jerry’s Everything But the… Best ice cream ever! “A Collision of Chocolate & Vanilla Ice Creams with HEATH® Bar Chunks, White Chocolatey Chunks, Peanut Butter Cups & Chocolatey-Covered Almonds.” Ordinarily when I get ice cream, I go out to Ritter’s or someplace like that and gobble up a dish of whatever deliciousness is on the menu that day, or I buy a pint of B&J’s and eat the whole damn thing right…