Saw a post on Facebook yesterday that said, "No coffee, no workee." Lol ... so my life. But really, I think it should say, "No GOOD coffee, no workee." I mean, life's too short to drink bad coffee, am I right? (You know I am.)

Here's to the little things - like heart-shaped cappuccinos - that make our mornings special. Happy Wednesday, my friends =)

Christmas ... by the Sea

Congrats, Tim! You've won the book on Spiritual Gifts :) It'll be on its way to you this week!

It's nearly 8 pm here on the central coast. Time for me to dig back into this Christmas book I'm writing. Which brings me to a thought for you to ponder. The book I'm writing is set at Christmastime ... at the beach. No surprise there, am I right? Well, recently one of my publishers took a survey and the opinion is that Christmas books must include toasty fires (okay, check. I can do that at the beach) and pine scent (Fabreze, anyone?)

Seriously, there's this belief out there that Christmas and the beach don't go together. Tell that to the millions of snowbirds who flock to the coast in the winter! I just don't get it. As authors, we're told to avoid the same ol', same ol'. Readers want a new experience, we're told. But then sample readers tell us the opposite. Give us tradition, they say. Recycle the story I read last year, they seem to say.

But I think my readers are more enlightened than that, and so I press on. I'm writing a fun story with plenty of thoughtful candy canes to chew on. At the beach. At Christmastime. And I'm writing it with YOU in mind - the cool, laid-back beach readers I've come to know and love.

No worries - I've got your backs, my friends ;-)

Boo ...

I received a box of these in the mail today because, well, I ghostwrote the study in the back of the book. My name's nowhere to be found in the text, but it doesn't matter. A writer is a writer is a writer. When I'm not writing novels, I'm writing articles, and grocery lists. And study guides. It's one of my gifts and I intend to use it, name on book or not. Do you know your gift(s)? Do you want to? Okay, then, I'm going to give away a copy. Just enter a comment with a way to reach you and I'll pick a winner Saturday afternoon. Easy peasy!

Hello, Monday

It's Sunday night and I'm missing the weekend already. On Saturday the girls and I met up with our pals Angel and Emilee for some cupcakes and beach time. While the younger girls wandered the sand, Angel and I browsed through shops and gabbed as if we didn't have a care.

Only we both do. Lots of cares. Uppermost being concern for my precious father-in-law who's been very ill for weeks.

Eventually, A & I made it down to the beach ourselves. While the girls oohed over a sea lion bobbing in the surf, I hoisted myself onto this ladder-less lifeguard tower, and for just a few minutes, allowed all my worries to blow out to sea. When I hopped off that tower, I felt lighter, refreshed. Such amazing grace, that is.

May you go into this week with your burdens lifted, my friends ~ and have a beachy day, wherever you are ...

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

Day by day ...

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

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

Here, ducky, ducky ...

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

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

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

Neat-o

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

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

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

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

Long live chicky books

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

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

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

Amen!

G&B

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

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

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

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

Decisions, decisions

Even years later, we're still fans of the Gilmore Girls here in the Carobini household. Just the other day my daughter texted me that she was having a "Paris" moment. It happened toward the end of GG's run, when Rory and her pal were getting ready to graduate from Yale, that Paris began getting acceptance letters for grad school. And she couldn't decide. Her initial excitement dimmed with each tear of an envelope as she realized she'd have to make a choice. What if she made a mistake? What if she picked the wrong school when so many had admitted her?

Oh, the angst of making choices.

Kind of where my daughter is at the moment. She's received college acceptance letters to fashion design programs all over the country ... and is having a hard time deciding. I vote for the cheapest one, but that's just me :-)

I recently edited an Amish novel that will be in stores early next year. In it, there's discussion of how an Amish bishop is chosen for each district. In one scenario, a slip of paper is inserted into a songbook, and the man who happens to open that book and find it gets the job.

Hmm. Maybe we could do something like that?

The photo above is one I found on my phone. Apparently one of my daughters took it last week as we drove across the Bay Bridge from Oakland to San Francisco - the locale of one of the college choices, this one an art-focused university. She'd be much closer to home, but it has its drawbacks too. So a pro/con list has been started.

I'll let you know how it goes ... What do you do when you have so many choices?

I'm blushing ...

I need more pink in my life, so when I learned that there were real PINK dolphins in the world, I had to find a photo and post it here. What a dream. I've loved dolphins most of my life, and now I learn that they come in shades of girl. God is SO good :).

Most are found in the Amazon, but this little guy over here (or gal?) is a bottlenose dolphin that was found in a lake in Louisiana. Well, I do declare ... a southerner!

Editing tonight, but I couldn't resist poppin' in to say hello and to offer up a bit of bubblegum cheer. Happy Thursday, my friends!

Skype, anyone?

Anyone watch The Bachelor this season? Me neither. But I did watch the proposal, and all I can say is, "Get a haircut, Ben!" Oy! I tell my son this all the time and just because he's in college and an adult, he thinks he doesn't have to listen to me. Well. All I want to say is that if he ever chooses to go on The Bachelor, he'll be thanking me for correcting his grooming habits now ... before all of America witnesses his inability to dial up the barber.

Aha, actually, my son, Matt (love you, kid!), listens to me about other things, so I can't complain. And he cooks when he's home from school, so I guess I can deal with the hair. Choose your battles and all of that :-) Besides, next year I'll be too busy. A second kiddo will be heading off to college, which means I'll have TWO kids to nag long distance.

Am I right?

AI is back

The regular Carobini viewing audience of American Idol has dwindled from five to two: young teen girl and Dad. Older teen girl moseyed in and out. I watched a bit of it tonight, but not much. I think I'll get into it when they whittle down the field to the top 12, but I can't stand the first nights of top 24. Two people (right?) will have to go - and what a bummer for them.

I watched the 17 year old boy with the Jason Castro hair wow the girls, and the guy with the punk mullet. Can't recall much else, but I've got a backache and a long day tomorrow, so maybe y'all can fill me in?

Any favorites yet? Any predictions? I'm listening!

Oh, and before I go ... not missing Simon. Are you? ;-)

Back in business, show business, that is ...

Billy did not disappoint. This is the first Oscar show I've watched in its entirety in ... years. I usually start the show, but walk out when it becomes too political, too self-important, too ... cynical. Yeah, usually within the first ten minutes.

Isn't Jessica Chastain beautiful in her Alexander McQueen gown? We loved her in The Help. If you've been reading this blog awhile, you know that my oldest daughter is a budding fashion designer. She'll be off to college next year to sketch and sew late into the night, so until then, we watch red carpet-type shows whenever possible. Jessica's dress was one of her favorites, and I have to agree. But there's another reason I appreciate Jessica ... and I'll get to that in a bit.

As for the show, Billy set the perfect tone: entertainment. Loved how the crowd didn't take themselves as seriously as they have in past years, like maybe it wasn't all about them. Fewer parade waves!!!

Emma Stone was da bomb as a presenter, da bomb! Is it just me or do those presenter skits usually fizzle like a warm Perrier? Emma nailed it though because she stayed in character the whole time. Hilarious. And not to leave out her stoney-faced sidekick ... Ben Stiller was the perfect straight man to Emma's giddy first-time presenter.

Other shout outs: Cirque de Soleil, Melissa she'll-always-be-sookie-to-me McCarthy making a play for Billy, and Christopher Plummer gets the most romantic acceptance speech nod for saying that his wife, Elaine, should get the Noble Peace Prize for "coming to my rescue every day of my life." Sigh...

I was so sad that Viola Davis did not win the Best Actress award for The Help, but happy that Octavia Spencer nabbed it for her portrayal of Minnie. What really brought tears to my eyes, though, was Jessica Chastain's reaction to Octavia's win. Jessica was up for the same award, but when Octavia's name was called, Jessica's expression was of pure joy. No mistaking it. And it was refreshing ...

Up next, I must see The Artist. My dad told me it was great and he should know ~ he wrote the book on silent movies (Really; I'm not kidding; he wrote, Navarro's Silent Film Guide.) So asap, I'm going to the movies.

Popcorn, anyone?

There's no business, like show business, like ...

The young 'uns don't know who he is (SAD!), but he's the reason (the only reason) I'm planning to watch the Oscars tomorrow. You in?

See you tomorrow ... when the mocking begins (of everything and everyone except Billy, that is =)

Sittin' on the dock of the bay ...

I missed my old website background, so my web designer, Kelli, restored it! She left some of the other color changes, but something about those rustic pilings in the background just feeds my nautical soul.

Did you even notice it was gone?

Another change to the site is that I closed the beach shop. Sigh. Sad, but true. But that's okay. T'was fun while it lasted ~ and I have some stock to unload on eBay ~ but this year's all about intentional living. With a job in broadcasting, a busy novel editing business, volunteer work with the Christian Authors Network, AND some writing of my own to do, the shop had become a drain. So, it's gone. Fini!

Have you ever done that? Just packed it all in and called it a day? Now that I've done it, it feels good. Now I'll have some time for ... the beach! :-)

Have a beachy three-day weekend, my friends ~ wherever you are!

Such a character ...

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 observances. And the other day I met a famous person at work (I'd tell you who, but then I'd have to kill you ...), and his agent asked me if I was writing a story about the peeps in my company.

Without so much as a second breath, I told her, "It's ALL fodder."

At my boss' widening eyes, I quickly added, "But only heroes here."

Haha ... good save (right?)

Ah, well. The truth is, I do tend to write what I know, which is why hubby is a bit, uh, sensitive =).

Speaking of fodder, the photo in this post is a real snapshot of a conversation (if you can call it that) between my son and me via iPhone. Now I ask you ... with characters like this in my life, why would I need to look any further than my own four walls?

Very pinteresting ...

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 me/us in! And have a beachy evening, wherever you are ...