Yesterday I spent a couple of hours on the other side of writing. Anna Adams, very talented SuperRomance author, and I got together for a late breakfast. She just moved back to Georgia from Texas and it was the first time we’ve seen each other in a little over two years. Of course we had to yammer about what we’re working on what we want to work on and how to tweak the stories. (c):)

Then we spent about about three and a half hours shopping for basket stuff and putting them together. We’re both going to the Reader’s Luncheon in Atlanta on Saturday and we have to put together a basket to be given away. It’s sort of challenging to put together a basket for someone when you have no idea who’s going to get it. I’m rather pleased with how mine turned out. Contents include three autographed books, a 2007/2008 planner, magnetized note pad, coffee cup, journal, small steno pad, Lindt chocolate, small bottle of merlot, small bottle of pinot grigio, two wine glasses, a lovely little organza bag, photo frame, a candle, etched glass candle holder, and some other little odds and ends in a hinged sunflower box with a handle (hence the sunflower I’ve perched next to the ribbon). Hope whomever gets it, likes it.

I’ve been a bit frustrated with myself. I’ve been wallowing around in the same few chapters of my wip for a couple of weeks now between jury duty and feeling under the weather last week. I’m still in good shape with my deadline, but it was more a sense of stalling out and loss of momenturm. :[

But, yesterday morning I was working on the book while my people were sleeping in, and I realized that I hadn’t stalled out at all because I’d figured out two fairly significant things about the heroine and the hero. (i) I’d just been simmering.

I think sometimes it’s hard to remember to have patience with the process and with ourselves — especially when you see that word count coming to a grinding halt.:s Now I’m going to rock on!

Hope everyone’s week is off to a great start!(*)

The Girl’s bite o’cake from the Marietta Diner:

Happy Birthday to Me, Happy Birthday to Me, Happy Birthday dear Meeeee, Happy Birthday to Me.(8)

And you should be grateful you’re reading it rather than hearing it — ouch.:p

Today, however, is in fact, the momentous occasion of my birth xx years ago. What? Ya think I’m gonna post my age on the freaking world wide web? Not hardly. Just know it’s over twenty and under sixty.8)

And that doesn’t really matter cause it’s just a number. What matters is that I took a moment to reflect on my life this morning and all my blessings. They’re numerous. It’s cliche but true that my life is rich with truly wonderful friends, a loving family which includes our cat and three dogs, my health, and a great job.

I’ve gotten cards and presents from friends and family via snail mail and email throughout the week. Today I’ll celebrate by getting my car’s emissions and my license tag renewal (hey, at least I have a car, that’s the way I’m looking at it) and working on the book that I’m lucky enough to be contracted to write.

Tonight I’ve already planned my birthday dinner, as requested by the fam. Marietta Diner — half a Reuben, might even splurge and eat the whole thing if I work in a three-mile run this afternoon, a beer, and a slice of coconut cream pie.(b)(^) If you’re ever in the neighborhood take note that Marietta Diner has the best coconut cream pie in the universe.

Tomorrow I’m going to lunch with two friends, and tomorrow night is dinner with another good friend. For today, and we’ll stretch it to tomorrow, I’m queen of my little universe.:d

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this time of year– more than a hint of chill in the air this morning. Threw on shorts, a t-shirt, and a sweatshirt along with a pair of trekking socks. Pretty.:o NOT. But I do my best thinking this way. Guess this means I’ll churn out a record number of scintillating pages today.:p One can only hope.

Sinus infection? Head cold? I dunno. Maybe a combo of both but I’ve felt lousy the last couple of days. Dragged out of bed this morning, had breakfast then threw on a sweatshirt over my pj’s to take Girl to school. On the way I realized I had a medicene form that had to be turned into the front office along with the meds. I had to take it in.

I parked instead of pulling into car pool line.

“Mom, what’re you doing?”

I opened the car door. “I have to take this form in.”

“You know you’re wearing your pajamas?” I have to give Girl credit in that she only looked faintly horrified considering I also had on no makeup and a case of bedhead. And poor kid, it’s a sad indicatator of my level of absentmindedness that she lives with that she sincerely didn’t know if I knew I had on my pj’s.

I got out of the car. “I’m good with that.”

She walked 3 or 4 paces ahead of me — and who could blame her — but then she turned at the front door and said, “I love you, Mom.”(l)

Got up this morning and got dressed, did the hair and make-up thing. Ready to take Girl to school. Took a look outside. Overcast with a light rain falling. Took off my clothes and put my pajamas back on :shake:…then took Girl to school. One of the benefits of a home office and it’s just that kind of day.:smirk:

Sue, Kim, Me, Penny, Linda after crossing the “Finish” line

A huge thanks to everyone who donated money and helped me realize my fund-raising goal for the Atlanta 2-day Breast Cancer Walk. Our team decided from the beginning that we’d only do the the one-day ten mile portion.

Yesterday morning, at 7:30 a.m. five of us, along with several other hundreds, set out for our ten mile walk. It was fantastic!! What a feeling of camraderie and the support along the route was incredible. Lot’s of folks waving from their porches. Total strangers callig out with a “thank you.” One of the best parts was getting to know the other four women in my group a little better. We are all in the same kickbox class and one of the women is the instructor/owner. They are all interesting, strong women and I’m glad I had the opportunity to get to know them better.

I came close to tearing up when we crossed the finish line and there were all these people cheering and applauding and it was really quite a feeling. (Apparently captured on t.v. as well since my husband saw us on the 11 o’clock news last night.) But I was truly choked up when the breast cancer survivors walked across the stage and our friend and team member Penny was standing up there with them. It was the personification of grace and courage and triumph of indominatable spirits.

This morning I called and set the appointment for my annual physical exam. My birthday is this week and that’s always my annual physical nudge, but I didn’t put it off like I usually do. Statistics are 1 in 8 women will have breast cancer. I know 8 women. I’m sure you do too. Those are intimidating odds. If you haven’t had a check-up lately, love yourself and set an appointment. Be a good friend and send your friends reminders.