Friday, August 15th - Whiplash!  Awoke this morning with a stiff neck thanks to a trip to the water park yesterday.  Why I chose to get on a ride called "The Wedgie" I'll never know!  Chalk it up to a momentary lapse in judgment.  Recently saw both "The Dark Knight" and "Stepbrothers."  Enjoyed the Batman flick tremendously, even though I sat much too close to the speaker for that kind of bam! pow! bang! type of flick.  Sad to know the Joker has laughed his last laugh - Heath Ledger did a great job in the movie, may he rest in peace.  Gotta say, though, was a bit disappointed in Stepbrothers.  I'm no prude or Miss Manners, but the overabundance of shock-and-eww humor turned me off, and that was even with my funny bone lubricated by a glass of plum wine just prior to the movie.  Sorry to see the summer coming to an end - it's been fun and productive, but fall's always a great time of year, too, and I certainly will not miss the summer electric bills (my last one was $792!).  One of my critique partners just set up her new website - check her out at www.ryleeandrews.com!

Saturday, August 2 - just returned from a fun trip to Shreveport.  Won $100 on a penny machine - woo hoo!  Of course I later frittered it all away on video poker, but life goes on.  Won an adorable beach bag at Keeno last night, chock full of great stuff - wine glasses, wine, and a candle. Maybe it's time for a romantic beach getaway . . .  Putting the finishing touches on my latest project and am about to start something new - that's always fun!  Reading a novel by Kresley Cole called "A Hunger Like No Other" - it's a hot and steamy read.  Also enjoying Garrison Keillor's "Pontoon."

Wednesday, July 2nd - Ain't critique partners great?  Got some great ideas bouncing random thoughts off my buddy Angela Cavener last night at group.  Funny how the ideas can bounce back even better than they were before!  Her e-book is out and burning up the charts - way to go Angela!  Of course we are missing our other partner in crime, Celya Bowers, who is in the middle of revisions right now.  We hope to see her again soon!  Am running full steam ahead with my latest YA novel.  Oh, to be 16 again . . .

Tuesday, June 24th - Summer is flying by!  Have had a busy - but fun - few weeks.  Went to an old-fasioned drive-in theater to see "Don't Mess with the Zohan."  Lots of very crude laughs.   Spending lots of time at the water park and already have a pretty decent tan.  Read "Namesake" and "Unaccustomed Earth," both by Jhumpa Lahiri.  Great reads, and easily digestible despite being "literary."  Made me crave Indian food.  Also read "I'm Proud of You" by Tim Madigan - an uplifting, spiritual book that I would also recommend.  Can't believe it's almost the 4th of July!

Sunday, June 1st - Can't believe it's June already!  Had a great weekend, spent lots of time by the pool working on a new project, my first foray into the paranormal world.    Even bathed the cats which, judging from the scratches all over me, must mean I have a death wish. 

Tuesday, May 27th - Got to admit, I got a little choked up when they played Lee Greenwood's "Proud to Be an American" at the swimming pool yesterday.  Being an Air Force brat, I've experienced firsthand the sacrifices the soldiers and their families face (and I've also enjoyed the tax-free shopping on base!).  A big thanks to all the guys and gals who make freedom something we can enjoy every day!  I exercised my freedom by lounging poolside with my portable word processor, working on my tan and cranking out a chapter or two of a fun book that's been on my mind for some time now. 

On Saturday, enjoyed a talk on "Literary Liposuction" by author Richard Abshire, then had lunch with a bunch of fun women from the Dallas Area Romance Authors.  Only a few more weeks and some buddies and I will be taking a writers retreat to Granbury, Texas.  Can't wait!

Wednesday, May 21st - Finished first draft of my latest YA novel ahead of schedule and feelin' goooooood!  Can't wait until the upcoming long weekend to write and hit the pool!  Also got a nibble today . . . keep your fingers crossed for me!