This has been a hectic week so far. I have a proposal to edit and revise, a book that should be coming back to me soon for revisions, promo to begin planning for the December release of By Magic Alone, and I’ve been brainstorming a few new projects. And all of this is combined with other work, kids, getting son number one ready for college (so much to buy and do), and preparing for a visit from family members we haven’t seen in a while.

But I’m finally feeling capable of getting everything done. I was exhausted after finishing By Magic Alone, and it’s taken me a bit longer than normal to bounce back. I’m finally there, though, so it feels great to be productive again. Instead of, you know, spinning my wheels trying to be productive.

As I’ve said before, I am a little odd in that I enjoy the process of editing and revising. Many authors I know have a difficult time with the revision process, but I love this portion of getting a book finalized. I think because I can finally see the entire, big picture, so making changes that will ultimately push the book to another level is rewarding. Also, I just really enjoy that one, last chance to make the book the best it can be at that particular time in my life.

Brainstorming is something I don’t enjoy all that much. You think coming up with new ideas would be fun, and sometimes I suppose it is. But because I’m not a plotter, brainstorming is often frustrating for me. In fact, it’s often best for me to just jump in and start writing…but I have so much going on right now, that I really want to have some solid pre-work done before I write “Chapter One.” We’ll see how it goes. <G>

My mail-order furniture arrived, and I have to say I’m mostly happy with it. And when I consider what I need it to do: hold up to four kids who are not easy on furniture, well…it should do okay. But the pieces we chose are not exactly my style: they’re very sleek and modern, which my daughter loves…and seeing this will likely be her furniture some day, that works well, too. I’m more of a natural wood, big comfy pieces of furniture, type of gal. You know..that couch you sink into and can completely unwind and relax? Yep, that’s what I like.

But the living room is attractive once again, even if it isn’t “my” perfect vision. But for now, I’m happy enough.

That’s about all that’s going on here. How’s your summer going???

On Friday last week, I received a phone call from a lovely woman at Georgia Romance Writers informing me that A STROKE OF MAGIC is a finalist in the paranormal category of their Maggie awards. I am beyond thrilled! The official finalist list hasn’t been posted yet, but once it has, I’ll put a link here.

I truly am honored and excited.

Beyond that great news, we’ve been slowly getting ready for number one son to leave for college next month. I’m awash with emotion. I’m so proud of him for everything he has already accomplished and for the goals he has for his future, but I’m also ridiculously sad. He’s not going that far away…less than an hour’s drive…but the fact is he won’t be living here. He is the first child to officially leave the nest. It’s a very strange mix of feelings.

In other news, we went on a mini-shopping spree and bought new furniture for the living room. Everything. New sofa and loveseat, new lamps, new coffee table and end tables, and even a couple of throw rugs for the floor. Furniture doesn’t last long in my house, so we didn’t go overboard on cost, and frankly–I’m not even that thrilled with what we ended up purchasing (appearance wise), but my daughter loves it, and I’m thinking this will be her starter furniture when she moves out in a couple of years into her first apartment. So…I can live it with it until then. I think. <G>

Also, I need to mention that while I planned on attending the RWA conference this year, I have cancelled my registration. It’s just not in the cards this year with everything else that is going on. So if you planned on seeing me at the literacy booksigning, I’m so sorry that I won’t be there. BUT–if you are going to be there, be sure to check out the goodie room. Some of my books might show up there.

I think that’s about it for this week. Until next week: be safe.

So, I missed last week. The holiday on Monday made me think Tuesday was Monday, but I still never got around to posting. Sorry about that!

I wanted to share with you a video that has actually made me want to own an iPad. Check out artist David Kassan painting on the iPad using the fingerpaint function, along with the brush app. While the video is around 7 minutes long, it’s completely worth watching. In fact, it’s rather compelling. Check it out:

Pretty awesome, huh? Like I said, watching this made me want to run out and buy an iPad. I’ve resisted, though. <G>

However, I did buy another cool contraption that I am completely in love with. Anyone who has read this blog for any amount of time should already know about my addiction to coffee. I love coffee. I’m also somewhat of a coffee snob. The week of my birthday, I took the family out to see a movie (Toy Story 3 — which made me cry like a baby), and then we window-shopped at the mall. I had zero intentions of buying anything. I swear. But we walked past Williams-Sonoma, and I decided to browse. LOL, my browsing didn’t get very far because the first display I saw when we walked in was a display of espresso makers.

I drooled for a few minutes, but still had absolutely no intentions of buying anything. A sales woman approached (LOL, can you see where this is headed?) and talked about the different machines they had for sale. She raved about one specific brand (Nespresso) that uses espresso pods/capsules. This is where my ill-founded coffee snobbery jumped in. I couldn’t imagine using a machine that 1) you had to mail order the coffee capsules (they’re not available to purchase any other way), and 2) that even used coffee capsules. I mean, I buy good coffee. Freshly roasted beans that I grind fresh for every pot. How could a capsule of already ground coffee be good? I couldn’t see it.

The sales lady talked a great talk, though. Showed how easy the machines were to use (pretty much idiot proof), and how the aerocino (love that name) will steam or froth milk with a push of a button. Seriously. It’s this awesome canister that sits on the base of the machine. You put milk in it, put the lid on, and press a freaking button–and one minute later, you have perfectly steamed or frothed milk. Oh, it also will froth milk cold for cold coffee drinks.

But I was still hung up on the coffee capsule thing, but wouldn’t you know it–they had a machine all set up to give out samples. My older son and I tried an espresso and, as they say, the rest is history. The espresso was easily as good as, if not better, than any other espresso I’ve ever had at any of the local coffee shops. I had to buy this machine. Yes, HAD to.

It didn’t hurt that it was my birthday. <G>

So for the last week and a half, we’ve been enjoying having the best espresso and cappucino that I’ve ever made at home. And honestly, it rivals what I’ve had anywhere else, too. Even mail ordering the coffee isn’t difficult or expensive. Our order came within two business days. I can live with that.

Basically, I’m in heaven.