I recorded the Democratic National Convention so that I could fast forward through all the political commentaries and just watch the speeches. I'll do the same with the Republican Convention. I believe it's important to draw my own conclusions before listening to all the media mumbo-jumbo.
During my marathon viewing session, one thing jumped out at me that I didn't expect.
Michelle Obama.
Remember how I commented on the fashion of Sex in the City? You may recall I predicted roses would be popular. Well, check out Mrs. Obama.
Obviously, brooches are a signature of hers. Did you notice, though, that each night those brooches were floral? Since some are comparing her classic style to Jackie-O, perhaps she's one to watch.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Friday, August 29, 2008
El Azteca
When we first moved here, I craved Mexican food and couldn't find it. Eventually we found a Taco Bell that sufficed. It wasn't fabulous, but it was Taco Bell.
A few months ago a little place opened down the street from us. Garrett and I recently ate there and enjoyed it. Last night we went again with my mom, freshly arrived from Oklahoma, and our friend Stephanie, freshly returned from her honeymoon. We weren't disappointed.
A deli sign advertising sandwiches still hangs on one wall from its previous owners. On another wall hangs a black, bespangled sombrero. Another wall is shelved with all sorts of groceries with Spanish labels. Three tables and 8 chairs fill the floor. Two stools hug the window.
The owner is friendly and proud. His personality alone makes me want to keep going back. He told us that he has lots of relatives in Oklahoma, but he didn't want to be around tornadoes.
Yeah, we understand.
The food is authentic. While we were there, lots of customers came in and out. This place has the freshest salsa anywhere. Since we raved about it last night, he brought out guacamole to go with it. We have enough leftovers to last a week.
I may be at the end of my pregnancy, but it's nice to finally have found good Mexican food.
Very bueno.
A few months ago a little place opened down the street from us. Garrett and I recently ate there and enjoyed it. Last night we went again with my mom, freshly arrived from Oklahoma, and our friend Stephanie, freshly returned from her honeymoon. We weren't disappointed.
A deli sign advertising sandwiches still hangs on one wall from its previous owners. On another wall hangs a black, bespangled sombrero. Another wall is shelved with all sorts of groceries with Spanish labels. Three tables and 8 chairs fill the floor. Two stools hug the window.
The owner is friendly and proud. His personality alone makes me want to keep going back. He told us that he has lots of relatives in Oklahoma, but he didn't want to be around tornadoes.
Yeah, we understand.
The food is authentic. While we were there, lots of customers came in and out. This place has the freshest salsa anywhere. Since we raved about it last night, he brought out guacamole to go with it. We have enough leftovers to last a week.
I may be at the end of my pregnancy, but it's nice to finally have found good Mexican food.
Very bueno.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Painting Pottery
Garrett and I found a pottery place in Ridgewood called Color Me Mine. We tried to be craftsy this weekend.
We're not.
But we tried.
Garrett made Max a piggy bank.
I made our family a "you are special" plate for happy occasions.
We get to pick them up on Saturday. Unless, of course, Max has other plans that would involve a visit to Valley Hospital.
We're not.
But we tried.
Garrett made Max a piggy bank.
I made our family a "you are special" plate for happy occasions.
We get to pick them up on Saturday. Unless, of course, Max has other plans that would involve a visit to Valley Hospital.
Friday, August 22, 2008
Girl Scouts Rock
Girl Scouts rock!
When I spoke at HAWK's writing conference this summer, I met a friendly writing group from Arkansas. Later, I received an email from my publisher that Jeannie Stone, one of the fun-loving members, is a Girl Scout leader and wanted to work with Glamour to help the girls achieve their Bronze Award.
I'm thrilled to get to be a part of it. They've scheduled so many fun activities for Glamour's release. The best part is that even if you're not a Girl Scout, you can still attend!
Here's what I know so far.
Friday, November 21 in Fort Smith, Arkansas
I'm not sure of the details on this one.
Saturday, November 22 in Russelville, Arkansas
11-3 Booksigning at Hastings 11-3
5-7 Writing workshop given by yours truly at Pope County Library. We'll focus on journal writing and "Finding your Fairy Voice"
7-midnight Slumber party at Pope County Library. Lots of fun activities are planned that relate to Glamour. During the evening, attendees will receive special patches made just for the event!
Contact Jeannie Stone at 479-747-0210 for more information on the slumber party and writing workshop.
Jeannie's ideas are fabulous, and I can't wait to see her and the girls in action. She's incorporating some of the ideas found on my website as well as coming up with her own. I'm not sure what's been decided, but all of her ideas are based on the novel. I've heard there may be a Native American dancer, an astronomer, a doll maker and much more!
Monday and Tuesday, November 23-24 in Little Rock, Arkansas
I think they're planning more of the same, but I'm not sure of the details.
Contact Meredith Poland at 501-758-1020 or 800-632-6894 ext. 224
If you're in the Arkansas area, I hope you stop by for the booksignings and/or sign up for the slumber parties and writing workshops. It's going to be a blast.
If you have a Girl Scout Troop in another state and would like to incorporate Glamour into your schedule, let me know. I'd love to meet more amazing people and get to be a part of activities.
When I spoke at HAWK's writing conference this summer, I met a friendly writing group from Arkansas. Later, I received an email from my publisher that Jeannie Stone, one of the fun-loving members, is a Girl Scout leader and wanted to work with Glamour to help the girls achieve their Bronze Award.
I'm thrilled to get to be a part of it. They've scheduled so many fun activities for Glamour's release. The best part is that even if you're not a Girl Scout, you can still attend!
Here's what I know so far.
Friday, November 21 in Fort Smith, Arkansas
I'm not sure of the details on this one.
Saturday, November 22 in Russelville, Arkansas
11-3 Booksigning at Hastings 11-3
5-7 Writing workshop given by yours truly at Pope County Library. We'll focus on journal writing and "Finding your Fairy Voice"
7-midnight Slumber party at Pope County Library. Lots of fun activities are planned that relate to Glamour. During the evening, attendees will receive special patches made just for the event!
Contact Jeannie Stone at 479-747-0210 for more information on the slumber party and writing workshop.
Jeannie's ideas are fabulous, and I can't wait to see her and the girls in action. She's incorporating some of the ideas found on my website as well as coming up with her own. I'm not sure what's been decided, but all of her ideas are based on the novel. I've heard there may be a Native American dancer, an astronomer, a doll maker and much more!
Monday and Tuesday, November 23-24 in Little Rock, Arkansas
I think they're planning more of the same, but I'm not sure of the details.
Contact Meredith Poland at 501-758-1020 or 800-632-6894 ext. 224
If you're in the Arkansas area, I hope you stop by for the booksignings and/or sign up for the slumber parties and writing workshops. It's going to be a blast.
If you have a Girl Scout Troop in another state and would like to incorporate Glamour into your schedule, let me know. I'd love to meet more amazing people and get to be a part of activities.
How cool do I feel?
Sonia Gensler, my friend and critique group member, told me about this fascinating blog she learned about while at SCBWI in LA this summer. She's now a contributor.
Kidlit Central News provides all sorts of useful and interesting information regarding children's publishing--especially by or about those in the central United States.
Yesterday, August 21, Sonia was the contributing blogger. She offered an idea that was useful for her about how to critique online. Guess where she says she got it?
No, really, guess.
Moi!
She's so sweet and provides a plug for Glamour (coming to a store near you November 18), my website, and my author blog--which has weekly journal prompts and slightly different material than this site.
Learn more about Sonia by going to her website and her blog. You'll be glad you did. When her novels get published, you'll be able to say that you knew she'd make it big.
The above is a picture of Sonia from the OWFI conference this year. For the last two years, she's won 1st place with two different novels in two different categories. Yeah, she's one to watch!
Kidlit Central News provides all sorts of useful and interesting information regarding children's publishing--especially by or about those in the central United States.
Yesterday, August 21, Sonia was the contributing blogger. She offered an idea that was useful for her about how to critique online. Guess where she says she got it?
No, really, guess.
Moi!
She's so sweet and provides a plug for Glamour (coming to a store near you November 18), my website, and my author blog--which has weekly journal prompts and slightly different material than this site.
Learn more about Sonia by going to her website and her blog. You'll be glad you did. When her novels get published, you'll be able to say that you knew she'd make it big.
The above is a picture of Sonia from the OWFI conference this year. For the last two years, she's won 1st place with two different novels in two different categories. Yeah, she's one to watch!
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Brown Box with Glamour-ous Contents
Garrett came home for lunch and asked if I'd seen the box on the front porch. Nope. He carried it inside so I could open it.
Lovely advanced copies of Glamour gleamed up at me.
Seeing a beautiful book with my name and picture on the cover and my story inside was surreal. The cover is even prettier in person than on the computer screen. The font looks friendly and inviting--especially for tween and teen girls. Admittedly, I was afraid to look too closely for fear I'd see a mistake of some kind even though the publisher sent word that everything is perfect, "glamorous even."
For now, I'm content with admiring the book from afar. I've got to get used to the idea that I'm a published author.
With a hardcover novel.
That you can buy.
At a bookstore.
Yep, this should sink in by November 18--when you can buy a copy of your very own!
Lovely advanced copies of Glamour gleamed up at me.
Seeing a beautiful book with my name and picture on the cover and my story inside was surreal. The cover is even prettier in person than on the computer screen. The font looks friendly and inviting--especially for tween and teen girls. Admittedly, I was afraid to look too closely for fear I'd see a mistake of some kind even though the publisher sent word that everything is perfect, "glamorous even."
For now, I'm content with admiring the book from afar. I've got to get used to the idea that I'm a published author.
With a hardcover novel.
That you can buy.
At a bookstore.
Yep, this should sink in by November 18--when you can buy a copy of your very own!
Monday, August 18, 2008
Point Pleasant Beach, NJ
Garrett drove us to the beach on Sunday. It took at least an hour longer to get there this summer than it did Easter Weekend when we were bundled up like snow skiers. The traffic was horrendous. On the way home, it wasn't quite as bad. But what do I know? I slept most of the ride.
We are definitely amateurs. We took some water, snacks, towels, and a red blanket. I slathered myself with sunscreen that had a 50 rating before we left Park Ridge and once we arrived. (No pregnancy mask for me thankyouverymuch.) We also took a little $5 rain umbrella and a book, but I forgot them in the car. The beach was filled with regulars. They had beach umbrellas, ice chests, beach chairs, and even tents. We, obviously, were not part of their crowd. We did, however, know better than many new parents who tried to force those huge baby strollers across sand.
Spreading our blanket at the first available spot meant that we were nowhere near the actual water. That far out, sun worshipers surrounded us in their tiny bikinis and golden skin. I kept looking for harpooners or Green Peace to spot me.
Not to worry.
When we walked toward the ocean--ah, the sand felt so good on my feet!--we saw the other beach goers. The water was filled with individuals, couples, and families. They were all laughing and having fun. Frolicking is the appropriate word. My first observation was that no woman of a certain age in the midwest or southwest would even consider wearing the swimsuits these women wore. Bikinis abounded.
Well, flesh abounded. Sometimes, the bikinis were rather hard to see. I felt a little more confident in my maternity swimsuit. So did the one woman I saw who covered her bikini with a t-shirt that announced: I'm fat because I'm pregnant. What's your excuse?
The women were typical New Jersey. They wore jewelry at the beach. They carried designer handbags. They wore stylish and expensive swimsuits. You might think they were all pretension. But when a wave knocked one down as she attempted to catwalk with a certain haughtiness because she knew people might be watching, the true Jersey girl came out in her. Her facade broke as she regained her balance and wiped her wet hair out of her face. She guffawed and turned to all those nearby. "So much for trying to be cool."
Because the waves were so strong, I simply stood with my feet in the water and let the waves ebb and flow around me. I was afraid that if I went too deep, Poseidon might knock me down and then I'd go into labor and ruin our day. Garrett, of course, ventured in. He waded out about waist high, turned around, crossed his arms to shiver and mouthed, "It's cold." The lady beside me turned to me and laughed. I guess she thought he was funny, too.
Then again, she may have been laughing at me since I'd placed his hat on top of mine. Attractive, I'm sure.
We are definitely amateurs. We took some water, snacks, towels, and a red blanket. I slathered myself with sunscreen that had a 50 rating before we left Park Ridge and once we arrived. (No pregnancy mask for me thankyouverymuch.) We also took a little $5 rain umbrella and a book, but I forgot them in the car. The beach was filled with regulars. They had beach umbrellas, ice chests, beach chairs, and even tents. We, obviously, were not part of their crowd. We did, however, know better than many new parents who tried to force those huge baby strollers across sand.
Spreading our blanket at the first available spot meant that we were nowhere near the actual water. That far out, sun worshipers surrounded us in their tiny bikinis and golden skin. I kept looking for harpooners or Green Peace to spot me.
Not to worry.
When we walked toward the ocean--ah, the sand felt so good on my feet!--we saw the other beach goers. The water was filled with individuals, couples, and families. They were all laughing and having fun. Frolicking is the appropriate word. My first observation was that no woman of a certain age in the midwest or southwest would even consider wearing the swimsuits these women wore. Bikinis abounded.
Well, flesh abounded. Sometimes, the bikinis were rather hard to see. I felt a little more confident in my maternity swimsuit. So did the one woman I saw who covered her bikini with a t-shirt that announced: I'm fat because I'm pregnant. What's your excuse?
The women were typical New Jersey. They wore jewelry at the beach. They carried designer handbags. They wore stylish and expensive swimsuits. You might think they were all pretension. But when a wave knocked one down as she attempted to catwalk with a certain haughtiness because she knew people might be watching, the true Jersey girl came out in her. Her facade broke as she regained her balance and wiped her wet hair out of her face. She guffawed and turned to all those nearby. "So much for trying to be cool."
Because the waves were so strong, I simply stood with my feet in the water and let the waves ebb and flow around me. I was afraid that if I went too deep, Poseidon might knock me down and then I'd go into labor and ruin our day. Garrett, of course, ventured in. He waded out about waist high, turned around, crossed his arms to shiver and mouthed, "It's cold." The lady beside me turned to me and laughed. I guess she thought he was funny, too.
Then again, she may have been laughing at me since I'd placed his hat on top of mine. Attractive, I'm sure.
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