Sunday, July 31, 2011

Win Prizes at the Blogfest!

Today I'm participating in the Long and Short Reviews' 4th Anniversary Blogfest with several other authors.


This is a neat celebration with really cool prizes. How cool?

Grand prize: Winner’s choice of either a B&W Nook/WiFi Kindle/ $150 Amazon or B&N Gift Card

Other prizes: Several small Gift Cards and prizes to be awarded throughout thw day.

It's easy to enter. Every comment left on the posts earns an entry. So the more you comment, the more chances you have to win. I've got three posts that will be going up throughout the day along with those from the other authors participating so there will be plenty of places for you to comment/enter. I hope to see you there!

Don't forget to comment here to be entered in my website contest. The winner will be announced tomorrow, August 1st. I'm giving away 10 books from the stash I have from RWA Nationals in NYC! It's your choice of titles, plus I have some left over from the last time I did this so lots to pick from so don't miss out!

Saturday, July 30, 2011

Saturday Smiles

funny pictures - *Innocent Face*
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Good news from the specialist. Finn's break is more like a crack. He's in a short cast (glow-in-the-dark one that's pretty cool!) for the next three weeks. He can't swim or ride anything with wheels, but he can kick a soccer ball so that's good! The swim team takes a couple weeks off in August anyway so besides missing the championships right now, it shouldn't be too long for him. We'll know more in August.

Yoda discovered the outdoors. Not sure why it took him so long, but he loves to sit in my bedroom window and stare out. I did have to close the glass at one point. I found him climbing up the screen. But hubby opened it this morning, and Yoda seems content to sit now, not climb.

Rocket found the bag of catnip. He and Yoda made a mess in the bathroom. Boys...!

A totally free Saturday thanks to not being at the swim meet. Mackenna could have made a 4-H Fun Match, but we had no details since we weren't planning to be in town so she said not to worry and just skip it. That simplified things!

I'm planning to write until lunchtime. Then it's family time!

What do you have going on?

Friday, July 29, 2011

TGIF

Funny Pictures - Cute Kittens
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I thought this picture was so cute! It made me not only smile, but sigh! A nice start to the morning.

The skies are overcast, but it's supposed to be in the 80s this weekend. Today will be about my son, writing, getting all the contest stuff from the Virtual Book Tour done and...that's probably enough!

It was pretty strange not to have anything on the schedule yesterday. I kept thinking I should be some place. But I had fun spending time and watching swimming with Finn. I also wrote a bunch of new pages on the new manuscript.

I found a great song. I'm not sure this is going to be for this book or not, but I can't stop listening to it when I'm working. It's by the Goo-Goo Dolls.



We head to the specialist with Finn today. Praying it goes well and his arm will heal quickly and easily! What have you got going on?

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Swimming

funny pictures - NEW OLYMPIC EVENT FOR 2012     SYNCHRONIZED CARPET SWIMMING
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I never made it back online to blog yesterday or blog hop. I ended up napping for a very long time, then it was all about my son.

His arm hurts. It itches. He can't get comfortable. But it's just not the arm dragging him down. It's not being able to swim.

If all had gone according to plan (i.e. no broken arm), I would be down in Eugene, OR. I'd be sitting under a pop-up tent watching Finn swim the 200 IM or the 200 Free with all the other kids who'd met the Long Course Championship's A qualifying time. (I can't remember the exact stroke, and I don't feel like pulling up the meet info.)

But instead I'm home. I'm watching the clock to make sure we stay on track with his pain medication. We've got a spot for him set up on the couch with pillows to support his arm because the sling gets uncomfortable after awhile.

He's gotten Dairy Queen, Starbucks and Menchies. McDonalds and Little Caesar, too. All this faves in the last two days. But the kid really doesn't care about that. He'd rather be dripping with water that smelled like chlorine, sitting on a hard bleacher next to his teammates and snacking on a Cliff Bar Jr.

This would have been his first Long Course Championships. He was so excited to head to Eugene for the four day state meet. He qualified in 5 individual events (100 Free, 200 Free, 400 Free, 100 Fly & 200 IM) and was put on 2 relay teams. Not bad for a kid who aged up at the end of April and had qualified for everything by the beginning of June (while we were in NY he missed all the later meets.)

So now we're not only have to deal with his pain and discomfort, but teaching him to deal with disappointment. It's a lesson all kids need to learn. He's dealt with it before in soccer a couple of years ago. But it's still hard.

A friend from college, Al, reminded me about the Swimming World Championships happening right now. Last night Finn watched his favorite swimmer Ryan Lochte win. Tonight we'll watch again. But I know Finn would rather be swimming himself rather than watching someone else do it.

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Broken

funny pictures - Hmmm...If I break a lamp & no one is around  to hear it break...did I really break it?
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I wish the only thing broken around here was a lamp. Unfortunately it's my son's arm. I took him to practice at Mount Hood Community College to swim in the 50 m pool they use during the summer long course season. We ended up in the ER at Mount Hood Medical Center. The x-ray showed a break in his left arm.

Today we should be heading to Eugene so he could swim in the Long Course Championships (aka State.) But that's not going to be happening now. On Friday, we see a pediatric orthopedist.

Poor kid.

I've got something I need to do this morning, but I'll fill in the story more later. Prayers for him (both physical and mental healing) would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Final Stop on the Tour!

Funny Pictures - Any Moment Now, We Pounce...
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Today is the final stop on the Not-So-Perfect Princess Virtual Book tour. I'm at Black Velvet Seduction talking about following your heart. Be sure to post a comment here if you want to be entered in the end of tour giveaway. I'll be checking in there throughout the day.

One of the most visited pages on my blog is the Norwegian Elkhound puppies post I wrote over a year ago. Well, guess what? I received an email yesterday evening. More puppies have been born to Cassie! Seven of them—4 males and 3 females. Not sure when we'll make it out to see them, but I will take lots of photos! The kidlets are so excited. I am, too!

Hope you have a great Tuesday!

Monday, July 25, 2011

Interview

funny pictures - Yu has teh sads?
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Only two more days of my virtual book tour. Today I'm being interviewed at Lisa Hazelton's Reviews and Interviews. I'll be checking in all day so please stop by here.

I didn't sleep well at all. I'm feeling pretty down right now.

Yesterday evening a climber was killed at Beacon Rock which is located in the Columbia Gorge. It happened while rappelling. The climber's name hasn't been released yet, but the wrong name got out last night which led to some heavy hearts and grief. The Internet allows info to spread quickly. That information just needs to be correct. Regardless the name, a local climber lost his life yesterday and that's still makes for a really sad day.

Sunday, July 24, 2011

Rogue's Angels

funny pictures - Romeo, Romeo
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Today I'm being interviewed at Rogue's Angels. This is a stop that isn't part of the official blog tour, but I hope you'll stop by here and say hello!

On the dog show front, Mackenna got to show in the Group Ring for the first time. She and Astra, another Elkhound, won Best of Breed in the breed ring. It was an exciting afternoon that's for sure.

I'm still working on Chapter 3 so need to get writing before we head to the dog show later. Hope you have a nice Sunday!

Saturday, July 23, 2011

Dog Show and Writing

funny pictures - There was a reason Greg woke up in a cold sweat every morning.
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No where to follow me today! I'm taking a one day break before three more stops and then I'll be done with the book tour. Tomorrow's is an extra I added in on my own after being invited.

I've already been to a dog show this morning. Hurried home to get some writing in. I'll head back for more in the afternoon.

The proposal is coming along. A good thing since I have to send it off on Monday. Spirit has been my constant companion the past two days. When I went downstairs for a little while last night, she came down crying. She wanted me back upstairs with her. It was so cute!

That's about all I have. The book is calling! What are you doing this weekend?

Friday, July 22, 2011

Book and Contest

I had to laugh when I saw this LOLcat. Eye of the Tiger is one of the family's fave songs to play on their Wii game!

Today's virtual book tour stop is at Books R Us. I'm talking about the idea behind Not-So-Perfect Princess. There's also a review. (She didn't like Enrique!) Hope to see you here.

I'm focused on finishing the proposal. Doing the bare minimum everywhere else. Wish I could just stay home for the next three days and write, but that's not possible so I'm bringing my writing with me wherever I go. It's amazing how all those short chunks of time add up!

Wish I had something fun or unusual to report on, but it's been all about the book! Anything going on in your life?

Don't forget I'm running a contest on this blog in addition to the book tour. Ten books of your choice from a list or pictures. My box of books from the RWA conference just arrived, plus I had some leftovers from the big book giveaway earlier this year. Lots to choose from so make sure you comment here, in addition to the tour stop.

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Sweets and not so sweet

funny pictures - We don't have to do what you say!
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I'm at Delaney Diamond's blog talking about why I write sweet romances. Here's the link to get there!

Yesterday was one of those days I'd like to forget. The animals were out to get me. Okay, not really. But that's how it felt. Maybe a couple of them were jealous by my tour blog about Yoda. Who knows? But one of the cats used my new bookbag from the RWA conference as a litterbox. I've been carrying this bag around since I got home. I love the bag. Zipper. Pockets. A place for water bottles. And it's big enough that everything fits inside, including my Mac!

As I was on the phone, one of the kidlets came in with a stricken look on her face. Chaos had gotten into something pink. Turns out it was actually something red. Those little tablets the dentist gives kids to make sure they don't miss any spots brushing. Chaos had found the bag from the dentist. I guess she thought they were candy (she has a sweet tooth) because she'd eaten at least one of them. I don't think she liked it because her front paws and legs were all red as if she'd tried to wipe her mouth. It stained the carpet too.

Needless to say one of the kidlets freaked out because Chaos has a show this weekend. She was also sure Chaos would die from it.

The dog shampoo did nothing so I had to use our shampoo. It didn't take too long to scrub all the red out. Then I opened one of our new toothbrushes and scrubbed her teeth until the red disappeared. Chaos didn't like that.

Of course, this happened during lunch time when I only had a few minutes at home between swim practice and piano lessons. But I managed to get it all done and was only a few minutes late to piano.

I sure hope things go a little better today!

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Animals and Inspiration

funny pictures - DIDDLY SQUAT
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Today I'm at Grace Eliot's blog talking about one of my fave topics—my pets and how I used one of them for inspiration in Not-So-Perfect Princess. You can find me here.

Yesterday was a very sad day around here. It all started with the sound of helicopters flying overhead. We thought someone had gotten lost in the park. Turns out an 11 year old boy (the same age as my son) drowned. Totally heartbreaking. Prayers for all his family and friends.

The kidlets were a bit freaked out by what was going on (this was before the search ended) so we loaded them up into the minivan and headed to Borders. I wanted to use up our gift cards. (Another sad moment when we walked into the store which we go to a lot and realized it wouldn't be around much longer.) Everyone got a book! Then we went out to for a family dinner. That was very nice and what we all needed!

This morning the sun is finally peeking out! Yay! I'm ready for summer!

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Sugarbeat's Books Today

funny pictures - Tango immediately regretted instinctively digging his claws in.
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The virtual book tour continues. Today I'm at Sugarbeat's Books. If you have time, stop by here and say hi!

I'm up early to write since today looks to be crazy schedule-wise. The proposal is due next Monday and I want it ready to go ASAP! That means I'll be writing, writing, writing!

On the home front, not much to report. Kids went to the dentist yesterday. No cavities. My goal is zero cavities for them since I have a mouthful of filings. Fingers crossed!

Anything happening on your end?

Monday, July 18, 2011

Princesses and kitties

Funny Pictures - Cute Kittens
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I'm back on my virtual book tour this week. Today I'm at Me, My Muse and I visiting with Jennifer Shirk. I'm talking about writing princess romances! Join me here. Be sure to comment to be entered to win the $20 Amazon gift card.

This past week, my oldest spent some time with my sister and her family. They live on acreage out in the country. Mackenna found a kitty. (There are lots of stray cats around there so this is not a rare event.) She decided she had to keep the kitty and spent much time on the phone with us trying to convince us we needed another cat. She sent us pictures. She persevered.

In the end she wasn't allowed to keep it. Hubby put his foot down. But I felt bad. I know what it's like to really want an animal of your own. Especially a cute little kitten.

I spent the weekend writing and trying to catch up. I didn't get as much done as I thought I would, but I'm very pleased with how the proposal is coming along! This is going to be such a fun story!

How was your weekend?

Sunday, July 17, 2011

Sunday

funny pictures - Colonel Mustard with the lead pipe in the lounge?
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This LOLcat not only made me smile but brought back memories of playing endless games of Clue when I was a kid. I have the game around here somewhere. Might have to play it with the kidlets when they get home.

I'm on my second day of a quiet house. The animals are actually cooperating and not demanding all my attention. Right now I'm the only one awake. I think the gray skies and rain have everyone in a mellow, relaxing move.

My son has finished his soccer tournament. They aren't having a championship game. It'll all be based on points. This morning he scored his first goal for his new team. Hubby kept me updated via text messages. They were in second place going into the game. They won, giving them a record of 3-0-1, (ie wins-loss-ties) but again it'll all come down to points.

The girls will be home after the World Cup Soccer game. I'll be tuned into to watch and cheer Team USA on to victory! Wouldn't that be so cool if the women won. Fingers crossed.

Right now I'd better get back to the writing. I want to make the most of the peace and quiet.

Saturday, July 16, 2011

Woo-hoo!

funny pictures - New Computer Mouse
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I now have two working computers! A brand new MacBook Pro. Boy, is it cool! And the Apple Store fixed my old iBook G4! Right now I'm actually on my old one because I need to get caught up fast and know how everything works!

This weekend is all about catching up. Only a couple more blogs for the tour to finish. Some blogs of friends to visit. Romance Trading Cards to package up for the daily winners of the blog tour. Most importantly, I have a proposal to work on. It's not due for another week, but I'd love to finish it this week so I can cross that off my To Do list and work on the rest of the story.

What have you got going on this weekend?

Friday, July 15, 2011

Computerless

Today I'm being interviewed by Lila Munro. I hope you'll join me here! I'll be there off and on all day.

I finally made it to The Apple Store. I bought a 15 inch MacBook Pro. They kept my old iBook G4 to transfer files which means I'm using a PC at the moment. I'm a creature of habit which means this PC is not good for me. I lost a bunch of writing because this Word is not like my Mac Word. Needless to say, frustration continues, but I'm hoping it will end today with a call from the Apple Store saying the new computer is ready.

Hope you have a great Friday!

Thursday, July 14, 2011

So ready!

Funny Pictures - Cute Kittens
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My iBook is on it's last leg without serious intervention. I've reached the end of my rope. I'll be heading to an Apple Store today to pick out a new mac. I hate how frustrating trying to use this stupid thing has been!

Today, I'm at another blog as part of my Virtual Book Tour. Come visit me here at a Chick Who Reads. I'm talking about royal characters and why readers like them!

Hope you have a great day! I'm getting exciting thinking I'll be back online and writing the way I'm used to soon!

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Ahoy Matey

funny pictures - Yeah, it's swell. May I have my paper bag back now, please?
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Interested in learning how I researched the sailing scenes I wrote in Not-So-Perfect Princess? Go here if you want to find out more. To be entered in my giveaway, remember to post a comment. Thanks!

My son has not been feeling well. The doctor thinks it's allergies not a sinus infection. Fingers crossed since he's like me and it takes forever to clear his passages of infection when he gets one! He was feeling a little better last night so we went out to his fave restaurant The Olive Garden. We just wanted him to smile again. That's been missing for a couple of days now. On the way home, we picked up a chocolate cake for dessert and a movie from Redbox (Gnomeo and Juliet.) It was a fun family evening.

I still haven't managed to get my computer replaced so I have a very limited time to use it. I'm limiting that time to the blog tour and writing. I was within a mile of an Apple Store, but my son just wanted to go home and rest so that's what I did! At this rate, I'll just wait until the new stuff is announced on the 14th. At least I hope that's the date.

Anything going on with you?

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Hmmm....

funny pictures - Callie had a difficult decision. Take advantage of the triple word score, or just pounce and send all the tiles flying?
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If Callie was one of my cats, she'd definitely send the tiles flying then she'd plop down in the middle of the game board for a nap. Yes, that's how it works at my house.

So I do have a blog stop scheduled for today, but as of now the blog it not up so I'm not sure what's going on. But at some point, I hope I'll be to here.

UPDATE: the blog is now up. Go here. I'm talking about the two princes, Alejandro and Enrique, from Not-So-Perfect Princess.

Still having computer issues. I can get it to charge sometimes by turning it upside down and using a ceramic doggy my daughter made for me to position the cord. Yes, there must be a better way. (i.e. like a new MacBook Pro.) But yesterday was a crazy day with way too much driving of kidlets around. Today doesn't look much better, but I will be within throwing distance of an Apple Store. Just need to make sure I have the time between where I need to be.

The good thing is I've been taking advantage of my hard copy and alphasmart to write this new proposal. It's coming together, but I realized last night that I still have seven more blogs for the tour to write. Oops!

Yes, today will be a busy day! What is your day like?

Will update about the blog tour if I hear anything or the post shows up!

Monday, July 11, 2011

iBook woes

funny pictures - So its true...
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Today, my virtual book tour stop is an interview at Theresa Stillwagon's blog.  Hope to see you there! Remember every comment enters you in my end of tour giveaway!

My weekend was all about dogs. Mackenna competed in a dog show both days with Chaos. She didn't place, but learned lots. We also got to see 4-H friends we hadn't seen in a while due to our trip to NY.

My old iBook gave me so many fits this weekend it deserved to be in the dog house. I'm wondering if I should buy a new MacBook today or wait to see what's coming out on the 14th. The thing is six years old, and now having power problems. I think I've narrowed the problem down to the DC board, but I don't have time to have it changed. Plus I've been wanting a new computer for a year now. Seems like it's time.

Because of the computer woes, I wasn't online much. I used the time my computer decides to run to work on the proposal that's due in two weeks. Needless to say it's been frustrating!

I appreciate the support to make Not-So-Perfect Princess LASR's Book of the Week. It didn't win, but a bit thank you to everyone who headed over there to cast a vote.

What did you do this weekend?

Saturday, July 09, 2011

Please Vote!

Not-So-Perfect Princess received a 5 book review from LASR which means it's up for book of the week. I already have a video, so it's more about bragging rights. Expecting Royal Twins! won. It would be nice if the sequel did, too.

If you have a minute could you go here and vote! Voting runs from Saturday until Sunday. Thanks!

Today, I'll be at a dog show with my oldest daughter. She's showing Chaos in the Jr. Handler competition. She's been working with the dog so much to get ready. Yesterday she groomed Chaos herself, too! Fingers crossed the day goes well! It'll be her first "Open" event with lots of other competitors!

Hope you have a great weekend!

Friday, July 08, 2011

Review and My Dog!

Today's stop on the virtual book tour is a little different. It's at a review site called LASR (Long and Short Reviews.) I didn't write a blog or answers question for an interviewer. Instead, one of LASR's reviewers posted a review of Not-So-Perfect Princess.

If you want to see what makes an author's day, week, year, go here and read the lovely review for my book.  I was just there again and even with a 46 pound dog on my lap trying to get my attention while I try to blog, I'm all smiles!

Comments there count towards the end of tour $20 amazon gift card giveaway. I'll also be giving someone who comments today a set of trading cards.

Now for the rest of the blog...

The cats almost got their wish yesterday. Chaos didn't self-destruct, but she did get out of the backyard without us knowing. Hubby had taken out the garbage in the morning and didn't latch the gate properly.

While I was at swim practice with the kidlets, someone rang the doorbell. Imagine hubby's surprise when it was two neighborhood boys with Chaos. They'd found her wandering around and brought her home! So relieved and thankful to them. I don't even want to think of what else could have happened!

What's going on with you today? Me? I'll be writing!

Have a great Friday!

Thursday, July 07, 2011

Tour and a Book Trailer!


My furbabies have been smiling lots since we got home. Extra treats, toys, attention. What's not to like?

Today for my virtual book tour, I'll be at Bookworm Lisa for an interview. Just click here to go there.

And don't forget, I've got all sorts of contests this month so be sure to check my contest tab so you don't miss out. And you never know when I'll just give something away!

I wanted to post the video for Not-So-Perfect Princess for your viewing pleasure. The talented ladies at Goddess Fish Productions made it for me.



Hope you have a great day!

Wednesday, July 06, 2011

RWA Conference Day 3

Pictures still to come!

I last left you on Wednesday night at the conference. We'd seen Anything Goes and had a blast. I was hoping to make it to the tail end of the eHarlequin Pajama Party, but it was after eleven when I got to the hotel and was too tired.

Thursday morning, I had breakfast by myself across the street at Junior's. The restaurant is known for their cheesecake, but at that hour of the morning I passed. I was surrounded by groups of writers eating and chatting. That's what I get for being too involved with planning the family vacation and not making plans to meet up with people at the conference. But all was not lost. I pulled out my Alphasmart and roughed out an opening to my new book!

After breakfast I returned to the hotel. I popped into the Save The Cat workshop, then went to the Michael Hauge's workshop. I've been using his and Blake Snyder's plotting methods for over a year now. I think that's why my synopses have gotten so much better! I wanted to hear what he had to say again, and I wasn't disappointed.

After the workshop, it was lunch time. I met up with my roommate and two other friends from the SFRWA chapter who I've known longer than my husband! I just realized I didn't take any pics of us. We ate and chatted and cried over Sherrilyn Kenyon's speech. Wow! Is all I can say. I hope somebody taped it because I'd love to share it with all of you. Amazing!

That afternoon I attended a Meet and Greet with overseas editors. It was so cool to meet the people publishing my books in so many different languages. I was so happy to meet someone from the Brazil office. I have reader mail written in Portuguese that I need translated!

From there, I went to the Golden Heart and Rita® Finalists' Reception. Each of us was called by name to receive a certificate and have our photo taken. It also gave me a chance to chat with some of the other finalists!

After that, I wondered around talking to people. There's a lot of that at the conference though this one was a little different. Due to the layout of the hotel I felt like I missed a lot of people. I grabbed an energy bar and a drink from Starbucks, which turned out to be my dinner! Again, I must make better plans. I got ready for the Harlequin Party and met my friend and new Love Inspired author, Jean Gordon, downstairs to catch a cab over to the Waldorf Astoria. Harlequin Historical author Michelle Styles joined us.

I don't know what I can say about the Harlequin party except it was so elegant and a total blast. Everyone dressed in black and white. They decorated the Starlight Roof ballroom to resemble the 1930-40s. They even brought in white carpet!

We were given black Harlequin socks when we arrived. No dancing in high heels or bare feet! A photographer snapped our pictures as we waited to entered. Waiters handed out flutes of champagne as we stepped inside.

Desserts were the name of the game. A custom cupcake station, an ice cream sundae station and a buffet with a dessert assortment to choose from. There were bars on either end. You could order whatever you wanted to drink. The waiters were so attentive you couldn't sit your drink down or they'd take it.


The evening opened with authors getting their 25 books, 50 books, 75 books and 100 books pins. I can't remember if anyone had written more than that.

Then it was time to dance. They flew in the same DJ who'd been in San Francisco. I thought the music selection was better back then. A few others agreed, but it was still fun. Though very loud!

The party was supposed to end at midnight. We left about twenty after, and people were still dancing!

Cats and Book Junkie!

funny pictures - ya enjoy
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This is how my cats have been treating me since I returned home. But we seemed to have turned a corner today. The cats have forgiven me (at least they appear to have) for being away so long! The dog had no issues whatsoever. She was so happy to see us she seemed to forget we'd left her at a kennel so long!

Today I'll be at Book Junkie for my virtual book tour. Click here to go to the blog. I'm talking about what inspired me to write my book. I hope you'll stop by and post a comment so you'll be entered to win a $20 gift card.

I'm loving my new manuscript! It features a professional soccer player hero! I didn't quite make my work count which is why I didn't blog yesterday afternoon/evening.

Hoping I do better today! But I was back to the routine of driving the kidlets everywhere! And I do mean everywhere. I ended up in Oregon twice yesterday, once in the east and the other time in the west. Boy, was it exhausting. I was so tired I fell asleep on the floor of the waiting room during Rose's speech therapy. Yikes! But the nap really helped.

I felt revived enough to go on a walk with Mackenna and Chaos in the evening. As we were headed up the street a deer was walking down the middle of the road toward us. I so love the neighborhood where we live. You can find deer hanging out on the streets or in the yards!

Hope you have a nice day!

Tuesday, July 05, 2011

Release Day and Launch Party!

My new release Not-So-Perfect Princess is now available at stores! This is the sequel to Expecting Royal Twins! The heroine in Princess Julianna aka Jules from that book!

The eBook was released on July 1st, but I decided to wait until today to announce it. I'm having a New Release Party at Goddess Fish today. I hope you'll stop over and say hi! I'll be giving away a $5 amazon gift card to someone who posts a comment. Click here to join the launch party. The more the merrier!

Also, if I can figure out how to do it (unless the tour organizer Goddess Fish does it) I hope to debut my new book trailer at the Release party!

I'm also kicking off a virtual book tour!  The tour will run from today until July 26th. At the end of the tour, one commenter will win a $20 amazon gift card. I'll also be giving away a set of Romantic Trading Cards at each stop. Each day, I'll post where I'll be. You can also find the info under my News tab!

I'll post where I'll be in the mornings and then if I get my words written for the day will post a regular blog in the afternoon. I have lots of catching up to do on our trip as well as the conference! 

As for the July contest info, there are four. One today for the release party. One during my virtual book tour. One that will be run via the Author Sound Relation Newswire (you must subscribe to be entered and the prizes are 4 gift cards) and my website.

I'm going to do a book giveaway here at the website since you can win gift cards elsewhere. I picked up lots of books at the RWA conference and have some left over so one commenter will get to choose 10 books to receive. To enter, just comment on this blog.  Each comment gets you one entry. I'll choose one entry on July 31st and post the winner's name on August 1st. You'll have one week to contact me. If I don't hear from you, I'll pick someone a new winner so be sure to check back!

The June-July 4th contest winner (Random #27) is Sarita, who commented on my post Random Tuesday. Sarita, please let me know if you want an egift card from Amazon or Barnes & Noble via my contact form. Be sure to put the email where you want the gift card sent!

It's going to be a couple busy weeks with the book tour and a new proposal to write. I'm looking forward to it and hope you'll join me on the the tour.

Monday, July 04, 2011

Independence Day

I'm really feeling patriotic today. Part of that stems from being in Stony Brook, NY on Saturday and visiting the Grist Mill and The Country House. I heard stories from the revolutionary war time. So fascinating!

This morning we picked up Chaos from the dog kennel. She was so happy to see us. I sat in the back with her on the way home! Unlike the cats, she wants to be around us. The kitties still haven't forgiven us for going away for so long.

At ten, the kidlets rode around on their bikes and scooters, decorated with red, white and blue things, in a neighborhood parade. I walked Chaos who sported a snazzy and sparkling colorful decoration around her collar! It was fun.

We usually go to my sister's to celebrate the 4th, but this year we're staying home. I just can't see going anywhere after being gone so long. And tomorrow is a work day for hubby. No since driving all that way and then getting home at one in the morning or later, when we're so jetlagged already!

What are you doing today?

Whatever it is, I hope you have a very Happy Fourth of July!

Sunday, July 03, 2011

Home

We made it home tonight! The cats aren't sure what to think. It took Yoda a while to come near me, but he's finally realized mommy is home and won't leave me alone. The kidlets are out playing with their friends as fireworks shoot into the air. I'm unpacking and staring at mega amounts of laundry!

Blogging is on my list! Just not tonight. Not sure how much longer I can stay awake!!!!

Saturday, July 02, 2011

Quick update

I'm so sorry I haven't been regularly blogging. I usually hang out in my hotel room to get away from the conference happenings, but this year I've been so scheduled there's little time to do that. I've also been out so late each night when I get back to my room I want to crash!

I'm heading to my mother-in-law's place and hope to have a little more free time. If not then, when I'm home.

I did want to tell you I didn't win the RITA® last night. I am so okay with that. Being a finalist in such a tough category was winning enough for me. I'm also thrilled that Karen Templeton won. I've known her for years, before I sold and before Mackenna was born! So yay!

This week at conference has been magical. Wearing the green finalist ribbon is equivalent to wearing a tiara. I really did feel like a princess!  Anyway I'll make sure I get all the pics posted and tell you about everything including the elegant Harlequin soiree at the Waldorf Astoria!

Don't forget I'm running a contest that ends on the 4th of July. Just post a comment. 

Talk to you soon!