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**

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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.

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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...

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New Reviews for The Christmas Curse!

Five Angels from Fallen Angels Reviews:

"The Christmas Curse" by Marianne Arkins is funny, heartwarming and completely engaging. I laughed out loud at some of the lines, especially at the thought of getting a training bra for Christmas! Talk about a holiday disappointment! The author’s sense of humor makes this more than just a typical holiday tale. She makes Molly one of the most believable characters around. I am sure we all know (or are) people like Molly. The claustrophobic man in the elevator is truly sympathetic. How Molly relates to him shows more of her character. I enjoyed this short story very much. "The Christmas Curse" is a holiday delight! The twist at the end was a surprise that was like icing on the cake.

Thank you, Marlene!

Four hearts from Night Owl Reviews (if you read the entire review, be advised that some of what she notes in the synopsis is incorrect):

This was an enjoyable Christmas story where I found myself feeling so bad for Molly throughout the entire story. She just had such bad luck that your heart just went out to her and I found myself wishing that good luck would find its way to her finally. I would definitely recommend this story to others to read.

Thanks, Diana!!

Hey... it's never to late for a little after Christmas shopping! If you haven't picked up a copy, you can do so here.

:-)

It Finally Happened...

I knew it had to sooner or later...

I got a "poor" rating on Fictionwise. Ironically, it was on one my favorite stories, "The Christmas Curse".

I probably shouldn't be pointing out a "poor" rating, should I? I should pretend it didn't really exist. It's just...

Poor?

Really?

I'm not as upset as I am a bit mystified. "OK" I could understand. I've had "meh" reactions to books that other folks loved.

Oh well. Off to work on another story that will probably earn everything from "Great" to "Poor" ratings again!

New Review for The Christmas Curse

I just discovered my story reviewed at Cocktail Reviews. I got four flutes! She said, in part:

A quirky, enjoyable read with a great voice, The Christmas Curse made me smile and root for Molly to have at least one Christmas where things didn’t go completely wrong.

Did you see that? "A great voice"... made my morning...

It's a Cold, Cruel World

There are many things that you're not supposed to eat, especially children. -- Mary Margaret McBride

That struck me funny, so I had to share. It really doesn't have much to do with today's post (and, a good thing, too).

I probably have an overly rosy view of the wild -- a little Snow White-ish, with bird singing, and raccoons dancing. And I do hate the idea of killing a critter for what I think is no good reason. Hence this story:

Over the past month or two, our lawn has been the lumpy home of a mole. We have a healthy, green lawn and is probably full of yummy bugs (most likely earthworms, since I bought a passel a couple of years ago and I'm sure they've multiplied), so it's almost like we put up a "welcome" sign to the critter.

My DH, who is a fanatic about the lawn, demanded I kill him. I said I would look into non-lethal mole eradication, but I didn't figure we should kill him. Moles are awfully cute and fuzzy. We found one out a couple years ago (actually, I think my dog dug him up) and I carried him far, far away a released him (to the horror of my DH who thought, again, I should have killed him). My luck, this is the same mole.

Anyway... I tried those little stakes that beep (Mole Chasers), and it worked fairly well. They have a much smaller range than the package claims, but the mole didn't come into that area. Until DH lowered the mowing deck too far on the mower and shattered the top. The moment that thing was broken, the mole came back.

I kept hoping the ground would freeze, so I could ignore the problem until next year. But we've had a very mild fall. DH declared I had to buy poison, he'd had enough. I was supposed to go get it last week, but couldn't *ahem* find the time.

Well... Thursday, something happened that took that right out of my hands. As you probably know, I have lots of bird feeders. Now and then, unfavorable birds come by to join in the feast -- grackles, crows, etc. We have a local murder of crows (I love saying that!) who visit regularly. I let them be because they clean the mess on the ground (them and my gray squirrel -- I don't chase him because he doesn't get on the feeders like those rotten red squirrels do). On Thursday, one of the crows was pecking, chowing down on all the seed those sloppy finches and chickadees leave when he did this weird hop, grabbed and flew off.

With the mole.

It's amazing we were even watching (what are the odds? It's not like I spend all day looking out the window!) and amazing the crow found the sucker (who must have stuck his head up for two seconds... bad timing on his part). We weren't sure at first that it was the mole -- it happened pretty fast. We knew it got something small and gray. But I went out later and stomped down all the mole hills and they haven't come back.

So, though part of me is sad for that fuzzy little critter, at least his death served a purpose AND absolved me of the lifetime of guilt I would have felt if I'd poisoned him just so our lawn could be pretty. I never thought I'd be thankful to a crow. Ugh.

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My latest story, The Christmas Curse, is in the bottom spot of the overall bestsellers at The Wild Rose Press. I was worried for a bit that I wouldn't hit this time (for the first time!)

It's also number three in the short stories, and number four in all general contemporary sales. So, I can't complain. And Dru sent me the nicest email about it yesterday. Warmed the cockles of my heart. Thanks again, Dru! It's always nice to know that your work is appreciated!

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You Are a Chick Rocker!

You're living proof that chicks can rock You're inspired by Joan Jett and the Donnas And when you rock, you rock hard (Plus, you get all the cute guy groupies you want!)

What Kind of Rocker Are You?

Thank goodness for that! When I was in high school, the Go-Gos were all the rage ("We Got The Beat!") and I wanted to be in an all girl band like crazy. I had a friend who played the drums, and I would sing (not much call for the flute in a rock band...) but we never did manage to find anyone to fill out the numbers. Oh well.

You?

Booking it With Preservatives

A book is the only place in which you can examine a fragile thought without breaking it, or explore an explosive idea without fear it will go off in your face. It is one of the few havens remaining where a man's mind can get both provocation and privacy. ~Edward P. Morgan

BOOKING IT THROUGH THURSDAY:
PRESERVATIVES

Today’s question comes from Conspiracy-Girl:I’m still relatively new to this meme so I’m not sure if this has been asked yet, but I’m curious how many of us write notes in our books. Are you a Footprint Leaver or a Preservationist?

ACK!!! If it's not a school textbook I never, Never, NEVER write inside. I'm one of those freaky people who even try to keep from breaking the binding on my paperbacks. I don't dog-ear the pages (dear heavens, I feel faint at the thought of it). I have a definite book buying budget, and since I'd prefer to not have to rebuy books that I love, I treat them with deep respect.

You?

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First off, thanks to everyone for your kind words about my latest release! If you did purchase "The Christmas Curse", feel free to return to the Wild Rose Press site and leave a review...

And, did you enter the contest to win "The Christmas Curse" or any of my backlist? It was easy-peasy to do! Simply join the LASR "Let's Talk About Romance" Yahoo group and post a message--any message--between now and Friday, midnight eastern time. I'll draw a name from the posters to win, Win, WIN!!! If you already own all of my stories (and, hey--why wouldn't you??), I'll buy your choice of any other short story (miniature rose or rosette) from TWRP.

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

So... yesterday I took DD to the mall. She's in need of new pants (this is quite an ordeal that I won't get into, but suffice it to say we didn't find any to purchase). By the time I left however, I was about to smack someone -- forget road rage, I'm talking mall rage.

What is UP with those blasted vendors who rent carts in the middle of the concourse in the mall? Why, WHY do they feel the need to grab at me as I go past and slather various lotions or whatever on my hands. Why, WHY won't they take "no, thanks" or "I'm all set" or "I'm not interested" as an answer? Why do they keep talking and follow me halfway to the next corner???

If anyone from those little carts is reading this, I have one thing to say: Leave me alone. If I am interested in your product, I'll come look. I even bought something from one of you yesterday -- this person simply sat at her register, answered my question when I had one, and LEFT ME ALONE. Most of you, though? You're worse than telemarketers. You're worse that those little buzzy no-seeums that pester me all summer long. Worse than the tick I pulled of my dog last night. I wouldn't buy your product if I was dying a long, painful death and your product would give me immortal life.

It makes me want to never, ever go to the mall again. In fact, if the store had an outside entrance, I would never walk down the Concourse of Annoyance again. Truthfully, I will give it much thought before I return. I can't express to you how truly awful my entire experience was. I took to ducking inside stores and lurking a the window until I saw those people busy attacking someone else, and then running out as quickly as possible.

Geez.

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Your Brain is Green

Of all the brain types, yours has the most balance. You are able to see all sides to most problems and are a good problem solver. You need time to work out your thoughts, but you don't get stuck in bad thinking patterns. You tend to spend a lot of time thinking about the future, philosophy, and relationships (both personal and intellectual).

What Color Is Your Brain?

The Christmas Curse -- Released!

Available NOW!!

The Christmas Curse

For Molly Scott, everything bad in her life has happened during the Christmas season, from training bras in her stocking to being jilted by her fiancé. This year is no exception.

Ten days before Christmas, she arrives at work to find her department closed down and everyone laid off. Desperate, she takes a job for a singing telegram service and, dressed as Mrs. Claus, meets the man of her dreams--who turns out to be a nightmare--in a broken-down elevator. The Christmas Curse is right on track.

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WIN your own copy of this -- or your choice of ANY of my stories! It's easy...

Join the LASR "Let's Talk About Romance" Yahoo group and post a message--any message--between now and Friday. I'll draw a name from the posters to win, Win, WIN!!! If you already own all of my stories (and, hey--why wouldn't you??), I'll buy your choice of any other short story (miniature rose or rosette) from TWRP.

How's that for easy?

Just to whet your appetite, here is the excerpt from "The Christmas Curse":

Late as usual, Molly jogged toward the elevators. The one on the left was just closing, so she hollered, "Hold the door!" and leaped forward, slipping her arm inside the crack. She took a step and jammed the stiletto heel of her boot right into the crack where the elevator car met the floor. She teetered unsteadily, praying she wouldn't break a bone.

The doors lurched open and she lost any hope of staying upright when they did. She tumbled inside, heard the snap of her boot heel breaking and then tumbled onto another occupant, knocking them both to the barely padded floor.

"Oh no, I am so sorry!" She rolled to one side before sitting up to see who had cushioned her fall. The best looking man she'd ever seen lay on the floor, grinning up at her, and making no effort whatsoever to get to his feet.

"My pleasure." He propped his arms under his head. "Truly."

She jumped to her feet, forgetting she'd lost a heel in the door, lost her balance and fell again. At least she managed to land on her hands and knees above him like a bridge and didn't squash him.

"Sorry." She crawled to the door and wiggled the broken heel back and forth until it came out, wondering why the doors hadn't tried closing on her fingers. She glanced over her shoulder to find the man sitting up with his finger on the "Door Open" button.

"Thanks."

"No problem. What floor?"

"I need the penthouse, please."

"That's where I'm heading, too."

She pivoted away from his lopsided grin and nearly stepped on a rather small, ashen-faced man leaning in the corner. His body shuddered when the doors closed and the car started to move.

"Oh-kay…" She was stuck between drop-dead-handsome man and pasty-face man and had to figure out how to do her routine with a broken-heeled boot. She tucked said heel into one of the many pockets in her slicker lining and left the coat hanging open. She hoped the boot could be repaired. But because it was only a week before Christmas, she doubted she'd have any luck with that.

It was a little like the time, eight years before, when she'd performed an aria for the school Christmas program, unaware that two buttons on her dress were undone, thereby flashing the front of her ancient white bra, complete with holes and safety pins.

"So, you were invited to the party upstairs?" Handsome man broke into her thoughts. He climbed to his feet and moved beside her.

Molly nodded.

"I wasn't aware it was a costume party."

She crinkled her nose and shook her head. "I wouldn't know. I'm only the entertainment."

"Ahhh." He reached out a hand and flipped the bells on her collar. "So, Mrs. Claus, is the mister showing up tonight? Because, to be honest, I haven't been very good this year."

She had just opened her mouth to speak when the lights cut off and the elevator ground to a halt. Oh, dear heavens, she'd done it again.

Memories...

Nostalgia is a file that removes the rough edges from the good old days. ~Doug Larson

Funny how, when you're a little down, you want your parents. I'm forty-years-old, and yesterday in the midst of my pity party, I missed my mom (who is in California) and my dad (who passed away seventeen years ago) so badly it surprised me. Because it's been so long since my dad died, I don't miss him (consciously) on a daily basis, but sometimes it sneaks up and blindsides me out of the blue. Usually it's music that does it, and yesterday was no exception.

I was already thinking about him a bit, because it was Veteran's Day, and he fought in WWII. I've been writing stories in and around that era, and have been doing research into it, and wished he'd talked about it a little more. He never did talk about it. In fact, I didn't know he'd met and married a German woman (and then, subsequently divorced and married my mom) when he was there. I didn't know that until after he died and I got all his things, including letters he'd written and received during the war.

Yesterday, while he was already floating in my consciousness, the song "Leader of the Band" by Dan Fogleberg came on the radio, and my DD asked me what it was about. I told her a bit about the singer following in his father's footsteps, but then the lyric came on about, "The leader of the band is tired, and his eyes are growing old..." and I started to ball like a baby. This wasn't good for two reasons -- DD is freaked out when I cry (because I don't do that often), and I was driving (LOL).

So, I miss you, Dad. And, Mom (because I know you read this blog), I miss you, too, and wish we were closer (in miles) than we are.

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Hey! I've been so busy, I'd almost forgotten: My latest story, "The Christmas Curse" comes out from The Wild Rose Press TOMORROW!!



There are broken elevators, and singing telegrams and so much more! What better start to your holiday season? I'll post the link (and some kind of contest... not that I know WHAT! -- oh, publicity director?) tomorrow.

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So, DD now has a crush on Donny Osmond. LOL... she saw him perform on YouTube, and said he's very handsome (at, yanno, ten-years-old). I, OTOH, think he's aged marvelously (he's a GRANDFATHER!! You think that doesn't make me feel old?) and I much prefer this version of "Puppy Love" (sorry, they disabled embedding).

Yep... I still have a crush on that man.

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

You Should Be a Joke Writer

You're totally hilarious, and you can find the humor in any situation. Whether you're spouting off zingers, comebacks, or jokes about life... You usually can keep a crowd laughing, and you have plenty of material. You have the makings of a great comedian - or comedic writer.

What Type of Writer Should You Be?

Daring Girls

The aim of education should be to teach us rather how to think, than what to think - rather to improve our minds, so as to enable us to think for ourselves, than to load the memory with thoughts of other men.

Someone (Tori?) recommended I check out "The Daring Book For Girls" for my DD (It was on the post about string games). So, I did! LOL... My library had it available in the YA section and I picked it up yesterday. Some of it's silly, but most of it is pretty darn cool. I have to admit, though, I don't think most "young adults" today (i.e. tweens and teens) would be interested in most activities in this book. I do think, however, they would find the other information: famous women, letters from Abigail Adams to her husband, etc., quite interesting.

My DD is terribly excited to look through it. There are directions for climbing trees and how to be a spy and camping in your backyard. It's cute. Thanks!

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

Okay, I know I'm not dyslexic. I read fine, was reading younger than most. But, I think my fingers are dyslexic. I frequently type words backwards. Completely... not just mixing up a couple of letters. One will be eno, for instance. And I do it (that originally came out ti) without thinking. It's the strangest thing. Tell me I'm not alone in this?

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I'm not sure about the release date of my story "The Christmas Curse" -- it may be November 14th, or it may be November 19th. I'm inclined to think it'll be the 14th, since that's when they typically release this length story. Tune in next week to find out! I haven't a clue what I'll do to promote it, but will think of something by then.

Promotions aside, it was a really fun story to write. You should grab a copy. I think it'll make you smile.

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Gotta go write, so that's it for me for now. I'll update the word count later!

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You Are Pumpkin

Realistic and practical, you see the world for how it is. You know what it takes to succeed in life... And you're happy to help others reach their goals.

What Color Orange Are You?

Well... yeah. That's about spot on.

Release Date and Dripping Sweat

"The truth is you don't know what is going to happen tomorrow. Life is a crazy ride, and nothing is guaranteed." - Eminem

I know. I can't believe I'm quoting Eminem, either!

First off... congrats to the folks who guessed the song yesterday! It was, indeed, the theme from Rawhide. And, just for grins, I give you the Blues Brothers version:



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

I got the official release date for my Christmas story "The Christmas Curse"... after a bit of wrangling by my editor (you're a peach, Nancy!), I got the release date I'd hoped for -- November 19th. Mark your calendars, folks!



For Molly Scott, everything bad in her life has happened during the Christmas season, from training bras in her stocking to being jilted by her fiancé. This year is no exception.

Ten days before Christmas, she arrives at work to find her department closed down and everyone laid off. Desperate, she takes a job for a singing telegram service and, dressed as Mrs. Claus, meets the man of her dreams--who turns out to be a nightmare--in a broken down elevator. The Christmas Curse is right on track.

And, to whet your appetite, here's an excerpt:

Late as usual, Molly jogged toward the elevators. The one on the left was just closing, so she hollered, "Hold the door!" and leaped forward, slipping her arm inside the crack. She took a step and jammed the stiletto heel of her boot right into the crack where the elevator car met the floor. She teetered unsteadily, praying she wouldn't break a bone.

The doors lurched open and she lost any hope of staying upright when they did. She tumbled inside, heard the snap of her boot heel breaking and then tumbled onto another occupant, knocking them both to the barely padded floor.

"Oh no, I am so sorry!" She rolled to one side before sitting up to see who had cushioned her fall. The best looking man she'd ever seen lay on the floor, grinning up at her, and making no effort whatsoever to get to his feet.

"My pleasure." He propped his arms under his head. "Truly."

She jumped to her feet, forgetting she'd lost a heel in the door, lost her balance and fell again. At least she managed to land on her hands and knees above him like a bridge and didn't squash him.

"Sorry." She crawled to the door and wiggled the broken heel back and forth until it came out, wondering why the doors hadn't tried closing on her fingers. She glanced over her shoulder to find the man sitting up with his finger on the "Door Open" button.

"Thanks."

"No problem. What floor?"

"I need the penthouse, please."

"That's where I'm heading, too."

She pivoted away from his lopsided grin and nearly stepped on a rather small, ashen-faced man leaning in the corner. His body shuddered when the doors closed and the car started to move.

"Oh-kay…" She was stuck between drop-dead-handsome man and pasty-face man and had to figure out how to do her routine with a broken-heeled boot. She tucked said heel into one of the many pockets in her slicker lining and left the coat hanging open. She hoped the boot could be repaired. But because it was only a week before Christmas, she doubted she'd have any luck with that.

It was a little like the time, eight years before, when she'd performed an aria for the school Christmas program, unaware that two buttons on her dress were undone, thereby flashing the front of her ancient white bra, complete with holes and safety pins.

"So, you were invited to the party upstairs?" Handsome man broke into her thoughts. He climbed to his feet and moved beside her.

Molly nodded.

"I wasn't aware it was a costume party."

She crinkled her nose and shook her head. "I wouldn't know. I'm only the entertainment."

"Ahhh." He reached out a hand and flipped the bells on her collar. "So, Mrs. Claus, is the mister showing up tonight? Because, to be honest, I haven't been very good this year."

She had just opened her mouth to speak when the lights cut off and the elevator ground to a halt. Oh, dear heavens, she'd done it again.
==========================



I sweated successfully again yesterday! My daily goal is at least 1,000 words, and I managed 1,058!

My favorite line from yesterday's writing? It's this:

With one last, long look, he turned and left her sitting in the gutter with nothing but a lump on her skull and a broken heart.

Though this was a close second:

She burned for him—moth to flame. Part of her knew she should fly away from this inferno that would devour her, but she couldn’t do more than hold on tight.

Have I mentioned that I'm having a BLAST?

An interesting note: I went through the document and searched for "it". I then replaced about 85% of them with better nouns and descriptors. You know what? I gained almost 200 words! I was shocked. Happy, but shocked.

Woo!

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Your Karaoke Theme Song is "Margaritaville"

You are a true party animal, but your style is mild and chill. Kicking back with a few friends and a few drinks is all you need to be happy. You certainly don't feel pressured to be a part of any party scene. In fact, you avoid trendier spots. You've been known to kick loose anywhere and everywhere. All you need is a cooler. You might also sing: "Gin and Juice," "Love Shack," and "Red Red Wine" Stay away from people who sing: "Wind Beneath My Wings"

What's Your Karaoke Theme Song?

Hey... I like Buffet! I DO NOT LIKE Red, Red Wine... GAH. Bores me to tears.

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This looks pretty sharp, yes?