Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Blog Parties and Lady Bugs

It is better to be hated for who you are, than to be loved for someone you are not. - Andre Gide

First off... BSP:

My tour stop today is: The Long and the Short of It Romance Reviews -- I'm in the author spotlight. And I'm giving away a free download of any of my stories, including but not limited to, "One Love For Liv". Come on by!

My daily contest is here.

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It rained all day yesterday. It was WARM -- almost 50 degrees. We had the screen door opened... man, I love me some fresh air.

There was, however, one not so good result from all this warmth, though... a mass influx of lady bugs. Dozens of the little buggers came out from where ever they were hanging out for the winter, and then had issues because of all the water. My DD refused to let them die, so we spent the day collecting lady bugs and then looking online about how to keep them alive sans aphids. Ladybug Lady said to soak raisins and put them in with the bugs. Huh. Well, at this point, I'm game to try anything.

So, we soaked about five raisins in water and then put them into the container. In a matter of seconds, the bits of soggy fruit were positively covered with lady bugs!! Wow!

I have no idea how long they can survive on raisins. If it's sunny and warm tomorrow, we'll let them go... if not, we'll hold on to them until it IS sunny and warm, or until they die.

So, here I am, raising bugs inside again. **sigh**

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You know what the worst part of having books out for sale? Not knowing how well they're selling... I wish there was some way to install a "stat counter" to tell me each time a copy of "One Love For Liv" was sold. Thankfully, Samhain does royalties monthly, instead of quarterly like The Wild Rose Press, so I won't have to wait that long.

Patience is not my middle name. Or even my nick name.

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Ultimate Blog Party 2008


During the week of March 7-14th, the blogosphere will be party hopping - jumping through our Mr. Linky list of participating bloggers, meeting new friends and partying blogger-style at the Ultimate Blog Party 2008, at 5 Minutes for Mom.

That's where I'll be that week... want to join me?

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So, I'd decided on shortening Jed's injury time in my "Camilla" story to two weeks... but now that's not going to work either. I'm so frustrated. I'm afraid I'm going to have to actually sit down and... **gasp**!... OUTLINE.

(((faints dead away)))

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You Should Visit Mexico



You can be as comfortable as you want, eating fast food and partying with English speakers in resort town.

But if you're feeling brave, venture out to Mexico City - or explore the tropical Yucatan.

9 comments:

Ceri Hebert said...

Wish I knew that about the ladybugs. I had several here. I didn't realize they survived the winters. Now I know about the raisen thng I'll have to go and buy a box.

Outlining...*ack* Good luck.

Diane Craver said...

I don't have any ladybugs now, but have had a problem with them in the past. Interesting about the raisins.

Sarita Leone said...

Ladybugs. Open doors. Warm breezes.

Can I come to your house?

Please?

We've got a blizzard. Not happy here. Not at all.

Allie Boniface said...

I know what you mean about counting your sales...every time I open a royalty statement from Samhain, I hold my breath :)

Judy said...

I have ladybugs in my house ALL the time. I have no idea how they get in. Last night while I was reading, one flew down and landed on the book. She didn't stay long... I don't think she liked what she read.

Anonymous said...

They may not have been the ladybugs we remember as kids, though. Japanese beetles look like ladybugs but are more of a menace than a help.

You Should Visit Peru

Peru is ideal for your "off the beaten path" traveling style.
Head out to an ancient Incan city, visit a volcano, and don't forget to pet a llama.


Well, yes, this is true. I want to see Machu Picchu. :)

Brandy said...

My kids love ladybugs! I'll have to remember the raisins thing. You mean you write off the cuff? You don't normally use an outline. Interesting!
And I should visit Peru. Hmmm. Never thought of that ......

Have a great day!

Dru said...

Is this the first time you outlined?

You Should Visit Argentina

Cowboys, European food, beaches, and skiing. This country is like no other!
Learn to tango, hike across Patagonia, eat at fine restaurants... you'll never be bored.

Melissa McClone said...

You Should Visit Peru

Peru is ideal for your "off the beaten path" traveling style.
Head out to an ancient Incan city, visit a volcano, and don't forget to pet a llama.

Um, Marianne, what are you going to do when you sell to a publisher like HQ when you won't know for sometimes years how your book sold? You're going to give yourself an ulcer or worse if you keep worrying about sales so much. Be careful, okay!