So I've opined about Teen Girl's College search, and I've stressed over the cost, but in the end, the decision has been made. Can I get a hurrah? She's decided on Drexel in Philadelphia. I know, I know ... far away from our sleepy little beach town. Somehow I gave birth to a city girl. Not sure how that happened! Trust me - I suggested Hawaii but she just wouldn't go for it. Where did I go wrong?? LOL Ah, well. Have a beachy rest of the weekend, friends - wherever you are =)

Day by day ...

Started working on one project this weekend, then switched gears because another story kept getting in the way. It's something I've thought about writing for years, but could never see it clearly. I can't say that all the pieces have come together yet, but what I can tell you is that the words began to pour out, as if on their own. When I re-read what I'd written, it was as if I saw a reflection of what it will be.

And so I write with faith that the story will become clearer and clearer as I move forward. Ever have an experience like that?

Here, ducky, ducky ...

Saw these little guys on my neighbor's driveway the other day. See, this is why I love living near the sea. My friend, Deb, prefers life in the mountains, near the deer, her horses, and - gulp - snakes. Me? Not so much. I swoon over the pelicans soaring through the sky on my morning run, and at Oscar the Seal, who pops up through the water to greet me (some of my neighbors think his name is "Sally." Whatever.) Oh, and the herons! When they glide overhead, I marvel at their grace.

Hey, it's the little things, you know? Life is busy. Too busy. And don't get me started about the stress - Ay caramba! But it's times like these, stumbling upon ducks on a sunny weekend morning, that quack me up ...

Have a beachy week, my friends - wherever you are =)

Neat-o

Give me some sand and a pair of worn-in flip-flops, and that's usually all it takes to make me a happy girl. So my attachment to this Kate Spade iPhone cover has taken me by surprise. It's calling to me like a lemonade Popsicle in July.

But I told my husband no way. Not going to pay that much for a phone cover. Uh-uh, not going to do it. Instead, we popped into Big Lots and bought one for 5 bucks. So it has an ugly red backing on it? We have college tuition to pay, so a fancy phone cover is o-u-t out.

Then again. Look at it. Can't you just hear the soundtrack of Beach Party playing while you lounge by the pool? Ahh ... maybe it's the call of summer I'm really hearing. Long afternoons beneath a wide umbrella, a cool drink, perhaps a dip in the pool ...

Sigh. Think I'll go put in my copy of Confessions of a Shopaholic. Care to join me? =)

Long live chicky books

Years ago, Chocolate Beach, zaniness and all, was released into the world. I wrote this story about a laid-back beach gal with marriage troubles by the seat of my pants, truly not knowing what would happen next. Even though my craft improved over the years as I tried to - you know - write more serious fiction, CB continues to find new fans. Especially in summertime. Yes, I still get fan mail about Bri Stone and her pal, Gaby, and you know what? I love these characters too! I mean, who can resist a laid-back chick who finds solace from life's dramas by eating chocolate at the beach with her best friend? Right?

Last year, I added bonus content: recipes (Chocolate chili, anyone?) and a new scene, and released Chocolate Beach as an e-book. It's made the rounds, so starting today, Chocolate Beach is available exclusively on Kindle - and it's free in their Kindle Owners Lending Library. If you've never had the chance to read it, and you have a Kindle, you can borrow it. For FREE. (Caveat: you have to be a member of Amazon Prime ...) Here's the link to CB, the e-book.

Happy Monday, my friends! I'm working on a new e-book to be released later this year (woo!), and a couple of other sweet projects. More on that later. In the meantime, have a beachy week ... wherever you are =)

Amen!

G&B

So you might recall (or maybe you don't) my mini-obsession with Giuliana & Bill. I wrote about "discovering" them here. My daughters are convinced I have a girl-crush on Giuliana. Whatever. Isn't she just so cute though??

Anyway. I watched the premier of their new season last night and cried. Giuliana was diagnosed with breast cancer last year after a routine mammogram to prepare her for IVF. The call from her doctor was the last one she'd expected. Instead of a baby, she got cancer.

She's been incredibly transparent about the ordeal. She had a double lumpectomy, and eventually, a double mastectomy. I love how she's out there telling women to get checked. You might recall that just a few years ago our government issued a controversial recommendation against routine screenings for women over 40 - and don't even think about it if you're under that age.

Giuliana Rancic was 36 when she had hers. So there you go ....