Log-Lines from the Edge of Ridiculousness

Last week I braved my fears and threw my attempt at a log-line for my book out to the masses for feedback.  And what feedback I got!  Such encouraging, kind, constructive words from so many of you…I’m still chewing through it all, but I’m feeling better about the concept.

We really Are Not Alone…and it rocks.  *big grins*

One suggestion that I found really helpful was to compare the book to popular movies or books that already exist.  While the hubster and I were discussing this idea, the conversation drifted, as it generally does, into the ridiculous.  Soon we weren’t talking about my book at all, but saying things like:

Beverly Hillbillies meets The Breakfast Club

Five nouveau riche hillbilly highschoolers move to Beverly Hills and find themselves in detention after refusing to conform to privileged private school rules.

or

Uncle Buck meets Ghost Busters

Unemployed bachelor and all-around slob, Buck babysits his brother’s rebellious – and ghostly – teenage daughter and her cute – and slimy – younger brother and sister.

We spent a decent amount of time cracking up at our new game and very, very clever book premises.  (To be fair, the hubster was home sick that day, jacked up on cold medicine…and I’m all a muss with preggo hormones…so things probably sounded far funnier to us than they will to any of you.)

As we were cackling and patting ourselves on the back for our wit and humor, it dawned on me how this could easily turn into hours and hours of fun – or, at the very least, a blog post.  :)

So here are some log-lines for unwritten books based on the idea of marrying popular movies/books/tv shows together.

300 meets 18 Again

King Leonidas – trapped in the body of his swinging grandfather – must lead a force of 300 men to fight the Persians while maintaing his bad-ass reputation, while his grandfather, trapped in King Leonidas’ much younger body, decides to re-live his youth.

How to Train Your Dragon meets Pride and Prejudice

Sparks fly when spirited but clumsy Elisabeth Bennet meets single, rich, and powerful dragon-slaying Viking Mr. Darcy.

Training Day meets Top Dog

On his first day on the job as a narcotics officer, a rookie cop works with a rogue detective who wasn’t what he expected: a dog.

Footloose meets Diehard

A city boy moves to small-town USA where he gives a local terrorist operative a dose of their own medicine through the medium of rock and roll and dancing.

Seabiscuit meets Boondock Saints

An undersized depression-era racehorse sets out to rid Boston of evil.

Elf meets Dirty Harry

After inadvertently wreaking havoc on the elf community due to his ungainly size and love of his gun, a man raised as an elf in the North Pole is sent to San Francisco to track down a serial killer.

UHF meets Jersey Shore

A local public TV station gets a new owner – a 20-something New Jersey-ite with orange skin, sky-high bouffant, and a vapid lifestyle.  Against all odds, the station becomes a big hit, with all sorts of gags and wacky humor from her friends.

Alright, that’s plenty from me – I want to hear what you’ve got!  What are some story combinations so ridiculous that they have you laughing out loud?

Napping, Fried Chicken, and Pedicures: Arguing w/ Self

This post is utterly uninspired.

Let me tell you what I’d rather be doing right now:

Napping.

Eating fried chicken.  The extra-crispy kind from KFC that’s guaranteed to take minutes, if not hours, off your life with every bite.

Getting a pedicure.

Better yet, eating fried chicken while getting a pedicure, followed up by a very lovely nap.

I’ve promised myself that if I can knock out at least one blog post today, I’ll give myself that nap.

“What about the fried chicken?” I argue back with myself.

“No fried chicken,” I firmly reply.  ”You’ll eat it and then just feel gross.  You don’t really want it.”

“Yes, I do,” I say obstinately.

“No, you don’t,” I insist.  ”Look, do you want a nap or not?”

Pouting.  ”Yes.”

“Then you need to write a blog post.”

“If I write a blog post can I get a pedicure AND a nap?”

“Not today.  Today, just a nap.”

“What if I write a REALLY GOOD blog post?”

“Nope.  No pedicure.  Just a nap.”

Crosses arms in front of chest, scowls at the wall.  ”Fine.  I’ll write a blog post.  But it’s not going to be good.”

Impatiently.  “Just write the damn post.”

There you have it, folks.  My inner dialogue…with myself.  Or should I call it monologue, since it’s only me, talking(arguing) to(with) me?

And maybe that’s cause for concern, the fact that I can carry on entire arguments with myself…

You know what?  I’m not gonna worry about that right now.  This blog post is finished, and I’m off to score a nap.

ROW80 Check-In: Week 3

First of all, let me say to all you who stopped by and left the sweetest, most encouraging words last week, THANK YOU.  I’ve gone back and re-read all your encouragement several times throughout the week – it’s meant so much to me.  If I could squeeze each and every one of you, I would.  Thanks, so much, from the bottom of my heart.

Last week’s check-in turned out to be the start of a week-long pit-stop for me.

With some carefully-worded guidance from my sweet, enduring husband (who knows full-well just how ugly my pregnancy listening filter can make any words, no matter how kind), I decided to all but cut myself off from the web, and focus on the most pressing issue at hand: our homeschool curriculum.

Thankfully, after two months of tears, tripping down the wrong paths, pulling out our hair, etc., I think we’ve finally got it figured out.  The week has been spent diving into this new curriculum, and I’m seeing all the signs that we’ve found one that works: the boys are happy and willing to do their work, sweetZ’s tickled to have her mommy-time back, and I’ve got a couple spare hours a day I can devote to writing/blogging/WANA-ing.  This coming week will really be the true test for all that, since I didn’t write a sentence – blogging or otherwise – last week.  Instead, I snuggled with my girl, napped when I was tired, and had fun helping my boys along.  I’ll add back in my writing responsibilities this week, and see how it goes.

Even though last week was less-than-stellar, goal wise (with the exception of the wholesome brekkie thing, and the reading thing), I’m satisfied.  Some problems, if you don’t stop everything to fix them, will grow into something wholly crippling.  This was one of those problems.  Any homeschooling parent lives with a constant nagging shadow following them around – the fear of somehow failing their kids in a way that will cripple their chances at becoming a successful adult.  It’s a powerful fear, one that will bring me to my knees faster than just about anything.  Last week was one of those weeks, but I’m finally feeling that burden beginning to lift.  Phew.

Hoping your week went well, sweet friendlies!  Sorry I’ve not been to any of your blogs over the past week, but I’ll get back into the swing of blog reading in the coming days.  Much love to you all!

PEOPLE THAT ROCK, or INSPIRING BLOGGER AWARD

Three definitions, straight from the dictionary:

Inspiring: [A person or thing who/that fills someone] with the urge or ability to do or feel something, esp. to do something creative.

Blogger: An individual or group of users who produce an ongoing narrative on a Web site.

Award: A prize or other mark of recognition given in honor of an achievement.

The very sweet, very cool, very talented pair of girls Debra Kristi and Angela Orlowski-Peart totally made my week last week by giving me this award – TWICE!!  *absolutely humbled*  They’re both inspiring women themselves, and I really, really, really hope you’ll stop by their blogs – I know you’ll love ‘em as much as I do.  Thanks, sweet girls!  Totally honored!

The best part about being given a blog award is that you get to pass it on.  Today I have the happy job of passing the love on to five bloggers that I find inspiring.  Finding those bloggers won’t be hard – I’ve met some amazing bloggers over the past few months.  It’s whittling the list down to five that’ll be the real task.

Lucky for you, I’m up to it.  Here they are, in no particular order.

Blogger #1: Jim LePage  Jim is a graphic/web designer in St. Paul, MN.  His work makes my breath catch in my throat, and his blogs offer a fresh perspective on an often dry and stale topic: The Bible.  Noteworthy posts: An Idiot’s Guide to Reading the Bible; Jesus Christ: Terrorist Killer?; Word: Crucifixion (Crucify Him!)

Blogger #2: Eli McCann – It Just Gets Stranger This blog is a crack-up, from start to finish.  His most recent post (as of me writing this, anyway) The First Eye, had me giggling my arse off because (1) anybody who has an older sibling understands the terror they can inflict on us little ones with made-up monsters so horrifying Stephen King would have a difficult time facing them head-on; (2) I, too, have seen a UFO-flashy-green-light-in-the-sky, only to be mocked and abandoned by the person who saw it with me; and (3) My swimming style can be described as panicked rock slowly sinking (yes, this is similar to my running style of drunk girl slowly being chased by no one).  Definitely a blogger worth checking out.

Blogger #3: Tameri Etherton – A Cup of Tea and Sorcery  I love Tameri’s blog.  Sometimes she cracks me up, like this.  Sometimes she shows me things like this that just take my breath away.  And I find it absolutely fascinating that she can navigate Disneyland without a map.

Blogger #4: Jenny Hansen – More Cowbell  Jenny’s the total package.  Sometimes she writes stuff like this that has me mopping up freshly-snorted-out-my-nose-orange-juice from my laptop.  Other times she writes stuff like this that has me shaking my head at her techno-genius.  Then she writes things like this that make me feel better about the bouts of mommy-noia (paranoia for mommies) that I often have.

Blogger #5:  Natalie Hartford – Be Yourself…Everyone Else is Taken  Natalie’s writes and advocates about things that literally shred my heart to bits when I read them, as well as things that have me rolling on the floor with laughter.  Don’t miss out on Natalie’s blog!

There’s my five.  They inspire me because they make me think.  They inspire me because they make me laugh.  Some of them inspire me because they’re my friends, and I hold them, their hurts, their hopes, and their dreams close to my heart.

I hope you dig this list, and that each of these bloggers become a regular stop in your reading!

Giddy: The Liebster Blog Award

Last week, Laura Stanfill graced me with the Liebster Blog Award.

Say whaaaat?  I’m so tickled, you guys!  Not only because it’s über fun to win an award (which, of course, it is), but also because I get to do one of my favorite things, and PASS IT ON!

Oh, heck yes.

So here’s what the Liebster Blog Award is all about:

Liebster is the German word for ‘dearest’.  (awwww….)  The Liebster Blog Award is given to up-and-coming bloggers with fewer than 200 followers.

Cool, right?

There are some stipulations to accepting the reward:

*If you accept, you need to thank, reference, and link back to the blogger who gave it to you.  THANK YOU LAURA!!

*Reveal your top five picks for passing the award on, and let them know by commenting on their blog.

*Copy and paste the award onto your blog (who wouldn’t want that super-cute graphic on their blog?)

*Hope the people you award the blog to choose five new bloggers of their own and keep the love going!

So, here comes the fun part.  Check out these new bloggers – love them!

*Ginger Calem is fun, funny, sassy, sweet (except when she’s channeling her inner-Beatrix-evil-self)…and so is her blog.

*Fabio Bueno’s blog is brand-spanking new, but he had me at “Thanksgiving Hangover”.

*Jessica O’Neal truly is one sexy little nerd.  Love her blog!

*Lena Corazon is one busy gal, and one fabulous writer.  I can’t wait to see where she takes her story of a matriarchal-bird-inspired-civilization.  Really, really, really, really, really (are you reading this Lena?) hoping she’ll let me be a beta-reader!!

*Emma Burcart‘s blog is like a combination of your best friend and your favorite jeans – comfy, easy to talk to (aka, read and comment), and keeps you coming back for more.

Okay.  I’ve shared my five (and believe me, I wish the award allowed for more!).  Now, go read ‘em, and love ‘em!  And if you’re a recipient…

You know what to do.

Guest Post: Jennifer Oliver talks about Doubt

Today’s guest post is brought to you by Jennifer Oliver.  Jennifer describes herself as ‘a day-dreamer, a hopeless romantic, a business woman, a friend, a grandmother, and a wife; but mostly…a writer.’  She currently has four WIP’s in the making, and has become a blogging warrior!  Check out her site here, and go follow her on Twitter!

Today Jenn’s talking about doubt.  That evil little beast that gnaws at the back of our brains, making us second-guess ourselves to the point of paralyzation.

I give you Jennifer Oliver, dear friendlies!

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Something has been bothering me lately.  I’ve tried to deal with it and keep it from causing too much stress, but it crawls in my head somehow and nags at me from the darkened shadows of my mind.

Its called doubt.  And its evil!

It can start out as the tiniest speck, a piece of dust you think you can just blow off.  But unbeknownst to you, it has planted itself in a secluded spot in your brain and is silently growing.  Before you know it you have a whole head full of negativity bursting at the seems to tie you down and hold you back.  It’s a writer’s nightmare!

Even if you aren’t a writer you’ve still probably experienced it at some point in your life.  It can happen to anyone at anytime.  It’s not a rare occurrence, either.  For me, though, it is becoming more of a struggle to tame this demon of mine.

I try to fill myself with positive influences and mantras that strengthen my resolve and boost my motivation. This works for a time, the demon is quite.  But it always comes back.  Sometimes it reappears as a roaring beast eating away at my creativity, other times it is just a small voice whispering of skepticism and apprehension.  Either way, it is quite destructive.

But I refuse to give up this battle. I will not allow it to win and take away my dream of being a published author. I realize that this path I have chosen requires hard work and continual improvement of skill. It takes sacrifice and determination. All of which I am willing to do. It also takes thick skin and a fierce will. There will be harsh reviews that will bring down my spirits. There will be not so kind words that might even bring a tear or two. But I know that these things will only make me stronger. They will only push me to do better.

So why is the seed of doubt blooming in my thoughts and dreams?  I don’t think it has anything to do with the path I’ve chosen, but more about the daily obstacles I have to overcome to get there.  These are things we all must face, the day job, the finances, the needs of the family versus your wants, the random willingness of your muse to cooperate,  and finances – yes that one deserves a second mention!  Let me not forget that little demon voice whispering in the back of my mind “What if my writing sucks?” or “What if no one likes this?”  All of these things tend to make me wonder if I truly have the time or the “umph” in me to get to the finish line.

This is when I take a step back and I go back to basics.  First, I talk to my biggest supporter, my husband.  He always knows how to make me feel better, even if all he does is give me a huge hug and tell me he loves me.  Second, I look to my friends who never fail to offer a smile and a laugh.  Thirdly, I look to other writers and authors  for advice and inspiration.  Last, but probably most important, I write.  I don’t write for acknowledgement or advancement in my novel.  I don’t write to get accolades from others.  No, I write for me.  I write to express my feelings, to get it all out of my system.  I write to really see what the deep down root of the problem is and to find a way to solve it.  I write to make me feel better.  And it always works.

It does something else too.  It gives me a better sense of myself.  It reminds me that I am a writer and will always be a writer.  That is not something that will change, nor do I want it to.  It tells me that writing is in my soul, a part of who I am.  And knowing this, remembering this about myself, gives me the strength to get through all the daily challenges and all the frustrations.  It brings back my motivation and my excitement.  It tames the grisly beast of doubt and reinforces the desire to reach my dreams.  It allows me to tell myself with confidence, “I can do this. I will do this.”  Because I am a writer.

Only Human: Guest Post by Ginger Calem

Today’s post was written by my friend and blogging buddy, Ginger Calem.  I knew we were meant to be friends when I read her post about the grubby-undie-syndrome on Survivor.  You can check out her blog here, and find her on Twitter here.

Today she’s touching on a subject that’s bit me in the keister more than once.  I’m sure many of you can relate:

Child loses tooth.  Tooth-Fairy magically arrives in the dead of night depositing cash prize.  Child finds prize and assumes that, for the rest of forever, when teeth fall out, the Tooth-Fairy will return, prompt and swift, bearing enough cash to one day pay for college.

Sadly, however, this is not always the case…

Take it away, Ginger!

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The Tooth-Fairy is human too.

Ok, maybe the Tooth Fairy is not exactly human but seriously, they are put on this high pedestal and they can make mistakes sometimes.  It’s inconceivable that they can be on time to leave their loot in exchange for every tooth that falls out each day.  I mean, sometimes there’s a blizzard raging over Europe and making it to Texas might be a stretch.  Do you want her to be flying in those conditions?  It’s all about safety people!

I know of a home, and of course it would not be my own, (ahem), where the Tooth Fairy may have been a tad unreliable.  It’s an oddity that this has only happened with this home’s middle child. (Why is it always the forgotten middle child?)  But see, those parents recognized that there were nasty, dangerous weather conditions where it might have been possible that poor little Fairy had to tuck in for the night to wait out the storm.

There may have been occasions that some parents (again I won’t name names!) might have suggested to a random middle child that perhaps his room might have been too messy for the Tooth Fairy to risk life and wing to find that rogue molar.  Again—safety first!

I offer these observances to all parents out there so you’ll be prepared for those rare occasions where you might have to explain why the Tooth-Fairy, in all her cute glitter-winged glory, might need a little forgiveness.  I’m sure that should she be late, she will arrive!

Has the Tooth Fairy ever been tardy in your house?  Please share so that I will not all the other families will not feel alone.

GUEST POST: Liz Schulte – From Frankenfish come Zombies

Check this out: today’s post was written by my friend Liz Schulte, who someday hopes to make her fortune selling t-shirts at tourist destinations that say “Life isn’t always flowers and sausages”.  You can check out her blogs here and here.

In just about a month, the first book of her new series, The Guardian Trilogy comes out, and I’m so very excited for her!  Go to her blogs, find her on Twitter, and cheer her on!  And be sure, on Nov. 22 to pick up Part One of her trilogy!

Support great books and the writers you love!

Now, for the good stuff:

FROM FRANKENFISH COME ZOMBIES

Take it away, Liz!

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My coworker told me this morning about a new genetically engineered salmon that was just approved for American consumption. My immediate response at just hearing the words “genetically engineered salmon” was “Sounds like we’re asking for a Resident Evil type situation.”

Coworker shook his head and continued to inform me about these fish. I don’t hold it against him he is not the pop-culture junky I am, and perhaps, Resident Evil shouldn’t be brought up in a serious conversation about genetically engineered fish—who am I kidding, of course Resident Evil should be brought up. Have movies taught us nothing!?!

This is what they say about these Frankenfish:

-          It is not materially different than regular salmon. (That’s what they always say and the next scene…zombies.)

-          They have a ravenous appetite. (You know what else has a ravenous appetite… yep, zombies)

-          They are born sterile (How many movies have the theme nature always find a way…mmm the ones that usually end with zombies)

-          They continue to grow their entire life span (Giant zombies)

-          They could alter the balance of our whole ecosystem if accidentally introduced into the wild. (Really?!?! Zombies)

Let me play this out for you.

Joe Friday is enjoying his tasty salmon lunch. Heads back to the office feeling full and satisfied. WHAM! Hit by a truck.  Genetically engineered DNA kicks into over drive, bringing one very dead Joe Friday back to life.

Truck driver gets out of the truck, “Oh no, oh no, someone call an ambulance.” Truck driver runs over to Joe Friday to help him out even though he is a mangled mess.

Lady on the sidewalk stops to call 911, being an upstanding citizen. Truck driver hasn’t seen movies and doesn’t know about Frankenfish, leans over Joe Friday. Joe Friday’s milky eyes pop open and he takes a chunk from truck driver’s neck because he smelled so delicious and Joe Friday is ravenous. Lady on the sidewalk screams drawing attention to herself. Victim number 2.

Thus the start of 99.9% of zombie movies, give or take a few details.

Instead…

Right.

So I had this uber-clever-funny blog post planned for Friday about how the invention of the dishwasher makes up for the invention of pantyhose.  But this sicky-preggo stuff has me feeling selfish.  All I want to do is sit in a bubble bath and re-read Twilight.  (Yeah, I’m that girl.  No shame here.)  I just can’t seem to get the gumption up to dive into the deep ocean that is pantyhose/dishwasher culture.

So the Dishwasher/Pantyhose post will have to wait while I’m being selfish.  In the meantime, I’m going to keep my Friday post short and sweet.  Because it has come to my attention that some of you out there don’t know who Mumford and Sons are.  I’m not entirely sure how that’s possible, but I’m making it my personal agenda to fix that.

Here’s the thing: Mumford and Sons play good music.  And what do we say about good music, dear friendlies?  SHARE IT!  So take a look at a couple of their videos, and if you like what they do, support them!  Buy their music, go see them in concert, tell everybody you know.  Support the arts and the artists you love!

 

Morning Sickness and WINNING!

The past five dayshave been a crash-course in Morning (aka, all-day) Sickness.  Shafer Offspring#1,2,and 3 were each a pre-natal breeze, but Shafer Offspring #4?  This kid marches to the beat of his/her own drum.  And it’s making sure I know it.

Which means I’m behind.  On everything.  Homeschooling?  The kids are beginning to think that their lessons will be taught by Sponge Bob and Patrick Star.  The book?  Oh, yeah, my literary masterpiece…it’s, um.  Simmering.  Blogging and the class I’m taking about the wonders of blogging?  *mirthful laughter* Oh, that will take care of itself.

Only, it won’t.  None of it will.  And I’m looking at day six of near-uselessness.  Blech.

On the bright side, the world isn’t spinning like a carnival ride today, which means I can sit upright.  Who-hoo!  And I have *just enough* energy to brag a little.

Yesterday, during one of the six, count ‘em, six hours that I was awake, I saw that dear, sweet Ginger Calem had mentioned me in a Twitter post.  I followed the link and found that she had given me an award for my blog!  Of course I immediately started weeping like a fool, which was then followed by a craving for cheese quesadillas, followed by a bout of nauseousness so strong I spent the next forty minutes in the fetal position on the floor, rocking back and forth wondering what the hell I did to piss this little baby off?

After I recovered, I went back and re-read her blog.  It was so sweet and thoughtful, and fun, because, well come on – when is winning stuff ever not fun?  And I really, really, really needed a pick-me-up.  So thanks, Ginger.

Part of the fun of the Versatile Blogger Award is getting to pass it forward – now I get to pick 15 award-worthy blogs I dig and share ‘em with you, and I get to tell you seven things about moi that you most likely didn’t know.

Let’s start with those:

(1) I majored in piano performance in college.  And flunked out.  Twice.  I cite artistic differences.  :)

(2) I have castrated many a bull-calf.

(3) Every single year of my adult life I have decided to take up running…and then I don’t.

(4) As a kid I had a hamster named Ollie who was so fat he’d get stuck in his little hamster-tubes.  I’ll never forget his little squeals as I’d push him out with the end of a wooden spoon.

(5) I married the first man who asked.  Best.  Decision.  Ever.

(6) I dislike spaghetti.  Except when I’m pregnant.  When I’m pregnant, I love spaghetti.

(7) I once played Maria in an all-school production of The Sound of Music.  I’m sorry, Rodgers & Hammerstein.  I’m sorry, Julie Andrews.

Phew, glad that’s off my chest.  I’ve been carrying the Rodgers & Hammerstein guilt around for awhile now.

Hey!  Before I get started on ‘the List’, you guys must check out Ginger’s blog, because she’s frigging awesome.  She’d totally be on ‘the List’, but I don’t know if that’s allowable in the rules (Rules?  What rules?  I have no idea if there are actually rules for this…).  Anyway, go check her out, and COMMENT on her blog.  Because we bloggers and crazy about comments.  It’s our frigging cat-nip.  For reals.

Now, for the awards.  Drum roll, please.

Adéye Salem – I had to put this woman’s blog first, because it’s the only blog that I check every single day.  No matter what.  If you all want to know what SuperWoman looks like, Adéye will show you.  She’s amazing.  Mom to seven kids, four who are adopted, and many who have special needs.  Every single child of hers flourishes.  It’s amazing and beautiful, and the love this woman carries for voiceless orphans is nothing short of inspiring.  Adéye Salem is my hero.  Period.

Liz Schulte – I can’t come away from her blog without cracking up.  Her post on genetically engineered salmon and zombies is just so…wow.  Oh my gosh.  Go there right now.

Colin Falconer – Here’s the thing about Colin.  It doesn’t matter what topic he’s writing about, he always manages to grab my attention. Which, in the blogging world, can be tough to do.  After all, if a reader gets bored, she can move on to the next thing in a nano-second, and never look back.  But I’ve never started reading a post on Colin’s blog that I haven’t finished.

Joe Kwon - If you haven’t heard of the band the Avett Brothers, you are really missing out.  They are so, so good, and their cellist, Joe Kwon, is one of my all-time faves.  He has a blog that features pics and food from touring.  It is a fun, visual place to go.

Penny Moore – Penny has two blogs: one for her writing, and one for her book reviews.  I love reading her book reviews.  Not to mention, she’s just a sweetheart of a person.

Jillian Dodd - Two words:  ManDay.  A reason to open your computer Monday morning and face the world.  A little ManDay objectification never hurt anybody.  *contented sigh*

Alicia McKenna Johnson – Alicia’s blog is fun because, well…the stuff she writes about is fun.  Foreign movies, music, off-the wall stuff.  I like all of it.

Kristen - Gezellig-girl’s blog is bright, happy, food-oriented, and fun.

Jody Hedlund – Jody’s blog isn’t the kind I normally find myself spending time at – she spends a lot of time talking about writing, and I usually shy away from that, unless I’m looking for something specific.  But here’s the thing – she gave me a book.  Her latest book, the Preacher’s Bride.  And I read it, even though it’s not a genre I gravitate to.  But guess what – I liked it!  It was good!  I told people about it, and even passed the book on, on the condition that it had to be given to someone else after they finished it.  And now, because of that silly little giveaway, I find myself over at Jody’s blog, just to see what she’s up to.

Kim Mullican - I really like Kim’s frank voice.  And her silly pictures.

Shauna Callaghan – I dig this blog because (a) I always come away from it learning something new, and (b) she’s a typical mom.  I love the typical.  It makes me feel better about my own typical-ness.

Amber West - She’s an accidental gardner who loves to laugh.  Since I am an incurable black-thumb, I will live vicariously through Amber’s accidentally grown sweet potatoes, while enjoying her jokes.

Anthony Salem – Adéye Salem’s husband.  They blog on similar topics – parenthood, family, orphans – but it’s neat to see those topics through a male perspective.

Susie Lindau – Susie’s blog is one I’m new to, but if her costume mishaps are any indication of what’s to come, I’m hooked.

Elena Aitken – She’s in the process of releasing her first novel, which makes me uber-happy-giddy for her.  And her description of being a newby-yoga-ite are so spot on, it’s awesome.

Ali Dent - Ali’s blog has a more serious tone than what I’m typically drawn to.  I like it though.  She feels like one of those friends you could sit down with a cuppa and talk for hours about things that nourish your soul.

Holy cow.  I think I did it.

Now, those of you listed, who feel so inclined, pay it forward!

Big grins and lots of love,

Myn