Monday, February 28, 2011

Missing in Action

Yep, that’s me. Last Monday I decided to paint my kitchen, well, that led to painting the ceiling, which led to painting the dinning room, which led to painting the living room, which led to painting the hallway. I haven’t done the laundry room, yet, I think that’ll be in a few days. All this painting re-energized my muse which is now screaming to get some writing done. Besides, I wrenched my back moving the sofa. Yes, I should have asked DH for help, but he was in the garage and I was on a roll.

Besides painting, we’ve enjoyed overnight company. My mother had another chemo treatment so she spent a few days here, and was great company, as well as a knowledgeable supervisor when it came to paint colors and applications. She worked in a hardware store for years, so she does know her stuff. We also had a fit of giggles while I shaved her head. The doctor said her hair would fall out on day 18 and right on schedule it did. She asked me to get rid of the rest before it fell in her soup. And on Saturday night our oldest granddaughter wanted to have a sleep over. Papa and I enjoyed our day with her yesterday and per her instructions, had supper at KFC and dessert at Dairy Queen before taking her home. Life certainly is good.

Now, that I’ve cleaned up the last paint roller and re-hung the last dead animal (my home décor demonstrates my hubby’s love of hunting) I’m going to spend the rest of the day catching up on emails and getting some of the scenes playing in my head on paper.

Wildcat Bride, The Quinter Brides book 5
has officially hit the coming soon page at the Wild Rose Press Website. Also, if you’re interested, visit here to view some great original pictures of the Civil War Era.

Have a great week, everyone!

Monday, February 21, 2011

Lots and Lots of Snow

Like 12-15 inches of snow since yesterday, and it’s still falling. I do believe I’m snowed in. DH left with the plow truck a couple hours ago, and I can’t even see the trail he left in the driveway. Since I don’t have to go anywhere today, it would be a perfect day to write, but the black moment in my latest WIP needs to be fleshed out a bit more. I do that best when I’m busy, so I’m thinking about painting my kitchen. I did the downstairs bathroom last week and really like how it turned out…We’ll just have to see what the day brings.

We celebrated our granddaughter’s birthday on Saturday. (She turns two on Thursday.) Papa is her favorite word and person. As guests started to arrive, she snuggled up next to him and didn’t move until it was time to open gifts, which she tore into like a well-seasoned pro.

I received a lovely review from the Long and Short of It Reviews for Guardian Bride last week. Reviewer Camellia said, “With memorable metaphors and a special guardian angel, Lauri Robinson sweeps the reader into the Quinters’ lives…”

That’s about it from my little spot in the world today. I’m off to scrub the kitchen walls. Maybe they don’t need paint….

I hope you’re enjoying your day, whether it’s sunny or snowy, warm or cold.

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

E-Readers

As many of you know, I received a Kindle for Christmas, and yes, I’m still loving it. I tucks so nicely into my Miche purse (of which I just got two new shells). The Kindle makes it is so convenient to read a few pages while waiting practically anywhere, and it’s eliminated that stack of books on my bedside table.

It seems every time I pull it out, someone either says, “Oh, I got a Kindle (or Nook) for Christmas. I love it!” or “Is that a Kindle? Can I see it? I’ve been considering getting one.” Once in awhile someone will say, “I’ll never get one of those. I love the feel of a book too much.” Or “That would make my eyes hurt.”

It seems e-readers were the gift of the season, for all ages. Sales in e-books have continued to increase since December, and libraries have seen a drastic increase in people ‘borrowing’ e-books. (I still have to figure out that app.)

As for the eye-strain, or the feel of a book…In my opinion—it’s inconsequential. Eye-strain happens if you do one thing for too long, including reading paper books. And I still can hold a book between my hands. I have shelves of them; have even picked up a few since getting the Kindle. For me the e-reader is a welcome alternative, not an end-all to how I read in the past.

Okay, enough opinion sharing. I’m off to my WIP. I left the hero and heroine in a cave with a bank robber last night, and am anxious to see what happens.

Create memories today. You’ll be glad you did.

Monday, February 14, 2011

Valentine's Day

Yes, it’s the day to celebrate the love in your life, whether it’s your soul mate, your family members, or your current love interest. I have so many wonderful Valentine’s Day memories it’s hard to pick a favorite. I remember receiving a valentine from a boy in grade school that I didn’t even know, and another time, a flower from a secret admirer. Do you remember making those Valentine’s Day mailboxes to sit on your desk? I do, and I remember when our school made the rule we had to bring a valentine for everyone in the class, which, really should have been in place all along. After all, that is just commonsense.

I remember helping my sons fill out their valentines and attach candy to each one, and reading through the ones they’d received when they got home from school. I still have some of the wonderful homemade cards the boys gave me over the years. My hubby has surprised me many times over the years with flowers, candy, one year it was a puppy, (but that’s a whole other story) and wonderful evenings out. As we’ve aged, we’ve discovered it’s more fun to stay home and cook a special meal together rather than find a place that still takes reservations. I truly detest those little buzzing boxes restaurants provide waiting customers. My most special Valentine’s Day was probably the one he gave me a new wedding ring set. I had lost the diamond out of my original set and instead of replacing it, as he said he was doing, he surprised me with a new set.

I plan on spending this special day doing one of the things I love most. Writing. I’m making wonderful progress on my latest WIP and in completing the edits on my contracted stories. The first of which will be released in May—the title is yet to be determined, but Wildcat Bride, the fifth Quinter Bride book will be released on April 1st.

I’m off now, to the mountains of Colorado where I left my hero and heroine searching for the Wanda Lou gold mine. I hope each of you has a wonderful day, filled with many pleasures and expressions of love from those you treasure.

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Research Tidbit

I love research, and lately I stumbled upon this bit of information:

In 1880, thirty-nine years before National Prohibition, Kansas legislators passed an amendment that made it illegal to manufacture or sell intoxicating liquors in the state. Many saloons operated illegally, or became known as ‘private clubs’ depending on local laws. Of course druggist and doctors could dispense alcohol for medicinal purposes. A saddle sore or boil was an often aliment, and one report said depending on the size and location of the boil, the prescription for treatment could include up to 12 pints of spirits and 30 bottles of beer—all of which was to be consumed within eleven days.

Hmmm…makes you wonder about Miss Kitty’s Long Branch Saloon, and “Doc” on Gunsmoke, doesn’t it?

Speaking of “Doc”…Several years ago my aunt and uncle purchased a house in Burton, Kansas. The home had a closet that every time you closed the door, the light came on. Turned out the home was originally owned by Milburn (“Doc” on Gunsmoke) Stone’s mother, and she had been the local telephone operator. The closet was where she had the switchboard and the light switch was installed in the door frame.

Cold here again today, with dangerous wind-chill advisories. The edits on the contracted UNDONE stories are going well, and my mother came up with a story line that’s rolling around in my head. People often say they have a good idea for a story or that I should write one about them—I haven’t used one before, but her idea has really intrigued me. Of course, I do need to finish several others first.

Stay warm, be happy (yes, it’s a choice), and enjoy the day!

Thursday, February 3, 2011

A Winter Warm Up...

Yes, that’s what the weather man promises, and I’m looking forward to it. The wind this morning was brittle. But, I must also mention, he promised a drop back into the deep freeze later in the week with his next breath. Oh, well, life is full of ups and downs, isn’t it? As I type this, my mother is taking a nap on my sofa. A month ago she was diagnosed with Lymphoma and had her first Chemo treatment today, which she came through with flying colors! It’s been a month of test, scans, biopsies, and doctor visits, and she’s been a real trooper through it all. She’s 79 and her oncologist keeps telling her this would be a whole different ball game if she was old and frail. Everyone is very optimistic about the final outcome, and we’re extremely thankful for the wonderful care she’s received from all of the doctors, nurses, surgeons, and other medical professionals. Thank you to all of you who have included her in your thoughts and prayers and put her on your prayer lists. It’s sincerely appreciated.

On the writing side, I’ve finished book one of the three book contract, and having loads of fun with book two and three. These two stories complete a duet of Undones about two widows and the local marshal and his deputy. And I’m still plugging away on the gold mine story. Life is good.

I’m off now to make supper and then Mom, DH, and I are going to watch Secretariat.

Have a great weekend, everyone, and be kind to yourself. You are your own best friend.