Monday, Monday...

A weed is a plant that has mastered every survival skill except for learning how to grow in rows. ~Doug Larson

Yesterday turned out to be a very nice day -- a surprise, really, because the weather forecast had called for overcast and rain.

DH decided to go fishing, and DD went with him, so I had some alone time -- not a ton, because they left late and came home early, but I'll take what I can get.

I relaxed a little ... took the dog for a nice walk, pulled dandelions (an ENTIRE big bucketful AGAIN, and that's not all of them! -- this tool is a miracle, though), did some other weeding (yes, I find weeding relaxing). My neighbor came by with her dog, so that was nice for both Dakota and I.

I did some writing (my heroine has a regular menagerie of animals... who knew?), and managed to get *sort of* caught up on my crit group (speaking of which, we could REALLY use one more active member ... anyone out there looking for a good, serious but fun crit group? If so, email me at authormariannearkins AT gmail DOT com).

The only black mark this weekend is this: my business partner, Judy, went away on Thursday expecting to have internet available. Much to our mutual dismay, this was not the case. So, I've been doing double duty at LASR/WC/Goddess Fish and will all that's going on (including a BUNCH of virtual tours) it's been a little crazy. I think she gets back today. Thank heavens.

Anyway, today DD takes off school and we officially celebrate her birthday. We were going to go see "How To Train Your Dragon" in IMAX, but it's school vacation this week, and I couldn't face all the kids sure to be there. I promised her a trip to the movies next week. Instead, we're heading to the mall to walk around (DD is learning the fine art of window shopping), she wants a new paint-by-number, then to Toys-R-Us for her pogo stick, and then we'll head to lunch for some seafood (she's craving shrimp) and then to the library to get a movie.

I'm tired just thinking of it.

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Your Attention Span is Long

You're attention span is amazingly long. You can concentrate well, and your mind doesn't stray easily. Even if you have a mundane task to complete, you can get it done easily. Because you don't get distracted, you accomplish more than most people. Your self discipline is your greatest strength. You can will yourself to do almost anything. All you have to do is put your mind to it.

How's Your Attention Span?

Yep... pretty much correct.

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Saturday Morning Update

Marianne is still powerless. She was able to get to Wendy's yesterday and do some "have to" stuff for LASR and hopefully will be able to pop in at some time today to let everyone know the latest. Keep them in your happy thoughts. Other than electricity and some blown-off shingles,they came through the storm okay.

I'll update more as I hear more.

And... for your viewing pleasure....

Good Friday Morning from Judy

Hi, all. This is Marianne's friend and business partner, Judy. Due to high winds and a tree across a power line, Marianne is without electricity. She's going to try to find an area that still has power, but until that happens I wanted to let you all know that she is fine and will be back as soon as she can.

I leave you with this:

Weather Alert from Judy

Hello, all. This is Marianne's "partner-in-crime" Judy... popping in to let you know Marianne may (or may not) be around today. The frozen north she calls home was expecting ice and/or snow....which has the tendency to take out her power. However, you can still get your Marianne fix by visiting Cindy Green's blog where Marianne is guest blogging and giving away a copy of her wonderful Christmas story "The Christmas Curse." So... go and visit her there, leave a comment, and maybe get a free read for this Christmas season.

Marianne will be online as soon as she can...all of you up in the "frozen north", please stay warm and safe.

EDITED TO ADD (9:53 AM): I just spoke with Marianne and they are still without power and no idea when it will be back on. She's going to try to find a town WITH power so she can at least get online and touch base.

EDITED TO ADD (5:00 PM): Got a voice mail from Marianne. Looks like the entire state may be out of power and the fire department is saying probably three days before all the power is restored. Will keep you updated as I learn more, but the LASR and WC pages may not be updated for a few days. Thanks!

EDITED TO ADD (6:10 PM): Talked to Marianne. Still no word on when the power will be restored, but the power is slowly getting turned on. But, they are safe and warm, so that's the important thing. Will keep you informed as I hear something.

Random Decisions

Choices are the hinges of destiny. ~Attributed to both Edwin Markham and Pythagoras

Who is Edwin Markam again? I'm going to have to go look... I attended Edwin Markam Junior High, so you'd think I'd know.

Anyway....

Okay... so, I took Judy's suggestion of letting fate choose what I work on. I went to Random.org and put in the four in progress WIPs and for fun, I added the Harlequin American I want to work on this year. It's only in the planning phases, though I have my hero and heroine fairly fleshed out as well as the conflict and how the story begins (in fact, I've written the beginning).

So, I typed them in and hit "randomize" and this is what popped up:

1. HQ American
2. Queen and Assassin
3. Camilla
4. Stiller Creek
5. Playing House

So. Hmmm...

Truth is, I find that terribly interesting. With the exception of wanting to bump Stiller Creek up above Camilla, I rather like the order. I'm going to take the rest of this month to finish my character interviews and do at least 20 scene cards for the HQ American (working title will be The Hammer... don't ask). Then, come April 1st, I intend to give it a NaNo-like intensity. I'll need at least 55,000 words for HQ American. I may allow two months instead of one--so, 1000 words a day--but that's the plan, Stan (and the rest of you).

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Speaking of Judy, today is her BIRTHDAY!! Woo Hoo!!!! She's only 87 years-old. Doesn't she look great?



I don't know if she plans on posting at her blog today, but y'all might take a second to wish her a happy birthday.



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Shhh.... don't tell anyone, but I think it might be a halfway decent day here in the NE. Sunny! Warm(ish) -- in the low 40s! NO WIND (I thought we were going to get blown away yesterday). They're calling for snow again on Monday (please, please let it be rain), but I'm going to enjoy today.

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You Are a Cadbury Creme Egg

You're the type that stole little brother's easter basket so that you could have MORE CANDY!

What Easter Candy Are You?

Actually... I was the baby of the family, so I was the one who had her stuff stolen! Okay, not really... my older sibs were pretty okay. :-)