It's August 1st!!??I

I looked at my calendar this morning, and was stunned to see it was August 1st.  Why am I always surprised when summer comes to an end?  I know the 1st day of fall isn't until September, but for me, summer is all but over when I have to get ready for school.  No, I'm not a student, but I have an almost middle schooler(sigh).  I must admit though, I love school supplies, and I enjoy Target way too much,  this time of the year.   The smell of crayons and erasers really takes me back.   I loved school.  I liked the social part, but I loved the learning part.   I had really great teachers.  I love to read and write, even more now, than then.  There was always something magical about some of my classes.  Thank you, Barbara Mezack, you were an amazing teacher.  I still remember the words to "In Flanders Fields".   She was my 6th grade language arts teacher at Bean Elementary, and one of many wonderful teachers that created the monster you see before you today :)

 Earlier this evening, I met with a group of ladies.  We serve on the board of the LubbockISD Council of PTAs, and we are getting ready to kick off a new school year.  So, whether I'm ready or not, school starts soooon.  Many of my friends are teachers.  I met several when Sterling was in their class.  I am going to miss all my friends from Whiteside Elementary.  I know that most of my teacher friends go back to school on the 10th, so a big thank you for all you do!!

I started this blog to write about books.  One of my regrets this summer is that I didn't get to read as much as I wanted to.  But, that is never going to change.  I do have some interesting news!
I signed up with the National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) to write a novel during the month of November.  A friend told me about this. Thank you, Vickie Sigler!   My goal is to write a 50,000 word novel.  I read through the rules and guidelines, and one really made me laugh.  It said to tell everyone that I am writing a novel in November, because around the 2nd week, when I'm thinking of giving up,  someone will ask about it.  So I'm telling all of you first.  I'm accountable to all of you.  Make sure you ask about my novel.  Are you listening, Mary Jo?  The goal of this challenge is to write for quantity, not quality, and get into the habit of writing everyday.  Whatever I decide to write will be submitted and judged.  You all know I'm just a little competitive(wink).  So, there you have it.  I will add accomplished novelist to my resume', hehe.

Here is a list of books I've read recently:
"The Help" by Kathryn Stockett - liked this, might see the movie
"On Writing" by Stephen King - really enjoyed this, he is one of my faves
"Spying in High Heels" Gemma Halliday - cute, easy read
"Smokin' Seventeen" Janet Evanovich - hilarious, Janet's my hero
"Dead Reckoning" Charlaine Harris - love Sookie Stackhouse, this is #11, wow, Harris is really prolific
"This Side of the Grave" #5  Jeaniene Frost - love my vampires
"Since You're Leaving Anyway, Take Out the Trash" Dixie Cash - funny
Reread:
"City of Bones" Cassandra Clare - great series
"Odd Thomas" Dean Koontz - another master, very prolific, creepy and spooky
I actually read a cookbook, "The Pioneer Woman Cooks" Ree Drummond - great pics, good food, and she's funny
I think I'm going to reread the Harry Potter series again, missing Harry and the gang.

Well,  let me know what you think.  I'm still trying to get into the habit of writing this blog.  I know it's been a month, but what happened to July??

Thanks for reading :)

Welcome To My (new) World!

Well, where to begin?


  I have always wanted to write a book, but life keeps getting in my way.  Several years ago, a friend encouraged me to start a blog to jump start my writing, but again, I found myself too busy.  I also love to read.  And when I say love, I mean LOVE to read.  I usually read 2-3 books at a time.  Today, my friend Jessica sent my a lovely email.  She mentioned that she loved a series of books that I recommended to her. She said I should write a blog about the books I read and recommend.  What a great idea!  So here I sit, writing about books. 


  I will write about books, but I will also be writing about my family(not too much), my job(VERY interesting people), and life as I know it.  I hope you will follow along. 


  The 1st books I am going to discuss, are a series by Janet Evanovich.  This series captivated me many years ago.  The 1st book, "One for the Money", is just so funny.  Many might say that the books are formulaic, but that is what makes them great.  When I visit Stephanie Plum, her nutty family and friends,  and her crazy job, I know what to look forward to.  We all have embarrassing relatives, friends that drive us to drink, and problems with the opposite sex.  


  Those of you that have read the series know all about Stephanie and her on- again, off-again,  relationship with Joe Morelli, and her attraction to the mysterious Ranger.  The books are hard to put down, and they are laugh out loud funny!  Poor Terry!  I know I've startled him many times as I'm reading along, and bust out laughing until I cry.  


If you've never read these books, what are you waiting for?  They are pure escapism.  I finished "Smokin' Seventeen" in a day and a half.  It was over so soon :(   I am passing it on to a friend, but I will read it again.  I own the series in books.  I also own a nook, but that is a topic for another day.  


I will post a link to Janet Evanovich's web page as soon as I learn how!!  


Keep reading!!!