Dogged

If you can look at a dog and not feel vicarious excitement and affection, you must be a cat. ~Author Unknown

It's been raining and/or ugly for two day, which in and of itself isn't necessarily a bad thing. But when you have a young dog who is a bundle of energy and you can't expend some of that energy? Then things get a little crazy.

One day, she can deal with, but we hit day two yesterday (not really raining, but gale force winds and COLD, so we couldn't walk) and I knew I had to do something. So we piled the dog into the car and headed out to her favorite places.

We started with Agway, where we got grass fertilizer and she got lots of love and dog bones (and where I argued with the head helper about whether you catch and drown rodents, or catch and release -- she was telling our shared FedEx guy how to deal with a rat in his woodpile. I got a bit... *ahem*... vehement, but no blows were exchanged).

Next, we opted to take the time to go way the heck out of our way and hit Petco. Now, it used to be that the Petco employees spoiled Dakota rotten. It used to be they walked around with a bag of treats hooked to their pants so they could treat and pet all the dogs. She loved going there. But the last couple of times, things haven't been as much fun for her. In fact, the last time, she went through the check out line, sat pretty and waited for the treat they ALWAYS give her (and I even said something about her waiting for her treat) and they guy looked at her and then turned back, took my money and helped the next person, totally ignoring the dog.

Could YOU ignore this face?



Yesterday we saw no fewer than four employees who passed close enough to pat the dog, one even had to step out of our way to avoid her, and not one (NOT ONE) even acknowledged her presence, let alone patted her.

Worse, the three people there who had dogs wanted nothing to do with letting their dogs interact with her. One even seemed as though they though Dakota was going to eat their little shitz tsu (as if... please) and would yank the dog violently away whenever we were in view. Sadly, THEIR dog seemed very interested in playing.

I left without buying anything, even though I will typically get something for the dog when we go... treats, a chewy, a toy.

But DD and I were so angry by the time we left, we were spitting nails. Maybe a stupid thing to get upset about, but it's like taking your kid to a party and having them treated like a pariah.

I emailed Petco when I got home. And, I most likely won't be back to their store -- that's the third time in a row we haven't had a good experience.

==================

I talked to the lady whose Border Collie was attacked last week. He was so sad... slithered into agility class and then wrapped himself around my legs and just shook. I told her I was sorry about butting in with her dog, and she said, "NO. Don't be. I just froze." So, phew. It's all good.

We spent agility class trying to get him to be a little less cowed. He wanted to stay hiding under the chairs -- the room has a bad memory for him, and he was fine outside of it, but not in. Poor thing.

We also discussed the Great Dane with the instructor -- my complaint was that they never correct the dog, and the Border Collie's mom was frustrated that they didn't seem to be taking responsibility for their dog's bad behavior. They never even went to her to apologize that night last week.

The thing is, he's not a bad-tempered dog. Most Great Danes are just HUGE pussycats, and he's no exception. His problem is two-fold: he's not altered and he's not being told what is proper behavior.

The Border Collie's mom is on vacation the next two Thursdays, so won't be in the beginning class. Hopefully things will settle down by the time she's back.

====================

Did some writing on the sequel to "Kitchen Matches" yesterday (tentatively entitled "Now and Forever"). I've been struggling because it's not as funny on paper as it is in my head and every word I write has been an ordeal. But I decided to just push on through and then submit the first chapter to my writing group (who are going to think I'm schizophrenic, because I keep submitting things from different WIPs!) and see what they think. If they think it's dry as dirt, I'll go from there. Sometimes I think we can't judge our own work very well.

======================

I just realized I forgot to plant my seeds yesterday!! OH NO. That's first on my agenda this morning. Oh happy days, gardening season has begun.

======================

You Are Chocolate Chip Cookies

You are all American and down to earth. You tend to stick to the classics ... you can't go wrong with them. You have an eye for quality, and you are probably an accomplished baker. And you never skimp on real butter and eggs. Your friends can always count on you to be consistent and loyal. You are true to the end. You are sweet because you take time to do things right. You are thoughtful in all of your actions.

What Bake Sale Favorite Are You?

Hmmm... mostly right.

=================

Saturday Sauntering

Edible, adj.: Good to eat, and wholesome to digest, as a worm to a toad, a toad to a snake, a snake to a pig, a pig to a man, and a man to a worm. ~Ambrose Bierce

DH got up yesterday, looking through the pantry and fridge before settling on ice cream for breakfast.

I said, "Ice cream for breakfast?"

He replied, "Nothing else to eat."

I looked up from my yogurt and strawberries, DD glanced over from where she was cooking eggs and I thought about the three kinds of cold cereal, the oatmeal, yogurt, eggs, pancake mix and loaf of bread for toast or french toast. And then just said, "Huh."

======================

DH's phone rang at 3:13 a.m. today. Problem at work (as always), and he's still up. So am I. There are days (so many days) I wish we could have him leave his position. I swear, it's slowly sucking away his sanity.

======================

Did a little writing yesterday. Had fun. I think one of the reasons I typically write stuff that's humorous is because it gives me a chance to giggle. I love thinking, "What's the craziest thing that could happen here?" and then letting my brain run wild.

Hopefully, I'll get this done soon -- it's the new sequel to "Kitchen Matches" (the old one being changed to a completely different story with a new cast of characters), and involves Zach and a cherub... okay, Zack and a wedding planner, but you get the idea.

Am going to try to write more today.

As a side note, every time I write that I'm going to "try" to do anything, I hear Yoda in my brain: "Do. Or do not. There is no try."

*sigh*

===========================

You Are Conventional

You are a pretty average guy or girl next door, and you live a pretty blissful life because of it. You fit in with almost any crowd, and you have a lot of people who you consider to be good friends. You are happy with your life, and it's likely you feel quite blessed. You don't let yourself feel dissatisfied. You have an optimistic attitude that has served you well. By staying positive, you are better off then most people.

The Zebra Test

Hmmm... 50/50

=======================

Writing and Dog Food

"People on the outside think there's something magical about writing, that you go up in the attic at midnight and cast the bones and come down in the morning with a story, but it isn't like that. You sit in back of the typewriter and you work, and that's all there is to it." - Harlan Ellison

I need to hire someone to think up clever blog titles for me. *G*

So, it's the strangest thing... I'm seeing the sequel to "Kitchen Matches" in my head, like a movie. Sometimes that happens WHILE I'm writing the scene, but this is just from my mental "what-if"ing. I guess that's good? ::scratches head::

I haven't started writing the actual story yet. I'm jotting down notes and scene ideas and names (is the heroine "Shelley" or "Sydney" ... I can't decide), and the first line that popped into my head when I first got my idea for this. I know the beginning, I know much of the middle. I know the first kiss. I know the end. This is all good, too, huh? It's just so unusual for me. I'm not sure what to do with it.

And I need a working title. I hate writing without a working title...

=====================

In dog food news, Dakota is already responding fabulously to the homemade food. Even DH noticed. She's only pooping a few times a day (instead of 8 - 10), the gas problem is gone (YAY!!), she loves the food (though I think I need to feed her more... not sure if she's begging because of the taste, or if she's begging because she's truly hungry). I fixed her a "snack" yesterday because she was so insistent about eating: plain oatmeal cooked in chicken broth with peas. She was very excited.

Today, I'll go buy a few whole chickens. It's more of a pain to debone, but I need the innards. Maybe I'll go to the natural foods store and see if they have organic chicken or beef liver. I'll compromise on the organic meat, but the innards are where all the toxins would be stored in a critter (including US), so it's more important to go organic for that.

Okay, I'll stop boring you to tears, lol.

======================

Your Name's Power is Creativity

Your name's power is that it helps you be creative. Your name conveys both purity and skill. People who meet you can't help but think you are charming. You try to live your life with people you trust, surrounded by nature.

What's Your Name's Power?

====================

Making Dog Food

Food is an important part of a balanced diet. ~Fran Lebowitz

I'm sure this will get easier as time goes by, and that I won't end up spending the better part of a day on cooking Dakota's food. Today, though, I did.

It started with shopping. I went three places: Vitamin Shoppe, Petco and Sam's Club. And I came home with this:





As it turns out, I overbought by quite a bit. Hopefully the carrots and potatoes will keep until next weekend, when I'll do this all over again.

Next, we chopped and cooked.:





And cooked. And cooked. It took two hours for everything to be done. And then it had to cool. I put it in our winter refrigerator:



Finally, after another hour or two, it was time to puree and assemble.






And Dakota got a taste. She liked it... she really liked it. She followed us around for an hour afterward, hoping. She kept going back and licking her bowl. I think it was a hit.

Sadly, all that only made five days worth of food. I'm going for seven days next time. All I need to buy is meat, though. I have more than plenty of everything else.

====================

In other news, I figured out the sequel to "Kitchen Matches". I know, I know, I'm spread out all over the place in my writing, but this story suddenly hit me today while I was outside scooping poop (again). And, no, there is no poop involved. I even got the first line. And I know the heroine. And the hero -- it's Cori's eldest brother, Zack. And, it's going to be fun. And -- since I already know it's short (I'll shoot for about the same length as KM), it shouldn't take me long to write it.

We'll see.

Happy weekend!

=======================

Don't You Hate When This Happens?

"Don't judge a book by its cover”. - American Proverb


===============================

It was a gorgeous day yesterday -- right around 50 degrees and gloriously sunny. I walked with the dog, took her to play with the neighbors and dreamed about the day when the snow would melt for good and I could plant...

We won't talk about the 3" of snow coming on Monday. Nope. Not going to say a word about it.

:::zips lips:::

================================

Yes, I got my soy milk! I am sitting, sipping yummy coffee even as we speak.

Any big plans for Sunday?

================================

A Plethora of Stuff

Sickness comes on horseback but departs on foot. ~Dutch Proverb, sometimes attributed to William C. Hazlitt

This will be short -- what we thought was a cold for my DD is getting worse and she is complaining of severe ear pain, so we'll be heading out the urgent care center when it opens soon.

I'm supposed to be co-hosting a chat with Judy at the WC Yahoo group, but depending on when I get back, she may be flying solo. We (or she ) will be giving away lots of stuff -- A LASR shirt, autographed books, gift certificates. It'll be fun. I hope I can be there.

Also, The Romance Studio CAPA Awards are announced today. They're giving away a $100 Amazon GC to one person who accurately guesses all the winners (or whoever gets closest) plus lots of great books from Berkley and Kensington. I'd love it if "Kitchen Matches" and "Miles From You" would win, but I'm up against some stiff competition. It always sound corny, but considering all the novels and novellas released in the previous 12 months, I'm really just thrilled they were nominated.

Remember, today is the last day to enter MY contest to win either one of my books or "Best of Intentions" by Michelle Cary. I'll hold the drawing tomorrow morning (or at least that's my plan).

In the meantime... though no one thought my dog and cat had anything in common, I beg to differ:




Do you see the resemblance? Also, if you look closely, you'll notice Dakota's tongue is sticking out. It made me laugh.

Have a good day!

CAPA and Rambles

Now that it's all over, what did you really do yesterday that's worth mentioning? ~Coleman Cox

So, I was tickled to discover that "Kitchen Matches" was a TRS CAPA Nominee in the contemporary category, and "Miles From You" was a nominee in the Psyche category this year. I even got my official badge whoosie:

There's no voting from you guys -- it's all internal on their part, which I really like (less chance of making it a ballot-stuffing, popularity contest -- more chances of the results actually being at least somewhat legit).

But I was really amazed to see my name there -- especially when, out of all their reviews they selected KM as one of only 13 in the contemporary category.

Yay!

===========================

There's another big snowstorm coming in later on today. Can I just say how truly thrilled I am by that news? May can't get here soon enough. I'm ready to move to Hawaii. Anyone want to come?

===========================

Not much else to say. It was a quiet day here yesterday. My body feels as though it's being weighed down by 100 pound weights, and I'm usually tired. I think this whole never sleeping an entire night thing is really catching up with me ... sounds like a good day for a nap. Although, is there ever a BAD day for one?

===========================

You Look Like an Aquarius

It's likely that you are very striking. You stand out in a room. You are probably also taller than average, and that also helps you get noticed. You have classical facial features... what some might call a handsome face. You have are attractive in a cool way. You're so attractive, it's intimidating. Like most Aquarius people, you are probably extremely independent... both in your thoughts and actions. You find other people fascinating, and you develop deep, long lasting friendships.

What Sign Do You Look Like?

Hmmm.... much of that is correct (especially the "so attractive, it's intimidating" part... are you guys intimidated?). But I'm not an Aquarius.

===========================

Tiling, Flooring and Trailers R Us

A life spent in constant labor is a life wasted, save a man be such a fool as to regard a fulsome obituary notice as ample reward. ~George Jean Nathan

Yesterday, DH and SIL and DD and I spent the day tearing out the flooring in the upstairs bathroom and foyer thingie at the top of the stairs. Dd helping by eating anything bite sized that came anywhere near her (tile, carpet fuzz... whatever).

DH repainted the bathroom to match the tile (which is not what I had hoped for, but is still lovely).

Today: tiling the bathroom.

Tomorrow: putting hardwood down in the foyer thingie.

He's off Monday and Tuesday, too. I wonder what other projects he'll think up?

**sigh**

==========================

Judy and I are busily starting something new and exciting (I imagine I'll officially announce it in the next few days), which requires me to get the whole book trailer thing down to a science. So, I've been hard at work:





I also spent time this morning updating my MySpace page (I hadn't been there since October 13th!!!) and uploading some trailers to Preview the Book.

I'm awfully bad about promoting my own work... I need to be more on the ball. Shame on me.

=============================

There Are 2 Gaps in Your Knowledge

Where you have gaps in your knowledge: Philosophy Science Where you don't have gaps in your knowledge: Religion Economics Literature History Art

Do You Have Gaps in Your Knowledge?

Yep... they're pretty much correct! LOL...

=====================

One Great Mystery of the Universe

You have a cough? Go home tonight, eat a whole box of Ex-Lax - tomorrow you'll be afraid to cough. ~Pearl Williams

Why does only one side of your nose stuff up when you have a cold? AND... why can you blow... and nothing comes out, but you perpetually have to keep snarfing, or it'll run down your face?

Huh. I guess that's two great mysteries.

Got an "R" in my inbox for "Stiller Creek" with some revision suggestions and an invite to resubmit. I'm not entirely certain I agree with one of the suggestions... Judy didn't seem to feel that way when she read it. I may have to solict another reader in order to get their opinion and then decide if I want to revise, or look for a different home.

I got a note in my inbox a couple of days ago about "Kitchen Matches" --

Marianne – I read Kitchen Matches last night and absolutely loved it. I laughed so hard. Do you have any plans for Cori’s three brothers that are still single? I would definitely love to read them.

This is not the first request I've gotten from someone for a sequel involving Cori's brothers. So, I've been running possible scenarios in my head. One involves Nick, an Amazonian woman and a rival tow company...

But first, I need to finish NaNo and that's moving along painfully slow. I do love Thea, and did she ever embarrass poor Spence, but still... I'm just not sure how to get where I want to go. I feel like I'm writing "a day in the life" and little of what I've written validly moves the plot along.

Ah well. You can't edit an empty page. And so I'll push forward.

Total word count?

7520

I should be at 8333 ... I'm not. 800 words isn't too far behind, though. Now, to get the word count for Thursday started!

Have a great day.

===============================

To Sleep, Perchance To Dream....

The worst thing in the world is to try to sleep and not to. ~F. Scott Fitzgerald

Without enough sleep, we all become tall two-year-olds. ~JoJo Jensen, Dirt Farmer Wisdom, 2002

It was a long night, so bear with me if I babble. DD is VERY sick suddenly... stuffy nose, cough, etc., to the point where she couldn't breathe and couldn't sleep. She can't take children's liquid medicine -- it makes her throw up, so at about midnight last night, with whiny child beside me, I rummaged through my grown-up meds until I found one that didn't say something like:

Do Not administer to children under 12 or else the world as we know it will come to an end.

Keep in mind, she woke me up once around ten and asked if I'd take the dog because she couldn't sleep. Then again at midnight. Then Dd woke me at 2:30 to go potty and again at 3:30 vomiting. DH woke up and asked if I needed anything. Yeah. Sleep.

I curled up in bed again, but just couldn't relax, so I was up at 4 a.m. -- which used to be my normal time, but I've been a slug-a-bed lately, and have slept in until FIVE.

That has to stop come November. Mornings are going to have to be my writing time.

Speaking of NaNoWriMo ... I spent much of yesterday researching beauty pageants. Did you know there is a pageant for the Miss America state first runners-up? It's called National Sweetheart, and I think it's a fabulous idea. It still won't work for me, but I did find an International pageant that ANY winner of ANY city, state, national or international pageant is eligible for. And, I'm (I can't believe I'm doing this) brainstorming a series based on six girls who all won various minor pageants and meet at this main pageant and become friends. The cool thing about this International pageant is -- it's literally for anyone, so my characters can be young, old, married, single, fat, skinny... whatever. I'm excited.

Of course, first I have to get book one written. But I wanted to figure this stuff out so I could incorporate it into my NaNo book, and maybe even have a reunion of sorts with the other five girls... at least one or two will have to make an appearance.

Anyway, it finally feels a little like my NaNo book is falling into place. And, just in time, yes? LOL... it's only a few days away!




====================================

Found another great review for "Kitchen Matches" in my inbox today (...Google Alerts... how do I love thee?).

This one was got five hearts from The Romance Studio, and says in part:

This Marianne Arkins manuscript was my first by her but I definitely do not intend for it to be my last. She used humor and an abundance of comedic relief to show the tendencies of her characters. There was a myriad of minor characters who all worked to make the story its best.

I believe that anybody would enjoy this manuscript. It is a quick-read, fast-paced and so romantic and funny that it has something for everyone. I highly recommend it.

I love warm fuzzies...

============================

Chris found this saying and said it reminded her of me, so Judy made me a banner, lol... (I am the one who nags Chris and Judy about writing on a regular basis):



=============================

You Are a Werewolf

You are moody and easily provoked. You are highly loyal and protective of those you love. While you can be intense at times, you are generally a laid back person. But if a fight comes your way, you will fight 'til the death if necessary. You seem normal to most people. No one understands how different you can be. It's like a switch flips for you sometimes - and then you're a completely different creature.

Are You a Vampire or a Werewolf?

Interestingly enough... most of that is pretty close! LOL...

=====================

Pooped Out and Another Review

"Well," said Pooh, "what I like best," and then he had to stop and think. Because although Eating Honey was a very good thing to do, there was a moment just before you began to eat it which was better than when you were, but he didn't know what it was called. ~A.A. Milne

Don't you just love Pooh? About a million years ago, I read the book, "The Tao of Pooh" and it was so interesting! Who knew the bear with very little brain could be so deep?

No photos of the fair yet. I was just too pooped last night to download, and this a.m. DH is still sleeping and my camera and camera dock are in the bedroom. I should have them this weekend.

DD and I had a good time. She, of course, wanted to go on more rides -- and she wanted me to go with her, but fact is... the cost is absurd. We got 25 tickets for $20 -- and then 3 more at $1 each (because the rides take 4 tickets... think they do that on purpose?). So, that's only 7 rides! The penny-pincher in me just can't stand the thought of spending nearly $4 a ride. Oy.

We went to an open, in-hand horse show where I managed to pick the winner more often than not. Guess my horse knowledge isn't as rusty as I thought. DD moaned about wanting to get a horse and how she can't wait until she's grown up and can buy one. Yep... good luck with that.

I had more comments on my sweatshirt than I've ever had (and I've owned it for... well, many years). It's a St. Cloud State University shirt I got from my old roomie. Her dad was the dean there briefly, and got us all shirts. Apparently, there are more people from Minnesota here than I realized. I kept hearing, "I'm from Alexandra!" ... um, okay. I got this shirt when I lived in California, and I don't even know where Alexandra is. But I nodded and smiled.

We ate a ton of junk food (I'm pretty sure I'm at least 15 pounds heavier today) and the evil woman at the cute little shop near the exit of the fair grabbed me and forced me to buy two pounds of fudge to take home (it was buy one pound, get one free ... how could I resist??).

We looked through the exhibits, where DD announced that she could do better than most of those kids who had projects there, but fact is -- I can't get her to get off her hiney and DO something. Maybe next year.

I bought some amazing goats milk soap, and we patted a llama and various other critters.

All-in-all a good day.

===========================

Found another review for "Kitchen Matches" in my inbox this morning. Always a nice way to wake up!

From The Romance Studio (5 hearts!):

This Marianne Arkins manuscript was my first by her but I definitely do not intend for it to be my last. She used humor and an abundance of comedic relief to show the tendencies of her characters. There was a myriad of minor characters who all worked to make the story its best.

I believe that anybody would enjoy this manuscript. It is a quick-read, fast-paced and so romantic and funny that it has something for everyone. I highly recommend it.

Yay!
=============================

Okay, time to play catch up -- I didn't get diddly squat done yesterday. DD and I are going to spend a good deal of today's rainy day baking bread, so I need to get a move on now! Have a great weekend.

==============================

Fairs and Reviews, or Fair Reviews

"It is a happy talent to know how to play." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Originally, DD and I were going to attend the Deerfield Fair on Friday because it's "bracelet day" -- which means I can buy her a bracelet for $16 and she can ride rides on the midway until she pukes.

Sadly, it's going to rain on Friday (I've checked six different weather sites, and they all agree -- a very unusual happening, which leads me to believe that it is, indeed, going to rain on Friday!), so we'll be going today. This means I can buy $20 worth of tickets for DD and she can ride about 6 rides. Stinks, but there you are.

She's happy -- she'll still get cotton candy (she gets it once a year and looks forward to it all year long!) and curly fries and will be able to watch horse shows until she doesn't want to see another horse. We'll walk until I'll feel like crying and then we'll come home and I'll collapse.

Dakota will be in doggy day care, since DH won't be home (he would have been home on Friday -- but he doesn't like the fair, so would have stuck around to dogsit). In any case, I'll most likely be a vegetable for the rest of the day, so planned ahead and already have dinner done. I just have to pop it into the oven for an hour.

Here are some pix of the fair last year (most have the front of DD in them, so I can't post):

DD the crazy girl:


DD and SIL patting a baby cow:


If I'm incoherant on tomorrow's blog, you'll know why.

==============================

Two new reviews for "Kitchen Matches" -- again, they like my voice and Cori, but the hero, Micah? Not so much. **sigh** Here are excerpts of the reviews --

From CK2S Kwips and Kritiques (3 1/2 clovers):

While an enjoyable read overall, I see potential for improvement with Kitchen Matches work had it been expanded to a longer format, thus allowing for more depth of character development and more chances to experience some of the earlier kitchen encounters that offer the promise of some great slapstick humor. Marianne Arkins is a new author worth watching for.

Aside from the fact that I don't really feel like a new author (I feel like I've been doing this for fifty years...lol), at least she liked my writing.

And from Book Utopia (37/50):

When I read the excerpt for this short novella prior to buying it, I laughed. In a good way. So when I bought it, I had high hopes. Not every story can maintain a level of charm and wit from start to finish, but happily, this one does. Cori is sharp and intelligent, and if she’s a klutz in the kitchen, that just gives her an imperfection that’s relatable. The events of the class are played for laughs, but it’s not over the top, not unbelievable. Add in the fact that the dialogue sparkles when Cori and Micah are going at each other, or when Cori is with her family, and reading this was fast, fun, and furious.

==================================

Reviews and Unreasonable Fear

He who fears something gives it power over him. ~Moorish Proverb

Yay me! Another great review for "Kitchen Matches" -- this one is a five angel one from Fallen Angels Reviews, which says in part:

From the first few paragraphs I knew I would love this story from Marianne Arkins. She weaves humor and sexual tension with ease and had Cori and Micah heating up even after the (real) flames were doused.

And this reviewer isn't the first person to say this:

I’m hoping Ms. Arkins has plans for some of Cori’s brothers; I’d really love to visit this great family again.

So... hmmm.... better put on my thinking cap. But, it's a quandary. Do I write the sequel to "One Love For Liv" (Geoff's story), or a sequel to "Kitchen Matches" (probably Zach's story... he's just begging to be brought to his knees)?

And... let the nice words being said about this story be a lesson. "Kitchen Matches" was rejected more than once before I finally sold it. Persevere!

===============================

I think there are few things as sad as kids who are terrified of dogs. Cautious is okay... that's not a bad thing, because not all dogs are sweet (like my loopy but harmless one). But terror? We have a neighbor whose daughter is absolutely so fearful she can't function. Worse, her fear isn't just dogs... it's pretty much anything that moves. And it was passed on by her mother (also afraid of dogs) who got it from her mother (incapacitated with fear of dogs).

It's not justified... none of them were ever attacked or bitten. It just is. And it affects their ability to live. My neighbor would like to walk on a daily basis, but we (unfortunately) have some folks who are irresponsible dog owners and let their dogs roam around footloose and fancy free. These dogs aren't going to bite you, however. Annoying, yes. Vicious? Not in the least. But, unless I can walk with her, or her husband can, she stays locked in the house. As do her children.

I've seen this more than once when taking my dog to the park. I took Dakota once when was still a little fluffy puppy and there were a couple of kids who all but climbed their mothers when they saw her -- and it wasn't as though she was close.

Sad. Sad. Sad.

You don't have to love dogs, but that kind of fear is just sad. Although, fear of anything that is that incapacitating is probably not particularly healthy.

But that's a post for another day.

===========================

I rec'd a thank you note from an author for one of my reviewers the other day. And, perhaps I'm naive but I was surprised when her compliment included words to the effect of: it's clear that your reviewer actually read the entire book, and not just the first and last chapters like so many other reviewers do.

Really? Wow. After all, the reason we can't release as many reviews as I'd like is just the sheer amount of reading time involved. All of my reviewers read the stories from cover to virtual cover.

I'm still just ... shocked (?), flabbergasted (?), surprised (?) to even think that any other reviewers would do something like that. Do they? Really? I hope not.

On a side note, I've seen on more than one author loop that authors don't know if it's appropriate to send a thank you for a review. IMHO, it's absolutely appropriate -- with one little mention of a no-no: DON'T defend your story or attempt to explain something that the reviewer didn't like.

We don't mind when you tell us we've misspelled your heroine's name or your name... but if the reviewer didn't like something, she didn't like it. Remember, reviews are just one person's opinion.

=========================

You Are Pasta Puttanesca

Compared to most people, you have a sexy and wild personality. So it fits that you're like a pasta popularized by street walkers! You like food with interesting, contrasting, and spicy flavors. You live an exciting life - and you wouldn't ever go for anything bland.

What Pasta Dish Are You?

Did they just say I'm a hooker?? LOL....

=================================

Chores and Pix and a New Review

My second favorite household chore is ironing. My first being hitting my head on the top bunk bed until I faint. ~Erma Bombeck

DH was home yesterday. DH had no projects to do... so made some up. DH decided my truck needed tires (it did), but wanted to get them at a warehouse club. He doesn't have a membership there. I do.

So, I piled DD in the car and met him two towns over. It took 90 mins to get them done. DH found a TV he wanted (it's his only Christmas request now...) and found out his fave seafood restaurant opened up nearby.

So, I was gone all morning, until about 1 pm. Came home, let the dog out, ran to the library (they had a pile of stuff for me), got home and DH announced that he was going to strip and polish the linoleum, but we didn't have enough stripper. Got back in the car, and drove to the hardware store. Got stripper, a bucket and a huge sponge. Came home and helped.

It took us until my bedtime to even get the first coat of polish on the floor.

So. That was my day.

How was yours?

==============================

Today, DH and DD are out on the boat. I'd like to say I have lots of relaxing planned, but really, I have to play catch up on the stuff I didn't do yesterday. Worse, he's home Sat, Sun, Mon -- and will mostly likely dream up lots more chores and projects for us to do. Some days I wish I married a couch potato.

==============================

Amy, your comment yesterday about the spider made me LOL. Thanks.

===============================

DD with our last butterfly:



More artsy pix from DD -- she always chooses things I wouldn't, and somehow they look really cool:





==========================

Got a decent review for "Kitchen Matches" at Literary Nymphs (four nymphs) which says, in part:

This is sweet, funny, and enjoyable.

Guess that pretty much sums the story up! LOL...

==========================

I've Been Giggled and Butterfly Surgery

Once I read a story about a butterfly in the subway, and today, I saw one. It got on at 42nd, and off at 59th, where, I assume it was going to Bloomingdales to buy a hat that will turn out to be a mistake - as almost all hats are. ~Nikolaus Laszlo, Nora Ephron, and Delia Ephron, You've Got Mail

I have always sort of hoped that I'd fly under Mrs. Giggles radar. "One Love for Liv" apparently did, but "Kitchen Matches" didn't manage the feat.

It got Giggled.

When the notification showed up in my inbox, I didn't want to click through... I was terrified. But, it's a little like a car accident, you just can't look away. So I clicked.

And?

And it wasn't as bad as I imagined it could be. Keep in mind -- I love this story. I don't know what it was about it that etched itself in my heart, but I couldn't let it go away.

It got a 78.

Here's the entire review. But, I'll share a couple bits from it, just because I can:

The good:

I find that the author has an easy sense of humor that works on me.

The bad:

I definitely believe that Cori can do so much better than the boring Micah.

The (surprisingly not very) ugly:

I like Ms Arkins' style, but this short story is a pretty so-so read.

Phew....

==========================

On a side note, I rec'd my print galleys yesterday for "Liv". It's a little surreal. The official release date from Samhain says December 30th -- which is a sucky date, IMHO. Wish it was December 15th. I think I can get my author copies a little in advance though...

Oddly enough, BN says the release date is December 1st : One Love for Liv -- available for preorder from Barnes and Noble!

Hope they are right.

===========================

We had much butterfly drama yesterday. Pete the pet pillar (who is now Petra) hatched and promptly fell off her chrysalis. She was one lucky pillar, tho, cuz DD happened to be staring at her when it happened and scooped her right up. Problem is, they have to hang upside down for their wings to form properly and Petra the PP wouldn't cling to our fingers! She fell off again and again. DD finally just held the bugger's legs while I went on the search for a stick with much texture.

That worked. She clung and hung and dripped red goo (someday I'll go see what that is). Finally she got squirmy, so I popped her back into the box and onto the netting until her wings appeared to be dry.

DD decided to release her outside, so out we went. Picked up the butterfly and she flapped and ... fell to the ground. All four wings were flapping separately ... I'd never seen that before.

I know that monarchs are pretty hardy so I had DD hold her by the legs and body while I looked. Turns out they were in the wrong order. The top wings are supposed to lay on top of the bottom ones. Maybe it happened when she fell the first time, when her wings were tiny, crumpled things?

There was nothing else but a little butterfly surgery to be done -- she had dislocated wings! With DD holding the critter by the legs, I tugged first one wing, and then the other, back into place. I don't think I've been so nervous in my life!

I am here to tell you: Monarchs have some TOUGH wings. I didn't even rub any feathers off. Still, I think she was traumatized. She didn't even want to try to fly, so she's back in the box, and will head out later today when it's warmer out.

=========================

Recovering...

Eighty percent of success is showing up. ~Woody Allen

Okay, I think I've nearly recovered from the shock of finding myself on the MBaM bestsellers list. Nearly. I may even be able to talk coherently. I know I terrified Judy yesterday because I IM'd her this message:

OMGOMGOMGOMGOMG

::faints dead away::

And nothing else.

She's very patient with me.

:-)

==================================

I spent a good part of the day, yesterday, struggling with my DDs new curriculum. It's all computer based, and the info on how to do the teacher's stuff isn't very comprehensive unless you count the tutorial. Problem is, I can't PAUSE the tutorial so I either have to instantly memorize the information or keep starting it over.

I finally managed to figure out how to set the school calendar and how to assign and grade lessons and tests. I figure that's the big stuff. I'll worry about the rest later.

And, yes, we're already starting school.

====================================

I did get another 1000 words or so done on the wolf story. Unfortunately, that isn't enough to make it in time for the "Got Wolf" contest. I need to be doing at least 1500 words a day. ::shrugs:: Maybe I'll just submit it as a short story if I don't get it done in time. Still, the contest winners are going to be part of a print anthology, and I really wanted that.

Month's not over yet.

*G*

====================================

I picked the first tomato from our garden yesterday. There are four more that are about ripe. Unfortunately, I didn't get as many as I'd hoped for (I had big plans to can diced tomatoes this year -- I love tomatoes...mmmm). I planted about two dozen plants. Looks like I'll have to double that next year. Don't know WHERE I'll fit them, but I'll figure something out.

We still have an abundance of cucumbers, but that's okay -- my neighbors are enjoying the bounty.

=====================================

You Are Comic Sans

You are a nothing but a big goofball. You're quite playful and fun! You're widely known for your zany personality and your vivacious attitude. To say that you stand out in a crowd would be a definite understatement. Remember that you are overwhelming at times and that people appreciate you best in small doses.

What Font Are You?

Huh... okay... what do YOU think? Me? A goofball? Zany? Playful? Overwhelming?

===============================

Kitchen Matches is A BESTSELLER

Dear heavens. Imagine my shock when I opened my "Kitchen Matches" page at MBaM and saw this:



Can't see it? Let me show you a little closer:



I didn't expect to hit the bestsellers, because they are typically all erotic or very spicy romance (and all the other nine ARE) which my story is certainly NOT. But... holy moly... wow... thanks you guys.

:::faints dead away:::

IT'S UP!!!

Kitchen Matches is officially released!!!

Click the cover to check it out:

Today is the day... Kitchen Matches releases!

Patience: A minor form of despair disguised as a virtue. ~Ambrose Bierce

Yep, I'm told "Kitchen Matches" releases today. Unfortunately, it's not up yet. Why isn't everyone on Eastern time AND an early riser??

:-)

In any case, I'll let you know when I find it up for sale (or, if you check and it is, let ME know, lol).

To whet your appetite, here is a little taste of "Kitchen Matches":



“Leave your lights on?” She said this automatically. That question was the first thing to ask when a car wouldn’t start. Still, the guy was always pretty sharp in class so she couldn’t imagine him doing something that absent-minded.

“Not that I recall.”

“Did you check?”

“If they were burned out, how could I check?”

She stared at him for a moment to see if he was serious. The expression on his face was as innocent as a newborn baby’s, so he was serious as a heart attack. “First off, they wouldn’t burn out. Your battery would die first. Second, you could see if the switch was turned on.” She pulled in beside his van and revised her initial opinion of how sharp he was.

“Huh.” He shrugged. “Hadn’t thought of that.” He raked a hand through his dark hair, hair that was long enough to pull into a tiny ponytail in the back, something he occasionally did in class.

When a thick lock flopped back across his forehead, she fought the urge to brush the dark curl back into place. His mass of hair was far longer than her own, and that thought made her so self-conscious, she tugged her hat down tighter on her head.

“Let’s go take a look,” Cori said, determined not to think about how much she wished she looked like a girl right now. What was it about this guy that turned her normally strong spine into mush? Next thing you knew, she’d giggle and blush. Ick.

She opened her door and swung down to the ground. He slid the van door open for her and inserted the key into the ignition. When she turned the key and nothing happened, she popped the hood. “I’ll give the battery a jump. You get in and try it when I say when.”

“Try what?”

“Turning the key.” Dear heavens, the guy was utterly helpless. “You mean to tell me you’ve never jumped a battery before?”

“I imagine I’ve done that about as many times as you’ve made chicken cordon bleu.”

“Hey…I’ve made it.” She hated that her voice sounded petulant. But, she had made it before. In his class, the first week. Never mind that she’d caused a ruckus by flinging the chicken breast two stoves over when the hunk of meat had stuck to the stupid wooden hammer thingie she was using to pound it out. The other students hadn’t minded, not even the one who’d gotten the slimy bit of poultry right in the kisser.

He looked at her and one corner of his mouth twitched in what might have been amusement. “See, there’s a first time for everything. Just walk me through the procedure, step-by-step, would you? I may be untaught, but I’m far from unteachable.”

He looked so earnest and unoffended by her shock, Cori couldn’t help but agree to his request. She shoved up the van’s hood, standing on tip-toe and pushing it with her fingertips to get it all the way into place. At the sight of the battery, she cringed. “Geez. Yuck.”

“What?” He stood behind her, looking over her shoulder.

Surely she shivered at the cold, and not at his proximity. She shrugged off the feeling and pointed.

“Your battery is corroded. It’s a wonder your engine has started at all lately.” She stepped back and tromped on his toe with her boot. At his grunt, she said, “Sorry. But, back off a little. I need some space to think.” And to let her nerves settle down.

“Can’t you just jump it?”

She rolled her eyes at him. “Yeah, maybe, but I’d rather not crud up my cables and jumping that mess of a battery really wouldn’t fix the real problem. It would be like treating cancer with aspirin. How about a free tow instead?”

He looked at her, suspicion in his blue eyes. “What’s the catch? I mean, you don’t even like me.”

“Not like you?” She snorted. “I’d say it’s the other way around, teach.”

He stared, blinking owl-like, but said nothing.

She shifted nervously from foot to foot. Finally, she couldn’t take the silence a minute longer. “Well? You want to stay here or can I take you and your van somewhere?”

“I’m fairly new in town and don’t know any good car repairmen.”

“I do.”

“Oh? Do you get a kickback for referring me?”

“See…I knew you didn’t like me.” She smirked. “And, no I don’t get a kickback, exactly.”

“What’s ‘exactly’ mean?”

“I mean that it’s me.” She stuffed her cold hands into her jacket pockets and rocked back on her heels.

“It’s you, what?”

“I’m a reputable car repairman.”

He stared at her again, and that little habit of his was really making her uncomfortable. That look cut through her tough outer skin, right to her soft and easily embarrassed center. His gaze scooted up to her face, down to her toes and back again. The look was as soft as a caress and she fisted her hands, annoyed at her body’s reaction to it.

“You’re no man,” he announced.

“What? Are you some kind of Neanderthal? You think because of my chromosomes I can’t fix a minivan?”

“I didn’t say that.” The corner of his mouth turned up in a smile, the first real one ever aimed in her direction. “You called yourself a repairman, and I only said that you aren’t a man. That’s a fact. Despite your dress and demeanor, you are very much a woman.”

A thrill of attraction shivered up her spine and left her unable to speak coherently. She fell back on a simple, “Oh.”

=============================

It's raining. Again. Or maybe that's "still". I'm fairly certain I have webbing growing between my toes and fingers. Ugh.

What's up with the Degree commercials (YouTube video here) and Eureka this past week? Is that just weird or what? I did find the reason why here.

Not sure I'm liking the idea though.

Am writing ... working on a short story for TWRP's "Got Wolf" contest. Don't know if I'm going to make it, though, as the deadline is August 31st. But, hey... I still have two whole weeks. And, I've always said I work better under pressure! Yesterday, Chris and I were gabbing via IM and mentioned that neither of us were finding time to write. I said: how about now? Let's both just stop doing what we're doing and write for thirty minutes (or until she is interrupted -- she has FOUR boys, and one is an infant) and see how it goes. We did, and we both got right around 1000 words. Not too shabby.

I'm about ready to give up on my Dd -- Dakota. I half wonder if she is just not trainable? I still can't get her leash trained, despite all sorts of advice (it took me half an hour to get 1/8 of a mile yesterday, what with all the turning around every time she pulled). She's also begun peeing in the house again, for no apparent reason, so we're doing what we did for her as a puppy -- outside after every meal, and out every hour or so. But, up until this week, she's always asked to go outside and now? .... Nope. She still eats the plants, and the couch, and the rugs, and boxes, and books, and .... even though she knows she isn't supposed to (she comes up to me and apologizes for it, even before I know she's done anything). Color me frustrated. It's a good thing she's cute.


I'm addicted to Bowling Buddies on Facebook. Just saying.

============================

And the Winnah is....

"There is one thing more exasperating than a wife who can cook and won't and that's a wife who can't cook and will." - Robert Frost

First prize of a free PDF copy of "Kitchen Matches" is: NUMBER TWO - Anita!

GRAND PRIZE of a free PDF copy of "Kitchen Matches" & a $5 Amazon.com gift certificate is: NUMBER SEVEN - Dru!

Email me (authormariannearkins AT gmail DOT com) from the email address you'd like to receive your prizes at, and I'll get them out to you.

Funny thing was, nearly every vote said something like -- I've done things like that... so, why didn't you SEND THEM IN?? You could be reading my story right now.

Remember, though, if you didn't win, "Kitchen Matches" is on sale tomorrow from Samhain Publishing.

YAY!

===============================


1. What is the last thing you attempted to quit? How did you do it and were you successful?

I tried to quit being a lazy slug and overeating... I failed miserably. I'm still working on it...

2. Are you a roller coaster sort of person (impulsive, takes chances, likes to live in the fast lane), or a merry-go-round sort of person (slow, steady, predictable, peaceful)? This is an excellent excuse to do a little self-analysis!

Okay... this one is tough. I am NOT impulsive, I do NOT like to take chances (much)... but... I don't think I'm predictable and peaceful either. So, maybe I'm the Tilt-o-Whirl? Or the Scrambler?

3. Have you ever worn your slippers, or pajamas, in public? If so, when and why? If not, would you ever consider leaving your house looking less than your best? What do you think of people who do so? (Be honest, we all judge on some level).

When I was in high school, all of us drama students would meet at Dennys restaurant every few weeks, at night, and share cheese fries and coffee (because that was back before there were free refills on soda -- blame Dennys for my coffee habit). We always wore pajamas. In fact, when we went to Anaheim for the thespian festival, there was a Dennys next door to our hotel, and we all went in our jammies -- except the teacher (party pooper, lol).

And, I absolutely leave the house looking less than my best. OTOH, I try not to look like too much of a slob (except once, I was gardening, and I needed something -- and I didn't want to shower and change, go get it, come back and get filthy again... so I went to Agway looking a mess). I do think that today's society has gotten a little lackadaisical in their public appearance. Pajamas aren't a joke, they're regular daywear. Ironing? Never... who cares if your clothes look like they were wadded up wet and shoved in a corner.

It's a shame that folks don't seem to care AT ALL how they look anymore.

4. If you could go back and tell your 13-year-old self one thing about the future, what would you say?

Don't be stupid and move out of state. Stay in California. Forever.

Okay, there are other things I'd say, but if you think I'm confessing all on my public blog, you're nuts. Sorry.

==================================

In Pillar Place 2008:

We hatched two butterflies yesterday, but one of them was NOT right. He was behaving in very odd ways and eventually just flopped to the ground and stuck his behind up in the air and laid there. Guess who ended up in the freezer? Again. DD was distraught.

Today, weather permitting, we will have another butterfly funeral. Our milkweed garden is going to look like Flanders Field at this rate.

Still, we did have one healthy one and will release him today -- it rained all yesterday afternoon, so he had to stay in the box. He was NOT a happy butterfly, but he would have been less happy going out in the pouring rain.

Only four or five more to go.

==================================