Oh, goodness, what have I done?

DH bought me a Kindle for Christmas, and I love it! BUT, it’s a very good thing that I took a few extra days off work because I’ve been up into the wee hours of the morning since Christmas Eve, reading, reading, and reading. Previously, I had downloaded the Kindle app to both my Blackberry and my laptop, and read several books. However, let’s face it, the cell phone screen is small, and when I’m on the computer, I feel as if I should be writing. Now, with the Kindle, I can lie on the bed and read, recline in the chair and read, stretch out on the couch and read…You get the picture. I may never get anything else done. With its beautiful red cover, my Kindle slips perfectly into my purse…I do believe I’m done for. The more I read, the longer my TBR list becomes because I decide I must have another book by a particular author, and zip, there it is, waiting for me.

Okay…enough about the Kindle. I also received original canvas paintings from my granddaughters which are absolutely priceless, a gorgeous pearl necklace, and lots of Mustang stuff. Our entire family turns into kids at Christmas, and as we all gathered at my son’s house to open gifts, the transformation happened in full force. We had foam darts flying around the room, people modeling new gifts, wrapping paper wars, and never ending laughter.

We were disappointed when the weather made it impossible for family to drive up from Iowa, but they are planning to make the trip for New Years, and it will be wonderful to have them here.

On the writing side, I have been productive. Yesterday, I spent the day working on my Undone duet. I not only finished the first draft, but sent it off to a critique partner who had it back to me within hours. Yes, she’s AWESOME! I will have it sent off to HQN by the end of the month as promised.

I hope you all find the time to play with your new ‘toys’ this week and that your New Year’s celebrations are wonderful!

Merry Christmas!

Yes, it’s almost here! Today I will pick up a couple last minute gift cards, wrap a few more gifts (after buying more paper since I ran out), and make a few more baked goodies. And go out for supper for my Granddaughter’s birthday. (We had her princess party last weekend.) Tomorrow, out of town guests will arrive, and in the evening, we’ll go to our middle son’s house to open gifts with all of the family. On Saturday, we’ll be at our oldest son’s house for more celebrations.

I must admit, I haven’t found the time to get a lot of writing done, which is a bit maddening for me, since I enjoy it so much. I believe Sunday will be my day of rest and writing.

I wish you all happiness, peace, love, and joy!

It's a Wonderful Life

What is your favorite Christmas movie?

My absolute favorite is It's a Wonderful Life! I had to watch it last weekend, and shed a tear or two at the end.

I had the privilege of meeting Karolyn Grimes, the actress who stared as Zuzu. She is a doll of a person, and shared several behind the scene facts. Such as at the end of the movie, when everyone is singing “Auld Lang Syne,” and Jimmy Stewart is smiling and watching Zuzu sing, he was trying hard not to laugh at her. Karolyn said she had no idea what the words were and was simply moving her mouth to match everyone else’s. If you’d like to read more about Karolyn Grimes, her website is www.zuzu.net

Well…it snowed again last weekend—that has become a weekend occurrence this year. And if you haven’t heard, it snowed so much it collapsed the Metro Dome. The Vikings had to fly to Detroit to play last night.

We did manage to get a tree put up, and the granddaughters helped decorate it. Needless to say, the bottom branches have MANY more ornaments than the top ones do, but all in all, I’d say it’s the most beautiful tree we’ve ever had!

Busy week at work, and home...I have a brother visiting from Nebraska until Thursday, and Isabelle turns four on the 23rd! We are celebrating her birthday on Saturday with a princess party.

I’m over at Mixed Book Bag Blog tomorrow, so stop by and say hi!

Holiday wishes to you all!

Frisbee, anyone?

Yes, it snowed again. And, as you can see, Bear, one of our granddogs, found his Frisbee even amongst the mounds of white. He’s a real character, and was the inspiration for the dog, Sammy, in Shotgun Bride, The Quinter Brides Book One, though I don’t tell him that. He already believes he’s inspirational.

Plenty going on this week with holiday gatherings for the various community chambers I belong to, and this coming weekend is my writer’s group’s holiday party. I’m scrounging up ‘white’ elephant gifts. It’s a fun way to recycle, reuse, and regift some things that have been sitting around for a while. What about you? Do you like ‘white’ elephant exchanges, or not?

My Google alert caught this review of A Wife for Big John. I so enjoy hearing from readers. Without them, who would I write for?

I’ll be over at the Minxes of Romance Blog on December 8th, and on the 15th, I’ll be at the Mixed Book Bag Blog with Jo Jones. Stop by either place if you have time!

The new story is going well, but I put it on hold this weekend while I brainstormed some ideas for my HQN editor who asked if I’d be interested in writing a duet for my next Undones. I also must admit that I spent too much time watching American Pickers on the History Channel this weekend. Goodness, I like that show.

That’s all for now, I’m off to my daughter-in-law’s to make Christmas wreaths. Enjoy your week, and take time to count a few blessings, they are endless!