Monday Check In

Last week...

Writing Related:  I made incremental progress on editing Garrett's book. It's definitely not as much as I wanted to accomplish but I'm telling myself even a little progress forward is getting me closer to finishing editing the book. 

Motivational Quote:  "I prefer writing to real life...A novel, for example, can be cleaned up, altered, trimmed, improved. Life, on the other hand, is one big messy rough draft." ~ Harlan Coben (American writer)

What I'm Reading:  I finished reading Ode to the Bones by Carolyn Haines last night. It's the 30th book in the Sarah Booth Delaney mystery series. I've enjoyed this series and was sad to hear there will only be one more book before the series comes to an end.

Random Things:   An update on my brother. He had numerous appointments last week for x-rays, an ultrasound, CT scan and with a surgeon's physician's assistant to give him his options. He has an appointment with the surgeon next week to make the decision to either see if they can repair the break with some plates and screws or if it would be better to do a shoulder replacement from the outset because if his arm doesn't heal properly with the plates and screws, then he'll have to have the shoulder replacement anyway.

Random Photo:

                                                    I swear this is so true. 😄 

Monday Check In

Last week...

Writing Related: I've hit the middle of the book. Finally. I'm hoping that I only have about 150 pages more to write. I'm going to participate in Sarra Cannon's Rough Draft Challenge in the month of November with the goal of writing those 150 pages. I'm not sure how much writing I'll get done this week as one of my siblings is going into the hospital Tuesday for surgery and will have to stay 4 to 5 days. I'll be visiting her as much as I can and going to her house daily to take in the mail and making sure her cat has fresh water, food, and litter. 

Motivational Quote:  "Our life is in our hands and it's never too late." ~ Tiffany Brar

What I'm Reading:  I'm reading Independent Bones by Carolyn Haines. I should finish it this evening. I'll start the next book, Lady of Bones, on Tuesday while I'm sitting in the hospital waiting room while my sister is in surgery. 

Random Things:  Are you a tea drinker? I should specify hot tea. I do drink iced tea as well but I like to drink that without sugar or honey. When I drink hot tea, it doesn't seem to have as much flavor as it does cold so I add a bit of honey to it and it helps bring out the flavor. The problem is I'm trying to drink tea instead of hot chocolate because it's healthier, but how healthy is it if I'm adding honey to it? A friend suggested adding a bit of milk to it instead. I haven't tried that yet. Any suggestions on how to bring out the flavor of the tea without adding honey, sugar, or any other type of sugar substitute? Just as an FYI, I usually drink raspberry pomegranate green tea or apple chai tea, or a vanilla cranberry tea. I did just buy a box of gingerbread tea to try as well. 

 

Monday Check In

Last week...

Writing Related: I'm making headway on Garrett's story. It's taking me so much longer to write this book than I originally anticipated. I keep telling myself even a few pages a day is progress and is bringing me closer to the end.

Motivational Quote:  "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." ~ Eleanor Roosevelt 

What I'm Reading: I started reading A Garland of Bones by Carolyn Haines over the weekend.  This is the 22nd book in the series. There are a total of 29 books published so far so I'm getting closer to the end so to speak, at least until the next book is published. 

Random Things:  It's finally been cold enough to do some baking. I made semolina bread for the first time this past Thursday. It has a tangy taste, not quite as strong a sourdough, but enough to notice. I will make it again, but I think I'll bake it in a loaf pan instead of on a baking sheet that the recipe calls for. The dough didn't rise as high as I would have liked, rising in width instead so I'm hoping it will rise higher in a loaf pan.

Random Photo:

                  Here's a picture of the semolina bread. It looks taller than it actually is. 
 

Monday Check In

Last week...

Writing Related: I still have the occasional cough left from my cold, but am feeling much better. We had a bunch of appointments including an annual vet check up for Mrs. Green and getting our flu shots so I didn't get much written. Considering I already had a cold so early in the fall/winter season, I don't want to risk getting the flu or giving it to my mom so we both got the vaccine. 

Motivational Quote:  "Fear has a very concrete power of keeping us from doing the things that are our purpose." ~ Luvvie Ajayi

What I'm Reading:  I should finish reading Game of Bones by Carolyn Haines this evening unless something pops up. It's the 20th book in the Sarah Booth Delaney mystery series. I'll probably start the next book in the series within the next day or so.

Random Things:  I have a physical therapy appointment this afternoon. I'm hoping it'll be the last one. I'll keep doing the exercises because they are helping but I don't really want to continue with the appointments. My ulnar nerve issue is much better than it was. It doesn't wake me up at night anymore and I rarely get the pins and needles feeling in my last two fingers now. I still can't type for long periods but I'm going to start splitting my writing time up into two sessions so hopefully that will help. 

Random Photo:

The Halloween wreath for our front door. My nephew's wife made it a for us a few years ago.
 

Monday Check In

Last week...

Writing Related: I managed to write twenty pages of new material last week. It's not a lot, I know. But it is more than I've been able to do for a while now. The physical therapy is helping - I'm getting fewer shooting pains into my wrist and fingers and I'm able to type for longer than 15 minutes at a time now. 

Motivational Quote:  It it doesn't bring peace, profits, or purpose, then don't give it your time, energy, or attention." ~ Morgan Richard Olivier

What I'm Reading:  I'm currently reading Smarty Bones by Carolyn Haines. It's the thirteenth book in the series. I'm thinking I'll finish it this evening as I only have a few chapters left to read.  

Random Things: My sister talked me into entering a couple of raffles for a couple of dollars apiece. I don't expect to win. I rarely win raffles or contests and such but at least my few dollars are going to good causes. The last time I won a raffle, my oldest great nephew was due to make his entrance into the world at any time. That was twelve years ago. 

Random Photo:

                                     A picture of a baby otter to make you smile.
 

Monday Check In

Last week...

Writing Related:  The writing of Garrett's book is progressing. Slowly, but it is moving forward. The PT for my elbow is helping, so I'm grateful for that. The orthopedist did say that it can take months for the nerve and tendon to completely heal. Considering that and not wanting to do anything to set the healing back, my goal is to get the first draft written asap so I can send it to my editor and beta readers, get their feedback, and made any revisions so that it can be released in early January. 

Motivational Quote: "You don't have to wait on anyone to tell you that you are in this. Start by doing what you can with what you've got, where you are and in your own way." ~ Cleo Wade

What I'm Reading:  I just started Bones of a Feather by Carolyn Haines yesterday afternoon. It's the eleventh book in the Sarah Booth Delaney series. The series is also know as the Mississippi Delta series if you want to check it out. 

Random Things:  It's been cool here - highs in the mid 60's - than it has been. I'm glad to see the 90 degree days go but I'm not quite ready to say goodbye to summer. I love being able to just pick up my purse and leave when I have to go somewhere. I hate having to wear a coat. Then there's having to wear gloves, a scarf, and possibly boots when it gets further into the winter season. While winter might technically start around December 20th on the calendar, it usually starts in mid to late October in my area. I'd prefer a longer Autumn season and a really, really short winter season but it's usually the other way around.

Random Photo:

I was feeling a little down about summer ending so I bought a set of Otter pens to brighten my mood.
 

Monday Check In

Last week...

Writing Related:  Writing is still going slowly. I'm telling myself slow progress is still progress and the story is moving forward. The physical therapy for my elbow does seem to be helping. The numbness/pins and needles feeling isn't as strong as it was and the pain that was shooting from my elbow into my wrist and last two fingers isn't happening as often as it was.

Motivational Quote:  "If you have faith and keep moving on, things will eventually fall in place." ~ Tina Dabi 

What I'm Reading:  I'm currently reading Hallowed Bones by Carolyn Haines. It's the fifth book in the Sarah Booth Delaney mystery series.  There are 29 books in the series so far so I have quite a few left to read. 

Random Things:  I saw a Christmas commercial the other day while I was watching TV. While August, even late August, seems way to early for retail companies to start advertising for Christmas, it did remind me that I need to start thinking about what design(s) I want to use in my holiday cards this year. Every year I say I'm going to start making the cards early. Yet every year it gets to be the second week of December and I'm rushing to get them finished. Starting next month, I'm going to make a concerted effort to make at least two cards every weekend so they will be completed and ready to be mailed by the first weekend in December. 

 Random Photo:

I went to a Goodwill store about an hour away from my home and found this scented candle. I can't imagine anyone wanting a candle that smells like a corn dog...which is probably why it was donated.
 

Monday Check In

Last week...

Writing Related:  I'm doing the best that I can with my ulnar nerve issue. I see the orthopedist this afternoon and I really hope he can recommend something to help.

Motivational Quote:  "The Queen's Gambit has been viewed by 62 million people. The producer, Allan Scott, spoke about how it took 30 years, with 9 rewrites, and every studio he showed it to said no one would be interested in chess. Please Perservere." ~ Amy Charlotte Kean.

What I'm Reading:  I'm currently reading Splintered Bones by Carolyn Haines and should finish it tonight. It's the third book in the Sarah Booth Delaney series. Once I'm done with it, I'll be starting The Summer of Second Chances by Miranda Liasson. It's the third book in the Seashell Harbor series.

Random Thing:  I'm going to visit one of my nieces and her daughter later this week. She lives about an hour away so I don't see her as much as I'd like especially since her daughter started school last year. We're going to do lunch and then some fun shopping at craft stores and the like.  

Random Photo:

 

                                     We have a new friend in the neighborhood.

Monday Check In

Last week...

Writing Related:  I wrote 5k last week which honestly was more than I expected. I've recovered from the minor medical procedure and finally have everything taken care related to the unexpected event. I'm hoping to get at least 12k written this week since I am so far behind in getting the first draft of Garrett's book written.

Motivational Quote:  "I have done my best, and I hope I have sown some seeds which may bring forth good fruit." ~ George Marshall, American Statesman   This quote seemed really appropriate given the last few weeks.

What I'm Reading:  I'm reading The Big Fix by Holly James. This is the first book I've read by Ms. James. I can't decide if it's supposed to be a rom-com or a cozy type mystery with some romance thrown in. 

Random Thoughts:  I live by my daily routines and when something pops up that throws off that routine, depending on how major it is, it can take me a few days to get back into the groove of things. My sister says it's because I hate change. I don't know if it's so much that I hate change as it is something unexpected coming up that I didn't plan for or know to plan for. So maybe it's not that I hate change, maybe I'm just someone who needs to plan things out to make sure everything gets done. I'd be lost without my planner. I use it daily to keep track of everything from appointments, errands that need to be done, what bills need to be paid and when, to what exercise I did that day to, how many pages I wrote on a particular day, to upcoming events (birthday parties, family gatherings etc), all the way down to what day I'm going to vacuum the downstairs or change the cat litter. Are you a planner or are you spur of the moment kind of person?

Random Photo:

This photo is from last spring. Our daffodils have sprouted, but we had snow showers three times last week so I'm not sure if they'll actually bloom this year. (Yes, that is Mrs. Green photo bombing the flowers.)
 

 

Monday Check In

Last week...

Writing Related:  Writing is going well. I hit the 20k mark on Saturday. Only about 67,500 more words to go to finish the first draft. If I nothing unexpected pops up, I should have the first draft completed by November 1st. Fingers crossed.

Motivational Quote:  "Most of the time I just show up and keep doing it, and sooner or later the magic happens. I've learned to trust my skill, but it took a long time." ~ Isabel Allende

What I'm Reading:  I started reading Sticks and Scones by Ellie Alexander yesterday afternoon. This is the 19th book in the Bakeshop Mystery series. I've enjoyed all of the books in the series so far. If you like cozy mysteries, you should check this series out. 

Random Things:  The other day a friend mentioned she is almost finished with her holiday gift shopping. Am I the only one who dreads holiday gift shopping? I do the majority of it online, only venturing into a store to make a purchase when I have no other option, but I still dread it. I don't even want to think about it until the week of Thanksgiving. I try to get everything purchased between Black Friday and Cyber Monday so it's all done in a weekend then all I have to do is wait for the packages to arrive and I can breathe easier until the following November.

Random Photo:

                                                This is so me lately.

 

Monday Check In

Last week...

Writing Related: I received the feedback from my editor and two beta readers regarding my second round of edits/revisions. Just a few minor corrections this time. Mainly just some missing words that my brain thought I typed but I didn't and some awkward phrasing that needs to be reworked.

Motivational Quote: "They always say that time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself." ~ Andy Warhol

What I'm Reading: I'm reading Catch Me If You Candy by Ellie Alexander. This is the 17th book in this mystery series. This is a fun series. If you haven't started the series yet, I recommend it.

Random Things: I made orange walnut cake for the first time this past weekend. I also made oatmeal chocolate chip cookies because when is baking cookies not a good thing. 

Random Photo: 

Here's a picture of the orange walnut cake. You're supposed to serve it with Confectioner's sugar. I'm not a fan of that kind of sugar so I had my piece without it. 

Monday Check In

Last week...

Writing Related: I'm working hard at meeting my April Camp NaNo goal. I'm doing ok. I'm on track but had hoped to get a few pages ahead in case something pops up. Because something always does. 😀

Motivational Quote: "It's easy to talk about successes, but what doesn't get talked about enough is the struggle." ~ Erik Weihenmayer

What I'm Reading: I'm reading Muffin But The Truth by Ellie Alexander. This is the 16th book in the Bakeshop Mystery series. I love this series and always look forward to the next book. 

Random Things: I saw the above quote by Erik Weihenmayer a few days ago and it really resonated with me. Many times you only hear about the great things occurring people's lives. You rarely hear about how a person had to deal with failure, rejection, criticism or the like. I'm not referring to just writers, but anyone who has struggled to reach a goal or their definition of success. Sometimes I think if those struggles were shared as often as our successes, it could help others on their personal journeys as well.

Random Photo:

              Somebody checking out the goodies delivered from Chewy.com last week.
 

Monday Check In

Last week...

Writing Related: I wrote more last week on Mississippi's story than I did the entire month of February. I had last week off to help my mom recover from her hand surgery so I had a lot more time than I usually have to write. I tried doing 25 minute writing sprints but they didn't work for me because I felt like I was just starting to get into the flow and the timer would go off. I did discover that 45 minute sprints work really well though so I'm going to try to incorporate them into my writing sessions on a regular basis.

Motivational Quote: "It's better to go slow in the right direction than to go fast in the wrong direction." ~ Simon Sinek

What I'm Reading: I started reading Steeped in Secrets by Lauren Elliott yesterday. It's the first book in her Crystals and CuriosiTEAS cozy mystery series. 

Random Things: My mom is recovering well from her hand surgery. She can't use her left hand right now. Her post-op appointment is this afternoon to have her stitches removed. We'll find out then what the next steps will be. She's hoping she'll be able to use her hand a least a little.

Random Photo:

                                   More muffins I made while stress baking

Monday Check In

Last week...

Writing Related: Not much writing accomplished last week either. My mom injured her hand so we spent three afternoons seeing her primary care doctor, having x-rays done, and seeing a hand specialist. I had an eye appointment in between those days as well. I'm really hoping to get writing accomplished this week.

Motivational Quote: Considering how February is going so far, I thought this quote was appropriate:

• "Sometimes the most important thing in a whole day is the rest we take between two deep breaths." ~ Etty Hillesum

What I'm Reading: I started Apple Cider Slaying by Julie Anne Lindsey yesterday afternoon. It's the first book in the Cider Shop Mystery series.

Random Things: It was 55 degrees last Tuesday, then 65 degrees last Wednesday, then 50 degrees last Thursday before dropping back to the low 30's. The flowers in my garden are so confused. A few of them are poking up through the soil already.

Random Photo:

Monday Check In

Last week...

Writing Related:  Ivan's story is done and off to my editor for one last look through. This week I'm going to nail down the final version of the story summary (blurb) for the back cover.

Motivational Quote: "And though hard be the task, keep a stiff upper lip." ~ Phoebe Cary

What I'm Reading: I'm reading Murder at the Christmas Cookie Bake-Off by Darci Hannah. This is the second book in the Beacon Bakeshop mystery series.

Random Things: This week the forecasted temperatures from Wednesday onward are 68 degrees and lower. I'm trying to decide if I want to bake bread, or even better, cookies during the cool spell. I do miss baking so I'm sure I'll make something. I just need to decide on what to make.

Random Photo:

                                Celebrating being finally done with Ivan's story.
                           

Monday Check In

Last week...

Writing Related: I have to admit between the July 4th holiday and my mom's birthday, I didn't get a lot of writing done. I'm back on track this week though.

Motivational Quote: "He who knows that enough is enough will always have enough." ~ Lao-Tzu

What I'm Reading: I started reading Murder at the Beacon Bakeshop by Darci Hannah yesterday. This is the first book in the Beacon Bakeshop mystery series.

Random Things: I can't believe we're already halfway through the year. I have so much I want to accomplish this year and feel like I have so little time left to get it all completed. One good thing about feeling like I'm behind is that it's really helping me cut through the waste of time stuff and helping me focus on the goals I definitely want to meet by the end of the year.  

Random Photo:

                   Mrs. Green telling me to hurry up and take the picture already. 😀
  

Monday Check In

Last week...

Writing Related: Still working on revisions/edits for Ivan's story. I'm still on track to get it out to my betas by the end of this month. 

Motivational Quote: "When you have a dream, you've got to grab it and never let go." ~ Carol Burnett

What I'm Reading: I'm taking a short break from reading the Seaside Cafe mystery series by Bree Baker. I only have one book left to read before the last book in the series comes out at the end of this month. Instead I'm reading The Family You Make by Jill Shalvis. This is the first book in the Sunrise Cove series. 

Random Things: Only 25 more days until April 1st. I realize spring officially begins on Sunday, March 20th this year but the weather doesn't get close to spring-like until April or later in my area.

Random Photo:

 I found this impression in the snow at the bottom of my porch stairs. It looks like a bird was trying to make a snow angel.

Monday Check In

Last week...

Writing Related: Still working on revisions for Ivan's story. I feel like I made good progress. If I can keep on track, I should have it ready for one last look by my beta readers by the end of March.

Motivational Quote:"Perseverance and spirit have done wonders in all ages." ~ George Washington

What I'm Reading: I'm reading A Call for Kelp by Bree Baker. This is the fourth book in the Seaside Cafe mystery series. 

Random Things: For some reason the picture of my S'mores cookies didn't publish along with my blog post last week so I'm reposting it again. Hopefully it will work this time.

Random Photo:

                                                The S'mores cookies.

Monday Check In

Last week...

Writing Related: I got quite a bit accomplished on Ivan's story. I feel like I'm finally getting back on track. Still a tiny bit behind where I want to be, but am happy with the progress I've made.

Motivational Quote: "To succeed, you must have tremendous perserverance, and tremendous will.~ Swami Vivekananda

What I'm Reading: I started Tide and Punishment by Bree Baker last night. It's the third book in the Seaside Cafe mystery series. I'm really enjoying this series. I've put the next 3 books on hold at my local library. I was a little sad to hear the last book in the series will be published at the end of March.

Random Things: I may be an adult, but I still like to eat S'mores in the summer. Since the temperatures been hovering around 25 to 32 degrees the last few days, I decided to try a recipe for S'mores cookies I found a few days ago. They gave me a tiny reminder that summer will be here soon...but not soon enough. 😄

Random Photo:

 

                      The S'mores cookies. They came out pretty well.   

Monday Check In

Last week...

Writing Related: I didn't get much accomplished on Ivan's story. I had a couple of appointments after work and then had to go buy a new washing machine when ours died suddenly. I had a repair person come by to look at it, but he stated it wasn't worth the cost to repair it. It is between twelve and fifteen years old so I guess it was time to get a new one. 

Motivational Quote:  "We must accept finite disappointment, but we must never lose infinite hope." ~ Martin Luther King, Jr.  Considering my lack of progress in getting the revisions for Ivan's story done the last couple of weeks, this quote seemed fitting.

What I'm Reading: I started reading No Good Tea Goes Unpunished by Bree Baker last night. This is the second book in the Seaside Cafe mystery series.

Random Things: I tried a new recipe for gingerbread chocolate chip cookies on 2/6. They are completely addictive. I made another batch this past weekend. The recipe only makes 2 dozen cookies which is just enough for us to eat throughout the week. They are so good, I'm thinking of doubling the recipe, but then I'll probably eat more of them than I should.

Random Photo:

                               A photo of the gingerbread chocolate chip cookies.