What Do They Know?

Starting tomorrow I am giving up sugar. Not all sugar just simple kinds - like Pixie Sticks. I've been doing family research - speaking with my aunts and uncles and one thing I've learned is that there is a history of kidney failure and my great-grandmother's sister was blind. Sounds like diabetes to me. I don't do well with too much sugar - I think I'm going to try limiting my intake.

This history report started out with a fact finding mission - talk to my 80-something-year-old relatives - learn about Tucson in the past 7 decades. Learn about my grandparents and answer questions that I've wondered about all my life.

If you have aging relatives - I'd suggest you sit down with them and take a video account of their stories. You might find out more than you ever knew existed. Like maybe it'd be wise to decrease your sugar. History is a funny thing. Everyone has their own account of what happened, why, when and getting different perspectives of the same even is a great way to whittle down the truth.

The farther back you can reach - the closer you are to history. The uncle that I'm seeing tomorrow was in WWII. I cannot wait to learn about the things he's witnessed. First hand. There is a name for this ... getting knowledge from the source but for the life of me I can't remember. Fortunately my uncle has a better memory than I do.

Take care,
Kate

The Story of Jack and Libby .... and Luxa ... and Tori

My oldest dog is 8. She's got really bad allergies and to be honest I think she was from a puppy farm. Her name is Libby and the choice was between her and her much quieter sister. We bought her when she was about 5 months old and paid way too much. But I couldn't leave her and I couldn't chose which puppy to take - I waited in the car and let Brent pick one. Terrible.

But I have to say Libby (her sister, too) was beautiful. We'd just lost two of our three Springer Spaniels and the one left was very sad - so we got him a puppy. He loved her for about three hours and then did his best to be a carmudgeon. He was 91 people years old and looking back I guess he had right to scold her but it was how he did it that made him a grumpy old man.

When he passed, two years later, Libby was sad - are we seeing a pattern? Anyway, that's when we decided she needed company ... so we got Jack. Not from a puppy mill but a nice family. Jack is better than handsome – he's the David Beckham of dogs. And since they're both so beautiful I had the brilliant idea that they should propagate. Not to make money but because beauty like theirs shouldn't be ended.

Libby grew enormous and at the end we had ten puppies that didn't make it, three that survived and a vet bill that was twice as enormous as Libby. On a good note - one of my twins decided puppy birth was really gross and changed her mind on becoming a veterinarian saving us a bundle on tuition. Well, I couldn't release the three brave survivors to just anyone ... so, my brother adopted one, we called her Juliet and they named her Casper.

And that is how one family of four has a exact canine replica living in their house with them. It hasn't really been too bad but I wouldn't necessarily recommend it either.

I don't really know why I wrote about them ... other than they're laying around me, baking in the winter sun.

Take care,
Kate

Revisiting 2011

An entire year over. Though in all honesty it wasn't the best year of my life and I'm looking forward to 2012. I can't completely knock the past 12 months - everyone is healthy, Second Chance was released and got really great reviews and I finished Moon Over Monsters. But I've got big plans for the coming year and I am refusing to look back – the goal is to learn from my mistakes, push forward and cross my fingers for a miracle. I don't think it's appropriate to pray for a want - one reason is because ... you know when you want something and then you get it and it doesn't quite measure up to the dream? Well, something along those lines. Plus, their are big problems in this world and I'd hate to use up a miracle for something I can truly live without. I'm not sure it works that way but I'm also not sure it doesn't.

What I am is grateful for all that I have and though it would be mind blowing and awesome to see Melanie and Adam up on the big screen ... No, it would be fantastic. And why not? Moon Over Monsters, too. I'll tell you what - I'll keep working hard and trying my best and then my totally unbelievable goals will be possible and when they come I'll have earned them. Right? Sounds like a reasonable plan. In the meantime I'll keep enjoying life just the way it is.

Best wishes to you and I hope all your dreams come true in 2012.

Happy Holidays,
Kate

Generation XX or XY?

It's been over a month since I've discussed the progress of book 3 -- I started at the end of September and struggled through October. I can't remember at what point I went for three times a charm but ... Hooray! I've back into the flow. It wasn't writers block but more like writers quicksand! I had to continue to look at the story from different angles to figure out a path that followed Melanie's style in a way that got me to my destination. Every time I thought I had it right -- the story wouldn't move.

Not now!

Today I was driving by a high school as it was letting out and I've got to say I don't have too much interaction with high schoolers - a couple of nephews but that group as a whole?? Let me just say I feel sorry for high school girls. But to be fair ... some of the kids I couldn't tell their gender. They were all wearing baggy jeans and graphic T's with shaggy, unwashed hair and Vans.

Is it me? Am I aging? Becoming my parents? What about the problem that seems to be surrounding me -- why is everyone mumbling? And how come I have to explain to my kids that Madonna isn't famous for being an author with a British accent?

It's raining and we're off to the orthodontist.

Be safe,
Kate

Commercials And Less Is More

Okay so I really like commercials. I would say I love them but there are too many that drive me nuts and I either have to immediately mute the show or completely change the channel. But a good commercial can change your life. When I find a gem ... I wait and watch. Sometimes (good but bad advertisement) I don't even know what they are trying to sell me. My mom loves anything with an animal and if they make it dance or add a monkey – gold. I have to admit I sort of like them, too. But not when they make the animal talk, I think it must be offensive to them. I do enjoy some of those local ones, you know what I'm talking about. They're so awful that they're captivating. Car commercials are boring and how much flooring can one city purchase?

Years ago it was a Hershey's commercial that had me wanting a candy bar for days. I know my girls have a list of items with marvelous commercials aimed exactly for their age and gender. I went to the store and looked at some of these ridiculous requests ... too bad you can't rent these toys and watch as your kids get bored in twenty minutes. But all these toys need is one really good holiday season.

So, cynical!

Well, my take on this holiday is Less Is More. I hope you finish your shopping and find all the great deals. Beware of talking dogs and dancing worms.

Best wishes,
Kate

The Art of Laughter

When Border's was closing and they were practically begging me to take books off their shelves I was searching for any book that had a review of "funny", "hysterical" – do I have to think of more or do you get the picture?
Anyway, I've gone through three - I've had very little time to read – and none have been funny or hysterical. I think books that make you happy are essential and would like to in some future time try my hand at 'hysterical'.
Ergo, I'm researching what makes someone, test subject = me, laugh. I'm devastated by these first samplings of supposed 'funny' books. You'll understand when I explain that I found a new book from an author that has made me laugh. I liked her, I really liked her. Guess what! Not funny. Worse than just not funny!

So, I asked myself ... Is it me? Have I lost my sense of humor? I can laugh with my mom all day for absolutely no given reason. Other than she's oddly funny. Have I watched 'Easy A' too many times? My dad was funny. Not just funny ha-ha but clever, insightful funny like Mark Twain (not Samuel Clemens who wasn't funny).

I want to laugh. Don't you?

I am going to divorce myself from all news media for a week and see if that helps.

So what is it that makes you laugh? Why was Janet Evanovich funny in the first 12 books and then lost her mojo for the next five (haven't read 18). Big mysteries of life. I want mojo ... even if I loose it after 12 books.

Oh, well - cheers to you and your own personal mojo!
Kate

Pay Day!

So, I got my check from Warwick's! These are good days.

But what I really want to talk about is Christmas presents. I have decided to buy Made in America. I have two eleven year old girls ... what is made in America for them? My husband suggested dog collars – not for them to wear, duh – but to walk the dogs. Have you ever noticed how men come up with the oddest suggestions? It's like they try to be weird. But I think it just comes naturally. You have to placate them a little ... make them feel good about their ideas and then do whatever you want. And if you don't believe me, let me just say I've been married for 20 years! Crazy, since I only feel 23, but this is a story for another time.

Back to Made In America – I looked at clothes, toys, electronics, nothing. To make matters worse, today I had no choice (that I could find) but to buy foreign made holiday outdoor lights.
This is going to be difficult. However, something that matters takes effort ... I think I sort of screwed up that quote.

Remember the book discussion - Sat. Dec. 17th - Mostly Books 1pm. I just don't want to be there alone. Though, I might be able to answer all my own questions.

Good day,
Kate