Monday Check In

Last week...

Writing Related:  I finished the first draft of Garrett's book late yesterday afternoon. Whew! Now the hard work begins. This draft will need a lot of editing. I'm almost certain parts of it will need to be rewritten. I want to ensure I have the right amount of setting details as well as character information and emotion. I'm going to let the manuscript sit for this month so I'll have some distance from it in January and be able to see what's working and what isn't more clearly. It's a good month to let it sit because I never manage to get much writing done in December. The days are taken up with shopping, baking, decorating, wrapping, and helping my mom with those same things. 

Motivational Quote:  "No matter what situation you're in, find something good about it, rather than the negative things. And in dealing with other human beings, find the good in them as well." ~ Wilma Mankiller quoting wisdom from Cherokee elders

What I'm Reading:  I'm a little more than halfway through These Summer Storms by Sarah MacLean. I love her historical romances. This is her first contemporary novel. I had a really hard time getting into it. It's very slow going. Some of the characters are completely unlikable. I'm not sure if that's intentional or not. The main female character is somewhat of a doormat as well. Despite those things, I'm trying to finish reading it.

Random Things:  I can't believe it's December 1st already. It seemed like November just started a few days ago and now it's over. I'll be putting away our few fall decorations and putting out our Christmas decorations today but not the Christmas tree yet. I usually do that 2 weeks before the holiday because I have to rearrange the living room to have a place for the tree so that it's not in the way.

Random Photo: 

 Here's a old photo of Somebody checking out a Christmas ornament. If you look closely, you can see the teeth marks on the toe of the boot where he decided to see how it tasted.
 

Early Thanksgiving Wishes

 

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone to celebrates the holiday.

 I know I have a lot to be grateful for this year.  

Monday Check In

Last week...

Writing Related:  I had a good productive week and am on track to finish this first draft by the end of the month. I'm hoping to get some extra writing in this week since the following week will be Thanksgiving and I'll lose a couple of days of writing time due to the holiday and doctor appointments for both myself and my mom.

Motivational Quote:  "You'll have bad times, but it'll always wake you up to the good stuff you weren't paying attention to." ~ Sean (played by Robin Williams) from the movie Good Will Hunting.

What I'm Reading:  I'm a little less than halfway through We Are All Guilty Here by Karin Slaughter. This is the first book in her new North Falls series. It's a good book. I'm finding it hard to put down. 

Random Things:  We're getting a new stove delivered today. Buying a new one wasn't planned. I turned the oven on to pre-heat to bake bread and when I went back into the kitchen to check that it was up to the correct temperature, there was a noticeable gas smell and the oven had only heated to 150 degrees despite being on for 30 minutes. Needless to say, I immediately turned the oven off. My nephew who is a firefighter for our city came over to make sure there was nothing wrong with the gas line connection. There wasn't so rather than risk blowing up the house, we went shopping for a new stove the next day. I baked the bread dough I had ready in the toaster oven. It came out pretty well. It's the first time I ever really baked something in it. We usually use it for things like toast, melting cheese on something, or making hash brown patties and such.

Random Photo:

   Mrs. Green likes to sleep on my house shoes whenever I take them off to sit on the sofa.
 

 

Monday Check In

Last week...

Writing Related:  In my last actual post, I mentioned that I was going to participate in Sarra Cannon's Rough Draft Challenge. I decided against it because while my sister is home from the hospital, she's very limited in what she can do so I'm helping her out with things like laundry, grocery shopping, vacuuming, etc which cuts into writing time. I'm still hoping to get the first draft of Garrett's story finished by the end of this month. 

Motivational Quote:  "So what if it doesn't look the way you planned? All of these days still belong to you, and even the greatest disappointments have their uses." ~ Yrsa Daley-Ward

What I'm Reading: I started reading When Grumpy Met Sunshine by Charlotte Stein Saturday afternoon. It's a contemporary romance that was recommended to me by a friend. I've never read anything by Ms. Stein before but am always willing to read books by new authors. 

Random Things:  I took a short break from social media a couple of weeks ago. I don't usually spend a lot of time on it in general, just about 30 minutes in the morning and probably the same amount in the evening but I still needed a break. I took that hour and used it to try a few new to me bread recipes. A couple I would make again. One was a complete failure. But my favorite was the Big and Bubbly Focaccia recipe from the King Arthur Flour baking website. It was the first time I'd ever made focaccia. It's my new favorite bread to make. I can see why the people at King Arthur flour named it their 2025 Recipe of the Year. Here's a link to recipe if you're interested in trying it - Big and Bubbly Focaccia Recipe   I've put a picture of how mine turned out below. 

Random Photo:

 

If you like baking bread, this is a good one to try. I included the link to the recipe above. 

 

 

Monday Check In

 Sorry, no post again this week.  Here's a photo of Mrs. Green attacking Somebody's tail. I hope it makes you smile. 

 

Monday Check In

No post this week as I'm helping my sister as she recovers from surgery. If you celebrate Halloween, I hope you have a great time.

 

Monday Check In

Last week...

Writing Related: I've hit the middle of the book. Finally. I'm hoping that I only have about 150 pages more to write. I'm going to participate in Sarra Cannon's Rough Draft Challenge in the month of November with the goal of writing those 150 pages. I'm not sure how much writing I'll get done this week as one of my siblings is going into the hospital Tuesday for surgery and will have to stay 4 to 5 days. I'll be visiting her as much as I can and going to her house daily to take in the mail and making sure her cat has fresh water, food, and litter. 

Motivational Quote:  "Our life is in our hands and it's never too late." ~ Tiffany Brar

What I'm Reading:  I'm reading Independent Bones by Carolyn Haines. I should finish it this evening. I'll start the next book, Lady of Bones, on Tuesday while I'm sitting in the hospital waiting room while my sister is in surgery. 

Random Things:  Are you a tea drinker? I should specify hot tea. I do drink iced tea as well but I like to drink that without sugar or honey. When I drink hot tea, it doesn't seem to have as much flavor as it does cold so I add a bit of honey to it and it helps bring out the flavor. The problem is I'm trying to drink tea instead of hot chocolate because it's healthier, but how healthy is it if I'm adding honey to it? A friend suggested adding a bit of milk to it instead. I haven't tried that yet. Any suggestions on how to bring out the flavor of the tea without adding honey, sugar, or any other type of sugar substitute? Just as an FYI, I usually drink raspberry pomegranate green tea or apple chai tea, or a vanilla cranberry tea. I did just buy a box of gingerbread tea to try as well. 

 

Monday Check In

Last week...

Writing Related: I'm making headway on Garrett's story. It's taking me so much longer to write this book than I originally anticipated. I keep telling myself even a few pages a day is progress and is bringing me closer to the end.

Motivational Quote:  "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." ~ Eleanor Roosevelt 

What I'm Reading: I started reading A Garland of Bones by Carolyn Haines over the weekend.  This is the 22nd book in the series. There are a total of 29 books published so far so I'm getting closer to the end so to speak, at least until the next book is published. 

Random Things:  It's finally been cold enough to do some baking. I made semolina bread for the first time this past Thursday. It has a tangy taste, not quite as strong a sourdough, but enough to notice. I will make it again, but I think I'll bake it in a loaf pan instead of on a baking sheet that the recipe calls for. The dough didn't rise as high as I would have liked, rising in width instead so I'm hoping it will rise higher in a loaf pan.

Random Photo:

                  Here's a picture of the semolina bread. It looks taller than it actually is. 
 

Monday Check In

Last week...

Writing Related: I still have the occasional cough left from my cold, but am feeling much better. We had a bunch of appointments including an annual vet check up for Mrs. Green and getting our flu shots so I didn't get much written. Considering I already had a cold so early in the fall/winter season, I don't want to risk getting the flu or giving it to my mom so we both got the vaccine. 

Motivational Quote:  "Fear has a very concrete power of keeping us from doing the things that are our purpose." ~ Luvvie Ajayi

What I'm Reading:  I should finish reading Game of Bones by Carolyn Haines this evening unless something pops up. It's the 20th book in the Sarah Booth Delaney mystery series. I'll probably start the next book in the series within the next day or so.

Random Things:  I have a physical therapy appointment this afternoon. I'm hoping it'll be the last one. I'll keep doing the exercises because they are helping but I don't really want to continue with the appointments. My ulnar nerve issue is much better than it was. It doesn't wake me up at night anymore and I rarely get the pins and needles feeling in my last two fingers now. I still can't type for long periods but I'm going to start splitting my writing time up into two sessions so hopefully that will help. 

Random Photo:

The Halloween wreath for our front door. My nephew's wife made it a for us a few years ago.
 

Monday Check In

Last week...

Writing Related:  Sorry for the lack of a new post last week. I've been laid low by a terrible cold the last couple of weeks.  I've spent a lot of time sleeping and trying to recover but I did manage to write 5k in new words despite feeling like my brain wasn't firing on all cylinders.

Motivational Quote:  "Perspective will either be the thing that frees you or imprisons you. Is it a failure or a lesson? Is it problem or an opportunity?" ~ Isaac Wooden

What I'm Reading:  I just finished reading Sticks and Bones by Carolyn Haines last night before I went to sleep. I will probably start the next book in the series, Charmed Bones, this evening. That book is the eighteenth book in the series. There are twenty-nine books currently in the series so I'm over halfway through. I've enjoyed most of them and figured out who the killer was in about half of the ones I've read.

Random Things: I planned on writing three books this year and I'm still struggling to write the first of the planned three. Between the ulnar nerve issue which slowed my writing pace waaaaay down recently, the compression fracture in my vertebra which also slowed my writing pace earlier in the year, helping my mom more than I've needed to in the past, and now this miserable cold that thank goodness finally seems to be easing its grip and moving on, I feel like this has been a difficult year writing wise. I try not to complain for the most part because I'm very grateful for all of my blessings and for my mom being in relatively good health for her age (she turned 89 this year). I realize that so many people are dealing with serious issues, health related and not, so that's one of the main reasons I try not to complain. I realize how lucky I am and am incredibly grateful.

Random Photo:

This is pretty much how I feel this year has been so far. I'm hoping it'll have a better ending.
 

Monday Check In

Last week...

Writing Related: I managed to write twenty pages of new material last week. It's not a lot, I know. But it is more than I've been able to do for a while now. The physical therapy is helping - I'm getting fewer shooting pains into my wrist and fingers and I'm able to type for longer than 15 minutes at a time now. 

Motivational Quote:  It it doesn't bring peace, profits, or purpose, then don't give it your time, energy, or attention." ~ Morgan Richard Olivier

What I'm Reading:  I'm currently reading Smarty Bones by Carolyn Haines. It's the thirteenth book in the series. I'm thinking I'll finish it this evening as I only have a few chapters left to read.  

Random Things: My sister talked me into entering a couple of raffles for a couple of dollars apiece. I don't expect to win. I rarely win raffles or contests and such but at least my few dollars are going to good causes. The last time I won a raffle, my oldest great nephew was due to make his entrance into the world at any time. That was twelve years ago. 

Random Photo:

                                     A picture of a baby otter to make you smile.
 

Monday Check In

Last week...

Writing Related:  The writing of Garrett's book is progressing. Slowly, but it is moving forward. The PT for my elbow is helping, so I'm grateful for that. The orthopedist did say that it can take months for the nerve and tendon to completely heal. Considering that and not wanting to do anything to set the healing back, my goal is to get the first draft written asap so I can send it to my editor and beta readers, get their feedback, and made any revisions so that it can be released in early January. 

Motivational Quote: "You don't have to wait on anyone to tell you that you are in this. Start by doing what you can with what you've got, where you are and in your own way." ~ Cleo Wade

What I'm Reading:  I just started Bones of a Feather by Carolyn Haines yesterday afternoon. It's the eleventh book in the Sarah Booth Delaney series. The series is also know as the Mississippi Delta series if you want to check it out. 

Random Things:  It's been cool here - highs in the mid 60's - than it has been. I'm glad to see the 90 degree days go but I'm not quite ready to say goodbye to summer. I love being able to just pick up my purse and leave when I have to go somewhere. I hate having to wear a coat. Then there's having to wear gloves, a scarf, and possibly boots when it gets further into the winter season. While winter might technically start around December 20th on the calendar, it usually starts in mid to late October in my area. I'd prefer a longer Autumn season and a really, really short winter season but it's usually the other way around.

Random Photo:

I was feeling a little down about summer ending so I bought a set of Otter pens to brighten my mood.
 

Happy Labor Day

 

 

Happy Labor Day! 

 Boo - It's the unofficial end of summer. 

Monday Check In

Last week...

Writing Related:  Writing is still going slowly. I'm telling myself slow progress is still progress and the story is moving forward. The physical therapy for my elbow does seem to be helping. The numbness/pins and needles feeling isn't as strong as it was and the pain that was shooting from my elbow into my wrist and last two fingers isn't happening as often as it was.

Motivational Quote:  "If you have faith and keep moving on, things will eventually fall in place." ~ Tina Dabi 

What I'm Reading:  I'm currently reading Hallowed Bones by Carolyn Haines. It's the fifth book in the Sarah Booth Delaney mystery series.  There are 29 books in the series so far so I have quite a few left to read. 

Random Things:  I saw a Christmas commercial the other day while I was watching TV. While August, even late August, seems way to early for retail companies to start advertising for Christmas, it did remind me that I need to start thinking about what design(s) I want to use in my holiday cards this year. Every year I say I'm going to start making the cards early. Yet every year it gets to be the second week of December and I'm rushing to get them finished. Starting next month, I'm going to make a concerted effort to make at least two cards every weekend so they will be completed and ready to be mailed by the first weekend in December. 

 Random Photo:

I went to a Goodwill store about an hour away from my home and found this scented candle. I can't imagine anyone wanting a candle that smells like a corn dog...which is probably why it was donated.
 

Monday Check In

 No new post this week, but here's a picture to make you smile. It's Somebody and Mrs. Green sharing a window which is a rare occurrence. 

 

Monday Check In

Last week...

Writing Related:  I'm still writing in what feels like slow motion. I saw the orthopedist last week. Unfortunately, he said it could take weeks/months for my nerve to calm down. I start physical therapy for it tomorrow. I'm hoping that after I have a few sessions it will at least make it easier to write/type.

Motivational Quote:  "It's important to focus on a goal, I think, but also recognize the progression on the way there..." ~ Aimee Mullins

What I'm Reading:  I'll start reading The Guest Cottage by Lori Foster this evening. It's the first book in the Firefly Summer series.

Random Thing:  I love summer. It's my favorite time of year and always seems like it's the shortest season where I live. But this year? I'm looking forward to fall and cooler temperatures. We've had so many 90 degree or more days this summer. It's just been too hot and humid. Even with the central air on, I don't sleep well which makes me feel lethargic and headachy. It seems like the heat drains my energy making it hard to get through the day until I can fall into bed exhausted only to wake up feeling even more tired than the day before. 

Random Photo:

 

I found this water bottle at a local store. The goldfish is hooked on to the straw so when you have it filled, it will look like it's swimming in your water or whatever you're drinking. I didn't buy it, but it did make me laugh.

      

Monday Check In

Last week...

Writing Related:  I'm doing the best that I can with my ulnar nerve issue. I see the orthopedist this afternoon and I really hope he can recommend something to help.

Motivational Quote:  "The Queen's Gambit has been viewed by 62 million people. The producer, Allan Scott, spoke about how it took 30 years, with 9 rewrites, and every studio he showed it to said no one would be interested in chess. Please Perservere." ~ Amy Charlotte Kean.

What I'm Reading:  I'm currently reading Splintered Bones by Carolyn Haines and should finish it tonight. It's the third book in the Sarah Booth Delaney series. Once I'm done with it, I'll be starting The Summer of Second Chances by Miranda Liasson. It's the third book in the Seashell Harbor series.

Random Thing:  I'm going to visit one of my nieces and her daughter later this week. She lives about an hour away so I don't see her as much as I'd like especially since her daughter started school last year. We're going to do lunch and then some fun shopping at craft stores and the like.  

Random Photo:

 

                                     We have a new friend in the neighborhood.

Monday Check In

Last week...

Writing Related:  I'm still having difficulty with getting much writing done due to my ulnar nerve issue. I'm counting the days until next Monday when I can see the orthopedist and find out what's going on and what treatment he will recommend.

Motivational Quote:  "Your progress is not on a schedule. Your success is not on a time clock. Your healing is not based on speed. You're not too late. You haven't missed it. There is no rush. Breathe." ~ Eso Tolson

What I'm Reading:  I finished reading The Love Fix by Jill Shalvis last night. It's the eighth book in the Sunrise Cove series. I'll pick a new book to read tonight.

Random Thing:  I thought the above quote was particularly appropriate considering I am feeling behind schedule with this book and am worried how long it will take for my nerve to heal so that I can get back to my usual writing schedule. 

Random Photo:

         I've been trying new flavors of iced tea. My sister brought me this one to try.
 

Monday Check In

Last week...

Writing Related:  I didn't get much written last week. I'm suffering from an aggravated ulnar nerve that makes it difficult to type or write by hand for any length of time without pain shooting from my elbow into my wrist and my last two fingers going numb. I saw an orthopedic physician's assistant but he just gave me a brace to wear and referred me to an actual orthopedist. I don't see that physician until 8/4 so I'm trying to rest my elbow and wrist as much as I can and still get some stuff done.

 Motivational Quote:  "The distance is nothing; it is only the first step that is difficult." ~ Marie Anne De Vichy-Chambond, Marquise du Deffand 

What I'm Reading:  I'm currently reading Accidentally Amy by Lynn Painter. I should finish it tonight as I'm very close to the end. The book is a stand alone rom-com.

Random Thing: One of my favorite times of the year is here -  School supply buying time. I can't resist perusing the aisles and buying binders, folders, and 1 subject notebooks. I use them for writing. I came across a clear, hard plastic, zippered pencil case that looked perfect to hold some of my planner stickers so I had to buy that as well. School supplies were always a weakness of mine when I was a child/teen. I guess I still haven't outgrown the allure of all those shiny new notebooks and such.

Random Photo:

       I found a new flavor of pop-tarts to try. They were more blueberry than lemon flavored.
 

 

Happy 4th of July

I realize I'm a few days late. I hope you and your families had a wonderful 4th of July holiday weekend. 

 

Monday Check In

 No post this week as we are off celebrating my mom's 89th birthday. 

 

Monday Check In

Last week:

Writing Related:  Writing went better last week than it has in a while. I'm still behind where I hoped to be at this point in time. I'm going to do my best to catch up to where I should be by the end of July. 

 Motivational Quote: "Take up an idea, devote yourself to it, struggle on in patience, and the sun will rise for you." ~ Swami Vivekananda

What I'm Reading:  I'm currently reading The Witch is Back by Sophie H. Morgan. It's the first book in the Toil and Trouble series. It's paranormal rom-com and has been a fun and enjoyable book.

Random Thing:  Next Monday is my mom's 89th birthday.  We're celebrating by taking a few day trips that week so there will be no post next Monday. I will put up a reminder post on that day.

Random Photo:

 Here's Mrs. Green giving me the evil eye because I wouldn't share my turkey sandwich. 
 

 

Monday Check In

Last week...

Writing Related:  I'm still working on Garrett's book and still feeling like I'm not making progress as fast as I want or need to. I keep telling myself any new pages that I write are more than no pages at all. I have an appointment today that will cut into my writing time, but other than that, I should be able to write every day this week. 

Motivational Quote:  "We have a long way to go, but we're making great strides." ~ N Scott Momaday, Kiowa writer

What I'm Reading:  I'll be starting Hidden Nature by Nora Roberts either today or tomorrow.  It's her latest book. I believe it's a stand alone novel, but I'm not certain.

Random Thing:  I'm trying a new way to organize my day this week. I have so many projects I want to do but I never seem to have enough time in my day to even start a project much less finish one. I'm hoping this new method will help me find time to work on these projects, even if it's just a small amount each day. I'd really like to have at least some of them crossed off my project list by early fall.

Random Photo:

                                       Somebody hugging one of his favorite toys. 
 

Monday Check In

Last week...

Writing Related:  The first part of 2025 has not been good to me writing wise. I had hoped to have Garrett's book released into the world in April. It's now the 2nd week of June and I'm still writing the first draft. Between my old laptop dying a slow death (for which I'm thankful because it gave me time to transfer everything off it), back related health issues, unexpected guests and/or events popping in or up, and life in general, trying to get this first draft written is turning out to be a much longer process than I planned. 

Motivational Quote:  "We are all worthy of love and connection. Even in those moments where we feel that we perhaps aren't. Even those moments where we feel like we're the only one who might be struggling." ~ Vivek H. Murphy

What I'm Reading:  I didn't end up reading The Third Grave by Lisa Jackson.  There were some things that made the book not a good fit for me.  I started reading Rituals by Kelley Armstrong last night. This is the fifth and final book in the Cainsville series.

Random Thing:  You ever buy something for yourself or your home because it's something you need or need to replace? You don't think too much about the item, just that it's a necessity so you go purchase it and it ends up making you feel better or happier than you expected? Well, I did that last week. I bought a new broom. That's right, a broom. I can't tell you how happy this broom makes me. It's ten times better than the old one and makes sweeping and clean up so much easier. 

Random Photo:

                                   Here's my new broom that makes me happy. 😀
 

Monday Check In

Last week...

Writing Related:  I didn't get anything worth mentioning written last week. Between unexpected visitors, an unexpected project that turned out to be much more time consuming than I thought it was going to be, and life stuff in general, it was difficult to even get to the laptop to do any writing. Unfortunately, some of that will carry over into the first part of this week but I am hoping to get some writing time in on Thursday and Friday. 

Motivational Quote:  "New month. New Blessings." ~ Francheska Medina

What I'm Reading:  I just started The Third Grave by Lisa Jackson last night. It's the most current book in the Reed/Gillette series but I am told you can read it as a stand alone.

Random Thing:  It's been a very rainy spring at least here in upstate NY. We've had rain on both days every weekend since the first weekend in April with the exception of May 10th and 11th. I understand that rain is necessary, but I feel like we've gotten our fill. I'd be happier if it rained during the overnight hours and was sunny and dry during the daylight hours. It'd make commutes, grocery shopping, and running errands a lot easier.

Random Photo:

Blueberries were on sale at our local farmers market so I bought a couple of containers. I froze most of them for later use, but I used some to make blueberry muffins yesterday afternoon.

Happy Memorial Day

 

As you gather with friends and family to celebrate Memorial Day, please take a moment to remember the members of the armed services who gave their lives so that we can enjoy the freedoms in ours.

Monday Check In

Last week...

Writing Related:  I didn't get any new words written last week. I actually got the screen on my old laptop to come up. I don't know how long it'll continue to work, so I used my writing time to get as much stuff as possible that wasn't saved to the cloud transferred over to the extra laptop. I still have a bunch of bookmarks I saved that are research and writing related that I want to bookmark on the extra laptop but I think for the most part everything that is important has been moved or is saved in the cloud. I'm hoping to get at least some writing done this week now that I'm done panicking about losing stuff.

Motivational Quote:  "Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races, one after another." ~ Walter Elliott.  I feel like this quote is so appropriate considering everything that's been happening lately.

What I'm Reading:  I started Story of My Life by Lucy Score on Saturday evening. It's the first book in her new series.  It's a hefty book - the paperback version that I'm reading has 512 pages. 

Random Thoughts:  Today is Somebody's tenth birthday. It doesn't seem like we've had him that long. I've posted pictures below of how tiny he was when we adopted him and a recent picture of how big he is now. 

Photos:

Somebody at 2 months old

  

 

Somebody at almost 10 years old

Monday Check In

Last week...

Writing Related:  Writing is going slower than I'd hoped, planned, or like. My trusty laptop refuses to show more than a black screen so I've had to transition to an extra laptop that was my mom's but that she rarely uses. It's taking some getting used to and it didn't have Word or Excel on it so I had to bite the bullet and purchase the monthly subscriptions for those programs. My old laptop was from 2018 so when I purchased the software for it back then, it was the pay one time version. 

Motivational Quote: "You don't have to be an overachiever every day. Sometimes just waking up in the morning and not giving up on yourself is a huge accomplishment in itself." ~ Muniba Mazari

What I'm Reading:  I'm about halfway through Betrayals by Kelley Armstrong. This is the third book in the Cainsville series.  The series is more in the fantasy genre than I expected from the first book. I don't normally read fantasy but it's holding my interest enough to keep me reading and there is only one more book in the series.

Random Thoughts:  I didn't realize how many websites I had bookmarked that I lost when my old HP laptop screen bit the dust. Most of them were writing research related so I can easily find them again through a search but I did have a few sites saved for other purposes. Thank goodness I keep everything important backed up to the cloud so I didn't lose anything important.

Random Photo:

                      Mrs. Green and Somebody enjoying the late afternoon sun yesterday.
 

Monday Check In

Last week...

Writing Related:  I've hit a major plotting snag in Garrett's book. I'm going to take this week to go back through my notes and plot points to see if I can figure out how to get myself out of the corner I've written myself into. 

Motivational Quote:  "If you are building a house and a nail breaks, do you stop building or do you change the nail? ~ Rwandan and Burundian proverb.  I thought this was particularly apt this week considering the problem I'm having with Garrett's story right now.

What I'm Reading:  I finished Omens by Kelley Armstrong so while I'm waiting for the second book in the Cainsville series to be sent to my local library through the inter-library loan service I've started reading Where the Creek Bends by Linda Lael Miller.

Random Thoughts:  Nearly all of the trees on my street either have small leaves or buds of leaves except for the tree in my front yard. It's still completely bare without a hint of even the tiniest bud in sight. It's always the first one to lose all of its leaves and always the last one to get any. The thing is I'm pretty sure it's the same type of tree that lines most of the street. 

Random Photo:

Somebody practicing his new trick. He will balance a small toy on his head for a treat or two.
 

Happy Easter

 Happy Easter Monday

                     I hope you and your families had a wonderful Easter

Monday Check In

Last week...

Writing Related:  I didn't hit the 12k mark I was aiming for, but I did get 10k done so I'm happy with that. I'm hoping to get at least that much done this week but I'm having family in town two days this week plus I need to do a bit of baking for the upcoming Easter holiday so fingers crossed that I'll get a decent amount written. 

Motivational Quote:  "Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races, one after another." ~ Walter Elliott

What I'm Reading:  I'll be starting Omens by Kelley Armstrong tonight. It's the first book in the Cainsville series. This is an older series that was recommended to me by one of my sisters. I borrowed the book from the library probably a year or so ago with the intention of reading it, but never got to it before it had to be returned. I'm determined to read it this time around.

Random Thoughts:  Oh my goodness! Where is spring? It's been cold in the 30's and snowy or a wintery mix of snow and rain for most of last week. I'll put a picture below of what it looked like outside my living room window last Tuesday.

Random Photo:

           It was still snowing when I took the photo, but you can't really tell in the picture.

 

Monday Check In

Last week...

Writing Related:  I wrote 5k last week which honestly was more than I expected. I've recovered from the minor medical procedure and finally have everything taken care related to the unexpected event. I'm hoping to get at least 12k written this week since I am so far behind in getting the first draft of Garrett's book written.

Motivational Quote:  "I have done my best, and I hope I have sown some seeds which may bring forth good fruit." ~ George Marshall, American Statesman   This quote seemed really appropriate given the last few weeks.

What I'm Reading:  I'm reading The Big Fix by Holly James. This is the first book I've read by Ms. James. I can't decide if it's supposed to be a rom-com or a cozy type mystery with some romance thrown in. 

Random Thoughts:  I live by my daily routines and when something pops up that throws off that routine, depending on how major it is, it can take me a few days to get back into the groove of things. My sister says it's because I hate change. I don't know if it's so much that I hate change as it is something unexpected coming up that I didn't plan for or know to plan for. So maybe it's not that I hate change, maybe I'm just someone who needs to plan things out to make sure everything gets done. I'd be lost without my planner. I use it daily to keep track of everything from appointments, errands that need to be done, what bills need to be paid and when, to what exercise I did that day to, how many pages I wrote on a particular day, to upcoming events (birthday parties, family gatherings etc), all the way down to what day I'm going to vacuum the downstairs or change the cat litter. Are you a planner or are you spur of the moment kind of person?

Random Photo:

This photo is from last spring. Our daffodils have sprouted, but we had snow showers three times last week so I'm not sure if they'll actually bloom this year. (Yes, that is Mrs. Green photo bombing the flowers.)
 

 

Monday Check In

Last week...

Writing Related:  I managed to get 5k written last week despite dealing with the fallout from an unforeseen event. There are still some details that need to be taken care of and I'm having a minor medical procedure done tomorrow so I'm not sure how much I'll get written this week. 

Motivational Quote:  "Decide what is yours to hold and let the rest go." ~ Taylor Swift.             I came across this quote a few days ago. It felt the like the universe was trying to tell me there is only so much I do regarding the unexpected event I mentioned above so I'm doing what I can and hoping for the best.

What I'm Reading:  I started reading The Last Letter by Rebecca Yarros last night. It's a stand alone contemporary romance novel. I'm not very far into it but I'm enjoying it so far. 

Random Thoughts:  I can't believe it's the last day of March. This month has flown by. For me, March usually drags on and on and on. It's the month that seems to never end. It's more than likely because by the time early March arrives, I'm so tired of winter weather that I'm anxiously counting the days to spring. I don't mean the official start of spring shown on calendars, I mean real spring - when the days are sunny with temperatures in the 60's and low 70's. Unfortunately, those days don't usually show up in my area until the end of April or early May. 

Random Photo:

I'm a big fan of Pop-Tarts and eat way more of them than I should. My sister bought this from an Etsy shop and gave it to me for Christmas last year.

Monday Check In

No post this week. Last week was a miserable one as I coped with a sudden crisis. I will be back next week with a normal update. Thank you for understanding.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

No Monday check in post this week. I hope you and your family have a fun and safe St. Patrick's Day. We'll be honoring my mother's Irish roots and having the traditional corned beef and cabbage dinner. 

 

Monday Check In

Last week...

Writing Related:  I hit the 12k mark last week. Finally. The first few chapters of every book are slow going for me, but the writing of this book seems to be even slower than usual. I'm hoping to write 12k this week alone to try to make up for the first 12k taking longer than I expected.

Motivational Quote: "Life is not easy for any of us...We must have perseverance and above all confidence in ourselves." ~ Marie Curie

What I'm Reading:  I'll start reading The Seven Year Flip by Ashley Poston tonight. This is the first book I'll be reading by Ms. Poston. I've heard good things about it so I'm looking forward to reading it.

Random Thoughts:  Last week flew by and even though I kept to my writing schedule and was able to get the usual household related chores done, I feel like I'm behind in everything else. My household project To Do list seems to be getting longer instead of shorter. Maybe because for every one thing I manage to do and cross off, I'm adding one or two things to replace it. I guess I need to stop finding things I want to do that don't necessarily need to be done until I get more things crossed off the list.

Random Photo:

Mrs. Green decided she liked sleeping in a cardboard box better than her cat bed so I added a couple of old pillow cases to the box and now it's her new favorite spot to take a nap.
 

 

Monday Check In

Last week...

Writing Related:  I worked on Garrett's book. I was able to keep to my writing schedule but didn't quite make my 12k goal by the end of week. I'm about 500 words short. I don't have any appointments etc this week so I'm hoping to get a significant amount of writing done to get back on track to meet the deadline to have the first draft written.

Motivational Quote:  "Courage, determination, and a single minded vision. These are the qualities the biggest achievers have in common." ~ Shah Rukh Khan

What I'm Reading:  I'm currently reading Great and Precious Things by Rebecca Yarros. This is a contemporary romance.

Random Thoughts:  Even though the official start of spring isn't for a few more weeks, I'm starting my annual spring cleaning chores. I have a few additional tasks this year. I want to go through our cookbook book shelf and donate any that we don't really use.  

Random Photo:  

                                           Homemade Chocolate Brownie Muffins  

Monday Check In

Last week...

Writing Related:  I worked on Garrett's book last week. I didn't get as much written as I'd hoped, but I should have at least 12k words written by the end of this week. 

Motivational Quote:  "Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence." ~ Calvin Coolidge

What I'm Reading:  I started reading The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren yesterday afternoon. I'm also reading Now or Never by Janet Evanovich. This is the 31st book in the Stephanie Plum series. I'll write more about why I'm reading two books at once, which I very rarely do in the Random Thoughts section below.

Random Thoughts:  Regarding Now or Never, I keep picking it up, then putting it down after a couple of chapters and either going to do something else or reading something else because I'm having issues with the main character. I loved this series in the past, but the last few books have dimmed my enthusiasm for it. I just don't like how the Stephanie Plum character doesn't ever seem to learn from her mistakes or show any character growth, not to mention cheating on her boyfriend then excuses it because the guy she's cheating with is so hot that she can't help it.

Random Photo:

                                      How I've been feeling about writing lately. 😉
 

Monday Check In

Last week...

Writing Related:  I started writing the first book in the Eden's Crossing series. I'm going to refer to it as Garrett's book going forward because I rarely come up with a title until after the first draft is written. I didn't set a word count goal for last week but wrote a decent amount considering I had a lot of other stuff going on and the first few chapters usually take me longer to write than the rest of the book. 

Motivational Quote: "Do what you can do." ~ Mary Oliver, American Poet  This is good advice in general and for anyone feeling overwhelmed.

What I'm Reading:  I'm reading Track Her Down by Melinda Leigh. This is the 9th book in the Bree Taggert series. If you like suspense with a little bit of romance, I highly recommend this series. 

Random Thoughts:  Last week I mentioned getting a bread cookbook. I made the Vermont Cheddar Bread recipe yesterday. I didn't have high expectations because I've tried a number of different cheddar bread recipes and have always been disappointed. Either the cheese melts into the bread and can't even be seen, much less tasted, or the bread itself is really dense. This recipe came out well. I've posted a picture of it below.

Random Photo:

                                          The Vermont Cheddar Bread I made

Monday Check In

Writing Related:  I'll start writing the first book in the Eden's Crossing series this morning. I'm using the same plotting method that I used when writing Coming Home. Prior to that book, I didn't really do a lot of plotting, just a couple of sentences for each chapter but the new plotting method worked really well so I'm going to use it for this next book too.

Motivational Quote:  "I mean, I'm human, I have moments. But...when gratitude is an option, I'm going to choose that every time." ~ Anne Hathaway

What I'm Reading:  I started reading Better Than Friends by Jill Shalvis yesterday afternoon. This is the 7th book in the Sunrise Cove series.

Random Thoughts:  I received a copy of Artisan Bread in Five Minutes A Day by Jeff Hertzberg and Zoe Francois from a friend because I like baking bread. I'm looking forward to trying the master recipe and a number of the other recipes that were included. Luckily, I have a big freezer to store the extra loaves in.

Random Photo:  

       This is outside at my house. I can't tell you how much I'm looking forward to spring.

Finally!!!

 Coming Home, the sixth and final book in the Echo Company series, is finally available for purchase in both eBook and paperback formats. It's also available in Kindle Unlimited. The buy link and blurb are listed below the cover art.  (For those of you who have been waiting for it - this is Jimmy and Callie's reunion story.)

Blurb:

Former soldier, Jimmy Hawkins, has been to hell and somehow made it back alive, though he's no longer the man he was. Haunted by memories of the brutal torture he endured and the destruction he caused in his marriage, Jimmy’s guilt and shame are constant companions he could do without. He spends his days numbing his feelings with alcohol, drowning in a cycle of anger, self-loathing, and isolation.

When his wife, Callie Hawkins, moves back to town, Jimmy is determined to get his life under control, starting with his drinking. He’s ready to fight for her—whether she’ll accept him back or not. Even if she only wants friendship, he’s willing to take it, but the road to rebuilding their relationship is anything but easy.

As Jimmy struggles to face his demons and stay sober, his past keeps resurfacing, sabotaging his every attempt at redemption. With each setback, the possibility of a future with Callie seems more and more unlikely. As he works through his trauma with the help of a therapist, he learns that his physical wounds aren’t the only ones that need healing.

Will Jimmy find the strength to let go of his painful past and rebuild a future with Callie? Or will the demons that haunt him finally drive her away once and for all? 

Buy Link: Coming Home - Amazon

Monday Check In

Last week...

Writing Related:  I have the formatting issues ironed out but have decided that the back cover summary (blurb) is rather blah and needs some reworking. I'll work on that the first part of this week so I can get everything formatted and the book out into the world by February 1st at the latest.

Motivational Quote:  "Make it a point to do something every day that you don't want to do. This is the golden rule for acquiring the habit of doing your duty without pain." ~ Mark Twain

What I'm Reading:  I'm going to the library later this afternoon to pick up a few books that I requested that have come in so I'll be reading one of them. I'm just not sure which one I'll chose to read first.

Random Thoughts:  I chose the quote listed above because one of my goals this year is to stop procrastinating on stuff I either need to learn how to do or that seem overwhelming every time I think about them. My starting point is to work on those items at least once a week. Once I get so I'm doing that consistently, then I'll try to work on them at least 3 to 4 times a week until they're taken care of or I've learned how to do them.

Random Photos:

           Somebody knows the right way to spend a cold and snowy winter afternoon.

Monday Check In

Last week...

Writing Related:  I didn't get a lot of writing related things done. We had a few appointments that ate up my writing time and I'm still working on the formatting issues. I hope to get those ironed out this week. 

Motivational Quote:  "No matter how well prepared you are in life, you're gonna fall down a hole. And if you can fix the frayed ends of things, then you're better off." ~ Fiona Apple  I thought this quote was pretty appropriate given the formatting issues I'm trying to get taken care of.

What I'm Reading:  "I started A Very Bad Thing by J.T. Ellison Saturday afternoon. I'm not very far into it at this point (about 75 pages in), but I'm finding it slow going. I'm hoping the pace will pick up soon.

Random Thoughts:  I've been really cold the last two days. We're keeping the house heated to the same temperature we always do in the winter but for some reason, I just can't seem to warm up. I've been wearing a sweater along with fingerless gloves and extra heavy socks. (My feet and hands are always the first things to get cold.) Given that I'm already freezing, I'm dreading the next few days. The temperatures are going range between 14 degrees to minus 5 degrees in my area the first 3 days of this week. I have an appointment on Wednesday and I'm already dreading being out in the bitter cold. At least on Thursday when I do the grocery shopping, it'll be a warm 24 degrees. 

Random Photo:

                     This is how I'm feeling this week. I'm already dreaming of summer.

First Monday Check in of 2025

Last week..

Writing Related:  I met with my nephew who is a firefighter for our city as I mentioned in my last post. Now that I have enough (I hope) information regarding firefighting and life in the firehouse in hand, I'll start plotting the first book in my new series. I don't have a title in mind yet, so for now I'll refer to it as Garrett's book as he is the main male character in the book. I have some minor formatting issues to work out on Coming Home, the last book in the Echo Company series. That should be available for purchase by the end of January at the latest. 

Motivational Quote:  "Begin with the most terrifying thing of all: a clean slate. Then look, every day, at the choices you are making and when you ask yourself why you are making them...find this answer within you: for me, for me." ~ Anna Quindlen.  I've used this quote before but thought it was very appropriate given the newness of the year.

What I'm Reading: I'll be starting Meet Me at the Lake by Carley Fortune. A friend recommended it to me with the caveat that it's written in the present tense. I have a hard time enjoying books written in this tense, but am going to give it a try. 

Random Thoughts:  Wednesday of this week is National Bagel Day. I didn't find this out until after I'd written up our meal menu for the week and ironically had put bagels and yogurt down for breakfast on Wednesday. We usually have bagels at least once a week as they're a quick and easy breakfast especially if you're running late. 

Random Photo:

                                          Happy National Bagel Day

First Monday of 2025

 The first Monday of 2025...

The beginning of a new year is when everyone is eager for a fresh start as they work toward achieving their goals.  I found this quote and thought it was very appropriate given that we're a few days into a brand new year: 

"The future you're fighting for is actually possible and you can achieve it." ~ Vanessa Nakate

It certainly is inspiring, isn't it? My new year will be starting next Monday, January 13th. That's when I'll start writing the first book in my new series and get back to my normal exercise routine and following a healthy 80/20 eating plan. I found the second quote I typed below that seemed to fit where I'm at right now:

"So many things are happening right now, so I'm in the process of digesting everything and putting things in order. I think it's too early for me to say this is goal or this is my plan. I'm just going to try and do my best..." ~  Hoyeon Jung

That's not to say I don't have goals, intentions, or plans in place for this month, this quarter, and the year. I do but need a little extra time before I jump in and start things off. We have some medical and a dental appointment this week plus I'm meeting with my nephew who is a firefighter for our city. I'll be picking his brain on all things firefighting and EMS related as the main male character in the new book is a firefighter. He's already answered a million questions (okay, just over 50 or so) and given me some background in general but when we meet up on Wednesday, he'll be giving me a tour of the fire house where he's stationed, letting me try on some of the gear, and showing me some of the tools they use. I'm sure I'll have more questions as well. 

I hope you have a good week and are having a great start to your year. I'll be back next week with my usual Monday check in.