Fun & Games: Things just went from bad to worse

Okay, so last week Karla caught us up, but if you thought the drama was all about what happened at the party...well you were so wrong.  Hold on to your seats!

Grace woke up feeling all shiny and bright.  So what if she only had three hours of sleep?  That was why God invented Starbucks.  And sleep was over-rated anyway.  She could do that when she was dead, right?  She had no regrets.  After they both came to the agreement that they weren’t supposed to get involved right now (emphasis on the right now)Grace and Truman decided that didn’t preclude them from spending every minute together until he went back to school.

 

Smiling, she rose and went through her morning ritual.  After her shower, she spent a quick ten minutes dressing and putting on her make-up as she anticipated the day ahead.  Okay, they weren’t technically dating, but maybe they could be friends with benefits.  Her smile broadened on that thought, and she wondered what Truman would say if she suggested it.    When the shiver of excitement danced down her back, she decided to hurry so she could swing into Starbucks before heading to his house.

He promised her a good morning kiss if she showed up with coffee, and she wasn’t going to look that gift horse in the mouth.

Detouring by the guest room, Grace laughed at the Do Not Disturb sign hanging from the door handle before she sailed into the kitchen to let Mrs. Maguire know she was leaving.   After a twenty minute conversation regarding some odd noises on the roof the night before, Grace was on her way.

Pulling up in front of the Simonson’s, Grace’s smile didn’t waiver when she spotted Owen and Harper in the drive standing by his truck.  She was just in too good of a mood.  As she parked, she made sure to leave plenty of room for him to back out but didn’t acknowledge them in any other way.  It looked as if they were heading out together.  Good for Harper.  Maybe she would finally tell Owen what happened at the party.

Pulling her emergency brake, she grabbed the coffees and stepped from the car.

She was still pissed at Harper but decided she wasn’t going to let that ruin the day.  Her gaze was immediately drawn to the second story window she knew to be Truman’s.  Sure enough, his face was pressed to the glass, and he was grinning down at her.  A matching smile, more blindingly bright than the one she’d been sporting all morning lit her face.  

A movement in the corner of her eye alerted Grace that Harper was moving toward her.  She waved her off, her visit wasn’t about Harper, and she didn’t want to chance any of her bright and shiny wearing off.  Winking at Truman, she lifted the cardboard carrier to show him she remembered the coffees and giggled when he held up the bottle of mouthwash in his hand.  

That was the last happy thought she had before fear and anguish wrapped around her throat and squeezed.

The screeching of the tires behind her had Grace’s head turning to the street.  The dark sedan slamming to a stop at the end of the drive stopped her in her tracks.  She recognized Ben Mickelson from school. He was a band geek same as Harper.  Sadness settled like a cloak around her shoulders.  Things were already starting to change.  Harper and Ben didn’t hang out.  At least, they didn’t used to.  

Grace glanced over, and the frozen expression on Harper’s face perplexed her for a moment.  The light switch clicked, even as the angry young man charged.  “You fucking bitch!”  

Tracking his movements around the front of the car, Grace eyeballed the gun in his hand.  Her confusion lasted less than a second before adrenaline kicked in.  She watched in fascination as he raised the weapon and took aim.  Later, she would look back and wonder what compelled her to do what she did next, but at that moment, no thought was greater than her fear of what he would do to her friend.   She dropped the coffees and rushed in front of Harper as she screamed at the top of her lungs, “No!”

The gun shot rang out loud on the quiet suburban street as it made contact and pierced flesh.  Grace’s body jerked from the impact as it forced her backward.  Almost as if someone invisible slammed into her.  Harper and Owen started to yell and there was a great commotion around her as her body dropped to the cold concrete.   

Looking toward the upstairs window she caught one last sight of Truman, the blood draining from his face before he turned and disappeared.  

The sound of her heart beat was deafening.  Ba-bump.  Ba-bump.  With movement rushing all around her, all she could hear was the sound of it echoing in her head.  Ba-bump.  Ba-bump.  Almost as if the force of the beat was lifting her up and setting her back down.  Gently.  Ba-bump.  Ba-bump.  In a surreal daze, she noticed that she was blinking more than normal and wondered what could be causing that?  She would need to look that up when she got home.  

People were spilling out of the house to her left, and the light was fading overhead before she realized Harper was kneeling beside her, sobbing.  Sirens screeched in the distance, and she hoped the sound didn’t bother the neighbors.  She wanted to tell Harper something, but she couldn’t remember what it was.  

Locking eyes with Harper,  her friend’s head bobbing up and down and her mouth moving, Grace had no idea what she was saying.  Harper didn’t look too good.  Like maybe she was going to throw up.  

Feeling the darkness pushing in, she turned her head and looked up.  Or maybe she just readjusted her eyes.  She wasn’t sure.  She caught a puffy cloud chugging past.  Soft and billowy.  Grace yearned to close her eyes and sink into something just like that.  Her last thought before unconsciousness settled over her was she really hoped she hadn’t spilled too much of Truman’s coffee or he wouldn’t be giving her that morning kiss after all.

Okay, tell us what you think.  This story just went in a whole new direction huh? Check in tomorrow to see where Karla takes it. 

Happy Birthday Lizzie Girl!

Today one of my favorite people is having a birthday.  

She is 15.

I started to think back to when I turned 15 and I found myself laughing.  Her poor parents.  What they are in store for.  

So here it is...When I was 15.

When I was 15 I thought I knew everything. 

When I was 15 it was a leap year.

When I was 15 Ronald Reagan was President

When I was 15 The Apple Macintosh was introduced.  

When I was 15 the Winter Olympics were held in Sarajevo and Summer Olympics were held in Los Angeles.

When I was 15 Vanessa Williams resigned as Miss America after nude photos of her appeared in Penthouse.

When I was 15 Dynasty was the number one TV show. 

When I was 15 Footloose was my favorite movie.

When I was 15 the two biggest songs of the year were Jump by Van Halen (when they were the real Van Halen) and When Doves Cry by Prince.

When I was 15 the number one film was Ghostbusters.

And finally,

When I was 15 Bon Jovi released their debut album which had the hit single Runaway on it.  (It should have been Song of the Year but they were robbed.)

Man does that take me back, thank God I am not getting old.

Lizzie girl, we love you and hope your day is freaking fantastic!

The Twitter you know...

I have been on a self imposed twitter sabbatical this week.  And it is killing me.  No, I am not sitting around rocking in my chair wondering what is going on.  I am actually way to busy for that.  But I do miss the interaction and the camaraderie that I get from my twitter moments.

Working from a home office as I now do does pose some challenges, especially when it comes to people interaction.  For example I had to go to the dentist yesterday and it was the highpoint of the week.  Mainly because it got me out of the house.  It quickly went down hill when the Doc broke my back molar and advised me another filling would have to be replaced and a crown was now needed on a tooth that was completely okay before I sat down in his chair.  In his defense he is a great dentist, even if he does enjoy inflicting pain on others.  

Okay, I have digressed.  Back to the reason for my self-imposed twitter sabbatical.  I have been working on a data project that was pretty intimidating.  The job itself is easy enough, but I need all the free time at my desk that I have to get it done.  I am easily distracted by twitter if I have it on.  So, instead, I decided to keep it turned off.  I thought that it would be easy, a piece of cake.  For the most part it has been.  I have stayed away, but then yesterday when I was at the doctor's office, my phone alerted me that there was a tweet that mentioned me.  It was from my writing bud @lastword0520 telling me she was done with her next installment.  

The point of my story.  There is always someone else you can blame if you find yourself doing something you weren't supposed to be doing.  And that's a great segue way, Karla is back today with the latest in Fun and Games. Check it out here. Don't you like how I did that?

Funniest Dog Video EVER!

You guys are getting a video today because I had a whole post written and my blog ate it. 

And besides...who doesn't like cute dogs?



I love this dog.  He gets so happy about FOOD!

Keeping my motivation

If you read my entry yesterday you know that I have a new voice in my head.  He is pretty persistent.  And normally that would be enough for me to ditch the WIP I am currently spending all of my free time with to check this new idea out.  

In the course of full disclosure, I did spend some time the other night getting a rough draft of the story down, because, well Cutter wouldn't leave me alone.  It was weird, like he knew me.  

But then last night I went back to editing.  For a couple of reasons.  Mainly because I am still excited about the story I was originally working on.  As I sat down to write, the words literally flowed from my brain to my fingers.  I have never had a story come to me that effortlessly.  Literally every scene unfolded like I was watching a movie with the dialogue ringing loud and clear. 

So even though Cutter is still there, yammering at me to get his story told, I felt it was only right to continue on with Finn's.  He was here first.  And last night was a success.  I put my foot down with Cutter-so to speak.  I promised him he will get my undivided attention just as soon I get the bulk of this one completed.  

Does this happen to you?  Do you have one character in your head trying to get out even as you are working on sewing up the last one?  And when you do, what is your secret?  How do you make it work.  In the past for me I would move on to to the new story, but I am afraid if I do that Finn and his lady love will be relegated to files that are never worked on again and I really don't want that to happen this time.  So pass on those words of wisdom, I could use them today.  To keep me motivated.

I guess if all else fails, I could just head to the store for more chocolate.  I am not really a carrot kind of gal, unless they are the sparkly kind.

Be careful what you ask for

Well inevitably it has happened again.  

I was in the middle of the edit for the story I was so hot and heavy for last weekend and suddenly I heard a new voice in my head.  He was very insistent.  He had a story to tell and he wanted me to get it all down.  

I tried explaining to him that Finn had my attention right then.  But he didn't like it.  He explained his name was Cutter and his story was important too, and if I would just pay attention for a few minutes I would understand.

I tried turning up the music.  He didn't like what I was listening to.  Suddenly the music that had inspired my last writing frenzy was not good enough.  He suggested something else.  Grudgingly I changed the music.  

That was not a good idea.  Because it was like opening a flood gate and suddenly I couldn't shut Cutter up.  He wanted to tell me his story and he wasn't going to leave me alone until I listened.  To the whole thing.  

My listening process involves a keyboard so I was up until the wee hours of the morning "listening" to Cutter.  (Who by the way is actually very charming, when he is not being so pigheaded.)  I was only able to condense it into about 5300 words, and even as I write this post this morning and get ready for my work day he is still at it; trying to get my attention.  He even offered up chocolate.  That is just so unfair.  

So now I have this long day in front of me, where I have work I need to complete and a hero in my head-a really hot one-who is not going to rest until he thinks I have a good handle on his story.  

When I was praying for my writing mojo to come back I had no idea it was going to come at me 75 miles an hour and plow me over with a semi.  God, I love my life!

Remebering....and feeling grateful

Today I find myself feeling grateful for the little things.

This weekend we are celebrating mother's day and the one person who was the most influential in my life.  The "mom" I had growing up is no longer here with me.  

When I was a kid I went to live with my Grandmother.  She was a spitfire.  All five feet of her.  She didn't put up with my crap.  Truthfully I wasn't a bad kid, just a moody one.  Hey, I was a teenager.  But we managed to cross that generation gap and co-exist peacefully until I left at eighteen for the Navy.

She was there for every major thing that ever happened in my life.  First boyfriend.  First heart break.  Winning the History Fair. (Okay, I was a geek.) Graduation. Joining the Navy.  Graduating bootcamp.  Graduating A School.

I was one of the lucky ones.  

F&G with K&K will be on a little hiatus.  Karla's just lost her grandmother.  And while we have appreciated everyone's support of our story, she needs to take some time to spend with her family getting through this.  We should be back soon, but in the meantime keep her in your thoughts and prayers.

And just know I am not the one keeping every one from finding out what really happened at the party!

Just saying.  (Yes this is me throwing her under the bus.  I really am a good friend.)

Editing...my least favorite part of the process

I am in editing hell.

There really is no other way to say it and this is my least favorite part of the writing process.  Seriously, ask Karla.

I spent the past weekend banging out an amazing amount of words for a full story.  I story boarded the entire thing from start to finish.  Saw how each part of the story was going to go.  Was so excited with the hero and heroine.  They were coming across exactly how I saw them.

The dialogue was fast and witty.  Their chemistry is right on.  

But then the editing started.  And by editing I mean filling in the rest of the story.  The background.  The back story (I got some great secondary characters here) and filler.  Let's face it, my story can't just be all conversation.  Well, it could.  But then wouldn't that just be a screen play? 

Now, I find I am dragging my feet on getting back to the story.  I don't want to be one of those writers that just has the good ideas.  Or can just see the story, I want to be one of those that can bring it to the page.  

Tell me how you fall back in love when the editing starts?

My bright and shiny day

Perspective.

Geography.

These have been themes for me for a couple of days now.  For example, I woke up this morning, not happy, not sad.  Just facing the day, with a mental review of what needs to be done.  Work, groceries, stop by the pet store for cat food.  Just a regular evening of errands.

I walked into my office and powered everything up and checked my phone.  Its my little morning ritual.  I missed a call from the hubs.  I swear, I felt like Meg Ryan in You Got Mail.  So sue me-its a favorite.  Anyway, I didn't waste time checking the voice mail I just called him back right away.  

He was just letting me know he is on his way home.  Yeah!

My day went from drab and dreary to bright and shiny.  In the blink of an eye.

I know that I have been married for twenty years.  But I think that as time passes and you spend it with that one special someone you maybe take the little things for granted.  Like going to bed with someone.  (Get your mind out of the gutter.)  I mean, just getting into bed at the end of the day and having that persons breathing be the last thing you hear.  I have missed that.

So this post goes out to all my married friends, even the ones who are in a sour place right now.  Push through it, because tomorrow really can be a bright and shiny new day.

F&G Update: Is Grace going to Oxford?

Okay, it's my turn with F&G this week and can I just say, I love Truman!

Tell me what you think.

The house finally settled for the night.  It took Abby one bowl of pasta and two glasses of wine before she decided she needed some rest.  By all rights, Grace should’ve been just as tired as her cousin: her day had sucked.  Instead, she found herself in bed, Seether pumping through her ear buds.

 

When the music failed to soothe, she pulled off the head set and rolled over to face the wall.  Snuggling down, she tried to get comfortable but was jarred by the sound of boots on the roof.  Since it wasn’t Christmas Eve and she no longer believed in Santa Clause, there was only one other person she knew who would be dumb enough to climb on the roof. 

 

Sliding from the bed, she inched across the room just as the shadowy figure appeared in front of the window.   It never occurred to Grace to be scared.  Only one person had ever gained entry this way.  Pushing back the window covering, Grace had a moment’s pleasure at catching Truman off guard.

“Jesus Christ, Grace,” Truman hissed, losing his balance and teetering to the side.  Reaching out, he made purchase with the window sill, even as Grace was raising the glass pane.

“Truman?  What are you doing here?  Do you know what time it is?”  Grace whispered furiously and stepped back and watched as Truman used both hands to hoist himself in through the window.

 

Adrenaline his co-pilot, he overshot the distance and came through the window a little fast, landing face down at Graces’ feet.  Rolling over, he waited a beat, trying to catch his breath.  “That used to be easier.”  Sitting up, he gingerly moved his legs and arms ensuring everything still worked properly.

“And you used to be smaller.”  The last time Truman shimmied up the porch post he had been fourteen, five inches shorter and twenty pounds lighter.

Turning on the bedside lamp, Grace crossed her arms and grudgingly asked, “Are you okay?”

Pushing himself up, he stood directly in front of her and replied, “That was my question for you.”

On a deep sigh, Grace dropped her arms, which was all the invitation Truman needed.  He wrapped her in a tight hug, pressing his lips against the side of her head.  “I am so sorry about what happened tonight. “

Standing stiffly inside the circle of his arms, Grace tried to fight the rise of emotions that threatened.  Concentrating on breathing in through her nose and out through mouth, she told herself over and over to just breathe.

Combatting her rigid posture, Truman started to rub her back with one hand even as the other anchored her to his chest, not wanting to let go.  Murmuring words of comfort-nonsense words that had no meaning- he kept at it until her reticence faded, and she slowly melted against him.   Taking his first solid breath since the scene had unfolded earlier he became aware of their exact circumstance. 

 

Grace was in his arms, garbed in only a pair of cotton shorts and thin tank.  He could feel the press of her chest against his even through the thickness of his sweater.  His body started to respond in another way and not wanting to freak her out, he eased away under the pretense of removing his leather jacket.  Dropping to the side of her bed, he pulled her down with him, “Are you okay?”

Lowering her head to his shoulder, she whispered, “No.”

Knowing that things really were changing, Truman hugged her once more before letting go so he could face her.  Smiling, he asked, “Oxford?”

Rubbing at her forehead, a ghost of a smile flitted across her mouth.  “Yeah, Oxford.”

“Grace.  That’s amazing.  I am so proud of you.  It’s everything you ever wanted.” 

 

He really was happy for her.  She could see it in the sparkle of his eyes and the lift of his lips.  Grace shrugged and whispered, “I don’t know if I am going to go.”

“But we both know you have to,” he volleyed back.

“Do we?”  

“Yes.  We do. This has been your dream since you were a kid.  Harper was right about that tonight.   You have to go.  And not just for you.  If you give up going to Oxford, that will make it easier for her to turn down Julliard.  She won’t leave you. You have to be the one to say goodbye.”

“Well, I don’t think you have to worry about that right now.”  Then his words sank in.  “Wait a minute.  She got into Julliard?  I didn’t even know she applied.  She said she was thinking about the New England Conservatory of Music. “

Smiling, “She applied for both and her acceptance letter for New England came in two weeks ago.  But she heard from Julliard on Wednesday.”

Feeling another emotional wave, this one a surge of happiness for her friend, she threw her arms around Truman. “That’s. So. Great.”

Grace wanted to be angry that Harper hadn’t told her, but she couldn’t find it in her.  At least not at that moment, because it had just occurred to her that she was wearing a thin shirt and she was pressed very intimately up against Truman.  She was exactly where she wanted to be which reminded her that she wasn’t all that sure she could go to Oxford.

Leaning back, she looked into his eyes.  “Maybe it’s not so much that I don’t know if I am going to go, more like I don’t know if I want to go now.”

Understanding dawning, Truman brushed her bangs out of her eyes and said, “You have to go.  I want you to go.  Okay, I don’t want you to go, but you have to.  This is really big, Gracie.  And if you don’t go, you’ll always look back and wonder what if.  No one should live their lives wondering what if.”

Easing away from his embrace, Grace took a deep breath and said, “You’re right.  But-“

Covering her soft lips with his finger, he rushed, “No buts.  The future’s coming faster than you think.  It’s just not the right time for you and me right now. “

Closing her eyes, a single tear escaped as she replied, “But I wanted right now to be the right time for us.”

Leaning his forehead against hers, he whispered, “Yeah, me too.”

Everything can change in a minute

I woke up this morning and the world had changed.

I got my writing mojo back in a big way this weekend.  I spent the entire weekend tied to my computer and writing.  30K words later and a rough draft, front to back, I have a complete story etched out.  

Today I wasn't sure I would have too many words left when I sat down to write my posting, and  then I turned on the TV.

Osama Bin Laden is dead.  A man that has terrorized Americans prominently for the past ten years.  A man who hated everything American, for no other reason than we were American.  A man who claimed to be Muslim, even as he took the lives of innocent Muslims.  He is dead and I can feel nothing more than relief.

I would just like to say to the many courageous man and women who never gave up the hunt or the fight: Thank You.  Everyday you put on a uniform and stand a post and declare, no one is going to hurt you today, not on my watch.  And I think instead of rejoicing in the loss of life we should instead focus on the heroism that was displayed.

God Bless America!

Perspective: It's all about geography

Isn't is funny how geography can change how you view the day.

Today in London people are lining the streets to catch a glimpse of a future King and Queen.  Wait, will she be queen if his crowned King?  Can she be?  I don't know.  

In Japan people are still dealing with the effects of the Tsunami that stuck over a month ago.  A month.  And they are still reeling from the loss and catastrophic effects.

In Florida I am sitting in my office, smiling because I can see the breeze blowing and my new palm tree is settling in nicely to his new home.  It's an awesome day out.  One of those days where the sky is so blue it hurts to look at it and the humidity is non existent so even when I don't where my good sunglasses I can still everything so crisp and clear.

In Northern  Alabama, the Captain, my wonderful loving husband has gone to help in the relief efforts for all of the folks who were hit by those tornadoes from the other day.  

An F-4 made its way through Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia before finally giving up the fight.  But in its wake it left a path of death and destruction.  A 400 mile mess that even now, shell shocked survivors, are doing their best to wade through.  

So as half the world watches the Royal wedding (yes I will be one of them, I have my DVR set to record right now.  I am a writer, I get my inspiration from all kinds of places) take a moment to remember the folks who could care less that the future king of England is getting married today.

And remember, even if life hands you a few lemons this weekend.  It's much better to end up with the makings for lemonade than to end up with whatever a tsunami or tornado can throw your way.  Just saying.

Happy Friday all...and have a great weekend.

Eye Candy can make a girl feel better

Lately I have misplaced my writing mojo.  I don't know where it went.  I had it last week, I swear.  

But this week, nada.

I have looked everywhere for it.  But inspiration has deserted me.

So I find myself getting lost in the later episodes of JAG because, well,  David James Elliot, need I say more?  And sighing.  A lot.  I forgot how freaking well he filled out that Navy uniform.  Makes a girl miss the old days that's for sure.  

No, I still haven't found the missing mojo-YET-but I have high hopes.

So in the meantime I will finish this series out and move on to the first episodes of NCIS because, well, Mark Harmon of course.

But make sure you check out Karla's next installment of F&G and pray that a little divine inspiration strikes me.  And soon.

What do you do to get your creative juices flowing again, when it seems the well has run dry?

Happy Blogirthday

Today I turn one.  

I know, its amazing.  

I think I am pretty grown for only turning one.  I know, you are asking yourself, what do you have to show for it.  

For starters, I got this pretty new dress.  Since my inception I have changed my looks drastically three times.  The first one we were pretty happy with.  But then I went through my dark days.  Yep, I went a little goth.  But now, as you can see, I have a new look and so far we are thinking of sticking with it.

When I was started this journey, the gal who fills me up daily, had no idea what she was going to write about and some days she still doesn't.  But just like the guy in Field of Dreams, she believes, if she keeps writing, someone will come.

Maybe not everyday, but you always seem to show up for the good ones.  So we have high hopes of continuing.  Well, we think we are going to continue.  We hope to continue?  At this point I don't know.  I am still struggling with what I want this blog to represent.  Right now, I feel like the Seinfeld of Blogs.  You know the one about nothing at all?

So to you faithful readers, all three of you.  We say thanks for making this past year a great one and we look forward to the next.  Hopefully by this time next year we will have a found a focus.  If not, I guess I will be okay with being the blog that really has nothing to say.

Oh, and if you want to send gifts, we appreciate cash.  Hello! Momma needs some new shoes.

I Heart Reading

I have been on a reading kick lately.

Not a little one either.  Reading has been like crack for me.  I have been telling myself for days that I can stop whenever I want to but it's just not true.  Like any addict I rush through my drug of choice, or in this case my book of choice, feeling the words work their magic as it seemingly takes me higher and higher.  Once the book is done I sit in the glow of the aftermath, rehashing the salient points in my own mind.  What I liked, what I didn't.  

As my heart beat returns to normal and I come face to face with the fact that the book is indeed over, I start to frantically search for where my next fix will come from.  I race to the book room to see if there are any hidden gems that I may have previously missed.  As if.  Please, I know every book in that room and any that I had put aside for a rainy day have long since been devoured.

Then I will review my digital finds to see if I have maybe overlooked something I had downloaded.  It's always the same.  Nada.  Next I will log in and see what has been newly released.  If one of my favorite authors has put out a new book, I am a goner.  I know I am looking at my next momentary high. 

The one thing that digital media is doing for me is reacquainting me with some authors earlier works that I had never read before.  Case in point.  Kathryn Shay is one of my favorite authors.  Her stories are believable, her characters are people I want to know.  Her books a weighty and satisfying.  There were some titles I never got around to getting because they were out of print when I first discovered her.  But recently with the jump in digital media, her earlier works are becoming available and are fueling my addiction.  

So tell me, what have you been getting just a little bit too much of lately?

I still learn new things everyday

Most of you guys know I have been married for twenty years.  My husband is amazing.  He is warm and generous and his sense of humor is wicked smart.  And he still has the power to surprise me.

Yesterday was Easter Sunday and our day was awesome.  In fact our whole weekend was pretty spectacular.  We rested and relaxed.  And we capped yesterday off with a crab feast that was delicious.  After the party broke up and we got home we were pretty much spent.  (What?  Relaxing is hard work.)  But it was too early for bed so we decided to watch a movie.  I selected four and let him choose.  My four included Star Trek (awesome), Forrest Gump (hello!), Independence Day (it really is more of a July 4 kind of flick) and E.T.

Imagine my surprise when he announced that he had never seen E.T.  I thought I had heard him incorrectly.  Not. Ever. Seen. E.T.  How was that possible?  I mean, really, what rock did he live under in 1982?  

So we snuggled up together and settled in to watch a classic that still thrills me.  Even after almost thirty years, this move stands the test of time.  Good news, the Captain laughed in all the right places.  It was a great way to cap off a perfect weekend.  So...what did you do?

Well it's Friday and you know what that means...we do have a winner.

Congratulations Katie Mills...you are going to get a chance to read this book after all. 

Today isn't just win a book Friday, it also happens to be Good Friday.  The Captain and I are deviating from traditional plans this weekend and spending it by the pool.  That really is one of the great things about living in Florida.  We can swim in April.

Some friends have invited us to dinner on Sunday for a crab feast and we are both looking forward to that.  Even though they won't taste as good as my beloved blue crabs from Maryland, I am still looking forward to it.  

So friends, if you celebrate or even if you don't have a lovely holiday and happy egg hunting.

Book Hungry: The Color Of Extraordinary

This month's Book Hungry read was The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson.

I was late to the read this month.  In fact I only just finished it yesterday.  I still hope to have a meaningful discussion with my book club pals, but after I finished reading it I had to take some time and really think about this book and how it left me feeling.  Incredibly sad.

Normally for me it's pretty cut and dried.  I either like a book or I don't.  That didn't happen with this one.  After I finished it yesterday I dashed off a quick note to my book club sister's that I needed to sit on this one overnight, because I wasn't quite sure how I felt about it.

The Sky is Everywhere is the story of Lennie and told in her perspective.  Her sister Baily has just died unexpectedly from a heart arrhythmia, and this sudden and powerful shift in Lennie's life forces her front and center.  For a girl who has always played second chair, in the band and in her own life, she suddenly finds herself dealing with some pretty heavy stuff including an attraction to her dead sister's boyfriend that left me scratching my head.  Plus there is a new boy in town who never knew Bailey and gives Lennie reason to smile after the tragedy. 

Lennie's world is full of a supporting cast that had me smiling and facing some sorrow myself.  Her Uncle Big was quite charming.  Joe, the new boy, had a lyrical soul and seemed to be walking sunshine (we should all know someone like this).  But it was her Gram that came through the most for me.  There were a lot of similarities in how Lennie interacted with her Gram that reminded me of my own and had me riding on a wave of grief that was so strong at times I thought I might go under.  

The color of extraordinary were the words that Lennie chose to have inscribed on her sister's tombstone.  For me, these words describe Baily the way she will be remembered and Lennie, for the women she starts to become.  

Mainly, I think this book was a coming of age story of Lennie, who through her sister's death is forced to view the world through new eyes.  She didn't always like what she saw, especially in regard to herself, but she learned to face it standing on her own two feet.  

Okay folks, you know the drill.  I am giving away a copy of this one to one lucky blog commenter so leave me a note check back tomorrow for the winner.  I am not going to make you wait until next week.  Be prepared, this book will make you laugh, it will also make you cry. 

Round and Round I go

Today I feel like a hamster on a treadmill.  

Don't ask me why.  Everything is going great.  For whatever reason I still feel behind.  I guess that's because I owe Karla another snippet and thoughts on her last of the Fun and Games (sorry Karla).  I haven't read the book that I have to review tomorrow.  (How did the third Thursday of the month get here so freaking fast?)

I had to rush around on Monday to get the taxes done, because I hate doing them and always put them off.  Plus I owed money.  I swear, each year, just as I start to understand them something else changes and I have a harder and harder time trying to figure them out.  This year was no exception.

So today I am working, reading, writing.  What I am not doing?  Walking on my treadmill.  Go Figure.