I'm So Excited!

And I just can't hide it.

OMG! It's almost time to leave for Arkansas for my family reunion. I can't wait! We're gonna have a great time. Hallie & Tyler with baby Zander and Josh & Ashlee will be going. My mom has taken her vacation so I'll be able to spend almost the whole time I'm there with her. My sister will be there and she's coming back with me for a few weeks to Nashville. I have cousins coming in from as far away as Charlotte, NC who I've never even met.

It's going to be an awesome weekend!!

WARRIOR WRITER is coming to Nashville!

Join the Music City Romance Writers as they welcome Bob Mayer on Saturday, October 15, 2011 at the Courtyard Marriott Nashville Airport from 9am to 5pm. Visit www.mcrw.com for more information. Seating is limited and the early deadine is September 23, 2011. Hurry and reserve your seat today!!

Reunion Plans

Plans are starting to come together for the Family Reunion next weekend. I've got a little shopping to do, but for the most part everything I'm doing I'm creating on my own. I'm bringing the research I've done on the family so far, I'm making a banner to go across the pavilion to welcome everyone, I'm creating centerpieces for the tables (maybe? lol) and I've printed out pictures for the older generation. I'm not too sure about games/prizes, but we're right next to the zoo & there will be plenty for the little ones to do.

I'm hoping mainly to get more information on my great-grandparents. I would love to have old photographs that some of the older generation might have, but I'm not holding out much hope of that. I do plan to ask though. It couldn't hurt. :-)

One more week and I'll be on my way to see almost my entire family. I'm so excited I'm having a hard time sleeping. Are we there yet? Are we there yet?

I Haz A Sad

My personal plans for the reunion aren't going so well. First KAM and the kids can't go because gas is so high and they don't have the money for it. And now HNM can't go because they might have to work that day and money is tight with them renting an apartment this month. I'm waiting to hear from JWM but since he never calls me or comes by the house unless under the threat of death I might not even know he's not going until he doesn't show up.

Here I am planning this reunion and my own immediate family can't even show up. So, yes. I definitely haz a sad.

Labor Day Weekend

I definitely did not labor this weekend. It was a great 4 day weekend for me. I went with MJM to visit his parents in KY and loved every second of it. His sister & her husband flew in from Seattle & his brother drove in from Chattanooga and we all had an awesome time.

I love hanging out with this family. Friday night we met them all at a nice Japanese restaurant for great food & fun. Then we went back to the house & continued Happy Hour (which usually lasts until Sunday morning...lol). Saturday we hung out at the house, went to the flea market, had yogurt at Stakz and thoroughly enjoyed each other's company. The kids were all well-behaved and the adults tried to be.

My father-in-law gave each of his kids copies of paperwork that belonged to his father & grandfather with information on how they arrived in America; such as which ship they sailed on and their certificate of Citizenship. It's amazing to have such concrete proof of your family tree. I can't wait to find such gems on my own family.

With my own family reunion coming up I'm working on getting a chart done to hang on the wall of the pavilion the end of this month. I believe my family will enjoy it as much as I have and I can't wait to share with them what I've learned so far. Granted, it's not much, but it's a lot more than we've had before.

Mason Turns 1

It was a pretty laid back weekend. We had a great time at MAM's 1st birthday party this weekend. There was great food prepared by KAM's mom & there was a pinata for the kids. Only I think most of the adults left with the candy...lol

Other than that we didn't do much. I did get the flyers in the mail for the family reunion, though. Only 4 more weeks until I get to see my mom & the rest of the family. My sister is supposed to come back with me for a visit. Can't wait for that.

How was your weekend?

Getting Ready

Ok. The car is back again & it seems to be fine now. No oil leak, no popping wheels & no Check Engine Light shining at me. Let's just hope she stays for awhile now.

Getting ready for the family reunion next month. I've got tons of notes on the family history, but haven't started writing anything at all yet. I'd love to be able to visit some of the other states we came from, but that's not feasible right now. Eventually I will get to do those things, but for now I'll have to rely on the internet.

I did manage to get a few addresses & create a flyer that I'll put in the mail this next week. So far, so good. Looks like quite a few people will attend so it's going to be a success. We'll get to visit without the specter of a funeral hanging around us for a change. I can't wait!

I still need to work on the descendent chart. I want to be able to hang it up at the pavilion so everyone will be able to see what I have so far & we can add what they know to the mix. Plus it will help with my research.

And maybe by next year's reunion I'll have a lot more information to include!

Grrrr

Ok. I'm about ready to put Baby in the corner myself. Darn thing is back in the shop again. The Check Engine Light came on & wouldn't go off, there's oil coming from somewhere & the wheels pop when turning. I am not a happy camper right now.

But at least it's still under warranty & we're not paying for any of this stuff. Although driving the loaner car after the Mazda is not fun!

Baby's Back

Baby's back! We FINALLY got the new car back yesterday. The cruise is fixed and the car still runs like a dream. Can't wait to get it out on the open road again! But I'm still a little miffed that we had to leave it at the dealership all weekend when it was fixed and ready to go. Oh, well. It's over now & Baby's back!

It's No Fun

Our new car is awesome! It makes driving fun. There's only one little problem. It's in the shop.

There's nothing wrong with it mechanically. It still drives like a dream. But when we first got it home we realized the cruise control didn't work. The system would turn on but it wouldn't set. So we took it back where we bought it since it's still under warranty.

Only no one seems to be able to find out why it's not working. The dealership where we bought it had to send it to the Mazda dealer who is online with a tech-line/hotline trying to figure it out. I mean it can't really be that hard, can it? If you can't figure out why it's not working replace the entire thing.

Just please give me my car back. The loaner you gave me isn't nearly as much fun.

OMG! We Did It!

Well, the DH & I did something *almost* spontaneous last night. We bought a new car. Well, not exactly new, but new to us. Wednesday night we went to Carmax just to look around. DH has been wanting a new car for awhile, but we kept putting it off. He test drove a couple of cars, a Mazda RX-8 and a Z. We both fell in love with the RX-8. And it's my favorite color, too. lol

So, we ran the numbers & were told we could be financed at 10% interest (as apposed to the 25% interest we were currently paying on the Kia we bought a couple of years ago). We were completely surprised and decided to go home & think about it. And last night we went back, the car was still there, so we bought it!

I'm so excited. DH gets the car he wanted & I get to drive it. We still only have one car so I'll still be driving it everywhere, but it's really his. I'll get a new one later on when we can save some money. But until then...vroom, vroom!!

Stupid Laws

I’m gonna take a spin off The Goddess Blogs and post these dumb laws. I couldn’t resist looking to see what’s out there. Some are too funny for words, right?

Tennessee
• You can’t shoot any game other than whales from a moving automobile. (Like that’s gonna be an issue in Tennessee)
• It is illegal to use a lasso to catch a fish. (I’d like to see someone try though)
• Ministers are to be dedicated to God and therefore are not eligible to hold a seat in either House of the Legislature. (This explains a lot!)
• It is illegal for a woman to call a man for a date. (Someone’s mother must have made this one up!)
• When you pull up to a stop sign you must fire a gun out the window to warn horse carriages that you are coming. (Ummm…is that supposed to make them stop?)
• By law, anyone who has been drinking is “sober” until he or she “cannot hold onto the ground.” (Well, ok then)
• It is illegal to transport an ice cream cone in your pocket. (Really?)
• Illegal for a woman to drive a car unless there is a man either running or walking in front of it waving a red flag to warn approaching motorists and pedestrians. (Doesn’t say anything about her running him over, though)
• It’s illegal for frogs to croak after 11 PM. (Do they have people who monitor the frogs?)
• It is illegal to give any pie to fellow diners. (That’s ok. I ain’t sharing anyway)

Arkansas
• No one may “suddenly start or stop” their car at a McDonald’s.
• Flirtation between men and women on the streets of Little Rock may result in a 30-day jail term. (Wonder if they have a big enough jail for these violators)
• It is unlawful to walk one’s cow down Main Street after 1:00 PM on Sunday. (Darn. I had planned to take Bessie to town this weekend)

Louisiana
• It is illegal to rob a bank and then shoot at the bank teller with a water pistol. (Is it legal to shoot the teller with a real gun, I wonder?)
• Biting someone with your natural teeth is “simple assault,” while biting someone with your false teeth is “aggravated assault.” (Well, that’s a relief. I don’t have false teeth)
• Prisoners who hurt themselves could serve an additional two years in jail. (Wonder what they do to those who hurt others)
• All garbage must be cooked before it can be fed to any hogs. (Did the hogs revolt & demand cooked slop?)
• Chasing fish in a city park is against the law. (As apposed to chasing them down the street?)
• City commission members may not drink during a public meeting or risk a $50 fine. (Bet they don’t meet very often)
• Snakes are not allowed within 200 yards of the Mardi Gras parade route (Well I ain’t gonna be the one to enforce this one)
• You may not tie an alligator to a fire hydrant. (I don’t think you should try tying an alligator to anything unless you want to be armless)

Kentucky
• One may not dye a duckling blue and offer it for sale unless more than six are for sale at once. (So that’s where “Blue Duck” comes from)
• It is illegal to fish with a bow and arrow in Kentucky. (Again. I’d like to see someone try it)

Texas
• It is illegal to sell one’s eye. (I need both of mine anyway)
• It is illegal to take more than three sips of beer at a time while standing. (This one would be difficult for a lot of people)
• It is illegal for one to shoot a buffalo from the second story of a hotel. (Well, I’m not gonna get any closer)
• It is illegal to dust any public building with a feather duster. (So use a swiffer instead)
• Landing an airplane on the beach is illegal.
• Any person who sits on a sidewalk may be fined up to $500. (Better put in a few benches then)
• It is illegal to drive within an arm’s length of alcohol – including alcohol in someone else’s blood stream. (Hmm…not sure this one will be enforceable)
• It is illegal for children to have unusual haircuts. (This one should be heavily enforced)
• It is illegal for both sexes to flirt or respond to flirtation using the eyes and/or hands. (But it’s ok to smile & wiggle your butt at someone)
• Owners of horses may not ride them at night without tail lights. (Tail Lights…ha…that’s funny)

Nice Weekend

Ahh...it was such a nice weekend.

Saturday MJM & I went to KY to visit his parents. It was an awesome day. We had lunch at Olive Garden, tried to see Harry Potter but it was sold out, & had dessert at a place called Stakz, a great do-it-yourself yogurt shop. First you choose the flavor you want, then you fill your bowl with as much as you want. Then you add whatever toppings you want including candy bars, cereal, pop tarts, sprinkles, gummy bears & dozens of other things. The cost is determined by weight so you can pay quite a bit if you add a little of everything! But it was so worth it. They really need one in Nashville!

Sunday we spent at home doing absolutely nothing. Well, I did the laundry & bought groceries, but other than that I did nothing at all. It was great.

Of course, now it's back to work. Another week is here & time to "make the donuts".

Cable It Is!

Looks like we get to keep the Cable. I called today to go down to Internet only & they're letting me have the Double Play I asked for yesterday. Which means we get to keep the Cable & Internet, get rid of the phone & still cut our bill in almost half. Works for me!!

To Cable or Not To Cable

So we're trying to decide what luxuries we can live without and which make like so easy we have to keep them.

Our cell phones we have to keep in case of emergencies, but I think once we're up for our New Every Two in December we're going to downgrade to phones that don't require the data package. It's not necessary to be so connected to the world that our every waking moment is consumed by email & internet.

Now, the cable on the other hand is another matter. We're signed up on a Triple Play with Comcast which is supposed to save us money by giving us Cable, Internet & a Home Phone for a lower price than their individual prices. Which was fine 2 years ago when we had kids at home & we needed the phone to be able to contact them. But now, Comcast tells me that we can go up to a better package and pay more OR we can take off the Home Phone (which we never ever ever use) and pay retail price for Cable & Internet which would cost us the same as the Triple Play. Ummm...the idea is to SAVE money...

There's a package for "Current Customers" that's available ONLY to customers who want to upgrade from either just internet OR just cable & include the one they don't currently have. It's a great deal, but WE CAN'T HAVE IT BECAUSE WE HAVE THE TRIPLE PLAY? Tell me how that can possibly be fair to long time customers who pay their bills on time every single month, including all the extra fees that are tacked on that we don't even know what they're for?

And another thing. Regular internet service is about $30. We have the "faster" internet & pay about $45. I learned yesterday we also have a $10 fee for our internet being faster! It seems to me if I'm paying a higher rate for faster internet I shouldn't be charged a "faster internet fee".

Anyway. The question is: Can we live without cable & just have internet only OR is cable a necessity with babies in the house? What do you think?

Random Thoughts

Finished Chapter 12 yesterday. Only 4 or 5 more to go. I'm not where I wanted to be by this time, but I'm a lot farther along than I thought I was going to be. Hmmm...that didn't sound quite right. lol

Saw Harry Potter 7 Part 2 last night with JWM. It was great! The graphics were awesome & the storyline stayed true to the books, just as the other movies did. I can't wait to see it again with my honey.

HNM & TKE bought a new car yesterday. I tried to talk them out of it since they have a brand new baby & she's not working right now, plus he works for Sonic making very little money & they just moved in with me b/c they couldn't afford their apt. I have to wonder how they're going to make a car/insurance payment. Even when she goes back to work they won't make that much. TKE really needs to find a job that will do more than Sonic pay. With HNM only working part time when she goes back the money will be short. But no matter what arguments I put in front of them they always have an answer. Even if that answer keeps them living with us forever. I had to inform them this was supposed to be a temporary arrangement, not permanent. I can only pray they start listening to me!

Ok. Rant over. For now!

*yawn*

I'm tired, cranky and would love nothing more than to curl up somewhere and take a nice long nap. But, alas, it's not to be. Gotta work or I don't eat.

But on the bright side I'm going to see the last Harry Potter tonight with my JWM. We always see the Harry Potter movies together. It's about the only thing we get to do together so I'm looking forward to it.

Weekend Reflections

Whew! Another weekend over and gone. KAM and the kids spent the weekend with us plus HNM, the new baby & boyfriend have moved in with us until they can save enough money for a car & a new apt. My house was chaos & I'm exhausted.

I love having a houseful of kids but at the same time I really, really want peace and quiet again. I must be insane for allowing so many at one time in the house because the place is way too small for family gatherings that last more than a day. But I was raised in a full house and I can't seem to get away from it. With 30 cousins and 8 sets of aunts & uncles always in & out of my grandparents house I never had peace and quiet.

But I love the little buggers and mostly they don't bother me so much. I worry more for MJM's sanity than my own.

Excuses, Excuses

Ok. So I haven't written anything in a while. That doesn't mean I'm not a writer, does it? I mean. I write stuff. I write ads at work. I send emails & write letters. I put out the monthly newsletter for my writing group. Doesn't all that count?

Oh, who am I kidding. Of course it doesn't count. But just because I write in fits doesn't mean I'm not a real writer. That's just my process. I do write, just not every single day for a certain number of hours at a certain time of day. Everyone has a different way of approaching their WIP and mine happens to be to write in fits.

Yeah, I know. I'm making excuses. So, what's your writing process?

NEW RELEASE! Haunted Heart by Carolyn Rosewood

HAUNTED HEART
SEXY ROMANTIC SUSPENSE

CAROLYN ROSEWOOD
Etopia Press

Get Your Copy Here!

Rowena Sommers thought moving back home to restore her beloved Aunt’s home was the key to starting over. Van Whitney thought taking the job would keep his business afloat. When a ghost hunter tries to convince Rowena the home is haunted, can these two escape the past and find a future together?

EXCERPT:

She didn’t need Hollywood, or Brett Fontaine.

Rowena Sommers stuffed the latest issue of Celebrity back in the magazine rack, glancing around the Pilot gas station to see if anyone was watching. She sipped her coffee, fuming over the slant of the article.

Contrary to what the reporter said, her relationship with bad-boy leading man Brett Fontaine was in trouble long before she filed a libel suit against him for leaking her personal e-mails to the tabloids. The dumb-ass reporter should have checked the back issues, like the ones with candid photos of Brett and his female costars, taken every time he went on location. They ran right next to the stories with headlines like: Who’s Keeping Rowena Company While Brett Romps in Australia?

A woman in denim cutoffs and an Ohio State T-shirt plucked a copy of the magazine from the rack and glanced sideways, her eyes wide. “This is you. On the cover.”

Rowena studied the picture, taken on the steps of the Van Nuys courthouse three weeks ago. The day she won her lawsuit against Brett. The same day she found out her great-aunt Lunette had died. She’d trade twice the settlement amount to hear Aunt Loony’s voice again. “Yes. That’s me.”

Rowena took another sip of coffee as she tried to formulate an answer that didn’t involve telling this woman where she could stuff that magazine. Her cell chirped. Saved by the ring tone.

“I have to take this. Excuse me.” She headed for the counter as she opened the phone with her free hand. “Tricia, impeccable timing, as always. You just saved me from an inquisitive fan.”

“And judging by the sarcasm in your voice, I’m guessing you’ve seen this week’s Celebrity?”

She glanced back toward the magazine rack, where the woman and a teen dressed like Lady Gaga were reading the article out loud. “Yeah, I’ve seen it. And as if this day could get any worse, I’m forced to drink gas station coffee.”

Tricia laughed. “No Starbucks in Creek Ridge, Ohio?”

Her best friend’s voice reached across the miles, tugging at her heart. Had it been a huge mistake leaving LA? “God, I hope there’s still a Starbucks here.” She took another sip. “This is actually better than the brown goo they tried to serve me at the Holiday Inn Express this morning.”

“Have you been to Aunt Loony’s house yet?” asked Tricia.

Rowena swiped her credit card through the machine. “On my way now. I’ll call and let you know what the contractor said.”

Ohio State and Lady Gaga moved behind her in line, still talking about the article. Rowena’s fingers trembled as she put the card back in her wallet. She pushed past them without a glance. As she opened the door to the parking lot she heard one of them mutter something, but only caught the words “Hollywood” and “bitch.”

Wonderful. Back in town less than twenty-four hours and already someone thought she had an attitude. So much for believing the gossip wouldn’t follow her home.

She waited until she pulled out of the parking lot in her brand-spanking-new Infinity SUV before screaming. Dialing her iPod menu to Led Zeppelin, she turned up the volume, loud. Angry, frustrated, rebellious. Perfect.

The readers of Celebrity weren’t interested in the story behind the lawsuit. They didn’t care about the string of bullshit promises Brett had made. Or the callous way in which he’d trashed her costume design career and her industry contacts with a few keystrokes, all because she’d dared to issue him an ultimatum.

They only cared about two things: reading her personal e-mails, and how much money the Superior Court of Los Angeles had ordered him to pay her because of what he’d done.

They didn’t care why she was in Ohio, or that Aunt Loony was dead. Brett’s money wouldn’t bring her back. Fun and zany, she’d been dubbed Aunt Loony by Rowena’s father when he was a teen, and she’d loved Rowena and her five siblings as if they were her own.

Fresh grief mixed with anticipation. Willow Lane was less than two miles away. Would she be able to handle walking through Aunt Loony’s house, knowing she’d never see her warm smile again?

Spotting a cop parked in front of a strip mall, she braked. Just for good measure, she turned down the volume on Jimmy Page and Robert Plant. She could see the headlines now: Rowena Sommers Arrested for Speeding in Hometown!

The memories overwhelmed her when she turned onto Willow Lane. She’d spent almost as much time on this street as her own, two blocks over. It hadn’t changed in ten years. The oak tree in front of Traci Westphall’s house, where she used to hide from her older sister Emma, still had dead branches along one side. Two doors down, she half expected Bud Williams to materialize in his driveway, sweeping up leaves and twigs while he muttered about the damn, dirty trees.

The scent of roses, lavender, and freshly cut grass filled the air. May sunshine shimmered on the pavement. The smells evoked memories of the end of each school year, when the magic of summer stretched out endlessly. Summer vacation meant going barefoot, walking down by the railroad tracks, and staying outside after dark to catch lightning bugs.

She was home, ready to be part of this town again. To be with people who made her feel safe, wanted, and who didn’t measure their lives by the latest Nielson ratings or market shares.

But would they welcome her? Or had they read the tabloids while laughing at the girl voted Most Likely to Trip Over Her Own Shoelaces? She’d tripped all right, landing smack in the belly of the gossip machine.

The imposing Queen Anne at the end of the street, just before the entrance to Oak Park, rose into view. Despite the faded siding and missing shutters, the grandeur of the home still took her breath away. As her eyes settled on the four-story tower, she remembered summer nights in the second-floor bedroom, wishing she could live with Aunt Loony. Her own room, with no Emma harassing her or parents screaming at one of her brothers.

She slowed the car, turning off her iPod. Letting her gaze travel up to the top floor of the tower—the lookout point—she recalled her big brother Jake and his friends pretending they were pirates. Part of the game included the ability to see all the way to Cleveland, where ships from exotic places like Spain or China would pull into port, stuffed with treasure beyond imagination. She was usually stuck playing the kidnapped damsel in distress or a cabin boy. They’d ignored Emma when she repeatedly pointed out Lake Erie had never been plagued by pirates, nor had treasure ships sailed on the Great Lakes.

The trim lawn and pristine flower beds brought a smile to her face. Her little brother had actually kept a promise. If a contractor showed up, he’d have kept two. For Mike, that would be a record.

She raised her eyes to heaven. “Thank you for the house, Aunt Loony. I promise to take good care of it.” She could almost hear Aunt Loony’s hearty laugh and see the twinkle in her green eyes.

Her smile faded at the sight of a silver Mercedes parked in the driveway. If that belonged to the contractor, she was about to get ripped off.

She parked the SUV in front, then caught the hem of her favorite summer skirt in the door as she tried to make a graceful exit. She glanced toward the Mercedes. Too late. The driver’s side door was already open. Classy way to make a first impression, Rowena.

In the towering maple on the front lawn, a pair of robins started to chirp, probably about her clumsiness. She released her skirt then took a deep breath, turning to look at the man leaning against the Mercedes. Her mouth fell open as she scanned his face. It couldn’t be…

Vance Whitney—everyone calls me Van—belonged to the perfect, popular crowd of cheerleaders and jocks that had made her existence at Creek Ridge High a lesson in insignificance.

He crossed muscled arms over a forest green polo shirt that set off his luminous blue eyes, even at this distance. Broad shoulders tapered to a trim waist, and the khakis he wore accentuated his long legs. The same confident grin she remembered spread across his tanned face.

This is the contractor Mike called? No way. Not happening.

No matter how hot he still looked.