Happy Monday

So for what it's worth, here's my quiz for the day. If you're the creative type, go for it :-)

You Are 78% Creative

You are beyond creative. You are a true artist - even if it's not in the conventional sense of the word. You love creating for its own sake, and you find yourself quite inspired at times.

How Creative Are You?

Friday Fotos!

Got this cool sunset from Jamie. Makes me want to go there.

And here's Jamie and her little possum, the cutie pie. She's dressed for the beach and he's, well, he's not. I'm thinking he oughta wear at least a little sunscreen, don't ya think?

Amanda sent me a link to a whole mess of "beachy" pictures and this one just sort of stuck out to me. I especially like the way her babydoll holds up the sketch pad all serious-like as she studies the big fish.

See more of Amanda's pictures here.

Hub and I braced for the worst last night

...but considering we were right, t'wasn't so bad. Yes, Phil and Chris left Idol last night, no big surprise there. But our girls love Chris so when you know that's coming, ya just brace. Know what I mean?

But they're troopers and they knew. It was time.

First thing this morning, though, Pre-Teen Daughter's asking, "Can we get Idol Tour tickets right away???"

So it's not exactly good-bye Chris, more like 'see ya later.'

***

Thought for today: We are priceless works of art in the eyes of our Master.

--Priscilla Shirer. Nice, huh?

Life truly is a box of...

Chocolates. At least for one winner out there. Anjanette Mensa, come on down! Anjanette's the winner of a 1lb. box of assorted, decadent choco-lots from Trufflehound's Fine Chocolates in downtown Ventura.

Woo-hoo & Congrats!

Thanks to all who participated. Sometime later this year I'll do another giveaway, this time for truffles to celebrate--what else?--the release of Truffles by the Sea.

After the Storm

Turned in my next book, Truffles by the Sea, to Bethany House last night, and here's what piled up while I was writing. Okay, not really. I got this pic from a professional organizer's website. But it's a fairly good representation of my home at the moment (Don't ya think so, kids?) Anyway, yesterday was the final day of my Great Chocolate Giveaway, and I owe somebody some chocolates, I know I do. As soon as I can find my computer, I'll print out the list and randomly choose a winner. But you might want to check back...could be awhile...;-)

Monday Madness

On a deadline, so havta post quick here. Took this little quiz and decided to keep the results since this chick looks so much like me. NOT. Haha--I wish.

Anyway, for your quiz taking pleasure:

You Are 66% Grown Up, 34% Kid

Congratulations, you are definitely quite emotionally mature. Although you have your moments of moodiness, you're usually stable and level headed.

How Emotionally Mature Are You?

Sunday Sentiments

Ever since the Idol Gives Back show last week I've been thinking about the images of suffering people. Pretty sobering show, don't you think? I'm glad the powers that be decided to do something positive with all that mula the show (and cast, and sponsors) rake in. Most people I know can't compete with that and never will, so I wanted to tell you about the organization my fam has given through over the years.

Through Compassion International we've been sponsoring children for more than 16 years. There are five in my family so for the price of two lattes each per month, we can provide meals and schooling for a child. Can't beat it. They've been awarded 4 out of 4 stars for fiscal management by Charity Navigator.

So there's my 2cents. If you're looking for a way to make a difference in a suffering child's life, here's a great idea for you. Easy as a few coffee trips a month.

Friday Fotos!

Aren't these fabulous? These pics came from Julie over at Another Chance Ranch, and don't you just love the name of her blog? Check out these shots, then please go on over and say hey to Julie.

****

Recap:
Well. Yesterday I wrote a long post filled with the many wonders of the sea that we experienced on our little jaunt out to Anacapa Island. I also told the story of how Elementary Girl and I got drenched when our dinghy (from the island to the main boat) nearly capsized--twice. All very exciting stuff BUT my computer froze up, and I lost my work--literary blog masterpiece included. HUGE sigh. (A similar thing happened today when I originally tried to post these photos--grrr.)

Anyway, I had lots of rewriting/editing to do so I moved on. Them's the breaks, I guess.

Before I bid adieu for the weekend, wanted to at least comment on the Idol Gives Back show and the "most shocking" Idol results show ever. You shoulda seen the teeth gnashing in this house when my girls thought Chris might go home. And when it looked like Jordin was on her way out? Let me just say, my Idol watching was just about over. Done! Whew--they had me going, and how about you?

Have a beachy weekend--and don't forget to stop by Another Chance Ranch. Tell Julie I sent ya!

Mussels and urchins and crabs, oh my!

For a college assignment, a few years back, I wrote a 20-page paper on the life of the sea anenome. See? I was destined to write about the beach stuff, don't ya think?

Anyway, this week I'll be taking an excursion out to Frenchy's Cove off Anacapa Island to frolick in the tidepools with elementary girl. Pray for me because I have the sniffles and I don't want to miss this!

Sea life has always fascinated me. Think about it. There's a world of life under the water, and what must that be like? I've been dragging my kids out to tidepools ever since they could walk, actually before they could. You just haven't lived until you've seen the face of a child whose fingers have just been grasped by an anemone's tentacles, or who's found a rough-skinned seastar molded to a rock. Do we have a creative God or what!

Lots of aquariums out there for those of you not living close enough to walk the tides yourselves. Nothing like coming face to face with a shark! (Actually, I avoid those exhibits ;-0 Thank God for thick glass, though, lol. Anyway, if you've been to a good one, drop me a line. And if you've found a tidepool somewhere just brimming with live creatures, let me know that too. Just might want to drag, um, take the family there sometime.

Seeing green

Happy Monday, all! Just got back from the Orange County Spring Writer's Day. Met sooo many new and enthusiastic writers! If you attended, good for you--now get crackin'! LOL

Sunday my fam and I spent the afternoon with Bethany House editors, Dave Long (Acquisitions) and Sarah Long (editing--she edited Chocolate Beach--woo-hoo!) We met up with them and author Kathryn Cushman, along with her lovely family just north of here. Despite drizzly weather, Katie's good-natured husband Lee took us out to sea in the family sailboat. Sweet!

But today I'm back to reality and the book I must edit before sending it to BHP on May 1. So, of course, I'm messing around with blog quizzes. This one caught my attention because of all the "green" buzz around here in California. The inconvenient truth is that green has taken on a whole new meaning, and I'm not convinced anyone really understands the entire scope of it. I'm not into the whole political scene, and I won't be coerced into certain habits just to look the part; however, I do believe in tending to the earth. God said we should, so there you go. Besides, he created it and it's BEAUTIFUL, can I get an Amen?

So here are my results. I especially enjoyed the last line, lol. How appropriate for those who know me. I just hope my editors agree that my "nice personality counteracts any strange habits" that I may have. LOL

You Are Teal Green

You are a one of a kind, original person. There's no one even close to being like you. Expressive and creative, you have a knack for making the impossible possible. While you are a bit offbeat, you don't scare people away with your quirks. Your warm personality nicely counteracts any strange habits you may have.

What Color Green Are You?

Friday Fotos!

Good morning! Vader's Mom sent me this pic of husband Jeff staring at the sea to share with y'all. I forgot to ask her where this was taken, so if you stop by today, VM, would you let us know?

We're having some rain today, but it's always nice to have the gunk cleaned out of the sky. Have a beachy weekend!

p.s. If you have a pic to share for next week, send me a note through my website. Tx.

What I have in common with the 7 Idol Finalists

...and it's not my singing voice. Buh-dum-bump. Actually, I too got the inside tour of Dreamworks studio once. (If you watched last night, you saw the finalists treated to a tour and a first-look at Shrek 3.)

It happened for me about 8.5 years ago when I was asked to review The Prince of Egypt for Aspire magazine out of Nashville (now-defunct. unfortunately.) Anyway, I was 8 months preggo at the time, so my mother naturally concerned for my well-being decides she should accompany on the two-day excursion to the Ritz Carlton in Pasadena. So I waddled around the fancy schmanzy hotel, ate far too much cheese in the hospitality suite, experienced a behind-the-scenes look at Dreamworks, pre-viewed the movie, noshed on a catered meal by candlelight at the studio with other members of The Press. (I dig saying that.) The next day I sat next to Jeffrey Katzenberg and other producers while we writers interviewed them about the movie making biz. All very high-brow and la-te-da and f-u-n. (And need I mention r-a-r-e?) Thank God Mom was there to make sure I was okay :), LOL (You know I'm kidding, Mom. Right?)

So anyway this weekend I'll be teaching some article-writing classes down south. I'll be telling my students that writing is work, that it takes discipline and the willingness to spend long, tedious hours alone on a hard chair (doesn't matter how good the chair is, the bum's unforgiving after a day of writing) in front of an eye-numbing computer screen, that there's very little glamour in it, if any. LOL Hopefully none of them read my blog...

***

p.s. Bye Sanjaya...twas, uh, interesting...

happy tears

Remember the opening of the old movie Romancing the Stone? Novelist Joan Wilder has just written the final scene of her latest romance and we find her sobbing recklessly over her typewriter (it was the mid-80s, people). I've always remembered that scene. It's sentimental, quirky, even kind of funny. So anyway, I mention this because I just wrote the final scene of Truffles by the Sea, my book due out in early 2008, and let me just say Somebody pass the Kleenex!

Here's to happy endings (but don't ask me what happens 'cuz I'm not tellin'). We could all use some of that, am I right?

***

American Idol update: If I were a betting gal--which I'm not--I'd say that Sanjaya's going home tonight. Nothing personal, but truly great talents are emerging on this show, so let's get serious here.

Yay for Grace

Ever had one of these mornings? Girls' first day back at school. Up late. Can't find sunglasses (either pair), nor hat (had morning hair). Rush off, shielding watery eyes from sunshine. Meeting friend for coffee, only she's late. So I sit and wait. She calls my cell because she's waiting at that other coffee place. Oops. Lots to do today, so...

Here's to starting over :-)

Sunday Chocolate

Only about two weeks left to sign up for my occasional newsletter, and possibly win yourself a ONE POUND box of decadent chocolates. Details on my website or just sign up on my sidebar. Easy as, well, I was going to say pie but seriously, is pie all that easy to make? Suffice to say, I wouldn't know, lol. Mi poor familia. (Okay, it's not that bad, I do buy pie occasionally :) Anyway, don't miss out on your chance at a free box of Trufflehound choco-lots. Ad over :)

Relax. Slow down. Enjoy the rest of your weekend, 'cuz God is good.

TGI Friday Fotos

Here's a peek a boo pic from a recent trip up the California coast. Come on back each Friday for a new Ahhh moment. Have a beach-themed pic you'd like me to feature? (You mid-west folks will have to get creative, but I know you can do it!) First post it on your site and then send me an email with the link. If there's room, I'll post it here and link back to you.

Have a beachy weekend, Friends :)

Those legs were made for walkin'...

So last night, we bid adieu to Haley Scarnato, who proved that hot pants are never out of style...

unless of course I'm wearing them ;-0

Thanks, Julie!

May I have a drumroll please? I've just received my very first blogger award (crowd cheers). I'm honored to announce that I've received the thinking blogger a w a r d complements of Julie at Another Chance Ranch. Considering I've got a deadline looming, two classes to teach next week, PMS in a bad way (would that be considered oversharing?), and I. can't. think. at. all. anymore, this is a tremendous honor! So thanks, Julie! If you've not been to her site, go on over and say, Hey.

Now, I believe this is the part where I pass along this honor to five just as thinking blogger friends. Thinking, thinking (I feel like Winnie the Pooh here). Hm. This is a toughie, but here goes. (And don't get all miffed if I don't pick you, sheesh):

Geekwif. One of my very first visitors ever she can discuss the meaning of "religion" and her visit to the laundromat in the snow, all on the same page.

Amanda. We're passing the compliments these days, she and I. But how can I not mention a gal who actually sent me a card by snail mail? A lost art, I tell you.

Robin. Oh, how I miss her old template, but her posts rock. And she's older than me, hee-hee.

Sarakastic. "Sara" and I share a similar passion for (obsession with?) Gilmore Girls. And really, great friends are born over series TV, am I right?

Virginia. She makes me laugh! (And she criticizes because she cares.)

Congratulations one and all!

Feel that Conga!

C'mon everybody! Okay so the performances were less than stellar last night on American Idol, but the music! Arriba! The contestants, coached by JLo, were given Latin music as the genre of the night, a style that's fast and fun and sparked dance fever in my household. So I was the only one dancing? I am a Navarro after all. Yeah baby, the Latin blood in me just took over (much to the chagrin of my children, who have a mere 1/4 of said South American blood in their veins.)

Of course, they'll tell you it wasn't the manifestation of Latin moves that brought shame on the household, but my interpretation of the genre. Whatever.

Never been much of a JLo fan but found her cute and even pretty astute. After all, she said that Simon might even enjoy Sanjaya's performance this week--and she was right! Yeah, that pretty much surprised us all, didn't it?

***

It's my birthday today, so have an extra truffle today. I know I will :)

Mental vacation

Okay, so today the sun's shining but I've got to work. What's up with that? Sigh. On the upside, my publisher sent me a couple of newer reviews of Chocolate Beach, the kind that make my heart do the happy dance. If you're interested you kind read them at cwahm.com and ck2skwipsandkritiques.com

On another note, little brother Mikey and his new bride Rita just returned from their honeymoon to Bora Bora, and I'm incredibly jealous. They entertained us with tales of crystal clear waters, swimming with harmless stingrays, private tours of motus, and fab food. Who wouldn't be envious of that? So, in honor of their exotic taste in travel, I took this little quiz--and you can too :)

Your Travel Personality is: Spoiled

You're not spoiled in your everyday life, so you sure like to be spoiled when your on vacation.You prefer to splurge on nice hotels, fancy meals, and luxury transportation.Even if it means you're only able to get away every few years!

What's" Your Travel Personality?

The Son's Out

Okay, so I had another post all ready for you, but the video I'd linked just won't work, so movin' on. Taking the rest of the weekend off from blogging, but wanted to say Happy Easter! It's hazy here in SoCal, but it doesn't really matter does it? The thought of the Savior dying and rising again for me (and You!) kinda makes the sun shine no matter what, don't you think?

Have a good one. And if you're into videos, I just ran across this fun site. Hopefully you'll find it easier to link to...

When in doubt...

eat chocolate :)

Got up in the dark this a.m. and was interviewed on the radio, Kansas time. Had fun, only I can't remember exactly what I said. Anyone who really knows me, knows that I'm a night owl. This has been the problem when my pal Deb and I travel together. She's one of those It's-morning-and-the-birdies-are-singing kinds of gals, whereas I prefer to welcome midnight with an engrossing book, then sleep right on through till noon. Not like I can do it very often, but I'd prefer it.

Anyway, I'm nearly finished with Truffles by the Sea, and my heroine Gaby's a morning girl too. So you'd have thought that writing her would have prepped me better for my early morning radio stint. Sadly, no. If anyone out there happened to hear me and my groggy-I've-had-too-much-coffee voice, well, sorry, lol.

One thing I've discovered, though, about this getting up at 5-ish thing: by 8, it's practically mid-day, so you can eat chocolate with no regrets.

Nosh on...

Announcements, announcements

It's 10 am and I've had a good night's sleep and a latte. So much to digest after such a busy week, and I'm determined not to turn my back on all I learned at the writer's conference. Easy to do, ya know? How many times have you attended some sort of class, come back fired up, only to fall back into the same old pattern?

Yeah, me too.

My kids are on break this week, and Easter day needs some planning, but I do plan to get into my notes TODAY and incorporate some of the great stuff I learned about writing and faith into my next novel, which just so happens to be re-titled....are you ready for this?....

Truffles by the Sea

What do you think?

On a separate note, for those of you in the SC/KS/OC areas, I'll be interviewed by Kelly Long tomorrow morning LIVE on radio station KREJ. Keep in mind my friends that it'll be 6:15 AM my time. Listen with caution :)

Writer of the Year...

went to my good (end cap) buddy, Sharon Hinck! Tonight was awards and autographs at Mt. H and Sharon won the top prize--how cool is that? Congrats, my friend! You deserve it.

After the final night's session, we headed over to the dining hall for a booksigning and brownies, the perfect atmosphere for buying Chocolate Beach, lol. A few actually did too :)

Tomorrow: closing workshops and session followed by lunch. Then home again, home again (jiggity jig!) Just in time for this week's Idol performances...

Until then--peace!

Hello from Mt. Hermon!

It's like I've gone from one great family gathering to another. My brother Mikey and his beautiful bride, Rita, were happily married last night, so this a.m. I headed to the Santa Cruz area to catch up with the Mt. Hermon writer's conference. Got here about 10:30, after way too much coffee, and immediately caught up with writing-buds Sharon Hinck and Camy Tang and Patti Hill.

I've been attending this conference for years, usually fretting through the whole thing hoping not to have spinach stuck in my teeth while pitching an idea to an editor. Thank God for the friends God has brought me along the way. Like Erica Faraone who I haven't seen in ten years but who I've email prayed with many times (she sang beautifully tonight, btw). And Barbara Curtis, who I've admired ever since my first conference when I found out that the mother of 12 sells hundreds of articles a year (she's blogging tonight too, btw). Then there's Kathryn Cushman, a new Bethany House author and friend who lives just a half hour from me, and who saved me from the effects of too much onions for lunch with a Listerine tab (thanks, Katie!) Also got re-aqcuainted with Jenn Doucette. Haven't read her work yet, but I hear that her books are funny. After having dinner with her tonight, I so get that. And did I mention that Becky Miller and I yakked by the side of the road for nearly an hour tonight?

Learned a few things about writing too, but I'm too pooped at the moment to remember exactly what. I'll make notes next time and get back to ya...:-)

Tomorrow's Palm Sunday--God Bless!

Goin' to the chapel...

Busy, busy! Little brother's marrying Rita on Friday (yahoo!) and all three of my kiddos are in the wedding...leaving for the Mt. Hermon Christian Writer's Conference...packing up Teen Son for a mission's trip with YWAM...trying to breathe...but had a fabulous eyebrow wax yesterday, so all is well, lol.

Before heading off, I'll be stopping at Tiffany Amber Miller's place, so please, grab your beach towel and come on by.

p.s. If you're interested in the doings at Mt. H, I'll try to post some highlights over the weekend. They've got great wireless access in the coffee house, so posts will probably be highly-caffeinated ;-)

Psst...over here

Had a celebrity sighting on my blog yesterday. Heather Ivester popped in to say that she's giving away a copy of Chocolate Beach on her site--but you gotta tell her what kind of chocolate you like first. I've loved her site since the beginning of (blogging) time, so I'm honored ;-*)

What I'm doing instead of writing

LOL, this cracked me up. Keep in mind I love my husband, I love my husband, I love my husband...

Your 80s Heartthrob Is

Kirk Cameron

Who's Your 80's Heartthrob?

Congrats to...

Amanda! You just won a new copy of Valley of Betrayal, by Tricia Goyer. Please send me your snail mail address via my website and I'll get it right out to you (excuse the formality, but the web contact form helps fight the dreaded spammers...)

Through my window I'm watching several mighty palm trees leaning against a blue and white sky, and I'm thinking of playing hooky and hitting the beach. But, no. Can't do it today. Bummer. Makes me think of the recent conversation hubby and I had about a trip to Hawaii next October. Can you believe we've never been there? Such a sheltered life we lead ;-)

Anyway, we'll only have a week, so if you've been there, where should we go for our first-ever Hawaiian getaway? We're taking the whole fam so keep these particulars in mind: Hubby likes fine dining, mama likes lounging on the beach, teen son likes sailing, pre-teen daughter absolutely must have good shopping, and elementary girl likes to swim.

What say you?

Win Tricia's Book

Said bye to Stephanie last night on American Idol and I think it was too soon. Only one will win, but her vocals were so much stronger than several others, don't you think? This is when we start to see the popularity aspect of the show rather than the talent factor. Kind of like life. Hm.


On to better things...
Hey all history buffs! The other day my buddy, the talented Tricia Goyer guested on this blog to tell us about her new book, Valley of Betrayal. I'll be randomly picking someone from TODAY'S comments to win a free-free-free copy of this first book in Tricia's series, Chronicles of the Spanish Civil War. Stop on by tomorrow to see who's won.


Lately, some pretty nice reviews of Chocolate Beach have popped up in cyberspace--and I didn't even pay 'em, ha! Seriously, I'm sooo grateful for the time so many people have taken to actually read and then write about my first "baby." Really, really, really grateful! I've posted two recent reviews here: titletrakk and deena's books


Okay, off to work...

Sun's out--surf's up!

Yo! So check it out, Dog.

Had a fabulous post all ready for you last night, fabulous I tell you--and lost it. Sigh. Okay, tonight, it's the final 10. Will Sanjaya finally be voted off? Will Phil's screaming ways be turned away? Or will Stephanie, who had a rough night, be packin' her bags? And what did you all think about that lulu of a Lulu? Or Peter Noone's kindly ways? So cool that I'm too young to be familiar with either one of those 60s singers, lol.

If you've no idea what I'm talking about, sawwy. This year's Idol doesn't quite have the edge of last year's edition--Remember Ace's eyes? Elliott's makeover? McFever? Yeah, baby, those were the days. So far, it's been a little ho hum, but still kinda fun anyway, so the fam and I will be gathering around the flat screen tonight to see the results. And you?

Sing it

Crunch time around here with my brother's wedding just around the bend. All 3 kiddos are in it which for the girls means shoes! dresses! hair! nails! makeup! and for the boy: a suit. So not fair.

Anyhoo, we've had misty fog around here for a week, but do we let this get us down? Nah--okay, a little. But I look at it this way, if it were hot and sunny, I'd want to be out there instead of doing all the stuff I've got to do.

Speaking of beaches (we were, weren't we?), I've been invited to hang at a new cyber-beach pad today. New to me, but maybe not to you? Please stop by singalullaby and say hello to my new friend on the net! She's a sweetie!

Happy American Idol Tuesday :)

Will work for chocolate

FREE CHOCOLATE Need I say more? LOL Sign up to receive my occasional newsletter (see sidebar) and you just might win yourself a 1 lb. box of scrumptuous chocolates. (And no, these aren't the virtual kind, hah.) You can also sign up on my home page at www.juliecarobini.com (and read the details there too.)

But don't leave yet...because author and new blogger, Annette Irby, has invited me for a chat on her cyber-beach blanket. Come on by and welcome her to the blogosphere, okey dokey?

Happy Monday--only 4 days left until Friday :)

Welcome, Guest Blogger, Tricia Goyer!

Tricia and I have been friends since the mid-90s when we met as newbie writers at the Mt. Hermon Christian Writer's Conference. Her talent, humility, prayerfulness, and friendship (yeah, I could go on and on about her!) have inspired me ever since. She's got a new book out and I thought I'd let her tell you the story behind it in her own words:

A few years ago when I was researching for my fourth World War II novel, Arms of Deliverance, I came across a unique autobiography. One B-17 crewmember I read about claimed to make it out of German-occupied Belgium after a plane crash due, in part, to skills he picked up as a veteran of The Spanish Civil War. Reading that bit of information, I had to scratch my head. First of all, I had never heard of the war. And second, what was an American doing fighting in Spain in the late 1930s? Before I knew it, I uncovered a fascinating time in history—one that I soon discovered many people know little about. This is what I learned:

Nazi tanks rolled across the hillsides and German bombers roared overhead, dropping bombs on helpless citizens. Italian troops fought alongside the Germans, and their opponents attempted to stand strong—Americans, British, Irishmen, and others—in unison with other volunteers from many countries. And their battleground? The beautiful Spanish countryside.

From July 17, 1936-April 1, 1939, well before America was involved in World War II, another battle was fought on the hillsides of Spain. On one side were the Spanish Republicans, joined by the Soviet Union and The International Brigade—men and women from all over the world who had volunteered to fight Fascism. Opposing them, Franco and his Fascist military leaders, supported with troops, machinery, and weapons from Hitler and Mussolini. The Spanish Civil War, considered the “training ground” for the war to come, boasted thousands of American volunteers who joined to fight on the Republican side--half never returned home.

Unlike World War II, there is no clear line between white and black, good and evil. Both sides committed atrocities. Both sides had deep convictions they felt worth fighting and dying for. And while history books discuss the estimated one million people who lost their lives during the conflict, we must not forget that each of those who fought, who died, had their own tales. From visitors to Spain who found themselves caught in the conflict, to the communist supporters, Basque priests, and Nazi airmen . . . each saw this war in a different light. These are the stories behind

A Valley of Betrayal.

Tricia Goyer, October 2006

Oh Sun and Sand, Where Art Thou?

Last Sunday's baking 85+ degree weather was an abberation, an abberation, I tell you! Sigh. The sky's been mucky all week. On the upside, I've got writing goals to meet, and wouldn't have gotten out there to enjoy it anyway.

But here's the thing: The beauty of cyber tours is I can beach hop and nosh on bon bons in my home office, no matter the weather. So can YOU! It's a beautiful thing. So I wanted to let you know that tour stops continue to be added to The List, so please take a sec and check out where I'll be and when.

Thanks again to all my hosts! Here's a chocolate kiss for ya'll--mu-waah!

Hey CJ!

Say hello to CJ! We met a couple of weeks ago on my "mini-tour" of bookstores along the coast. Though working alone on a busy day at Parable, CJ threw out the welcome mat for me (& my gift of chocolates, natch) by buying my book on the spot--and "encouraging" another customer to buy one. (She did; I signed them both) Never mind that said customer came in to buy one of Davis Bunn's books, LOL. (Don't look at me like that...she bought both :-)

Tell me your adventures!

Good Morning! To say that I've had less time to blog than usual would be quite the understatement, don't you think? As my heroine Bri would say, sheesh!

Because of a crazy schedule last week which included writing 8k words, chaperoning two all day fieldtrips, attending a school open house, observing two cotillions, accompanying friend and fella-writer Kathryn Cushman to a celebrity authors luncheon (alas, we were spectators and not participants...), hub and I decided to do the Sunday warrior thing. So after church we kayaked for a couple of hours then headed out for ice-blended coffees and a stop at the beach to visit friends. Nothing like squishing all the fun into a few short hours. Ho hum. I'm pooped! And it's Tuesday!

Started all over again yesterday. Can you relate? Most people I know can. I guess that's why I'm actually scheduling breaks. Like yesterday when I crashed coma-like onto my bed in the mid afternoon. Ten minutes, but oh!, how fab to just turn out the world for awhile.

Okay, so I'm rambling. (Tired people do that.) Let's do this. You tell me what you're doing for Easter/Spring Break this year. I'll be writing like wild, so entertain me with your adventures so I can live vicariously through you. Tell me, tell me.

We have ourselves a winner!

The party's over, but the glow remains. Pre-teen daughter did the honors tonight by randomly choosing one name from all the party comments, so Congrats! to Julie Arduini, who isn't me but whose name is seriously close to mine. Julie's the winner of an autographed copy of Chocolate Beach.
Woo-hoo!

Life's getting hectic, so let's all take this moment to breathe in the view. Ahhh...

Have a peaceful day :-)

Singin' the blues

So yesterday I had a Lorelai and Sookie moment when Elementary Girl and I were seated in the very last row of the ginormous local civic arts theater. Tissues for nosebleeds anyone? Remember that sort of 80s flashback episode where the Gilmore Girls bopped on over to NY city to see the Bangles? Lorelai and Sookie gave up their seats to Rory and friends, and had to settle for the top section. They snorted and laughed through the whole from-a-distance show, much to the chagrin of the other paying customers stuck around them. Ho hum, funny stuff.

Anyway, we were on a fieldtrip and I just kept questioning the wisdom of seating hundreds of 3rd graders in a steep balcony, but hey, I wasn't in charge (Their bad :). Thankfully the performance topped the seating arrangements.

Speaking of performances, anyone else disappointed in this year's Idol offerings? Just seems that thousands of auditioners should have produced some stronger vocals. But who knows? Maybe the boys'll get some training over the next few weeks and surprise us. Trust me when I say that I will be surprised if a guy wins this year.

Enough of this frivolity. I'm off to write another 2k words, and brainstorm a title...(and scrounge around for my stash of truffles -]] )

Chat with my end cap buddy!

Today I'm talking with author, friend, and end-cap buddy, Sharon Hinck! Sharon and I met last year at the Mt. Hermon Christian Writer's Conference and quickly became friends. Sharon's the author of The Secret Life of Becky Miller, and the recently released, Renovating Becky Miller. Please follow this link to read the first part of our chat. Then c'mon back for the last half. We hope you have as much fun as we're having :]]

****

In answer to Sharon's question:

Julie: Hey thanks, Sharon! Yes, I think I always have loved to write. It’s in my blood, I guess. My grandfather owned a Spanish newspaper, and he also wrote for La Opinion. My father wrote freelance and recently self-published a book on Silent Films, and my mother writes freelance (and inspires me daily!). As far as my recent reads? I loved Renovating Becky Miller, and I’m not just saying that! Some interesting perspective in there on how ministry can turn into marketing and how poor Becky has to rise above it. I also loved how Becky daydreamed about movies, with her as the main character—lol. Oddly enough, I was able to guess just about every movie in there without flipping to the list in the back. Right now, I’m also reading The Mitford Bedside Companion, by Jan Karon. Love it! Of course, I’ve got a stack of others I’d love to get to…sigh.

And Sharon! I’ve heard that we’ll be endcap buddies at stores in the near future! How fun is that? But guess what? I stopped at the Parable Stores in both San Luis Obispo and Atascadero—and we were already hanging out together! Here’s a pic of my mother, Elaine, and me, next to an endcap display of our books (And nope, I did not set this up. They were like that when I got there! -]]



Cool, huh?

Sharon: Very cool!

Julie: Now that our “babies” are growing up and coming into their own, what’s up next for you, Sharon? Still writing? (ha!) Still loving it? Give me the scoop!

Sharon: My next novel, The Restorer, releases in May from NavPress, the first of a series, with book two coming out in September, book three in January, and then two more stand-alone novels coming out with Bethany House in 2008. How about you? When’s the next story coming out? What’s it about? Do tell!

Julie: Um, you’re busy, girlfriend. Congrats on all of it, and may you find peace and rest!

My next story will be out in early 2008. The title’s currently in a state of flux, but it involves seashells and bon bons—yum!—so really, what else do you need to know? LOL Anyway, it’s second in the Ventura beach series, this time focusing on Bri’s best pal, Gaby, who after a series of near catastrophes, resolves to be Gullible No More! Other stories are also in the works, so feel free to pop in and visit my beachy website for updates anytime: www.juliecarobini.com. You can also sign-up to receive news on my home page.

Had a blast, Sharon! Let’s do this again, sometime, okay? Thanks to all who’ve stopped by today, too. WE APPRECIATE YOU!

You're invited

I just joined the party! You can too. The gals over at 5minutesformom.com are throwing a party and everyone's invited. Go on over and you might win a cool prize. But don't leave yet! If you leave me a comment at this post between today and March 9, I'll enter your name in a drawing for an autographed copy of Chocolate Beach! (If you're new here, Chocolate Beach is my debut novel, released just a few short weeks ago.) Summer's coming, so join the fun! Sunscreen not required :)

longing for lazy days

Woo-hoo, it's Friday! Love that. Got back last night and the family gathered around the flat screen for the latest Idol installment. So sad to see AJ go. Just wasn't time for him yet, we thought. Btw, on my mini tour I stopped at two stores in his home town of Santa Maria, CA. He's got a strong voice and sweet personality...but something tells me America's 11 year old girls had taken over the phone lines for Sanjaya. Sigh.

What say you?

Anyway, I'm longing for some beachside reading sans responsibility but life's just not always like that, you know? I long for it anyway. I've got a growing stack of fiction to read, just for fun. Maybe when the house is clean, the next book's done, my kids' projects are all finished, yada yada yada--Calgon, take me away!

What do you long to have time for?

One of my favorite things...

Did I mention that it's cold along the central coast? Yeah, yeah, I hear all you East coasters snickering, "Julie, you don't know cold! We know cold!"
But I'm a wimp. This is why seat heaters have become my new favorite
thang. Recently bought myself a modestly-priced mid-sized suv and those bun warmers make up for any lack of luxury accoutrements, and I'm not kidding.

Took a few pics today, but didn't bring the camera cable. Bummer. I'll try to post soon. I do want to give a shout out to the folks along the West coast at Parable Bookstores, Borders, Barnes and Noble and The Novel Experience. Thanks for the cheer!

Tour de Coast--Day 1

Every few seconds I can hear waves crash just outside my window--I'm that close to the beach right now. Mom and I hit PCH this morning, and let me just say, coffee on the road is just the best. We stopped something like three times. Maybe this is why it's nearly 10 pm and I'm sitting here in my hotel room showing no sign of slowing down...

Anyway, one of my favorite stops today (and there were several good ones) was at The Book Loft in Solvang (a touristy town north of Santa Barbara known for its Dutch history, complete with wooden shoes and fabulous pastries. And by the way, the chocolate rum balls ROCK!) The proprietor didn't carry my book, so I gave him one along with chocolates and postcards. He laughed and said something about "bribery."

Hey, whatever it takes. Seriously, I'm so glad for his staff's warm reception because I've stopped in that bookstore for years, and I'd love to see Chocolate Beach lounging on its shelves. Hopefully soon...

Up tomorrow: four planned stops and time to wander where the road may lead (hopefully that would be the beach, lol)

Tour de Coastal

These flip flops were made for walkin', and that's just what they'll do...

Mom and I have hit the Pacific Coast Highway for points north, ie. bookstores along the central coast of California where we'll be tellin' shopkeeps about Chocolate Beach. Sunroof's open, XM's blaring, and we're sucking down chocolates and coffee quicker than you can wipe out on a fast breaking wave.

You might want to watch out for a couple of brown-eyed gals on a mission. And if you see us, make sure to tell our hubbies (and my kids!) that we're workin'

A-LO-HA!

She likes me! She likes me!

Can I hear a phew?
Surf on over to Jamie's blog today and read what I'm talkin' about ;)

grab your board

Psst...I'm over at Jeanette's blog. Surf on over :)

Monday morning madness

Hey there bleary-eyed bloggers! On your second cup yet? I'm there next. Did y'all watch the Oscars last night? Ya didn't miss anything important. During the show, I kept thinking of Simon's words on American Idol last week: "That was self-indulgent." Ho hum, thank God for the DVR and the all-important fast forward feature! (Although Jennifer Hudson? You rock!)

Tried to hit the beach yesterday but the sand tornadoes kept me away. Seriously, we had quite the wind storm in So Cal on Sunday. The wind swirls did blow away clouds making the Channel Islands clearly visible, so that's a plus. But sand in the hair and teeth? Not so fun.

Mi mama and I are hittin' the road tomorrow for some coastal madness. Yeah, we'll be visiting bookstores along the California coast for the next few days, bringing chocolates and friendly hellos to the shopkeeps. I'll try to post from the road and let you know if this newbie author is welcomed with open arms or sent packing.

Relax, it's Sunday

Go to church, then have another cup :)

Caffe Vanilla Frappuccino

Smooth and sweet, you fit in to almost any crowd. No one would suspect you of being a coffee tweaker!

What Flavor Frappuccino Are You?

What we have here is a re-post...

Happy Friday Everybody! I'm re-posting my cyber-beach hopping schedule, past and future. I've been visiting with beach lovers, telling stories and answering questions. So grab your board and join me for a little re-cap, if you'd like.

Here's the list of my groovy hosts:

February 5th--Camy Tang

February 7th--Georgiana D

February 8th--Gina Conroy

February 14th—Tricia Goyer

February 15th--Rebecca LuElla Miller

February 20th—Amy Wallace

February 22nd--Damselfly

February 26th—-Jeanette Hanscome

February 27th—Jamie Driggers

MARCH 5--Sharon Hinck Conversation with my end-cap Buddy!

March 28--Tiff Amber Miller

Thanks to She Lives for introducing me to the Image Chef.

***

Yippee--I'm hangin' out with Damselfly and Flybaby today!

The Girls Rock!

Okay, now that's a singing competition! Last night? Not so much. The boys were nice, but the women! Holy. Moly. What did ya think? Who's staying? My vote: Jordin, Melinda, Sabrina, Stephanie, maybe Gina, and, OF COURSE, LaKisha! (Didn't she just give you chills?!!!)

I have to go vote some more. My kids tell me so...

beach hopping & ice cream

Saw a few raindrops this weekend, but the sun's out again and I'm hanging out at Amy Wallace's beach pad today. Come say hi--you might win a free book :)

***

Yearning for summer, so I thought I'd take a little quiz, and let me just say, thank God it says I'm compatible with chocolate chip! I wouldn't have it any other way.

You Are Strawberry Ice Cream

A bit shy and sensitive, you are sweet to the core. You often find yourself on the outside looking in. Insightful and pensive, you really understand how the world works. You are most compatible with chocolate chip ice cream.

What Flavor Ice Cream Are You?

HAPPY BLOG BIRTHDAY (to me)

A year ago today, after the persistent emails from this blogger, I launched this blog. For your viewing pleasure (?), I've linked that maiden post here.

Now I'm off to celebrate! I'm thinkin' chocolate cake...

Rebecca LuElla Miller over at A Christian Worldview of Fiction reviewed Chocolate Beach on her blog today. It's the kind of review that makes an author want to reach through the computer screen and hug the reviewer, proclaiming, "You get it! You really get it!" Warning, there is a tiny spoiler in it, but if you're game, you can read it here.

Biting my nails over tonight's Idol. Et tu? Or are y'all getting tired of the endless drama? LOL Yeah, right.

I'm hanging out at Tricia Goyer's Montana beachpad today. Yeah, I'm not kidding. You can visit me here. (The rest of the sched. is here.)

Happy Valentine's Day. May your day be filled with good chocolate and warm hugs. Enjoy a virtual chocolate. It's on me :)

tears on tv

Emotional TV night. On American Idol, bunches of folks left Hollywood, including 1/2 of a brother/sister team and 1/2 of a best friends duo. Then on Gilmore Girls (thanks DVR...), Chris and Lorelai broke up. Not unexpected, but pretty sad. All I'm saying. (As was Paw-Paw's funeral, although that's another story.) Anyway, Lor's sobs made me choke up. They really did.

Sigh.

Bloggity Goodness

For the sheer fun of it, I love to pop in and read about the adventures of Damselfly and Flybaby over at Growingalife. Well, it seems that Damselfly's been taking a little "mental vacation" of late--every new mama needs one of those!--and had a chance to read Chocolate Beach. Find her decadent review here.

And hey, if you're interested in being a groupie on my blog tour, you can find the schedule here.

Surf's up!

Updated: Are you a longsuffering writer of Christian fiction? Haven't found anyone with enough taste to publish your work of staggering genius? (Been there :) You have until April 15 to enter your script in the Genesis contest. Read all about it at Camy's site.

The celebrity next door

"I'd hate living here," Teen Son said on a recent Sunday afternoon. We had just taken a drive into LA, where I grew up.

"Why's that?" I asked.

"Because celebrities live around here, but you never get to see them."

I laughed remembering the time I chased after Robbie Benson in the parking lot of Bob's Big Boy in Burbank. And the time I got Donny and Marie Osmond's autograph at a taping of the Donny & Marie Show. And the time my longsuffering mother drove us to Pasadena and waited--for hours--to see Shaun Cassidy at a local mall.

Teen Son continued. "Yeah, I'd hate knowing they were around here, but never getting to hang out with any of them."

Minutes later, we drove up to the modest neighborhood where I grew up and saw a man standing outside of my childhood home. As my extended family parked in the old neighborhood, four cars in all, he watched us like a volunteer security guard. I decided to put his suspicious mind to rest, and quickly crossed the street.

"I grew up here," I told him. "We're just here to take a walk and do some reminiscing." His face relaxed, and he opened up like a steamed clam, launching into the neighborhood's latest and most juiciest news. After awhile I asked him who lived next door these days.

"Oh, her?" he said, nodding to the old clapboard house next to his. "She's a young actress on Boston Legal."

Yeah, my teen son would hate living there.

Love is in the air...

Welcome to the Blogging Chick's Valentine's Carnival. Haven't participated in a carnival in awhile, and it's good to be back!

Spent the afternoon Saturday at the Gold Coast Chocolate Festival where I signed Chocolate Beach for charity. Let me just say, without the support of my fabulous family, I'd have been sucking my thumb in the corner. Here's some of what they did for me: Two of my kids approached unsuspecting potential readers and handed them flyers about my book signing, my husband brought me chocolate-dipped strawberries (sustenance, you know), one of my daughters played cashier, and my mother hovered nearby offering sage advice and encouragement. Being a first time novelist is a kick, but doing this with my family around me? Priceless.

Happy Valentine's Day Everyone. May you find love around every corner.

Here's a pic of my favorite guy and me, at another recent signing.

Chocolate and hope

Happy Friday! Through the magic of DVR--and just how did we survive without one of those for so long--I re-watched Idol from the other night. Remember the cousins? The one whose rendition of Amazing Grace nearly put the judges to sleep, and then the other one who knocked it out with Let's Get it On? Hilarious. Thanks Jamie for reminding me about them.

**

So it's supposed to rain in So Cal this weekend? We won't let that get in the way of our chocolate-eating habits. If you're a local, and you didn't make it to my launch party last week--you know who you are, lol--then you have another chance. I'll be signing books at the Gold Coast Chocolate Festival tomorrow from 1-3, Booth #3 in San Nicolas Hall at the Ventura County Fairgrounds. It's a benefit for the Restoring Hope Foundation which sends doctors regularly to the Chernobyl region, so accordingly, a portion of my book's proceeds will be donated to the cause.

Say cheese

I've had my portrait taken at Gina Conroy's beach pad. Please stop and by and have a visit, won't you? Hope to meet up with you there.

***

On another note, the Idol tryouts are over and can I get an "Amen?" Let the voting begin already ;)

On vitamins and beach hopping

Woke up at 3 am feeling kind of puny. Drat. So after dropping my various kids at their various schools, I stopped by the store for more Airborne. Can you OD on that? LOL What about Zicam? Am I a blogging advertisement or what? Thankfully, there's another installment of Idol tonight, so I can rest and be entertained.

Despite my cold, sniff, I'm still hitting the cyber-beach today. Come visit me at GeorgianaD's place. You might even win a free book!

You can find the rest of my cyber-beach hopping schedule here.

Reviews and ruminations

Busy blogger and Book Buzz Reviewer, Heather Ivester, posted a nice review of Chocolate Beach on CWO. You can read it here.

***

After all the feasting on truffles last weekend, I rode with increased fervor during yesterday's spinning class. And may I just say, I'm still recovering. Oh! What we do for health and beauty...

***

It's off to San Antonio for tonight's Idol. Let's just hope Simon ropes in his tongue, and makes comments on talent rather than contestants' physical traits. Sheesh.

Coming to a sunny blog near you!

It still may be chilly in some parts, but who cares? To celebrate the release of Chocolate Beach, I'll be cyber-beach hopping for the next few weeks, visiting with beach lovers, telling stories, answering questions, and on some sites, giving away free books. So grab your board and join me, won’t you?

Here's the list of my gracious hosts:

TODAY, FEBRUARY 5th--Camy Tang

February 7th--Georgiana D

February 8th--Gina Conroy

February 14th—Tricia Goyer

February 15th—Rebecca LuElla Miller

February 20th—Amy Wallace

February 22nd—Damselfly

February 26th—Jeanette Hanscome

February 27th—Jamie Driggers

MARCH 5--Sharon Hinck Conversation with my end-cap Buddy!

*Just Added--March 19--Annette Irby

*Just Added--March 20--Singalullaby

March 28--Tiff Amber Miller

GRATEFUL

That's how I'm feeling today after an awesome night of visiting with friends, old and new, and family last night at the launch party for Chocolate Beach. Bank of Books was packed last night, and I stood and talked to a steady stream of folks for nearly three hours. I'm so grateful to God and to y'all who came by.

Thanks again!

Wish I'd had a camera...

Having a little launch shin-dig in downtown Ventura tonight. If you're in the area, see the news/events page of my website for the details.

So to work off all my excess energy in prep for tonight's launch party, hub and I walked the beach this morning. That's when we encountered a pod of dolphins feeding just offshore. Beautiful! Just wish I had a pic to share it with you here. This was the second dolphin sighting in a week, so I plan to take a camera next time. Pray I get a good shot for you.

On Monday, I'll be posting my cyber-beach hopping schedule. I hope you'll stop by for a visit. Until then...

Peace!

Well, it's official...

Chocolate Beach released today! Yeah, I know, it's already been spotted around the country, but still, today's the day :-) THANK YOU to all of you who've sent emails and comments of well wishes! This newbie is humbled and forever grateful. And a special shout out to Holymama! for actually sending me homemade Oreo truffles--you rock, girlfriend! (My hips and thighs won't soon forget your generosity either.)

Surf's up--catch the wave!
Julie

On making spectacles

So hubby and I decide to pop into our local chain bookstore to see Chocolate Beach on an actual book shelf. Just a quick trip on a rainy Saturday afternoon, with no plans for any brouhaha. We could’ve taken a peek and left quietly, but no. Dan grabs the camera (okay, I admit that I brought one), and has me stand by the display. Instead of discreetly snapping a shot from between the bookracks, he backs way up and stands in one of the busiest walkways. Then focuses for a long, long time. (Notice my strained smile...)

So he’s standing there, focusing away when he’s approached by a staffer.

“No photographs are allowed in the store, Sir.”

“Why not?”

“Copyright violation, Sir.”

“But she wrote the book.”

“Oh. Well. Then it’s okay.”

Meanwhile my smile felt more pasted on than a preschooler’s Christmas project.

I speak up. “Um, I have a shelf talker.” That’s a fancy word for one of those narrow cardstock signs that say “Local Author”. They fit on the shelf just beneath the books and, hopefully, draw the attention of buyers.

The staffer looks at me. “Would you like to do some signing?”

“Um, sure.”

After looking up my book and grabbing some “autographed copy” stickers the staffer realizes that there are only three books on the shelf.

“Hm," she says. "There should be four copies."

I point toward the bestseller table. “There’s one over there,” I say.

She doesn’t ask.

While I block the aisle and sign away, my husband sees an acquaintance from church. “Hey,” he says, “my wife wrote a book. Your wife would love this book!”

My cheeks heat up, and I sense my olive complexion turning the color of Mexican pavers. Next thing you know, the man has found his wife, she's holding my book in her hands, and promising to buy it.

At least we didn't follow them to the counter...

You're Invited...

to romp around my new website, where the water's always fine
Where: www.juliecarobini.com
When: Always and forever (Yeah, that's a Peaches & Herb reference :-)

BYO beach towel. Sunscreen provided. See you on the beach!

I'm on my head

Just got back into the home office here and see that I'm sort of upside down. Which in itself isn't all that rare--ha. Anyhoo, I think it's a sign that my web designer extraordinaire is working on my new blog. (Yoo-hoo...Hi Kelli!) The new website & blog will be up sometime in the very near future. We're just waiting on a domain transfer--I think that's the techy term. So keep your eyes peeled (what a weird saying, eh?), and I'll let you know when they're all, uh, right side up :)

In pursuit of lightness

Recently an interviewer asked me what I liked least about writing. My answer? The extra poundage I've been gaining from all this sittin' around :) (Although I guess the two brownies I ate for dessert last night might also play a role.)

Back in the day, I ran about 20 miles a week. These days, if my knee's hangin' in there, I'll do about 4. Maybe. So, as some of you know, I took up spinning a few weeks ago. I feel thinner! I feel shapely! I feel EXHAUSTED!

Anybody relate?

Will it get better?

Bri, the heroine of Chocolate Beach, doesn't 'get' spinning. Calls it a mouse-on-a-treadmill track course. Fortunately I've got a great teach who keeps me entertained as my muscles scream out for mercy. When the electricity blew during yesterday's class, and we could no longer listen to heart-pumpin' music, she sang to us. Now that's commitment!

As energy-zapping as it can be at first, I'm planning to tough out my semester-long spin class. Either that or give up writing. Or brownies. Nah...

Hello Monday

My first online interview is up today at Novel Journey. If you're interested in my particular path to publication, you'll find some answers there. Thanks to Gina Holmes for hosting me today!

***

For those looking for a thought-provoking story about two cousins who handle their personal tragedies like polar opposites, you might want to take a look at Straight Up by Lisa Samson. From the publisher:

Georgia Bishop, a could-be jazz great, has thrown away her life, her marriage, and her talent for her drinking habit. Her cousin, Fairly Godfrey, is living the good life in New York but wonders if deeper meaning exists beyond the superficial world in which she finds herself.

It takes a Congo refugee, a soul food chef, a persistent husband, and one desperate night on the brink of freedom for Georgia and Fairly to realize how far they have come from their God-given purposes. When they face the most difficult choices of their lives, only the power of grace can bring them to true healing.

Julie here. This book is not for the faint of heart. My own lighter touch is reflected in the stories I write. But to stretch my writing muscles, I read a lot of genres, and Lisa has a way of exposing truths often hiding beneath a blanket of faith. She makes me think deeply, and that's a good thing.

Chick Lit Musical and other randomness

Thanks to all who've emailed me with promises to look for Chocolate Beach in your local stores. You rock! Just minutes ago, I heard from a friend that CB had made it to Texas. Yee-haw :-)

Did y'all see Scrubs last night? Hilarious. Virtually the entire show was done in song, and made me think about all the live shows my dad took me to when I was a teen: Chorus Line, Cats, Le Miserables, etc. Hubby and I've gone to a bunch ourselves: Annie, Phantom of the Opera, Beauty & the Beast...

So I was thinking, how about a Chick-lit musical? I want to write one! Only I'm not a song writer, nor do I sing or play an instrument. Hmm...could be trouble.

It's Friday, and I'm all out of usable brain cells (obviously). So I leave you with a charge to enjoy your weekend. Go to the beach or a mountaintop. Do something special. I'll see you Monday (and keep those emails comin'!)

Seattle, and snow in California

I don't know about you, but I just can't get Unchained Melody out of my head today... If you watched American Idol last night, you know what I'm talkin' about. Poor Seattle. Seriously. Then again, those siblings who auditioned took the show up a notch. They've got looks! They've got talent! But the mother in me does worry what'll happen if one makes it to the top, and the other doesn't...

On another note, it 'snowed', and I use that term loosely, in Malibu last night. Nearly had to give my Pennsylvania-born husband Dan CPR last night as he chuckled and snorted through the evening news which showed whole families by the side of road throwing shards of ice at each other and squealing, "It's snowing!!!" (This beach-lover has to admit, it was kinda cool.) Then one man said, and I quote, "This is the best day of my life!"

Nearly sent Dan over the edge.

In defense of Minnesota

Could American Idol have been any sadder last night? Seventeen people out of 10k were sent to Hollywood to face even more rejection. Seventeen! And how many of those did we see last night? Okay, I didn't count. But it felt like 3. The rest of the two! hour! special! was spent watching contestants' hopes dashed, and dreams buried. In AI's defense, some of those contestants knew that going in. I mean, c'mon--Urban Amish? Cowardly Lion impressons? What was that?

Still, an awful lot of jokes were tossed around at the expense of Minnesotans. And obviously, some great talent was edited out of the final show. These are my peeps were talkin' about because my publisher, Bethany House, is located in MN.

All I can say is look out Seattle...here they come...

Whatcha reading?

38 degrees this morning! It's been Down coat-wearing weather in So Cal lately, so I've dug out the scarves and gloves and told my kids to zip up (as opposed to zip it :-)

On to warmer thoughts...As I mentioned the other day, Chocolate Beach has been making its way into stores and into readers hands a little early. If you're a writer and you've never read Anne Lamott's, Bird by Bird, then you must. go. get. a. copy. Don't miss the chapter on Publication, because it'll have you spurting coffee through your nose. Unless, of course, you'd rather not have hot liquid spurting through your crevices.

I especially enjoyed Anne's mention of early reviews: "I have gotten prepub reviews that said I was a treadmark on the underpants of life. Perhaps this is not exactly what they said, but by reading between the lines, I coud see that this is what they were implying." pg. 212, Bird by Bird

Oh my. That's pretty, isn't it? To get that image out of your mind, I invite you to check out Vintage Wine's comments about Chocolate Beach here.

Here's to warmer days, good chocolate, and happy reading...!

Chocolate Beach sightings...

So I'm walking into church this morning when my friend John points at me and says, "Omaha!--I was in Omaha this week and saw your book in a bookstore. How cool is that?"

Oh, that's seriously cool. 'Specially since it's not officially released until February.

And author Diann Hunt echoed my church friend's excitement, telling me she also saw Chocolate Beach as part of a Valentine's display in an Indiana bookstore.

I hope you'll excuse my newbie enthusiasm, but I'm a bit giddy. Please let me know if you happen to spot my book in your town.

Humor me, will ya?

It's conference planning time...

There are a ton of them out there: musical cruises, get rich quick seminars, doggy dance classes. Okay, I made that last one up. But still. If you're a writer, or interested in writing, you might want to check out the Spring Writer's Day sponsored by the OC Christian Writer's Fellowship. And mercy!, they've invited me to teach...on article writing. Since I've written far more articles than books, I think that's appropriate. Dave Long from Bethany House (my publisher) will also be there, as will my good friend, Kathi Macias. If you attend, make sure to stop by my table and say 'hey'.

The room's spinning...

For those of you who scoffed and/or warned me to avoid my new spinning class at. all. costs. Well. I made it through day one. And I'm still walking today. So, um, there.

Did I mention that it's a college class and the first day is always orientation? Hm. Yeah, well, we spun for about 15 minutes. So there you go. (Quit snickering)

***********************************************************************************
Before I turn out the lights on this windy and warm California day, I'd like to give a shout out and HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my dad. Love you, Pops!

It's Here!

The stork delivered my very first copy of my very first (soon to be) published novel. After walking around while cradling it all evening, my husband pointed at me and told the kids, "See that? That's how she used to carry you guys around." LOL He was right.

Your Age in Chocolate

As a sort of last hurrah to our beloved 2006, I give you this age in chocolate calculator.

1. Pick the number of times per week that you would like to have chocolate (more than 1, but less than 10--gluttony's a sin you know)

2. Multiply this number by 2

3. Add 5

4. Multiply it by 50 ((go ahead; use a calculator)

5. Add 1756

6. Now subtract the four digit year that you were born (works for most people, unless you're, say, Jesus)

You should now have a 3-digit number

7. The first digit of this was your original number

8. The next two numbers are your age (If you have already had your birthday this year, then it will be your age from last year--and let's face it, we'd all like to be a year younger. Am I right?)

Do tell if this works for you, as it did for me (she says, while unashamedly stuffing her face with bon bons...)

"I don't read my reviews."

It's been said that this is the biggest lie writers tell one another, but let me tell you, I don't lie. I actually read the reviews. Sometimes with a couple of Tums.

Here's an antacid-free review of Chocolate Beach by Armchair Interviews. And just so you know, I'm flagrantly biased and will only be linking the good ones here. Just so you know ;-)

One off, two to go

Dropped Teen Son off at school today. To say he was reluctant to go would be the understatement of 2007, but I promised to pray for him. In a world filled with empty words, how awesome to be able to say something like that, mean it, and know it'll help.

Speaking of positive intentions, right after dropping Teen Son off at school, I popped into our local college's registration office and signed hub and myself up for a spinning class. All I can say is: the. fat. must. go. Can I get an amen?

Girls are still home from school this week. Yay for them, not so yay for my next book's progress. In a way, though, it's nice to take a vacation from all this vacation. Know what I mean?

On the Chocolate Beach front, my first novel's release is less than a month away. My website is undergoing surgery; it's currently in Kelli Standish's capable hands, and I'll be announcing plans for a launch reception, and a California coast book tour soon. Gack. Better get crackin' :)

Peace!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!