On kayaks and blue jeans

Hope you all had a fab fourth! It's nearly the fifth, and the first chance I've had to pop in. We spent the day kayaking, then hanging with friends by their pool. I should be sleeping now. lol

Speaking of pools and oceans, did a little swimsuit shopping the other day. Brutal. Runs second only to the dreaded denim shopping. Am I right, girls? Anyhoo, I swiped this cool-io jeans finder from Holymama's site, and now I'm thinking of messing with its head, of putting in all kinds of weird answers to see what comes up. Too fun.

Okay, not really. I'm heading over now to tell it the truth so I can find out which jeans will fit this bod like a glove. Honest. If you give it whirl, let me know how it goes.

The chick in the photo is my friend Sue who recently roped, er, talked hub and me into doing an outrigger race for charity in late July. Had a chance to see an outrigger practice up close, and let me just say, IT. LOOKS. LIKE. WORK.

Pray for Team Chocolate Beach, will ya? (Our team name has quite the ring, don't you think? :)

Rockin' Mama

Despite the horrendous traffic, and although we were bumped from our hotel and it took over an hour to find another decent one, the concert last Friday night in Chula Vista rocked! Teen Son and I went to see Brad Paisley (If you've read Chocolate Beach this'll probably not be much of a surprise.) Also there: Kellie Pickler (yes, the calamari "lover"), Jack Ingram, and Taylor Swift. Needless to say, I was thoroughly hoarse by the end of the 3 hour show.

Tidbits from the concert:

* Kellie Pickler abruptly ended her set in tears while singing I wonder a song she wrote about her tumultuous relationship with her mother. And yes, much to Teen Son's chagrin, tears sprung to my eyes too.

* Jack Ingram. Really didn't know who he was, but he sang an awesome song about his own relationship with his missing father called, Measure of a Man. Impressive.

* Taylor Swift. Seventeen year old spitfire leaps around on stage, guitar swinging around her neck, playing hit after hit, many written by her own hand. Her voice went flat at times, but who really cared? A born performer. (Teen Son takes issue with my assessment of her voice, but she's gorgeous and me thinks he's too ga-ga to notice how she sounded at times. All I'm sayin'.)

* At one point, Teen Son cracked up because when he looked to his left, he caught me rockin' out much like the woman to his right--who was also there with her son. Long live the 80s--LOL

updated: Btw, Brad. was. amazing. Didn't I mention that? Especially loved when he sang When I Get Where I'm Going, and showed pics of some of those who've recently gone on to heaven (like Johnny and June Cash).

blabber mouth at low tide

Just this week, I put my foot in my mouth more times than I should say. Tell me you've been there too (humor me). So I'm thinking of hanging it up...at least for a few days ('cuz really, how long could I stay quiet?)

Maybe I'll just loaf around for awhile, soaking up rays, like these elephant seals we saw up in San Simeon last week. Mighty inviting...

Anyway. Off to a concert tonight starring...ha-ha...I'll tell you Monday (and hopefully post some secretly obtained camera phone pics ;0

Have a beachy weekend ;)

This little piggy went to...

I'm so not making these up :)

Cellin' it

My bloggity buddy HolyMama wrote about cellphone etiquette in the bathroom a few weeks back (have I hooked you yet?), and cracked. me. up. So as a sort of spot check on my own cellular usage, I took this little quiz, which you can take to:

Your Cell Phone Etiquette is 30% Bad, 70% Good

Your cell phone manners are quite good. Not perfect, but almost.Occasionally, you do annoy people with your cell. But when you realize it, you stop.

How's" Your Cell Phone Etiquette?

Oh. My. Think I better work on this. If you take the quiz yourself, let me know how you do. Oh, and you can read HolyMama's post here.

Silently, I Fumed

Before (finally!) publishing a novel (I have mentioned that a time or two, haven't I???), I wrote articles. Actually, I still write them. Cut my teeth on article writing. Learned to "write tight" (yeah, yeah, bad grammar...) Even teach on the subject occasionally.

Anyhoo, I've got a piece in the latest issue of Focus on the Family magazine that I showed to my visiting bro-in-law last week. The title of this post comes from his fave line in this story, the one he repeated often throughout the week (mocking me, perhaps?)

Read here to see what I was fuming about, and why I kept losing my shoes. My poor hubby....;0

Weekend Signing

Thanks to all who came out to Barnes & Noble for the Local Author's Day event! (And on such a fabulous beach day too :)

A sticky note, huh

It's a funny thing about sticky notes. Some people in my fam (okay, it's the guys) don't get it.

"Something's wrong with your blog."

"Your blog's messed up."

"I think there's an error on your blog."

Oh. My. It's a sticky note, people. Like a post-it at the top of the screen, an immovable message.

"Scroll down for daily posts!" I tell them, but do they listen? Not.

Tell me, dear regular readers, that you get it. You do, don't you???

Ugh. Here's the thing. I wanted to keep a message at the top of my blog all summer, so I had to list a later date than the rest of my posts--otherwise my Important Message would get overridden by my other posts, capiche?

Bottom line: I love my guys. Even tho' they don't get it. Here's hoping they stop telling me my blog's a mess...;)

Snippets from the Central Coast

Oh, the wind and the waves, the majestic bluffs and the fabulous seafood. I just love Cambria, Ca. So sleepy. So relaxing. So go-jus. While various family members toured Hearst Castle, that mansion by the sea, my girlies and I hung by the Inn's pool. So easy going I could pinch myself. Wish we were still there, but alas, we're back.

That's okay 'cuz tomorrow the fun continues. Then on Saturday I have a booksigning. And I haven't decided what to wear :0

When my bro-in-law, niece and nephew leave, they'll take with them a piece of our hearts. It's hard to have family living so far away, but I'm glad we've had this chance to reconnect, to travel together, and even to share a hotel. Did I tell you that I spent last night wandering around, looking for a place to land? LOL Because of a late night card game, those of us wanting sleep dared not curl up in the suite's living room where the revelers hung out. Once the games were finally done, and the beds taken, I ended up with a comforter on the couch. Not to worry. Slept like a baby after a bottle filled with warm milk :)

Did I mention how much we'll miss them when they go?

Two flowers, five bucks

After all that walking at D'land, our dogs were wiped, so I took the girls for pedis. Hot pink for Teen niece, cool coral for Pre-teen (almost teen ;) daughter, and a sort of soft melon for moi. Elementary girl opted for a mani in a sweet watermelon shade. The girlies all got the flowers. Let me just say, we're well bonded now (not like we weren't before, but still.) After that, we noshed on pizzas, slurped cones at Marble Slab...then went to the beach and sandied up our new toes. Hey, we're on vacation.

Speaking of toesies, found this cool link to OPI studios where you can preview polishes on hands much too nice to be mine, but give the idea anyway. It's like a video game for gals. Men so don't get this. Anyway, thanks to mommy-to-two where I found the link. I'm off to try on some Dust Over Cairo...

It's a world of laughter...

Got in about 2 am this morning from 15-odd hours with the mouster himself, Mickey Mouse. Snapped this pic while in Small World (in case you didn't already guess :) and you know what? I don't think this ride has changed at all since I was the kid looking on all googly eyes (now I'm just a googly-eyed adult). Anyhoo, in addition to singing through small world with our visiting family members, we also rode the Matterhorn, saw Captain Jack at Pirates of the "Carobini" (that's what we call it around here :), and flew over the golden state in a simulated plane ride over at Disneyland's other half, California Adventure. Also managed to see both the fireworks show and Fantasmic. Sweet!

Later this week, Universal Studios and Hearst Castle, here we come...

What're you up to?

And the winner is...

Teen Niece randomly chose the winner of a signed copy of Chocolate Beach:

Bichonpawz of Bermudabluez

Congrats!!!

BYOC (bring your own chocolate)

Anyone else noticed that there's more traffic on the road...and less on the Internet? Apparently the American people have hit the highways and byways for the much-anticipated vacation. At the moment, I'm sitting here waiting for our vacation to arrive. That would be our bro-in-law, niece and nephew from Ohio. They touch down in just a few, and we'll be celebrating. Ya-hoo!

Speaking of celebrating, I found Truffles by the Sea way early on Amazon. No blurb, no cover, but still there in all its ISBN glory.

So to celebrate these two mah-velous events, how about a free book? Yep, I'm in a giving mood, so leave me a comment and I'll have one of our guests pick a name from a box on Sunday (because I rarely wear hats these days), then I'll sign a copy of Chocolate Beach and send it on to the winner. If you've already got a book--a thousand blessings on you!!! Feel free to send your friends on over instead :)

Genre Poll

PollPub.com Vote

So Whatcha Readin'?

Mystery and/or Suspense. Mwwaaah...
Make me cry like you mean it! I want Drama.
I so love the -Lits!
Reading? Is that even fun?



View Results

Poll powered by PollPub.com Free Polls

We're doing swimmingly

I've been awol from the computer all day because of last day of school doings for my kiddos. In between all the driving I did find some time to sit by and watch 26 3rd graders scream and splash and carry on at a pool party. They swam (if you can call it that) for four hours. FOUR hours. And not a drop in their energy levels. As for the parents, not so much. While the kids' energy levels rose, the parents' dropped significantly.

Although I've already made several trips up to school today, I'm on my way back this eve. for a graduation ceremony. Vacation--take me away! Can you relate or what?

AGAIN with the funny church videos. My son found another one that cracks. me. up. Think Dwight Schrute as your friendly neighborhood church greeter (that's an Office reference, for the uninitiated.) Anyhoo, I tried to upload the video, but no go, so you'll have to click on over to see it: http://youtube.com/watch?v=esKvdidOvLI

~~~

FOUND this kewl review of Chocolate Beach the other day. Totally unexpected. Love when that happens.

~~~

I'M OFF to jump back on the edit train, coffee on one side of the desk, chocolates on the other, LOL Things are chuggin' along. Truffles by the Sea here I come...

monday randomness

Wisdom-filled remark of the day, by Teen Son: "It's best not to cook bacon without a shirt on."
~
I've consumed more chocolate in the time it's taken to write Chocolate Beach and Truffles by the Sea, than all the rest of my years put together.
~
I never had the privilege of meeting author Jane Orcutt, but from what I've read, the world became a better place with her in it. Jane passed away recently, leaving behind her husband, two teenage sons, and a many writing mentees. To honor her, and to help her family, friends of Jane have launched a new website showcasing her books. So sweet. Please go take a look.
~
And I leave you with this. My brother, Mike Navarro, is an animator and the co-owner of renderRocket. Mikey just sent me the latest project from George Lucas. If you love old musicals like I do, you. must. see. this.:

George Lucas has digitally re-mastered and restored the American classic Singin' In the Rain. The way Gene Kelly originally intended it.

Friday Foto Ahhhh...

Damselfly sent me this pic of Coki Beach on St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Beautiful! I want to go there. (Hear that, Honey? :)

My bloggity friend also has a second blog I like. At Celebrating a Life you can "contribute your stories of inspiration, or celebrate the life of someone you love." Go on over and say, Hey.

If you'd like to contribute a beachy themed picture for Friday Fotos, drop me an email through my website. Thanks, and happy weekend, my friends!

on the agenda...

So there's work to do? I'm thinking about all the stuff we'll be doing when my niece & nephew arrive next week: Disneyland, Hearst Castle, kayaking, boating, Universal Studios, Griffith Park Observatory...loooong siestas, LOL Seriously, we'll be sleeping at home on most nights, but the the rest of the days'll be one zippity zip whirlwind. Can't. Wait!

But wait I'll have to do. In the meantime, Thursday'll be an all-writing, all-the-time day for moi. So why not check out some of my bloggity friends to the right on the side bar? And don't miss Deena's site where you just might win a book (a free book! what's not to love?) Then come on back tomorrow for Friday Fotos! and see what Damselfly sent me.

Until Friday...

Knew it!

Okay, so last night I was walking around the house saying, "Red sky at night, sailor's delight!" And it's true! There's glorious sunshine everywhere. (Only drawback is it highlights the dustbunnies :)

But after the weeks of May gray and June gloom, even the drawbacks are worth it!

Excuse our mess...we live here

Nine days until family arrives from Ohio. Left to do:

~ Clean carpets ~ Oil cabinets ~ Kill weeds ~ Bring home the bacon and fry it up in the pan ~ Buy new carpet for dining room ~ Rip down the teeny bopper posters from girls' room ~ Put posters back up after seeing holes in the walls ~ Buy new towels ~ Clean all bedding ~ Look at Real Estate ads ~ De-stink Teen Son's room (is that even possible???) ~ Remove contact lenses so as not to actually see all the dirt ~ Take a crash cooking course ...

Hopefully they don't read my blog, LOL ;)

c'mon summer!

Happy Monday! We're counting down in the Carobini household~

* End of school
* Edits of Truffles by the Sea due
* Visit from my brother in law, nephew & niece from Ohio (can't wait!)

So last evening around 7, hub, the girls and I took hot chocolate to the beach to unwind (Teen Son wasn't home). The picture appears much lighter than the sky actually looked. It may be June but we were wearing sweatshirts and gloves (me), while keeping ourselves warm with the cocoa.

Today it's back to the countdown. The kids all have finals and projects to complete. I've got edits to tackle. And the house must be spotless by the time our family arrives from the East. How about you? What are you facing? Any important deadlines?

That's what I thought :) Well then. To all of us, here's to finishing well!

Have you sent yours today :)?

Friday Fotos!

Found this on the beach some time last year (okay, regular readers have seen this one before). With all the tumbling debris and changing tides and romping dogs, it amazed me to find this sand dollar so unbothered, so intact. When I look at it, I think that's how I should be. I belong to God, after all, so shouldn't I be able to handle the shifting sands? The frothing, sometimes tumultous crests? A few rascally dogs?

Yeah, that's what I thought too.

The sun's supposed to peek out again today--Halleluia for that!--so I'm going to tear myself away from this addictive computer and get outside today. If you've got a beachy-themed pic you'd like to share on this blog, send me an email and I'll post it right here and include some linky love :)

Have a fabulous, beachy weekend, my friends!

Newsy news

If you haven't yet signed up for my occasional newsletter, then get crackin' missy. The first issue's almost ready to send out! In it you'll see a preview of the not-yet-seen-before (except by just a handful of peeps) cover of Truffles by the Sea. I'll also be announcing a special, easy way for you to feed a child this summer.

So, chop, chop. The sign up box is to the right, or find it on my website.

Gracias!

How old are you?

I needed this. The days have been gloomy lately, in more ways than weather. I think I need a vacation, and if not that, then to shave a few years off my age. Hm. Yeah, maybe that'll do it. Too bad I narrowly missed 29, though (missed it by that much)...

You Are 30 Years Old

Under 12: You are a kid at heart. You still have an optimistic life view - and you look at the world with awe. 13-19: You are a teenager at heart. You question authority and are still trying to find your place in this world. 20-29: You are a twentysomething at heart. You feel excited about what's to come... love, work, and new experiences. 30-39: You are a thirtysomething at heart. You've had a taste of success and true love, but you want more! 40+: You are a mature adult. You've been through most of the ups and downs of life already. Now you get to sit back and relax.

What Age Do You Act?

All about meme

Deena over at a A Peek at My Bookshelf tagged me for this literary meme. Here's the scoop:

1. Grab the book closest to you
2. Open it to page 161
3. Find the fifth full sentence
4. Post the text of the sentence to your blog
5. Don't search around for the coolest book you have, use the one that is really next to you.
6. Tag five people to do this meme.

Just so happens I had just cleaned off my desk and the closest book was The Andrew Murray Daily Reader (in Today's Language--love that since Mr. Murray lived in the 1800s :)

Anyway, here's my sentence: Until he declares it, he is not healed.

So as not to leave you hanging, the gist of it is this: Pray specifically.

Amen to that. Now you're all tagged! Let me know what ya come up with :)

Keepin' it real

Happy Tuesday, my friends! Spent the weekend being thankful for all those soldiers out there who made this country such a great place to live and breathe. Hope you all found some time to reflect and be a little lazy, like me.

My son ran across this video recently, and it cracks me up every time I see it. No nasty grams please--a church created it, after all. Just makes me think of all the debates that swirl around those of us who include faith elements in our work. We writers (those I've talked with anyway) are committed to including these elements in the most authentic way we know how, but egads, let's hope Christian Genius guy doesn’t decide to try writing fiction anytime soon. LOL

Anyway, view on:

Friday Fotos! and summer ridin'

Anyone who really knows me, knows that my top "love language" is not receiving gifts. (If you don't know what I'm yakking about, see here.) Don't get me wrong--gifts are great, but if I had the choice between a new handbag or a big smooch from my hubby, I'd take the latter. (Maybe I oughta be writing romance rather than -lit books. Hm.) That said, hubby got me this gift last Christmas, dubbing it my "booksigning" ring. A dolphin leaping through a diamond hoop--who wouldn't just love that? Makes me want to say I Do all over again :) Ya done good, hon!

***
And this cracked me up because the only car I ever swooned over as a teen was a convertible Vdub. Never got one, but apparently my inner teen still pines for the car of my youthful yearnings (you know, the ones where I was carting around all my cool friends instead of bags of groceries and smelly lunch bags. No offense, kids :) Anyway, for your getting-ready-for-summer quizzing pleasure:

Your Summer Ride is a Beetle Convertible

Fun, funky, and a little bit euro. You love your summers to be full of style and sun!

What's Your Summer Ride?

This is her "Now"

Beautiful song, beautiful voice, beautiful person. Congrats, Jordin!

American Midol

This just in...tears and fretting in the Carobini household tonight when Elementary Girl accidentally pressed the wrong digit and voted for--gasp--Blake. Say it ain't so! (Yeah, it's so.)

So hubs has a plan. Should Blake win (near impossible, IMHO) he'll tell Elementary Girl that he read online how Blake won by just one vote.

This is what can happen when a big brother grows up to be a Dad ;-)

Love lifts us up...

Last season, seeing as the Bachelor was an Italian prince and that I'm married to a prince of an Italian myself, I couldn't help but justify watching all episodes of The Bachelor Rome. Turned out the whole thing was a bunch of hooey, so I decided to leave my soul in a better state, and avoid the entire new season altogether.

That lasted until three weeks ago when I cautiously caught an episode of The Bachelor: An Officer and a Gentleman. The usual suspects were in place. A handsome (sort of) bachelor who for whatever reason hadn't yet found Mrs. Right, and three giggly women all vying for a fat ring and plenty of notoriety.

Only one of them wasn't all that giggly. Actually, she seemed reserved and even a bit skeptical herself. While the others kept "putting themselves out there" (the mantra of bachelorettes from years past and present), Tessa kept her emotions more in check than the rest.

It worked. Last night, after Tessa finally told Andy that she loved him, he bent that knee and proposed to her. Marriage, as in, forever. Yeah, I know it's just a show. And frankly, this isn't how it's done. But the romantic in me that swooned over that proposal last night, somehow, hopes that this one sticks.

Overheard at jury duty...

So I mentioned that last week I had jury duty. Did I mention what a real yawn of a day it was? I got dismissed from one jury selection, but they were only looking for an alternate. An. Alternate. Twelve of us in there to interview for a spot that might allow us to vote should one of the real jurors keel over in the middle of the trial ;-)

As I was saying, it was pretty dull. Unless you're a writer, looking for stories, like moi. In that case, it was fairly exciting because I overheard the following in the jury waiting room:

--A medical professional who treated clients at home--until a neighbor turned said medical professional in.
--A chatty clairvoyant.
--A spouse ditching work to hang out with their spouse on jury duty.

...and more. Needless to say, I'll be busy writing this week, lol.

***

Speaking of writing, check out this Publisher's Weekly article profiling five new authors, including Kathryn Cushman, whose debut novel, A Promise to Remember (Bethany House) releases in the fall. Check out her list of favorite authors (she says, blushing profusely).

For your Sunday quizzing pleasure...

You Are a Believer

You definitely believe in God - and you're unwavering in your beliefs. In fact, religion and spirituality are definitely big parts of your life. Religion shapes how you view right and wrong, as well as the decisions you make. It's hard for you to imagine how your life would be without your belief in God.

Are You an Atheist, Agnostic or a Believer?

Friday Fotos! and duty free...

I'm free! Served my one day of jury duty, then they let me go-woohoo! So I'm back to compiling that beach reads list for the summer. See this post for some recommendations from my commenters. In the meantime, Happy Friday.

If you'd like to submit a beach-themed pic for next week's Friday Fotos, drop me an email via my website.

Just doing my civic duty

On a seriously brief break from jury duty at the moment, but couldn't keep my thoughts about American Idol to myself any longer. About last night--are they kidding? Melinda Doolittle was sent home? Feeling kinda ashamed of my fellow Americans at the moment.

Some criminal out there better hope I don't get picked for a jury today. I'm in a hangin' mood.

O, Gilmore Girls, How Do We Love Thee...

We interrupt our regularly scheduled American Idol coverage to bring you this announcement: Waaahhh! Gilmore Girls, the series, has ended. It hardly seems so.

Rather than recap the finale, I'll let Gilmore Girl Fanatic do that for you. But first, indulge me this sweet memory of our family's introduction to Lorelai & Rory, won't you?

See, it all started the first summer after GG's debut season. Hubs couldn't get away that year for a real vacation, so I cooked up a plan to rent a beach house in a nearby town for one balmy week. I figured he could work and the kids and I could play. That's fair, don't ya think? Turns out the house we rented was owned by someone in the TV biz. I know this because of all the Emmy screeners we found in his cabinet. Screeners are copies of shows--without commercials--that members of the academy view so they can vote for their fave. Anyway, this guy had a bunch of these screeners in his cabinet, so each night, as the waves danced outside our window, we curled up on the sofa and watched something new.

That's when we discovered our pals, Lorelai and Rory. It was magical. Hear the waves lapping? See the moon glowing? Stay with me here...

Over the years we've watched Rory grow up, become bff with former nemisis Paris, and even make a switcheroo and head to Yale instead of Harvard. We've seen Lorelai fall in and out of love (Max, some guy I can't remember, Chris and Luke), and we cheered when she and Sooki finally opened an Inn of their own.

There were bumps in the road, some things we didn't like nor agree with, but so it is in life. We offer perspective and grace, then move on. Am I sighing out loud yet?

Anyway, tonight was tougher than I thought. I've never cried over a TV series ending before, I mean, c'mon it's just a show! But in a way, this one represented more for me, somehow. I got caught up in the moment. It's as if I were transported back in time to that weeklong trip some six-ish years ago, to a lazy carefree week (okay, for everyone but hubs), when we discovered the bond between a hip mom and her precocious daughter.

As it happens, Pre-teen daughter and I lay shoulder to shoulder last night on the couch, sniffling throughout the final episode, and I realized: this summer she'll become Teen Girl. Next she'll be off to high school, then college, then, like Rory, out of the nest and into adulthood.

Man, I'm gonna miss that show.

Summer Reads

It's mid-May and I'm between books and waiting for edits on one and--woohoo--dreaming of building a stack of reads for lazy summer days at the beach. Already read Billerbeck's Split Ends and Gutteridge's Scoop ('cuz I'm impatient). So what's on your list? (Other than Chocolate Beach, that is. LOL)

Tell me, tell me...

randomosity...

Christy Award Nominees have been announced. You can find them on Becky's site.

***

I've started and re-started several posts today, but I'm just too jazzy-jazzed over a new book idea to stay focused on blogging. Sawwwy! So for your quizzing pleasure, I give you the latest from Blogthings:

Arty Kid

Whether you were a drama freak or an emo poet, you definitely were expressive and unique. You're probably a little less weird these days - but even more talented!

Who Were You In High School?

Friday Fotos!, plus enter to win a copy of Chocolate Beach

Took this pic last year on a trip to Santa Catalina with Pre-Teen Daughter's middle school class. The island sits about 26 miles from the LA area, and it's breathtaking! I run this photo today because, sadly, a brush fire's moving through the island at the moment, and threatening to level the small town of Avalon. This is the second large Southern Cal fire in less than a week. Pre-Teen Daughter made some friends from Catalina on a recent camp trip on the mainland, so say a prayer for their safety, okay?

Speaking of islands, remember that trip out to Anacapa I talked about a couple weeks back? (humor me) This here's a pic of a bonafide blowhole, ie, a hole in a sea cliff in which columns of spray are jetted upward (dictionary.com). Anyway, notice how all the 3rd graders stay carefully back from its menacing explosion (yeah right).


***
And look what I found! A link to the CBD.com Chocolate Beach Giveaway I stumbled upon the contest through their monthly newsletter. If you're looking for a fun beach read at a great price (i.e, free), why not enter? Contest ends 5/16. Let me know if you win :)

We're gonna miss you, Lakisha.
God Bless!







updated: Friday Fotos tomorrow. If you've got one to send to me, drop me an email, okay? Remember: beach themes. Can't wait to see what you in the mid-west come up with :)

And looking for a last minute Mother's Day gift? (Yeah, I'm running late too...hope Mom's not reading this :) Chocolate Beach is available at most Barnes & Noble, Borders and Christian bookstores. Just a thought...:]] although my mom's already read it, lol.

I'm It

A meme's making it's way through the my blogger pals' sites--ack! So I've been tagged by Sharon Hinck and Deena Peterson.

Never was very good at the whole tag thing. I was a swimmer in high school, a runner after that--no team sports in my past. Hopefully I can get it in gear long enough for this.

So. My eight random facts:

1. When I was 12, I took commercial acting lessons (and yes, the camera does add 10 pounds).

2. After one said lesson, I chased Robby Benson down in a Bob's Big Boy parking lot and asked for an autograph (such a cutie).

3. Again when 12, attended a taping of the Donny and Marie Show--and got Donny, Marie and Jay Osmond's autograph (see the pattern here?).

4. I used to be a secret shopper for Taco Bell (Yo quiero...).

5. Used to drive a '66 mustang (yeah, baby!)

6. Spent a week kickin' it up in London with a gal pal about a month before my wedding (cheerio and all thot rot).

7. Found out I was pregnant with baby #1 the day after a 20 mile training run for the LA Marathon (oops).

8. My husband calls me "Jewel" (yeah, say it, say it: Ahhhh...)

Okay, I'm tagging these gals: Vader's Mom, Dawn Kinsler, (who probably won't respond since I forgot to answer her tag a few months back), Pastor Mac, Tickled Pink, Damselfly, and an open invitation to three more out there...if you take the challenge, let us know!

Btw, these are the 'rules':
1. Each player starts with eight random facts/habits about themselves.
2. People who are tagged need to write their own blog about their eight things and post these rules.
3. At the end of your blog, you need to choose eight people to get tagged and list their names.
4. Don't forget to leave them a comment telling them they're tagged, and to read your blog.

a girl's gotta eat

Sorry about the no post. Busy day today. On my way to have lunch by the beach with this author. :-)

Talk soon!

Psfft...is this thing on?

Monday update: Just learned about a gliche over at my website. If you've sent an email through the contact form in the last few days, chances are I didn't receive it. So, I'm not ignoring you :-0 If you want to try again, just send it to my first name followed by the 'at' sign followed by my full name dot com. Oh what we do to avoid spammers...

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!