Pure Silliness

"Close the door. Write with no one looking over your shoulder. Don't try to figure out what other people want to hear from you; figure out what you have to say. It's the one and only thing you have to offer." - Barbara Kingsolver

As most of you know, I've been struggling with my writing for some time now, though setting a small goal of 250 - 500 words a day has helped. Even so, writing that little bit had become a chore and my story was showing it. Not a good thing since it's supposed to be just this side of romantic comedy (my own genre that I call "romance that doesn't take itself seriously"... not "laugh-out-loud" funny, but still light-hearted).

A few days ago I decided that was enough. One of the ways I always got through my NaNoWriMo books (back when I actually won NaNo regularly) was by taking silly "dares" and popping them in -- whether I thought they forwarded the plot or not. Sometimes they did, sometimes they didn't (and were edited out), but mostly they just kept me writing, made me think outside the box (how can I add six live chickens to a book set in the city? How can I give my alpha male hero a frilly pink girl's bedroom set?) and made it fun.

We've all heard the adage: You can't edit a blank page.

So, agonizing in my first draft as to whether something is really important, whether is forwards the plot or not, staring at the keyboard worried that what I'm writing isn't appropriate for the story, thinking about the fact I might just have to take it out again, or that it might lead the characters down a road I wasn't expecting ... That had to stop.

The past few days, I've written the silliest things I can think of. IMHO they work within the story, they're fun to write (and hopefully to read) and I just don't care if they're moving the plot forward (though so far, I think they do). I start each writing session with the thought, "What can I do that's just plain silly in this scene? Something unusual, unexpected, possibly even out of character?" And then I do that thing.

Whether or not the story ultimately gets published, whether or not I end up red-lining half of what I've written, I don't care because it's slowly bringing back the joy in writing for me. That's something that's been missing for a long, long time. And then maybe once that's accomplished, I can be more productive. But for now, I'm just happy I'm writing.

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You Are a Strawberry Milkshake

You are a patient and compassionate person. You are willing to accept people as they are. You have a natural sweetness to you that others appreciate. You have a sense of humor about everything. You are easily delighted and inspired. You think life is pretty great. If things don't go your way, you always believe that you will persevere.

What Flavor Milkshake Are You?

About half right ... I do like strawberry milkshakes though (as a strong second to chocolate).

I Want My Meme-y

“Joy is the feeling of grinning inside.” - Melba Colgrove

First off ... I gave up on controlling my Google Reader and deleted everything. I'm starting from scratch because the sheer number of unread posts was overwhelming. I did try to visit most of my friends, but if I didn't I'm SO sorry. I'll do my best to not let that craziness happen again.

Now ... moving on.

This is from Groovy. Here's the deal: I'm to answer the following 8 questions made up by Groovy, make up 8 questions of my own, and then tag 8 of you to answer my questions (everyone who's reading ... consider yourself tagged!).

Here are her questions (and my answers, of course!):

1. What do you think are three top qualities to look for in a politician?

This is a tough one for me because ... I don't get political here (which is VERY VERY difficult -- those of you who know me IRL know I have strong political leanings).

1. A belief that government does not exist to take care of people.

2. A belief that problems don't need more money thrown at them.

3. A belief that freedom is the foundation of this country and that the Constitution is not a fluid document.

2. Which do you read more of, fiction or non-fiction? And please give us one awesome book recommendation while you're here...

I probably read more fiction, but it's awfully close. I was just mentioning to my mom the other day that I feel like Tom Cruise's character in Cocktail (remember how he always had a self-help book with him?) because I always have books on nutrition or food near me (though lately, I've had equally as many books on computer software).

Book recommendations?

For fiction: I recently finished "The Search" by Nora Roberts and LOVED it.

For non-fiction: One of the most level-headed authors on nutrition I've ever read is Michael Pollan. I'd strongly recommend reading either (or both!) "In Defense of Food" and "The Omnivore's Dilemma".

3. What is your go-to outfit for dressy occasions? Describe it for us!

Um ... I don't have one? I don't HAVE dressy occasions anymore. I do have a plain black skirt that goes with nearly everything when I have to wear something a little more upscale than jeans. I still OWN fancy clothes, but they were all purchased about 40 pounds ago...

4. What song(s) do you want sung at your funeral? Why?

Maybe this:



Or this (but maybe they could say "A Good Woman"?):



Or this (for my daughter):



Or this:



Okay ... seriously, I don't have clue. Maybe I should think about it?

5. What is your favorite way to unwind?

Unwind? What's that? .... :::think think think:::

Um ...

Reading? Weeding? Maybe watching TV? A like a nice long walk early in the morning when no one else is up.

But, honestly, mostly I just don't unwind.

6. Do you think you could live contentedly in a 2 room home (plus a bathroom, of course)? Why or why not?

Okay, growing up I lived for a few months in a tent with my mom, sister, brother and step-dad. We moved up in the world to a tiny little camper with a shed built on.

After that, a 2 room house is a mansion.

Seriously, I think I could pretty much live anywhere and be comfortable. As long as there was a bathroom.

7. What is your all-time favorite breakfast? (Come on now, make us drool!)

Okay ... again, I'm going "um". I'm not a big breakfast person. Growing up, a special breakfast was going to Denny's and getting their Grand Slam breakfast, though my favorite part was having orange juice. That was SUCH a treat.

As an adult, I've gone from Pop Tarts (mmmmm) to cold cereal to fruit smoothies. Really, for me breakfast is a chore. Next time ask me about dinner...

8. And lastly, are you gonna join me in participating in NaNoWriMo this November? (I hope so!)

Heck yeah!!! See:



For those of you who aren't participating in NaNo, but want to support those of us who ARE? Lynn Viehl created these awesome badges -- feel free to grab one:




Now -- my eight questions for anyone who's brave enough to play (please play! I'll come visit if you leave me a comment saying you're playing ... c'mon, it's fun!):

1. What's one of your worst phobias. Why? Give us an example of a time it affected you.

2. What was your first pet? Tell us a story about it.

3. What color would you never paint your bedroom. Why?

4. What's your guilty pleasure on TV? If you don't watch TV, then what's a guilty pleasure you have in general?

5. What's your least favorite household chore? Why?

6. Most embarrassing moment from your youth?

7. The one song that defines your high school years? Why?

8. Summer or Winter? Why?

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You Crave Rest

You are realistic about your present and future. You have some work cut out ahead of you, but you also think you're up for the challenge. You see love as companionship. You're the type of person who would fall for his or her best friend. You expect other people to get along with you. You seem to always make instant friends. Your inner child is playful. You can have as much fun as any kid!

The City Park Test

I do crave rest ... not so sure about the rest of it!

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Gorgeous Weather!

There is no such thing as pure pleasure; some anxiety always goes with it. ~Ovid, Metamorphoses

The weather has been just lovely the past few days -- into the 60s and mostly sunny. It's hard to buckle down and work! Yesterday, we took the dog to a nearby dog park. She was so overwhelmed by everything: the space the other dogs, the smell (OY! The smell ... even I was overwhelmed by that, yuck). Within about ten minutes, she looked rabid! Drool frothing from her mouth, lol.

She had a great time, and they have agility equipment, so when we could get her attention we worked her on that. All the dogs, save one, were very friendly and fun. One dog decided he had to prove he was Big Dog on Block and proceeded to hump whatever he could catch (including Dakota) and/or attack it. The owner kept grabbing him and yelling, but she wouldn't just leave with him, so we only stayed about half an hour. Had he not been there, we would have hung out a little longer.

I've looked at the long range forecast, and there isn't even a whisper of frost (lowest temps are said to be in the mid-forties), so either this weekend, or next Monday, I'm putting in my garden. I can't wait!!!

I got my Vole Control bait stations in the mail and will be putting those out as well. I'm still terribly upset by it and wish I could have found ANY other way to get the buggers off my property, but at this point it's us or them -- and for such tiny creatures they do massive amounts of destruction. My SIL has a friend who is exceptionally short on money, but would like to have a nice flower garden and asked me if I had extras. Normally, I have TONS of extra flowers because everything spreads like crazy (On my street, I'll just announce that my nursery is open, and folks come for any stuff they need, lol), but this year I don't have as much to share because I have to replace what the voles decimated. I really, really don't want to do this again next year.

Nothing new on the writing front, unfortunately, but we are lining up help where we can at the LASR site, so hopefully I'll be able to free up a little time (??).

Now, gotta get moving for the day!! Have a great one. :-)

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You Are Bitter

You aren't bitter at the world, even though you have a strong personality. Instead, you are sophisticated and cultured. You appreciate acquired tastes. You are very powerful. You have the ability to change a room's energy. While some may find you disagreeable, your points of view are intelligent and interesting.

What Taste Are You?

There were a couple questions here that I wanted to answer both ways! Ah well, I am an acquired taste *G*.

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New Contest!

Books are delightful society. If you go into a room and find it full of books - even without taking them from the shelves they seem to speak to you, to bid you welcome. ~William Ewart Gladstone

I love reading... and I know you all do, too.

Since I'm guessing most of you have already bought and read my work, it seems silly to give away my own books exclusively. So, here's what I'm going to do... I'm having a contest with CHOICES! Yep, you decide between either one of my books in eFormat OR one other option I'll give you. And, I'm going to do this every month.

:-)

So from now until February 14th, every comment will enter you into a chance to win your choice of any of my releases - or - a eBook copy of "Best of Intentions" by Michelle Cary.

Seth McFadden would love to ditch his life as a rock star and return to his hometown and girl he left behind. When a wicked winter storm fulfills his desire, Seth learns the true meaning of be careful what you wish for. Injured and blind, Seth loses his psychic powers. Finding out Tess, his high school love, is his nurse is even more of a shock as he learns to adjust to his new life.

Tess Parker has never been psychic, save for her connection to Seth. Now after his return, she’s having strange nightmares and visions about the hospital’s ‘Angel of Death’ killer. Seth broke her heart once and she’s fearful he’ll do it again, yet she can’t walk away knowing he’s the only one who can explain what’s happening to her. When the killer learns that Tess knows the truth, the price for justice may very well be her life.

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Best post EVER on how to be a successful writer is here.

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Folks... I hope you enjoyed the little interview I did yesterday -- I've had so much fun with these, and as the weeks progress, you'll see even stranger questions come through. Some of these authors have cracked me up to no end and I'm absolutely sold on them and their voices -- so I imagine you'll see some of THEIR books in my upcoming giveaways.

I got an unbelieveable response to my call out for participants as well -- I'm already scheduling into July -- so am pleased.

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Judy and I have challenged each other on writing -- she has to do 250 words (about one page) every day. I have to do 1000 (about four pages). For me, even 1000 words a day won't help me reach my JaNoWriMo goal, but it'll get me about halfway. Not too shabby. Speaking of which, I need to go write. TTFN!

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You Are Traditional and Dependable

You view the world with childlike wonder. You are very inquisitive. You can help but spy, investigate, and ask questions. You seek harmony and balance in your life. You prefer to work with a partner. You're fun loving and playful. You never take life too seriously. You seek security in your life. Feeling safe is important to you.

The Sandwich Cookie Personality Test

Except for the "feeling safe" part -- this is pretty much wrong. But I do love me an Oreo.

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My New Fave Commercial

Humor is a reminder that no matter how high the throne one sits on, one sits on one's bottom. ~Taki

Seriously, best commercial out there right now. I crack up every time. This is a little fuzzy, but I couldn't find a better one:



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DH is feeling better and wants to finish hardwooding -- we have a little foyer at the top of the stairs, and we have leftover wood from the living room project that he wants to get out of the basement... and... I almost wish he were sick again.

In any case, that means the only time I have to do much of anything on the computer today will be ... now. So forgive me, but I have to go get some stuff done! LOL...

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You Are 75% Hyper

You have an energy unlike any other. You're full of pep. People wonder how you are able to get so much done. You love to keep busy. It's likely that you're very physically active as well. You have a lot of physical endurance. You are also quite outgoing. You're quick to start up a conversation and make friends. You have the drive, confidence, and motivation to take you far in life. While you may tire some people out, someone else is always looking to feed off your energy.

How Hyper Are You?

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.

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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.

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Fun, Fun, Fun!

A true friend is one who thinks you are a good egg even if you are half-cracked. ~Author Unknown

Yesterday, I met with a friend of mine -- multi-published author, Allie Boniface. She's up in my neck of the woods doing some author appearances and having a grand old time.



We met for lunch and talked for ... oh, 2 1/2 hours... pretty much non-stop. Her DH was there, too, and patiently let us gab. We talked about our beginnings (we "met" at WVU -- Allie was one of the first people I "met" in a romance writing class), and how far we've come since then. That was... oh... six years ago, maybe?

We talked about the future (she kept asking, "What are you working on NOW?" because she knows I'm busy, but wants to encourage me... thanks, A). We talked about her coming up here again to join me for appearances up here after "One Love for Liv" comes out in print.

We talked about LASR. We talked about her cats, my cat and dog. We talked about gardening. And the time flew by.

It pretty much made missing the RWA conference in SF worth it.

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Some randomness...

So, the older I get, the more I look like my sister. Isn't that funny? She's blonde and blue-eyed, but I think the resemblance is uncanny.

*

DD played a Wii yesterday. My neighbors watched her for me while I met with Allie, and they have one. DD had a blast, though she says her muscles are sore! LOL... And now, she has a Wii on her Christmas list.

I told her not to hold her breath.

*

I realized yesterday that the summer is nearly over! I have to get DD's letter of intent to homeschool in to the school district TODAY. How did the time go by so quickly?

*

I canned ten quarts of pickles on Tuesday. Ten. Quarts. And I still have more cucumbers than I know what to do with. That's okay -- I'd rather have too many, than not enough!

*

I've decided the voles are definitely gone. It's been quite some time, and still no holes. Now, I just need to redo the dirt pile that was my garden.

*

Why do weeds grow faster than the stuff I plant?

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You Are a Chocolate Flavored Popsicle

You are hedonistic. For you, summer is all about indulging your five senses. Some people may call you spoiled, but your simply the type of person who knows what they want. You have sophisticated tastes. You like sweet things as much as the next person, but you don't like cheap treats. You're much more drawn to the dramatic in all aspects of life - including dramatic desserts.

What Flavor Popsicle Are You?

Hedonistic? ME? And, since when is a chocolate Popsicle "dramatic"? LOL...

A Quick Laugh

I am thankful for laughter, except when milk comes out of my nose. ~Woody Allen

It's guest blogger day, so I'll make this quick. I finished up the ending to my mystery yesterday--yes, yay me! But...--I realized that, although I'd vanquished the villain I hadn't really announced who had killed Laurie's mom, the murder that begins the entire book (Literally. The first lines are: No one deserved to be beaten to death. Not even someone as unpleasant as Gracie Newton.). Do you suppose people would like to know who did that and why???

Dear heavens.

This may be why I've never written a mystery. Oh yeah, I gotta say whodunnit.

Needless to say, I have a bit of work to do on this before it's actually done!

A Funny and an Update

"The essential part of creativity is not being afraid to fail." — Edwin H. Land

Oh man, I swiped this from Pub Rants because I thought it was such a hoot! You know all those musicals where everyone seems to know the words and breaks into song spontaneously? Check this out:




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Writing. Well.

Yesterday I worked like a dog on "Kitchen Matches". I edited and changed and added scenes. I worked with BOTH rejection letters I'd gotten from two different editors at two different presses, and tightened (I hope!) and made things clearer and gave Micah some more onstage time.

I found out that Sacramento no longer has a stadium football team which REALLY messed me up (where the heck did the Gold Miners go??). I discovered that Chopin's first name was Frederic. All-in-all, I had a good time.

I also realized there was NO WAY in H-E-double-toothpicks I would be able to make this story 55,000 words. Well, I mean... if someone kidnapped my DD and told me I had a week to increase the word count, I could probably do it. But, realistically and kidnapping aside, it just wasn't going to happen.

I'm really happy with this story. I like this story. I sent this story off to my editor at Samhain. I hope she likes the story, too, because my opinion really doesn't matter in the grand scheme of things.

So. Phew. That's done...and I'm really glad to have it in submission again.

::::fingers crossed::::

I also discovered that my article is about 500 words too short for WoW. Before I send it to the Samhellion, I may take one more look at it to see if there is a legitimate way to add those words. After all, WoW is a paying market with HUGE exposure. The Samhellion isn't anything to sneeze at, though, with a subscriber count of just under 1,000. Either way, it's win/win for me.

So, now: It's time to hunker down and work on the HQA. And, possibly a very short story (10,000 words or less).

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We thatched the lawn yesterday. Piles and piles and piles of dead grass clippings, holy cow!!! Put some in my garden, but couldn't use them all, so started a compost heap in the woods. Of course, I really hope I'm not living here long enough to make use of it...

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What Your City Walk Means

You are adventurous and easygoing. You love life, as long as you don't have to do anything hard. You are generally confident and friendly with strangers. You are well mannered and sociable. Money is very important to you. You like to have lots of nice things... and you don't care if you're being greedy. You tend to be organized, logical, and methodical. You're so efficient, people often wonder how you get so much done.

The City Walk Personality Test

Funny Commercials and English Bulldogs

"You build on failure. You use it as a stepping stone. Close the door on the past. You don't try to forget the mistakes, but you don't dwell on it. You don't let it have any of your energy, or any of your time, or any of your space." - Johnny Cash

I forgot to tell you guys that I posted what I think is one of the funniest commercials I've seen in a long time, and which is now quoted around our house on a regular basis (because we have a dog). Go to my website fun page and see the YouTube video on the top if you're interested.

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I'm at The Romance Studio's book-a-day giveaway today (though they haven't updated the page yet), so if you want another chance to win a copy of "One Love For Liv", this is it!

I'm also at Alex Beecroft's blog talking about writing prompts and one of my favorite TV shows. Go visit and say howdy so I don't feel so alone. Plus, you'll get the answer you need to enter my contest.

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It was a lovely day yesterday again! 39 degrees and sunny. Our neighbor with the English bulldog came by and he and Dakota played. I still think it's the funniest thing to watch, though he gave it the old college try this time, actually "running" around on those little legs and trying to leap and jump and keep up with Dakota. He was so tired afterward, I thought his owner was going to have to carry him home! LOL...

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I AM going to write today. Just saying...

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I've gotten a stellar response on my guest blogging offer, so you guys are going to be entertained by different folks every Wednesday starting next week. It's going to be fun!!

And, hey, if you haven't signed up to guest blog--why haven't you? All the deets are here.

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I talked to our library director yesterday about setting up a book signing when "One Love For Liv" comes out in print. She's very excited! Me, too. *G* I figured I might as well start now, and get things set up.

DH just keeps asking when he's going to be able to retire. Ha.

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You are a Playful Date

Your dating philosophy? "Fun first, romance later" You'd rather scream on a roller coaster... Then stare in to some guy's eyes over dinner. Guys to look for: Men with humorous profiles and quirky interests Sure that business suit guy may look boring... But if he likes snowball fights, give him a try

What Kind of Dating Diva Are You?

I'll have to let my husband know *G*

How To Be Romantic

Love is much nicer to be in than an automobile accident, a tight girdle, a higher tax bracket or a holding pattern over Philadelphia. ~Judith Viorst, Redbook, 1975

In light of the fact that Valentines Day is right around the corner, I thought I'd share this little tidbit of information from WikiHow:

How To Be Romantic.

I'm told that "A true act of romance requires creativity and sincerity..."

So, I guess that my cooking dinner for my husband every night doesn't mean I love him. Or that his washing my truck means nothing. Neither are particularly creative, though I suppose they are sincere.

Since he and I are apparently unable to come up with anything intereresting or creative, WikiHow comes through again!!

How to Come up with Romantic Ideas.

Thank heavens.

Uh-oh... I may have some problems with number two: Try to avoid sarcasm unless you are BOTH in a joking mood.

Me = Sarcasm

Bother...

Back to the drawing board. I wonder if there is a WikiHow for how to learn how to be less sarcastic.

Well, I found how to Be Less Whiny, how to Avoid Blushing, and how to Stop Cracking Your Knuckles, but nothing on how to curb my sarcastic tendencies.

I guess you can't find everything on WikiHow.

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My sleep schedule is all messed up. Poor puppy still has the runs and gets up every hour or so to go out. Last night: bed at nine, up at ten, up at eleven-thirty, up at one... move to couch. She sleeps better there, and didn't get up again until five!

I wonder if she's getting into my plants and I haven't noticed it...

At least the cat didn't throw up last night. Things are looking up.

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Today's random quiz:

Your Power Level is: 61%

You're a very powerful person, and you know that all of your power comes from within. Keep on doing what you're doing, and you'll reach your goals.

How Powerful Are You?

I am SHE-RA... hear that and shake in your shoes...

Why aren't you shaking?

Merry Christmas

This Christmas

We hope this Christmas enriches your life;
May each day be happy and bright,
Overflowing with pleasure and love;
May your Christmas be filled with delight.

By Karl Fuchs

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And because every day is better if you laugh (stolen from Melissa):

Happy Thanksgiving

It is literally true, as the thankless say, that they have nothing to be thankful for. He who sits by the fire, thankless for the fire, is just as if he had no fire. Nothing is possessed save in appreciation, of which thankfulness is the indispensable ingredient. But a thankful heart hath a continual feast. ~W.J. Cameron

A Funny

Cross posted on my website's "fun" page...

New Fun and Rice Grains

I know I already posted, but I stumbled across this and had to share. Check out the YouTube video on my website "fun" page, especially if you have or have ever had a cat.

And, you may have already seen this -- but if not, check it out. You can improve your vocabulary and feed the world, ten grains of rice at a time!

Free Rice.

And that's about all the fun I can handle today.