Countdown: Last Day with the Kids–the Fun Projects

On my Pinterest, I have a board of fun summer projects. I’ve been buying supplies for the past month or so, and I’ve made some, and am ready to make the others. I won’t bore you with all of them, but here are some fun ones I want to try.

I want to make a yoga skirt. I tried last year, so I may just deconstruct that one and use the same fabric.

I want to make some necklaces. I bought the supplies from Sun and Moon, and am excited to try them out.

Mom LOVES those garden markers people make by stamping words on spoons. I bought some stamps and we’re going to try it.

I want to make this ruffled knit skirt. Already bought the t-shirts.

These are just some of the highlights. I also found some fabric I forgot I’d bought, and my mom’s friend had her daughter bring me some sheer fabric from Dubai. I’m not sure what I can do with it but I’m looking forward to trying! One thing you can say about me–never bored!

Last Wednesday of School–the Big Projects

I have a few big projects I want to knock out this summer. Some are bigger than others, and I’ll likely be doing them on my own. These are my non-writing goals.

1) Redo kitchen drawers. I have 13 kitchen drawers. One has eating utensils, 2 have cooking utensils, 2 are junk drawers, one’s a barbecue drawer, 2 have kitchen linens….I need to rearrange because I need more space for my measuring cups, etc.

2) Redo laundry room, and part of garage. This will be a big one. I need a new shelf over the area where I hang clothes, I would like to paint the wall, and maybe a shutter to put in there to hang things on.

3) paint furniture. My grandfather made these cabinets out of paneling but they’re quite dark. I want to paint them lighter, and maybe add script or something.

4) redo guest room. Mostly it’s my store-my-craft room. It’s a mess. This is a priority.

Writing:

1) Format the last two Bluestone books for print.

2) Write an entire novel, including edits.

3) Write 2 novellas.

First, revisions on this one!

More Pinterest Hits

I was home all weekend, so tried a lot of what I thought would be quick projects.

First, this sun catcher:

You melt beads at 400 degrees for 20 minutes. My mistake? Using old Marie Callender pie pans, with the name embossed on the bottom. The name came out on the sun catchers! So Sunday I bought disposable ones and remelted. I had to add beads because it was a little wider, and this is how they came out:

Next, coasters made with scrapbook paper. This took a LOT longer than I thought, but I got a little carried away.

For Susan: 

My first effort: (these actually were one of the best. The thinner the paper, the better)

For Baby Brother, since he loves the retro:

Mine:

For another teacher who likes to travel:

This one didn’t come out quite as well–I may mount them in the bathroom instead:

Then the lemon sugar foot scrub. This is a big hit.

(Their picture, not mine)

Then the weathered beach signs. I love these, but also a lot more work than I thought.

Theirs:

Mine: (I couldn’t weather them quite as much)

And the last of the crazy, bleached t-shirts. Hers:

My first:

My second during:

After: (I did NOT think it was going to come out, and it’s not as light as it looks in the picture, but still danged cool!

I have some recipes, too, but another day Any reason why I haven’t been writing?

Summer Rules! (And Jeremy Renner)

I wish I could remember the dream I had last night a little better. All I remember is walking through this parking garage-like structure with Jeremy Renner and we were discussing some kind of case. The next part I remember, I was stuck in a room somewhere, with other people, and I bent down and saw a child’s drawing of The Hulk, and it was some signal from Jeremy that he and The Hulk were coming to save us. That’s all I remember, and now I have a bit of a crush, which surprises me because he’s not at all handsome–short face, weird hair–plus he’s little. I like big guys. Still…want to use him as a hero, but my next hero is Alex O (yes, again) and the one after that is Jensen Ackles. I have a spot in mind for him down the road, though.

Okay. I have rules I follow on my summer vacation to make the most of my productivity.

1) No TV except at lunch and after dinner, unless it’s raining. I used to watch All My Children during lunch, then sew a bit. Not sure what I’ll watch now that it’s gone.

2) Sit outside as much as possible. I bought one of those Off clip-on things so I can do this if it’s not too hot. Last summer was just miserable. So if I can’t sit outside, I’ll sit in my sun room (only slightly cooler).

3) Open the windows as much as possible. Again, last summer it was too hot even in the evenings, but I like hearing the sounds from outside, even the traffic.

4) Write 500 words, clean 15 minutes. This should get me to my goal of 2000 words and an hour of housecleaning before lunch.

5) combine errands as much as possible. I like to run errands early when it’s not crowded. But mornings are my most productive writing times. So the fewer mornings I go out, the more productive I am.

6) Read a book a week. At least. That’s still only 11 books. We won’t talk about my TBR.

7) walk as often as possible. I have a beautiful neighborhood and an obese dog. I need to take advantage of the one and exercise the other.

What do you think? Too rigid? I don’t actually KNOW how to relax, but am afraid I won’t get anything done this summer if I don’t buckle down. I have to write at least one novel and one novella!

Speaking of, going to finish this TODAY!

Goals for THE LAST WEEK OF SCHOOL

It is here! Freedom in just 5 days! My mind is about like this dog’s.

This week:

1) Film a trailer with Coach for our end of the year luncheon. I may post it here if it comes out well!

2) Finish This Danged Book.

3) Get the house fixed up. I want to rearrange some furniture, moving from one end to the other…need help.

4) Do a Pinterest project or two.

5) Finish reading Unholy Night since it’s due Thursday.

I’m not planning to cook this week, not beyond tomato soup or pasta. I bought so much produce last week and hardly cooked at all. I’m going to do better in the summer.

The Winner of Nina Pierce’s Book….and My Surprise

Alicia Street, you’ve won Nina’s book! Contact my at Mfechter @ gmail .com and I’ll get you set up.

 

So I came home from the talent show WIPED out yesterday. Josh and Jolene popped out of his room and leaned on the counter, looking at me expectantly. It was REALLY hot and I was thinking they were going to tell me the AC was out. Then they led me to the back room and peered behind the bookshelf. I thought maybe one of the cats was sick and hiding and I was going to have to keep my dress and wedges on and go to the vet.

But no, behind the cabinet was this:

 

They’d gone to the vet and this little one was there. She’d been adopted but no one had come to pick her up. Josh and Jolene thought I’d want her since I was sad about my baby kitty, so they got her for me. Josh said he gravitated toward the kitten area there, and he’s never actually picked out a cat before–all the others are rescues. This one is incredibly hyper–I haven’t seen her sleep yet. She’s rough, and the only one who hasn’t hissed at her is my big boy Napoleon, who is 7. He actually plays with her. We got out the cat tree, which she loves, but have to close her in the back room for now. This isn’t ideal since Mama Kitty also has to be in the back room (due to her habit of peeing on expensive things), but Mama Kitty can go out once it’s light.

I was actually thinking about getting a puppy….

So, I am officially….

 

 

Countdown Commences

Who are we kidding? You know I’ve been counting down since Spring Break! But 5 more days with the kids. Today’s the talent show, and I want to be anywhere else but school, so…here are some of the places I want to go on summer vacation.

1) IKEA. Mom, my stepdad and BB went one weekend and they LOVED it. It’s in Round Rock, on the other side of Austin from here, so over an hour each way, plus also huge. I’ve been in the one in Houston, but only for a short time.

2) Fredericksburg. I’m always so inspired when I go there!

3) the beach. I need to go to the beach, sit in the sand, hear the waves. Would love to do a long weekend.

4) Minnesota. Definitely going there for a long weekend.

5) Geronimo. There’s a little town near my folks’ property that has cute little antique shops. Want to hit them.

6) Meemaw’s Bakery. There’s a little bakery not far from here, but when they’re open, I’m at school. Don’t know if they’re good or not. Want to find out.

7) Walmart. I know, that sounds weird, but I hardly ever go to Walmart. For some reason I go more in the summer, so going to Walmart means summer to me.

8) The new Bucee’s in New Braunfels. My folks have been a few times already, and I’ve never been. I want to see what the fuss is about!

I am so close to the end of this book, but come home wiped out. So going to see what I can get done now…

Meet Indie Author Nina Pierce!

Nina Pierce is like me, she writes a little bit of everything. Give her a shot–you’re sure to find something you love! Be sure to comment for a chance to win her book!

What inspired this series?

I come from a family of five. We grew up in a small town in Maine where all of our neighbors knew us and getting away with anything was nearly impossible. Our home was loud and filled with love and chaos. When I sat down to write my first series I couldn’t resist writing what I know and the three Tilling sisters came about. There’s family drama, some mystery and of course some sexy men looking to join the Tilling clan.

What’s next for you?

Oh, gosh. I have a lot of irons in the fire. I have a paranormal series and an older woman/younger man series that are continuing. I’m working on those books. But I also have a romantic suspense book I wrote a couple of years ago that I’m dusting off and rewriting. I love the story, but it’s going to take a lot of work to save it from itself.

When you’re procrastinating what do you do?

I play on the internet. Between facebook, twitter, pinterest and of course surfing blogs, there isn’t any time I can’t find something to do other than writing. But I do try to be disciplined and write every day before taking a break and playing.

How many books in your TBR pile?

So many I can’t count. Seriously. I’m not kidding. I’ve got erotic romance books by Mari Carr, Julia Devlin, and Joey Hill. Romantic suspense books by Brenda Novak and Allison Brennan. And a bunch of paranormal books including authors, Jessica Andersen, Darynda Jones, and Lisa Kessler. I need to take a vacation and do nothing but read!

What’s your biggest guilty pleasure

I’m addicted to reality shows. I have never missed a season of Survivor or Amazing Race. My children know never to call me on Wednesday or Sunday nights. I just love me some Jeff Probst.

Name three of your favorite things.

1. My family (I come from Italian and Irish heritage … our family is HUGE!)

2. My cats

3. Chocolate (I’m a woman. You didn’t think I’d leave that off the list did you?)

Where can readers find you?

website:  http://www.NinaPierce.com

blog:   http://www.NinaPierce.com/blog

twitter:  http://www.twitter.com/ninapierce

facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/author.nina.pierce

pinterest:  http://www.pinterest.com/ninaspinterest

BLIND HER WITH BLISS:

She’s trying to find herself. He’s attempting to hide. Together they’ll discover a truth that threatens them both…

Investigating the death of her best friend, uptight accountant, JULIE TILLING, discovers a world of adult nightclubs and Internet intrigue. When shock jock DAMON COREY rocks her world in a wild night of lust, she wonders if she’s found love…or the key to solving a murder.

EXCERPT:

“You ever ride a motorcycle, Julie?”

She pulled off the helmet and fluffed her hair. The corkscrew curls of copper fit her cute features much better than the black wig that had overpowered them.

“Not one this fast,”

He bit back a smile. “No, I meant any motorcycle.”

“Was it that obvious?” Color rose from her chest and deepened her already flushed cheeks.

“I like to be a woman’s first.” Shit. Even clean shaven and wearing his glasses, Demon’s persona had a bad habit of popping up at inopportune moments.

Julie stopped contemplating her toes and stared straight at him. Emotions moved over her face and clouded her eyes, but he didn’t know her well enough to read between the lines. He’d just met this wonderful woman. He hadn’t intended to scare her off.

“Julie, I—”

“No, Damon. You don’t have to apologize. I get it.”

He hadn’t thought her cheeks could become redder, but he was wrong.

“You have a lot of women available to you,” she said, quietly. “I’m sure they’re much more experienced than me.” She shrugged and fiddled with the strap of the helmet. “I’m sure you realize I don’t usually let go the way I did last night. And I know you weren’t really expecting the person you found at the family homestead?” She emphasized the last two words as if they were obscenities. “The Jewel of last night was more your speed. I get that.”

Oh, hell no. “No, Julie, I—”

Her hand flew up between them. “No, Damon, seriously, you don’t owe me anything. Obviously my father dragged you into an uncomfortable situation. Well, you’ve done your social obligation. I’m home safe and sound. I didn’t mean to disappoint, but I have a hard time living up to everyone’s expectations of who I should be. So, thanks. I get it. Good night.” The helmet landed in his lap.

“No, Julie, really, you don’t understand.” He yelled at her retreating back. “Julie, wait.” Damon attempted to jump from the bike, but the stand wasn’t down, and he had to juggle the extra helmet. “Damn it all to hell. Julie…” He finally managed to extricate himself from the bike and the helmets and caught her just as she pushed open the front door. “Please. I think you’ve misunderstood. Just give me a minute to explain. Then I’ll leave.”

Her arms knotted across her chest for protection. A wounded heart? He’d have to tread carefully. The emerald eyes shimmering in the waning light telegraphed her pain and embarrassment, but her lips were pursed thin with determination. The woman was a walking enigma. Damon suspected she had no idea how damn sexy she looked standing there, inviting him to explain himself—daring him to breach her defenses.

“Look, Julie. I’m not going to lie to you. Demon Jones is very popular with the ladies. Damon Corey…not so much. If you’re looking for the person I was last night, well, you’re in for a big surprise. He’s as fake as Santa Claus.”

The tip of her tongue darted out to wet her full lips. “I still believe in Santa Claus.”

She would. “The Easter bunny, then.”

“But he doesn’t try to pass himself off as anything but the chocolate peddler that he is. I don’t think any hearts have ever been broken by the Easter bunny.”

“Julie…” Damon’s hand found its way to her cheek, his fingers tangling in her hair. She smelled earthy and fresh, and he gulped in great breaths of heaven, not sure he could ever completely fill his lungs. He gauged her reaction as he leaned in, his gaze sweeping her rounded cheeks and pouty mouth. When he brushed his lips against Julie’s satin warmth, her eyes fluttered closed and he nibbled on her full bottom lip. A sweet moan of surrender escaped a moment before she opened for him. Their tongues tasted and explored, and he walked her backward into the living room to shut out any neighbor’s prying eyes.

Available from:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004W9BX7Y

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/blind-her-with-bliss-nina-pierce/1105810158?ean=2940033002849&itm=11&usri=nina+pierce

Goals for the LAST FULL WEEK OF SCHOOL

 

Actually, I’ve already had my last full week, since I won’t be going this Monday. But the rest of the week, well, it will be FULL–the Talent Show, which I’m in charge of, and Field Day, for which I’m Coach’s minion. And all the other prep that goes with it.

This week:

1) Finish the cowboy book. Not much more to go, I don’t think. 6 or 7 more scenes.

2) Load books for the Indie Book Blowout

3) Make something from Pinterest crafts

4) Make something from Pinterest for dinner

5) Survive Talent Show and Field Day–it’s all downhill from there!

6) Help Josh survive oral surgery Monday.

7) Do a pre-summer spruce on the house so it will be ready and welcoming when I come home the last day

8) Write a blog for a book review site

I think that’s it. And catch up on my Tivo–it’s almost full!

The Winner of Lori Dillon’s Book Is….

Grace Greene! Grace, email me at mfechter @ gmail. com and let me know what format you prefer!

 

Happy Friday! It’s the last teaching Friday for me (next Friday is Field Day). And I have no more Mondays since Josh is getting his wisdom teeth out this Monday and we’re off Memorial Day!