Tuesday, December 6, 2011

10 Random Things You May Not Know About Me

I got this in an email and thought it was interesting. I hope those of you who read my blog will play along!

You just put 10 random things that people may not know about you. Simple!

1) “Smooth” by Rob Thomas instantly makes me happy. I don’t care how bad a day has been… when I hear the song I smile

2) The word ‘dookie’ (as in poop) grosses me out. My Grandma used to say it all the time and i would gross out. Not sure why it bothers me, but it does.

3) I have a horrible fear of Spiders crawling through my window screen. I won’t even sleep with the window open.

4) When I was six, I wanted everyone to call me “CeCe Bloom” because I loved the movie ‘Beaches’

5) I believe in supporting local authors, artists, etc. I go to book signings when I hear of them and have met several talented people this way. I also go to art shows, craft fairs, and anything else like that.

6) I read “Gone with the Wind” when I was in the 4th grade, “Little Women” in the 5th, and “Scarlett” in the 6th grade. My teachers were impressed lol

7) Although I LOVE traveling… I HATE flying.
I have a rule: Do NOT talk to me until the plane has been safely in the air for five minutes. I literally sit back with my eyes shut until this time. If there is ANY turbulence, then forget about talking to me! It ain’t happening lol!

8) I collect glass dog figurines. My Dad started the collection when he was little. It then was passed onto my cousin. It was passed onto me when I was 12. I have added about 10 figures to it, but they have a special meaning behind it, like my ‘Lady’ from ‘Lady and the Tramp’ figure.

9) I love sending out Christmas Cards. If I have your address, you will get a card from me. My old high school friends always seem to get a kick out of this

10) I have known that I want to be a writer for as long as I can remember. I recently found a ‘book’ I wrote in the 4th grade as an assignment. In it, I stated that when I grew up I was going to be a writer. (I also misspelled my middle name two different ways, both wrong, which my sister laughed about)


There ya go! 10 things about me! I hope you all play along!

Sunday, November 20, 2011

The Great State of Abraska…

The other day my niece came home from school. As usual, she was full of chatter. Each day I get to hear about the current gossip in the 6th grade, which student is sick, and anything exciting that happens in class.

My niece rattled off some gossip and then she exclaimed, “Oh! We also learned about crazy laws that some states have.”

Her eyes sparkled with interest, so I asked, “Oh yeah? Like what?”

“Well,” she began as she flopped down on the couch, “In Oklahoma there is a law that says it is illegal to spit on the sidewalk!”

“I remember hearing about that one. There is also one where it is illegal to curse in front of women and children on a Sunday.” I replied.

“The best one was from Abraska! Did you know it is illegal to flick a booger?”

I looked back at my niece and tried not to laugh. Clearly, she misunderstood.

“Um, I think you have a fact wrong.”

“No! It’s true! In Abraska, you can go to jail if you flick a booger! Isn’t that gross?”

“Abraska?” I asked.

“Yeah!” My niece said, nodding her head.

I am trying not to laugh, “Um… do you mean Nebraska?”

She looked at me with a puzzled expression on her face, “No, it’s Abraska…”

I do laugh now, “There isn’t a state called Abraska. There is a state called Nebraska.”

“No, I know it started with an ‘a’.”

I smile, “I’m going to name off some ‘a’ states… Arkansas, Arizona, Alabama…”

“That’s it!” she exclaimed. “It was Alabama!”

I laughed. The mystery had been solved.

“What grade are you in?” I asked with a smile. I was only teasing, though.

She didn’t reply, but opened her book to read instead.

Abraska, eh? Oh my. It gave me a good laugh anyway.
 

 

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

"Sir, we DON’T play pranks at this Hotel!”

  In a previous post I talked about how I have met some of my best friends through wrestling events. The really great thing is when I am able to travel with my friends and, of course, go to an event. To me, that is where the true memories happen.

  In 2007 my two friends and I decided to go to a PPV event in St. Louis, Missouri. We flew in the day before the PPV so that we could go to a House Show, which we love going to.

  Yousef and I both flew in from Oklahoma and Terrica flew in from Arkansas. Since Yousef and I arrived first, we went to our hotel to check in. The hotel was amazing and was located in an old train station. And our room was on the club level, so it was extra fancy.

  The hotel room was large with a bathroom to die for. We had a window that overlooked the mall that connected to the hotel. Everything in the room was meant for luxury. Yousef pointed out that there was a phone by the bed. There was a phone on the desk. And there was a phone in the bathroom.

  After Yousef and I checked in, we went back to the airport to meet Terrica. We got our rental car and drove to Rolla, MO for the House Show. After the event, we drove back to St. Louis and then called it a night.

  The next day Terrica and I were lying on the bed watching TV while Yousef was getting ready for the PPV.

***I have talked to him about the moment several times, so I am going to go into his point of view for the next part ***

I was in the bathroom getting ready while the girls watched TV. I looked over at the phone and the urge to play a joke took over. I picked it up and dialed #422. Nothing happened, so I hung up and tried again.

This time the phone began to ring and a man answered the phone.

“Front Desk. How may I help you?”

I licked my lips, “Um… can you connect me to my friend’s room?”

“What is the name of the guest you are trying to reach?”

I tell them Sarah’s name and I can hear the man typing.

“Sir, do you know the room number of your friend?”

I reply, “Yes, 422.”

There was a long pause and the man finally says in a dry tone, “Sir, you are IN room 422. We cannot connect you if you are IN the room.”

I feel my face flushing red and I stammer out, “Uh, I wanted to play a joke on her. Sorry.”

I hang up and begin laughing.

His tone clearly implied one thing:

“Sir, we do NOT play jokes at this hotel!”

****

When Yousef came out of the bathroom he was laughing. He told us about the joke he tried to play and Terrica and I begin laughing, too.

To this day, whenever there is a phone in the bathroom at a hotel we all giggle a little. It is moments like this that always shine through and give us all something to remember and smile about. J

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Bloody Mary

  The other day my niece came home from school talking about a few of her classmates. They apparently played the “Bloody Mary” game at a slumber party. She said it sounded lame and she didn’t know why they thought it was scary.
   My sister told my niece that she played Bloody Mary at a slumber party when she was about 10 and it scared her so bad that my Dad had to come and get her and take her home. Well, my niece is starting to get this excited look in her eyes. She loves being scared even though she claims she's not.

    So I tell her about playing the game with my cousin. In my defense, I was seriously like 5 when we played and, of course, it scared me. My niece is begging to play now, so finally I agree.
 
Before we play, I look up the history of the game and read it to her.

Here is a brief description of the game, for those of you who have never played.
From castleofspirits.com
  Bloody Mary is the children’s game of summoning an evil and vengeful witch through a mirror. The person (or people) stand in front of the mirror with a candle or flashlight. They say “Bloody Mary” three times in a row to summon her.

   The belief is that by summoning her, she will appear in the mirror and try to pull the person (or people) into the mirror with her. Of course there are many variations of the game, with different things that happen when you say the name.

   By now my niece is really excited to play. She loves being scared, so this is something she knows she will like. On the other hand, she is 12 and asked before we played if I thought it was real. I laughed and told her no.

   So we go into our small bathroom. I tell her that I am going to turn off the light so her eyes can get used to the dark and then turn on the flashlight (we thought it was safer than a candle lol) just so she can see what it looks like.

   I do this and when I turn on the flashlight she has a death grip on the hand-towel hanging on the wall. Well, now I know this is going to be fun, so I turn off the light.

   “Are you ready” I ask her.

   I can barely see her nod, but she is silent.

   “You have to say it, or she won’t show up.” I prompt my niece.

   She is still silent and I can hear her breathing. Oh yeah, she is scared.

   I lower my voice and say, “Bloody Mary. Blooooddddy Marrrrrryyyy. Blooooooooodddddddyyyyy Maaaaaaarrrrryyyyyyyy!”

   And then I turn on the flashlight. When the light comes on, she is standing with her hands covering her face so she doesn’t have to look at the mirror. (She later explains that she figured if she couldnt see Bloody Mary, then she couldnt be trapped in the mirror lol)

   I think I am being funny, so I let out a little scream.

   My niece starts screaming at the top of her lungs and swings around, knocking the flashlight out of my hand. Then she shoves me back so hard that I almost fall into the shower.

  I am laughing so hard at this point that I can barely stand up to turn the main light on.

   By this time, my niece is starting to calm down (and uncover her eyes). She sees me on the floor and starts laughing, too. Then she tried to play it off, like she wasn’t scared, but we both know the truth.

Oh the “Bloody Mary” game. Traumatizing children from one generation to the next.

Sunday, September 18, 2011

Old Poem and old memories

I was cleaning out my closet when i came upon my old poetry notebook. Yes, i dabble in poetry. Sometimes it helps me clear my mind or helps me get something out of my system. I'm not claiming to be a poet laurent here, but i like them lol.

Anyway, here is one that i wrote when i was a teenager. I am pretty sure it was about my crush and how he didnt notice me (but i dont remember his name, so must not have been love ;) ) Gosh, i was so angsty!

ANGST
I was stupid for wanting
Stupid for feeling
Stupid for hoping
Stupid for needing
When will I learn
When will I see
That no matter what
Some things will never be
It was fun while it lasted
It was too good to be true
I should have known
I wasn’t good enough for you
I try not to take it personally
I try not to take it to heart
But you have it down, you see
Almost like a painful art
I was stupid for wanting
Stupid for feeling
Smart for growing
And somehow I am dealing

LOL i hope you all enjoyed this little sample! Maybe one day i will publish a poetry book, but i seriously am not holding my breath lol!

Saturday, September 3, 2011

More Songs that Inspire

I'm pretty sure i have posted a list of songs that i listen to while writing, but recently i have found new songs that i LOVE LOVE LOVE!

I hope you all enjoy them as well.

Skyscraper- Demi Lovato
this song brought me to tears the first time i heard it! Her voice is so moving!

Invisible- Skylar Grey
another great song, I think we have all felt like this.

Someone Like You- Adele
OMG i love any song by Adele, but this is my fav!

Porn Star Dancing- My Darkest Days
Okay, some times we need HOT songs... and this is def one of them! ;)

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Wrestling Buddies

Hey all! Happy Wrestling Wednesday! (This might become the next internet sensation, you never know!)

Today, I am going to tell you how Wrestling has given me some of my dearest friends. Let me explain. When you go to a live event, you are usually with at least one person that you know. I mean, who wants to go alone!

When I first started going to live events, my older sister and my BFF at the time went with me. My Dad INSISTED that my sister went with me because he didn’t think it was safe. That was fine with me, though she was more than glad when she didn’t have to go with me. I was just happy to be there!

At one of my first shows, I met “Blair” and we hit it off. She was older than I was and had met so many wrestlers, so I was in awe. Through “Blair”, I also met “May” and “Kasey”. The three of us went to many shows for a few years and I met other friends because of them.

“Kasey” and I went to a show together and I met my current BFF. LOL we were both at the elevators and she asked me if a certain wrestler had just walked by. I replied “Yes Ma’am” and we were friends after that. It was just a random moment that brought us together.

 My BFF and I went to a few shows with “Blair”, but that didn’t last long. Then my BFF and I met “Hailey” through a fellow wrestling pal. “Hailey” even came to Arkansas where we all went to a House Show (non-televised event) and sat in the front row. It was one of the best shows that I have ever been to for so many reasons.

My BFF and I also met some wonderful gals during at trip to Tennessee. Our most current friends were made at another House Show in Arkansas. “Sparkle” and “Glam” were sitting next to us and a rowdy fan brought us together. They live close by so we have been able to keep in touch.

Some other friends that I have met through wrestling include: A GOAT, An Ohio Hardy Fan, A Clown, and A young man and his mom.

It just amazes me how easy it is to meet people and make friends by just having one thing in common. Don’t get me wrong, there are also people that you meet who you never talk to again, but I cherish the friends that have been true.

It just goes to show: you never know when you will meet someone who will change your life!

Sunday, July 31, 2011

Getting Close To The End

I have been working on a new manuscript and I am happy to say that I am almost finished with it! This one has been tough for me because it has taken me out of my comfort zone. I am very excited about it, though.


Once I finish, I will go through and edit it. Then I will go through and have my critique partner look at it. She is just amazing, by the way! She always catches things that I didn't notice, like things that don't flow.

Then I am going to send it out. For this one (Because of the type of genre it is) I am going to submit right to a publisher instead of an agent. I do hope to get an agent one day, but for now I feel this is the right path.

So, with any luck I will be sending it off in about a month. Woot!

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

My Favortie Wrestler...

Okay, so I have been slacking on the actual “Wrestling Wednesday” posts. So here you go… a wrestling post! ;-)  ((Yeah, i'm aware its not tech wednesday, but its close enough!)) 

Still not sure where to start. As I said before, I have been going to WWE Live events since I was 16, so there are ton of memories to choose from. My niece thinks I should let her pick, but I know which ones she would pick lol. They include a WWE road trip where she got to meet SpongeBob Squarepants. She was 6, lol. She even took a picture with him!

Let’s see… I met my first wrestler when I was 16, at a K-Mart store. That was… interesting, lol.  I am not going to post the picture, but believe me when I say it is bad. I was wearing PURPLE eye shadow… I am not even kidding. And my hair *laughing* had never seen a flat iron. Ah, youth.

I have been lucky enough to meet some of the greats, too. (See my post about meeting the Undertaker. Great memories)

My favorite wrestler to meet (without a doubt) has been Batista. We met in 2005 and he definitely provided some wonderful wrestling memories. I was sad to see him retire about a year ago, but glad he chose to pursue other goals in life.

Now he has a twitter (yay) so everyone can keep up with him: @Real_DBautista




Monday, June 27, 2011

Wait… Is that Character based on me?

One of the most asked questions that a writer gets is: Where do you get the ideas for your characters?

Honestly, it varies from author to author. But I will tell you where I get the ideas for my characters.

First of all, I never base a character on ONE person. I learned the hard way that it just doesn’t work. If you are mad at the person in real life, then someone how it comes across on the character.

For example, I once killed a MAIN character in a book because I was very angry at the source inspiration in real life. LOL talk about major rewriting!

I like to take characteristics from several sources and create a character. Or sometimes I make up a character and give them a characteristic of a personal source.

1) From my Family- those nuts…uh… I mean very normal people (haha!) are always saying and doing things that are funny or interesting. My niece is definitely a constant source of inspiration.

2) My Friends - Of Course my friends inspire me. I spend time with a diverse group of people, with different views and goals. I would have to say that three of my friends inspire me more than others, though.

3) Strangers- Basing a character on someone that I don’t personally know is always fun. You get to imagine things about them and then run with it.

So, if one day you are reading a book of mine and think, “Wait… is that character based on me?”

Well… it just might be! Then again, maybe not… ;-)

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

The Passive Voice Monster

As a writer, I think it is very important to recognize when you have a problem within your writing. Sometimes it is harder than it looks, though, and that is where it is great to have another set of eyes reading your book.


I have a WONDERFUL critique partner. She is the best and is just amazing at what she does! She is always finding things that I have missed (like things that don’t flow within the story.) One of my favorite things that she discovered is that I wasn’t spacing when using “…”
Example: She stopped…and didn’t smile

It should be: She stopped… (SPACE) and didn’t smile.

I recently joined an online critique group to get a second (or third) set of eyes to look through my book. Just imagine if one person catches something, just think what three people find!

And this is where my latest problem was discovered (You are going to laugh about this sentence in just a second).

Here is my problem:

I fall victim to the ugly, green PASSIVE VOICE Monster!!

I know! It is scary! For those of you who don’t know here is the definition of passive voice: A passive construction occurs when you make the object of an action into the subject of a sentence. That is, whoever or whatever is performing the action is not the grammatical subject of the sentence.

And my biggest problem is overusing WAS.

“The sky WAS turning a dark grey as the storm moved in”

“The rain WAS pouring from the sky and it hit her in the face”

“She was terrified as she ran towards the trees”


Believe me, the WAS list goes on and on and on and…well, you get the point!

To keep the reader in the present, it should be:

“As the storm moved in the sky turned dark grey”

“Rain hit her in the face as they sky unleashed its fury”

“She ran towards the trees, terrified”

Sometimes its okay to use WAS and I have to find the balance. I think it comes up in my writing a lot because I say it a lot as well.

But it WAS (hehe) interesting to see something that I need to work on. Now I see it everywhere lol.

Monday, May 16, 2011

The Bug That Wouldn't Die

Now, before you get mad at the title of my post, I'm not talking about a real bug. No, I'm talking about something MUCH worse. A Virus. *shudders*

So let me give you a little breakdown of how last week went...
SUNDAY
Mother's Day... A Day when we celebrate our Mothers. Well, not at our house. The "BUG" had clearly snuck into our house while we slept and attacked my innocent niece. Around one in the morning, she comes rushing past my bedroom and goes into her Mother's room.

"Mom!" she cries. "I'm sick. I threw up all over the floor! I am so sorry!"

She is now sobbing. My sister gets up and goes to comfort my niece and also clean up the floor. Side note: The "BUG" must have loved it that my niece had ate some chocolate ice cream earlier... YUCK.

As the day goes on, it is clear that the "BUG" is not going to leave my niece alone. We cancel our lunch plans with the rest of our family and decide to stay home. We didn't want to give the "BUG" a chance to attack anyone else.


MONDAY
The house was eerily silent on Monday. My niece was feeling much better (But still stayed home from school, just in case). My Dad came over to watch her and my sister and I went to our jobs. Even when we got home things were still good. My niece ate some solid food and all was looking up...

*cues ominous music*

But.. the "BUG" had been waiting... waiting for us to let our guards down. And who did the "BUG" attack next? My poor, helpless baby nephew! The poor guy got sick and couldn't keep any formula down and he was NOT liking the Pedialite we were giving him. And each time he was sick, I know the "BUG" was laughing... and plotting.
My niece felt so bad. "I got the baby sick!" she said with tears in her eyes.

We tried explaining it wasn't her fault when the "BUG" made its next move. My sister jumped to her feet.

"I am going to be sick!" she exclaimed as she ran to the bathroom.

Oooookay. Everyone was sick, but me. I took in a deep breath. I was going to be fine. I don't get sick. I'm not one of those people...


TUESDAY
Okay, I am totally one of those people, I guess, because at one in the morning the "BUG" attacked me and didn't let me go. And the irony... I had ice cream before I went to bed. YUCK!!!

So the day was a blur of rushing past my sister to the restroom to be sick. And sleeping where there was not rest. Fevers... chills...

I HATE THAT BUG!


WEDNESDAY
I was able to drag myself off to work, which was not fun. I then found out that my other sister had been attacked by the "BUG".

THURSDAY
Thursday was better, but I still wasn't at 100%.

The "BUG" had moved onto my Dad and to my little sister's boyfriend.

My lord! When will this "BUG" die!?!!?


FRIDAY
No word from the "BUG". I can only imagine who he has moved on to.


*** An Update: The EVIL "BUG" moved onto the baby-sitter and her entire family. Sheesh!***

Friday, April 22, 2011

Wonderful Vacation

My vacation is coming to an end and it has been pretty wonderful! I was able to get in some writing and editing. I also got to take a couple of 'day trips'. The huge finale of my vacation is Saturday and Sunday, though.

My BFF and I are going to Houston to see Ricky Martin in concert. And let me tell ya, the 15 year old fan girl inside of me is so excited!!!! I will post some pics when I get back.

Friday, April 8, 2011

Quotes that inspire me

Well, I hope none of you had a week like I did! It was just insanely busy and chaotic! But, I survived! Through out the week I would find little things that would keep me going, giving me a smile here and there.

Here are some quotes that always keep me going:
"If your ship doesn't come in... swim out to it!"

"Hope is the dream of a man awake"

"What would life be like if we had no courage to attempt anything"

"Who looks outside, dreams. Who looks inside, awakens."
"It does not matter how slowly toy go so long as you do not stop."
"Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breaths away."

And the most important one...

"Never give up on something you can't go a day without thinking about!"

So my friends, never give up. Even when you have a bad week at work... or when things aren't going your way. Always reach for the stars!!

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Quick One...

Just a quick post... Editing right now, so i am working on that! :) C-ya on Friday with a new post!

Friday, April 1, 2011

Weekend Get-away

Another work week is over with! Yay! I am headed to Dallas this weekend with my Cousin and Aunt to do some shopping! I love little weekend trips like this.
Here Are My Top Weekend Destinations:
Dallas/ Ft. Worth, TX
Tulsa, OK
Edmond, OK (really not that far away, but still far enough)
Wichita, KS
Little Rock, AR
St. Louis, MO (if I feel like a nice drive lol)

Where do you like to go to get away?

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Meeting the Undertaker

I have been thinking about how I should proceed with my ‘Wrestling Wednesdays’. Should I start from the beginning and give you a little play by play of my wrestling history? Should I jump around and tell stories as I feel like it? Hmmm.
I’m still not sure how I am going to do it, but this week I am going to tell you about meeting one of the greatest wrestlers ever. It is fitting, too, since Wrestlemania is this weekend and this particular wrestler is in a huge match.

I was in Memphis with my BFF for the Unforgiven PPV. We arrived in town early so we could go shopping and whatnot. That night we checked into our hotel, which had one of the most comfortable beds ever. No, I am serious! When I think about this trip I remember three things. Spending time with my friend, The Wrestlers we met, and how amazing the beds were!

In the evening we decided to go to the lobby to see what was going on. We knew that some of the wrestlers would be staying at the hotel and you never know who you are going to see. So, we were chilling in the bar when we saw a VERY large man sitting on a table near the main door. We both thought it was someone else, until we heard another fan saying it was the Undertaker in a very excited voice.

My BFF and I looked at each other in awe. The Undertaker?!?! But, it couldn’t be… no one EVER gets to meet the Undertaker! We were both freaking out. Okay, I may have been freaking out more… I will neither confirm nor deny this… Okay, I WAS freaking out more! I was even shaking I was so excited.

But then it hit me… HOW was I going to meet him? I mean, I couldn’t just walk up to him and say hi. I could see from across the lobby that he was mostly signing autographs, which sucked because I wanted a picture. (Side note: If I have to pick between an autograph and a picture, I want the picture!)

My BFF and I watched as he checked in and then began walking to the elevators. Oh no! Once he got on the elevator he would be gone! And when was I ever going to see him again! I mean, this was the first time that I had seen him and I have been going to shows for a very long time. In fact, I know some people that have went to shows longer than me that STILL haven’t met him!

I looked at my BFF and she nodded back. She knew what I was going to do. (another note: My BFF and I have an… “understanding“. I am usually the one who takes one for the team and asks for a picture. Then, if they say yes, she takes one, too. I like to give her a hard time about it, but I really don’t mind lol)

I took in a deep breath and stepped in front of him as he was walking by.

“Mr. Undertaker… sir?” I said in a shaky voice. “May I get a picture with you?”

I couldn’t even bring myself to look him in the eyes. He was going to say no, I knew it!

“Sure,” was his reply.

Wh… WHAT!?! I quickly jumped next to him and posed for the picture… but the flash never went off. My friend was staring back at me. And then I realized that she didn’t have my camera.

“It might help if I had my camera out!” I said with a nervous titter.

“It would, unless you want to take a mental picture,” The Undertaker replied with a laugh.

OMG OMG OMG! The Undertaker was joking with me! I tittered nervously again and handed my camera to my friend. She took the picture and then I took her picture for her.

We then said thank you and he moved onto other fans. My BFF and I went back to our table and we both freaked out together. We had met The Undertaker! I knew right then and there that this particular wrestling trip was going to be one of the best ones ever. And it was.

It was something that I will honestly never forget!
See the tears in my eyes, lol

Monday, March 28, 2011

Author Crushes

I have something to admit… I have a few Author Crushes. These are people who I read anything and everything that they write! I have been lucky enough to meet some of them, too. (I’m sure I came off as star struck lol)

Here are my top 10 Author Crushes:
1. P.C. Cast- OMG P.C. is amazing! I have met her (and her daughter, Kristen, before). She writes the YA series ‘House of Night’ as well as some wonderful romance books.
My favorite book is: Goddess of Spring.

2. Crystal Inman (aka C’Ann Inman)- I picked her book up by chance at a local writing convention. And then I found her on myspace and we became friends. She has been a great help to me!
My favorite book is: What He Wants

3. Jordan Dane- I met Jordan at the same local writing convention I mentioned above. She was funny and charming! When I went to the same convention two years later, Jordan was there and remembered me! I was in shock! I found her on Facebook and we have kept in touch. Jordan is truly an amazing person and has helped me the most with my writing. I am lucky to count her as a friend and a mentor. Oh! And I cant wait to read her new YA novel ‘In the Arms of Stone Angels!’
My favorite book is: No One Heard Her Scream

4. Rachel Vincent- I found one of Rachel’s books at Wal-Mart and became a fan. Her ‘Shifters’ Series is just amazing as well as her YA ‘Soul Screamer’ Series.
My favorite book is: Alpha (the last Shifters book)

5. Susan Elizabeth Phillips- Oh my! Where to begin! I almost got to meet her, but the weather was bad and I couldn’t go. *cries* I hope to meet her one day!
My favorite book is: Nobody’s Baby But Mine

6. Jennifer Ashley- Her books never fail and always make me smile!
My favorite book is: The Mad, Bad Duke (this book is honestly one of my favorite books ever! There is one line that I love that is said in a love scene. HOT HOT HOT!!!)
7. Gena Showalter- I met Gena at a local Borders at a book signing. She was too sweet!
My favorite book is: The Nymph King

8. Jill Monroe- I met her at the same signing as I met Gena, which is not surprising. Gena and Jill are great friends and have done several signings together in my city. Her books are very steamy!
My favorite book is: SEALed and Delivered

9. Lora Leigh- Her books are also very steamy! My sister actually found a book by her and then passed it onto me. And I loved it so much that I went out and bought my own copy!
My favorite book is: Dangerous Games

10. Lois Duncan- I first read one of her books when I was in the seventh grade and her writing stuck with me. I mean, it REALLY stuck with me. A lot of her books are hauntingly beautiful. I love all of her books, too, so it was hard to pick just one… but I did.
My favorite book is: Locked in Time

Who is your favorite Author or what is your favorite Book? Let me know! And I hope you all check out some of the books I mentioned above!!

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Yard Sale Prep

Good news! You can now subscribe by email to my blog.
Its on the right side of the page!!!!



Oops, I forgot to post my blog yesterday! But I have a good reason, really, I do!

Here it is: I was going through my house gathering Yard Sale stuff...

Sadly, I am serious! I spent all day going through clothes, shoes, and other random things putting price tags on them.

I did the same thing today.

Guess what? I'm doing the same thing tomorrow, too! Except tomorrow I get to work out in my shed.. eek! I hate going out there. It creeps me out.

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

How Dedicated Am I?

As I have said before, I got to a LOT of wrestling events. Mostly WWE, of course. So I started thinking… “How many shows have I been to over the years?”

Now, here is a little tidbit about me. I keep a journal, so when I go to WWE events, I usually write about it, just so I will remember. I’m not perfect and I am sure I have missed a few, but here is a little list that I came up with and some info about each event.

RAW
RAW is aired live every Monday night on USA. There is nothing quite like it because the air is static with electricity. When they go live YOU go live! You just can’t help but get into it!
I have been to: 15

Smackdown
Smackdown is taped every Tuesday night and then airs on Friday nights on Syfy. Smackdown is different because it is not live and there is not the same rush that comes with RAW. Its better in a way because the wrestlers seem more relaxed
I have been to: 10

PPV (pay per views)
PPV’s are obviously something that you have to pay to see on TV. The tickets for these events are usually more than a normal TV taping, but worth it. For one thing, if your seats are on the floor level within the first four row (I believe) you get to take home a souvenir chair. And, before you ask, I have some of these chairs! You ought to see the look on the airline attendants faces when you check in a metal, folding chair! PPV’s are when the wrestlers are at their very best.
I have been to: 7

House Show
A House Show is a non-televised event and, in my opinion, the BEST show to go to! Both RAW and Smackdown have house shows during the weekend and it is kind of like rehearsal or practice for the wrestlers. My favorite part is that they are more laid back and the wrestlers can goof off a little more and participate with the crowd.
I have been to: 20

Supershow
A Supershow is where both RAW and Smackdown wrestlers appear at the same show. They tape Smackdown and then RAW goes live. They are fun because you get to see everyone and the show last for like five hours (towards the end, your energy is just not the same lol)
I have been to: 2

Saturday Night’s Main Event
This is a throwback to the glory days of wrestling and is almost like a PPV, but it is on regular TV, on a Saturday night.
I have been to: 1

Superstar Appearances
The WWE is really good about promoting their talent. They do this by having autograph signings where fans can meet their favorite wrestler. They are a lot of fun, most of the time.
I have been to: 11

When you add these up, I have been to roughly 66 WWE events since I was 16. Not too shabby. One of my favorite things about the wrestling community is that there are other dedicated fans who also do the same. And through wrestling we meet and become friends.

In fact, I met my Best Friend at a Supershow in Little Rock, AR, and she has been my partner in crime ever since. But, that’s another story ;)

Monday, March 21, 2011

Books, books... everywhere!

This blog is going to be a short one. I did a LOT of reading this weekend and was able to knock down my 'to-read' pile! I love it when that happens, because I tend to let the pile build up.

Here is what I read:
A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray
This one is a great YA novel, but it is definitely for the older teens. My 11 year old niece wont be allowed to read this one for a while. I, on the other hand, cant wait to read the next book. :)

Bras & Broomsticks by Sarah Mlynowski
OMG I loved this one. It is also a YA novel and full of humor. What fifteen year old girl doesn't want to be a witch!? Too bad its the main character's LITTLE sister who is the witch! GREAT BOOK! I cant wait to read the rest of the series!

Phantom's Touch by Julie Leto
I got this one during a 'dirty Santa' party. The joke is on them because this book was HOT HOT HOT! A must read for romances readers!

And right now I am reading:
The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan
I loved the "Percy Jackson" series, so I cant wait to read this one!

What books have you read recently that you would recommend?

Friday, March 18, 2011

Spring has Sprung!

It’s Friday Woooooo!

Today, I was lucky enough to get off work early and that made me extremely happy. Spring has sprung here in Oklahoma and its so nice being outside.

So I started thinking… what else makes me happy?

Hmmm… Let’s see.

* My family and friends.

* Writing and Reading

* Traveling

* Wrestling

* Music

* Playing with my niece and nephew


So, what makes YOU happy!

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Front Row... or Bust!

Last time I mentioned that I go to wrestling events when they are near. The WWE (world wrestling entertainment) was in my town on Sunday, but I didn’t go. Why, you ask. I’ll tell you.

Way back in 2000 I went to my first live wrestling event. It was in Tulsa during winter and my Dad didn’t want my best friend and I to drive there alone. So he did the unthinkable… He made my older sister go as a chaperone. She was mad. I was mad… but we got to go. Well, not, not really. We almost didn’t get to go because there was an ice storm the day before the show, but thankfully my friend’s mom got us a hotel room, so we went despite the weather.

So we got to the Arena and found our seats. Here is what our view looked like.


Okay, I exaggerate… but we were two rows back from the VERY top of the arena! No joke! TWO ROWS! The next show we went to we were a little closer. We were only six rows from the very top!

But then a funny thing happened. The more events I started going to, the closer my seats started getting to the ring ( I also started to learn little tricks here and there about purchasing tickets, but that’s another story). I was mid-bowl, then lower level, and then I finally made it to the floor! My first floor seat was 8th row and I was in heaven!

But in 2006 my seating adventures took a whole new turn. My family and I were going to a house show ( a non-televised live event) in Little Rock for my niece’s birthday. I was supposed to get 6 tickets for my family and my friend and her family. When I went to get the tickets, something happened between entering “6” and going to the next page and somehow I ended up with “8” tickets… in the first row!

Um, y’all aren’t as excited as me. Let me say it again…

8 tickets in the FIRST ROW!!!

I was ecstatic! I had only dreamt of a front row seat and now my family and friends were going to enjoy it with me! We went to the show and it was, without a doubt, one of the best shows that I have ever been to!

But it also created a problem. After sitting in the first row, being in the eighth row just wasn’t as fun. I could handle being in the second and third row… but anything after that and it just wasn’t worth it anymore.

Call me spoiled, and maybe I am… but it would be like someone giving you a brand new iPhone and then telling you to use an analog phone. Yeah, not cool!

So back to the show here in my town. I didn’t go because I didn’t get ‘good’ seats. I’m not disappointed though… I had a surprise encounter with a wrestler at a restaurant, which made my day. And, there will always be another show to go to.  :)

Monday, March 14, 2011

Music Behind The Words

I’m going to let you in on a little secret… writing is a job and it takes work. Don’t get me wrong, its nothing like my day job (which really isn’t that bad), but sometimes it is hard to come home and write.

Let me give you a little breakdown.
* I get up at 4am M-F
* I work from 5am to 2pm
* I come home and do things around the house, which also includes laundry, dishes, babysitting my baby nephew and 11 year old niece, homework with niece, taking a lil nap, making sure everyone gets a shower and dinner, checking emails and facebook…

Okay, you get the point. I do a lot when I get home. (did ya notice there was a nap thrown in there? I HAVE to get a nap, or I would go to bed at 7pm! I’m not kidding. 7pm!)

So doing all those things and then sitting down to write can be hard. (Sometimes its not. Sometimes I can sit down and write away.) But most of the time I have to make my creative juices flow.
And this is how I do it… I put my Beats by Dr Dre headphones on (which are noise canceling!) and then turn on my iTunes to my Writing playlist. The playlist has a variety of songs that inspire me.


Some inspire EMOTION, such as:
You Won’t Be Mine- Matchbox Twenty
I Will Not Bow- Breaking Benjamin
In The Darkness- Dead by Sunrise


Some inspire THOUGHTS, such as:
2 am/Just Breathe- Anna Nalick
Use Somebody- Kings of Leon
Running Up That Hill- Placebo (I actually heard this while watching wrestling! See, it all ties in my friends!)

Some are SIMPLE (with no words), such as:
Casper’s Lullaby- James Horner
O Fortuna- Carl Orff
Moment of Happiness(from Buffy)- Christophe Beck


And some REMIND ME (of certain people), such as:
Addicted- Kelly Clarkson
Music Again- Adam Lambert
Familiar Taste of Poison- Halestorm


The list goes on and on! My writing playlist currently has 250 songs in it . I hit “shuffle” and go! And then I do what a writer does… I write!

So, what songs do YOU listen to?

Friday, March 11, 2011

Fun Friday!

It’s Friday everyone! *cues band playing music!* We have worked all week to get to this point and now it is here! In honor of Fun- Friday, I am going to share a story with you all about my wacky niece, Kayla.

Now, here is a little tidbit about Kayla… she has a GREAT imagination, even though she is only 11. This is a good thing, but it can also be a bad/ hard to explain trait. And this brings me to my story.

When Kayla was in the third grade, she had a teacher that she adored. (Ironically, I also had this teacher when I was in the third grade). Anyway, it was time for the parent-teacher conference and my sister knew she didn’t have anything to worry about. Kayla might talk a lot, but she is a good kid.
So my sister went to the conference and it went a little something like this:

Teacher: I am glad to hear that Kayla’s got to spend some time with her dad. It is just great that he took her ice fishing!

My sister: Ummm…

Teacher: And Kayla described it beautifully! I felt like I was there with her! She said that she and her dad had to bundle up because it was so cold outside. Then, they walked across the ice where the hole had been cut. Kayla said that when they dropped the line into the water that it was so cold that the worm froze! She said it was like an ice cube! I just couldn’t believe it!

My sister *trying not to laugh*: Um, that never happened.

Teacher *blinking*: What?

My sister: Kayla has never been ice fishing. In fact, she has never been fishing before…

Teacher: But… but…

My sister: Welcome to my world!


LOL I will tell you all one thing, I get a LOT of ideas from my niece! On that happy note, I bid you all farewell until Monday! Have a great weekend!

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Wrestling Wednesday!

It's Wrestling Wednesday, my own personal shout-out to the sport that I love. And yes, it is a sport. (Yes, Yes... I KNOW its scripted, but accidents to occur! Trust me, wrestlers are skilled athletes). I promise I won't get carried away on these days, but I want to share my thoughts and memories about it. And there are a ton!

Today I am going to take you back to the beginning. Well, the beginning for me at least. I don't count being FORCED to watch it with my cousin on Saturday mornings the beginning! (Love you Neil!)

Way back in 1999 I was walking through our family room. I had been hiding in my room most of the night, reading. We didn't have cable and there wasn't anything on TV so I would put my nose in a book for entertainment. (It IS great entertainment, by the way.)

As I said, I was walking through our family room and my little sister was watching TV. I believe she was also eating sunflower seeds, spitting the shells into a cup, which used to drive my Grandma nuts because of the sound it makes. Anyway, I got a soda from the refrigerator and then walked back through the room. It was then that I noticed what my sister was watching.

"Are you really watching that?" I asked her with a laugh.

"Yes. There isn't anything else on..." she replied without looking up.

"Tell me about it!" I replied as I sat on the arm of the couch. "Is this that Smack show?"

"Smackdown," she quickly corrected me as she spit a shell. "And yeah."

"Hmm."

We sat in silence, both watching WWE Smackdown. To this day I can still tell you who was wrestling that night. It was the Hardy Boyz (their last name is really Hardy. I thought at first they just liked the Hardy Boy Mysteries lol) fighting Edge and Christian.

"They are hot." I said to my sister. "Who is the one with the rainbow hair?"

"That's Matt Hardy." she replied in an annoyed tone. I was starting to get on her nerves for once. It was usually the other way around.

*** Come to find out it was really Jeff Hardy with the rainbow hair, but I don't hold it against her and i would NEVER remind her that she was wrong. ;) ***

We both sat there in the family room until the show was over. Then we each retreated to our own rooms. I didn't give it much thought, but the next week I found myself turning my own TV on to wrestling. And then the next week. And the next... and you get the idea.

That my friends is how I became hooked on Wrestling. It was just a normal night with nothing to watch, but it certainly changed things for me. I am sure everyone thought back then that I would "grow out of it". LOL boy were they wrong!

And the big question: Do I still watch Wrestling?

Yes, I watch RAW every Monday and I go to live events when they are near. In fact, I will probably be going to an event on Sunday. But, more on that next week.

So there ya go! An inside look at my world! Stay tuned for more! :)

Monday, March 7, 2011

Telling and Showing

I have been thinking about writing and everything that I have learned thus far. And let me tell you, I have learned so much over the years! When I first started writing I thought I knew it all. Boy was I wrong! I look back at my old stories and things that I started, but never finished and just laugh.

Don't get me wrong. The idea was there, the *wow* factor. But I would TELL the reader what was going on instead of SHOWING them. It took me a long time to figure this one out.

Here is an example:
Tell: She was mad. He was there and she didn't want to see him.

Show: Her fists clenched at her side as she looked across the room. That jerk had the nerve to crash her party!

Both convey the same thing. The girl doesn't want the guy there. The first one is telling you. The second one shows your, or, at least, I hope it does. Hey, I'm still learning here! Every day that I write I learned something new and that is the point.

Writing and Leaning.

Saturday, March 5, 2011

Refocused and Ready to Go!

Since getting back from DFWcon, a writing conference in Dallas, I have been super motivated. Therefore I have decided three things.

1) I will be published sooner than later (mind over matter)

2) I am going to take my destiny into my own hands

3) I will post more on my blog so that everyone can follow my journey as a writer. (Look for postings three times a week, as this seems to be the magical number!)

But I will get back to these three things in a second.

Back to DFWcon. It was...amazing. I am not going to lie, I was scared about going by myself. I can be shy at times, so I have to make a conscious choice NOT to be shy. The first night I was at the hotel I was going down to the restaurant to eat and to see if I could spot other writers and *maybe* go up to them. I didn't have to go far. When I got to the elevators I met one. When we got to the restaurant we met more. And before I knew it I was meeting people! I no longer had to worry about being the wallflower in the corner of the room! YAY!

On top of meeting wonderful writers, I also was able to go to classes and learn more about the craft of writing. And believe me, it IS a craft! When the conference was over, I left feeling motivated and hyped!

So back to my three things. I am going to repeat these three things to myself everyday. And before I know it, I will be published!