Wednesday, August 29, 2012

My Book Stash and Giveaway Reminder

I'm continuing my raid on the local library. They are probably sick of seeing me. I'm now on first name basis with Shantel - the young "bookmaid".

She seen me coming. Before I could drop the 3 books in the awaiting cart ... she took them from me.

"So what's on your list today?"
"Dunno."
"Ah, browsing as usual?"
"Yup. I'm still waiting on those books from the storage room though."
"I will call the main branch and tell them to hurry up." And with a playful smile she was off making that important call.

Apparently ACPL has a ton of books I want to read, however, they are in storage. Who puts the one copy of a book in storage? It's a library people!

So I browsed and found a few books I need to catch up on...

Passion & Fallen in Love by Kate Lauren

City in Lost Souls by Cassandra Clare

I also picked up Starters by Lissa Price

Waiting in the shadows is Divergent & Insurgent by Veronica Roth

I'm currently reading Auracle by Gina Rosati

DON'T FORGET to signup for me blogiversary giveaway... here!


Monday, August 27, 2012

Blogiversary Giveaway

Urban Dictionary: The yearly anniversary
of someone's web-log (blog)
Hey I promised a GIVEAWAY and a giveaway I shall have.

So it's been a year since I started blogging and I thought I would never really like it. I tried it cause I loved to read what was out there. My intentions were never to actually blog about stuff myself. However, I got addicted and so the rest fell into place.

Enough of my blabbering...

On with the GIVEAWAY!

If you visit often or only on my Zombie days; you know that I LOVE the world of zombies. (I'd like to think I would be the zombie slaying badass but I'd probably be one the first bitten)

For my book giveaway I'm offering up...



But don't fret if Horror novels are not your thing. I'm also giving away some handmade bracelet/anklets if you prefer.


You can pick any color... there are hundreds (not just the ones pictured) there are also tons of charms (not all pictured) Beach, hearts, flowers, seasons, wildlife, etc.

My mom and I make them. You've heard of those magnetic bracelets that help regulate your circulatory system, right? Well these are the same thing. Those dark beads are magnetic and conform to your system. Example: if I was to wear one then loaned it to a friend, it wouldn't help them because the beads have already been regulated to me. Get it! Cool right!?

Also, we make them for guys except guys won't get all the frilly stuff. Those are only colorless, magnetic beads. I mean, unless you like that type of thing.

The GIVEAWAY will last until noon Monday, Sept 3rd. I will post the winners later that day. I only have one copy of my favorite book to gift but I will give away 5 bracelets/anklets.

All you have to do is post in the comments which item you'd like then I will have my lovely two yr old reach into a "hat" and pick the winners. Yeah I'm doing it old school.

Have a good day!




Thursday, August 23, 2012

My Top Seven Things this Week

This week’s top things that make me happy.


Nabisco.com

1. I’m addicted to Nabisco’s Honey Maid Graham Crackers. It’s been my breakfast every morning. Angry Bird's addition ONLY.

2. The Library. If you haven’t noticed my frequently changing “Finished”, “Current” & “Up Next” Readings then here’s a list of books I’ve read/waiting this month…
                a. The Forrest of Hands & Teeth by Carrie Ryan
                b. The Dead-Tossed Waves by Carrie Ryan
                c. The Dark and Hollow Places  by Carrie Ryan
                d. Witch & Wizard the Fire by James Patterson
                e. Beautiful Creatures by Garcia & Stohl
                f. Nocturne by Christine Johnson*
                g. Auracle by Gina Rosati*
                h. The Hunted by Jessica Verday
                i. The Hidden by Jessica Verday*
                j. Divergent by Veronica Roth*
                k. Insurgent by Veronica Roth*
                                Italic – Read
                                Bold – Reading
                                *In-Waiting

3. Lists. I make lists for everything. Grocery lists. List of nail polish we have. List of movies we have. List of movies I’ve watched. List of books TBR. List of books I’ve read. If it can be on a list… I’m sure it’s there.

4. TV shows. Grimm. True Blood. Big Brother. Falling Skies. The Walking Dead Entertainment Weekly Preview. And most recently because my two yr old has discovered she can watch Netflix on the big screen… Curious George, some Crayon show, and something about a Superhero named “Why”.

5. Netflix. Really, do I need to elaborate?

6. Sweatshirts. I am a jeans/leggings and sweatshirt kinda girl. I love Autumn and this weather is right up my alley. Apart from for a few hot days lately (but you really can’t rationalize with Indiana weather).

7. My kids started school Monday and so far, so good. We were all really nervous about the NEW school but the kids have adjusted well. One I have to worry about (freshman) cause he’s a tender soul and the other I don’t (7th) cause she’s… ummm… how can I put it… hardcore. She’s extremely girly in every way possible but she isn’t one to hold back. She’s the wrong girl to pick a fight with. She’ll go 10 rounds with you and win. I don’t want to make her sound “mean girl” cause she doesn’t have an entourage but she will put you in your place no matter what age you are. If you’re wrong… she let you know.

So there is a few of my favorite things this week.
Monday… a Giveaway!

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Blogger You Dirty B!t$h

UGH - and a big fat one at that!

It's my blogiversary or blogoversary or maybe even blogaversary.... either way Blogger is miffing me off MAN!

Sorry, but I am unable to comment on all of your posts because...

ONE: Blogger must be having her monthly cause she won't let me comment on anything, and

TWO: Blogger has deleted "misplaced" all of your lovely blogs. I click on the "MY BLOGS" button and it says that I am currently not following any blogs.

B*%&SH!T

If I wouldn't break my hand b-slapping Blogger.... I would b-slap Blogger. However, I don't think my hand nor my monitor would appreciate it.

BUGGER!

So needless to say I'm crabby and I think I have called everyone a wanker today. Oh but not to their faces of course. That would just be plain rude. Don't you think?

I will be posting a giveaway later this week...

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Zombie Zoo

You have to know my kids.
Yesterday I had to take a ½ day off of work so I could be home with the kids while the hubby could go to his Remicade treatment (he has Crohn’s). And since school doesn’t start until the 20th, I decided not to waste away the day.
Zoo here we come!
Now if you haven’t already figured me out… I have a very dark and twisted mind. Not the crazy, loony-bin, Hannibal kind of mind but one that wonders about future dystopian circumstances.
And my poor kinds – they are starting to become like me.
While walking through the African Veldt my 14 yr old son says: “What would you do if zombies came fumbling out of those weeds?”
Me: “I would probably head for those rocks over there or bookit to the van.”
My 12 yr old daughter says: “Is that before or after I pee my pants.”
We giggle a bit and I say “preferably during.”
12: “Why during?”
Me: “Sorry but I ain’t waiting for you to pee your pants to run from zombies.”
12: “So you wouldn’t wait for me?”
Me: “Not if you’re taking the time to pee your britches first. We’re talking about zombies here.”
12 yr old says to 14 yr old: “Are these runners or walkers [zombies]?”
14: “Does it really matter?”
12: “Yes, because if they’re runners then expect me to bypass peeing my pants and straight on to crapping them.”
We bust a gut laughing and then hear “A zebra!” from my 2 yr old and we realize that we are back at the zoo.
The only problem is… how to get from those rocks to a better place to hide out. Hmmm….
And just to prove how much we try live in fiction… a picture of my kids acting like zombies in the tunnel. 2 yr old is pretty good at pretending...

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

What If Blogfest - Twisting It Up

WHAT IF?
Fairytale Madness BlogFest!
AUGUST 13th – 17th

Have you noticed that by changing one detail; one event, one character trait, one thought...you can completely alter the rest of the story?

For this bloghop we are exploring "What If?"
Not only do we want it to be fun, but it will hopefully be a fun writing exercise and make for some great reading during the hop!
To enter: Think of your favorite "well known" fairytale and ask "What If…!"
Then, pick one of these four categories:
· Best Plot Twist - Cassie
· Best Love Story - Morgan
· Best Tragedy - Leigh
· Best Comic Relief - Mark
 

Can you guess what team I picked? Go Team Cassie Mae!
Although mine could be either Plot Twist or Tragedy - I had to decide that it wouldn't be a tragedy without the plot twist first.

*whispering* Hey... pfft... I know I went over my 300 words. I couldn't help myself.
Here we go!!!
Stiltskin and the Baby

The night was chilled with the impeding storm. She sat by the fire, swaying and chanting. His arrival was known even before he forced open the door.
“You wretched girl! What have you done to me?” His belly gorged with life.
“Did you not say, Mr. Stiltskin, that you wanted my first born?” A wicked smile burned across the face of the girl who spun straw into gold.
She sauntered over to the old tramp who now supporting his arms on his hips. “This is not what I meant!” He bellowed.
“I recently had summoned a man-caller,” the burn of her smile grew, “and oh what a man,” she paused at his ear, “you get my meaning.”
Her breath sent shivers down his spine. “You have to help me get it out you witch! After all – I did do you a favor once.”
“A favor? Ha! You blackmailed me but you silly little troll. Next time make sure you know which devil you’re making a deal with.”
Dear Mr. Rumpelstiltskin felt the pang of her baby kick his womb. “Oh!” he moaned. And with that he ran into the Dark Forest.
She laughed her way to the door knowing he wouldn’t make it very far. “Grimm!” She called.
Her large mastiff marched to her side and nuzzled his nose in her hip. “Grimm, follow.” She commanded.
                                                        *****
Stiltskin ran as hard as he could, knowing he wouldn’t make it very far. The girl he once knew was nothing more than a girl. Right?
Stupid him. He knew one day his trickery on others would be his undoing. He never thought it would be like this though. He needed help. There was no way this baby could be delivered – naturally. Bile rose in his throat from the thought.
Another kick from the creature inside sent him to his knees. Oh the agony and pain.
He knew what he had to do.
His knife felt familiar yet alien in his hands. I have to do this. I can do this.
“No need,” the girl’s voice purred from the shadows.
His back stiffened with fear.
“Grimm, lay him down please.” The dog pulled Stiltskin by his collar so his bare belly faced the sky.
“No please!” Mr. Skin begged. Grimm slammed his paw down on the old man’s face, shutting him up for the last time.
He squirmed as only the meager troll could but the girl was determined to get which that she desired. He felt the tug of the knife and then the wail of a baby.
“There, there,” the girl crooned. “Why Mr. Stiltskin you’re the surrogate of a beautiful baby girl.”
The world was slipping from him now, “baby girl” was all he heard right before –
“Grimm, eat.”
                                                          *****
Finally the girl had her child as expected, although she wanted a boy. Her daughter will grow up strong and wise and no man will take her from her mother like her father did.
“I think I’ll call you Maleficent.”

Friday, August 10, 2012

To Review, Or Not To Review, That Is The Q

Something has been bugging me since last night.
REVIEWS!
You know what my problem is? I SHOULDN’T read them. Period.
I haven’t read a good book in a looooong time. Last Thursday I went to my library and pick out 4 books. The last two in Carrie Ryan’s zombie trilogy, James Patterson’s third installment of Witch & Wizard (the Fire), and the second installment of Jessica Verday’s The Haunted.
Carrie Ryan’s two are read and returned and I’m reading W&W the Fire. While surfing the net I stumbled upon a few reviews for the favored children’s trilogy. Both reviews were ripping The Fire to its bloody death.
WHY DO YOU READ THESE?
I don’t know.
I was perplexed. I know everyone is rightfully entitled to their opinions and reviews and I usually take them with a grain a salt. The same thing goes for movie reviews. I will read them but still read or watch and I usually love them. My problem isn’t with bad reviews my problem is what she did next…
After this lovely reviewer gave her demoralizing evaluation, she went on to state that she would give a detailed synopsis so no one would have to waste their time reading it. “It sucks that bad” she said.
It’s my right to be miffed at this just as it’s her right to do what she did. And I’m sure she’s a really sweet person. I’m not gonna judge her on how she feels about a book. It’s only a book and one that I didn’t even write.
She’s discouraging readers, and fans of the first two books, to not read the third portion of the series because SHE thought it stunk.
Now these are “children” books. Like PG13. To me it’s like an English teacher in front of class and after he/she hands out the assigned reading material he/she says… “Now class, this book is sooooo boring, so to spare you the agony of reading it, here is a detailed synopsis.”
WRONG!
I follow a lot of blogs that only do reviews… but they do them tastefully. Instead of smashing the novel to smithereens they kindly state “it wasn’t for me” or “it didn’t grab my attention” or “I suggest this read to those who…”
You get the gist. Some people are meant to review... some are/should not.
Anyways, I'm half way thru and so far I like it!
What's your opinion of reviews?
Love ‘em / hate ‘em?
Are they essential to you?
Do you read/not read a book because of it?

But I’m not all b*tch and moan today… I see on Cassandra Clare’s FB page that Jonathan Rhys Meyers will be portraying Valentine in her The Mortal Instruments film! HOT HOT HOT!

Have  a great weekend!

Thursday, August 9, 2012

Kyra Lennon and Game On

As many of know... or maybe some of you don't know... Kyra Lennon has been touring all over the blogosphere this week to celebrate the release of her new novel Game On.

She is a very talented writer with a great sense of humor and most importantly she is dependable - and did I mention talented.

So without further ado GAME ON!



After swapping her small town life to work for one of the top soccer teams in the U.S., Leah Walker thought she could finally leave the ghosts of her past behind. However, when she meets serial womanizer, Radleigh McCoy, the memories of her old life come swarming back, and she is forced to ask herself whether she has really changed at all.





And now, here's Leah from Game On with an awesome tour of her place!


Hey everyone, Leah here! How are you enjoying the Game On Blog Tour so far? I must say, it’s a lot of fun to see so many people joining in! Today, Kyra asked me to give you a tour of my L.A apartment. I talk about it so much in the book, it’s only fair that you get to see what it looks like!  Here are some shots for you to enjoy!

As you can probably tell, Freya isn’t big on having excess amounts of stuff everywhere. Obviously, our shoe collection needs a home, and maybe books and shoes don’t entirely go together, but hey, I just moved in! It might be a bit too soon to criticize her decorating skills!


This is – obviously – our living room. It’s really cosy - and that coffee table in the middle of the room- that is quite often covered in wine bottles and pizza boxes. Sure, we could sit at the dining table in the corner, but it’s far more comfortable to sit on our girly rug in front of the TV! Also, see that pile of cushions in the corner? Freya likes to keep them there for when we have people over. It makes them feel more at home if they can help themselve to pillows and stuff, and sprawl across the floor. Mostly, it’s Bree and Will who come over, but occasionally, other work friends stop by too.

My absolute favourite part of the house is this balcony. After work, I often sit out here, looking out at the view.


I took this photo really early in the morning so the beach is deserted. Actually, even in the morning there are usually a few people out there, surfing. But by the time I get back from work, the beach is usually crawling with people. It’s really fun to watch everyone!


I really love our kitchen. It’s small, but it’s very modern and I love to cook! I don’t do it very often but cook significantly more often than Freya, who considers it a boring task. The cupboard on the end, above the coffee machine, is where I keep my imported tea bags!


Probably should have made my bed before I took the picture! This is one side of my enormous bedroom. I have never had a room like this before, and I just love how much space there is! As you can see, I need two wardrobes for all my clothes. I swear, I didn’t shop as much until I met Freya and Bree!



This is the other half of my room, and as you can see, there are even more shoe racks in here. The shelf above them is where I keep all of my tacky souvenirs. Well, not all of them, because there are too many. The shelf holds my favourites, the rest are in a box under the bed.


Freya’s room is across the hall from mine. She keeps it as minimalistic as the rest of the flat, but she still doesn’t seem to mind leaving piles of books and clothes lying around! On the wall opposite her bed is a gigantic flat screen TV, and her wardrobes and yet more shoe racks are on the wall you can’t see.


This is Freya’s en-suite bathroom. It’s very girly, just like Freya. I have my own en-suite too, but it’s a bit small to take a photo of.


And finally, this is the other bathroom, used mainly for guests. Yeah, three bathrooms, in a two bedroom apartment! This is my favourite of them all though. I love the colours, and the shark border around the walls.
So, there you have it! Hope you enjoyed this little tour of my apartment!

P.S Don’t forget to join in the Team Leah/Team Radleigh competition to be entered into a cool prize draw! HERE!

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Life, Writing, Reading - A Needy Girl

I haven't been posting much lately - sorry.

If you could see me sitting here at my work station you'd see a girl that has one foot in the hole. Oh no, don't worry, this isn't one of those "Oh-whoa-is-me" type of posts. It's just me blabbering on about life, writing and reading.

Do I have insecurities? Sure.
Do I talk about them? Not really.
Why? Because I feel as though talking about it lets the universe know, and lets admit it, the universe can be pretty harsh sometimes.
Is it unhealthy not talking about it? Probably - this coming from someone that majored in Psychology.
Do I care? NO!

I have too much stuff in my life right now that keeps my mind busy and my insecurities away.

LIFE
Yesterday was the "MOTHER" of all Mondays. Registered the kids at their new schools and each school had muffed up the paperwork. Didn't spell my son's last name (granted it is a difficult name to spell - very German - not the same as mine) and then they misplaced all of his paperwork.

Then at my daughters school they had her as a 6th grader instead of a 7th grader so they gave her the wrong locker and classes.

SERIOUSLY!? Deep breath, deep breath.

See, we went from a very small - don't blink - town to a very LARGE city. Old school 6-12 grades held 600 students, New school (high school only) holds over 2100 students and over 700 are freshman alone. My freshman son about died - maybe literally.

WRITING
Anyways - my writing isn't moving along either. I have no desire at the moment. I have these great concepts and they flow in my head beautifully but when it comes to typing them out... forgetaboutit! I wish I had someone to write my stories for me. I explain - they write. Sounds like a win/win to me.

My only thing right now in the blogging world is to finish getting Kyra Lennon's post ready for Thursday and to finish writing my Twist piece for the "What If" Blogfest.

READING
However I am way too busy reading these days. In between 40 hr/days, cooking, cleaning, 2 yr old, high schooler, and then the elementarian and middle schooler, I have little time to do anything besides sleeping and reading.

At the moment I'm obsessed with Carrie Ryan's zombie trilogy - OH SHOCKER! A zombie novel and then finish reading the 3rd installment of the 50 series I've started.

Why do I start so many at a time? I have an addiction to series. Don't get me wrong, I love the 'stand alone' novels too but I find it hard to let go of characters so "ologies" (as my 2 yr old calls them) works best for me.

So how is everyone else doing in the "real" world?
Life ok?
Writing coming along?
Any good "ologies" I need to read?

I'm needy - give me some book suggestions here! LMAO!

Friday, August 3, 2012

The Library & Giving Up my Collection of Books

Ok… I finally took advantage of my local library. I know *gasp*
I applied for it online, waited my ‘so many days’ and cordially drove myself to the closest bookatory and browsed the YA section.
Why the YA section you ask? I have several series that I started months… even years ago and haven’t finished. I’ve been holding off on buying them because even though I LOVE my books, I really hate spending the money on them. I buy them, read them, and then they sit on my shelves like trophies. Why do I do this to myself?
My ‘old friends’ need to be shared. Right?!
My kids have read 3 of the series; Hunger Games, Uglies, & Skinjackers and those are the ones I plan to keep, swaddle, and reread throughout the years. And I’d even reread my others but will have to visit the library to retrieve them.
I feel like crying but I think I’ve come to the realization that I shouldn’t horde my finished trophies… *wiping a fresh tear from cheek*
I’m going to donate my lovelies and share them with the WORLD! Ok maybe not that dramatic but you get the picture.
Just breathe, Dani… you can do this… next week sometime. Yes, wait until next week. You need time to process.
Twilight series (New Moon died when I fell in the lake)
Beautiful Creatures series
The Mortal Instruments series
Fallen series
House of Night series
The Immortal series
Soul Screamers series
Witch & Wizard series
The Host
… and much more

Can I part with them? We shall see!

What books did I get, you ask?
Witch & Wizard the Fire by James Patterson (bk 3 of series)
The Haunted by Jessica Verday (bk 2 of series)
The Dead-Tossed Waves & The Dark and Hollow Places by Carrie Ryan (bks 2 & 3)