Monday Check In

Last week...

Writing Related:  While I did meet my weekly writing goal last week, I was only able to make up a few of the pages I was short the week before. I'm hoping to get those last pages caught up with this week's writing goal.

Motivational Quote: "I don't always stay energized or hopeful--that's the reality...But I do believe that the struggle is valuable." ~ Leanne Betasamosake Simpson, Michi Saagiig Nishnaabeg

What I'm Reading:  I started reading Hide and Seek by Mary Burton yesterday evening. This is the fourth book in the Criminal Profiler series.

Random Things: Can I say I can't believe it's November already? While I'm not ready to start decorating for Christmas, I am looking forward to making my holiday cards that I mail to friends and family and doing the baking for all of the cookie boxes we give out. I just need to finish the book I'm writing in the next couple of weeks so I can focus on all things holiday. My goal is to get my book turned in to my editor by the week of Thanksgiving.

Random Photo:

                              My sisters stopped by for a visit on Halloween. 😄
 

Monday Check In

Last week...

Writing Related:  Had some unexpected things pop up last week along with a doctor appointment so I didn't get as much writing done as I'd hoped. This week should be a quiet week (unless something else pops up) so I hope to get a lot of writing done.

Motivational Quote: "It doesn't matter how small the action is, if we all do the little that we can, it will make a difference." ~ Wangari Maathai

What I'm Reading: I finished reading Cut and Run by Mary Burton last night. I'm not sure what I'll read this week. I still have a couple of books from the library to read before they have to be returned.

Random Thoughts:  While the sky was cloudy in my area during the majority of the eclipse, it was fascinating the way everything became so dark and quiet and then lightened back up and the birds started chirping again. We stood on our back porch to view it so there wasn't any noise from a crowd reacting to what was occurring like in some places. 

Random Photo:

After the first orchid we received died soon after it was given to us, my sister gave us another one. We've had much better luck this time around. As you can see, it's currently blooming. This is the 3rd year we've gotten blossoms.

What's Up Wednesday

This week...

My Current WIP (Work in Progress): Only managed about 12 pages of revisions last week. I had appointments and the like after work for the first three days of last week so it didn't leave a lot of writing time.

Quote of the Week: "Discipline is doing what needs to be done, even if you don't want to do it." ~ Unknown  I'm repeating this quote from a couple of weeks ago because I really need to absorb it into my life lately.

What I'm Reading: I'll be starting Dead Ringer by Mary Burton when I get in bed tonight. I like to try and read every night before I go to sleep.

Random Thoughts:  I hope everyone exercised their right to vote yesterday.

Random Photo of the Week:

               They sell baby pineapples the size of an orange at my local grocery store.
                       Cute, but expensive. They cost more than a full size pineapple
 

What's Up Wednesday

This week...

My Current WIP (Work In Progress): I didn't get any work done on Honor Bound last week. My mom is having cataract surgery this week so I'll be helping her out as she recovers. I'm hoping to get enough editing/revising done so that I'll only be about a week behind where I should be.

Quote of the Week: "Character consists of what you do on the third and forth tries." ~ James A. Michener 

What I'm Reading: I just started The Hangman by Mary Burton yesterday. It's the 3rd book in The Forgotten Files series.

Random Thoughts: I have this week off from the day job so I can be there for my mom as she recovers from her surgery. I'm hoping to use some of the time to week through emails and bookmarked links that I've saved and haven't looked at or referenced in a while.

Random Photo of the Week:

               Mrs. Green has discovered the joy of a warm quilt fresh out of the dryer.

What's Up Wednesday

This week...

My current WIP (work in progress): I didn't make any progress last week. I spent a lot of time shoveling snow. We received 28 inches over a 36 hour period. I also worked extra hours a couple of days. Hope to get back on track this week.

Quote of the Week:  “There is in this world no such force as the force of a person determined to rise.” ~ W.E.B. DuBois

What I'm reading: The Shark by Mary Burton. I picked it up on a whim the last time I was at Barnes and Noble. 

Random Thoughts: Given the 81 mph winds we had two weeks ago and then winter storm Stella last week, I'm ready for some normal weather. Spring is usually a period of unsettled weather in my area. I'm hoping Mother Nature has already gotten it all out of her system.

Random Photo of the Week:

                                   My neighbor's car during winter storm Stella.
 

What's Up Wednesday

This week...

My current WIP (work in progress): Back to work on revisions. Doing pretty well. I was able to get through 6 chapters.

Quote of the Week: "Your mind is a powerful thing. When you fill it with positive thoughts, your life will start to change." ~ Unknown

What I'm reading: I haven't read a book in a couple of weeks. I've been trying to catch up on all the magazines I've let pile up. I just purchased 4 new books - The Shark by Mary Burton, Her Darkest Nightmare by Brenda Novak, A Scot in the Dark by Sarah Maclean, and Rookie Move by Sarina Bowen. Now I just have to decide which one to read first.

Random Things:  Monday I wrote about how September feels like the beginning of a new year and the changes I want to start making. I've feel like I'm doing pretty well. I'm back on track with my writing and I've eaten healthy all week so far. There's still the weekend to go which is usually my downfall. I can't exercise yet, but I hope to be able to start by mid-October.

Random Photo of the Week: 

I don't have a photo this week. I need to start taking some so I have something to post here. Here's a picture of Cookie Monster. Why? Because I like cookies as much as he does. :o)

He looks like he's thinking about cookies. Something I'm trying not to do since they don't qualify as healthy eating.
  

What's Up Wednesday

This week...

My current WIP (work in progress): Still working on revisions. I've also started writing the synopsis for this manuscript.

Quote of the Week: “There is no substitute for putting in the time. Sheer hard work can help you shatter your goals.” ~ Adrienne Lofton

What I'm reading: Be Afraid by Mary Burton. I'm reading it on the recommendation of my mom.

Random things: I want to plant a couple of raspberry bushes along the fence on the side of our yard but I'm not sure if the soil will support their growth. Someone told me you can grow them in giant pots. I'm not sure if that would work so I'm going to do some internet research on it.

Random Photo of the Week:

 

                                     A hawk sitting on the neighbor's porch roof. 
                                We don't usually see hawks in our neighborhood.