Write, don't call!

People who know me, know that if they really want to get my attention they need to email me. Contacting me by phone is usually a lost cause. I'll call them back in about a week. I loath the tele, and typically avoid it's use.

Unless I have a book proposal in to a publisher... it then becomes an accessory. I literally wear it.

However, when it rings, I really don't want it to be my husband informing me that he's going to be late for lunch. (Although it is very considerate of him.) Nor do I want it to be the principal calling to inform me that my son's been in a fight. I don't even want it to be my mom, (Mom- I'm just trying to be funny.) and I especially don't want it to be a sales call!

I want it to be the publisher with some cute little New York accent proclaiming that she loves my book. I want her to ask me how quickly I can finish writing it so that the world can be a better place.

Then, I can get back to the business of my life, which most definitely does not include the phone.

Writer on Steroids

After a wine-inspired and therefor enlightened writing session, I resolved not to rely on a drug to help me write. It felt a little as if I was an athlete using steroids.

I sit here now, however, with a very serious macchiato.

I always want to cry when I see how tiny a portion of a shot of espresso is. However, when done right, each sip lingers longer than it is dark. Its heat warms my gelid hands, enabling them to type. It's rich burnt-caramel color inspires a creative surge. It's caffeine awakens my writing moxie.

"It this allowed?" I ask myself.

Without any further ado, I sip, and write on.

If there's no Santa, what about God?

My son, ever so matter-of-factly, informed me that he has known for several years now that there is no Santa. That night, the common follow-up question arrived. "Is there any proof that there is a God?" he solemnly asked.

With all my heart and soul, I told him that the proof was looking me right in the eyes. His immediate smile, beaming as bright as Bethlehem's star, was proof to me that I was right.

Merry Christmas!

Seventeen magazine not suitable for girls

I received my daughter's first copy of Seventeen magazine in the mail today. I searched online before I ordered to make sure that it's content was appropriate for a 15 year old, and found most reviewers to say that it was just fine for 14-20 year-olds.

Well, it's fine if you want your daughter to have a new hook-up manual mailed every month to your home. There is definitely a tone of "What the heck, have sex, it's fun! But here are some tips on doing it with style..."

I called the magazine and they gave me the correct number to call to get a refund, in this case a school magazine fundraiser company. They promptly said I could switch to another magazine.

I'm glad I took the time, which like you I have little of, to have a curious and caring eye. Never underestimate the influence you have over your kids. Doing nothing in this case would have been doing something. It would have sent the message to my daughter that I agree with the content of that magazine, which I most certainly do not!

Tyler Perry's 'I Can Do Bad All by Myself' is No. 1 in weekend box office!

Speaking of movies for the family, (this one PG13) Tyler Perry has done it again topping the box office sales for opening movies this weekend. If you are not familiar with Madea my friends, it is time to make up for lost time. Go to the theaters and enjoy!

The Blanket

Ask anyone in my house what "the blanket" is, and you're sure to get a smile. When I'm caught off guard as we watch a movie together, and an inappropriate scene is bestowed upon us, I quickly cover the screen with my blanket. Between not getting to the T.V. in time, and the lack of desire to fund hollywood's moral decay, I had to find a better system.

And that I did. It is the website called "Kids in Mind". (www.kids-in-mind.com) It gives comprehensive reviews for parents interested in what their kids are watching. It rates three categories, Sex & Nudity, Violence & Gore, and Profanity on a scale from 1-10, and gives detailed descriptions. In fact I often check out movies that I am to watch without the kids, as I am less inclined to rent or go see a movie with 57 F-words. (What's that about!)

So pop some popcorn, grab your favorite couch or spot on the floor, and if it's a hot summer night, you can skip the blanket!

2009 New York Book Festival Honorable Mention

I am tickled to say that I just won an Honorable Mention at the New York Book Festival!

CLICK HERE to view Book trailer.

Burger King's Sir Mix A-lot Ad

I don't watch a lot of TV. It's idiotic content irks me. So if Burger King's Sir mix a-lot / Spongebob kids meal commercial has been out for a while, please excuse my tardiness in response. This creepy ad incorporates "Baby Got Back" into a ninety-nine cent kids meal ad. Did they also pay only ninety-nine cents for the idea? Are they afraid lack of nutrition isn't enough to bring children down? I have the sentiment of Droopy when he says "You know what? That makes me mad", but my physical response is more like that of the Tasmanian Devil. You might say I'm broiling mad!

Making a Book Trailer

I had more fun making this book trailer than I did making the book! The kids were too cute, and Apple's iMovie application was versatile and easy to learn. Check it out!