Celebrate the Small Things

It's time for another edition of. . .

CELEBRATE THE SMALL THINGS!

This is a weekly blog hop sponsored by the amazing Lexa Cain, and co-hosted by L.G. Keltner from Writing Off the Edge and myself. Every week, wonderful things happen, tiny things, which make us smile. But as time grabs us up, we forget all about those moments. This is the chance for us to reflect back on those and remember that there are tons of things worth celebrating.

This week, I'm celebrating. . .


Oh gosh, what am I celebrating?

1) Mother's Day! For the first time in...oooo....twenty some years, I was able to spend time with my own mother. We had a picnic at a roadside park, where the kids could splash around in a nice creek with tiny waterfalls. It was a lovely day.

2) School's out as of today! Which means summer madness can begin. Not sure how we're going to spend the next 3 months, but then I never do. Still, the days seem to fly by.

3) Wax museum! Well, not a real one. My son's class held a mock wax museum one evening this past week. The kids pulled a historical name out of a hat, did some research, placed it on a poster board, dressed up as their character and placed themselves as 'wax' figures in the school. Each received a paper button on the wall for 'visitors' to push, and they recited one famous phrase from their person. My son had tons of fun with it, since he got to be Queen Victoria. His phrase (which I don't believe is really from her although thought to be) "We are not amused."


And what about you? What happened this last week that put a smile on your face?

Celebrate the Small Things

It's time for another edition of. . .

CELEBRATE THE SMALL THINGS!

This is a weekly blog hop sponsored by the amazing Lexa Cain, and co-hosted by L.G. Keltner from Writing Off the Edge and myself. Every week, wonderful things happen, tiny things, which make us smile. But as time grabs us up, we forget all about those moments. This is the chance for us to reflect back on those and remember that there are tons of things worth celebrating.


This week, I'm celebrating. . .


1) The biggest excitement this week was for my oldest. He decided to trade in his motorcycle for something a bit snazzier.

2) Flowers! My daughter's FFA (Future Farmers of America) had a sale on all of the flowers they were raising in their greenhouse. My patio has never looked so gorgeous!

3) Warm weather! Which means it's time to paint again....yay! I started on my front deck yesterday. Pretty decks, here we come!


What about you? What are you celebrating? Did a ladybug land on your shoulder? A bird soar over your head? Did you hear a great song and sing it all day long? (hehehe that even rhymed!)

What put a smile on your face this last week?


And this week, must have been something because I totally spaced IWSG! *Sigh* Sorry, guys!

Celebrate the Small Things

It's time for another edition of. . .

CELEBRATE THE SMALL THINGS!

This is a weekly blog hop sponsored by the amazing Lexa Cain, and co-hosted by L.G. Keltner from Writing Off the Edge and myself. Every week, wonderful things happen, tiny things, which make us smile. But as time grabs us up, we forget all about those moments. This is the chance for us to reflect back on those and remember that there are tons of things worth celebrating.


This week, I'm celebrating. . .


1) One more day of A-Z! Okay. I'm not celebrating this one directly since I didn't take part this year. But I am celebrating for all of you who did take the challenge and made it through until today. That's quite the feat, and worth a major CONGRATULATIONS! HURRAY!

2)  A pony! Saturday, I met my parents at the small animal auction in a neighboring town. Talk about a way to get a good dose of super animal cuteness! They have baby goats, baby chicks, baby piglets, baby....well, you get the idea. They also had a Shetland pony, extremely well trained, with saddle and all. And I let silliness take over and bought that pony. I figure we might as well, since one never knows how long we'll be at this farm. Enjoy life. Right? So this is 'Vanilla'. (My kids named it)

3) A dinner bell! Actually, I'm a little late with this one. My hubs was sweet enough to install a pole for my dinner bell. It really comes in handy when everyone is off on their separate ways. (Not to mention how super fun it is just to stand there and make tons of noise - dong!dong!dong!dong!)

What about you? What wonderful things happened this week which put a smile on your face? Did you see a butterfly? Get to drive on a newly paved road? Find a neat coffee mug?

What are you celebrating?


And just in case you can't think of anything... how about entering a giveaway? I have this lovely one running for about another week for one paperback copy of DREAM WALKERS DESTINY and it's a super low entry. Why not give it a try?
(Oh, and there are many other giveaways running over on my giveaway tab above...seriously, worth a peek.)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Cover Reveal for Medeia Sharif

I love a pretty cover! You might call me superficial, but when I see one, it's what sparks my interest to read a book or not. This week, I'm honored to help out a special and amazing blogger buddy (and she is just that!) show off her newest cover to the world.

*drum  roll*

Here it is. . .

The upcoming novel from Medeia Sharif. . .

A LOVE THAT DISTURBS!!!

A LOVE THAT DISTURBS by Medeia Sharif

COMING. . .

JUNE 17th, 2016!!!

from Evernight Teen

Maysa Mazari is alarmed by her mother’s talk about arranged marriage. Meanwhile, as a hijab-wearing Pakistani-American, she wants to find love on her own. Her judgmental Muslim clique has protected her from racist taunts, although the leader, Aamal, is turning on her as Maysa strays from the group because of her attraction to Haydee.

Haydee Gomez is a former gang member and juvenile detention student. Now living with a clean-cut aunt, she wants to turn her life around, even though one person will never let her forget her roots—Rafe, her abusive pimp. Haydee attempts to pull away from a life of prostitution when she develops feelings for Maysa, although Rafe isn’t willing to give her up too easily.

Finding themselves in danger from Maysa’s friends and Haydee’s pimp, it’s apparent their love disturbs everyone around them as they fight to stay together.


Want to learn more about Medeia (and you really should)? 

Find Medeia – YA and MG Author

Blog   |   Twitter   |   Goodreads   |   Instagram   |   Amazon

Guest Post: Wizards, Witches and Muggles, Oh My!

As a writer for children literature, one thing I always find important to support is children literacy. (A no brainer, right?)

Right now, Reader's Legacy is trying to raise attention to their Grant Program--one where they will be giving away 1 million books to children across the country. Why? Because kids should have the chance to read. To find out more, head on over to

 ​

https://www.entrepreneur.com/author/ken-dunn.

Also, they're currently running a sale on all of J.K. Rowling's books to help push this grant along from April 25th to April 30th.

What about the guest post?

Well, here it is!

Wizards, Witches and Muggles, Oh My!

The votes are in, and in a remarkable landslide, J.K. Rowling has been identified as the top author of Reader’s Legacy! To celebrate Ms. Rowling’s literary triumph, we looked into our Goblet of Fire and pulled these out 10 magical phrases; sure to guarantee any Potterhead the Hogwarts acceptance letter they’ve been waiting for!

1. “It’s no good crying over spilt potion.” – Meaning there is no use in worrying about events that have already taken place, and that cannot be undone.
2. “In the name of Merlin.” – An expression of bewilderment. EX: “What in the name of Merlin, are you doing?”
3. “Like bowtuckles on doxy eggs.” – Meaning to stick to someone or something, incredibly close. Used in a sentence, “She took to potions like bowtuckles on doxyeggs.”
4. “I’ll take Cadogan’s Pony.” – Meaning to make light of a dark situation.
5. “The fire’s lit but the cauldron’s empty.” – Meaning someone seemingly functions in a proper manner, but is actually socially inept.
6. “The tip of the dungheap.” – Synonymous to the muggle idiom, ‘Tip of the Iceberg’, it symbolizes a smaller piece of a larger picture.
7. “To have a hairy heart.” – Meaning, someone bitter. To have a cold and unforgiving way about you.
8. “Don’t count your owls before they are delivered.” – Meaning to not plan on anything expected to happen in the future, as said to Harry Potter by Dumbledore in ‘The Half-Blood Prince’.
9. “Hanged for a dragon as an egg.” – A larger punishment for a minor offence in order to bring the point across stronger to the offender.
10. “Time is Galleons.” – Meaning, time is money.

As an added perk of Reader’s Legacy’s Rowling celebration, we will be holding a special 20% off sale for each of her novels from April 25th to April 30th – ReadersLegacy.com/JKRowling. 

The sale not only celebrates J.K. Rowling, but was also brings attention for a special grant program we have created in order to give away 1 million physical books in support of literacy programs! Spreading a love of books, and ending illiteracy around the world is 100% possible, and with the help of reader’s on the site, we believe will be one step closer to achieving that goal! Get in on this sale HERE.

Celebrate the Small Things!

 It's time for another edition of. . .

CELEBRATE THE SMALL THINGS!

This is a weekly blog hop sponsored by the amazing Lexa Cain, and co-hosted by L.G. Keltner from Writing Off the Edge and myself. Every week, wonderful things happen, tiny things, which make us smile. But as time grabs us up, we forget all about those moments. This is the chance for us to reflect back on those and remember that there are tons of things worth celebrating.

This week, I'm celebrating. . .


1) Yesterday, I became an aunt again! One of my younger brothers and sister-in-law had their first child, a lovely baby girl. So happy for them.

2) My hubs is working again! The circumstances surrounding it are not totally okay, but at least there's an income coming back in. So yay to that!

3) Grass is growing! Yep, this is a farmer thing ;)

4) Egg sales are up! I've been swimming in eggs and didn't know what to do with all of them. I was trying to give them away, but in a farm community, everyone seems to have chickens. Luckily, there are a couple of new people at my hubs' office who wanted some (yippee!). Nine dozen out that door!


And what about you? What wonderful, small (or big) thing put a smile on those puffy cheeks of yours? Did a raindrop hit you on the nose? Did a morning coffee/tea taste exceptionally good? Was there a funny joke at the office? What are you celebrating this week?





Oh, and before I forget, a super writer friend, Ilana Waters, has the first book in her paranormal series, for free this weekend over on Amazon. (Sale starts tomorrow, Saturday!)

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0150U9Y6A

Celebrate the Small Things

 It's time for another edition of. . .

CELEBRATE THE SMALL THINGS!

This is a weekly blog hop sponsored by the amazing Lexa Cain, and co-hosted by L.G. Keltner from Writing Off the Edge and myself. Every week, wonderful things happen, tiny things, which make us smile. But as time grabs us up, we forget all about those moments. This is the chance for us to reflect back on those and remember that there are tons of things worth celebrating.

This week, I'm celebrating. . .


Hot tubs! Actually, I'm not a huge hot tub fan, but my parents have gotten theirs up and running. So to help them celebrate their new relaxation, I jumped in yesterday. The tub itself is fine, but the view was amazing. As I was sitting there, bubbles popping all around, I gazed across a stone, ranch BBQ grill to a pasture of grazing horses and, beyond that, the hills of a National Forest covered with budding Dogwood trees. And I realizedthat no matter what other worries I might have (and I do have them), we are blessed.

And that's all I'm getting out today, since I'm off in a rush.

What about you? What put a smile on your face this last week?

Celebrate the Small Things with Energy Today

Good Morning!!!

I'm feeling awake and chipper, and hope all of you are too! (Notice, my picture is even on the right side of the screen today!) Wonder what that signifies. . .a personality flip-flop or crazy day???

Anyway, it's time for another edition of. . .

CELEBRATE THE SMALL THINGS!

This is a weekly blog hop sponsored by the amazing Lexa Cain, and co-hosted by L.G. Keltner from Writing Off the Edge and myself. Every week, wonderful things happen, tiny things, which make us smile. But as time grabs us up, we forget all about those moments. This is the chance for us to reflect back on those and remember that there are tons of things worth celebrating.

This week, I'm celebrating. . .

1) My daughter going to State! Yes, this is the same daughter who's always doing everything. She's that kind of girl. Yesterday, she was competing at Districts with her FFA (Future Farmers of America) group in the area of Entomology. . .One thing I have to throw in here: she wants to move to NY after college and be a big city girl. So farming is not in her plans. She just likes the socializing. Now, in the last competitions, she's been doing TERRIBLE! All of a sudden, she decided to study the insects and (because we are talking State here) Wham! Totally cleaned house. Shocked the socks right off of me too.

2) While on the topic of said daughter, might as well continue with. . .her birthday tomorrow! Can't believe she's going to be 17. And she has a 2nd prom too. This time, it's at her high school. Guess we'll celebrate her birthday Sunday instead. . .if we get a hold of her for that long. She runs a hefty, rigorous schedule with work and everything.

3) I received a surprise email this week from Goodreads, congratulating me for being in their top reviewer 1%. I've got split feelings on this one. Part of me is all 'yay'!!! with a happy dance and such...and part is like 'ho! If I'd only written that much' and the last part (yes, there are lots of parts) is wondering how lowly little me and my okay but not that impressive amount of reviews could hit that high. I'm thinking that readers really should be nice and post more reviews for the authors they like.

4) A 'day off' at my parent's farm. Okay, I ended up wallpapering a room for my mom (which was fun since she helped by handing things and talking....too much. I cut paper wrong twice.) But my husband got a nice, needed day fishing. So yay for him because he needed it!

5) Oh, and writing wise has been more productive this week too. Mostly thanks to those word sprints I mentioned Wednesday. But I also got a query sent off for an edit I won back in Nov/Dec. Yep, I'm slowly spiffing my armor in preparation of charging into those query trenches again.


And what about you? What put a smile on your face? Think hard, because there's always a tiny thing which made you stop and smile (at least, inwardly). Did you eat an ice cream cone? See a nice display at the park? Notice a woman wearing a silly hat? Or did a guy have his pants on wayyyyy toooo lowwww? What are you celebrating?

IWSG - Write

April is a BUSY month-- Spring, the A-Z Challenge. . .
But we can't forget this awesome, monthly writers group. Why? Because nowhere else can writers share their hopes/concerns and encourage each other with such enthusiasm as we do here! 

For those who may not know what IWSG is, head on over to the ninja leader of this wonderful group, Alex J. Cavanaugh, and find out all about the wonderfulness involved. Thanks, Alex!

Special thanks also goes to his helpers this month....heaven knows, they are busy beavers indeed!

 Megan Morgan, Chris Votey, Viola Fury, Christine Rains, Madeline Mora-Summonte, L.G. Keltner, Rachna Chhabria, and Patricia Lynne

I have one word for this month. . .

WRITE!

and

WRITE!

and

WRITE!!!

Was that clear enough?

This is what I have been telling myself over and over again the last weeks. Because in order to have a manuscript. . .yes, that magical collection of words we dream will be published into a bestseller someday. . .we actually have to write it first.

No way around it. I've wished for a magical wand and even asked Santa Claus to have his elves make one for me at Christmas, but it never arrived.

Imagine that.

And how do I get myself to write? Ummmm....uuuhhhhhh....

Well, except for sitting down in the chair, staring blankly at the computer screen (which doesn't count as writing no matter how much I want it to), wishing the words would come.......

Honestly, an awesome writer friend and I have started word sprinting pretty much every single day. Sounds like a lot. I know. But it's worked wonders.

(*cough* If you want to join in, we announce it on twitter under #amwriting every evening and take along whoever joins in. Usually somewhere around 8 - 10pm EST)

But the main word still is 'write'.
Write.
Write.
Write.


And why is something so simple still so hard?

Celebrate the Small Things

It's time for another edition of. . .

CELEBRATE THE SMALL THINGS!

This is a weekly blog hop sponsored by the amazing Lexa Cain, and co-hosted by L.G. Keltner from Writing Off the Edge and myself. Every week, wonderful things happen, tiny things, which make us smile. But as time grabs us up, we forget all about those moments. This is the chance for us to reflect back on those and remember that there are tons of things worth celebrating.

 If you'd like to join in and add a little more joy to your week, then go ahead over to Lexa's or simply pop by the linky below!

This week, I'm celebrating. . .

1) Easter! Not only is it an event worth celebrating, but we enjoyed it and even got some egg hunting in (which wasn't a sure thing with the rain.)

2) My birthday! Which just happened to be on Easter. So it was a double celebration that day.

3) Prom! Not mine, obviously. My daughter had her first PROM over at her boyfriend's high school. That was on the Saturday night right before Easter...my husband picked her up at the high school at 3:00 am, and we had to leave for church at 7:00am, so it was a light sleep night for him. Plus, I spent Friday sewing like a crazy woman to make that dress fit just right. *sigh* Talk about a mad dash. But she looked lovely. 

And wore tennis shoes underneath.

With neon orange socks.

That's my daughter!

4) A day off on Monday! Since the kids had off, we packed up and drove to my parents' place for the day. It was full of fishing, food, cow gazing, tree hunting and all sorts of fun things. Oh, and baby goat cuddling. There was a lot of that going on too.


Now, it's your turn! What are you celebrating this week? Did you see a hot air balloon pass over? Smell a wonderful coffee...or cake? Get to eat that cake? Eat a few Easter eggs? What put a smile on your face?

If you don't have a reason to celebrate (and love giveaways), go take a peek at the 'Giveaway' tab above. There are quite a few giveaways running from books I've been presenting on my review blog...and judging by my calendar for the next days, the list is going to grow. There's books, goodies and GCs too.


AND. . .

Yeppers, there's more!

On May 31st. . .or so it's expected. . .an anthology packed full of awesomesauce is coming out. I'm super excited to be sandwiched in between so many terrifically wonderful authors. And I'm betting you'll recognize more than a few.