Thursday, April 14, 2011

Thursday - Um Yeah, Just Thursday

I know I've been gone and I know I said I was going to be here more often, but right now is a bit crazy at the day job. The world of 24/7 Shopping TV is hetic to say the least. Anyway, I'm also working on a new website/blog which I'm hoping to have live by the end of the month. As soon as it's ready to go I'll let you know. Hope everyone is doing great! Vicki

Monday, March 21, 2011

Monday Blues...or Musings - Take Your Pick :)

It's Monday. That should follow with enough said, but just for those who perhaps love their Monday's, I'll resist the urge.

Maybe a Monday is your Friday and you're excited to have your week day time off. For me, the day brings crazy long hours, which leads me to want to do nothing but veg in front of the TV when I get home. After feeding the doggy babies and Science Guy, that is.

Tonight starts 'Dancing With The Stars' and although I said I wasn't going to watch it this season, we've already got it TiVo'd. Guess we'll see if it's going to turn out to be okay or not and then make the choice.

However, no matter how crazy of a day it's been, no matter how much I'd to do nothing but put on a pair of pj's, cuddle back into one of our oversized red chairs, watching TV while my mind wanders aimless through the show, I can't. I won't.

Why? Because I must write. I'm in a very small dingy, making my way to the writing island where other author friends are partying, err...I mean writing furiously (there's cabana boys and margarita's there).

Should be fun since my hero has just been thrown for a loop when he saw what the heroine did. And the coolest part is she doesn't really know what she did. She knows something changed, but she's not exactly sure what it was. Just yet that is.

Your turn. How was your day? Got any plans for tonight, or are you going to veg and re-coop from the day?

xoxoxox,
Vicki

Friday, March 18, 2011

Friday Five

It’s been a week of weeks, but Friday is finally here and I’m about 30 minutes from being free for the weekend. Free to write, read, and okay…write. A lot. I’ve got to finish this wip very soon. :)

So what has the past week brought?

Let’s see…

1. Saturday’s TARA meeting ROCKED! Lauren Abramo was amazing in both sessions and dinner with her was way too much fun.

2. I got a new phone and it’s a smartphone, a iPhone to be exact. I love it.

3. Since I got said phone I’ve downloaded a couple of apps and although I do love the Kindle for iphone, I’ve got to say, I’m addicted to Zombie Farm.

4. The time change has brought wonderful long evenings, walking the dogs again is not only good for them, but for Science Guy and I as well.

5. Watched Idol and truthfully didn’t think the right person went home. Not that I thought she would stay for a long time (if she didn’t show what she can really do), but there was another that based on this week’s performance, I thought would be the one. But hey, everyone got their vote and apparently didn’t feel the same way as me.

What about you? How did your week sum up? Exciting? Crazy?


Writing Wishes and Plotting Dreams,
Vicki

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Japan - A Place of Honor

First, let me say my heart goes out to those both in Japan and those around the world who have friends and loved ones living or working there.

The fury of the earth as it unleashes its power never ceases to leave me speechless and saddened. Many have lost their lives, their homes, or family and people who are dear to them. I can't begin to know what that feels like, so I send prayers for peace that passes understanding to wash over them.

Below is a link to a blog that my sister sent to me. Before I even clicked the link I paused and realized that throughout all of the news coverage I've not seen anything about looting.

People who live there are amazing in their reaching out to help others without thinking of taking for themselves. It's a country who has always been built on honor and in this horrific time we are seeing that this is not words, but this is who and what Japan is.

Why there is no looting in Japan

Vicki

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

American Idol – New & Improved?

I admit it, I love, love, love American Idol. I’ve watched it from the very beginning. I used to vote each week, but now, not so much. I’ve learned over the years of the show that there are many who don’t win Idol and yet go on to have a better career than the winners. So now, even though I may have my fav’s, I pretty much leave it up to the rest of the voters to keep them on the show or not. Which means if my fav is voted off I can’t complain. Nope, just root for someone else at that point.

Science Guy and I had decided we’d give it through Hell Hollywood week and maybe the first live show to decide if we’d continue to watch. Guess what, we’re hooked again.
The new judges and new format (how quickly they narrowed it down to 12 13), seem to be working. Nothing is stale and we aren’t sitting around waiting to get it ‘really’ started.


Both Steven Tyler and J-Lo are great IMVHO. They critique them, but they’re totally destroying anyone, which I like. Although I will say, this year has an abundance of talent. Most of them look like they been on the big stage forever. For me this is a double edge sword. I liked seeing them come into their own, growing each week with more confidence on the stage, reacting with the crowd and the TV audience more.

And I have to admit, Steven Tyler cracks me up. He’s trying to be good (most of the time), but really, he is who he is and it’s just going to come out.

It is a little odd each week when I see Randy in Simon’s seat and I’m not sure if he’s torn between being Randy and throwing a little bit of Simon in there.

One of my favorite changes is the fact that each contestant can stay true to who they are. Since American Idol is all about finding fresh new talent, then I love that country, rockers, jazz, etc. can stay true their voice. Wonder why it took so many seasons for them to figure this out?
All in all, I think they did a great job of choosing the new judges and hope they’ll stay on for a few seasons, if Idol continues on.


Your turn. Are you watching it this season? If so, what do you think about the new judges, the format, or really anything else new about the show? And do you have a favorite already, or are you still trying to figure that one out?

Vicki

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

I’m a SmartPhone Girl


I know what you’re probably thinking; she’s a little late to the party.

The thing is I like my other phone and when I got it that was the cool phone. Very tiny, flip up to answer and really you can could put it in the pocket of your jeans and hardly know it was there.
The battery life was amazing. At least three days and the phone was 5 years old
.

But…

I couldn’t check my email, twitter, facebook, listen to music and although I could text, it was like being on an old fashion typewriter. It took forever.

So…

This past Sunday I went to my carrier and checked out the smartphones. The very wise and extremely helpful associate told me about the difference between the three types of phones I was looking at. And in the end I choose the iPhone since he assured me it was the easiest one to learn on my first foray into the smartphone world. It was also the one that was on ‘sale’, which I thought made him even more great. He could have very easily talked me into one of the higher price phones. I was ready to buy and he knew it. Thank you wonderful associate!

It was funny when he kept asking me questions like: how much time do you spend listening to music on your phone, or how much time to do you spend emailing, and things like that. Each time I held up the tiny phone and said, ummm…don’t really know. It wasn’t an option.
Which wasn’t exactly true. I could do most of those things on my tiny phone (not the music), but it took forever and was a royal pain, so I didn’t.

And…

Now I have a few apps, (love Zombie Farm),
got my Kindle for iPhone, of course Twitter and Facebook. I’ve added some songs to the phone (haven’t listened to them yet), and have my email accounts, including my work email on my phone at the touch or swipe of my fingers.

Yep…

In basically 2 days I’m hooked and don’t know why I waited this long, other than it’s that how change issue. I’m not so much fond of change.

How about you? Have you been at the party for a while now, or are you like me and just coming to the smartphone world?

What do you love best about your phone and what’s your favorite app?

Vicki

Friday, March 11, 2011

Friday Five

I don't about you, but I'm very happy Friday has finally arrived. For most of yesterday I thought it was Friday...so not a happy thought when I realized it was still Thursday.

So, five things about this week....

1. American Idol has started. Sure I know it started back with the auditions and Hell (I mean Hollywood) week. But as far as I'm concerned it really starts once America gets to vote.

2. Romance Junkies is having a great contest. Each week they're putting up six entries and you can vote on them. There are prizes for both readers (voters) and for those who are putting up their entries.

3. I've started a crochet project, which I hope will be a throw when it's finished. Red, Black, and Cream in color. Soft yarn and the pattern is really pretty easy. Yes, I know that spring is sort of here and summer will be here before we know it in sunny Florida, but hey, I'm feeling crafty and besides if this turns out well I might do some for Christmas presents. (Trust me it will take me this long to do all of them since they are done around my writing.)

4. Tonight I'm going to dinner with several of my TARA sister's and Lauren Abramo. WhooHoo, this should be a blast!

5. I've been working on Raising Hannah (instead of TLIAV), but this week I've been pulled back to that manuscript. I'm loving the plot for RH and will work on it in bits and pieces around TLIAV.

So, not really a ton happened this week. What about you? Anything exciting happen to you this week?

xoxoxo,
Vicki

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Meet Sawyer - What Do You Think?

This week over on the The Goddess Blog they're celebrating four years of blogging with fabulous post and great giveaways.

Yesterday was all about hero's and in the comment section we were to give a favorite hero name, what they look like, and what makes them who they are. Why would we as readers like him.

The name Sawyer immediately came to mind. I pictured him much like Hugh Jackman and then it was time to write what made him the way he was. This was a bit tougher since I wasn't writing about a hero's in any of my books. So to my trusty word doc I went.

Before I knew what was happening Sawyer just sort of entered the scene and took over. Without further ado, I give you Sawyer (last name unknown and I think he sort of likes it that way for now. No worries, I've already told him if he ends up in one of my books he'll have to give me everything.)

“Sawyer’s, well he’s –”

“I’ve got this.” Sawyer winked and turned to face the readers.

He rolled his neck from side to side and pulled his shoulders back, knowing the black muscle shirt left little to wonder about his abs. The dimple on the left side of his face deepened as he watched the readers eyes travel the length of his body before coming back to his face with appreciative smiles.

“Ladies, I’m the one your mothers told you to watch out for.”

An almost audible gasp was heard across the land of blog.

He smiled, apparently enjoying himself.

“What Vicki’s having trouble telling you is I’m not really your hero. I’m not in it for the long haul. While I can promise you a night you will never forget and who knows, maybe a week or two which will surely give you memories of a lifetime. After that, I’m not staying around. I never do.”

The faces in the crowded blog were a mixture of bad boy desire to anger.

“Um, Sawyer, you’re not doing such a great job being a hero here.” Vicki said. “Tell them the truth.”

“You want me to tell them?” Cold hard dreaded coiled through his body and landed in the pit of his stomach. “Won’t that mess up your happily ever after?”

“Yeah, not so much, I’m the author, trust me I can make it work. Tell them.”

Sawyer took a deep breath and measured his words. Even though he liked Vicki, she was a woman and while it was true she could write him anyway she chose, he didn’t like for anyone to have control over him or what he did.

After another few seconds went by he decided, what the hell, if I don’t like what she writes I can always freeze up on her. “The truth is I don’t trust people. Women in particular. My mother left us when I was five and never looked back. My father was too caught up in his own world to realize I thought it was my fault.”

He looked to Vicki, her eyebrows raised and she tilted her head with her signature ‘really’ popping into his mind. All of it, he mouthed. Surely she couldn’t want him to tell the next part, but as she nodded he realized he should have never come today. He should have given her writer’s block and walked away.

“Fine,” Sawyer grounded out between his teeth. “Here’s the deal. I was in love. Once. She was everything I thought I wanted. Beautiful, sophisticated, on the fast track to huge success as a model who traveled around the world. Heads turned when we were together and when we were alone, well let’s just leave it at it was magic. We had it all. Or so I thought until the day I decided to surprise her and show up at the flat she was renting in London while on location. Apparently, she had it all with another man as well. And had no trouble telling me he was better than me in every way.”

Not a sound could be heard in all of blog land, but the ones whose eyes had been filled with anger were a bit softer.

“Don’t go feeling sorry for me. I lived through it and decided to hell with all women. I’d date them, make love to them, and send them on their way. I didn’t want or need to feel anything more than sex with any of them ever again.” Sawyer turned a sheepish grin towards Vicki. “That is until my author decided to introduce me to the heroine. I should have known something was wrong when the woman flat out refused to go out with me and threatened to call the sheriff if I didn’t move my fence off of her grandfather’s property. Pitiful property it is and what did six inches matter. It wasn’t like that small amount of space was going to keep her from doing anything."

“So there you have it. I’m a bad boy through and through, my heart hardened to love. Or at least I was until a few weeks ago, but now I’m dreaming about a country girl who’d rather muck out a stable than have a glass of wine with me.”

Well, what do you think of Sawyer? Think he has a book in him? Or is this a hero's journey you'd rather not read about.

xoxoxo,
Vicki

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

New...Is It Really Better

Today I'm blogging over at Everyboday Needs A little Romance. Science Guy took me downtown to the pier on Sunday. Although I live here and the place is great, I'd never actually done more than drove by it.

Now they want to tear it down and rebuild. Go on over and check out the post and the pics and let me know what you think. Is New Always Better?

Hugs,
Vicki

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Update on my Dad

I can't believe it's been almost a month since my last post. I used to be so very good at post everyday during the week and now I'm doing good to get here once a month. So sorry about that and I'd like to say I'll be back to normal again, but yeah that's so not going to happen for the next few months. After that...well, let's just say I've got goals.

My stepdad's been quite ill and at one point we didn't think he'd still be with us. He had to have brain surgery where they removed what blood clots they could from his brain. It was touch and go for several days.

He's amazing in so many ways though. Were many of us would have lost the fight, he didn't. In fact, he worked hard and fought his way from ICU to a regular room and then to rehab. He's finally home after two more trips to the hospital and trust me this is making life much easier for him and my mom.

My stepdad will turn 87 in April. He's lived a life full of adventure and has always been an admiral man. It's just we're not ready to let go of him and thank goodness he's not ready to quite fighting.

Love you bunches Dad.

Vicki

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Yarn Over, Double Chain, Yarn Over…Start Over

I'm blogging over at Everybody Needs A Little Romance today,so I've put some of it here. But to read the entire post and see the pictures, click the link above and check it out.

My best friend and critique partner crocheted me a scarf for Christmas. It’s a beautiful red yarn with tiny gold thread running through it and I absolutely love it. She used a loom and after I saw the others she’d done decided I wanted to do some myself.

With coupons in hand, I went to Michaels, found the loom (and a couple of others in different sizes), picked out the yarn, and the crochet hook I’d need to finish the ends when I was done.

I may have forgotten to mention that I did not know how to crochet, which was why the loom sounded like a perfect solution for me. I mean really, how hard could it be to just finish the thing with some single stitches at the end.

I’d completed about 10 rows when I realized I wasn’t putting the yarn on the loom correctly and had to pull it off and start over.

Maybe reading the directions a little better would have been a good idea, but I wanted to start making the scarf, not spend time making sure I knew what I was doing. Hmmm…I think I’ve been down this road before.

It took about a week of working on it in the evenings to finish it. Uh yes, I should have been writing, but right now, I have this story idea germinating. And I did have a pad and pen with me while I was working on this project. Sometimes doing something else my ideas and plotting really start to flow.

Here’s a picture of that one. The ends are…okay, not so much matching a hundred percent, but unless you look hard, you wouldn’t really notice.







What’s a girl to do? Yep, go to Michaels and buy some more yarn. Only this time I decided I wanted to truly crochet a scarf. No loom, just the hook and me. With several hooks in different sizes and several different skeins of yarn in different colors and sizes I was went home ready to begin.

The problem? I have (or had), no idea how to do that. So I did what anyone who needs to do some research does. I went to the internet. YouTube to be exact. There I found many videos on crocheting. Learned how to do the single crochet stitch and then…stop! These women’s fingers flew across the screen and they used language that I did not understand. Chain three, single, skip two, chain 5 and so on. I soon realized I was way over my head and needed to start at the beginning with something much simpler than a shell stitch.

The girl who works across from me in my day job crochets and knits (with 4 needles, dear Lord), she’s made several baby hats with the most adorable flowers on the sides. I told her my plan, err plight, and she said bring the yarn, bring the hooks (all of them) and she’d show me what to do.

You’d think I would have learned from the above-mentioned taking the yarn off the loom and starting over several times before I had that down. But nope, not me. I brought in this beautiful gunmetal gray yarn that all soft and furry and going to be the most beautiful scarf in the world yarn. Yeah, the girl looked at me with you’ve-got-to-be-kidding-me eyes. She took the time to show me what to do, but strongly suggested I used a ‘normal’ yarn for my first time.

I was determined to do this. I worked at it for several nights and realized that I had no idea what she’d really taught me and my very pretty yarn was knotting up something horrible.

Back to the proverbial drawing board. New yarn, the ‘normal’ kind and this time I told her to tell me what to do and let me do it instead of watching her. She gave me the directions, which sounded like this:


So, if you went to the over blog, what did you think about the scarfs? Do you jump in with both feet and to wade back to the beginning of the pool and start over again, or do make sure you've got it down before starting a new project?

Hugs,
Vicki


Tuesday, January 4, 2011

A little Frog Wisdom for 2011

It’s the beginning of a New Year and normally this is when I talk about reflecting on the past year and making goals for the New Year. Instead I thought I’d give you a little story that was sent to me several years ago. Funny thing is it still holds true in your writing career whether you’re published or aspiring to be published.

Once upon a time there was a bunch of tiny frogs who decided to have a running competition. The goal was to reach the top of a very high tower.A big crowd had gathered around the tower to see the race and cheer on the contestants.

The race began and honestly no one in the crowd really believed the tiny frogs would ever reach the top of the tower.

You heard statements such as:

"Oh, WAY too difficult!!"
"They will NEVER make it to the top."
Or: "Not a chance that they will succeed. The tower is too high!"

Sure enough as time went by the tiny frogs began collapsing. Some of them stopping to glance back at the crowd, listening to the roar of people saying they’d never make.

As those frogs stopped the ones behind them seemed to have a fresh tempo, were climbing higher and higher.The crowd continued to yell, "It is too difficult!!! No one will make it!"More tiny frogs slowed down to listen and gave up.

But ONE continued higher and higher and higher...this one wouldn't give up!At the end all of the frogs had given up climbing the tower except for the one tiny frog that, after a big effort, was the only one who reached the top!

THEN all of the other tiny frogs naturally wanted to know how this one frog managed to do it? The crowd had told them it was too hard, that they would never make it. How could one frog reach the top when everyone else had given up.

A contestant asked the tiny frog how he had found the strength to succeed and reach the goal.It turned out...That the winner was DEAF!!!!

The wisdom of this story is: Never listen to other people's tendencies to be negative or pessimistic... because they take your most wonderful dreams and wishes away from you -- the ones you have in your heart! Always think of the power words have. (There's life and death in the power of the tongue - Proverbs 18:21.) Because everything you hear and read will affect your actions!

Therefore:ALWAYS be....POSITIVE!And above all: Be DEAF when people tell YOU that you cannot fulfill your dreams!

If you fall down 10 times,Stand up 11 times.

In other words if you’re rejected 10 times you may need to submit something new but submit again you must. A great friend once told me never give up today because tomorrow might be your miracle. I realize that the miracle comes from hard work but you can achieve your dreams if you never, ever give up on them.

One of the major key words there is worked. This writing journey takes work. It's not easy, but if this is your heart’s desire never give up and never listen to those who say you can't do it.

Writing Wishes and Plotting Dreams,
Vicki