Happy Halloween!

Yes. I'm back.
No. I did not fall off the face of the earth. Things have just been...well..busy.
I think the 5 days I didn't blog was probably the longest I've ever missed. I'll try to do better, but things don't slow down here until after Sunday.
Tonight is trick or treat night in our town. The younger K's will miss it due to dress rehearsals. They're upset, but not. Excitement over the show is pretty high and K2 offered to collect candy for them, so they're good.
Even after 5 days away, I don't really have too much to say.
Maybe tomorrow!
Watch out for scary things, and...
Behave!

Rain!

Enough already!
It's been raining for nearly 3 days straight here. The temperature has nosedived and I'm freezing.
Those beautiful pumpkins on my front porch are pretty much mush, but the flowers inside look great. Gotta figure out what to do about that.
Tomorrow is K3's birthday. I'm still in the process of preparing for that. Birthday shopping is done, but there's still the cake to make and the stuff to gather and organize for the busy weekend.
That's all for now...
Behave!

Something Gross...

Agreed?

What really icks me out is that K2 actually let this horrible bug crawl on her!

Don't get me wrong, I have absolutely no problem with bugs, but there's just something about these that makes me shiver!

And holy cow! I haven't posted since Monday! What's up with that? It's been a pretty busy week around here, and will continue to be that way until at least the end of next weekend when the show is finished. K3's birthday is this coming Saturday. Plans are very low key this year, but again I have to step back in shock and wonder how he got to be 11. Next year he'll start middle school. He bridges from cub scouts to boy scouts in the spring. Ack! In 2 years he'll be a teenager! I'm just shocked. And yes, I know I say that when each kid has a birthday. The feeling seems even more pronounced this year for some reason.

Another wave of family birthdays starts with K3 - giving us almost a solid month with a birthday every week. From now until mid-November there are nearly 10 - including friends and family. Crazy, huh?

Projects are going well. Much progress is being made. I'm not putting up the meter until I begin something totally new. It's too hard to calculate while editing, plus the process goes back and forth so much the meter doesn't really give a true measure of percent complete.

That is all for now.

Behave!

Well...

It's Monday...
And I don't have much to say.
If you go here you can read Natalie's post on our Thursday outing last week.
Misty still hasn't updated her blog, even though she keeps telling me she's going to.
I'm working...a lot...just not posting my progress. I thought about participating in NaNoWriMo - National Novel Writing Month - but have decided I have enough going on in the month of November. I'm not going to "officially" sign up, but I am hoping to join a few of my fellow writers in a more relaxed challenge. Besides, I'm not sure I'm going to be ready to start a new manuscript on November 1. We'll see...
Oh, Homecoming! K2 had a blast. Except now she's feeling a bit under the weather due to the fact that she never slows down. She's lost her voice and it's oddly silent in my house.
Well, that's about all of my nothingness for now.
Behave!

A Pretty...

The flowers on my front porch.

We dug our own mums, hollowed out the pumpkins and planted the mums inside. The digging was interesting. We had a ton of rain the day before and the mum field was a mess. There was mud everywhere, but the flowers were easy to dig out of the ground.

I'm wondering how long they'll last. The front porch is in full sun and it hasn't exactly been cool fall weather around here lately. The neat thing is we can just plant the mum - pumpkin and all - when it's time to put them in the ground. Now I just have to decide where I want them.

And can I just rant a tiny bit?

Christmas decorations already?

Please! It's October! I saw them at the beginning of October, too. It makes me sad. Don't get me wrong, I love Christmas, but to start pushing it so early makes the season seem more of a burden than a joy. I understand the whole retail point of view, but I really think some of the joy lessens if we're faced with the images of Christmas as we're gathering the Halloween candy for Trick or Treat.

My opinion.

That's all for now.

Behave!

Another Picture

Misty signing yesterday.

At the lower right of the picture are her "free with purchase" giveaways. "Burn your boyfriend/girlfriend/boss" candles. They were pretty cool, but the pictures of them didn't turn out well so you'll have to trust me on that.

I told her I was posting this pic and even though it's a cleavage shot, she said she didn't care. (I shudder to think about the retribution - though since she hasn't updated her blog in over a month, I don't think I have too much to worry about.)(Maybe)

No, the hand in the picture isn't mine (I was behind the camera). That belongs to Jacki as she's prepared to slap an "Autographed Copy" sticker on the book. Notice the tiled walls - the whole place looks like that. From the outside, it looks like a castle.

I think all of us that attended yesterday are still riding high from the experience. Well, the experience and, of course, the new episode of Supernatural. And my feet still hurt.

Raining like crazy here. Lucky for me I hadn't put away the clean laundry in our bedroom. It was there to soak up the rain that poured into the open window. At least the floor didn't get wet. Sigh.

Tomorrow is K2's Homecoming Dance. And she's sick with a bad cold. But still very excited.

That's all for now.

Behave!

10 Reasons I Love Supernatural

1. "Dude, you suck."
2. "And keep an eye on your brother, idgit."
3. "I lost my shoe."
4. Sam pouting.
5. Clumsy Sam.
6. Dean facing down the bad lady.
7. The Impala.
8. Interesting hotel rooms.
9. "I'm Batman"
10. Dean...
11. Sam...
Okay, so it's eleven.
I don't ask your forgiveness because the list could be much, much longer...
And it's Supernatural!
Behave!

Lots of Fun Stuff...and a Reminder

Today I went with these great authors to an event to promote CPRW - Central Pennsylvania Romance Writers - our local chapter of Romance Writers of America.

We met so many great people. The venue was awesome and the staff was incredible. The members with books available sold a few (you can see Natalie's great cover on the left of the picture - along with the cute Halloween ducks she gave away free with purchase). We had a great lunch (and I'm not showing the picture of took of a certain someone eating part of their lunch).

I got covered with ink from trying to stamp the "to do" lists of those attending. I'm not sure it's ever going to come off. And, oh, my feet really hurt.

Take note of the new blog on the sidebar. Jacki was there today too. Her book comes out in December. I'll update you closer to time.

Misty gave me a bar of "vibrating soap". Megan has a picture of it on her site.

I took a few pictures. The one above is pretty much the only one that came out. Well, except for the one I mentioned above and I've already promised it wouldn't get blog time. The camera's acting up again. After all it's been through, is it any wonder?

October is breast cancer awareness month. I've been meaning to put out a reminder to do your breast self exam, get your mammogram and pay attention to your boobies. This is important, ladies. Seriously. I lost my grandmother because of breast cancer. It is not inconvenient to take care of yourself. Who's going to take care of your family if you don't? Please don't put this off for another time.

Don't forget!! New Supernatural tonight!!

I think this post holds the record for links so far.

Behave!

On Writing...

I haven't done a post on writing in a long time. Since this blog is supposed to be snippets of not only the chaos this writer deals with on a daily basis, but the writing itself, I thought maybe a dose of something writing related was due.
And then, I couldn't think of anything to say. Not for a long time.
I was thinking about how writing is a personal journey - every writer I know approaches things differently. I can't tell you how to do it. I only know what works for me.
That's when it hit me. I don't think I've posted - and if I have, it's been a long time - about the value of having at least one person read your work and give you honest feedback. Honest - not total and absolute praise - if you're looking for that, send it to your grandmother, because in a good critique relationship you should get the good, and the "what needs work".
You need someone who'll pick up the stuff your tired eyes just can't see anymore. The inconsistencies with plot, characters, time, place and even names. Believe me, some of the things will make you smack your own forehead - but that's pretty normal.
Absolutely start a new relationship as a clearly stated test run. But first, you have to get over yourself and do it. For me, it was one of the scariest things I'd ever done. But so worth it.
So, if you don't have a critique partner, get one.
You'll be glad you did.
Behave!

Monday Musings

Man, no posts since Thursday.
I know I told you I probably wouldn't be around, but I'd hoped to sneak in here with a hello at least once over the time.
The rehearsal schedule has started to pick up. The show opens in a little over two weeks. And, dress rehearsal interferes with our Trick or Treat night. We're waiting for a ruling from the director on that one. But the K's are well aware that if she prefers they not miss, they'll have to go. We're rare participants with our location compared to the rest of the kids though - most of the other kids have their nights the week before - so we'll see what she says. Costumes are nearly put together and the K's are still having an absolute blast. I'm sure this is the first of many productions for us.
Anyway.
Besides that, I don't really have much else to say. The temperatures are remaining on the cool side. Finally. This week is a very busy one, with increased rehearsals and several other obligations that leave us without a free night at all.
Oh...Besides the birthdays. We're starting peak birthday schedule between B's family and mine. So indulge me as I do a little birthday shout-out-ing from the past week to B's Mom, my nephew, and my niece who turned 16!! today. (Yes. We are feeling old.)
There's going to be a rash of new driver's on the road over the next few weeks. Three in just my little corner of the world alone! Watch your rearview mirrors!
And...
Behave!!

This & That...

So Monday the temperature here was in the high 80's/low 90's. Now it's 50*. Quite a contrast. Not that I'm complaining, mind you. We're snuggled in with a few candles lit, as well as the plug in pumpkins. Cozy.
K4 is stuck on the movie "Matilda" right now. She's put it in nearly everyday since the weekend. Not complaining about that one either. It's always been a favorite around here. Except she's now in the shower and the movie is still on.
And I'm definitely not complaining about a new episode of Supernatural tonight. :)
Today has been one of those days. The kind I would be well deserved to complain about. I'm not going to go there though. You really don't want to know.
Tomorrow is Friday! Finally! The entire weekend is booked solid. You probably won't hear from me again until Monday. Probably.
Behave!

Wednesday Mutterings

From the Murphy's Law department: Another flat tire.
The summer-like temps have finally taken a break. It's nice and cool right now with rain in the forecast. I can definitely deal with that.
I picked up four huge handfuls of candy off the sidewalk, road, and grass from the parade last night. The marchers would throw it out and the candy usually landed in a yucky puddle. Some was saved - if it was caught or placed into a hand - but for the most part a lot of candy was wasted in front of our house.
K1 is living large since he now has a full time job. The boy loves his momma though. Tonight he went shopping and bought me Supernatural Season 2! What a sweetie! I'm very excited because not only can I watch 2 full seasons anytime (within reason) I want, tomorrow is new episode night.
There are a lot of squirrels in our backyard. We also have a Dogwood tree. Right now the tree is producing these little red berries at the end of the branches. The tree isn't very big, so the limbs aren't too sturdy. Over the past few days, it's been raining squirrels. They'll go out to pick the berries and end up falling out of the tree. It happened 3 times in a row the other day. This makes the dog go absolutely nuts and is good for a laugh.
That's enough muttering for one day...
Behave!

Parading...

Tonight was our town's annual Halloween parade.
Always a blast - a houseful of people, lots of food and obnoxious behavior. It's really cool to be able to sit on our front porch and watch (we're on the parade route). This year was no different, though much more subdued than usual because many of our usual crowd were missing due to work and other obligations.
We'd decided to have appetizer type foods since everyone pretty much grazes the entire time. Usually I make chili or tortellini soup and I was in big trouble because I didn't plan to do that this year. (Not to mention it was like 87* here today - who wants chili?) I let the kids talk me into trying "Mummy Wrap Soup" and it was a huge hit. There was only one bowl left out of a huge crockpot full. It looked terrible though - you take egg whites and drizzle them into the boiling soup and surprisingly, it really does look like mummy wrappings.
Oh. And it rained.
Many pulled out of the parade. There were no marching bands and not many floats. Our cub scouts marched and they looked awesome. My little guy was soaking wet and super tired when they got home. He took his shower and promptly fell asleep on the couch.
Got my Suburban back today. Am keeping my fingers crossed the problem is fixed. Our mechanic is reasonably certain it is, but refuses to be sure since he's as frustrated with it as we are. Oh, and I ended up with a nearly flat tire after I'd finished the shopping and errands. Don't know what's up with that, but it completely falls in line with the whole "Murphy" thing.
The temperature's finally dropping here. Thank goodness.
That's all for now.
Behave!

More Murphy...

Remember when I decided to change my name to Murphy?
I'm keeping the name.
The fuel pump on the Suburban was fixed, but there seems to be more wrong with it than that. At least this time it decided not to work right in front of the house. I did manage to get it started and after a very stressful drive, get it to our mechanic.
Now we wait for the diagnosis.
B did some routine maintenance on the washing machine and discovered the housing for the motor is cracked, among other things. So far it continues to work, but for how long is anyone's guess.
K's are off school today. And tomorrow.
We'll spend some of the time cleaning and preparing for tomorrow evening's Halloween parade. I still have costume components to acquire and food items to purchase, which is nearly impossible with a sick child and without a vehicle. I'm sure I'll figure something out.
What can I say?
It's Monday.
Behave!

Saturday...

Yes, a rare Saturday post that isn't a video or quiz.
Today was my writer's group chapter meeting. Always a wonderful time. I leave there full of energy and smiles. Today I left as the newly re-elected chapter librarian, which is a pretty cool position since I hold all the books in our small library and they're at my fingertips should the need arise. It is amazing how often I forget that and spend too much time searching for information that's only a few steps away (but have no problem remembering when someone else needs something). Anyway. The meeting was excellent, but small today, due to several members being away at the NJ conference. I wish I could have gone. It's a conference I've never been to due to normally being on vacation this weekend. And I actually got to go to lunch after the meeting, which is a rare thing too.
Anyway. Again.
I had a point when I started this post, but darned if I can remember it. That's what I get for blogging when I should probably already be in bed. The day went too fast and tomorrow will be the same.
That's all I've got.
Behave!

The Boys Are Back!

And the wait was absolute torture.
But they're back!
Of course I'm talking about Supernatural! (I'll bet you already knew that though)
I don't even know where to start - I was enthralled - from the opening credits to the creepy-assed preview for next week. 13 whole minutes went by before the first commercial. Yay!
Dean hooted like a cowboy and had the whole "I'm going to die. Let's live a little." attitude going through the whole episode even though he did his job very, very well. Sam seemed a little tougher to me. A little less angsty. I loved the look on his face when he opened the door on Dean and then later asked for Dean's knife so he could poke out his own eyes because of what he saw. The dialogue was fantastic and so were the camera shots. Bobby was excellent - as always. And even though we only got a brief glimpse of Ruby, I liked her.
Anyway.
I loved it!
The boys are back! Finally!
That's all for now...
Enjoy the weekend!
And...
Behave!

Things...

Things no one - make that no offspring - in this house know how to do:
1. Turn off lights.
2. Get out a new roll of toilet paper.
3. Close the shower curtain - either during showering or when finished.
4. Turn off lights.
5. Close any cupboard door.
6. Push in chairs.
7. Turn off lights.
I seriously don't think the K's are the only such offspring. Are they?

Things I should not be subjected to when I am trying to write:
1. "Hey Mom, come and look at this email." (Uhhh...I sent you that email. No.)
2. Bad, bad movies that make me shake my head because I still hear even though I'm working.
3. The smell of popcorn made the "right" way.
4. A nice cool breeze that makes me want to either take a nap or go for a walk.
5. The headache, stuffy head and sore throat I am dealing with today. Ugh!

Behave!

Told ya!

Remember when I mentioned this - the ironing board in the grocery store parking lot?

Well, thanks to my mom - here you go!

I'm not sure if it's still there, but really, who loses an ironing board?

**2 more days until Season 3 of Supernatural starts!!**

That's all I have for today!

Behave!

I'm Changing My Name...

To Murphy.
Why?
Because I've had Murphy's Luck lately. And a lot of it.
For example:
Saturday we took a family jaunt to an eatery in the city. B remembers his dad taking him to this place when he was a kid. And it was his parent's 51st anniversary. Oh and the restaurant was closing on Sunday after 70 years in business.
So we went. B picked up his dad from the nursing home and I met them in the city - scoring an end of the busy street parking space (which is always a bonus in the Suburban). We ate, had a great time, took a walk to the river - the experience is one we'll all remember for a while.
I load the kids into the Suburban so I could take them to rehearsal. I start the truck and right before I pull into really heavy traffic, it dies and won't start again. (Did I mention this is on a really busy city street?)
Anyway, after much running around, hassles and a long wait for the tow truck (and subsequent loss of funds due to paying for tow truck) we were finally done with our adventure.
Kind of.
The truck is at the shop - possibly the fuel pump.
Oh, and the total reason I'm Murphy now?
We just made the final payment.
And that's just an example of why I'm Murphy.
So there you have it.
Behave!