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Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Waiting on Wednesday


What I'm Reading: Just Breathe by Susan Wiggs

What I'm Working On: Tutoring, not writing tonight.

Waiting on Wednesday
Waiting on: The Girl She Used to Be by David Cristofano

Release date: March 19, 2009 by Grand Central Publishing

Synopsis: When Melody Grace McCartney was six years old, she and her parents witnessed an act of violence so brutal that it changed their lives forever. The federal government lured them into the Witness Protection Program with the promise of safety, and they went gratefully. But the program took Melody's name, her home, her innocence, and, ultimately, her family. She's been May Adams, Karen Smith, Anne Johnson, and countless others--everyone but the one person she longs to be: herself. So when the feds spirit her off to begin yet another new life in another town, she's stunned when a man confronts her and calls her by her real name. Jonathan Bovaro, the mafioso sent to hunt her down, knows her, the real her, and it's a dangerous thrill that Melody can't resist. He's insistent that she's just a pawn in the government's war against the Bovaro family. But can she trust her life and her identity to this vicious stranger whose acts of violence are legendary?
Why: First, it's billed as a romance -- by a guy. I always find it interesting to read a man's take on love and romance. (Exampe: The Bridges of Madison County -- which I love!) Second, the conflict should be pretty high, both the internal conflicts and the romance and the external problems. If it's good, I may choose it as my book club rec. Fun stuff.
PS. Sorry about missing this week's manic Monday. I missed it because this week was so, well, manic.
M

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Waiting on Wednesday



What I'm Reading: Just Breathe by Susan Wiggs

What I'm Working On: Tutoring, not writing tonight.

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on: Lover Avenged by J. R. Ward

Release date: April 28, 2009 by Penguin

Synopsis: The brothers are back-the latest installment in J. R. Ward's sizzling #1 New York Times bestselling series.
J. R. Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood novels have introduced readers to a "different, creative, dark, violent, and flat-out amazing" (All About Romance) world. Now, as the vampire warriors defend their race against their slayers, one male's loyalty to the Brotherhood will be tested-and his dangerous mixed blood revealed . . . .
Rehvenge has always kept his distance from the Brotherhood-even though his sister is married to a member, for he harbors a deadly secret that could make him a huge liability in their war against the lessers. As plots within and outside of the Brotherhood threaten to reveal the truth about Rehvenge, he turns to the only source of light in his darkening world, Ehlena, a vampire untouched by the corruption that has its hold on him-and the only thing standing between him and eternal destruction.

Why: I will admit that my TBR pile has grown so substantially that I haven't read the most recent Black Dagger Brotherhood book, but I love the series none-the-less. I'm sure I'll make time to catch up on the series before Lover Avenged comes out. Ward has created a world that I envy as a writer. She's made her vampire series shine in a genre that's becoming over-written. AND, her heroes are some of the yummiest characters in commercial fiction!

Monday, February 16, 2009

Manic Monday

What I'm Reading: Just Breathe by Susan Wiggs

What I'm Working On: Wondering if I should go with the new idea or pursue the old one....... (help!)

Here are today's Manic Monday Questions:

1. Of all your favorite foods, which one would you find the most difficult to give up for the rest of your life?

Oh, this is tough. I love food, but my favorite food is french fries, so I'll go with that one.

2. Which month of the year do you think best describes your personality?

October. I'm an autumn person -- in coloring and disposition. I just love October!

3. If you could be a contestant on any game show, past or present, which show would you pick?

I'm not much for game shows, but I always loved The Family Feud. I used to think about who I'd take with me to feud. Hmmm...... the DH, my neice, my brother......

Saturday, February 14, 2009

My scooter!!!

What I'm Reading: The Translator by Dauod Hari and The Good, Good Pig by Sy Montgomery

What I'm Working On: Still working on that new idea......


I thought I'd post a few pics of my Valentine's day present from the DH. I actually got it last Sunday. I'm having so much fun on it. At about 80 mpg and $2 to fill it up, my carbon foot print is shrinking. Woo Hoo!!!!!












Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Waiting on Wednesday


What I’m Reading: The Alchemist by Paolo Coelho and The Good, Good Pig by Sy Montgomery

What I'm Working On: Something new

"Waiting on Wednesday":

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

Release date: September 1st 2009 by Scholastic, Inc.

Synopsis:
Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has won the annual Hunger Games with fellow district tribute Peeta Mellark. But it was a victory won by defiance of the Capitol and their harsh rules. Katniss and Peeta should be happy. After all, they have just won for themselves and their families a life of safety and plenty. But there are rumors of rebellion among the subjects, and Katniss and Peeta, to their horror, are the faces of that rebellion. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge.

Why:
Hunger Games was brilliant. It was such an amazing read. Suzanne Collins is an imaginative and story-telling genius. I'll be pre-ordering this one!!!

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

The Soundtrack of your Life, part 2

What I'm Reading: The Alchemist by Paolo Coelho and The Good, Good Pig by Sy Montgomery

What I'm Working On: Something new

It was fun to complete the Soundtrack of Your Live meme a few days ago -- so fun, in fact, that I decided to do another with the Writer's Journey. Tag. (Same rules as last time.)

The stages of the Writer's journey

1. Ordinary World: Love Me if You Can by Toby Keith
2. Call to Adventure: Switch by Will Smith
3. Refusal of the Call: Paralyzer by Finger Eleven
4. Meeting the Mentor: The Trouble I'm In by Gavin Rossdale
5. Crossing the First Threshold: Chains and Things by B. B. King
6. Tests, Allies, Enemies: Meant to Live by Switchfoot
7. Approach to the Inmost Cave: Faded by Soul Decision
8. Ordeal: Heaven by Live
9. Reward (Siezing the Sword): Realize by Colbie Cailat
10. The Road Back: If Everyone Cared by Nickelback
11. Resurrection: Fell on Black Days by Soundgarden
12. Return with the Elixir: Fear by Sarah McLachlan

Monday, February 9, 2009

Manic Monday

What I'm Reading: A Journal for Jordan by Dana Canedy and The Alchemist by Paolo Coelho

Here are today's Manic Monday questions.

1. What is your favorite candy?
Chocolate. Dark preferably.

2. Name one thing that you'd want to receive as a gift for Valentine's day.
My DH just bought be the coolest il Bello scooter. It's the perfect V-day gift!

3.Can we truly love someone who loves another?
I think we can pine for them or wish for them, but love is a two-way street so probably not.

Saturday, February 7, 2009

The Soundtrack of Your Life, part 1

What I'm Reading: A Journal for Jordan by Dana Canedy and The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

What I'm Working On: Uh....

I snagged this from Alyson who snagged it from Mel. It's kind of fun. If you're reading, you're tagged.

IF YOUR LIFE WAS A MOVIE, WHAT WOULD THE SOUNDTRACK BE?


So, here's how it works:

1. Open your library (iTunes, Winamp, Media Player, iPod, etc)

2. Put it on shuffle

3. Press play

4. For every question, type the song that's playing

5. When you go to a new question, press the next button

6. No cheating and doctoring your list to make yourself look cooler than the person you took this from



Opening Credits: Clair de Lune by the APM Orchestra (from the Twilight soundtrack)

First Day at School: Seasons Change by Corinne Bailey Raye


Breaking Up: Since I've Been Loving You by Corrine Bailey Raye

Prom: Like a Star by Corrine Bailey Raye (no, she is not the only artist on my ipod)

Sex Scene: The Thrill is Gone by B.B.King (hmm, not sure what that's saying....)

Life’s Ok: Save Me by Shine Down

Mental: Gotta Be Somebody by Nickelback

Flashback: Everybody's Fool by Evanescence

Getting Back Together: Full Moon by the Black Ghosts (From the Twilight Soundtrack)

Wedding Scene: Come a Little Closer by Dierks Bentley

Birth of Child: Not Ready to Make Nice by the Dixie Chicks

Falling In Love: More Time by NeedtoBreathe (From the P.S. I Love You soundtrack

Final Battle: Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd

Death Scene: Voice of Truth by Casting Crowns

End Credits: Call Me by Shinedown

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Waiting on Wednesday

What I’m Reading: Finding Nouf by Zoe Ferraris, The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, and A Journal for Jordan by Dana Canedy


"Waiting on Wednesday":

Smooth Talking Stranger by Lisa Kleypas
Release date: March 31st 2009 by St. Martin's Press

Synopsis:
Jack Travis leads the uncomplicated life of a millionaire Texas playboy. He makes no commitments, he loves many women, he lives for pleasure. But no one has ever truly touched his heart or soul. Until one day, a woman appears on his doorstep with fury on her face and a baby in her arms. It seems Jack is the father and this woman is the baby’s aunt. The real mother has abandoned the child to her more responsible sister. And now, Jack is being called upon to take responsibility for the first time in his life. With delicious romantic tension, characters so real they walk onto the page and into your heart, Lisa Kleypas delivers the kind of novel that makes you laugh, love; cry and cheer.

Why:
Because Sugar Daddy and Blue-Eyed Devil were two of the best books I read last year. Enough said.

Monday, February 2, 2009

Manic Monday

What I’m Reading: Finding Nouf by Zoe Ferraris, The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, and A Journal for Jordan by Dana Canedy

What I’m Working On: Didn’t I promise to start writing? Okay. Today I’ll do it. 100 words a day will at least be a start.


Here are this week’s Manic Monday Questions. If you’re reading, you’re tagged.

1. What's the most embarrassing song on your iPod (or music collection)?
Oh, wow. Do you remember that band Enigma with the dance/Gregorian chant music from the 80’s? Yeah, that.

2. How much time do you spend each day in your commute? (Or if you don't work outside the house, how much time do you spend in your car or other preferred mode of transportation?)
I actually only commute about 5 minutes to work. It’s very nice. I sometimes run some errands but they are short distances, too, at 5 or 10 minutes at the most. I’m very lucky.

3. What's your favorite wardrobe item and why?
My jeans and soft long sleeve t-shirts (Gap t-shirt). I could live my whole life in jeans and t-shirts. They are comfortable and very me and very dressed down. I'm not a dressed up sort of person by choice.