HAPPY NEW YEAR'S

I'm saying it a few hours early, because no way I'm making it 'til midnight. I'm planning to be asleep long before then, because there's snow and a mountain waiting for me tomorrow.

Also, aren't you supposed to begin the year as you want to go on? For someone like me, who REALLY loves her 7-8 uninterrupted hours and doesn't get them nearly as often as she'd like (it's the uninterrupted part I have trouble with, and yes, IT'S MY KIDS' FAULT) blissful sleep seems like the prefect way to begin the year.

But I'm debating whether I should make resolutions. Not that they haven't worked out for me in the past. I've only kept one, mind you, in 1991, but that turned into my first book, JOURNEY HOME, so it was a pretty good one.

Usually I don't bother. No point in resolving to eat well/exercise/etc., because I resolve to eat well every single morning of my life. (I'm not confessing how seldom it works.) And I'm pretty happy with my exercise regimen; a long walk every morning in the fresh air in my beautiful neighborhood with a dog I adore, and two pilates classes a week with a bunch of women I enjoy. Good enough for me, a determined sweat-avoider.

I could resolve to write, but I make that resolution every week day morning, too. No difference on Jan 1.

So I think I'm going to resolve things that will make me happy. Happy is good.

I'm going to read at least one book a month purely for fun. Not a spot of research or idea-searching allowed.

I'm going to go on one trip with my ten year old alone. It might be a short one, but we did this for the first time this year and I adored it.

I'm going to pick a day a week and call a friend. I really like my friends, but sometimes, caught up in the frantic everyday pace, a long time slips by without my talking to them. I miss them.

Once a week, I get to try a new recipe. I realize this doesn't fall under "fun" for many of you, but I love cookbooks. Be happy to share any particularly successful ones, if any of you are interested.

How about you. Oh, I'd love to hear the resolutions you make, but not just the "improve yourself" ones. I want to hear the "improve your life" ones, the ones you're going to do because they're going to make you happy. And how are you planning to "begin as you intend to go on?"

Susie

A Bloody Good Time (with Music)

Despite its appearance, today's blog is not merely a means to post pictures of Johnny Depp. This is a movie review (with lots 'o Johnny pics).I saw SWEENEY TODD: THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET on Christmas Day. Yeah, I know, strange movie choice for that day. But after a very lackluster screening of I AM LEGEND, I had high hopes for entertainment. And this movie delivered.

Warning: It is a musical, and many songs are sung. I warned The Hubby about this copiously before entering the theatre, but he still walked out shaking his head over the amount of musical numbers. Whatever. Johnny can sing. Probably not great, but it was good enough for me. Helena Bonham Carter, on the other hand, cannot sing as well, and she does have a tendency to grate on my nerves, so I could have done with a few less numbers warbled by her.


But dang, Johnny looks good in his ghoul makeup.
Tim Burton and Johnny Depp are a match made in, well, not exactly heaven, probably some lower, much darker depths. They first joined forces in EDWARD SCISSORHANDS, got back together for SLEEPY HOLLOW, and CORPSE BRIDE, and now this wonderfully bloody musical that features a barber on a vengeance streak that will not be stopped no matter who falls at his smartly-wielded blade. I love it when Todd sings a love song to his blade and pronounces it 'a part of his arm; and now he is complete'.

Sascha Baron Cohen has a surprisingly comical role in what is otherwise a dark, brooding story. I didn't see BORAT, so I can't say whether this is a typical performance of his, but it was just fine. Though that tight indigo suit he wears was a bit distracting. (He packs to the right, if anyone wonders. But you don't have to wonder; it's in your face right there on the big screen.)
The kid was awesome, I don't know who we was, but if that was his singing voice, then bravo. And Alan Rickman plays the greasy, slimeball of a ward perfectly. The young man who falls in love with Todd's daughter is another pretty face, (but he couldn't compete with Johnny) and I hope to see more of him in future movies.Was there blood? Oh heck yeah. Lots. Buckets. Waves. But I didn't look. (I'm not stupid.) When I saw Johnny moving in for the slice, I looked away. The most disturbing parts were actually when the bodies were dumped from the hinged chair, through a hole in the floor, to land, skull-crackingly-first, on the stone floor below. Ouch!

Anyway, if you're looking for a bloody good time at the movies with music and romance and murder, then this is the movie for you. Or maybe you're just a Johnny fan, like me, and want to pay homage to one of the finer actors on the big screen. He only gets better with age, I feel. Better looking, and more interesting to watch on screen.
What's up next for my guy? Barnabas Collins, the vampire, in a DARK SHADOWS remake. I can't wait!

[Sorry to freak you out with the red background color. It seemed appropriate for today's post.]

Kathleen: Reality (Show) Check

Miss Not-a-Fan-Of-Reality-Shows has a confession to make. The premise for my March book, MYSTIC HORSEMAN (sequel to RIDE A PAINTED PONY) was inspired in part by a reality show. If you've read RAPP, you won't be surprised to learn that MH is Dillon Black's story. If you haven't, well, you still have time. But for purposes of today's discussion, our hero is an Indian cowboy who's been busy pulling himself up by his bootstraps since his divorce. Ex-wife Monica, meanwhile, has been raising the kids and becoming a successful TV show decorator. Dillon has new dreams, Monica has new problems, and along comes an opportunity to bring everybody together. It's an Extreme Makeover Home Edition-type show called "Who's Our Neighbor."

I'm really not such a big fan of most reality shows. But I like decorating and remodeling shows. Generally, I like the carpenters.
Here's one I like. Andrew started on "While You Were Out," went to "Trading Spaces," and then became "The Take Home Handyman." Looks terrific in a toolbelt. Who wouldn't take him home?

I like this one, too. Carter replaced Ty as the Everywoman's Dream Carpenter on "Trading Spaces." He has his own show now, but I haven't followed.
Still, he's cute.





But Ty was the inspiration for the Hollywood carpenter, Tate Fox, in MYSTIC HORSEMAN. Just looks. I know nothing about Ty's character. His ego is probably minuscule compared to Tate's.

My "Trading Spaces" addiction waned after they changed the format. I miss Paige. She was the viewer's conduit into the show--like the viewpoint character or the heroine in our fiction--and I think that's missing from the show now.










But my topic is Reality Shows, which were supposed to fill the void during the writers' strike. Most of them leave me cold. "Dancing With the Stars"? Can't get into it. "Idol"? Nope. (Love Jennifer Hudson, though.) I watched "The Biggest Loser" when one of my daughter's bridesmaids was a competitor. Stopped watching when she was eliminated. Have no interest in what it's like to grow up Gotti. "Survivor"? Blech! (Fodder for some of the humor in MYSTIC HORSEMAN.)
I do like "Project Runway." I like the story. Yeah, I know, the "Survivor" gimmick is there--cutthroat competition--but no matter how wacky the designers get, Heidi and Tim serve as anchors for me. And I like the creativity aspect. Designing clothes and decorating/remodeling are activities that appeal to me. It's all about character and situation.

Reality shows: What's the appeal? Which ones have you hooked? Which ones don't you get? Do you have an idea for a great reality show?

Helen Celebrates a Life

On November 23, 1906 newspaper headlines read:

Roosevelt Becomes the First US President to Visit a Foreign Country (It was Panama.)
London Selected to Host the 1908 Olympics
China Prohibits Opium Trade
Joseph Smith, Leader of the Mormon Church, Convicted of Polygamy
Lillian Victoria Anderson is born!!

Well, that last one wasn’t a significant happening to the rest of the world, but it would eventually mean something to me. My Grandma Lillian was born 101 years ago this past November. She saw the world change in ways I can only imagine, so I did a little research hoping to put her world into perspective for me.

The year my grandma was born bread was 5 cents a loaf, milk was 29 cents a gallon, the average car cost about $500, and the average house about $4,500. It cost 2 cents to mail a letter, and the average person’s annual income was about $880.

She may have played with one of the top three toys of the time, Crayola crayons, Lionel Trains or teddy bears. A couple of the top songs of 1906 were Anchors Aweigh by A.H. Miles and Moonbeams by Henry Blossom. A few of the top books of 1906 were The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton, The Call of the Wild by Jack London, and Up From Slavery by Booker T.Washington.

Per Wikipedia, a lot of interesting things happened in 1906.

An earthquake registering 7.8 hit San Francisco, killing at least 3,000, leaving up to 300,000 homeless and causing $350 million in damages and virtually destroying the city.
A typhoon with tsunami killed an estimated 10,000 people in Hong Kong.
And Mount Vesuvius erupted, devastating Naples, Italy.

Theodore Roosevelt signed the Antiquities Act, authorizing the President to restrict the use of certain parcels of public land with historic or conservation value, and he declared Devils Tower the nation’s first National Monument.
San Francisco public school board sparked a diplomatic crisis with Japan by ordering all Japanese students to be taught in racially segregated schools.
Grand Duchy of Finland became the first nation to adopt universal suffrage, giving women the right to vote.

Rolls-Royce became a registered car maker.
The RMS Lusitania, the world’s largest ship at the time, was launched in Glasgow.
The first ever Victrola was manufactured.
Brandbury Robinson threw the first legal forward pass in an American football game.
SOS became an international distress signal.
The world’s first submarine, the Unterseeboot 1, enters the German navy.
Reginald Fessenden mad the first radio broadcast: a poetry reading, a violin solo, and a speech.
The world’s first feature film, The Story of the Kelly Gang, was released.
Richard Oldham argued that the earth has a molten interior.
The muffuleta sandwich was invented in New Orleans, Louisiana.

All this, just in the year my grandmother was born. No doubt, she saw and lived through many historic, magical, and sometimes tragic events. And around midnight this Christmas she passed away.

Please don’t bum out. In so many ways this was a blessed event. Her wish was granted, and she died peacefully in her sleep.

I've blogged about Grandma several times in the past, so some of you might remember that my whole family got together in Chicago last year to celebrate her 100 birthday. She was relatively healthy, content, except for missing her husband, and mentally as sharp as a tack. At the ripe old age of 99, she even read my first book when it was released. Until about three weeks ago Grandma was still walking around powered by her own steam and steadied with a walker. She had only recently started to need help with her personal care. After watching her husband, all of her co-workers, card and bingo friends and an entire generation of her relatives leave her, Grandma was ready to move on herself.

Her own life was relatively peaceful and happy. She was married for seventy-six years (yes, to the same man) and gave birth to two children. She had an office job she loved at a “dry goods” store, and, though she came to visit every summer in Minnesota when I was a child, she and Grandpa were fortunate to have traveled throughout the U.S. Her favorite destination was Las Vegas! And I can guarantee you it wasn’t for the shows.

I'll miss her, so will my kids, but I know she's happy finally being back with Grandpa. I'm picturing them together again in that big Keno game in the sky, and I'm smiling through the tears.

Holiday Eating Tips :)

Greiman here.

I recently received these helpful holiday hints from a friend, and I must say...they've changed my life. (Not to mention my jeans size.) I hope you find them as useful as I have.

Holiday Eating Tips*

1. Avoid carrot sticks. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffet table knows nothing of the Christmas spirit. In fact, if you see carrots, leave immediately. Go next door, where they're serving rum balls.

2. Drink as much eggnog as you can. And quickly. It's rare; you can't find it any other time of year but now. So drink up! Who cares that it has 10,000 calories in every sip? It's not as if you're going to turn into an eggnog-alcoholic or something. It's a treat. Enjoy it. Have one for me. Have two. It's later than you think. It's Christmas!

3. If something comes with gravy, use it. That's the whole point of gravy. Gravy does not stand alone. Pour it on. Make a volcano out of your mashed potatoes. Fill it with gravy . Eat the volcano. Repeat.

4. As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they're made with skim milk or whole milk. If it's skim, pass. Why bother? It's like buying a sports car with an automatic transmission.

5. Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to control your eating. The whole point of going to a Christmas party is to eat other people's food for free. Lots of it. Hello?

6. Under no circumstances should you exercise between now and New Year's. You can do that in January when you have nothing else to do. This is the time for long naps, which you'll need after circling the buffet table while carrying a 10-pound plate of food and that vat of eggnog.

7. If you come across something really good at a buffet table, like frosted Christmas cookies in the shape and size of Santa, position yourself near them and don't budge. Have as many as you can before becoming the center of attention. They're like a beautiful pair of shoes. If you leave them behind, you're never going to see them again.

8. Same for pies. Apple. Pumpkin. Mincemeat. Have a slice of each. Or if you don't like mincemeat, have two apples and one pumpkin. Always have three. When else do you get to have more than one dessert? Labor Day?

9. Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it's loaded with the mandatory celebratory calories, but avoid it at all cost. I mean, have some standards.

10. One final tip: If you don't feel terrible when you leave the party or get up from the table, you haven't been paying attention. Re-read tips; start over, but hurry, January is just around the corner.

*These tips may not be approved by the Heart Association or the Try Not To Be An Idiot Foundation

Happy Holidays everyone! Thanks for bloggin' with us.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Merry Christmas to all and to all a great day!

This year, I volunteered to be the coordinator for our RWTTD Christmas greeting. And I thought I had everything under control. NOT. I sent out reminders and the riders responded. And things went south from there. One bit of poetry that was supposed to be there, wasn't. One attachment about holiday eating tips. . . wouldn't open. One photo got devoured somewhere in the bowels of Blogger. Apparently, this time of year even computer servers get the munchies! And somehow I lost bits of e-mail. . . sigh.

So, in the interest of Holiday Spirit. . . I'm taking the opportunity to say Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas to our readers, one and all. We adore and appreciate you more than you'll ever know. You've become our friends and confidantes. You've shared with us your lives and your thoughts and ideas. You've graced us with your opinions and your experiences and your companionship. We have a lot to be grateful for, this year. . . lots of accomplishments and wonderful writing-reading experiences. But most of all, we're grateful for you becoming part of our enlarging RWTTD family.

May you have joy and peace in this season of light. And we'll let Michele give you a wave from the past. . . to the future. . .

Merry Christmas!

A few of my favorite things

I'm taking a cue from Deb today, and decided my gift to you would be a few of my favorite things. I do this the end of every November at my blog, so here's a 'Top Picks' version for you all.

What's the best book I read this year? Hands down, it's WICKED LOVELY by Melissa Marr. I can't stop talking about this one; it's that good. It's a young adult hardcover, that should have gone into paperback by now, but it's selling so well, it's still in hardcover. It debuted at #8 on the New York Times list, and then it jumped to #2. What's it about? Faeries. Wicked, dark, lovely, sensuous, malicious, mischievous faeries that will enchant, entice, devour, destroy and own you. An innocent mortal girl can see faeries. That's fine; she can handle that. But if the faeries find out she can see them? Oh, that's not good. Adults will enjoy this one as much as teens. If you like paranormal stories, you MUST read it. The sequel, INK EXCHANGE is due out beginning of next year.

The Girl and I went to a chocolate show about a month ago. (Yes, it was a huge convention handing out samples of CHOCOLATE! I know!) Anyway, while there, I sampled this delicious liquor, VANILLE ROYALE. Num! I don't do alcohol, in fact, I probably drink less than 8 ounces a year. But, I do like to shop in liquor stores around holiday time. I like to look at the pretty bottles. :-) But this time I bought the Vanilla Royale because it is so good. Drink it straight, sipping slowly, or mix with root beer for that great after-the-ice-cream-has-melted-rootbeer-float taste. I brought this to Thanksgiving dinner and it was a major hit with the relatives. I have a bottle in my fridge right now. I feel so...decadent. ;-)

Now, while you're sipping a creamy vanilla liquor, sit back and relax while you listen to this CD. I discovered POINT OF GRACE when I downloaded a copy of Oh Holy Night from iTunes. I loved the quartet's voices so much, I went back and got the whole CD, A Christmas Story. It's so good. The song One King is my favorite. The CD is magical, whimsical, heartfelt and will really get you in the Christmas mood.

Finally, a gift I can actually give to you. My recipe for PAKE. You got it, Pake. That's Pie + Cake = Pake. I think I invented this, but if you've seen this recipe somewhere else...don't tell me. Anyway, here's what you need:

1 tub of Philly Cream Cheese Instant Cheesecake (plain)
1 ready-made Graham Cracker pie crust
bottle of Smuckers Chocolate Magic Shell (it hardens when you pour on ice cream)
Reeses' Peanut Butter Dessert Topping (plastic jar of peanut butter chip sprinkles, and chocolate cookie pieces)

Mix the Reeses sprinkles into the cheesecake filling (reserve some sprinkles for topping). Pour mixture into pie crust. Top with remaining sprinkles and artfully drizzle Magic Shell over all.

That's it! Go forth and make Pake! And have a great Holiday!

Anyone got a great book or CD recommendation? How about a fast, fun recipe to share?

Debra - MY GIFTS TO YOU

It's that time of year. My mind seems occupied with gifts (the buying, not the getting) and food and surviving the holiday.

So often I see a lifestyle celebrity on television who makes the simple gift or kindness look so sophisticated. I think, "Why can't I do that? Why do I worry that I haven't gotten the right gifts or enough gifts for people? Why do I compare what they got me to what I got them?"

Why can't I accept a gift and say thank you instead of cringing because the gift is from someone who isn't on my "exchange" list? Why didn't I have a clue they might get me a gift? Why does it matter if I haven't gotten them a gift? Why do I feel like a grinch if that happens? Why am I so clueless and shallow ??????

Okay, I'm not actually self-aware enough to have asked myself that last question.

But I have decided that I need to offer you--RWTTD's faithful Hadji's, Xanders, Jugheads, Jimmy Olsens, Pucks, Samwises, and Katos--a gift. (Well-known sidekicks were easier to come up with than well-known buds. After you type, Thelma and Louise and Butch and Sundance, you're pretty much done. Besides all those "ands" are confusing. So the sidekick list was more fun for the writer in me. Psst...did you notice I have a thing for male sidekicks? Who are our female sidekicks besides Cheeta?)

But back to you... In appreciation of your slogging here for coffee with us each morning, lunch on the odd Wednesday and cocktails whenever we flick-on the OPEN light, I'm giving you laughter, joy, and health.

Re: Laughter
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Fe11OlMiz8
Give these boys a chance. It's hysterical and if you don't have a smile on your face by the time they're done singing, you need to see the Wizard about a heart.

Re: Joy

The Pocket Rocket

(Yes. That is what you think it is but it's really small. Counter intuitive, huh?) Okay, I understand the "waterproof" bit but what's the little carrying strap for? My best guess is that the manufacturer believes this is the female version of the Swiss Army Knife and that the strap is only the tip of the iceberg. If future versions of this thing have a nail file and a screw driver on board, I'm getting one for my whole gift list. Joy to the world and all that. Plus it ships with free batteries.

Re: Health

16 Super Foods for Women

Women are special, so here's a list of foods that address our particular nutritional needs. If you click on the item the content box will display a picture and tell you why the food item is good for women. Now you can say, "Take me to dinner. I need curry and I need it now." No one can argue with you.

These are my gifts to you. What are you giving out this year?

Saving Grace – anybody watch it but Cindy?

I have to admit it – I love TV. Yes. I know. It’s supposed to dull my mind, or I’m supposed to have a dull mind if I watch the boob tube, but darn it, I love it. I even love the reality shows – well some of them. After 13 seasons, I’m still watching Survivor. I’m a new convert to Dancing with the Stars – those people work hard and the pros are incredible!! I jumped on the American Idol bandwagon a little late but now I’m gearing up for the season opener mid-January. Yea!!

But what I really love are the dramas. Some of my favorites are The Unit, NCIS, Criminal Minds (have a little trouble seeing Greg of Darma and Greg fame as an FBI agent but somehow it works), House, Bones, ER (yes, after all these years I still love that show), Shark, … I’m sure I’m leaving a couple out. But my two current, can’t miss ‘em, tape ‘em if I have to favorites are The Closer (Kyra Sedgwick is perfection) and Saving Grace staring Holly Hunter.

The Closer has been around for a while and I think everyone knows what a class show it is, so I want to talk about Grace today. Talk about a controversial show. Holly Hunter is superior as Grace Hanadarco, the foul-mouth, chain-smoking, hard-drinking, sexually promiscuous Oklahoma City police detective who is being dogged by Earl, a tobacco chewing angel, (beautifully played by Leon Rippy) who is trying to help her save herself before she self-destructs. Not that Grace is all bad. Despite her shortcomings Grace us a truly sympathetic and likable character. She's a good, clean cop, a good friend, a good aunt, and the only person she would willingly hurt (bad guys not withstanding) is herself. The supporting cast is excellent with Kenny Johnson (formerly of The Shield) playing Emma’s partner (and married lover) Ham Dewey. Laura San Giacomo (formerly of Just Shoot Me, a sitcom with George Segal and David Spader) plays Emma’s colleague and best friend Rhetta Rodriguez. And fellow detective (and one of many other of Grace's love interests) is the super hot Butch Ada (played by Bailey Chase). It's worth tuning into just to see him in his Stetson and jeans. :o)

The drama is tense, the dialog is rich, the conflicts are gut-wrenching. And yeah, I have to admit, the first time Earl appeared on screen complete with a heavenly aura, ethereal wings, and a chaw in his cheek, I felt myself squirm a bit in a ‘you’ve got to be kidding’ kind of way. I was loving EVERYTHING up until then and was afraid the writers had blown it. Afraid no one would buy this. But you know what? They make it work. Fabulously.

I can’t begin to summarize all the undercurrents and wounds – both emotional and physical – these amazing characters carry around with them (including losses from the Oklahoma City bombing and a struggle with diabetes that native American detective Bobby Stillwater deals with) but I can tell you, I believe it. I believe the premise, the characters and the message (and you don’t necessarily have to be a ‘spiritual believer’ to buy into it). But most of all, I believe that it’s darn good entertainment. The final episode of the season aired last night (but never fear – I’m sure you can catch it in reruns) and it was just as thought provoking and conscience raising as all the other segments.

So, what about you? Have you been following Grace’s rise and fall? Are you as impressed as I am (and the Golden Globe committee who have nominated Holly Hunter as best actress in a TV drama)? How do you feel about a tobacco chewing angel? And if you don’t watch Grace, do you have favorite dramas you can’t miss and what is it about them that attract you?

The woes of the family photographer. . .

I inherited it from my mom. The Kodak gene. Really.

Or maybe it was just a peculiar version of the Stockholm Syndrome. . . where I was held captive by my mother's "photographing the family" obsession long enough to begin to identify with my captor. Now I am the one yelling "put down that drumstick and smile!"

Yep, that's my role in the family. Photographic Tyrant. The one who won't let anybody sit down at the Thanksgiving table or start eating until the official snapshots have been made. Not a nice job, exactly, but somebody's gotta do it. Those piles of fuzzy, off-center photographs don't just make themselves, you know. Somebody has to interrupt everything and make themselves the center of attention by calling for everyone to stop what they're doing, pose, and smile as if they're having the time of their lives.

The fun part of this stage of my life is that I have a whole new generation of victims to capture. Grandchildren-- the subjects of many, if not most, amateur photography excesses. And if you start them early enough, they seem to enjoy the process and pose endlessly... until they drop of exhaustion and just go to sleep.


This Christmas I got an early present. . . a digital camcorder! And until now I had no real sympathy for the problems encountered by filmmakers. This is a whole new perspective on picture taking. And on children. Those suckers move FAST. My first attempts seem to show a lot of the backs of kids' heads. I have become a master of "after the fact."

Worse yet, I have nothing to hold in my hands afterward. . . except a camera with a teeny tiny view screen.

Enter: my technical consultant who says I can download my "films" to my computer and see my mistakes large and in brilliant color and clarity. I am terrified to see what I have wrought.

Ratz.

After a whole morning of frustration, I won't be able to bring you any of my fabulous video. Sorry. Maybe later, after my video guy reprograms me to be more computer friendly.

Anyway, I now have video of one of my grandsons being held upside down by his uncle for three whole minutes. . . giggling maniacally the whole time. I have video of another grandson doing a mountain-man clog dance while mugging for the camera. And I have video of youngest grandgirl eating cookies and climbing all over her brothers' train table and looking adorable in a suit of barber-pole candystripes that makes me dizzy when she twirls around and around. There are also too many photos of grandchildren running around like mad in mere underwear. Anybody else's kids or grandkids seem to HATE wearing clothes. . . even in the dead of winter? And there is the obligatory I-didn't-know-the-camera-was-on shot of beige carpet. . . while an enraged three-year-old screams in the background because his new toy got swiped.

Come to think of it, maybe it's best I that I can't share with you any of my new creations. The documentation of the chaos of family life and long-distance Christmas visits may best be left to the perpetrators themselves.

Who is the designated photographer/picture-Nazi in your family? Is there a trend to the pictures he or she takes? Do your kids or grands have favorite poses they always strike-- favorite silly faces they always make? Do you keep your pictures in (a) the original developers' envelopes, (b) wherever there's a place to stuff them, (c)boxes in the closet, or (d) gorgeous leather albums and themed scrapbooks? And if it's "D" how the heck do you do it?

Christie Asks: Where Do You Romance?

I read an article in Time magazine this week about office romances. Although the article’s writer seemed surprised, I wasn’t, to discover that about half of us will date on the job at some point, and 20 percent will get a long-term relationship out of it. If you spend a lot of time on the job, it’s the most natural place to find a person of like-mind and like-interest, it seems to me.

While I met Surfer Guy in the dorm at college, and not at work, I observed plenty of office romances in the days when I toiled at a company desk and not in my own home office. I saw the good: the playboy programmer who after years of wearing blinders, finally noticing the department secretary...and they wound up getting married; the bad: teary snuffles from the cubicle next door when a co-worker was dumped by a guy on the same development team; and the ugly: the married man and the single woman conducting an affair they thought was secret—without realizing our windows overlooked their “hidden” make-out spot. Still, the “good” story is so good that I really take a shine to romances that take place in the office.

My first book, The Wedding Date, started with an office romance gone bad. It opens with the heroine receiving an invitation to the wedding of her co-worker and former fiancé to the boss’s daughter. She needs to soothe her wounded pride by bringing the exact right guy to the wedding! My bestselling book from Silhouette Special Edition is titled In Love With Her Boss, and I have another book coming out from them this spring, that I named Bachelor Boss. But just so the power dynamic isn’t all one-sided, in the book I’m currently writing, the hero works for the heroine! Hah!

So spill…do you have a favorite office romance story or did you ever find romance in the office?

Cinderella shoes and global warming

Lois Greiman

Looking back, I see it’s been almost a year since I initially blogged about my wee daughter becoming involved in the Miss America system. Of course, it all began before that, when she and I first visited a private college she was considering. On the way home, a little morose, and firmly in the throes of sticker shock, she turned to me and said, “Did you know that the Miss America program awards $40 million dollars in scholarships annually? Thirty seconds later I was screeching into the nearest mall and shouting, “We need an evening gown. STAT!”

Actually, it may have taken a little longer than that for me to get on board, but not too much because the next words out of Tara’s mouth were, “global warming.”

Okay, I can see where you might think the connection between scholarship money, a sequined evening gown, and global warming is a tenuous one. But as it turns out, Miss America contestants at every level choose a platform, and after a childhood of hiking, riding, and appreciating nature, Tara has whole-heartedly embraced environmental awareness.

Still, there was some trepidation when we signed her up. It was the swimsuit portion of the competition that caused me the most concern. Because, despite the women’s movement and good old common sense, the Miss America people still require their princesses to participate in the ‘fitness segment.’ And let me tell you it’s a bit of a shock to see your only daughter, endless legs flashing, parade up and down a runway. And I wasn’t the only one concerned. It was difficult for her too. In fact, she was so uncomfortable with the whole idea that her coach (nine months pregnant at the time) demonstrated the strut on her own driveway in the middle of Minnesota suburbia, then asked Tara to emulate, just to get her out of her ‘comfort zone.’ Her neighbor, a middle-aged guy with a cigar, did a double take, then fetched a chair from his house and plopped it down in the middle of his sidewalk to watch the show. Meanwhile a stream of adolescent boys cruised past on their bikes, careened off each other like bowling pins and reappeared minutes later, doubled in numbers. It was an eye opener for everyone.

But all in all it’s been a positive experience. It’s a four-prong program: talent, interview, evening gown, fitness (that’s code for swimsuit). Tara, while always extremely cerebral, has really benefited from a social standpoint. She’s gained confidence and poise and has learned to state her opinions in diplomatic, (in my family that means ‘without bloodshed’) yet certain terms. But most importantly to me, she’s been afforded a chance to voice her concerns about the environment. Plus the fact, of course, that she’s learned to walk in four inch slippers without falling flat on her face. I mean…what well-educated, future leader doesn’t need that dubious skill?

Oh, and last July she won the title of Miss Heart of the Lakes which means she will not only compete in the Miss Minnesota pageant next year, she has an ever-increasing opportunity to promote a greener America.

So, in honor of my little one’s success, here are her top five ways to make a greener, cleaner world.

#5. Don’t be embarrassed to stand up for what you care about. Ask questions, consider your options, take a stand. If you don’t want your local grocer to dish out plastic bags like candy, suggest alternatives.

#4 Recycle everything you can. Which is probably a lot more than you realize if you do a little research.

#3 Think about your transportation habits. Walk, bike, carpool, or use public transport whenever possible. It’s good for you and good for the air.

#2 Cut down on your energy use. Shut off lights, turn down the thermostat, insulate, and use florescent bulbs. It saves money and resources.

#1 And most importantly, be willing to change. It’s not only necessary to life. It is life.

So, give me feedback folks. I know last we discussed this topic there was some uncertainty about whether or not we should expose our vulnerable daughters to this kind of competition. In my mind there still is. The good and the bad. The yin and the yang. But, with the opportunity to highlight an issue that truly concerns them, is it worth the effort, or is it just a clever ploy to get young women into swimsuits the size of my thumb nail?

Christie Needs An Idea!

No, no, not a book idea. See, that’s my problem. I’m deep in deadline and it’s That Time of Year. I usually love That Time of Year, I always have, but it’s complicated often by me never remembering that it comes around the 25^th of December. You’d think I could set up deadlines that would be well away from the holidays…but I screw up.

Not to mention that Son 1 has his birthday on December 22^nd. He’s just started making noises about the unfairness of that (which I take as a compliment because I really kept the two events nicely separated) and that’s only because he can’t think of enough things to fill out both a birthday and a Christmas list. Greed, thy name is Boy Ridgway.

So, though I’d like to pick all of your collective brains for gifts (I’m woefully short, but am hoping for some 11^th hour brainstorm) instead I’m going for this: What shall I make for dinner?

We don’t have a lot of family in the immediate area. We do the big family thing at Thanksgiving (we host) and I go all out. Christmas is much quieter. We’re even thinking of going out to dinner this year on the 25^th! But in keeping with a tradition that comes from my mom’s sister who married a Sicilian, we always have pasta on Christmas Eve. I need a new pasta recipe! Please! Anyone have something simple and delicious?

So I’ll admit this post is totally self-serving. But in order to do my part, I have a couple of things to share with you, too. Here’s a link to Nora Roberts' interview with Time magazine. Actually, people from all over sent in questions and she answered them. Nobody asked the question I would: “How do you look so damn good considering the amount of time you must have to spend butt-to-chair?” So if you don’t have a recipe idea for me, you could share what question you would like to ask Nora if you had the chance.

Second, I have to say that I’m really, really looking forward to Christmas despite all the anxiety I have to get through before The Day. I should have the rough draft of the new book done by then, and I will be indulging in my personal Christmas tradition. While Surfer Guy and Sons 1 and 2 are building Legos and putting together all the boring electronic stuff or Wii-ing their brains out, I will spend the day reading guiltlessly. I always get a special book for the occasion. This year, my choice just arrived in a box from Amazon (that also contained toys for Son 1, Son 2, and Nephew 2). This year it’s from Belle Books, our own Deb Dixon’s publishing house, and it's the latest by author Deborah Smith. It’s A Gentle Rain. I can’t wait!

So, share a pasta recipe, a Nora question, or a special tradition that’s only for you. I know I’m scattered today, but ‘tis the season!

Shoes: It's a Love/Hate Thing

Shoes and me have a grudging understanding. I promise not to wear ‘em unless I have to and they promise to be nice to me when I do. Needless to say, I spend most of my summer days barefooted and winter days sock-footed.

As I type this, I’m sitting at my computer wearing my socks. I don’t even wear slippers.

Why?

I have no idea.

I’m guessing it has something to do with growing up a wild child, seventh of eight kids, running around in small falls central Minnesota trying to keep up my brothers. Tomboy. Yep, that was me.

In any case, I do wear shoes and own a bunch of them, I just don’t go all goo-goo over them like a lot of women I know, my sister included. She starts listing off names of the various styles, Mary Janes, Espadrilles, Mules, and my eyes start glazing over. I didn’t even know what a sling-back was until I was in my thirties.

I know. Sad.

The truth is, I don’t hate shoes. Honest. I actually love shoes. At least, I love how they look. Doesn’t matter if we’re talking sandals, high heels, boots, clogs, slippers, pumps, you name it.

The problem is that I hate how they feel. Rubbing, crunching, pinching.

Oh, I’ll put up with it, on those days I’m feeling more vain than normal. Days I have someplace to go, which isn’t all that often, being a writer. Oh, and conference in July. That’s the only time where you’ll catch me wearing heels four to five days in a row. I pay for it when I get home, though.

My favorite shoes are an old pair of half-boots, black suede with a pointy toe that I bought year and years ago, didn’t wear them for a long time, and now are suddenly back in style. I’ve reheeled them three times.

They fit my feet like gloves, look sexy with jeans, and have a little bit of heel, so I make noise when I walk (which I secretly love to do). Do you have a favorite pair of shoes?

Oh, and just for fun, try to match the name with the picture: Fergie, Sarah Jessica Parker, Angelina Jolie, Eva Longoria, Jennifer Lopez, and Charlize Theron.

Look at the height on those heels. Ouch! That's all I have to say.

Debra - Trust and Pants

Sadly, I’ve discovered that my son doesn’t trust me. Let me explain...

Saturday night we took him out for a birthday dinner. We met him at the restaurant--early--because he had a full night of festivities. After dinner he had to pick up a birthday cake a girl had made for him and meet the "gang" for lies and pool.

I was wearing new pants. My absolute favorite pants of all time...the "Perfect Pants." I just discovered them a few months ago when a client thought I hadn't charged him enough and sent me a lovely L.L. Bean gift certificate. I was running out of ways to spend it and I thought, what the heck? Try some of their pants. Oh, my gosh! I've never had a pair fit this well.

Since that time, I've told everyone I know about them. They come in several different leg styles, a zillion sizes, including petites and women's. Plus they come in four colors. They wash and dry beautifully. Pack great. My mother, sister and best friend have now invested in these pants. My sister has just ordered the "perfect cords." We're hoping we love them too.

But back to Saturday...I put on my new pants, which I'd bought in a smaller size this time because Atkins has happily made my favorite pants a little sloppy. Hence, the smaller size. Yay, me! But the smaller size is much more form fitting. EEK! I'm used to much baggier clothes.

I knew I couldn't take my husband's word for whether the pants were too tight because he loves me desperately. Again, yay for me! So, I asked my son--who has no problem calling a spade a spade--while we were waiting around outside the restaurant for them to call our table. "Hey, are these pants too tight?"

He looked me straight in the eye and said, "I am not that stupid."

I was torn between pride in having taught him to recognize a potentially tricky question and sadness to know that the kid didn't trust me. But more than that I wanted an honest answer on whether my pants were too tight. "So...they are too tight?"

This time his mouth did turn up slightly at the corner. He almost smiled at my trickery. Then he said, "We are not having this conversation. No matter what I answer you'll ask a followup and we are not going there. So get over it. Move along."

Apparently, I ask trick questions and then grill you about your answers. Who knew?

So, do you ask trick questions? Do you ask follow-ups to be sure the men were clear about what you were asking? (My men never actually answer the question I asked!) And what is your all-time favorite pant?

Simply Enchanting

"I've been dreaming of my true love's kiss."
I've been singing that all morning, and I suspect the line has become one of those brain-worms that just won't let go. But that's cool, because last night I saw ENCHANTED with the hubby. What a great flick! I sat through the whole thing with a big smile on my face, and in the end when the villain asked if we were 'sitting at the edges of our seats' I wanted to shout "Yes! Here I am at the edge of my seat!". I was initially worried, while watching the animated beginning, that this film might not be angled toward adults, but fear not, it's for both young and old. And Disney's gentle mockery of the princess-genre animation blockbusters it basically created is a joy to watch.

This is one movie that almost every starring role seemed spot-on, such a perfect fit. From Amy Adams amazing portrayal of the innocent starry-eyed princess, even down to those overwrought Disney-esque hand gestures that every good cartoon princess utilizes (Do those chicks ever just stand still?). And James Marsden, as Prince Edward played vain and macho prince-in-need-of-a-princess to perfection, when he could have easily went over the top. Patrick Dempsey as the 'real' man in the story, a divorcee with young daughter, is reluctant to allow his life to even consider the fairy tale wonders that he could have. And of course there's Pip, the chipmunk, who acted his furry little heart out even after discovering that he couldn't talk in the real world. (Of course, as we all know from Disney World, cartoon people characters can talk in the real world, but too bad for those animal characters.)

The whole premise, does a fairy tale romance have a chance in the real world, was simple, and I loved the way it was resolved. Everyone ended up exactly where they belonged. The only tiff I had with it (without trying to use spoilers) was the dragon. That was over the top and really unnecessary after the queen's purpose had already been acheived (though the foreshadowing at the beginning with the chipmunk defeating the troll was echoed nicely with the dragon).

I am such a romantic at heart. While my hubby sat grumbling about once again being tricked into coming to another fluffy movie, I sniffed away as true love's kiss saved the day in the tradition of all good Disney romances. And shouldn't it be that way with romance novels as well?

So who's your favorite Disney princess? Who do you relate to, or have you dreamed to be?

I've always been a Little Mermaid fan. I've probably dreamed of living 'under the sea' since well before the movie came out. Don't we all have a little bit of princess somewhere inside us?

Kathleen's Cause: Save Book Larnin'

Here I am, center stage last week, doing my my "Book Nook" half hour for my granddaughter's kindergarten class. Twenty five-year-olds with ears perked and eyes glued to paper, pictures and printed word. They were excited about the story. They were eager to interpret, to bring their experiences to the story, to ask, to answer, to guess what would happen next.

Here was an activity that has held its charm for the active human mind for people all over the world since time--as the human mind knows it--began. This is the story hour, and it is where the reading habit starts. It's a seed, and like most seeds, it sprouts easily. The tiny spring-green plant is fragile, though. There's all kinds of growth clamoring for space in the same ground.

Storytelling has always been available pretty much to everyone, but reading is something else. Within the last couple of centuries books and reading skills have become available to the masses. But within the last couple of decades, the number of readers has taken a downward turn. Last week I enjoyed the scene you see here, but a week or so before that, the findings of yet another study about the decline in the number of readers in this country was front page news.

Functional illiteracy is a big problem, of course, but that's not what the study was about. It was about the number of people who actually spend time reading, both for information and for pleasure. That's the habit that seems to be endangered, especially among young adults. Should we be worried? Should we be sad? Should we be working to save readers the way we do other endangered species? Or should we accept the claim that extinction is part of the ebb and flow of life on this planet and that reading is bound to be replaced?

Replaced by what? By whom? For better, or for worse? Let's play futurist. Is the printed word becoming a relic? To what end? Do you see anything on the horizon that promises as much fulfillment as reading? Frankly, folks, I'm a little scared.