Just a swingin'

The weather was beautiful in Oklahoma. However, I'd forgotten how windy it is. The same temperature in NJ is much warmer in the winter than it is in Oklahoma. Still, we enjoyed sitting on the porch. My mother didn't think Max was warm enough.
So she dressed him in an adorable pram outfit she'd purchased him.

He seemed to like it. Doesn't he look cozy?
I love porch swings. My parents have a great front porch and the weather was great, so I was able to indulge in my porch swing desire. Since they've lived there, it's been one of my favorite places. Holding Max made it even better.

Finding his feet at 12 weeks

In the past I'd tickled Max's feet and he'd reacted to the sensation in surprise, even looking at his feet like they were some sort of magical tickle apparatus. Once I noticed him examining his feet like, Hey, who put these here? Granted, I usually keep his tootsies covered with socks, so that may be why he didn't discover them sooner.

On my dad's lap, though, stripped of his socks, he found his feet.
And he was enthralled.

Growing at 11 weeks

He looks like such a big boy in this picture! I feel like I should get him a backpack and put him on the school bus.

Release Party

Upon entering the library, people encountered this beautiful table filled with books about fairies. Since EMHS is the home of the bulldogs, even the dogs on the table had wings! It couldn't have been any cuter. Beside the table are my friends Brenda and Carole.
As soon as we arrived, Max's fans mobbed him. Below are some of my dear friends from book club and the teaching days: Carol, Mary Jo, Brenda, and Cheryl. For weeks I'd been quizzing Garrett about what he was supposed to do that night. His instructions were clear. He was expected to stand guard beside Max and not let anyone touch him without slathering hands with sanitizer. His mission totally failed. Before I'd even handed Max over to Carol, Garrett was mingling...far away from his appointed position. The ladies pictured below knew their business, though. I saw them ordering Max's admirers to rid themselves of germs before sharing him. Ah, I love these women.

This angle doesn't do justice to the treats prepared by the book club. I mentioned on my website what great cooks the members are. Do I even need to mention that these were no ordinary cookies? When I told my parents that they were all homemade, they couldn't believe it. I swear, the table looked like something out of Martha Stewart Living or Family Circle. It was beautiful. An adorable frog hid out below the centerpiece and tiny frogs were sprinkled like confetti all over the table. Even the impressive floral arrangement was created by Sandra, who is a college professor, not a florist. These women have skills. Below, Elizabeth is checking out the goodies while Cheryl supervises.
After catching up with people and reading the first chapter of Glamour to my captive audience, I signed books. It was so fun. Best of Books sold books...until they ran out. (I heard they ordered more, though, so you can still get your copy in Edmond.) I loved seeing so many people I care about in one room...and they were buying my book! The experience was surreal. I was blown away with kindness. How cute are the girls in the picture below? The visable adults in the pic are Cheryl, Debbie, Sandra, Amy, Christy, Cheryl, and Susan.
Here's a picture of Garrett mingling with our friends Derek, Jenni and their kiddos--instead of guarding Max from germs. Jenni was one of my first readers for Glamour.
Over Garrett's shoulder is my dad. Unfortunately, this is the only photo of him that I have from the evening. I don't have one of my mom--even with the writing group! How did I not get a picture with my family?

Below are part of The Inklings: Lisa, Kelly, and Sonia. Not pictured are Martha, Dee Dee, Shel, and moi. Kelly and Brenda helped put together the whole release shebang and did a great job. Doesn't Kelly look relieved that it's almost over? By the way, study the faces of the ladies below. Each are talented writers who will be famous one day.

Dee Dee is another talented Inkling. She's the lady in the middle of the picture below. Sandy and Sharee are sandwiching her. They are two of the hardest working ladies I know. And funny. Oh, yeah. If you need a good laugh, wander the halls until you run into one of them.
Let me first say that I'm not as fat as this picture makes me look. However, I had to include the picture because Amy Tebow is in it. When I lived in Oklahoma, she was responsible for making me feel pretty. I miss her so much. But there's no reason you should have to. She's at 33rd Street Salon in Edmond. Amy is the fastest cut this side of the Mississippi...and amazing. So, go to her. You won't regret it.
Hey! I just noticed my dad is in the background of this picture, too! It's kind of like playing Where's Waldo?, isn't it?

This picture showed me that another party was going on outside the library. Max is being held by Garrett's mom Mary. The other little boys in the picture are Johnny and Jennifer's twins who were born on the same day as Max. Aren't they adorable? It only makes sense that they were wanting to hang out and get started on their friendship.
To all of you who made this night one of the best in my life: Thank you!

To all of you who have photos: Please email me!

Workshop at EMHS

After two weeks away, I'm finally back in NJ. If anyone has any pics from recent book events, please send them my way. I'd love to post them.

Glamour's official release was November 18. I kicked off the day with a writing workshop for students at Edmond Memorial High School. It was a lot of fun to teach again. However, I'd forgotten just how exhausting it could be.

The students' enthusiasm was impressive and inspirational. Several students told me about novel ideas they were working on. I didn't hear a single idea that wouldn't make a fantastic book. Those teens are creative. Here they are during the workshop.
The library has been renovated since I taught at EMHS. Doesn't it look magnificent?

Outside the library was a bulletin board about my book. So cool.

Creative writing teacher Kelly Bristow and librarian Brenda Price organized the visit. Back in my teaching days, I organized a few author visits so I know how much work it is. From my side, everything appeared seamless. They did a beautiful job. I loved that I was able to return to where so much of Glamour actually started.

THANK YOU!

This week has been great. I'm really behind on blogging and posting pics. Max has met lots of relatives and friends who have showered him with love.

Plus, Glamour has officially had her coming out party. Tuesday night's release party was incredible. Thank you to all the people who rolled out. I can't wait to share pictures with you. If anyone has some, please send them to me and I'll try to post them.

Kelly Bristow and Brenda Price hosted me as a guest author with Edmond Memorial High School students during the day. These students were incredible. They loved reading and writing. Plus, they asked great questions. I was impressed. (When a boy told me my shoes looked like Elphaba's from Wicked, I knew I was among my people.)

As if the workshop with the kiddos wasn't wonderful enough, the release party that night was even better. The library was decorated with fairy wings and frogs. Circle of Friends book club had delicious treats for people attending. Best of Books was there with stacks of Glamour--and they sold out! I heard they're ordering more, though, so drop by to get your copy. It was better than I ever could have imagined. I am so blessed. I loved getting to read my book to so many good people and friends and family. Thanks for helping me celebrate.

Tonight was a signing at Herwelden mansion in Tulsa, OK. Authors from Oklahoma sold their books. I was hanging out with the likes of William Bernhardt, Ally Carter, Kim Donner, and Billie Letts. Yeah, I felt pretty cool. Best of all, lots of pals from my hometown dropped by to get a copy of my book. It was great to see them. Again, if anyone has any pics, I'd love to post them on my blog!

Thanks to everyone who has made this week a total success.

Now, if Max will go to sleep, I can get some beauty rest. We need to leave Tulsa in just a few hours. I get to meet the students at Russelville Middle School in Arkansas tomorrow morning at 11:30.

Today is the big day!

I'm so excited!

Today is the big day of the official release of Glamour. Apparently, you've been able to purchase it online for a while, but today is official.

In a few hours I'm going to Edmond Memorial High School to give a writing workshop. I heard 70 kids signed up and they turned others away. It will be fun to "teach" again.

If you're in the Oklahoma City metro tonight, please drop by EMHS in Edmond. They're hosting a release party and book signing in the library. It's at 1000 E. 15th. Hope to see you there!

Glamour swag...to buy

Garrett helped me set up a shop online since I don't know how to convert my ideas to jpg files. I still have more plans, but we went ahead and posted the shirts already created.

A link to the shop is on my website. Go here to check it out: www.brandibarnett.com/buystuff

You may think they're just t-shirts, but I think you'll be surprised at how versatile they are. Here are some ideas for where to wear your shirt:

a Glamour booksigning
a first date
the prom
a job interview
a slumber party
the gym
a voting booth
a basketball game
summer school
a canoe trip
a shopping spree
your cousin's graduation
a book club meeting
a study group
during standardized tests
a PTA meeting
a college visit

so...basically...do I have this straight?

any school event
any work event
any social event

Yep. Enjoy.

I hope to see you at one of the Glamour events. More are planned, so keep checking back here for updates: www.brandibarnett.com/events If you'd like to arrange one, contact me at brandi at brandibarnett.com.

Movies

National Treasure: Book of Secrets
G's opinion: 3 of 5 stars. It was entertaining but not really much substance to it.
B's opinion: 1 of 5 stars. A dumb American's Da Vinci Code. I felt the first one was pretty lame and can't believe I wasted time on the second. And who out there will watch the third? Granted, I'm not fully qualified to give it a rating because I couldn't bring myself to finish it. After recognizing no fewer than four rip-offs from better movies and acknowledging that there was no real motivation for many of the characters' actions, I couldn't bear it. Of course, the next morning, I asked Garrett how it ended and was unimpressed to learn it was just as I expected, so I might as well claim I've seen the whole thing.

Miss Potter
G's opinion:4 of 5 stars. A very interesting representation of an author I knew little about. From everything I read online, it was factually done.
B's opinion: 5 of 5 stars. I loved it. Renee Zellweger was a convincing and quirky Beatrix Potter. I don't remember the stories much from childhood, but I love the art. And they cleverly animate it at times so that the audience sees the characters as Miss Potter does--adorable and full of life.

W.
G's opinion: 4 of 5 stars. I learned an interesting perspective on the president's life. It wasn't a negative portrayal, as I expected, but it seemed to be more of an accurate one. They tried to show the good and the bad. At times you'd think he wasn't a bad guy and other times you'd think, what an idiot.
B's opinion: 4 of 5 stars. It wasn't another Saturday Night Live skit. For the most part, it wasn't a skit with outlandish caricatures...except maybe one. The person who should really be upset about character assassination is Condoleezza Rice. They made her seem no more than a female, bobble-headed, Rain Man. Colin Powell was steady and level-headed, a man of conviction. Dick Cheney came across as the real "brain" behind all the mistakes as well as being a major jerk. For the most part, everyone was played as the media always depicts them. However, George W. is shown as a man living in the shadow of his father, never feeling that he can live up to his expectations. The movie parallels the biblical Father and Son with those two, at least that's how W. sees it. My favorite line from the movie: I'll never be out-Texanned or out-Christianned again.

Reasons I love my iPhone

I'm slow to embrace new technology. I find something I like and stick with it. So, I wasn't in a rush to get this iPhone thingamajig Garrett was so pumped about.

But I totally see the light now.

Here are a few reasons I love my iPhone.

1. It has a nightlight on it.
2. That can look like a lighter so I can wave it above my head and pretend I'm at a concert when music plays.
3. It has a light saber application so I can battle evil and hear the cool sound as I kick Vader's butt. (And no, I don't feel stupid pretending my iPhone is a light saber. The Force is with me.)
4. It has a Magic 8 Ball app. All I have to do is ask a question, shake the iPhone, and my future is secure.
5. I can check out movie times and watch trailers anywhere at anytime.
6. I can read the New York Times in the middle of the night while I'm feeding Max.
7. I can learn a vocabulary word daily.
8. I can find my way way to the closest subway station with its cool GPS.
9. It has a white noise sound that also has the sounds of fire, crickets, fans, rain, etc.
10. I can keep my calendar on it.
11. I can keep my address book on it.
12. I can talk into it and it types a semi-accurate list of things-to-do.
13. I can take cute pics of Max with it.
14. I can listen to music.
15. I can hold it up to a song that's playing and it will tell me the name of the song and who is singing it.
15. I can read novels on it.
16. I can look up reviews on a product online while standing at the store.
17. I can check my email.
18. It's a phone.
19. It looks cool.
20. I'm sure there are many more things I'll love that I don't even know about yet!

9 weeks old

Tuesday, November 4 was historic because of the presidential election.

It was also Max's 2 month check up...with vaccinations.

Halloween was over, but I think they had us in the haunted house section of the practice. Screams and wails of terrified children in pain filled the halls and crept under the closed door. The sounds seemed to stress out Max because he whimpered. The little crease between his eyes deepened with worry. Eventually, the screeching kiddos calmed down or left the building.

And the pediatrician came into our room.

She definitely likes children, and they like her back. She bragged on him and examined him. (Apparently, he's advanced for his age and is at a 4 month level developmentally in several areas. Not that I'm bragging or anything....)The first vaccination was some sort of red liquid, which Max lapped up in no time. The shots were next. The doctor stabbed Max with the second of four shots before he registered the pain. He transformed from a drooling, cooing baby to a baby with a scrunched up face. He looked directly at me and cried. I felt like he was saying, "I thought I could trust you...you're supposed to keep me from being hurt...waaaah." As I cuddled him, I wanted to cry right along with him and didn't care that the blood from his shots smeared my shirt.

Before long, he was much happier. Few side effects occurred. A little fussy. A little warm. He didn't sleep too well that night.

We think he's okay, though. 'Cause last night he slept for 8 hours straight. Which means we did, too.

Yes, we can--and did!

It's a time of change in America. From the looks of the other elections, our nation is ready for one. From the reactions of other countries, the world is ready for one, too.

Charisma is a powerful thing. Obama moves people. He has been compared to great American leaders: Lincoln, King, Kennedy. I certainly hope he has a happier fate--and that we aren't disappointed in his ability to carry out his vision. I also hope that those who oppose him will "cross the aisle" and remember that we truly are the United States of America. I love that Americans logged off their Facebook pages and set down their Wiis long enough to vote. It's heartwarming to know that our citizens recognize that they do make a difference.

Still, I want to hand it to John McCain. I respect the man and Garrett has sung his praises for years. I thought his concession speech was lovely. I was pleased to see that for once he actually quelled the booers in the audience. It always bothered me that he seemed to encourage the idiots rather than stop them like Biden and Obama did. McCain is better than such juvenile behavior, and he proved it last night. Also, his speech seemed more heartfelt than most of his during the election. And was it me...or did he seem a little relieved? No doubt about it, he is a countryman to be honored.

Palin envoked a little pity as she stood up there with her "first dude" and her pretty eyes watered. She knows she'll be blamed for the defeat--even if the Republican party "Quayled" her to begin with. We've not seen the last of her, though, don't ya know. She's got spunk. I'd proudly nominate her to the party of daytime television. She'd make a swell talk show host.

I'm so proud to be an American. I'm proud of our candidates and the diversity they represent. Lastly, I'm proud that we live in a nation where when the people speak...they are heard.

New moms can save your job

The mall was eerie. Few people were shopping. It made the recession that's all over the news when they're not talking about politics feel very real. Workers stood around at kiosks with no one to talk to as they passed by. Some store employees were so accustomed to doing nothing that they didn't offer service when they saw an actual customer. Too bad. Before long I fear many will be out of a job.

Here's a suggestion for anyone working in the retail industry:

If you see a woman pushing a stroller containing a tiny baby, wait on her. Make suggestions. Bring her anything you think might look good on her. She's gone to the trouble of getting out of the house. She will buy something. If you work on commission, this customer is your dream.

Why? Because if that baby is still little, she's aching to get out of her maternity clothes but probably can't get any of her pre-pregnancy clothes over her hips. None of her tops will fit either because things are bigger there, too. She has no idea what her size is. If she doesn't have to look at the sizes--which are so much larger than they were several months ago--and can put on clothes that actually fit and that have a real, not elastic, waist band, she will be happy. Happy women buy stuff.

No one offered to help me, so I didn't buy stuff. One of these days, I'm going back to some of those stores carrying lots of shopping bags like Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman so I can say, "Big mistake. Huge."

So, remember...new moms=easy targets.

Paparazzi strikes again

This photo is another one courtesy of Uncle Brett. It's obviously from Max's younger days. I guess he was sneaking out of the house when we finally fell asleep around here. He was edited out of the Star Wars movies. I've seen them with Yoda, but not Max here.

I later learned that Yoda's quote of "Do or do not. There is no try" was actually stolen from Max who said, "Doo doo or doo doo not. There is no try."

Yep. Words to live by.

Glamour: I'm in the news!

My friend Lisa just sent an email sharing that an article had been in her local newspaper.

Read it here.

If you're in the Oklahoma City area on November 18, please come by Edmond Memorial High School at 7:00. I'd love to chat and sign a book for you!