Hmmmmmmmmmmm
 So is it just me or is Target taking over the world? Not that I mind, really, but I don't like a sneak attack. Be up front about it. TELL me you're planning world domination. I'll help. Really. I was at Target today. What's the deal all of a sudden with the Grocery Coming Soon? Why is Target going to be a grocery store now? Put a bigger Starbucks in there and I'll never go home! What kind of conspiracy is this, anyway?
Target is a dream store. I went in to get some printer ink--but first I had to pass the summer earrings. Big Blue Hoops. 'Nough said. Anyway, then I went off and they've shifted aisles around--which is so frustrating, because I used to be able to find my way around my fave Target with my eyes closed. Made shopping more difficult, but I like a challenge. NOW I'm wandering around thinking about dropping bread crumbs.
And while I'm wandering lost, I'm PUTTING STUFF IN MY BASKET! Which was probably the whole idea behind remodeling.
So I got more books, of course. And then birthday cards--why was everyone I know born within a three month span??--then new pens, because I have a thing for pens. Then, look a new cosmetic counter. Lipstick? You can always use more. Then I had a firm talk with myself and headed for the printer ink...I would not be distracted again.
Did you know they have these really cute spring glassware out? Very nice and a pitcher to go with it. And you can always use new towels. The colors are gorgeous. Hey, I broke that baking dish last week and there's one just like it! The basket's getting a little heavy, but it's okay. It's all stuff I need.
Summer nightgowns. It's been hot here lately and why not get them now? Oooh. And candles. I love those. And the frames I was supposed to buy two weeks ago.
Tired, I need some coffee. Decide to just checkout and then hit Starbucks. Get it all paid for, lugged out to the car and stowed in the trunk despite the car groaning a little as I load up the bags. Doesn't matter. It's done. Hop in the car, drive to the bigger Starbucks that has the doughnuts! Get my order, relax a little with the latte then drive home.
Have dh help unload the bags and cart them all inside, while ignoring his muttered, "What did you buy??"
Put it all away, sit down to finish my latte--realize I forgot the printer ink.
Book Shopping......
 So I braved the mall this morning. Well, the outside of the mall. There's a Barnes & Noble there and to me...a bookstore is just irresistible. Sure, shopping online is way easier and I do love the idea of my mailman, staggering up to my porch under a sagging load of books to deliver them into my waiting hands. But sometimes, I just don't wanna wait! Not too many years ago, I had to actually go INSIDE the mall. To the Waldens/Borders. I really liked that bookstore. I could find my way up and down the aisles blindfolded--(although what would be the point since I wouldn't be able to read any of the books). But then Barnes&Noble started cropping up everywhere. They offered couches and chairs and more books than even I could read in a lifetime--and they offered lattes. Lattes and donuts (baked, not fried, Starbucks knows how to treat their women customers). So I was sucked into the big bookstore. The killer of the independents. I became a sheep, stumbling up and down their escalators. Wandering the music department. Seduced by the tantalizing scents of steaming milk. Tempted by the gorgeous stationery. Eager to buy the elegant pens and journals. The magazine racks called to me, whispering of adventure and romance. The kiosks shone like tiny stars dropped at my feet, silently urging me to explore their depths. To find new authors and rediscover old friends. And so today, I joined hundreds of others in Barnes & Noble. I bought a latte and a book and a pen and a new journal though the old one isn't full yet. I found two magazines I had to have and bought a CD of Celtic Woman. I bought children's books for CHOC, the children's hospital. I reconsidered, needing more than one book and went back upstairs to explore not only romance, but mystery and scifi. I found more I had to have, of course, because books are my addiction. And by this time next week, I'll be heading back. Because this addiction will never end.
Back from plot group and ready to write.....
 It was an exhausting four days, but Plot Group is over-- at least until September when we'll meet again! It was great being with good friends who are also writers and so, share the crazies... nothing like being with someone who completely understands what it's like to stare at a blank screen and try to intimidate the damn computer into writing your book for you! Seriously, I think in Windows 8 or whatever, Bill Gates ought to look into the "Published Writer's Friend for Windows".....it could be good. Type in your character names and quirks. Feed the magic laptop the conflicts and plots and settings...then sit back and watch your pc create for you. Now remember, when Gates does come out with this new program, IT WAS MY IDEA!!
Plot Group.......
 It's plot group time again... There are 5 of us in our group and we meet in Las Vegas for 4 days of intense plotting. That's us there on the left, with the feathers. We'll be plotting 10 books while we're gone and then recuperating in the bar. So I'll be back in a few days......Stay safe and read good books!
Harlequin/Silhouette
 Just thought I'd mention again that Harlequin/ Silhouette is celebrating their 60th anniversary. I've been writing Silhouette Desires now for almost eight years and I can tell you I still love them! In case you didn't know, Harlequin is still giving away free books! There are sixteen books available for a free download and one of them is mine! We're all about giving women the world over a chance to try these terrific books and discover just what it is we promise... A fast paced, romantic read that will take you out of your own world and into ours for a couple of hours....Everybody needs a little fantasy now and again...right? And since we're talking about downloadable books....which do you prefer? A hard copy book or electronic...and most importantly, WHY?
I'm Late, I'm Late..........
 For a very important date! Okay, not really. Still have time before my deadline stands up, smacks me in the face and shouts, "SLACKER!" But not much. Anybody else? Do you ever feel like you're running in place? And not in a happy way, like you're on a treadmill (although, that's not happy either)... Tell me I'm not the only running-behinder-with-every-step-person out there!
History Day........
 So on history day...Louise Beavers, a wonderful American actress was born in 1902. As much as I loved all of her movie roles, especially IMITATION OF LIFE, I can't help wishing that she'd been born later. Like say around now. Imagine what more she could have accomplished. As it stands though, Louise made quite an impact on films at a time when women in general were small potatoes compared to men. And black women had even less of a chance to succeed! So yay for you Louise. You can make me cry like nobody else. In other news... 1885, a train passed over the first railway suspension bridge--at Niagra Falls, NY 1887, the telescopic fishing rod was patented by Everett Horton. (Wasn't there an old time actor by that name??) 1894, the first dog license law was enacted in NY. 1925, a guy was late showing up for his radio show, leaving an engineer, John Gambling to adlib for an hour. He was so popular, the other guy was fired and John took the gig. He kept it for years, before handing it off to his son John...who eventually handed it off to HIS son John. For 70 years, the Rambling with Gambling show was heard in the tri-state area of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. (That'll teach you to be on time.) 1953, a census discovered that 239,000 farmers had given up farming over a two year period. 1975, Olivia Newton John reached the top of the charts with HAVE YOU NEVER BEEN MELLOW...(anyone understand that song?) 1985, the IRS discovered that 407, 700 Americans were now millionaires. More than double the total of just five years before. (I'm guessing they won't find that this year..........) Anybody else?? What've you got?
Women in American History...........# 1
 There are too many amazing women to choose from, so I decided to go in alphabetical order. I'm starting off with...ta da! Abigail Adams. Born in Weymouth, MA in 1744, she was the wife and mother of US Presidents. She was only 20 years old when she married John Adams and went on to have five children with him. Two girls, three boys-though one daughter died in infancy. Once her husband got involved with the Continental Congress and the American revolution, Abigail was left alone with the kids for ten years. She ran the family farm, raised and educated the kids and looked after the family's financial welfare. Over the years, she and her husband wrote to each other often. Abigail's letters give a first hand account of life during this period. But more than that, John Adams frequently went to his wife for advice--and Abigail had plenty to say. For example, she defended women's rights when it was far less than popular. She was an advocate of married women's property rights, and more opportunities for women, particularly in education. One famous letter to her husband and the congress reads in part... "Remember all men would be tyrants if they could. If particular care and attention is not paid to the Ladies, we are prepared to foment a Rebellion and will not hold ourselves bound by any laws in which we have no voice, or Representation..."Along with her husband, Abigail believed that slavery was not only evil, but a threat to the American democratic experiment. When, in 1791, a free black youth came to her home asking to be taught to write, Abigail not only worked with him herself but saw to it that he was enrolled in a local school. Abigail Adams died of Typhoid Fever in 1818, several years before her son was elected President.
Just thinking..........
 Sitting under my thinking tree--that's a Jacaranda for you. Keeps its leaves all winter and soon, they'll be dropping--getting ready for the gorgeous lavender flowers to come in May.... Anyway...the thinking part. I'm in the middle of another book and losing myself in that world. Always a good time for a writer. And I'm thinking about what's coming next and how fast the year's going--Hello?? March already?? And I'm thinking about doing a couple of blogs a week this month--especially since it's Women's History month....and along with my whole History Day thing, this could be fun. So I'm warning you ahead of time, we'll be talking about the amazing women who were here long before us all this month. And I hope if you find some amazing women of your own, you'll share........ So start thinking........ Labels: history, trees, women, women's history
| 
