Black Friday Madness

What is up with people waiting on lines in the middle of the night in the freezing cold? Okay, okay, you get some awesome deals but you see the worst of the shopping humanity. I love shopping - when there are not a gazillion people with the same idea at the same moment. I admit I was out there with them but not until 6 am. I missed the best deals because I wasn't on line with the die-hards. But I still got a two station cordless phone for free after the rebate and a fax/scanner/copier/printer for $40 after the rebates.
I'm proud to say that my holiday shopping is now nearly complete. After a late start, (by my standards) I got a running start and threw myself into it. All I have left to buy is some stupid figurine toy for my nephew and colognes for my in-laws. Pretty darned good.
Anyway, good news on the writing front. I've had another request for a full manuscript. Keep your fingers crossed.

Lucy Bakes!

Okay - I admit it - I'm a fabulous cook but a lousy baker. My husband says I'm "cookie challenged." I've made my mother's pecan raisin pie a dozen or more times and it came out perfect each time. But not yesterday. I think I overbaked it. (I"ll blame that on my a-little-too-hot oven) So this morning I had to brave the supermarket on the day before Thanksgiving (can you say cluster f*%&#k?) And here I sit, waiting for the darned thing to bake. Wish me luck! Braving the supermarket is nothing next to facing the holidays with the inlaws. I need your prayers for that one!

Have a great Thanksgiving and don't eat too much pie. Just pretend I made it and it won't taste quite as good!

Home Sweet Home

I've returned from NYC and boy O boy does it feel good to take a shower in my own shower and lay on my own bed! Mission accomplished (Ick - did I sound like someone just then?) How embarrassing.

I came home to find my fist short story was released from The Wild Rose Press. It'll only set you back a buck-fifty, so run over to www.thewildrosepress.com and check it out. Write me a review while you're at it;-)

BTW, we took an Amtrak train all the way from New York to Orlando - my husband is such a good sport. He indulges me for all sorts of reasons. This time it was because I hate to fly. Yes - I know. I'm a wimp. Everyone from my family to the bag boy at my supermarket has pointed that out. Do me a favor - if you know someone with a phobia, don't tell them to just get over it. That's simplistic and unrealistic. As long as it doesn't cause you harm, let them be. Okay - stepping off the soap box now. Time to start making some cranberry chutney for Thanksgiving. Have a great holiday.

I took the plunge

It's official - I'm crazy. Today, I was voted in as Prez of my local writers' organization. Yes - I'm head honcho of a group of nearly 70 women. These are not shrinking violets, mind you. They're strong, accomplished, kick-ass ladies.
On another subject, I leave for the big apple in a couple of days. Have to help the folks move out of the house I grew up in. I wonder if I'll get choked up...
On a happier note, I just started a new book that seems pretty good. It's Barbara Samuel's Madame Mirabou's School of Love. I'm taking the train so I have 3 books packed along with holiday cards to write out and my MP3.
My fractured foot is almost heeled (pun!) and I've decided to leave the ski boot of a cast at home. Hope I can survive in sneakers. If not, no problem - the left one works just fine.

Hello Out There...

Welcome to my brand new blog. I'll be talking about the books and stories I'm writing, my home and family and cool stuff that gives me ideas to draw from.

A little about me...I'm a Floridian by way of Long Island. Went to college in the Sunshine State and decided to stay. I met my adorable hubby in a tanning salon I used to own and the rest is history. We have 2 teenagers!!! Yes - I think we'll survive.

I'm currently working on a long short story - wait - is that an oxymoron? I have two full-length ChickLit novels out - both online. The second, Compromising Positions will be released in print in February. I also have a short story in a print anthology coming to bookstores in March.

As I write this, I'm trying to teach my daughter to crochet - something I haven't done in about 25 years. I guess it's like riding a bike. Only problem is - it just came back to me why I stopped - I can only make long straight things. I think I made about 2 dozen scarves. My Dad was the only one who wore his - it looked like an endless orange and blue road! There must be a stpry in there somewhere. Off to work.