Linda Lael Miller's Blog, page 9
November 1, 2011
It's November? You're kidding, right?
And here's me, still thinking of 2011 as a new year. :)
Debbie goes home to Colorado Springs today--I will miss her a lot!--and I'll be driving her to the airport a little while from now. Bernice and I have already been out for our morning walk--the weather is fabulous, though there's a chance we'll get snow by the end of the week.
Oh, WELL. :)
I have a hair appointment this afternoon--badly needed.
Not one single trick-or-treater last night. I miss the old days, when all sorts of scary creatures rang my doorbell and held out a bag for a treat. I guess it isn't safe anymore, and that's truly sad. When I was young, back when dinosaurs roamed the Earth, we could trick-or-treat at every single house in town, and we did. Some of the kids took pillowcases for bags and one memorable year, my cousin Steve got a piece of apple pie at one house--they'd run out of the regular stuff by the time he arrived, I guess. Homemade popcorn balls and carmel apples were not unusual, and although it certainly must have raised the cavity count, it was fun.
In our hometown of Northport, WA, my dad was the marshal and also the 'road commissioner'--which meant he plowed and graded the mostly unpaved streets--he was also the water commissioner, but that's beside the point--and he took care of the stop signs around town, not that there were that many of them. :) Since a favorite trick of the older kids was to pull the stop signs out of the ground, my clever Dad spent a sunny October afternoon painting all the sign posts, while the culprits were still in school. Since they were still wet with paint when the fun started, later in the evening, the miscreants were easy to spot--they had streaks of white paint on their clothes and hands. Imagine the parental consternation when my brother came home in paint-stained clothes.
Those were the days.
Debbie goes home to Colorado Springs today--I will miss her a lot!--and I'll be driving her to the airport a little while from now. Bernice and I have already been out for our morning walk--the weather is fabulous, though there's a chance we'll get snow by the end of the week.
Oh, WELL. :)
I have a hair appointment this afternoon--badly needed.
Not one single trick-or-treater last night. I miss the old days, when all sorts of scary creatures rang my doorbell and held out a bag for a treat. I guess it isn't safe anymore, and that's truly sad. When I was young, back when dinosaurs roamed the Earth, we could trick-or-treat at every single house in town, and we did. Some of the kids took pillowcases for bags and one memorable year, my cousin Steve got a piece of apple pie at one house--they'd run out of the regular stuff by the time he arrived, I guess. Homemade popcorn balls and carmel apples were not unusual, and although it certainly must have raised the cavity count, it was fun.
In our hometown of Northport, WA, my dad was the marshal and also the 'road commissioner'--which meant he plowed and graded the mostly unpaved streets--he was also the water commissioner, but that's beside the point--and he took care of the stop signs around town, not that there were that many of them. :) Since a favorite trick of the older kids was to pull the stop signs out of the ground, my clever Dad spent a sunny October afternoon painting all the sign posts, while the culprits were still in school. Since they were still wet with paint when the fun started, later in the evening, the miscreants were easy to spot--they had streaks of white paint on their clothes and hands. Imagine the parental consternation when my brother came home in paint-stained clothes.
Those were the days.
October 31, 2011
Happy Monday, One and All
Bernice and I have already been out for our morning walk--her usual walker, Jenni, is visiting her Grandmother--and made sure there were no unwelcome critters hiding out in the culverts. This is Bernice's main job in life, and she takes it serously. :) If she doesn't protect us from the wild turkeys, incessantly plotting their dastardly uprising, who will???
I mostly read my manuscript on the weekend, but also did a little work on artist trading cards, etc. I'm making some new collage papers, too, a technique I learned in an art book. Fun but messy. :)
Deb is still here--she leaves tomorrow--and what a job she's done on the craft room! Amazing. There are surfaces. The floors are visible. It's incredible. :)
We paid a too brief visit to my mom yesterday--don't see her often enough. It was rainy out, but today you'd think we were on a different planet--bright blue sky, sunshine, the works. It's almost springy, even with the chill, but there is a polished-copper glow to things that says autumn. Glorious.
My spirits are high and I'm ready to finish reading my manuscript (the changes need to be in tomorrow) and get back to "Big Sky Mountain". :) I will admit, though, that watching Debbie and Nicole and now Chris do all that work makes me tired.
That's the news from Spokaloo.
I mostly read my manuscript on the weekend, but also did a little work on artist trading cards, etc. I'm making some new collage papers, too, a technique I learned in an art book. Fun but messy. :)
Deb is still here--she leaves tomorrow--and what a job she's done on the craft room! Amazing. There are surfaces. The floors are visible. It's incredible. :)
We paid a too brief visit to my mom yesterday--don't see her often enough. It was rainy out, but today you'd think we were on a different planet--bright blue sky, sunshine, the works. It's almost springy, even with the chill, but there is a polished-copper glow to things that says autumn. Glorious.
My spirits are high and I'm ready to finish reading my manuscript (the changes need to be in tomorrow) and get back to "Big Sky Mountain". :) I will admit, though, that watching Debbie and Nicole and now Chris do all that work makes me tired.
That's the news from Spokaloo.
October 28, 2011
Reading
Today I'm reading through the edited version of "Big Sky Country", so I'm taking today off from the blog.
Have a wonderful weekend. I'll see you on Monday
Have a wonderful weekend. I'll see you on Monday
October 27, 2011
Peacocks and Deer
A neighbor keeps peacocks, and the big birds wander all over the place, with apparent impunity from coyotes, etc. This morning, we had one serenading us from down in the draw for upwards of half an hour--the thing sounded like it was being killed, so I called over to Mary Ann and Larry's, concerned. Mary Ann, who lives just a little closer to the peacock place than I do, chuckled and assured me the sound was normal. Even the deer were a little thrown, I think--there were five of them, standing in the clearing, still as stones, listening. One was a fawn, partly grown. When the peacock wasn't crowing, Bernice was barking, so we had a little dog and bird show going for a while there. The deer did not seem at all concerned that they would be attacked and brought down by a Yorkie. :)
It's another lovely day, both here in Spokane and in Parable. Guess we're getting rain tomorrow, but, hey, that's tomorrow. I'm concentrating on Right Now, which is pretty darn good.
And that's the news.
It's another lovely day, both here in Spokane and in Parable. Guess we're getting rain tomorrow, but, hey, that's tomorrow. I'm concentrating on Right Now, which is pretty darn good.
And that's the news.
October 26, 2011
Still Walkin' On Sunshine!
I'm loving this wonderful weather--what's not to love about sunshine, fresh air, blue skies, and greenery on all sides?
I finished "The Kitchen Counter Cooking School" (Kathleen Flinn) and enjoyed it very much. Now I'm onto "The End of Normal", a memoir by Mark Madoff's widow. Of course you already know that the infamous Bernie Madoff, Mark's father, ripped off billions and almost crashed the stock market--pretty scary to think one person could do that, practically single-handed. I can't help sympathizing with the plight of this young mother and her children, though, because they too were victims. Still, I think I'll listen to something a little happier on the next go round--one I'm particularly looking forward to is Kevin Sorbo's new book. I've met Kevin, since he played Chance in my one and only TV Movie, "Last Chance Cafe", and he's not only seriously cute, he's nice.
I was hoping to catch Debbie Macomber on QVC yesterday, but somehow I missed her. Drat!
I have work to do, so I'd better get at it.
And that's the news.
I finished "The Kitchen Counter Cooking School" (Kathleen Flinn) and enjoyed it very much. Now I'm onto "The End of Normal", a memoir by Mark Madoff's widow. Of course you already know that the infamous Bernie Madoff, Mark's father, ripped off billions and almost crashed the stock market--pretty scary to think one person could do that, practically single-handed. I can't help sympathizing with the plight of this young mother and her children, though, because they too were victims. Still, I think I'll listen to something a little happier on the next go round--one I'm particularly looking forward to is Kevin Sorbo's new book. I've met Kevin, since he played Chance in my one and only TV Movie, "Last Chance Cafe", and he's not only seriously cute, he's nice.
I was hoping to catch Debbie Macomber on QVC yesterday, but somehow I missed her. Drat!
I have work to do, so I'd better get at it.
And that's the news.
October 25, 2011
Another Beautiful Autumn Day
This lovely, lovely weather is so heartening for me. I just love it. (I'm working on learning to love snow, too, as the TV people say this is a la Nina year.) :) Today, though, I'm in the moment--recent losses have reminded me how precious NOW really is.
I'll be making a trip up to Toronto soon, to meet with my fabulous publishers, the Harlequin people. Lots of exciting stuff going on, career wise, and I always enjoy the visits.
The D.I.E.T. is becoming a L.I.F.E.S.T.Y.L.E instead. :) Honestly, it's so easy, and the food is very good. I get variety without having to page through cookbooks, buy ingredients, and throw something together. (I will be making my Beef Bourg. for Christmas dinner, though.) I have a ways to go yet, in terms of pounds, but I'm confident enough to wear jeans again, and that's a nice feeling. I'm a foodie at heart--never miss "The Splendid Table" via podcast and I'm listening to a book called "The Kitchen Counter Cooking School", and enjoying the process vicariously. (Much lower calorie intake that way.) Besides writing and my pets, my passion these days is art, of the mixed media type.
Today is a writing day--I'll be spending most of it in Parable, Montana, with Hutch and Kendra, the new story people.
And that's the news from my kitchen table for today.
I'll be making a trip up to Toronto soon, to meet with my fabulous publishers, the Harlequin people. Lots of exciting stuff going on, career wise, and I always enjoy the visits.
The D.I.E.T. is becoming a L.I.F.E.S.T.Y.L.E instead. :) Honestly, it's so easy, and the food is very good. I get variety without having to page through cookbooks, buy ingredients, and throw something together. (I will be making my Beef Bourg. for Christmas dinner, though.) I have a ways to go yet, in terms of pounds, but I'm confident enough to wear jeans again, and that's a nice feeling. I'm a foodie at heart--never miss "The Splendid Table" via podcast and I'm listening to a book called "The Kitchen Counter Cooking School", and enjoying the process vicariously. (Much lower calorie intake that way.) Besides writing and my pets, my passion these days is art, of the mixed media type.
Today is a writing day--I'll be spending most of it in Parable, Montana, with Hutch and Kendra, the new story people.
And that's the news from my kitchen table for today.
October 24, 2011
Sunshine on My Shoulder
Today is a spectacularly beautiful fall day--every pine needle for miles shimmers with golden light, and the sky is sugar-bowl blue. There are a few leafy trees on the property and they are ablaze with the fire of autumn colors like crimson and gold. No WONDER fall is my favorite season.
Deb and her daughter Nic have nearly transformed the craft room, and the dreaded appearance on "Hoarders" has been averted, for now at least. :)
The weekend was quiet--my guests were on a mini-vacation at the lake with family from Seattle. Bernice and I took our walks with no sign of Harold the Moose, thank heaven, and epic battles were fought at the mouths of various culverts--she wanted to go in. A thirteen pound dog can put up a lot of resistance, but I eventually prevailed. As I write this, Neecie is out cold on her pink bed, near my computer. It's been a big morning already. :)
I did more art work, finishing up a swap I hosted on Art42.org--it's quite a challenge, really, to make sure the artist trading cards are distributed properly among all those entrants. I mostly don't sign up for other people's swaps anymore--I like to host them instead. Guess I'm a control freak. :) I enjoy seeing the submissions so much--people are SO creative. My cards are all gel transfers on copper these days--when I get on a kick, it lasts a while. :)
A new issue of Somerset Studios, one of my two absolute favs, arrived in Saturday's mail. Yum. I haven't cracked it yet, but it will be a real treat when I do. Plus, if SS is here, Cloth, Paper, Scissors can't be far behind. :)
I listened to John Lithgow's autobiography, "Drama", and enjoyed it a lot. I have some new podcasts to listen to, as well.
And that's the news here on the Triple L.
Deb and her daughter Nic have nearly transformed the craft room, and the dreaded appearance on "Hoarders" has been averted, for now at least. :)
The weekend was quiet--my guests were on a mini-vacation at the lake with family from Seattle. Bernice and I took our walks with no sign of Harold the Moose, thank heaven, and epic battles were fought at the mouths of various culverts--she wanted to go in. A thirteen pound dog can put up a lot of resistance, but I eventually prevailed. As I write this, Neecie is out cold on her pink bed, near my computer. It's been a big morning already. :)
I did more art work, finishing up a swap I hosted on Art42.org--it's quite a challenge, really, to make sure the artist trading cards are distributed properly among all those entrants. I mostly don't sign up for other people's swaps anymore--I like to host them instead. Guess I'm a control freak. :) I enjoy seeing the submissions so much--people are SO creative. My cards are all gel transfers on copper these days--when I get on a kick, it lasts a while. :)
A new issue of Somerset Studios, one of my two absolute favs, arrived in Saturday's mail. Yum. I haven't cracked it yet, but it will be a real treat when I do. Plus, if SS is here, Cloth, Paper, Scissors can't be far behind. :)
I listened to John Lithgow's autobiography, "Drama", and enjoyed it a lot. I have some new podcasts to listen to, as well.
And that's the news here on the Triple L.
October 21, 2011
Fergie
Mary Ann's little dog, Fergie, died unexpectedly yesterday afternoon, and we are all feeling pretty sad. She was a sweet little buff-colored mutt, and adored Mary Ann, who adored her right back. They were always together, sidekicks. Every morning when my cousin arrived for work, Fergie was with her, happy to greet all of us. It was as if she were saying, "Fergie's here! We can start the fun now!" When she wagged, it wasn't just her tail, it was the whole critter--I called her the Pajama Bag dog.
She was a member of the family, just as Sadie was, and will be sorely missed.
That's the sad news from my kitchen table---but already the happy memories of her long and love-filled life are there to be cherished.
Monday's blog will be a cheerful one, even if I have to lie. :)
She was a member of the family, just as Sadie was, and will be sorely missed.
That's the sad news from my kitchen table---but already the happy memories of her long and love-filled life are there to be cherished.
Monday's blog will be a cheerful one, even if I have to lie. :)
October 20, 2011
October 19, 2011
This Wednesday Morning...
Is starting out with overcast skies, and that delicious autumn snap is in the air. Downstairs, my craft room/studio is undergoing an amazing transformation, due to the Dynamic Duo, Debbie and Nicole. :) Incredible!
Nicole grew up with my daughter, Wendy, on the same block in Port Orchard, and what a pair they made. They used to doll Nicole's little brother Jason up in curls, dresses and make-up--especially mascara, since he's blessed with long lashes. :) They got into a lot of other mischief, as well, like trying to roller skate on the frozen surface of an above-ground swimming pool--Nicole--and playing a game that involved tasting some concoction from the kitchen, bread dipped in pickle juice, etc., blindfolded. Those were the days. Deb and I figure we probably only know the stuff they thought it would be safe to tell us, and we're content to live out the rest of our lives in ignorance and denial--at least where their childhood antics are concerned. :)
Tomorrow marks another seven days on the D.I.E.T., which I'm beginning to think isn't a diet at all, because it's way too easy and I never feel deprived. As Barbra Streisand wailed in "Funny Girl", when her character, Fanny Brice, got her big break in show biz right off the mark, "Where's all the suffering???!!!"
Just kidding, Universe. No need to send any of that my way. :)
I'm writing today, and composing a list of favorite romantic books/authors for a promotion I'm taking part in. Most of my faves are classics, since I don't have time to read anywhere near as much romance as I'd like to these days.
And that's the news for today.
Be well, be safe and be kind.
Nicole grew up with my daughter, Wendy, on the same block in Port Orchard, and what a pair they made. They used to doll Nicole's little brother Jason up in curls, dresses and make-up--especially mascara, since he's blessed with long lashes. :) They got into a lot of other mischief, as well, like trying to roller skate on the frozen surface of an above-ground swimming pool--Nicole--and playing a game that involved tasting some concoction from the kitchen, bread dipped in pickle juice, etc., blindfolded. Those were the days. Deb and I figure we probably only know the stuff they thought it would be safe to tell us, and we're content to live out the rest of our lives in ignorance and denial--at least where their childhood antics are concerned. :)
Tomorrow marks another seven days on the D.I.E.T., which I'm beginning to think isn't a diet at all, because it's way too easy and I never feel deprived. As Barbra Streisand wailed in "Funny Girl", when her character, Fanny Brice, got her big break in show biz right off the mark, "Where's all the suffering???!!!"
Just kidding, Universe. No need to send any of that my way. :)
I'm writing today, and composing a list of favorite romantic books/authors for a promotion I'm taking part in. Most of my faves are classics, since I don't have time to read anywhere near as much romance as I'd like to these days.
And that's the news for today.
Be well, be safe and be kind.
