The winner of the new copy of The Nobodies Album is...
The winner of my blogoversary giveaway is...
I'll be contacting all of you. Please get me your shipping addresses this week, and I'll get these out to you all. Thanks so much for entering!
Tuesday, 10 May 2011
WINNERS: The Nobodies Album and Blogoversary winners
I have winners for my last two giveaways.
First the winners of the The Nobodies Album. The winner of my gently read copy of The Nobodies Album is...
I'll be contacting all of you. Please get me your shipping addresses this week, and I'll get these out to you all. Thanks so much for entering!
I'll be contacting all of you. Please get me your shipping addresses this week, and I'll get these out to you all. Thanks so much for entering!
Monday, 9 May 2011
Mailbox Monday (5/9/11 edition)
Image licensed from bigstockphoto.com Copyright stands
Mailbox Monday is now hosted monthly by a different blog. Here is the official blog of Mailbox Monday. Here is what I received over the last couple of weeks:
Won through Read It Forward
The Philosophical Breakfast Club recounts the life and work of four men who met as students at Cambridge University: Charles Babbage, John Herschel, William Whewell, and Richard Jones. Recognizing that they shared a love of science (as well as good food and drink) they began to meet on Sunday mornings to talk about the state of science in Britain and the world at large. Inspired by the great 17th century scientific reformer and political figure Francis Bacon—another former student of Cambridge—the Philosophical Breakfast Club plotted to bring about a new scientific revolution. And to a remarkable extent, they succeeded, even in ways they never intended.
Historian of science and philosopher Laura J. Snyder exposes the political passions, religious impulses, friendships, rivalries, and love of knowledge—and power—that drove these extraordinary men. Whewell (who not only invented the word “scientist,” but also founded the fields of crystallography, mathematical economics, and the science of tides), Babbage (a mathematical genius who invented the modern computer), Herschel (who mapped the skies of the Southern Hemisphere and contributed to the invention of photography), and Jones (a curate who shaped the science of economics) were at the vanguard of the modernization of science.
This absorbing narrative of people, science and ideas chronicles the intellectual revolution inaugurated by these men, one that continues to mold our understanding of the world around us and of our place within it. Drawing upon the voluminous correspondence between the four men over the fifty years of their work, Laura J. Snyder shows how friendship worked to spur the men on to greater accomplishments, and how it enabled them to transform science and help create the modern world.
Won through Books, Movies, Reviews! Oh My!
From the author of Where the River Ends, comes this page-turning story of love and survival.
On a stormy winter night, two strangers wait for a flight at the Salt Lake City airport. Ashley Knox is an attractive, successful writer, who is flying East for her much anticipated wedding. Dr. Ben Payne has just wrapped up a medical conference and is also eager to get back East for a slate of surgeries he has scheduled for the following day. When the last outgoing flight is cancelled due to a broken de-icer and a forthcoming storm, Ben finds a charter plane that can take him around the storm and drop him in Denver to catch a connection. And when the pilot says the single engine prop plane can fit one more, if barely, Ben offers the seat to Ashley knowing that she needs to get back just as urgently. And then the unthinkable happens. The pilot has a heart attack mid-flight and the plane crashes into the High Uintas Wilderness-- one of the largest stretches of harsh and remote land in the United States.
Ben, who has broken ribs and Ashley, who suffers a terrible leg fracture, along with the pilot's dog, are faced with an incredibly harrowing battle to survive. Fortunately, Ben is a medical professional and avid climber (and in a lucky break, has his gear from a climb earlier in the week). With little hope for rescue, he must nurse Ashley back to health and figure out how they are going to get off the mountain, where the temperature hovers in the teens. Meanwhile, Ashley soon realizes that the very private Ben has some serious emotional wounds to heal as well. He explains to Ashley that he is separated from his beloved wife, but in a long standing tradition, he faithfully records messages for her on his voice recorder reflecting on their love affair. As Ashley eavesdrops on Ben's tender words to his estranged wife she comes to fear that when it comes to her own love story, she's just settling. And what's more: she begins to realize that the man she is really attracted to, the man she may love, is Ben.
As the days on the mountains become weeks, their survival become increasingly perilous. How will they make it out of the wilderness and if they do, how will this experience change them forever?
Both a tender and page-turning read, The Mountain Between Us will reaffirm your belief in the power of love to sustain us.
Won through Books, Movies, Reviews! Oh My!
An American journalist researches the notorious roundup of Parisian Jews and uncovers her French family's war-era secrets.
Won through the Dewey's April 24-Hour Read-a-thon
A richly inventive novel about a centuries-old vampire, a spellbound witch, and the mysterious manuscript that draws them together.
Deep in the stacks of Oxford's Bodleian Library, young scholar Diana Bishop unwittingly calls up a bewitched alchemical manuscript in the course of her research. Descended from an old and distinguished line of witches, Diana wants nothing to do with sorcery; so after a furtive glance and a few notes, she banishes the book to the stacks. But her discovery sets a fantastical underworld stirring, and a horde of daemons, witches, and vampires soon descends upon the library. Diana has stumbled upon a coveted treasure lost for centuries-and she is the only creature who can break its spell.
Debut novelist Deborah Harkness has crafted a mesmerizing and addictive read, equal parts history and magic, romance and suspense. Diana is a bold heroine who meets her equal in vampire geneticist Matthew Clairmont, and gradually warms up to him as their alliance deepens into an intimacy that violates age-old taboos. This smart, sophisticated story harks back to the novels of Anne Rice, but it is as contemporary and sensual as the Twilight series-with an extra serving of historical realism.
Won from Zombie Girl Shambling
As the walking dead rise up throughout the world, a few brave doctors attempt to find a cure by applying forensic techniques to captured zombies.
On a remote island a crack medical team has been sent to explore a radical theory that could uncover a cure for the epidemic. Based on the team's research and the observations of renowned zombie expert Dr. Stanley Blum, THE ZOMBIE AUTOPSIES documents for the first time the unique biology of zombie organisms.
Detailed drawings of the internal organs of actual zombies provide an accurate anatomy of these horrifying creatures. Zombie brains, hearts, lungs, skin, and digestive system are shown, while Dr. Blum's notes reveal shocking insights into how they function—even as Blum and his colleagues themselves begin to succumb to the plague.
No one knows the ultimate fate of Dr. Blum or his researchers. But now that his notebook, THE ZOMBIE AUTOPSIES, has been made available to the UN, the World Health Organization, and the general public, his scientific discoveries may be the last hope for humans on earth.
Received from the author for review
Research has revealed that when we show concern for others—empathizing with a friend who has lost a loved one, mowing the lawn for an elderly neighbor, or volunteering to mentor a school-aged child—we improve our own health and well-being and embrace and give voice to our deeper identity and dignity as human beings.
In this moving book, Stephen G. Post helps us discover how we can make "helping" a lifetime activity. The Hidden Gifts of Helping explores the very personal story of Post and his family's difficult move and their experience with the healing power of helping others, as well as his passion about how this simple activity—expressed in an infinite number of small or large ways—can help you survive and thrive despite the expected and unexpected challenges life presents.
Post's story is intertwined with supporting scientific research and spiritual understanding. This book can become your companion and guide to the power of giving, forgiving, and compassion in hard times.
The Hidden Gifts of Helping will leave you with the unshakable feeling that the world can be a good place, if we act to make it so.
Received for review from author
From surviving the wilds of the Texas Hill Country to a devastating battle with cancer, this is the story of Moses -- a beautiful, big, white dog who, from all indications, began his life as a livestock guard dog on a ranch in Texas (as do many dogs of his breed, the Great Pyrenees). Moses was taken in by a pet rescue group after having wandered onto a ranch in central Texas...homeless. After a few short months in foster care, Moses found his forever family and the road to immortality through their love and devotion.
In an authentic voice, the author tells the story of her beloved dog, Moses. Fate brought them together and something terrible ended their story far too soon. The Story of Moses recounts how Moses gained celebrity with friends, neighbors and strangers and earned the love and trust of both his human and four-legged family. As Moses illness is discovered and advances, life unravels like a loose thread in a well-worn sweater.
But, Moses' story is much, much more. It is the story of joy and hope and sorrow. It is the story of the wonderful dogs that came before, opening the door for Moses to walk through. It is the story of those left to remember and cherish. It is the story of survival in the midst of great loss-- of loving again, sheltering again, and living in the moment. It is knowing that, however painful, love remains and is the ultimate blessing.
The cast is a rich tableau of canine characters. There's Cleopatra, the first matriarch who won the author's heart and whose story is one of intelligence and grace and love. The story continues to unfold with Odin -- a fiercely loyal and protective dog whose will could not be broken and who loved Cleo immeasurably and grieved deeply and hauntingly through her loss. Odin was a mountain of a dog whose passing left a big hole in the lives of his owners and provided the impetus behind the search that led to Moses. Moses and his 'siblings' Bess, Samantha and Pax provide the next generation of antics and challenges in which Moses shines through with strength, willfulness and gentleness unmatched - a true, gentle giant. Though Moses' life ended tragically, his loving spirit lives on.
The book celebrates the individuality, intelligence and unconditional love of man's best friend. The book also dispels the myth of shelter and rescue dogs being undesirables while frankly exploring the pain and sorrow of loss and the soothing balm of trusted companions.
Animal lovers will delight in the stories of the amazing dogs that grace the pages and empathize over the ruthless destruction of canine cancer. Readers looking from the outside in who have not yet experienced the joy of pet ownership may well find themselves moved to do so.
The following books were received from the Book Bloggers & Publishers Online Conference:
IN this star-studded cross-genre anthology, seventeen of the greatest modern authors of fantasy, science fiction, and romance explore the borderlands of their genres with brand-new tales of ill-fated love. From zombie-infested woods in a postapocalyptic America to faery-haunted rural fields in eighteenth- century England, from the kingdoms of high fantasy to the alien world of a galaxy-spanning empire, these are stories of lovers who must struggle against the forces of magic and fate.
Award-winning, bestselling author Neil Gaiman demonstrates why he’s one of the hottest stars in literature today with “The Thing About Cassandra,” a subtle but chilling story of a man who meets an old girlfriend he had never expected to see.
International blockbuster bestselling author Diana Gabaldon sends a World War II RAF pilot through a stone circle to the time of her Outlander series in “A Leaf on the Winds of All Hallows.” Torn from all he knows, Jerry MacKenzie determinedly survives hardship and danger, intent on his goal of returning home to his wife and baby—no matter the cost.
New York Times bestselling author Jim Butcher presents “Love Hurts,” in which Harry Dresden takes on one of his deadliest adversaries and in the process is forced to confront the secret desires of his own heart.
Just the smallest sampling promises unearthly delights, but look also for stories by New York Times bestselling romance authors Jo Beverley and Mary Jo Putney, and by such legends of the fantasy genre as Peter S. Beagle and Tanith Lee, as well as many other popular and beloved writers, including Marjorie M. Liu, Jacqueline Carey, Carrie Vaughn, and Robin Hobb. This exquisite anthology, crafted by the peerless editing team of George R. R. Martin and Gardner Dozois, is sure to leave you under its spell.
START INTERCEPTArmies of undead have risen up across the U.S. and around the globe;there is no safe haven from the diseased corpses hungering for human flesh. But in the heat of a Texas wasteland, a small band of survivors attempt to counter the millions closing in around them.INTERCEPT COMPLETE
Survivor, Day by day, the handwritten journal entries of one man caught in a worldwide cataclysm capturethe desperation—and the will to survive—as he joins forces with a handful of refugees to battlesoulless enemies both human and inhuman from inside an abandoned strategic missile facility.
But in the world of the undead, is mere survival enough?
A lone survivor in a zombie-infested world, Jonah Caine wandered for months, struggling to understand the apocalypse in which he lives.
Unable to find a moral or sane reason for the horror that surrounds him, he is overwhelmed by violence and insignificance. Then Jonah comes across a group of survivors living in a museum-turned-compound. They are led by Jack, an ever-practical and efficient military man; and Milton, a mysterious prophet who holds a strange power over the dead. Both share Jonah’s anguish over the brutality of their world as well as his hope for its beauty. Together with others, they build a community that reestablishes an island of order and humanity surrounded by relentless ghouls. But this newfound peace is short-lived, as Jonah and his band of refugees clash with another group of survivors who remind them that the undead are not the only—nor the most grotesque—horrors they must face.
A widow at twenty-five, beautiful Elise Laffont had been taught by her brutal husband to hate sex and men. She was quite content to manage her small Louisiana farm alone -- until a Natchez Indian uprising forced her to flee.
To secure safe passage for herself and her neighbors, Elise agreed to become the mistress of Reynaud Chavalier, son of a French nobleman and a Natchez princess.
But what began as sacrifice soon became pleasure, as his sensuous touch awakened her to the ecstasies of love...
From the day Cobb and Mary meet kayaking on Maine's Allagash River and fall deeply in love, the two approach life with the same sense of adventure they use to conquer the river's treacherous rapids. But rivers do not let go so easily...and neither does their love. So when Mary's life takes the cruelest turn, she vows to face those rough waters on her own terms and asks Cobb to promise, when the time comes, to help her return to their beloved river for one final journey.
Set against the rugged wilderness of Maine, the exotic islands of Indonesia, the sweeping panoramas of Yellowstone National Park, and the tranquil villages of rural New England, Eternal on the Water is at once heartbreaking and uplifting -- a timeless, beautifully rendered story of true love's power.
Jane, a shapeshifting vampire-hunter-for-hire, crosses paths with a stranger who has arrived in New Orleans, enlisted to hunt vampires who have gone insane-or so he says...
Thanks so much to everyone!
Help For Writers!
Writers, do you need a little help?
Some people may not realize that I offer several services for writers and authors. There’s a brief listing under the tab above, or you can follow the links below. Whatever I can do to assist you in your author journey or help you to produce the best quality product possible, please let me know!
Private consulting for writers
Unsure what path to take or where to begin? I work with writers starting on the journey, providing them with information, links, and the knowledge they need to succeed.
Book formatting services
Need to prepare a book for your printer? Let me help you make it look professional and top notch!
I also do e-Book formatting - contact me for assistance! (Especially if you are struggling to get your book into distribution or a national catalog.)
Book cover design
A fantastic cover draws attention! For professional cover art/illustration/images, including full wrap around design, contact my husband Craig.
Also, inquire about professional book trailers and logos.
For services I don’t provide, I can point you in the direction of a professional - just ask!
Some people may not realize that I offer several services for writers and authors. There’s a brief listing under the tab above, or you can follow the links below. Whatever I can do to assist you in your author journey or help you to produce the best quality product possible, please let me know!
Private consulting for writers
Unsure what path to take or where to begin? I work with writers starting on the journey, providing them with information, links, and the knowledge they need to succeed.
Book formatting services
Need to prepare a book for your printer? Let me help you make it look professional and top notch!
I also do e-Book formatting - contact me for assistance! (Especially if you are struggling to get your book into distribution or a national catalog.)
Book cover design
A fantastic cover draws attention! For professional cover art/illustration/images, including full wrap around design, contact my husband Craig.
Also, inquire about professional book trailers and logos.
For services I don’t provide, I can point you in the direction of a professional - just ask!
Sunday, 8 May 2011
REVIEW: Ten Beach Road by Wendy Wax
Madeline, Avery, and Nikki are strangers to each other, but they have one thing in common. They each wake up one morning to discover their life savings have vanished, along with their trusted financial manager- leaving them with nothing but co-ownership of a ramshackle beachfront house.
Throwing their lots in together, they take on the challenge of restoring the historic property. But just as they begin to reinvent themselves and discover the power of friendship, secrets threaten to tear down their trust-and destroy their lives a second time.
Pub. Date: May 2011
Publisher: Penguin Group (USA)
Format: Paperback , 432pp
ISBN-13: 9780425240861
ISBN: 042524086X
About the Author
from her own bio
All of my class pictures from Sunshine Elementary School are displayed at the Gulf Beaches Historical Museum on Pass-a-Grille,” says Wendy Wax, speaking about her childhood in St. Pete Beach, Florida. “Fish Broil was the big event every fall and the best days were when we had recess or art class on the beach, but what I remember best is running loose with my friends and exploring every inch of the beach we called our own. Is it any surprise it’s still one of my favorite places in the world? Or that it ended up as the setting in one of my books? It was bound to happen someday.”
Someday came when Wendy began reading about how the lives of so many people, from so many different walks of life, changed dramatically as a result of Bernie Madoff’s Ponzi scheme. It wasn’t long before she was imagining a scenario in which three women face bankruptcy at the hands of an unscrupulous money manager. At the end of the day, these three strangers discover that all that’s left of their savings is shared ownership of a once-glorious beachfront mansion. They’re faced with a choice. They can cut their losses and sell for whatever amount of money they can get, or—in a bid for solvency—accept the backing of a local contractor in order to restore the historic property themselves, bit-by-backbreaking bit.
The basics of her plot and the themes Wendy imagined—women facing adversity, making choices, redefining themselves and discovering the strength of friendship—gave her a wide range of possible settings for TEN BEACH ROAD. When it came time to embrace ambiance, architectural styles, and local color, she chose a place she knows well, her hometown of St. Pete Beach. It was right for so many reasons. Its tropical climate, dual cultures of vacationers and residents, and even the current real estate market fit her story well, and presented challenges her characters might not have faced elsewhere. Of course, it also gave Wendy an opportunity to indulge in researching the Mediterranean-Revival architectural style she so admires and the history of the area, as well as to share her pleasure in magnificent Gulf sunsets and some of her favorite spots in Historic Pass-a-Grille.
Among her fondest memories are visits to her local library. Wendy read voraciously as a child, becoming fast friends with Nancy Drew and Anne of Green Gables. Her love affairs with language and storytelling paid off beginning with her first shift at the campus radio station while studying journalism at the University of Georgia.
Wendy returned home, graduated from the University of South Florida and then worked for the Tampa PBS affiliate, WEDU-TV, behind and in front of the camera. Her resume includes on air work, voiceovers and production work on a variety of commercial projects and several feature films. She was best-known in the Tampa Bay area as the host of Desperate & Dateless, a radio matchmaking program that aired on WDAE radio, and nationally as host of The Home Front, a magazine format show that aired on PBS affiliates across the country.
The mother of a toddler and an infant when she decided to change careers, Wendy admits it may not have been the best timing in terms of productivity. “I’m still not certain why I felt so compelled to write my first novel at that particular time,” she says, “but that first book took forever.” Since then she’s written six others, including Magnolia Wednesdays, the Romance Writers of America RITA Award finalist The Accidental Bestseller and Single in Suburbia. Her novel 7 Days and 7 Nights was honored with the Virginia Romance Writers Holt Medallion Award. Her work has been sold to publishers in ten countries and to the Rhapsody Book Club, and her novel, Hostile Makeover, was excerpted in Cosmopolitan magazine.
Wendy lives in Atlanta, which she has called home for 14 years. A former broadcaster, she spends much of her non-writing time speaking to writer’s groups and book clubs, enjoying time with her husband and sons, and visiting her family in St. Pete. She continues to devour books.
Find out more from her website.
My Thoughts
Three women from very different backgrounds find themselves thrown into a common situation after they all become victims of a Ponzi scheme and lose everything, except for a single rundown beach house in south Florida of which they learn they are co-owners. Knowing this is their only shot to survive, they work together to renovate Bella Flora and get her ready for the market.
Town/Location/Environment:
This story takes place in Pass-a-Grille, FL, a little north of Tampa (and therefore just a couple of hours north of me!) A Mediterranean Revival-style home located on the beach in a small town, and I imagine it looked a lot like this...
I liked this book. It was a simple story- there weren’t any great mysteries to keep me on my toes- but the characters were relatable, with interspersed moments of emotion and levity.
There is something for everyone to identify with in this book: painful childhoods, the trials of motherhood and marriage, loss, heartbreak, sexual tension that expresses itself in a combative nature, economics, strained family ties, and on and on.
This book is written in an easy-to-read style. There’s no need to interpret the meaning of things, no symbolism to unravel. It simply gets to the heart of the matter.
I didn’t really identify too much with any woman individually. However each of the women are a piece of me. Atleast each of the main characters, Maddie, Nichole and Avery. I could identify with Maddie’s nurturing, maternal side, with Nichole’s tough exterior, with Avery’s strong will. These were women that I could like and spend time with (and, in fact, did spend time with through the course of this story). If I had to pick one that I identified most with, it would probably be Nichole. She’s a little more spoiled and more used to the good things in life than me, but the way she presents a tough exterior to the world that masks a softer side that is trying to do the right thing is something that I can relate to, as well as identifying with living in poverty as a child (although my mother was very good at hiding the fact that we were living below the poverty level. She’s one of those people that CAN squeeze blood from a turnip, and would get everything possible out of nickel, and then some!).
Content Rating: There was some occasional vulgarity, but it was far and few between. Mild sexuality. I’d give it a strictly PG-13 rating.
My final word: The only real "negative" that I have (which wasn't significant enough to really be a negative) is that while I enjoyed the story, I found the ending slightly less than satisfying. I can’t get into “why” without involving spoilers, but suffice to say that the ending was “okay”, but not totally fulfilling for me.
If you like stories of small towns, friendship, family and trials and tribulations (or if you like the works of Karen White), give this one a try. This was my first experience with author Wendy Wax, and I would be happy to give another of her works a shot in the future. It's a solid story, and a fine read!
My Rating: 7.5 out of 10
Disclosure:
I received a copy of this book to review through Joan Schulhafer Publishing & Media Consulting, in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not financially compensated in any way, and the opinions expressed are my own and based on my observations while reading this novel. The book that I received was an uncorrected proof.
Book Giveaways in Blogworld (5-8-11 edition)
NOTE: A reminder that you are free to email me about any giveaways that you are having, if you want me to blog them, and I'll be happy to try to post them even if I am not entering them. Just include a link to the giveaway, what you are giving away, how many copies are being given away, and the deadline in order to assure being included. Email me at nfmgirl AT gmail DOT com.
Here is a list of some giveaways going on in Blogworld*. Please note that new giveaways that were added this week are indented in Blockquotes:
Peeking Between the Pages is giving away a copy of The Uncoupling. Deadline is May 14. US/Canada only.
Peeking Between the Pages is giving away 2 copies of The Bird Sisters. Deadline is May 14. US/Canada only.
Peeking Between the Pages is giving away Miles from Ordinary. Deadline is May 14. International!
Deranged Book Lovers is having a 6-month blogoversary giveaway for the Metrozone series. Deadline is May 25. International!
Down the Rabbit Hole is giving away your choice of a book. Deadline is May 26. International!
*Courtesy Note: Please keep in mind the many, many hours of work that goes into me compiling this list each week. Please be courteous and thoughtful, and do not steal my text. Either recreate your own list, or link to this list and direct your readers here for giveaway information. Thank you so much for your consideration.
Here is a list of some giveaways going on in Blogworld*. Please note that new giveaways that were added this week are indented in Blockquotes:
Peeking Between the Pages is giving away a copy of The Uncoupling. Deadline is May 14. US/Canada only.
Peeking Between the Pages is giving away 2 copies of The Bird Sisters. Deadline is May 14. US/Canada only.
Peeking Between the Pages is giving away Miles from Ordinary. Deadline is May 14. International!
Misfit Salon is giving away your choice of a selection of books. Deadline is May 16. International!
SusieBookworm is giving away 2 copies of Caleb's Crossing. Deadline is May 18. US/Canada only.Peeking Between the Pages is giving away The Sandalwood Tree. Deadline is May 21. US/Canada only.
Deranged Book Lovers is having a 6-month blogoversary giveaway for the Metrozone series. Deadline is May 25. International!
Down the Rabbit Hole is giving away your choice of a book. Deadline is May 26. International!
*Courtesy Note: Please keep in mind the many, many hours of work that goes into me compiling this list each week. Please be courteous and thoughtful, and do not steal my text. Either recreate your own list, or link to this list and direct your readers here for giveaway information. Thank you so much for your consideration.
Saturday, 7 May 2011
The Weekend Sillies Are Back!
And back with a kitty vengence...
see more Lolcats and funny pictures, and check out our Socially Awkward Penguin lolz!
see more Lolcats and funny pictures, and check out our Socially Awkward Penguin lolz!
see more Lolcats and funny pictures, and check out our Socially Awkward Penguin lolz!
see more Lolcats and funny pictures, and check out our Socially Awkward Penguin lolz!
see more Lolcats and funny pictures, and check out our Socially Awkward Penguin lolz!
see more Lolcats and funny pictures, and check out our Socially Awkward Penguin lolz!
see more Lolcats and funny pictures, and check out our Socially Awkward Penguin lolz!
see more Lolcats and funny pictures, and check out our Socially Awkward Penguin lolz!
see more Lolcats and funny pictures, and check out our Socially Awkward Penguin lolz!
see more Lolcats and funny pictures, and check out our Socially Awkward Penguin lolz!
see more Lolcats and funny pictures, and check out our Socially Awkward Penguin lolz!
see more Lolcats and funny pictures, and check out our Socially Awkward Penguin lolz!
see more Lolcats and funny pictures, and check out our Socially Awkward Penguin lolz!
see more Lolcats and funny pictures, and check out our Socially Awkward Penguin lolz!
see more Lolcats and funny pictures, and check out our Socially Awkward Penguin lolz!
see more Lolcats and funny pictures, and check out our Socially Awkward Penguin lolz!
see more Lolcats and funny pictures, and check out our Socially Awkward Penguin lolz!
see more Lolcats and funny pictures, and check out our Socially Awkward Penguin lolz!
see more Lolcats and funny pictures, and check out our Socially Awkward Penguin lolz!
see more Lolcats and funny pictures, and check out our Socially Awkward Penguin lolz!
Thursday, 5 May 2011
What I Learned...
...from my anniversary vacation!
I'm an all-out, volume set to 11, warp 9, hyperactive type of person. I don't hold still and I've involved in more things than you can imagine. Needless to say, I stretch myself thin on a daily basis.
After a few days in Wilmington, NC celebrating my 20th wedding anniversary, I learned something. I need some slower moments in my life. Moments away from my computer, from writing 'stuff,' from emailing and calling, from working on seminars... I desperately need some real-life moments I can enjoy at a leisurely pace.
Let me show you what I got to enjoy last week...
We went on the Haunted Pub Crawl and learned a ton about the history of Wilmington.
We went to the Cape Fear Serpentarium.
This was our second visit and just as much fun.
The world's rarest and most dangerous reptiles, all under one roof. Bad place to be if there's an earthquake!
We took a horse drawn carriage ride!
There are seven different loops through the historic neighborhoods. The horses are resuces from the meathouse and trained in Chicago.
As our driver asked, when's the last time you enjoyed going 2 mph on the road?
We shopped, we strolled, we visited the Coast Guard ship, The Defiance, which was in port for a few weeks... All very relaxing!
One dinner was spent at this restaurant. As soon as we saw it, we knew we had to snag a balcony seat!
And we did!
The menu is all meat, but they made a special pasta dish just for me.
We even had room for desert! Guess all that walking gives one an appetite.
It was fun to go places we would've never know existed and see quaint little areas and surreal scences. I just had my little CoolPix, but I took a lot of photos.
It was probably the most relaxed I've been (for more than a few hours) in a long time!
What did I learn? Take time to enjoy life!!
And I have a short post at The Circle of Friends on how the Book Industry is Shifting, at least for me!
I'm an all-out, volume set to 11, warp 9, hyperactive type of person. I don't hold still and I've involved in more things than you can imagine. Needless to say, I stretch myself thin on a daily basis.
After a few days in Wilmington, NC celebrating my 20th wedding anniversary, I learned something. I need some slower moments in my life. Moments away from my computer, from writing 'stuff,' from emailing and calling, from working on seminars... I desperately need some real-life moments I can enjoy at a leisurely pace.
Let me show you what I got to enjoy last week...
Our hotel was downtown, so we parked the car and simply walked.
We went on the Haunted Pub Crawl and learned a ton about the history of Wilmington.
This was our second visit and just as much fun.
The world's rarest and most dangerous reptiles, all under one roof. Bad place to be if there's an earthquake!
There are seven different loops through the historic neighborhoods. The horses are resuces from the meathouse and trained in Chicago.
As our driver asked, when's the last time you enjoyed going 2 mph on the road?
We shopped, we strolled, we visited the Coast Guard ship, The Defiance, which was in port for a few weeks... All very relaxing!
One dinner was spent at this restaurant. As soon as we saw it, we knew we had to snag a balcony seat!
The menu is all meat, but they made a special pasta dish just for me.
We even had room for desert! Guess all that walking gives one an appetite.
It was fun to go places we would've never know existed and see quaint little areas and surreal scences. I just had my little CoolPix, but I took a lot of photos.
It was probably the most relaxed I've been (for more than a few hours) in a long time!
What did I learn? Take time to enjoy life!!
And I have a short post at The Circle of Friends on how the Book Industry is Shifting, at least for me!
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