Monday Check In

 No actual post today. One of my cats knocked over a glass of water I had on the end table while he was trying to get into the window. Normally, he jumps from the floor on to the window sill. This time, he decided to jump up on the table (which they are never allowed on). In the process, he knocked over my glass of water. The water cascaded over the arm of the sofa and into my lap and onto my laptop. I jumped up and wiped the laptop down first thing before I cleaned up any of the other water. Needless to say, the laptop no longer works and is now nothing more than a giant paperweight. 

I'm going out this morning to purchase a new laptop. I'm typing this on a friend's tablet so you all wouldn't think I forgot to do today's post. I'll be back next Monday with a normal Monday check in. 

I hope you have a good week.  

Monday Check In

Last week...

Writing Related:  I have the feedback from all of my beta readers and have compiled them into usable notes so that I can tackle the items they flagged/mentioned. I have a busy week this week so writing will have to be squeezed in around everything else going on. I try to prioritize my writing but sometimes things crop up and the universe laughs at my plans. This is one of those weeks.  

 Motivational Quote:  "Once you've a task to do, it's better to do it than live with the fear of it." ~ Joe Abercrombie (English writer and film editor)

What I'm Reading:  I started reading Mistakes Were Made by Lucy Score last Tuesday instead of one of the books I mentioned in last week's blog. I received a notice from the library Monday that Mistakes Were Made was available to borrow and knowing it was a new release and I wouldn't be able to renew it, I set the other books aside to read this one. I'm about half way through it. It's 540 pages long not including the acknowledgements and Author's Note pages. It's the second book in the Story Lake series.

Random Things:  I'm putting together party favor bags for guests coming to my mother's 90th birthday party in a couple of weeks. It's been fun picking out party favors for the children and the women but the men were a little harder. Thankfully, most of them fish and/or are into sports so I was able to find things that I could put in their bags and stay within the budget we decided on for each bag. 

Random Photo:

                                      Mrs. Green enjoying a nap on my lap.
  

Monday Check In

Last week...

Writing Related:  I've started receiving feedback from my beta readers on Garrett's book. I've gone through some of the notes and comments. I should have the feedback from the remaining beta readers by the end of this week. I hope to get through everything and set up a schedule to make any necessary changes and do line editing at the same time. I do know that one section needs major rewriting so I may tackle that first.

Motivational Quote:  "Work with peace in your heart, find peace in your soul, and everything else will follow." ~ Juan Manual Santos (Colombian politician)

What I'm Reading:  I finished Beautiful Exile by Catherine Cowles last night. It's the 4th book in the Sparrow Falls series. I have a couple of books from the library that I can start tonight but haven't decided which one I want to read first. One is a contemporary romance by Ali Hazelwood and the other is a fantasy type mystery by Meg Shaffer. 

Random Things:  My post-op appointment went well. I no longer have to wear the orthopedic boot unless I'll be doing a lot of walking or standing. The surgeon was pleased with how the incision looks and how well the swelling and bruising looks. I'm glad he's pleased because while there is only some residual swelling, the bruising looks horrific. The entire top of my foot from both sides of my ankle to just under my toe nails is one giant bruise ranging from a deep, dark purple to a reddish hue. 

Random Photo:

I came across this on Facebook. It made me laugh probably because I've been told that I have too many books as well.  
 

 

Monday Check In

Last week...

Writing Related:  I didn't do any writing last week. I spent a lot of time sitting on the sofa with my foot propped up on a stack of pillows. I go for the post-op appointment on Wednesday and am hoping I'll get the all clear to get back to my normal daily routine or at least some of it.

 Motivational Quote: "Everything works out in the end. If it didn't, it's because it hasn't come to an end yet." ~ Fernando Sabino (Brazilian writer quoting his father)

What I'm Reading:  I'm currently reading The Briar Club by Kate Quinn. I should finish it this evening. I'll start reading Delicate Escape by Catherine Cowles on Tuesday.  

Random Things:  I currently have to wear an orthopedic boot on my right foot when I'm up and walking around. I'm trying not to do too much walking because one of the straps on the boot goes right across the incision and presses on it. I'm really hoping when I go see the surgeon on Wednesday he'll say I don't have to wear it anymore. 

On a side note - Happy Memorial Day. Please take a moment to remember our service members who gave their lives so that we can enjoy the freedoms they fought and died for.

    

Monday Check In

Sorry no post this week. My "minor" foot surgery turned out to be a bit more involved than expected. I hope you all have a good week. 

Monday Check In

Last week...

Writing Related:  I have a very rough draft of the back cover copy. It definitely needs refining, maybe complete rewriting. 😄  I'm not planning on doing any writing this week. I'm having minor surgery on my right foot tomorrow so I'm not sure how I'll feel the rest of the week. If I'm not in too much pain, I may work on rewriting the back cover copy. 

Motivational Quote:  "A lot of people...think you have to do something extraordinary to lead a meaningful life. But ordinary, humble lives are also full of meaning." ~ Emily Esfahani Smith (Swiss Canadian writer and speaker)

What I'm Reading:  I'll be starting either The Briar Club by Kate Quinn or Our Italian Summer by Jennifer Probst sometime this evening. I can't decide which one I want to read first. 

Random Things:  I came across the above quote and it made me reflect on my own life. I live a quiet life with a small circle of friends. I'm happy with my life. I don't feel like it's any less meaningful than anyone else's. I don't like to travel or go to places where there are a lot of people. It may be because I'm an introvert, but I would rather be home than anywhere else.   

Random Photo:

                      I found a small cluster of violets at the edge of the garden this year.