Thankfulness

So sorry to interrupt your broadcast of ridiculously early Christmas carols, (what's up with that anyway?) but this is in fact Thanksgiving week. What better time for a blog post on being thankful?

Sure, we should count our blessings every day, but Thanksgiving is a time when we are shaken from our hectic lives and reminded to slow down for a day (After cooking enough food for an arm, and before the stress of Christmas shopping for things we can't afford for people who don't need anything, of course.) and be mindful of the abundance in our lives.

So, I thought I would share with you all some of the things I am thankful for:

“When everything goes to hell, the people who stand by you without flinching -- they are your family. ” 

― Jim Butcher

~Our family, of course. Most of them are bitchy, crazy, sarcastic, mixed-up, and quite dysfunctional, (except for the new babies, but it's inevitable...) but I love each and every person. Oh, and by the way, only I can say that about them. 

“Imagination is everything. It is the preview of life's coming attractions.”― Albert Einstein

~My creativity. Whether I'm writing, drawing, crafting, or whatever--it's all mine. I only wish I had more time to enjoy it and share it.

“Home is the nicest word there is.” ― Laura Ingalls Wilder

~Our warm safe home. So many people have lost their homes in the recent hurricane and I thank God every day we are so fortunate.

“You're going to come across people in your life who will say all the right words at all the right times. But in the end, it's always their actions you should judge them by. It's actions, not words, that matter.” ― Nicholas Sparks, The Rescue

~My friends. Whether they are the online friends I've never met personally, or the ones I've shared laughter, tears, day trips to NYC, or margaritas (salted rim, please) with, they are all so supportive, inspiring, and comforting.

“There's no luck in business. There's only drive, determination, and more drive.” ― Sophie Kinsella, Shopaholic Takes Manhattan

~Our business. After 16 years of hard work, we still have a thriving business. Sure, we've had our ups and downs, and some days are harder than others when the cash doesn't flow as smoothly as I need, but we are grateful for our customers and the ability to survive and offer a service to our community. 

“Show me a family of readers, and I will show you the people who move the world.” ― Napoleon Bonaparte

~YOU! Yes, you keep me posting on this blog. Just knowing that someone has taken the time to read my thoughts is the ultimate compliment. Thank you!

I wish you the happiest Thanksgiving, and I hope you get a chance to surround yourself with the people you love. Don't eat too much. And remember, I'll be thinking of you. 

Before you go back to listening to that ridiculously early Christmas music, why not share something you are thankful for?

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Holiday Sampler

Books make terrific holiday gifts, but finding perfect books for friends and family is always a challenge. If only we could flip through a few sample pages on our own schedules. If only the bookstore could come to us. Well guess what readers? We’re doing just that!

Twelve amazing authors have come together to offer you an amazing opportunity to sample their latest novels just in time for the holidays—12 awesome samples and quirky holiday-themed interviews in one FREE downloadable PDF.

Whether you like to read mysteries, romance, young adult, women's fiction, or suspense—this group has a book for you.

First Snow – Christine Cunningham
After The Fog - -Kathleen Shoop
A Charming Crime -  Tonya Kappes
Come Back To Me – Melissa Foster
Read Me Dead – Emerald Barnes
The Halo Effect – MJ Rose
Dancing Naked In Dixie – Lauren Clark
The Last Supper Catering Company – Michaelene McElroy
The Hurricane Lover – Joni Rodgers
The Hounding – Sandra de Helen
Milkshake – Joanna Weiss
The Ninth Step – Barbara Taylor Sissel

Each excerpt is prefaced by information about the book and its author. Concluding each excerpt is an order page with clickable links to several online retailers.

You can download the PDF “Holiday Sampler” here http://bit.ly/eBookSamples, and share it with friends by sending them this link: http://bit.ly/eBookSamples.

So go ahead and sample these fantastic novels from amazing writers! And don’t forget to help spread the word!

Happy holidays and happy reading!

Fun Facts about November

I know, you were all wondering, "Where is this month's Fun Facts?" Please forgive me for being a slacker this month. Here it is:

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November is the 11th month of the year and one of four months with a length of 30 days. November starts on the same day of the week as March and ends on the same day of the week as August.

Those born during the first half of the month are under the Zodiac sign of Scorpio, and those born in the latter part of the month are Sagittarians. The birth flower is the chrystanthemum, and the birthstones are topoz and citrine.

Events:

1st--First day of Winter in Ireland.
2nd--Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) in Mexico.
        National Deviled Egg Day
3rd--Sandwich Day
5th--Guy Fawkes Night in Britain and New Zealand.
7th--Bittersweet Chocolate with Almonds Day
10th--National Heroes Day in Indonesia.
          The birthday of the United States Marine Corps.
          Vanilla Cupcake Day
11th--Saint Maartens Day (Dutch version of Halloween) in the Netherlands. Songs are sung for candy.
          Remembrance Day in the Commonwealth of Nations and various European countries.
          Veterans Day in the US.
12th--National Pizza With The Works (Except Anchovies) Day
13th--Indian Pudding Day
14th--Children's Day in India.
17th--The Leonids Meteor Shower reaches its peak.
19th--Christopher Columbus discovers Puerto Rico in 1493.
          International Men's Day
21st--National Adoption Day
22nd--Thanksgiving is observed in the US and Puerto Rico.
23rd--National Parfait Day
          National Cashew Day

The first Tuesday of the month, Australia holds the Melbourne Cup horse race.
The first Tuesday after the first Monday is election day in the US.
November 11-17th is Geography Awareness Week.
The third Thursday of the month is The Great American Smokeout sponsored by the American Cancer Society and also International Philosophy Day.
The day after Thanksgiving is known as 'Black Friday' in the US.
The Monday immediately following Thanksgiving is known as 'Cyber Monday' in the US.

Famous Author's Birthdays

November 7, 1913--Albert Camus
November 8, 1847--Bram Stoker
November 8, 1900--Margaret Mitchell
November 9, 1818--Ivan Turgenev
November 11, 1821--Fedor Dostoevsky
November 11, 1922--Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.
November 13, 1850--Robert L. Stevenson
November 18, 1939--Margaret Atwood
November 22, 1819--George Eliot
November 22, 1869--Andre Gide
November 26, 1905--Emlyn Williams
November 26, 1922--Charles Schultz
November 29, 1832--Louisa May Alcott
November 29,1898--C.S. Lewis
November 30, 1667--Jonathan Swift
November 30, 1835--Mark Twain

November is the National Month for:

National Novel Writing Month
Aviation
Epilepsy
Diabetes Awareness
Stamp Collecting
Toilet Tank Repair
Peanut Butter Lovers
American Indian Heritage Month
Hunger Awareness
Raisin Bread
Pepper

Bizarre Holidays:

November 4th--Waiting For The Barbarians Day
November 6th--Marooned Without a Compass Day
November 9th--Chaos Never Dies Day
November 10th--Forget-Me-Not Day
November 11th--Air Day
November 20th--Absurdity Day
November 21st--False Confessions Day
November 22nd--Start Your Own Country Day
November 28th--Make Your Own Head Day (???)


Well, people, Fun Facts about the 'Months' posts have come full circle.
In December, I'll have to switch gears. I'm thinking of doing 'Holidays.' What do you think?

Trick-or-Treating, Costume Parties, and RSVPs

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Since we live in the country, we don't get many trick-or-treaters. As a matter of fact, we haven't had one child ring our doorbell in the past 5 years. Since the town's Halloween Parade runs right down the center of Main Street, the residents in that area get hit the hardest. Our local A&P actually accepts candy bag donations for the homes there. Then, parents will drive to a development with a big cluster of homes and tire out their children in one area. I find it disappointing. I love to see children in costume. I guess I'll have to wait until the grandkids show up for their treats.

We recently attended my girlfriend's amazing 50th birthday bash. Costumes were mandatory. While most people moan and groan at those three little words, I was ecstatic. I love dressing up in costume!

If you didn't know, I'm a huge fan of Johnny Depp, but a real FanGirl when it comes to him in the Captain Jack Sparrow role. I got the idea that John could dress up as Capt. Jack, and I would dress as Angelica, from On Stranger Tides.

I figured that since the movie came out in 2011, the pirate fad was over and there wouldn't be too many of the same costumes. I was wrong. I think there were about 10 different pirates at the party. It felt like we were in Penzance.

I promised I'd post a photo of our costumes.

Johnny and Penelope? Definitely not.

Now, since nobody RSVPd to my Costume Party Post, no one won the prize of 31 More Nights of Halloween. Oh well, maybe next year. 

I hope Sandy didn't ruin your fun. 

Did you go trick-or-treating this year? Did you wear a costume? 

Hurricane Sandy aka Frankenstorm...EPIC!

I'm writing this post on Sunday morning. When it goes live on Monday, we will be under a hurricane warning. Thanks a bunch, Sandy.

Here on the east coast, the media hype started three days ago. They say this storm will be EPIC. By now, the local A&P is probably sold out of water, milk, and bread, and the Home Depot and Lowes stores in the area have probably made a killing on generators.

We can't be too careful. Last August, when they were hyping Hurricane Irene, I poo-pooed the whole thing. We live 60 miles inland and in the mountains. Surely, they were talking about the people on the coast...Well, 6 downed trees on our property and 10 days of no water or power later, I was a believer.

Our town flooded (thankfully, our repair shop was built on a slight knoll) and people were either flooded or stuck in their homes for days.

So, when I walked outside this morning and saw this in the sky:

And this map on The Weather Channel:

Can you see the storm from the west heading toward NJ? Yeah, that should collide with Sandy soon.

I figured we'd better batten down the hatches.

Stay safe, everyone!

A Costume Party With Prizes!

Halloween is 13 days away! It's my favorite holiday. Yup, even more than Christmas. I LOVE dressing up and I just squee with delight when I see little children in costume.

This year, John and I are going to my friend's 50th birthday bash. Costumes mandatory. Know what we're dressing up as?

Captain Jack Sparrow and

Angelica

Of course, we won't look exactly like them, but we can pretend. I'll post the photos after the party.

In the meantime, I thought it would be fun for all of us to have a Costume Party! 

Here are The Rules:

1. Dig out a photo of yourself dressed up in your favorite costume.

2. E-mail it to me at deestan62 at gmail dot com. (My address is written that way to confuse spammers.)

3. I will post the photos to my Facebook Author Page.

Here is The Prize:

The photo that gets the most 'likes' by midnight on October 30th will win a Kindle copy of 31 More Nights of Halloween.

Doesn't that sound like fun? Invite your friends to join in and make sure you tell them to vote for your photo.

Two Small Town Writers And One Large City

I'm sure some of you have one of those online friends--someone you only know through the cyber-world. I met Courtney Rene, or 'Cornty' as the people in Starbucks like to call her, back in 2008. She posted a story, which I loved, in a forum on the Institute for Children's Literature, and we became writing friends, swapping manuscripts for critique, offering advice, and sharing markets. Now, Courtney Rene is the author of FOUR YA novels!

When she e-mailed me, saying her family was coming to New York, I jumped at the opportunity to join her for a day in the city. This get together has been two years in the making. We had also planned to meet up Cindy, a fellow writer who lives in New York, but Cindy couldn't meet us until later in the day and unfortunately, Courtney and her family had evening plans. We missed you, Cindy!

In my younger days, I worked in various jobs all over downtown and midtown NYC. Since moving to Blairstown, I've only been back to the metropolis a few times, but I kinda sorta knew where I was going, so I mapped out some of the tourist spots in midtown.

I met up with Courtney and her beautiful family at their hotel. After swapping a signed copy of 31 More Halloween Nights for a signed copy of her long-awaited Shadow's End, (SQUEE!) we boarded a bus to Manhattan and started our day from the Port Authority Bus Terminal.

We walked up 42nd Street through Times Square, and then through a beautiful, but disappointing-because-of-renovations Bryant Park, and then on to the NY Public Library.

Oh my! What a building! 

Of course, we checked out the two large rooms in the children's area, but there were no books in sight by Courtney Rene. :(

But the library had lots of marble and stairs.

They had old wooden phone booths and lots of stairs. There were individual rooms of books and inside those rooms were stairs. Did I say there were an awful lot of stairs?

Me & Courtney standing on the stairs in front of the library.

We walked up to Fifth Avenue and made our way to the American Girl store. We saw lots of overpriced dolls, matching girl/doll clothes, and bug-eyed little girls mentally writing their Christmas lists. Who wouldn't want Santa to bring them a $150 dollar baby grand piano for their doll?

 Aren't these dolls kind of creepy? Makes me think of Stepford Children...

St. Patrick's Cathedral was also going through some restorations. This church is almost as beautiful as St Paul's Cathedral in London, but not nearly as massive. For $2.00 we could have lit a candle (a stub of wax) at one of the many devotionals for different Saints, but we decided to move on.

 We made a quick detour into Rockefeller Center. No tree yet, but the skaters were already on the rink.

After a yummy lunch at Five Guys, we popped into Nintendo World, a pokemon-lover's paradise! I thought of you, Amanda!

 This picture of Link is made up of thousands of fan photos.

 Gotta catch 'em all...

We did some souvenir shopping, a couple of stops for coffee, and got sucked into a chocolate store. Our noses were pressed up against the glass, trying to choose the perfect piece of candy, but I never thought to take a photo of the little works of art.

We were running out of time, so we headed straight for the Empire State Building. We waited and talked and waited some more. We made it to the observation deck without giving in to the urgent advice someone yelled at us every 15 minutes: "...There is nobody on the deck to tell you what you are looking at. You NEED one of these maps. We have maps in 10 different languages..."

We were fine without a map.

It was a beautiful clear day, and not as cold as I feared it would be 80 stories above New York City.

Courtney and her gorgeous daughters.

Me and Courtney 

When I was getting ready that morning to meet Courtney, I was excited, but also a little nervous--like a fan-girl meeting her favorite author. But our easy conversations and lots of silliness (including duck-lipped, hiding-chins Empire State souvenir photos) seemed like we'd known each other forever.

Thankfully, I only got everyone lost/side-tracked/turned-in-the-wrong-direction once and we made it back to the hotel safely.

Next year, we're doing lower Manhattan--

The 9/11 Memorial 

and South Street Seaport.

Why not meet us there?