tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-225377682012-02-08T21:13:32.109-08:00Julie Carobinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06578840610817257039noreply@blogger.comBlogger10031100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22537768.post-91967668814523297102012-02-08T20:56:00.000-08:002012-02-08T21:13:32.244-08:00

So the other day my husband and I are talking about my day job and he says, "They do know, don't they?"I just laughed.See, my husband has this notion that I somehow get my characters from people I know. Pish-posh. Everyone knows I like to make up stories, scenarios ... people.Then again, I have regaled him a time or two lately with stories from the office, funny bits of dialogue, and offbeat

Julie Carobinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06578840610817257039noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22537768.post-2500909996755090062012-02-06T19:24:00.000-08:002012-02-06T19:29:29.748-08:00

Those who know me know that I don't like not being in the know. Ya know? So when my daughter goaded encouraged me to sign up for Pinterest, I bit. Only thing is ... I don't really get it. Not yet. All I know is it's some kind of online pinboard, and if that's the case, I'll probably be pinning up beachy things once I'm given my golden entrance ticket.If you're part of Pinterest, feel free to fill

Julie Carobinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06578840610817257039noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22537768.post-85090114824840966422012-02-04T10:16:00.000-08:002012-02-04T21:37:54.082-08:00

Missing friends today. I've been so busy with work and home life, that I've not had a whole lotta extra time for friends. Drat!One friend and I did get together briefly a couple of weeks ago. I was on my way home from work and she was driving the volleyball carpool into my hometown. We caught up over sliders and nachos and I learned that she too just took a second job. (We both have college-aged

Julie Carobinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06578840610817257039noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22537768.post-63805369093376834432012-01-30T19:39:00.000-08:002012-01-30T20:58:40.985-08:00

I'm thinking about views tonight. The view from my home office is of palm trees and sky. From my other office, I can see the mountains. This photo shows the idyllic view from one of my favorite hotels.Sometimes I'm so burdened by worries within that I forget to turn outward ... and view the stuff happening around me ~ the good and the challenging.Like I mentioned in the post about my word for the

Julie Carobinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06578840610817257039noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22537768.post-71545177797862962142012-01-28T22:26:00.001-08:002012-01-28T22:27:53.624-08:00

Julie Carobinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06578840610817257039noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22537768.post-23604801719355248802012-01-19T20:47:00.000-08:002012-01-21T15:12:19.666-08:00

If you've read my recent newsletter, you know that I decided to take a job outside of my little hovel of an office. Yes, I've gone corporate. The company I work for owns oodles of radio stations and keeps me hopping. But that's not what I'm writing about today.What I'm writing about is the need for writers to get out of the "hovel of an office" and experience, well, life. That doesn't mean you

Julie Carobinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06578840610817257039noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22537768.post-56051182258724667262012-01-17T00:01:00.000-08:002012-01-17T06:45:20.973-08:00

The Five Stages of Writing Griefby Gina ConroyReceiving a writing rejection can feel as if a part of your dream has died. After one such rejection last summer, I realized I was going through the stages of writing grief.When I was first told by my mentor that I should scrap my 50,000 word WIP and start over, I was in SHOCK and DENIAL. I was being asked to delete six months of my writing life! I

Julie Carobinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06578840610817257039noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22537768.post-72276329481798422792012-01-08T14:52:00.000-08:002012-01-08T15:11:44.014-08:00

Lately, friends have been talking about the "word" God has given them for the year. Not sure if this is a fad, trendy, or something wise Christians have been requesting for years. Nevertheless, I decided to ask God for a word of my own, and he let me know that he'd already given me one.Intentional.The word that had been rolling around in my head even before I asked the question, was intentional.

Julie Carobinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06578840610817257039noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22537768.post-45095963273230170232011-12-31T11:36:00.000-08:002011-12-31T11:40:11.387-08:00

Hope you all have a beautiful new year's weekend! If you're not on my occasional newsletter list, then you missed my latest one. Here's a copy for a brief update on Carobini doings :)And here's to a joyful and productive 2012, my beachy friends ~ wherever you are!

Julie Carobinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06578840610817257039noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22537768.post-72949477201090267802011-12-26T19:26:00.000-08:002011-12-26T19:29:37.432-08:00

Hubby secretly snapped this photo of College Boy Matt and me as we walked the bluffs in Carpinteria. Beautiful day after Christmas here, so we had to get out and explore. Was impromptu, really ... and I'm so glad Dan suggested we stop. Have a beachy week, my friends ... wherever you are!

Julie Carobinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06578840610817257039noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22537768.post-81423003741361640122011-12-18T12:43:00.000-08:002011-12-18T12:51:23.476-08:00

Last night we wandered down to the park to watch Ventura's Parade of Lights. It was like going back in time for us because before we moved to the beach area, we would drive to this same park and watch the parade from there. After moving to the beach, though, we made some close friends who invited us to watch from their dock every year. Sadly, they moved earlier this year. Wasn't sure if we'd

Julie Carobinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06578840610817257039noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22537768.post-84495777840532061962011-12-15T22:02:00.000-08:002011-12-15T22:09:30.134-08:00

The whole brood is home for the holy-days! College boy arrived today, and the girls will finish classes tomorrow. Dan and I continue to work. Isn't that the way? Ha.No matter. I've got a list of chores a mile long and I'm not afraid to assign them. LolSeriously, though, there are some things that I love to do at this time of year that have slipped through the cracks, so to speak. We're busy, for

Julie Carobinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06578840610817257039noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22537768.post-48384314804688291132011-12-09T22:14:00.000-08:002011-12-09T22:25:35.944-08:00

I'm beyond happy to introduce you to my cyber-friend, Sharon Leaf! We met via this blog, and since then we've corresponded many times here and on Facebook--and Sharon even interviewed me on her BlogTalk Radio program last January. Now she has her own book out, Lady and the Sea. Is she a woman after my own heart or what? She's a kick to know, so please read on ... and have a beachy weekend, my

Julie Carobinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06578840610817257039noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22537768.post-72826304099081145452011-12-05T20:00:00.000-08:002011-12-05T20:11:32.677-08:00

Teen Daughter's college apps are in, so now we wait. I say "we" because college-planning-and-decision-making has become a family affair. We sent College Boy off to LA a couple of years ago, and here we go again. Only this time, instead of a two-hour drive away, our eldest daughter wants to live in or near NY. Sigh. All but two of the schools she's considering are far, far away.I don't know how

Julie Carobinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06578840610817257039noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22537768.post-8683401732939185712011-12-01T00:01:00.000-08:002011-12-01T07:56:42.553-08:00

You’re standing on a rocky overlook, sea spray landing on your cheeks, sunlight kissing your nose—and the hint of danger in the air. That’s the feeling of standing “this” close to a 5,000 pound elephant seal basking in the sun along California’s central coast. Thankfully, viewing areas, wooden fences, and friendly docents make it easy to stay safe. Ah, but what a view!I’m a sucker for these

Julie Carobinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06578840610817257039noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22537768.post-67049216768134971642011-11-28T12:48:00.000-08:002011-11-28T12:52:24.936-08:00

Beautiful weekend on the coast! Summer is often foggy here, so late fall/early winter is the best. The tide was so low on Thursday that I could walk out (almost) to the end of the jetty. Sooo fun--at least I thought so. Doggy didn't seem to care for it, ha. Ah, well, I'm back to work. Have a beachy week, my friends ~ wherever you are.

Julie Carobinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06578840610817257039noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22537768.post-942102563589714852011-11-25T10:21:00.000-08:002011-11-25T10:33:49.941-08:00

Happy Black Friday! (Does that look as weird as it sounds?) Hmm. Anyhoo, wanted to let you know that ALL of my beach reads are discounted in my beach shop and include FREE shipping in the USA. I'd be happy to sign any or all for gift giving. Just let me know.You can reach Julie's Beach Shop on the button bar above, or go directly to the beach read category here. Happy shopping (and wrapping) :)

Julie Carobinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06578840610817257039noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22537768.post-17366606385378378942011-11-21T10:00:00.001-08:002011-11-23T22:00:18.945-08:00

UPDATED: 11/23/11 Congrats to Lauri! You're the winner of Mind Over Madi. Woo-hoo! Thanks, everyone, for playing!Fellow ACFW member, Lynda Lee Schab, and I met online several years ago after she read one of my books and dropped me a note. (Thankfully, it wasn't a scathing review or anything, ha ha.) I'm SO excited to announce that Lynda has a book of her own now, Mind Over Madi, published by

Julie Carobinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06578840610817257039noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22537768.post-80684180454728065172011-11-17T18:41:00.001-08:002011-11-17T19:58:48.677-08:00

Kelli Standish of Pulsepoint Designs lightened up my website and blog for me. Amazing what a new shade of lipstick, er, background colors can do for the psyche. Know what I mean? I wanted the same design, but a little less, oh I don't know, boom. I wanted some softness with my sizzle, some seaglass inspiration for my beachy website.So anyhoo, she's lighter and brighter and that fits me--and my

Julie Carobinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06578840610817257039noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22537768.post-64813642261023816652011-11-16T14:23:00.001-08:002011-11-16T22:13:01.625-08:00

If you're looking for my website, it's a bit under the weather today. Hang on ... my trusty web designer is on it!Updated: I'm back. Thanks for noticing I was gone in the first place ... :)p.s. Busy schedule lately. If you're on FB, feel free to connect with me there. If not, I'll try to post something fabulous here soon. Pinky promise.

Julie Carobinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06578840610817257039noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22537768.post-54510795016011711172011-11-08T09:29:00.001-08:002011-11-08T09:40:59.138-08:00

This is the building that houses the admissions office at Drexel University in Philly. Doesn't it make you want to go to school? Outside the locale is urban and hectic, but inside evokes reverence. The hallowed halls of learning and all that ...Teen girl is deep into application time, which for a fashion design student means more than transcripts, essays, and test scores--as if that weren't

Julie Carobinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06578840610817257039noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22537768.post-20168027871393317792011-11-06T20:43:00.000-08:002011-11-06T20:54:11.834-08:00

My son, Matt, attends BIOLA University and works as a school ambassador. He gives tours, makes phone calls to prospective students, and he blogs for the university. His blogging gig even landed the school in the Huffington Post and you can read about that here.Anyway, Matt usually blogs about dorm life, but this weekend he came home and waxed poetically about that instead. (He even posted a

Julie Carobinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06578840610817257039noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22537768.post-34757483130805339902011-10-31T09:07:00.000-07:002011-10-31T09:19:33.507-07:00

If you're a friend on Facebook, you've probably already seen some of the photos I posted from our trip back east. My daughters and I arrived home late Saturday night after a week of travel. We flew to NYC and visited colleges, then drove through NJ to Philadelphia where we toured Drexel University. The first photo is of Independence Hall (close to wear the Liberty Bell resides). One special

Julie Carobinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06578840610817257039noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22537768.post-82771780162943489232011-10-10T08:58:00.000-07:002011-10-10T14:32:18.308-07:00

Our 21st wedding anniversary is coming up next week, but it's sunshine and roses around here all the time anyway. LOL ... doesn't that make you gag? Seriously, I love my husband. People ask, What will you do for your anniversary? And I have no idea. He gave me these roses weeks ago for no apparent reason, so I guess that's why we're not particularly organized about the anniversary. (Although I do

Julie Carobinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06578840610817257039noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22537768.post-47524560862668811432011-10-04T10:37:00.000-07:002011-10-04T10:39:50.438-07:00

Unless you don't find this particularly funny (as I obviously do ;-)

Julie Carobinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06578840610817257039noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22537768.post-10630949970365307922011-10-03T11:33:00.000-07:002011-10-03T11:50:21.885-07:00

College Boy's having a blast working as an Ambassador for BIOLA University. He blogs, makes phone calls, gives tours - and writes the occasional ditty to advertise the school. How cool to do something you love AND earn gas money! (Mommy is thankful ...)So anyway, you've heard of "planking"? That thing crazy kids do where they lie down like a "plank," often in weird places (say, across the tops of

Julie Carobinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06578840610817257039noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22537768.post-59557903654689845122011-09-30T09:02:00.000-07:002011-09-30T09:08:40.248-07:00

It's birthday weekend in the Carobini house starting today with pre-teen girl becoming Teen Girl II (because we already have a Teen Girl ...).Tomorrow College Boy turns 20 - wha?! what?! When did THAT happen?Then on Sunday, Hunk o' Burnin' Love turns, ... well, another year older =)Yes, three, count 'em three, family birthdays in a row. God has such the sense of humor, don't you think?Happy

Julie Carobinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06578840610817257039noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22537768.post-61161195658013421222011-09-28T22:21:00.000-07:002011-09-28T22:46:53.616-07:00

Learned this morning that Sweet Waters, the 1st of the Otter Bay Novels, has been experiencing a second-wind with brisk sales in the digital market. PTL! To celebrate, my pub decided to drop the price on Kindle to $2.99 for a limited time.Something's up because paperback sales of A Shore Thing, the 2nd book from Otter Bay, have also been on an uptick. My guess is readers are missing summer and

Julie Carobinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06578840610817257039noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22537768.post-13303230087901734512011-09-27T15:08:00.000-07:002011-09-27T15:28:59.721-07:00

BEAUTIFUL day here on the coast! Now that fall has arrived, fog has been lingering lately, grey and web-like. The kind that sends even a beach-lover like me fleeing eastward to Ojai (where you can find lots of heat, mountains, and celebrities hiding on their ranches ...) Okay, fine. Not really. I only threaten to head to Ojai. Like the skies care when I beg them to turn blue? Anyway, today the

Julie Carobinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06578840610817257039noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22537768.post-89030861908102874232011-09-21T08:42:00.000-07:002011-09-21T08:54:38.872-07:00

The nearby foghorn's constant drone finally convinced me that summer has left Ventura. To mark the occasion, I allowed myself a pumpkin smoothie from Jamba Juice. I've been turning up my nose at all the pumpkin-y offerings around town - lattes, muffins, yogurt - because, frankly, I didn't want to see my beloved summer end. It left me anyway and I've settled into resignation. And noshings with

Julie Carobinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06578840610817257039noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22537768.post-19168811063663273862011-09-15T08:30:00.000-07:002011-09-15T18:03:46.167-07:00

Woke up to an email from my biggest fan ~ my mom ~ announcing that my first two Otter Bay Novels are a keen 99 cents on Kindle and Nook.In Sweet Waters, Tara Sweet longs to live the fairy tale she remembered from her childhood in Otter Bay. When she arrives, she finds a soap opera waiting for her instead.A Shore Thing is the story of Callie Duflay, an activist in Otter Bay who fights both the

Julie Carobinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06578840610817257039noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22537768.post-60119759161335001902011-09-12T16:51:00.000-07:002011-09-13T13:11:55.183-07:00

Teen Daughter and I are planning a quick trip to NYC in the fall (That noise? That's the sound of our savings spilling down Fifth Avenue ...)Angie's a high school senior and hopes to attend college in NY, or possibly Ohio (I know ... what?). So she and I will head east to tour campuses and buy shoes. I just hope we can hit up all the places she wants to see and have time for a show and maybe

Julie Carobinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06578840610817257039noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22537768.post-23595394240778083462011-09-08T08:48:00.000-07:002011-09-08T09:23:28.966-07:00

The more I write and edit, the more I have to wear "cheaters." You know, those lovely glasses you pick up at Target? Hubby tells me they look sexy (right), but it feels more like I'm wearing indoor goggles. That's a pretty picture, huh?Maybe it is the kind of work I do. Yes, that's it. It's not, pshaw, age or anything. It's the work, I tell you. Ha!Ah, well. If only life were written in large

Julie Carobinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06578840610817257039noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22537768.post-15342797042383335762011-09-07T10:17:00.000-07:002011-09-07T10:42:26.391-07:00

Yesterday I called my mom to see if she wanted to help me walk off all the poundage I gained after eating my way through the holiday weekend. Instead, Dad invited me to join them for lunch. What's one more day? So while we're eating, my dad asks me for the billionth time, "Do you watch The Closer?" I laughed and reminded him that, no, I do not. Nor do I watch Blue Bloods or any of the other TV

Julie Carobinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06578840610817257039noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22537768.post-29049728742433708102011-09-06T20:19:00.000-07:002011-09-06T22:06:07.323-07:00

Learned today that one of my shop's vendors just sold their brand. So hoping this is a good thing and that my supplier doesn't change much because my little beach shop would be so sad without their beachy products. The Webkinz people bought them and ~ how weird is this? ~ my new rep lives in ... Ventura. A national company and the rep is in my backyard. It's got to be a sign or something (A beach

Julie Carobinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06578840610817257039noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22537768.post-32518551486185727382011-09-05T20:16:00.000-07:002011-09-05T20:39:34.467-07:00

After a couple of chilly, foggy days, the sun showed up bright and early this a.m. Wa-hoo! A sunny Labor Day! My husband declared that I should enjoy the day since I was in labor three times over the years (delivering the kids, he meant). I can accept that! So after some house and yard "labor," hubby and I took a leisurely ride along the state beach bike trail. Lots of peeps out and about, but we

Julie Carobinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06578840610817257039noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22537768.post-39822612277632259312011-08-31T17:15:00.000-07:002011-08-31T17:39:07.787-07:00

So a writer-pal started a discussion on Facebook about whether or not she should give up the pen and apply for a job at Starbucks. Got me thinking. Maybe I should apply? Did you know that employees receive a pound of coffee per week. Can you imagine? Sumatra one week, Espresso Bean the next, and French Roast after that ... Would be like a veritable smorgasbord of morning wake-ups every day!

Julie Carobinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06578840610817257039noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22537768.post-55384696570105246822011-08-29T09:23:00.000-07:002011-09-08T16:20:20.414-07:00

First off, The Marketplace in Tustin is HUGE! You know you're from a small town when you can't believe you can drive through an outdoor mall for more than five minutes and still not figure out where you're supposed to be! Of course, I've always been directionally-challenged, but whatever :)The good news is we found the big LifeWay store at The Marketplace in Tustin and I made it to my signing.

Julie Carobinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06578840610817257039noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22537768.post-49124023835003900272011-08-25T08:51:00.000-07:002011-08-25T09:05:22.465-07:00

This Saturday, I'll be signing Fade to Blue at the NEW LifeWay store at The Marketplace, 2902 El Camino Real in Tustin, CA. Can you believe it? A NEW bookstore??? With the demise of so many, this is definitely something to be celebrated. (The photo's from a previous signing at a different LifeWay store.) So in honor of the Tustin store's grand opening, I'll be there. As will Bob the Tomato and

Julie Carobinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06578840610817257039noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22537768.post-86731492022864006102011-08-23T15:40:00.000-07:002011-08-23T16:04:45.867-07:00

Something about summer and reading that just goes together, you know? Kind of like fall and reading; and winter and reading; and spring ... you get the picture! Anyway, I've been writing and editing for so many years that, sadly, my reading time has been cut drastically. So in July, I decided to pick up a few titles that I'd been eying for a while. Started it all off with In the Company of

Julie Carobinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06578840610817257039noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22537768.post-12221686856184273292011-08-19T13:51:00.001-07:002011-08-19T13:54:12.691-07:00

College Boy's in the market for a car. He's only got so much mula, but we want to make sure he finds something safe and reliable for his bucks. Guess it's an age-old problem. Lol ...

Julie Carobinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06578840610817257039noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22537768.post-36101356393872157482011-08-17T08:22:00.000-07:002011-08-18T08:35:32.231-07:00

In addition to the ghostwriting assignment I mentioned yesterday, I also work as an editor on various projects. My love for the details feels like a sickness sometimes. I recently picked up the 16th edition of The Chicago Manual of Style (aka the editor's bible) and was positively giddy. I'm involved with an online editor's loop and we get into all kinds of discussions, such as whether to include

Julie Carobinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06578840610817257039noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22537768.post-62922162406537491472011-08-15T10:36:00.001-07:002011-08-15T16:48:30.827-07:00

Today, I'm working on a ghostwriting project. At least, I will be when I log off ;) Years ago, I worked as a ghostwriter for trade journals, writing articles for executives in the insurance and banking industries. Yawn, right? That's why I don't do that anymore ... Fortunately, I'm doing something much more interesting and life affirming and I'd tell you about it, but then I'd have to kill you.

Julie Carobinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06578840610817257039noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22537768.post-20059400556853300132011-08-12T09:16:00.000-07:002011-08-12T10:51:34.588-07:00

As usual, we've got heavy fog this morning. The good thing about this summer is that most days the haze clears by afternoon. Here's a photo (sorry about the quality) from a couple of days ago. Charlie the Dog and I sat on a bench contemplating life (well, maybe he was contemplating seagulls aka dinner ...), while the water glimmered and beachgoers frolicked. Totally enjoyable. The Fair is still

Julie Carobinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06578840610817257039noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22537768.post-66846802426324953542011-08-10T08:36:00.000-07:002011-08-10T08:53:56.138-07:00

I am EXCITED to see The Help this weekend. Wanted to see it today, but I'm waiting for Teen Girl to finish the book. Soon! I love this photo because it reminds me of, well, me. Not that I look--or ever looked--like Emma Stone, but because I was the popular girl in my college dorm whenever someone wanted to borrow my typewriter. I, of course, had one. Even in college, when I studied to find a real

Julie Carobinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06578840610817257039noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22537768.post-88193656450537728362011-08-02T10:40:00.000-07:002011-08-02T10:50:12.235-07:00

So College Boy's gig as a camp counselor is winding down. Many of the counselors have left to head back to their homes in other states, but since we're fairly local (only about 25 minutes away), Matt has opted to stay on another week or so. As I mentioned before, the group came by one Saturday night for food and fun, but this past weekend, they dropped by again. This time, they brought a ton of

Julie Carobinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06578840610817257039noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22537768.post-20353542571775695662011-07-28T09:46:00.000-07:002011-07-28T09:58:16.477-07:00

Finally feeling better! How strange to get a cold in mid-summer. It's unAmerican, Lol. Ah, well. Wanted to mention that my friend, author Carrie Padgett, wrote an article about a couple of my Otter Bay Novels for Salt Fresno Magazine. This was a complete surprise and it's wonderful! Hope you'll check it out. Here's the digital link to the magazine (it's also available in print): http://

Julie Carobinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06578840610817257039noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22537768.post-90234174799600260972011-07-24T19:07:00.000-07:002011-07-24T19:24:03.094-07:00

Had a party here on Friday night for College Boy's fellow camp staffers, a yard sale early the next morning, then picked up Teen Girl at LAX late last night (plane was two hours delayed). Today, I'm sick. Waaaa! I know people say that men are babies when sick, and women are toughies, but basically, I'm a baby. And my man does a good job taking care of me (Honey, will you pick me up some cold

Julie Carobinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06578840610817257039noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22537768.post-59414159560934358752011-07-21T10:16:00.001-07:002011-07-21T10:29:42.869-07:00

So Teen Daughter is still in NY on her pre-college trip (studying Fashion Design) and last eve, the college took a trip to the city. They visited the Metropolitan Museum of Art and viewed the Alexander McQueen exhibit, Savage Beauty, had dinner at Ruby Foo's, then took their seats for a Broadway musical. Priscilla Queen of the Desert recently won a Tony for best costumes, so it was a natural

Julie Carobinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06578840610817257039noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22537768.post-18856553843134984632011-07-19T08:43:00.000-07:002011-07-19T08:49:53.212-07:00

Relax: To sit in the shade on a fine day and look upon the water is the most perfect refreshment. Love this sign. Sometimes that's all I want to do ... just sit and look upon the water and think about, well, nothing. For some reason, I'm reminded about our trip to Pennsylvania about this time last year. We attended a family reunion at Parker Dam and, at one point, several of us rented kayaks. The

Julie Carobinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06578840610817257039noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22537768.post-5639293316635618732011-07-13T13:40:00.000-07:002011-07-13T13:55:57.403-07:00

Kidless this week because College Boy works at a summer camp (and lives there), Teen Daughter went to NY for a pre-college program (that's the "lunch" she and her suite-mates had the other day. Oy!), and Pre-Teen Girl is away at church camp. No pressing writing deadline at the moment either, so what a blessing to have so much time for my sweet mama who had to be admitted to the hospital a few

Julie Carobinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06578840610817257039noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22537768.post-73156838743429124032011-07-05T10:35:00.000-07:002011-07-05T10:40:16.127-07:00

Happy Tuesday! I hope you're enjoying your summer. Wanted to let you know that K. Dawn Bird is featuring Fade to Blue today and she's giving away a copy. I love this book and the feedback received so far. Would love for one of my blogger lurkers (you know who you are :) to win it. All you have to do to enter is leave a comment over on K. Dawn's blog. Ciao for now :)

Julie Carobinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06578840610817257039noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22537768.post-47671323919148491422011-07-02T21:45:00.000-07:002011-07-02T22:09:16.155-07:00

Had one of those days that's the stuff of dreams. Well, maybe not some people's, but in my laid-back beach chicky's dreams anyway. No soccer, so we dallied around the day together with various members of the household spilling in and out.The hot sun shone overhead, so D & I set up pre-teen girl and friend in our pedal kayak. Gave them a good shove and a wave, then we walked Charlie the Dog to the

Julie Carobinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06578840610817257039noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22537768.post-28398941547813802732011-06-25T10:46:00.000-07:002011-06-25T10:50:33.964-07:00

Just for fun, a post from 2006: Just got an email from my publisher. They want a photo of me for next year's catalog. Oh my. Well. The thought sent me flying into the bathroom to rifle through my paltry makeup drawer. Ugh--not good. Did I mention that I went to the mall after that? Got myself loaded up on under-eye concealer, blush, lipstick, and even some thermal skin polisher (whatever that is)

Julie Carobinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06578840610817257039noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22537768.post-33850923617574019892011-06-22T00:01:00.000-07:002011-06-22T00:01:05.066-07:00

I love this sign's sentiment. There's something so carefree about it, don't you think? Life is so often not carefree that I like to remind myself of its potential :->I sell these in my beach shop and have yet to snag one for my own wall. Think I'm going to have to change that ... Have a beachy day, friends (wherever you are :).

Julie Carobinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06578840610817257039noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22537768.post-1694313732081877882011-06-21T16:04:00.000-07:002011-06-21T16:15:33.431-07:00

Like these fish, I'm swimming in all kinds of directions these days. Any moms out there relate? It's summertime, which should mean vacation, but I'm busier than ever. I don't mind, but I'm just sayin'. Even my older kids seem to need me to fill out paperwork and help them manage their schedules, to answer questions and to hand them cash ;). In the meantime, I'm trying to maintain this career o'

Julie Carobinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06578840610817257039noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22537768.post-69372703590805990672011-06-13T08:39:00.000-07:002011-06-13T08:48:33.091-07:00

Had a fairly foggy weekend here on the coast, but today it's beautiful and sunny. Sad because the kids are still in school and can't enjoy it. I'll have to get out there for them. Lol If you're in a book club, or want to start one, I wanted you to know about a special online event tonight. At TBCN (The Book Club Network), 24 authors will be giving away great books for discussion, gift cards, a

Julie Carobinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06578840610817257039noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22537768.post-59800481864033581912011-06-07T08:17:00.000-07:002011-06-09T11:13:48.077-07:00

Started off the morning with a lovely interview with Stacey Stone of 99.1 FM in Zarapeth, New Jersey. Last December, during a sad time for us in Pennsylvania, we decided to get away for a day and drove to NJ. From there we grabbed a train into NYC to see the lights, sounds and excitement that winter in NY can bring: ice skating in Rockefeller Center, "dirty dogs" from a street vendor, searching

Julie Carobinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06578840610817257039noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22537768.post-42949742106206994702011-06-06T14:17:00.000-07:002011-06-06T16:54:19.643-07:00

Just looked through a stack of photos from my trip up north last year and came across this one. The hotel we stayed at for the Books & Such Literary Agency retreat sat right on the bay. Water rushed up under my room and I loved the sound of it filtering through the rocks. I love the way this photo seems to say, "Look at the sea of possibilities ..."I've hinted for months that I've been in a

Julie Carobinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06578840610817257039noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22537768.post-28757726191790093882011-06-03T00:01:00.000-07:002011-06-03T00:01:00.501-07:00

Hardy-har-har ...

Julie Carobinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06578840610817257039noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22537768.post-31093578281981243282011-06-01T10:07:00.000-07:002011-06-01T10:14:23.580-07:00

Update: Not sure how long this will last, but I noticed that the ebook of Fade to Blue is just 99cents on Amazon's Kindle. It's graduation time! Tonight the group of 8th grade girls that my older daughter and I have been mentoring are meeting up for the last time. They'll be heading into our church's high school group come graduation from middle school, and I'm so excited for them. But I'll miss

Julie Carobinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06578840610817257039noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22537768.post-54111737516881483032011-05-31T00:01:00.000-07:002011-05-31T08:25:37.859-07:00

I'll be chatting with Kelly Long on radio station KREJ at 8:30 am your time this morning (That's 6:30 for me, so don't expect much. Lol) As for the rest of the day, I'll be visiting Anne Payne over at Stuff & Nonsense, and I hope you'll stop by.Hope you all had a warm and wonderful Memorial Day weekend. Ours was GREAT (except for the wind!). Lots of family stuff and beach walks and

Julie Carobinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06578840610817257039noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22537768.post-87256851992618821262011-05-27T13:27:00.000-07:002011-05-27T13:40:11.927-07:00

I've been trying to sign into Blogger all. week. long. Tried updating my browser, clearing cache, wiping away cookies, yada, yada, yada. Still won't work the regular way, but then a poster on the Blogger Blog gave this funky address to try, and suddenly, I'm in! Not sure if it'll work again, so I'll talk fast, ha. Regarding American Idol, Scotty grew on me. I love Lauren too. Too bad they

Julie Carobinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06578840610817257039noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22537768.post-14700329090608399842011-05-23T10:09:00.000-07:002011-05-23T10:22:59.329-07:00

Exhausted after a couple of days at Disneyland. Whose idea was it to go to the happiest place on earth on a weekend in May? Haha ... actually, pre-teen girl's school choir entered a competition called Music in the Parks, so that's why we went. The kids took 1st place in their division, so ~ woot-woot ~ all that jostling and waiting in lines felt extra worth it after that :) Happy Monday,

Julie Carobinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06578840610817257039noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22537768.post-66776044532108790092011-05-20T08:41:00.000-07:002011-05-20T08:55:01.114-07:00

I used to write about American Idol obsessively, and I'm not sure why I don't any more. One reader wrote to me recently and mentioned this. Probably because I'm so busy tweeting about it or giving status updates on Facebook while watching. (It's been a family tradition since Carrie Underwood won. We saw her in concert a year later!)Anyway, this year I predicted that James and Haley would be in

Julie Carobinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06578840610817257039noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22537768.post-41069990001409650942011-05-18T09:27:00.000-07:002011-05-18T09:33:19.218-07:00

Too much sitting makes this writer-girl a cranky-girl, so I'm heading off to do some pilates in a few minutes. I can pretty much guarantee I won't be doing that pose over in the photo. First, my balance is sketchy, and second, that just looks weird. But I will be stretching and cracking things, hoping to shake loose some creativity. If you have an office job, I'm sure you can relate!Before I go,

Julie Carobinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06578840610817257039noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22537768.post-14284832920460303102011-05-17T12:23:00.001-07:002011-05-17T12:24:10.267-07:00

Congrats to out to Melinda, who won Through the Fire, and to Angela, who won Facelift. Thanks for playing, All! I now have more dinner ideas :)

Julie Carobinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06578840610817257039noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22537768.post-1476185418462238662011-05-16T00:01:00.000-07:002011-05-16T07:19:28.330-07:00

Update 7:15am: Finding Hope through Fiction is giving away a copy of Fade to Blue. Read my interview w/funky photos, then leave a comment and you may win. Back to our regularly scheduled post ... :)Made some new friends at Saturday's book signing in Brea. This is Morgan who picked up a copy of each of our titles and chatted with Cathy and me. Her mom was with her and they were both very sweet.

Julie Carobinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06578840610817257039noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22537768.post-46931645910910167182011-05-13T10:20:00.000-07:002011-05-13T10:20:55.883-07:00

Oh, how I love coupons! Thanks to ACFW Conference Director, Robin Miller, for pointing out this link for coupons to be used during the LifeWay Spring Fiction Day. Click to find a list of authors appearing nationwide tomorrow at various LifeWay stores. I'll be in Brea, CA from 11 to 1. My son attends college nearby, so after that, I think I'll take my kiddo to lunch :-)Have a beachy weekend,

Julie Carobinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06578840610817257039noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22537768.post-80879195739617999622011-05-12T11:45:00.000-07:002011-05-13T13:29:04.178-07:00

Last night, I began tearing apart my office, looking for a book to help my youngest with a report. All I have to show for it now are books stacked around my chair ~ but not the one I was looking for! What I did find, however, were some books by authors I love. They're gently used. Actually, they appear quite new, even though I read them. So I'd like to pass them along to some of my readers. The

Julie Carobinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06578840610817257039noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22537768.post-32689346748443989722011-05-12T10:33:00.000-07:002011-05-13T13:29:03.076-07:00

Just because.

Julie Carobinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06578840610817257039noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22537768.post-42760064519627176542011-05-11T00:01:00.000-07:002011-05-11T00:01:03.155-07:00

Notice the calm and collected look on my face? That's pilates, yoga, and a couple of jogs on the beach, baby! Booksignings are great ways to meet fellow readers, but oh how I stress beforehand. Will anyone show? Will everyone show? Lol ... that's why I've taken up "extreme exercise" to de-stress beforehand. See that man on the right? He's holding a copy of my first Otter Bay Novel, Sweet Waters.

Julie Carobinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06578840610817257039noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22537768.post-65287723479419762652011-05-06T08:24:00.000-07:002011-05-06T08:34:07.752-07:00

Busy Friday for me ... almost feels like Monday! That's a photo one of my daughters took of me walking along the sand one sunny afternoon in nearby Carpinteria. Ahhh... Anyway, tons to do but I wanted to pop in and let you know a couple of things. The wonderful author Lena Nelson Dooley interviewed me for her blog and she's giving away a copy of Fade to Blue. Please stop in at Lena's blog and

Julie Carobinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06578840610817257039noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22537768.post-34048990635175050642011-05-04T08:44:00.000-07:002011-05-04T23:00:35.391-07:00

Teen girl and I joined a gym recently, but I've only been in twice. Like everything else that's worthwhile, it takes some planning and energy to actually get there. I keep saying I'm going to write early, then go workout in late morning. Only I get caught up with other things and never make it. Then I have to go with her in the evening when it's busy. She thrives on the crowds that are at the gym

Julie Carobinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06578840610817257039noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22537768.post-23762043713280360922011-05-02T09:10:00.000-07:002011-05-02T09:26:18.948-07:00

Keisha, the battery-operated doll that my daughter brought home from her child development class, has gone back to school and I couldn't be happier. Like a real baby, the doll cries when it wants to be fed, changed, burped ... or for no apparent reason at all. If my daughter (the student) didn't attend to the "baby's" needs pronto, a printout will tell the tale--and she'll be docked points. Did I

Julie Carobinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06578840610817257039noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22537768.post-72890112791498640132011-04-27T13:54:00.000-07:002011-04-27T14:04:57.868-07:00

The blog tour for Fade to Blue officially starts today so you can find me over at Jamie Carie's Blog. Jamie's an amazing writer and friend, and I know you'll love her, so please stop by. I received my first copy in the mail today ... it's beautiful. Honestly, good job B&H Publishing! It's glossy, and ocean-y, and I hope it finds its way to nightstands and coffee tables everywhere :)Stop by

Julie Carobinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06578840610817257039noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22537768.post-33258331552372102142011-04-27T10:52:00.000-07:002011-04-27T11:13:47.814-07:00

Aren't they sweet? These duckies flew in to the backyard recently. I think they're the same two I saw waddling down the sidewalk early one morning on my run to the beach. We've also seen lots of herons and pelicans flying overhead ... just not landing on the patio (although we do watch out for their, ahem, missiles ;0)Writing today, and looking forward to American Idol tonight. I hear they'll be

Julie Carobinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06578840610817257039noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22537768.post-37962699878164336132011-04-25T00:01:00.000-07:002011-04-25T00:01:02.660-07:00

I seriously OD'd on chocolate yesterday, and not just any chocolate, but SEE'S candy chocolate ~ yum! I knew my dad would bring some over last evening (it's a pattern :), so I saved plenty of room. Which is why I'm nursing this sugar hangover at the moment ... Speaking of decadent treats, Truffles by the Sea is now available on Kindle and Nook for $2.99. Gaby Flores is truly one of my favorite

Julie Carobinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06578840610817257039noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22537768.post-15210794991206116682011-04-24T21:05:00.000-07:002011-04-24T21:07:14.891-07:00

Easter sunrise service under a slow rain. Beautiful.

Julie Carobinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06578840610817257039noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22537768.post-29881172211186054702011-04-23T10:42:00.000-07:002011-04-23T10:50:06.976-07:00

College boy is home for the week and suddenly our house has, well, shrunk. Last night a bunch of his friends dropped over at 11:00 ... at night. The firepit is still smoldering outside! Funny how the dynamics change when one chickadee comes home. Good times, though. Having a little family gathering over here tomorrow to celebrate Easter, so I'm getting ready to be the task master and start doling

Julie Carobinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06578840610817257039noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22537768.post-19869285783738498352011-04-20T09:08:00.001-07:002011-04-20T09:40:35.558-07:00

Nestled along San Diego's coast, the former romantic getaway of the silver screen's most notorious lovers is now the sizzling hacienda of Bonnie Miller's culinary boot camp. "If you are what you eat, make it hot, spicy and irresistible," is her motto, and this queen of Southwestern cuisine enjoys quite a savory life; success, fame, and a reputation for the finest palate west of Barcelona. That is

Julie Carobinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06578840610817257039noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22537768.post-67985821219629691042011-04-18T11:17:00.001-07:002011-04-18T11:23:36.927-07:00

If you're looking for the post about writing myself into a corner, you'll find it below. I'm writing today, so instead of a thought-provoking, insightful post (Lol), I've posted a beach shot instead. Took this photo at the Copa Cabana Beach Soccer Tourney that took place over the weekend at Oxnard Shores. Great weather for it ... ahhh, but it's drizzling today. Quirky!Have a beachy day, my

Julie Carobinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06578840610817257039noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22537768.post-36171052177399065022011-04-14T14:42:00.000-07:002011-04-18T11:32:05.232-07:00

I don't start off intending to write issue-driven stories. By that I mean that I don't think of a charged issue and decide to write a story around the topic. Instead, the issues that crop up in my books come about organically from the lives of the characters. (Kind of an artsy, overused word, but you get the pic. Right?)The reviews of Fade to Blue are beginning to appear, and I'm told that my

Julie Carobinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06578840610817257039noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22537768.post-90138389834335381342011-04-12T16:22:00.001-07:002011-04-12T16:24:01.583-07:00

Posted this on my Facebook page, but couldn't leave my blog friends out, now could I? Anyone who knows me knows that I am a SUCKER for dolphins. LOVE them so much that I squeal like a little girl every time I see them out here on the coast. Even at my age :D

Julie Carobinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06578840610817257039noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22537768.post-44701224512795060002011-04-12T10:13:00.001-07:002011-04-12T10:29:34.608-07:00

I wasn't kidding yesterday about playing hooky. Hubby and I drove college boy back to school in the morning (about 2 hours away), then headed up to San Marino to take in the Huntington Library. I've mentioned the Huntington before--it's a museum and botanical gardens spread out over 100++ acres. It's far from the beach, which is sad, but the happy part is that it's warm out there. Something about

Julie Carobinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06578840610817257039noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22537768.post-82855325112612005452011-04-11T00:01:00.000-07:002011-04-11T00:01:04.491-07:00

My son came home over the weekend and took this photo from the hills above Ventura. Look at that pretty blue sea out there ... just love it. Today's my b'day. Since college boy was home for the weekend, we did a little pizza and cupcake party with my parents last night. After eating a chocolate cupcake loaded with cream cheese frosting (really, really, REALLY, good!), we walked along the breezy

Julie Carobinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06578840610817257039noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22537768.post-40449051287852727572011-04-08T09:23:00.000-07:002011-04-19T08:42:00.218-07:00

Had this long-winded post all ready for you today ... and decided to wait because it's Friday. Who wants to think on a Friday? Ha! Instead, here's a link to my most recent Waves of Grace News. Like I promised on Facebook, it's not boring (at least I hope you won't think it is!). It gives a glimpse into some of the inspiration behind Fade to Blue, info on upcoming signings, and ... seaside trivia

Julie Carobinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06578840610817257039noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22537768.post-20719412004018880862011-04-06T10:12:00.000-07:002011-04-06T10:54:27.294-07:00

I'm starting to get why so many of my author friends write in Starbucks. I tend to prefer the quiet of my home office because a) I talk to myself and my characters when I write, and b) I'm usually barefoot or maybe wearing slippers. But lately I've been reading through one of my older books, Truffles by the Sea (it will be an eBook soon), and finding myself laughing out loud. It's like visiting

Julie Carobinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06578840610817257039noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22537768.post-49742347996457117802011-04-04T00:01:00.000-07:002011-04-04T00:01:04.022-07:00

LOVE this awe-inspiring interview with Sarah Hill (Carrie Underwood plays her in the movie, Soul Survivor). The movie, Soul Survivor, is the true story of Bethany Hamilton's triumph over tragedy, and Sarah Hill was her youth pastor. Read the Titletrakk.com Interview.

Julie Carobinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06578840610817257039noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22537768.post-71202143487186545562011-04-03T20:15:00.000-07:002011-04-03T20:34:53.671-07:00

It's spring break around here which means more excuses to go to the beach :) Dan and I watched the sunset from the sand several times already, and we haven't been alone. Something about the days yawning and stretching into the night brings out neighbors in droves. Lots of doggies frolicking, crazy kids skipping through cold water, and friends strolling until well after the afterglow. Since I work

Julie Carobinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06578840610817257039noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22537768.post-28167306898905830882011-03-30T12:19:00.001-07:002011-03-30T12:23:00.516-07:00

Just watched this and had to post. My friend, Sherry Kyle, made this super fun video tour of Capitola by the Sea, the setting of her debut novel, Delivered with Love. Love the bloopers at the end! I think it's time for a vacation northward ...

Julie Carobinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06578840610817257039noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22537768.post-57630750221356960972011-03-30T10:53:00.000-07:002011-03-30T11:10:42.630-07:00

Had breakfast with a friend this morning, and then hit the beach for a quick breath of ocean air. I've been waiting a lot lately, and so has my friend. Come to think of it, so have many others among my family and friends. Waiting's no fun, but it's life. My friend's waiting for her house to sell, my daughter's waiting for her SAT results, I'm waiting to learn how my efforts will pay off, and

Julie Carobinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06578840610817257039noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22537768.post-1485095419447270942011-03-29T08:15:00.000-07:002011-03-29T09:01:34.020-07:00

Found this chocolate button on a post from this blog in 2006. (Man, I've been doing this a long time!) Good to know you can still get a fine virtual chocolate when you need one! It's only Tuesday, but I'm in the mood for chocolate breakfast. Basically, I've got a ton of work on my desk, but I'd rather play hooky and go to the beach. With chocolate. And another latte.Speaking of good times, I

Julie Carobinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06578840610817257039noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22537768.post-34132131720006970312011-03-28T00:01:00.000-07:002011-03-28T07:09:05.769-07:00

Katie Cushman has the ability to write stories that conflict us as we find ourselves rooting, at different times, for each side of an issue. She's done that again with her newest release, Another Dawn.I took this novel with me to pre-teen girl's soccer practice, and sat in my car, nearly biting my nails. At one point, I put down the book and texted my pal, Katie: "Your book has me so stressed out

Julie Carobinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06578840610817257039noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22537768.post-88983631879369611402011-03-25T09:33:00.000-07:002011-03-25T15:22:22.488-07:00

I don't read all my reviews. I used to, but after five books, I've realized the perils of having your ego inflated one day and your heart ripped out and stomped on the next. (Is this TMI? LOL) That said, I did learn the other day that Romantic Times gave my upcoming novel, Fade to Blue, a 4-star rating. Considering my first three books only received threes (*sniff*), this was nice news to receive

Julie Carobinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06578840610817257039noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22537768.post-63072887876420407892011-03-23T09:14:00.000-07:002011-03-23T09:22:17.344-07:00

I'm surrounded by smart and creative peeps! My friends, Sally and Scott, developed an app for the iPad. I don't have an iPad, but my papa does ~ hoping to "borrow" it so I can try this out :-) Phrase Phrenzy is all about quotes. Instead of having to figure out a word, you have to beat the clock to figure out a famous quote. Kind of Trivial Pursuit-ish.Here's the link for Phrase Phrenzy. If you

Julie Carobinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06578840610817257039noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22537768.post-66830313247484411012011-03-22T08:41:00.000-07:002011-03-25T17:32:14.569-07:00

I spotted a homely house recently (Get it? Homely? :). It's shaped like a box and painted a hideous color. Apparently, the owners planned it that way, so I guess they wouldn't agree with me. But yesterday, the sun was shining after the rain, so pre-teen girl and I drove by the offending structure so I could dream a bit. She snapped a photo, but how would that be if I posted it here? Probably not

Julie Carobinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06578840610817257039noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22537768.post-37310400673619830262011-03-18T00:01:00.000-07:002011-03-18T10:36:03.998-07:00

Updated at 10:30 am pst: If you pre-order Sherry's novel today, she'll enter you in a drawing for a Starbucks giftcard and Capitola souvenir! Just leave a comment on this post letting her know that you've pre-ordered, and you'll be entered.Such a cute cover! Didn't I tell you? Sherry Kyle and I met last year at the Mt. Hermon Christian Writers conference and I had the privilege of reading an

Julie Carobinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06578840610817257039noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22537768.post-16718713662975328992011-03-17T09:23:00.000-07:002011-03-17T09:39:25.822-07:00

Welcome to all new subscribers of my Waves of Grace news. Congratulations go to LUANN, winner of an Otter Bay Novel of your choice! Thanks all for playing :)Tomorrow I'm going to post about a friend's new novel with the CUTEST cover ever! Please come back and check it out. In the meantime, I'm off to figure out what to wear to the FIDM Fashion Show in LA. Teen Girl is the fashionista in the

Julie Carobinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06578840610817257039noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22537768.post-30260708761918673052011-03-16T00:01:00.000-07:002011-03-16T00:01:00.132-07:00

Received this barrage of texts from College Boy the other day (yes, that's my answer in white). He posted it on Facebook for all our friends to see. Lovely. I told him that this sorta reminded me of when he was two and I was trying to use the restroom ... As one mom commented, "Isn't it great to be loved?":)

Julie Carobinihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06578840610817257039noreply@blogger.com0