We now return to your regularly scheduled program.

Mariana by Susanna Kearsley

2011-09-29T09:39:00.000-04:00

Mariana by Susanna Kearsley

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Just when I had come to accept the fact that I was wrong and to just accept it - BAM - turns out I was right. Admittedly, I performed a most rambunctious Irish jig of a happy dance in my living room as soon as I read the last two pages.

Susanna Kearsley has blown me away for the second time. Mariana possessed the intrigue and mystery I had hoped for and made me long for a time that is not my own. Her use of prose flows as poetry in word choice. It's stripped down to a simple nature, words that we know but just don't use in everyday language and it is a loss for us and she does it smashingly. Example - everyone's heart beats hard in their chest. With Kearsley, the heart thumps hard against the rib cage and into the throat. It's so much more powerful.

Rich texture and colors abound in this novel and the characters are even more rich. Two particular events I did not see coming and one of them will haunt me and not in a good way. Given the nature of the character, it was a pivotal point, but reader be warned, it is intense and you must be strong. The other twist I LOVED and I was ecstatic to see play out.

The change between Julia's life and Mariana's life is so smooth yet so harsh and most importantly, SO real. The blossoming love between Mariana and Richard and the friendship with Rachel and Evan are so fulfilling I wish I could be a part of their world.

Reincarnation - whether you believe in it or not doesn't matter. Susann Kearsley will sway your mind and open the door to the possibilities of finding your lost love from centuries ago.

Overall, I can't say I enjoyed this as much as 'Winter Sea' but it is just as thought provoking and wonderful and I cannot recommend it enough. Kearsley's ability to transport you between now and what ever century she chooses is effortless and I look forward to reading her other novels with baited breath.

View all my reviews

Finally, a title

2011-09-02T15:13:00.003-04:00

So - here it is folks

"Long Road Home"

If you'd like a sneak peak to the first three chapters then you need to find me on GoodReads, otherwise, you have to wait until I get this sucker published. (Which may or may not be a while)

We Sat at a Round Table

2011-08-24T10:56:00.000-04:00

So here I am, Brent Spiner directly to my right, William Shatner, Michael Dorn, Wil Wheaton and Levar Burton complete the circle. It's become a hodgepodge interview. Spiner is still giggling over something someone said.

I finally say, "Okay gentleman, in all seriousness. Did you ever once regret taking the roles you did within the Star Trek Universe because of the typecasting hole it may have put you in over the years?"

Shatner laughs and sardonically says, "Don't be silly, whose been typecast?"

This is when Wil speaks up, looks me in the eye and clearly says..."Sure. We've all had that glimmer and said to ourselves, What the fuck did I sign up for? But then realize, I have a good life. Look where I am, the family I have the friends I have. I can't regret that. It's helped who I am here and now."

I sit back and soak in his honesty.

That's when the alarm went off. I smacked at the snooze button and asked Michael to wake up lil girl for school. As I came to, I wondered a couple of things. Was this a conversation of my psyche questioning my personal choices of being a bone fide geek/freak in life? For taking enjoyment in fantasy and being entertained by these preposterous notions that seem to become more real every day? And where the hell was Nathan Fillion?

Weird...

Le Late Late Show avec Craig Ferguson

2011-08-16T09:12:00.000-04:00

Song of myself

2011-07-31T13:56:00.001-04:00

Right, inner forearm

Thank you Mike

So excited I almost peed myself

2011-06-29T08:44:00.000-04:00

CE SOIR AVE ARTHUR - SAISON 2 - "CRAIG... by ce-soir-avec-arthur

Pre-school Graduation

2011-05-29T17:43:00.000-04:00

Lil man has taken the first big step in life and graduated from pre-school with his class. He'll begin 1/2 day kindergarten this coming August.

For those that care to know...

2011-05-12T11:43:00.000-04:00

I have completed the transfer of all notes given to me by the Taylor's for my book. I will begin my last edit and then venture out into the world of obtaining a writing agent to have my book published. You ask "Ali, why don't you just self publish?" My response - WHY? To me, there is something much more to be proud of when a book is published by a reputable service. It gets looked over, edited properly and promoted more efficiently than I could ever do on my own.

Don't get me wrong, if you feel the desire to self publish and you have the money to do so, then by all means. As much as I love my kindle and the digital world and ease to the access of books; there's something deep inside my core that says "Do it the old fashioned way."

Of course, many changes have already taken place so those that read first drafts may not recognize it once I have a final manuscript in place. I'll let the world know when it's available for purchase.

In other news, last weekend there was a tragic accident that took the lives of two of my lil girl's classmates. This has been a tough week filled with services and funerals. She has held up well and has such great friends to lean on and be leaned on. Hubby has been terrific at being able to take her to these events and I am forever grateful for that. I'm really not sure I'd be able to handle it. It's one thing to know these things happen, but when it's so close to home...to look across the way and see your own child knowing that life is just so damn fragile, yeah, incomplete thought for sure...

Lil man has begun learning how to ride a bike with training wheels. He's no dare devil...yet

Hubby hosted the ASME HPVChallenge at the Indy Motor Speedway and it went beautifully. Unfortunately, Rose-Hulman did not grab 1st place and keep up the clean sweep of the past few years but they are going to the West Coast competition this weekend and have high hopes for reclaiming their title.

Also, he and lil girl are hoping to take a train trip across parts of the country. I think it would be a wonderful experience and have my fingers crossed that it will happen.

I'll post pics from home later this weekend and love and hugs to all.

Neil Gaiman and Doctor Who - no it can't get any better

2011-05-12T11:41:00.000-04:00

Hugh Laurie has a blue's Album

2011-05-07T13:03:00.002-04:00

It won't be released here in the states until late summer I believe. He's been traveling Europe playing some small venues and promoting it. Here's the title track.

I'm gonna brag...kinda

2011-04-11T15:27:00.001-04:00

lil man is kinda cute...

He got on my last nerve yesterday as he dusted off and brought out the almighty caveman. It amazes me how much energy that kid can produce for such a wee body.

Perhaps this evening will be better and he'll just complain to me abut how so n' so at school looked at him funny and it made him mad, LOL.

Lil girl successfully turned 11 and had a party to boot. I'll post some pics of that later. She had a good time. They all squealed and ran around as they watched Twilight Eclipse and texted on cell phones. I think it's nuts that some of the other girls have cell phones already.

I like to remember life before cell phones. We were more human then I think. Anyway - she wants a skateboard still for her birthday. I'm working on convincing dad that it's ok.

yard work sucks

2011-04-10T13:17:00.000-04:00

I just condensed all the stick piles into one great huge one and two other small ones. Neighbors are gonna LOVE me, lol.

It's too wet to mow and there's not much else I can do today with my hands being in the swollen state they are in, ce la vie. Here's my advice - see a weed, take care of it. Otherwise it has hopes and dreams and the next thing you know you're cutting down a full fledged tree growing out of your fence!

BBC America Season 6 trailer

2011-04-02T07:57:00.000-04:00

Stuff :)

2011-03-31T18:12:00.002-04:00

Our newest house guest while our friend shows her house for sale

this awesome site has ALL sorts of Doctor Who things to make. This was attempt number 1 on a TARDIS. I like it!

Lil girl got a hot pink streak extension for her birthday. I think it's cute and it's not permanent so all is well. The haircut looks great on her as well, she was in dire need for one.

Doctor Who A Christmas Carol get together

2011-03-13T13:59:00.000-04:00

TARDIS cookies. I couldn't find a cookie cutter so I made a template and just cut out the pattern of the cookies with a knife. I used the same recipe as the Dharma Fish Biscuit cookies. Some of them are brownish - that's because the TARDIS had problems getting to the party is all...

Yes, they were yummy. None were left. You'll notice I'm wearing an 'Angel's' t-shirt. It's the Don't Blink t-shirt from RIPT apparel.

Here's some pics of the peeps and yummies in the tummies that everyone brought with them. We had a grand time watching Craig Ferguson's Doctor Who themed episode and the Christmas Special itself. Thanks to all that attended and it was a smashing good time.

Really? yup, really.

2011-03-13T13:47:00.000-04:00

A simple box with blankets all piled on top of it because when you tell the lil man to clean of his bed he thinks this is what it means.

Guess again, he's freaking curled up in the box with all the blankets on top of him. We bought him a new bed a few days later...

Oh, and he wonders why he has a stuffy nose all the time. Perhaps it's because he likes to sleep two inches from a fan blowing straight into his face...ah, five year olds.

JAPAN

2011-03-11T13:28:00.003-05:00

Text REDCROSS to 90999 to donate $10.

ho hum

2011-03-10T12:15:00.000-05:00

Howdy people. As I sit here waiting for Jimmy Johns' crack bread and deliciousness to show up in the next five minutes (yes, they're that fast) I thought I'd write and say howdy.

I've been in constant battle with my arthritis lately. One day I'm fine, the next it hurts to move the day after that I'm swollen but it's not painful. The specialist cannot call me fast enough for an appointment. Sucks, but such is life. It's not stopping me though. I'm still going to do a D.IN.O. race this Saturday. I'll be walking most of it, but who cares!

After that I'll be attending a friends baby shower for twins. I'll get to see a bunch of ladies I normally don't get to hang with because we're all so damn busy. Lil girl is coming with me and we'll have fun.

I've been on my bike trainer and in the pool and if said arthritis gets under control I can seriously consider some triathlons. My cousin Kim is amazing and does them and trail runs as well and I've always looked up to her :)

I had a Doctor Who Christmas Special party at the house a couple of weekends ago. I'll post pics to that later this weekend. TARDIS cookies and all. In the mean time...catch ya on the flip side.

Shiny Toy Guns | together again

2011-03-10T11:53:00.000-05:00

Scattered Trees / Love and Leave

2011-03-07T17:53:00.000-05:00

OH MY GAWD!

2011-02-20T20:04:00.001-05:00

So, a couple months ago our new next door neighbor comes a knocking on my door. She very pleasant as I think we've somehow offended her with our yard (it needs some work, especially on the side, but I digress.)

She calmly states that an Opossum has gotten caught in our vent and appears to be dead. I don't do dead animals, I send hubby to tend to it. Now, I grew up in the country on a farm and there is one thing I apparently had NO CLUE of. That is that an Opossum can be QUIET F'ING HUGE. I do feel bad though. The little bugger did get caught and froze to death. Hubby and lil girl dispatched of him and said a proper prayer as they tossed him into the rubbish.

Kindle...

2011-02-20T19:46:00.001-05:00

Hubby got me a Kindle for Christmas. Here's the cover by Oberon Design

Here's the GelaSkin I had custom made - Doctor Who themed. I know, I almost made a LOST one, but, I had to make room in my life for other Geekdom. Notice it says "Bigger on the Inside" How can that NOT describe a Kindle :)

So far, the Kindle gets a 5 star review from me. I've got a huge list of books to get through and I really enjoy it's simplicity. Considering my arthritis, it does wonders on my wrists, or lack thereof, in its weight and design.

Hippopatamus from Xmas 2010

2011-02-20T17:38:00.000-05:00

A Visit Back to NY

2011-02-20T16:41:00.000-05:00

lil K posing in a new hat

sledding

visit with an old friend

more to come

Panic! At The Disco: The Ballad Of Mona Lisa [OFFICIAL VIDEO]

2011-02-20T16:32:00.002-05:00

Glee Christmas Album

2010-12-08T18:01:00.004-05:00

BUY IT!!!!!!!!!!
picture Snoopy, doing the Snoopy Dance. Nose in the air, feet peddling away to the beat, arms outstretched in pure joy and happiness - that's me right now!

Oh No, it's leaked and Craig is FURIOUS!!!

2010-12-02T09:16:00.001-05:00

So furious he's gonna give someone a raise I'm sure....enjoy Doctor fans - I know I do again and again and again...

It's the most wonderful time...of the year

2010-11-28T19:36:00.001-05:00

With lights on

With lights off

Christmas Penguins

It's just a start but it is better than nothing...

Thank You Sky Gold....

2010-11-26T18:48:00.005-05:00

On November 24th 2010 Fry & Laurie fans squeed with delight.

a special thanks to drhouseforum3 over at youtube

At the end of the day, something is confirmed that most already knew - these two men are geniuses and the world is a better place filled with a bit of laughter thanks to their collaboration. Here's to another 30 years Mr. Fry and Mr. Laurie, cheers!

Rally to Restore Sanity - one girl's tale

2010-11-09T18:56:00.029-05:00

So - the journey begins. It's 11:30pm and we are hanging out in the bus/train station in Indianapolis. We meet up a three young gentlemen that attend IU and are also taking the same trip as hubby and I. As soon as we get on the train we 'sleep.' At 7am we wake, have some breakfast (not bad for train food) and then commence on the journey seeing the sites go by. Michael and I watch a few movies, I work on my novel, stand up and wander around. It's lunch time, not bad again. Meanwhile, we are trying to figure out EXACTLY when we will be arriving in DC for our friends to pick us up.

We FINALLY arrive in ManASSas, VA and our wonderful friend Darren (one of lil girl's 'godfather's')picked us up. We ventured off to eat some most WONDERFUL Vietnamese food. It was the restaurants opening night and we were waited on by ALL the staff I swear to GOD. It was fun but Michael and I were tired. We headed back to Darren and Melissa's for a good night's sleep.
We awoke the next morning to almond croissants and gimmee coffee. Have I mentioned how much I MISSED Darren and Melissa - good gravy that was yummy. SO, we pack some backpacks and head out to catch the metro...
This is the line just inside to get tickets in the Metro. WOW - I KNOW right! So we get tickets and when the train comes it's friggin PACKED. So Melissa says 'let's get on the one going up to Vienna, and stay on and just ride back' OK done. Our adventure truly begins. This train gets packed like SARDINES, nay, sardines would have been happier. Now, let it be known that hubby said "IF you freak out I will leave you. I mean, I'll leave you here." Here's the thing - I'm claustrophobic. His warning was warranted. The excitement was too much, I never felt the effects. Everyone was on the train was great considering. Every stop was more and more crowded than the last. Our poor train conductor, bless that man's soul, got us there.
Side note - this train conductor, whoever you are sir, you are awesome. We also had you the morning we left. Sunday, Oct 31st at 9:35am. I salute your sir. You are Da Bomb! You had to be there to understand. Hubby has video on his phone - I'll try and post that here sometime.
We arrive! After an hour on the train!Once we reach the Mall we end up losing Darren and Melissa along with Laura and Collin. It was friggin crowded like nobody's business. We met this dude on our way in - ain't he cute?
Then Michael and I just wandered around until we found a 'SPOT' to stand in for 3 hours.

Hubby's sign is for our friends and his co-workers that could not attend.
We can't really hear anything. I don't think they expected the ENTIRE Mall to be full of moderate people (ok some were liberal)

Hubby and I NEVER have a pic together - we MUST have one and I ask a fellow rally person to take one for us...

We are freaking cute!
Stuff is going on - it's awesome, people talking and stuff and people people people people - HOLY SHIT! Did Jon Stewart jsut say Cat Stevens?!?!?!?!? I think I peed myself a little. I grew up on him - it's my hippy DNA, whatever - Cat Fucking Stevens!!!!!!!!!! Then, Stephen Colbert goes and ruins it and brings out Ozzy, which is cool - but I'm not a hard rock girl.
Somewhere along the line - this chick gets on another chick's shoulder and her butt4crack is TOTALLY in hubby's face - HIGH LARRY US but the pic we got was too late, she pulled her shirt down
Phew....I'm tired. We reach the end of the Rally - what Jon said was cool and I dug it. I agree - I don't know what we can call what we did, but boy was it worth every second.
This is people taking over the streets just leaving the Mall
I have never had Ethiopian food before even when we lived in DC. So hubby wants to take me. The bad news - it's 18 blocks that way---------->boy were my feet tired But he got one of these out of me
We get our food - and granted I was beyond famished by this point (during the Rally all we had to eat was a homemade scone and soda)I got something I think was called Yebi Alicha. It was a lamb dish and it was HEAVENLY!!!!! I'm salivating as I write this - it was WONDERFUL!!!!!!!!! It totally knocked Indian from it's 3rd best shelf. Vietnam still being 1st and Thai being second. But if I have any more of it any time soon, I'm thinking it's rank will change.
We made it back to the house, Darren picked us up at the metro that evening and we drank and discussed the days activities. Then us girl's decided to have squee moments and watched Newsies clips. This one is HILARIOUS. You shake that thang Christian Bale!! ROFL
We sleep. Melissa makes french toast and coffee and sees us off. Did I mention they have one of the CUTEST toddler's EVER
We say our goodbye's and give hugs and plan on seeing each other again because dammit - we most certainly will. We unfortunately didn't get to spend any longer with Justin and Lisa then the Vietnamese dinner when we arrived Friday night, but seeing them in person since their wedding was great. Sometime we will have them to ourselves. As we left DC the Marine Corps Marathon was taking place - if you look close you can see most of the blobs are runners...
17 hours later we were back in Indiana.

What did I learn - train rides are cool and we as Americans should slow down and take advantage of this great system we have set up here. VP Joe Biden is loud and weird sometimes, but he's right to be excited about trains. Jon and Stephen are awesome for putting together the show they did and inviting us there. Friends make life ALL that better and my In-Laws are gracious giving people for not only watching the kids for us (did I mention they flew from NY to do that? no, well, they did)but letting us get away and be a part of something grand.

It was the experience. Being there. Nothing profound changed in my life, no one said anything new to improve my thoughts on politics, I'm the same person I was when I left October 28th. Three words - Cat Fucking Stevens!

On a side note,

2010-11-06T15:36:00.000-04:00

proof that my hair can A) not be frizzy and B) is getting pretty damn long.

Tana French is the Bomb

2010-10-26T12:57:00.001-04:00

I have a serious girl crush on her.
Faithful Place by Tana French

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

O.M.G. Tana French - I (heart) you. This was by far her best yet. Frank Mackey, his disturbed f'ed up family and the grit of Faithful Place were brilliantly written. I give this 4.5 stars. There were only a couple of small parts I felt bored, but who doesn't expect that in a novel at some point. I'm sure it wasn't the book, it was all me.
I have to admit I had a feeling who did it and even though I was right, I didn't feel let down at all. It played out perfectly.
I can't recommend this book enough. 1000 times over READ THIS BOOK!

View all my reviews

To update or not to update,

2010-10-12T11:14:00.002-04:00

That is the question.

Actually, that reminds me of a t-shirt I want from cafépress. It's a Doctor Who thing where he rambles on about pushing a red button. You had to be there or not depending on your perspective.

October has no disguise from Autumn around these parts. The trees look GORGEOUS. The colors are bright and deep that sing heartily into one's soul. Makes me feel like a kid again. Walking through the yard and hearing the crinkle beneath my feet as the cool air envelopes my lungs and whispers in my ear 'your alive!'

I've got some pics somewhere around here of the family. More will be included with those shortly. Lil girl has a swim meet coming up along with Halloween. But alas, this will be our first Halloween ever apart. Qué? you ask. Well, Michael and I are going to the Rally to Restore Sanity in DC that weekend. It's up to the awesomeness of our in-laws to take the kids trick or treating neighborhood this year. And by awesomeness, I mean they are flying from NY to IN to watch the kids for us. How freaking awesome are they? UBER.

I bought costumes already, so, no worries there. Lil man is going to be Darth Vader and Lil girl is a Sorceress. Very cool.

I have completed the story of my book and I'm only down to serious editing right now. Along the way I'm inputting the subplot. It was always there, I just didn't know it until a friend pointed it out to me. (thanks Jo)

Other than that, same shite different day. Now, I'm off to find some more info on David Tennant''Single Father' along with a few other BBC TV dramas that hit UK telly's this past week. Interweb don't fail me now...

My Book, and other things

2010-09-30T14:03:00.006-04:00

Well, after almost a year exactly I finished writing my book. Albeit the story itself. I am currently editing the crap out of it and inserting a subplot. Next step is finding a literary agent, I think. I'm getting mixed answers when I ask that question.

Any way - in the mean time I will be picking the paint brush back up and ripping through some paintings over the next month. I owe some people some serious oil on canvas! (Sue, Heather, Stephen and Karen) who have been patiently waiting.

On another side note - music that inspires me - music that drove straight into my core of being and helped my brain along while I wrote tirelessly away - well, I'm compiling a list to share with you all (whoever all you are)

Oh, that LOST write up. Yeah, talk about being put on hold. I think I'll just watch the series again from the start and then I can delve into it all.

up next - my utter love for all things Doctor Who,

the BBC and how I need to get off this particular continent and across the ocean.

BBC and

2010-09-30T11:37:00.002-04:00

why I think programming across the pond is better than here (9 times out of 10 at least)

Writer Analysis....

2010-07-14T16:29:00.001-04:00

Not sure how reliable this is - but I think it's kind of neat.

I write like
James Joyce

I Write Like by Mémoires, Mac journal software. Analyze your writing!

New Fiscal Year

2010-07-01T13:09:00.004-04:00

Well, according to my employers that's what today is anyway. It's also Canada Day, so to my Canadian friends - happy day, eh.
This past week hubby has been out of town for a conference in Chicago. He's having fun and it's well deserved. In a few weeks we traverse back to NY to see friends, family and attend a wedding.
I've recently gotten hooked on a Brit TV show called MI-5 (called Spooks across the pond)It's great and love it. Also have been catching up on A Bit of Fry and Laurie. It is truly HIGH LARRY US.
Lil girl is spending the summer at day camp while lil man still goes to pre-k daycare. Can't believe he's 4. Blows my mind.
A new bobble head hangs out with Benjamin Linus now at my cubicle, Richard Alpert. Now, do I get Dr. Chang or Daniel Farraday? (ponders in thought)
Still thinking about my LOST write up. I know you are dying to know...

Til I figure it out...see you on the flipside.

Coming soon...

2010-06-01T09:18:00.003-04:00

My thoughts on the ending of what I consider to be the best television show ever to grace our little screens, book update, art update and pics galore from a trip to Arkansas.

Stay tuned friends, stay tuned...

My Work Space :)

2010-05-26T12:04:00.000-04:00

a lull

2010-04-15T16:11:00.003-04:00

Ever have to painstakingly edit your work? and it's 150 pages long and you aren't finished writing yet. My brain is melting.........

I decided to auction a 'service' for March for babies. Not what you think dirty people...the winner gets an oil painting of their choice 11x14. I know the guy that won it and I will show progress on that and the other two I'm currently working on.

Until then, see you on the flipside - back to editing. meh.

stuff when I'm bored and suffering writers block

2010-04-08T13:07:00.003-04:00

I've been playing around with making some Banners and Avatars. It's kinda of fun and relaxing when it's not hair pulling and frustrating.

So....

2010-03-26T16:04:00.002-04:00

Here I am, sitting around; I suddenly realize, when was the last time you had an entry? Not that many people read this, but whatever, it cathartic.

I obtained a bunch of tuneage - HOUSE M.D. soundtrack, NCIS soundtrack, Scrubs vol 2 soundtrack. Then I decided to look up some episodes of House and made a vol 2 soundtrack Ali style. It's really good, just trust me. A friend gave me Stephanie Schneiderman yesterday, she has this song 'Oxygen' that is pretty great. Awesome beat and her voice reminds me of a cross of Jewel and Jem.

What else, let's see, I've gotten almost 60,000 words written for my book. It's still coming along nicely.

I fell off my running wagon and need to climb back on. Looking to do another couple of trail races this Spring and hopefully one this summer.

Nothing else except this week my lil man turned 4 and the lil girl turns 10 next Tuesday. (I turned her into the biggest LOST fan, it's hilarious)

Well, pics to come later - peace, love, freedom and see you on the flip side!

LOST - 22 Moorhead

2010-03-01T08:26:00.004-05:00

NO F'ING WAY!!!!!
Someone hooked us up, my only quesiotn now, "Why am I crossed out Jacob?" ROFL!!

SO I go and leave a wee lil post on Jorge's blog asking about this. I said "yo dude - don't post this question" and ask him all about it, what does he do? He posts it! Way to make me blush dude...

busy busy

2010-02-26T15:33:00.003-05:00

title says it all. I am rather busy busy writing my book, watching LOST, reading blogs and working. Lil girl has swim meet tonight (woo hoo). Time to plan for some birthdays coming up next month.

OH, by the way. I have to say that the soundtracks to House MD, NCIS and Scrubs vol 2 ROCK.

I CANNOT express how in love with Rachael Yamagata's voice I am. Her elephants album has been pure inspiration while I write.

Pics of life to come, til then, peace and see ya on the flip side...

A fav interview of mine.......

2010-02-11T07:38:00.003-05:00

Dharma Fish Biscuits - YUMMY

2010-02-10T17:34:00.000-05:00

From my LOST Season 6 Premiere party. They were SO good and the family wants me to make more!

Biased, of course

2010-02-01T18:32:00.000-05:00

So, for the first time in forever the kids were actually getting along for more than an hour this evening. They played 'ring around the rosey' and other various spin and fall down dizzy games. This was the first I could get them to sit down. They are too freaking cute!! Am I biased, of course, but I am right.

meh

2010-01-22T14:03:00.003-05:00

Daughter had a swim meet this past weekend. Hubby took video on his phone. She did fairly well considering she was gone from practice for practically 2 and half weeks.

I had a case of 'wee bit o writer's block' but blew threw it thankfully. On a similar note, a certain trustworthy professional person looked over my first 9 chapters and is helping me out. She really loves where I'm taking it and is excited for the rest. Basically - WOO HOO in the fact I wasn't ripped to shreds.

Lil man has reached the 'I CAN DO IT BY MYSELF' stage. He's almost 4, hard to believe.

Hubby is tired, but he loves his job so. He got some new bikes for testing things at school, well, something, and he's happy.

My workout regiment has decreased. Reasons I hate winter. Stupid schedules and sicknesses.

I'm having a get together for the premiere of LOST. I'm so excited and so sad about it all at the same time. Thankfully, I still will have HOUSE and NCIS to fill the void. Hopefully, FlashForward will come back strong as well. Have to wait until April for Glee (sucks) I guess I can sing show tunes in the shower to pass the time.

Until next time.............see you on the flip side.

A funny thing happened while at the theater

2010-01-14T19:50:00.005-05:00

OK, so, I get up in the morning and my father-in-law takes me to the train station. Said train is an hour late and another hour is tacked on for good measure. The 4 hour trip turns into 6. Oh well, I made it.
Here is the awesome decor of the apartment I stayed at. It is awesome, I'm not poking fun, I found it highly entertaining and hilarious.

Here's the theater at St. Clements. It's the Red Bull theater and it was small and cool.

Here are the fellow MEFBers I met at dinner and the theater

"The Story"
We (Jo, Dave and myself, are talking while we are waiting to be let into the seating area. I"m next to the door because it is small and crowded in the lobby. Most of us are LOST/Michael Emerson fans. (side note, I was also very excited to see Carrie Preston and Geraint Wyn Davies - who didn't slam the door into me, but made excellent eye contact and I was STOKED) Anyhoo, we're talking away and the door opens quickly and hard into my leg. My dumb arss couldn't get out of the way quick enough. A friendly voice says "Oh my gosh, are you ok? I"m so sorry." I say back without really looking over my shoulder, "I'm fine, I was in the way, no worries." I look back at Jo and her face is white and jaw is on the floor. NO JOKE. So I look over my shoulder to see everyone else with the same look. Then all eyes are upon me as I'm told it was Michael Emerson that slammed the door into me. WTF?! Are you kidding me???!!! It never clicked in when I heard his voice that it was him.
The coolest part was knowing what a gentleman he was for apologizing. Shit like this happens to me I guess.
I got a nifty bruise from the guy....

The pic doesn't do it justice, but hey, it's cool! (that's my calf by the way, I know you were wondering)
The stage before they all came out.

No pics were reallu allowed during the show :( So, sadly, I have no good pics of Michael or Carrie or the others. OH, but what an experience it was. I was moved, entertained. I laughed a lot, I teared up and thought it was an evening WELL SPENT. Carrie was GREAT! Michael did very very well. Seeing them there in their element was surreal. I can tell how much he misses the stage. Well, I like to think so anyway. I enjoyed myself immensely.

My adventure the next day included these awesome spots...

AND to top it all off I found the ABC billboard for LOST. Sad, but fantastical!

Christmas 2009

2009-12-27T16:33:00.002-05:00

So, ALL my pictures to share are at home on the computer. I'm currently in upstate NY enjoying some time with family here. When I return pictures shall follow. Santa made a nice visit to the house this year.

Mother nature on the other hand has played a cruel joke on bringing Indiana the snow while I came to NY. I will never x-country ski again I fear :(

Hope all had a beautiful Christmas with friends and or family and have a happy new year!

Time to trim the tree

2009-12-16T09:28:00.000-05:00

Yowzers........

2009-12-11T08:05:00.002-05:00

Wow, I need a nap. I'm just about half way through my book. It's going well and the story just keeps flowing out of me. I've decided to go back and do some editing and beef up the story where it needs it. Some places just need more detail.
Lil girl moved up a notch in swimming. She now technically had practice 5 times a week. That's too much for us, so we are sticking to only 3 days a week still. Also it is an hour and half instead of just the hour. She's doing great and we are wicked proud of her.
Lil man must be going through a growth spurt. The last week he has eaten us out of house and home. Daycare as well. He's going to be tall like his dad I think.
Michael is having a busy quarter teaching a new class and has a night lab on Thursdays. It kinda sucks, but he loves what he does =D
I head back to NY with said lil people day after x-mas to see friends, family and a play in NYC. SO EXCITED!!!
Have a good one and I'll be posting pics probably after I get back from NY.

Happy Holidays and luv to my peeps :)

Ah, Turkey Day

2009-11-27T16:16:00.003-05:00

Thanks in the Giving everybody. We had a couple of friends come up for our Turkey luncheon yesterday. The brother and sis-in-law of a good friend from College. She attends University in a PhD program while he telecommutes. It was great having the company and we were happy they could come.

The unfortunate news is that now lil girl is sick. She's had a fever the past few days and feels all around crappy. The rest of the house is dealing with a cough or plugged sinuses or something.

Anyway, that is my update. I'm listening once again to some older Vampire Weekend awaiting the new album. Oh, I also watched Last Chance Harvey this morning. I really enjoyed. It's nice to see a simple adult love story. It was very well played by the most beautiful Emma Thompson and always adorable Dustin Hoffman. I give it 3.5 out of 5 daffodils.

OMG Yes!!

2009-11-25T09:22:00.003-05:00

http://www.apple.com/trailers/fox/familyguysomethingsomethingsomethingdarkside/

other than that, I've been busy writing and attending swim meets and taking care of sick kids in one form or the other. Happy Thanksgiving!!!!

Wow, who knew...

2009-11-18T19:37:00.004-05:00

Well something crawled into my head and said "Hey you! A novela is a great idea. DO IT. WRITE"

So, I've been busy writing every night for days. Lunch hours are spent writing and editing over and over and over again. Then I decided to en-list a fantastical friend of mine to edit it for me. According to her my grammar SUCKS. Well, she's right and that's why she's helping me.

Hopefully, when all is said and done I will have a short and sweet 200 page novela for your reading pleasure. Hey, If I'm not reading, I might as well be writing right?

Oh, and I will pick up the paint brush again. No worries. But if I don't get this out of my system, it'll drive me insane!

Too Da Loo my friends =D

Cake

2009-11-15T08:08:00.000-05:00

I know it isn't professionaly made, but it was made with lots of love. This is the birthday cake that my two wonderful children made for me (with dad's help of course)

I would have taken a picture of what the dog did to it the next day, but I was too upset. At least we had some before she destroyed it....

Celebrate Thyself

2009-11-13T12:36:00.002-05:00

Because I like attention and don't shame away from being the center of attention (most of the time) I'd like to announce it's my BIRTHDAY! I love the fact that it's on Friday the 13th this year. I'm not superstitious and LOVE this day.
All with a b-day today, sing dance and enjoy. All those that don't, join in the fun.

I celebrate myself, and sing myself,
And what I assume you shall assume,
For every atom belonging to me as good belongs to you.

I loafe and invite my soul,
I lean and loafe at my ease observing a spear of summer grass.

My tongue, every atom of my blood, form'd from this soil, this air,
Born here of parents born here from parents the same, and their parents the same,
I, now thirty-FOUR years old in perfect health begin,
Hoping to cease not till death.

Creeds and schools in abeyance,
Retiring back a while sufficed at what they are, but never forgotten,
I harbor for good or bad, I permit to speak at every hazard,
Nature without check with original energy.

Strep Throat

2009-11-11T19:22:00.005-05:00

So, how many times can a 3 yr old get strep throat? Well, according to me, more than once is too many. But alas, the poor lil man has it once again. had to get a shot of penicillin in the butt. OUCH. He cried, I felt bad, all around it kind of sucked.

Other than that, I spent almost the entire day waiting on him, entertaining lil girl and editing all of my fan fiction. Which, after much thought, I'm thinking of dropping the fan part and turning into straight out fiction. We'll see. I've been writing up a storm and enjoy it ALOT. I realize it takes away from painting lately, but the creative flow goes where it goes. I've finished 26 pages and I don't even have full out descriptive chapters yet. These are just main ideas thrown down for my two main characters.

I know, you want me to share. But I'm risking having an idea stolen from me thanks to the world wide interwebs from hell. If I make it, you can read it when it comes out in hardcover =D

In the mean time, here's a pic of the kids watching tv (too cute) and me, being, well, ME =D Have a good evening, and I'll see ya on the flip side......

Yes, I AM a freak

2009-11-10T19:18:00.000-05:00

So, a few months back I ordered a Benjamin Linus for President T-Shirt. Here I am posing like a supreme dork for all the world to see. Of course I'm sharing............

Is it Friday yet?

2009-11-10T10:24:00.002-05:00

Ugh, I'm finally feeling productive and trudging through my in-box at work and now we have yet ANOTHER company demonstration for their product today. And we, the circ dept are the butt end of the library, therefore, what I want to pay attention to isn't until the end of the day. I feel like it's a waste of my time. Perhaps I shall sneak out early to finish my work. Use my mad ninja skills.
Today on iTunes I am revisiting my soundtrack to Great Expectations and the 1st Grey's Anatomy cd. My brain is having a hard time making it through songs today though. I get half way through on and hit the next button. Music ADD :P
Anyway, enjoy your day. I'm sure I'll have something to talk about later............

FAST swim meet

2009-11-07T18:57:00.001-05:00

Here's lil girl performing her best skill set in the pool thus far. It's her back stroke. She placed 4th in the heat but she got her best time since she began swimming a year ago. She's now under 50 seconds in the 50yrd Back. Good Job Sweetie!

How you hear as opposed to how you listen.

2009-11-06T12:25:00.002-05:00

Had some songs that were SO stuck in my head this past summer. I heard the words, I knew what they said, but I never really listened. Perhaps finding that niché I needed or that outlet made that change.

Maybe it's life, maybe it's hormones, maybe it's both. In any case, finding even the smallest hint of contentment is incredibly rewarding.

it's Thursday

2009-11-05T08:04:00.004-05:00

Other than pointing out the obvious to the title of this post I felt the need to share my congratulations with the NY Yankees. I've been a fan my whole life and through thick and thin, losses and wins I root for my boys in pin stripes. Woo Hoo on their 27th World Series Win!

AND, since they won, tv goes back to normal tonight. SO once again I can hate Thursdays becasue every damn channel has a show on it I want to watch and my DVR feels the need to explode because of it. Oh well, that's what I call normalcy.

OH MY GOD

2009-11-04T18:56:00.003-05:00

Jorge Garcia - Thank you and I'll kill you. He brought to my attention this wonderful band, that I can only now hear one song for, for the next 2 months. I hope you enjoy it as much as I am. I think I left it on repeat and it played over and over and over and over and over ALL day at work. LOVE Vampire Weekend!!!!!!

I'm just saying............

2009-11-04T08:31:00.002-05:00

this man is good looking. I don't care if he doesn't think so. So, I'm putting it out there for discussion amongst yourselves. I'm jsut gonna stare a bit longer..........

On a COMPLETELY different topic. I found out last night at lil girl's swim practice that she is a smudge away from moving into the next level. That's practice 5 nights a week!!! Of course, this means she really is improving. You go GIRL!!!

A music recommendation if you please

2009-11-03T10:10:00.002-05:00

So, I was talking with a co-worker and he gave me a couple of recommendations after we discussed the ramblings of Tom Waits and Mike Farris. According to my friend Mike, you need a dark corner and whiskey to fully enjoy Tom Waits. I'm in agreement there. He's hard to take if you aren't in the mood. I like Mike Farris, he's lighter than Tom and I dig his soul.

But what I've come here to share most is that recommendation from Jake. I can't stop listening, it's a wonderful blend of the aspects of rock, country, blues and some other crap I can't think of right now. Check him out, his name is Jackie Greene. Here's his site http://www.jackiegreene.com/

The other recommendation was Ryan Bingham's album Mescalito. Here's his site http://www.binghammusic.com/
It too rocks as does Jackie's. His is a deeper shade of blue. Fantastic stuff.

One other quick add on I snagged from Jorge Garcia this morning. It's the band Vampire Weekend and their song HORCHATA from their upcoming album Contra. Download it here http://www.vampireweekend.com/

The start of a beautiful friendship

2009-11-02T17:17:00.000-05:00

So, a while back I wrote to Michael Emerson and asked him for his autograph. I sent it when LOST filming went on hiatus so I knew it would be a while. When I recieved them I was ecstatic. Then I figured, hey, I really like Jorge Garcia and have been a fan of Terry O'Quinn's for years now. Within days of each other (this past Saturday and then today) I received Terry's and Jorge's. Jorge was also kind enough to spend some stamp money on my delivery. On accident, I sealed my SASE. What a guy!!!
Now that I'm on a role, might as well ask for the rest of the cast...........

My Halloweeners

2009-11-02T17:05:00.000-05:00

Waka

2009-10-31T10:15:00.000-04:00

So, my friend Sarah came to me one day at work quite upset. Her pups had passed away. She knew I was an Illustrator and asked me to design a tattoo for her of a dog that was very wolf like. I said, no problem. Apparently, I made it look a LOT like her dog. She said I even captured his tufts of fur correctly. I never met Waka, who liked to sing to the harmonica, but I hope all those that met him remember him fondly. And I get to see my artwork permentaly etched onto someone. That's just kinda of nifty.

A wee bit O golf

2009-10-31T10:10:00.000-04:00

Hubby played a bit O golf with our friend Jong and some others. Yeah, tough life, I know. But sometimes, we need smack the crap out of a little ball to feel better =D

Torpedoes

2009-10-31T10:06:00.000-04:00

This is during warm-ups for the in house Time Trial that took place a couple weeks ago. She just keeps improving on her personal times and making us proud. More importantly though, she's making herself proud and confidant!

The last couple of weeks

2009-10-31T09:49:00.001-04:00

A little color change and got some bangs. Then I decided to really put it in gear made it MORE red and turned myself into Arlene from True Blood for Halloween. My friend Sarah was my "Sookah!" It was her that got me thinking about the Arlene thing to begin with. She decided on Sookie first. Besides Carrie Preston just cracks me up in that role, she's so cute and has the only authentic southern accent on that show.

.

The last picture is what happens when you think bringing a Wii home for the weekend is a good idea. It's not, at least, not when the 9 yr old thinks she can do it unsupervised. She's still alive, but has an understanding to not ask for ANYTHING for a loooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooong time

Wow, has it been that long?

2009-10-29T07:43:00.006-04:00

Work, running, swimming, pre-school, teaching, oh and somewhere in that mix some painting that has been put on hold for a month.

Life has been busy and then some. We've had our down time, but it's usually spent falling asleep on the couch watching our "stories" as my grandma used to call them.

Lil girl is having a splash on the swim team. Every meet she improves her time from the last. We are so proud of her. She is also enjoying the 4th grade a LOT. She has lots of friends, reads all the time and her writing and imagination are soaring.

Lil man, well, 3 1/2 is such a fun age. All the questions, the tantrums and everything else in between. He's doing great though. Had a scare about the appendix the other day, but we can breathe a sigh of relief that is was just a wee viral infection causing some flare up. Phew, dodged on bullet.

Sadly, my grandfather passed away. He was 86 (I think) He taught us all so much growing up and was a good man. He leaves behind his wife, 3 daughters (my mom already passed) and lots of us grandkids and great-grand kids.

Hubby LOVES teaching still, but it poops him out. The students do really enjoy him and he's a great teacher. Think it was in his genes. He's also organized some time-trial bike rides once a week. Many students from his HPV team come out for them.

I've been in training with a friend for my first 10K trail race. That's us at the top before the race. Even though it's over, I'm gonna keep running. This week I'm taking off. I turned my ankle on mile five and also jammed my shoulder catching myself when I slipped crossing a stream somewhere around mile 3 or 4.

Well, when my home computer is more cooperative, I'll get more pics loaded up. Have a great Halloween, and see you on the flip side!

A bit from trip back to NY

2009-08-15T15:35:00.000-04:00

Vacancy

2009-07-15T14:47:00.001-04:00

SO, I haven't been a good girl and updating. I'll be taking some time for myself next week and post all sorts of stories and pics from the past few months. Hope everyone is enjoying their summer!!!!!!

Family

2009-04-26T11:13:00.000-04:00

bio mom Ellie - she's so cool

Beautiful 1/2 sister Royel - awesome human being

new Step-Dad Steve - a most unflattering picture, I had no other, sorry dude :(

Hank and Emma

2009-04-26T11:00:00.000-04:00

Progress of Hank and Emma. I'm 90% done....

Gone Lately

2009-04-21T14:54:00.001-04:00

Hello all, I know it's been forever and a day since posting. We moved and the home computer that I upload all photos too isn't set up yet or anything. I haven't forgotten all my "adoring" fans :P
More to come in the next couple of weeks....................In the meantime, enjoy a couple pics of my new crush

Commision #2

2009-02-19T17:59:00.000-05:00

Hank and Emma progress. It's taken so long, the background took FOREVER to dry. I didn't want to risk getting purple mixed into Emma's gray, LOL.

These boots were made for walking, and other things

2009-02-10T16:48:00.000-05:00

Quilt

2009-02-10T16:47:00.000-05:00

This is the quilt that my mom had started for me and was finished by our cousin Dale, my mom's BFF. Than you for finishing this Dale, it means more than you know.

Floor Installation

2009-02-09T21:23:00.001-05:00

This is barely a taste of what hubby has been working on for the floors. It's the floor/baseboards. He has stained, sanded and stained some more to match our other molding for the house. Awesome job I might say...

Snow day in Terre Haute

2009-01-28T11:24:00.000-05:00

Callah

2009-01-25T14:18:00.000-05:00

I hope you like it Cathy - it's gonna take a few months to dry

Zack

2009-01-24T18:45:00.002-05:00

Well, I can't wait for this to dry and be able to send it to my step-dad :)

Cabinets

2009-01-22T17:41:00.000-05:00

Change is a comin'

2009-01-21T13:17:00.004-05:00

Well, here's the scoop. After a talk with Faerie Callah's mom, we've decided the wings weren't working out to well for us, and we're ripping the wings off and faerie Callah is becoming just Callah.
I also got some new paints and brushes, I'll rework some color and she'll come out super pretty and I won't be disgruntled about it anymore. ALSO, I FINALLY got myself some color prints of my other two projects so HOPEFULLY - and Cindy will like this news - Hank and Emma will FINALLY be done.
Our house is coming along and getting prettier by the day. Come Spring we'll get out the power washer and hose her down so she's just as nice on the outside as the inside.
Lots O luv to my peeps.....'til next time :)

more of my work

2009-01-18T17:00:00.002-05:00

Update on Faerie Callah

Some more roses I worked on last week. I don't like how the color came out.....

Zack - my Step-Dad's Pup

A bit O color

2009-01-17T20:19:00.001-05:00

Faerie Callah

2009-01-04T15:24:00.001-05:00

Sketch...

Not done yet, still tweaking...The light makes the skin look much more yellow than it really is

Merry Christmas To All...

2008-12-25T20:44:00.001-05:00

Another Elf Hat

2008-12-24T12:19:00.001-05:00

So, because I can tool this out quicker than it takes me to paint a painting - here is my latest creation. A very small gift for a very small head. I'm sure it will adorn the chubby cheek princess better than lil man's rhino, LOL!

BSC Invitational

2008-12-22T17:52:00.004-05:00

This pic is of lil girl kicking butt and taking names. Hubby and friend thought she was disqualified however she was NOT. There were some weird things going on at that meet. She's loving this swim thing and I hope she sticks with it for a LONG time to come.

My Poor Lil Man

2008-12-19T11:46:00.000-05:00

So, last week, I get a call from lil man's daycare saying he's getting a rash. I take him to the doctor and find out it's Fifths Disease, which means, by the time the rash shows up, he's no longer contagious. No one else in the house got it.

So, he's feeling all better and then a week later the poor lil man wakes up with a fever. Here he is asleep drooling on the couch. My poor guy, he feels sad he says :( Right now we are letting the fever do it's work, but if it keeps up, to the doctor we go again.

more house pics

2008-12-11T17:39:00.000-05:00

Here are some more pics of the removal of carpet and kitchen area and stuff. Can't wait to show work of done work. On a sad note, one of our contractors passed away on Thanksgiving. We are hopeing to still use his company, but we are very sad by their andour loss.

Santa Claus is coming to town...

2008-12-10T19:11:00.001-05:00

and apparently gonna make my son cry - LOL. Ok, seriously, all the people freaked him out, and here I am taking pictures of him instead of swooping up and saving the day. SO here he is, balling, mad, overall disappointed with me. On the second song a teacher gave him some bells to jingle. THAT made him happy.
This Saturday morning we get to have breakfast with Santa and make stuff, then on SUNDAY we get to eat dinner with him. How cool is that? Oh, and I'll be posting some of Lil girl's X-mas performance after Thursday - she's gonna be a snow princess - this should be fun ;)

Update 101

2008-11-28T11:07:00.003-05:00

SO, for those of you out there paying attention. ISU gave me a job - YEAH!! We bought a house that needs A LOT of love and affection, that we are slowly getting into. We destroy, contractors will come provide the pretty new love for us to move into. Lil man started pre-school/daycare and is learning to adjust ie;no screaming randomly at people. LOL. Lil girl is ROCKIN' at school.
We are spending the day after Turkey day with some friends and i'll take some pics of that later today.
I send all my love to my family! Until next time....PEACE!

Another Saturday Morning

2008-11-28T11:04:00.000-05:00

Some pretty colors from a couple weeks ago

Lil Girl and Hubby hanging out on the comfy couch

Bailey trying to find the ground amongst all the unracked leaves

More pretty colors at the neighbors yard

Before Destruction Begins...

2008-11-28T10:59:00.001-05:00

Slowly Getting There

2008-11-28T10:57:00.000-05:00