Helping a very nice person

www.WrenShop.com


The Wrens Nest is a beautiful shop in Southern Michigan owned by Morgan who blogs at it's a blog eat blog world. The good news is that if you can't get to Michigan, (and really if you live someplace warm, why would you want to?) You can shop from this store online. There's candles, books, gargoyles, fairies, neat stuff for kitties, cool stuff for bird lovers. Really, it's just a lovely assortment of gifts that one can only find in those fun little boutique shops. I love reading Mo's blogs, he's such a nice, funny, interesting person. I have my eye on some candles and some kitty stuff and I'm sure there's something for everyone. Happy shopping!

Pain, Pain Go Away

I found out that the jaw is vulnerable to RA damage too. Ow... :( The ol' hinge joint hurts when I open my mouth or chew. I upped my anti-inflamatory meds and then I needed extra acid blocker meds to protect my tummy. (The med circle goes round and round.) I've been putting off the Biologics because even with insurance they are very expensive. They also suppress the immune system down to like, nothing. That means I would have colds and other nasties on a regular basis and the side effects can be rather unpleasant. They do prevent joint damage, but I've been told that after a while their effectiveness wears off and you must switch to another one. I'm just not sure what to do. I'm tired of being in pain, tired of being tired, and tired of feeling like I'm constantly coming down with the flu. I know damage is being done. I feel it in every move I make and I see it in my bent fingers and crooked toes.
Ok, enough whining. On a more pleasant topic; I read that the next Harry Dresden book "Small Favor" will be released in late April. That's very close to my early May birthday. ;) I haven't heard about the new Sookie Stackhouse book yet. Usually one comes out around my birthday too. My husband can spot the distinctive artwork on sight and takes my 'hint" and picks it up. At least I make it easy on him. Hmm, maybe I'll get two books this time. *-*

Books, oh how I love them

I don't have a lot of magazine subscriptions because they can really add up, but one I have to have is Romantic Times Book Reviews. This magazine reviews all kinds of fiction, not just romance: Mystery, Urban Fantasy, Science Fiction, Mainstream Fiction, Paranormal Romance, Historical Romance, Contemporary Romance Inspirational Romance and E-books in all categories. And, not just reviews; they have author interviews, tips for writers and publishing industry news. It's also loaded with glossy adds for all kinds of books. Oh, they also review Erotica and while there's never anything x-rated, sometimes the adds for those books can be a little racy, so if you have curious kids be aware. ;) Their reviews are never snarky and usually pretty good. And each category has all the books listed by author, book title, and publisher. (Makes a great shopping list.) Their website is www.romantictimes.com. Wouldn't that be a great job? Just think; reading books then telling what you thought about it, then getting paid for it! I wonder if they're hiring?

Domestic Goddess vs Creative Muse

I've been fairly productive today. I watched Sylvia Browne On Montel, drank three cups of coffee, watched my daughter go giddy over the sight of her early Christmas/Yule present, (Guitar Hero 3) took a shower, and made a peanut butter silk pie with a thick, shiny chocolate ganache topping. Whew! I still need to vacuum and I might have to make a batch of brownies just in case her friends pop over to play GH3 this weekend. Hey, I try to be super mom. :) Unfortunately, my writing has fallen by the wayside. I'm so mad at myself for that, but there just doesn't seem to be enough time in the day for "me time." I think sometimes that I keep myself busy with the "mundania" side of life because writing romantic fantasy seems frivolous and self-indulgent. I mean, it's not producing an income, it's not feeding anybody and it doesn't make the house any cleaner. I know this is not a good mind-set for a writer to have, but I'm betting it's an issue that many women writers with families have. So, how do I move past it? Hmm... I think some inspiration may be in order. Happy Thanksgiving. Dessert here I come!

Blog Humbug

Well, the Larry King show about ghosts was a little disappointing. Jason from Ghosthunters was on, but no Grant, several psychics were on too, but Larry didn't let anyone talk at length about what they do. At least Most Haunted had some pretty cool activity. My daughter thinks they're a bunch of fakes because there is always activity, but no "science" to back it up. I don't really care, because it's just fun entertainment for me.
I'm trying to garner the energy for the coming holidays, but I'm just not that excited. I really do think the whole season is over-hyped to the point of only causing stress. Why? One day is set aside for cooking and eating too much and the other day is all about spending too much money on things that will be forgotten by February. Yes, the holidays are fun if you have little ones; decorating the tree, cookie baking and dreaming about the toys to discover in the morning. But, the poor little kids get themselves so worked into a frenzy, then by the week after Christmas they feel the same blah let down that we adults feel. Maybe we should just take a breath, relax and pretend for a little bit that there are no holidays looming. Watch a good movie or tv show (non-holiday theme) read a good book or go for a walk. I think I may even look at some gardening books. :) Soon the holidays will pass and then the commercials for weight loss products will be blaring, reminding us that bathing suit season is just around the corner.

Friday fun

Good things to watch tonight! On Larry King (CNN @ nine) Grant and Jason from Ghost Hunters are supposed to be on. At Ten on Travel channel is Most Haunted. And get this: Sci Fi is airing season one of The Dresden Files <3>On Fridays at seven!
Now I have the dvd set, but if I'm home I'm watching just so it gets the ratings. (yes, I'm weird and superstitious that way) So, perfect "telly" watching for a cold November night Happy Friday... ;)

Bookstore= Happy

Friday evening I had my bookstore fix. Actually, I wish I had more time than I did. So many books and so little time. I bought Sherrilyn Kenyon's latest, Upon a Midnight Clear and Kresley Cole's Wicked Deeds on a Winter's Night. I will have to add them to my books list. While in the bookstore browsing, I found a book called Ghost Hunting By Jason Hawes and Grant Wilson from the Sci Fi channel's Ghost Hunters. (one of my favorite shows.) It basically chronicles the cases they've investigated on the show and several cases from their early years and their personal experiences that led them to investigate haunting activity. I would like to buy it at some point, but I'll have to work it into my book budget.
I'm still in a mood about all the housework that's been left up to me to do. It's just that I'm so tired and my joints have been really cranky lately. :( grumble, grumble...
Maybe I need to start napping again it really helped, but I let guilt talk me out of it. Silly, I know. If one has a chronic illness they should rest. They should drink hot tea and read books that make them happy. So there; guilt can shove it. :)

Domestic Unrest

You know how when people have things they need to attend to they say, "oh my laundry is calling me, or duty calls ,or housework beckons" *-* My chores do not call or beckon. No, that is too polite. My household drudgery mocks me, laughs evilly at me, dares me to tackle the dishes piled in my sink and the goo in the plasticware that used to be leftovers in the back of the fridge. The laundry hamper, full of clean clothes that need folding waits impatiently for me to empty it just so it can be filled again. And don't get me started on the clutter that breeds and multiplies like bunnies. Why doesn't anybody else notice it? I'm tired of all the stuff that needs to be dusted, swept, scrubbed, scooped, (eew, kitty! Why?) and de-odorized. (That's usually hubby's fault.) I'm all for embracing one's inner Goddess, but I do not want to be a Domestic Goddess. She's no fun at all.

Can I read and hibernate at the same time?

Darkness settled in around 5:30 this evening. That is way too early, I mean I'm ready to put my pj's on! I am so not ready for this. If I can manage to stay dressed, :) I would like to go to the bookstore this week. It's just absolutely one of my favorite things to do. I don't always buy a book, but I could happily wander around looking at books in every section of the store. It seems there is something of interest in almost every category. Well, ok maybe not computer programming or mathmatics, but pretty much anything else. Fiction though is what really draws me in. After I gather a stack of books, I like to settle in at a table and order a mocha or a hot tea. If I'm feeling really indulgent there's usually brownies or cheesecake to tempt me. Wouldn't it be fun to be locked in your favorite store for an evening?
I've been reading a few blogs, (actually trying to catch up on my favorites) and I'm noticing quite a few people seem to be rather down in the dumps. Maybe it's the change of seasons and looming holidays, I don't know, but I'm feeling it too. Hmm... Maybe we all could use a cup of tea and a few good books. now, if only the bookstore would let me wear my flannels. :)

The start of a very long season

November isn't my favorite month. Where I live it marks the beginning of a very long and cold stretch; usually into April. Yuck :( I hate being cold. It hurts. I will try to make the best of it by reading, writing, (if I can shake this slump) watching dvds, trying new recipes and indulging in my favorite brand of hot cocoa. I like Ghiradelli double chocolate that you make with milk. It's worth the extra $$$. ;)
We didn't have many trick or treaters last night and the ones that did come were cute little ones. I kinda miss those days.... One little girl was dressed as a fairie and her wings had flashing lights that blinked green. Adorable. We have quite a bit of candy left over and it's not really tempting me yet. I want cake or brownies. It just seems more appealing than a fun size Snickers. I'm sure I'll give into the lure of the candy bowl soon, I mean Snickers are pretty darn good. Let the Seasonal Affective Disorder carb -binging begin...