I love shoes. I can't stop buying them, I don't have enough (over 100) shh! I think some things in life are just fun! Enjoy the pleasure of walking through life in them.

Happy writings, smile for the photo and don't forget to read!

t

You know I am so opinionated, I have to run my mouth.

The hub and I were talking last night at dinner, we hear of people going off the deep end when it comes to relationships and the decisions they make, we happen to know a slew of people. First we have a set of friends, married for over 20 years, the wife meets party hardy friends goes out every night meets a loser (drug dealer) and leaves her very comfortable lifestyle to live in a barn with the new loser? But doesn't understand why her ex won't foot the bill for anything anymore? Hello.

Another couple married for over 20 years (again), have numerous businesses together, very rich and he decides he wants to be with the sloppy uncouth mistress he's had on the side for 10 plus years. Moves to a state that doesn't chase losers for alimony, but still expects his very high income from the business but doesn't do any work? Hello #2.

Another couple, married for over 10 years, no kids - but they spend every hour together and do everything together, come to find out they both were playing on the side? I asked when did they have time? Well come to find out both picked up trash from their jobs. There was an overlap of a couple hours. Since they both worked the same shift and had the same days off...

I don't get it. What is wrong with these people? Do people honestly think a relationship is the answer to all? It's not. I feel bad for these people that their self esteem is so low they think having these people in their lives makes everything okay.

Celebrities are the perfect example. Brad Pitt - Prime #1 scumball of all time. Leaves Jennifer Aniston to be with homewreaking Angelina Jolie. Angelina Jolie can not get a man, unless he is attached to someone else. - Billy Bob Thornton was dating Laura Dern, she leaves to do a movie and comes back and her boyfriend is married??? He forgot to mention to her they were not dating anymore. Then Angelina Jolie, sinks her hoofs into Brad Pitt and they become the baby making, world adopting "family" - but she can't adopt or give birth in the U.S. - She the Goodwill Ambassador who represents us? Yeah okay - Hello #3.

At my age, I have come to the decision. Relationships are stupid. They do not justify you, make you, complete you or any of that hoopla crap. A relationship is something you have - in your spare time. Be yourself and live for yourself, not for someone else. It's is just ridiculous. I don't get it.

People are so much better off without someone. Enjoy your life, don't live for someone else.

UGHH!

happy writings, smile for the photo and don't forget to read!

t

  I had to write this. I can not believe politician after politician continues to think they are so special no one will find out they are two timing slim balls - how fricken stupid do you have to be???

   Why do they think they can do this. They are so stupid and so arrogant could they be anymore transparent? AAhhh, now I see what the head dumbnut was saying when he said the country will have transparency government. Now it makes sense.

Okay, we should buy it, cuz the dumb asses who can't keep their peeeny weenies in their pants tell us so.

Happy writings, smile for the photo and don't forget to read!

t

Happy New Year. I keep repeating that over and over. New Year, please be Happy. I am a happy person in general. I try to see the good in everything I do. I also try to see the good in all people. I really do. I always maintain a positive attitude about life and situations around me. But lately, this has been difficult. We say "at least I'm healthy" yes, I say that to, I wish people I knew could say the same. There is too much cancer and bad diseases around me. I do not like this at all. I don't want people to go through this, but why so many all at once?

The last few months of 2009 I was inundated with nothing but bad, very bad medical news of friends, family and loved ones both current and past. Enough. Please.

The tally:

1 person died from breast cancer, 4 people diagnosed and in treatment for cancer of different types 1 of who is in a coma and not expected to come out,  1 leukemia, 1 emergency surgery (2nd hospital visit this year).

I am not real pleased about ending the year with this news and starting off a new year with this news as well.

Focus on the positive and be with loved ones and friends in spirit and thoughts. Focus on my health and that of my family. Yes, I do -- every minute.

Take care, and for pity sake EVERYONE STAY HEALTHY!!!!!!!!!!!!

happy writings, smile for the photo and don't forget to read!

t

  Well Christmas came and went. This last week a very close friend ended up in the hospital. I feel horrible because... This friend loves to put up the Christmas tree and have a big holiday feast for friends. Wham - emergency surgery to remove part of their colon.

The end of this year has brought not so good stuff for this friend. The dog had to have surgery on his ear for infection. That was very sad. Then had to wear a cone. Unfortunately, the ear was not responding to the medication and the poor dog had to wear the cone possibly over Christmas which meant no tree. The tree is huge for this friend. Now I hear the recovery time will be close to two months. Ugh.

Well as for me. I have taken time off of writing this month. I have been nesting. I don't know what it is about December but I go into nesting mode. I do a lot of cooking and cleaning, reorganizing.  But I can tell I am ready to get back to work. Ideas have started streaming again. Yeah. I have continued my get together with my writing buddies. Pretty soon we will be caught up to what I have written on the novel and I'll have to produce some more words. Love the pressure.

Getting ready for 2010. Cannot believe where 2009 went. It was hear and now it is gone. Wow! Not been turning the computer on a lot lately. I logged in this morning and couldn't believe how long it had been since I've posted!

Hey get ready for 2010. What sounds like fun for the new year. ???? time to jot some things down.

happy writings, smile for the photo and don't forget to read!

t

     The holidays always bring me to a "stop I need  to nest mode" I guess because it's when all of the kids' birthdays start, then we have Thanksgiving, then we have Christmas, etc. etc. And always, always - not enough money. That just never happens. I have moved on from that portion of life.                                                                                                                                                        

     I have publicity work to do for the conference. Even though it's Christmas time, the conference is only five months away. Come January I have to take the advertising mode up a few notches.

     I set a goal to have the first draft of my novel done by the end of the year. Unless I write like some sort of fiend this will probably not happen. I have been in a very cynical mood lately, about writing, and some personal stuff too. But I have not written much on the novel, but I have written a short story and thinking of writing on a side project. I am very excited for this next year to come and go, one- because I do not plan to re-run for my publicity position in 2011. I want to concentrate on my writing and just that. I want to write. I just want to write. Do my thing and be responsible for only my work.

     I look at people and how they deal with their lives. I drive in traffic and want to pull people over and give them a therapy session. "is where you are trying to go in such a hurry be there if you calmed down while driving?"  OR my biggest pet peeve,  "You are talking on your cell phone and not paying attention to your driving, is this conversation so important you couldn't think of others besides yourself for a short period in your life and wait till you are not driving. This 'important' conversation you are having could take the life of someone else who has nothing to do with you?" -- But people don't care. People are only concerned with themselves. This part of ignorance attitude really bothers me.

    Do things for yourself yes, but don't forget the world does not evolve around just you. You are not the only one driving on the road that has somewhere to be. You are not the only person in this world who has to earn money to survive. You are not the only person in this world who cares if you live to fifty or one hundred. Self centered and uncaring people bother me, from some it hurts so deep. I am so emotional over people who don't care. Ugh, whining but it has really come to bother me deeply. I dream about it, I cry over the dumbest commercials that show compassion because there is no compassion around me. Just self centered - all about me - people.

       I try to have a positive attitude, but it is a difficult task when you are surrounded by so much negativity. Why do people strive so hard to be negative? Degrading? No positive input for anything. Is it a control issue? Even people in stores look at you if you say excuse me for cutting in front of them while they are looking at something on the shelves. Hold the door for someone who has a baby carriage, or loaded with books and bags?? WTF? people really.

happy writings, smile for the photo, and don't forget to read!

t

Sorry that is how I feel right now. Isn't that horrible? I can't help it. Not the right time of year to be feeling like this, but there are a lot of things that just hit me the wrong way - the biggest =- People!

The last four days I have had my house full. With the economy so slow- the workload for hub and the boys is slow, so they are here ALL DAY LONG. My boys don't bother me, they are fine. But my husband! UGHH. He is the type of person who doesn't know what to do with himself if he is not working or riding his bike. So he sits and watches tv. = well watches between the channel changes - and then ends up settling on NEWS! Now you all know how much I just love watching the fS9YUGYIing news!!!!

OMG! go back to work, get the hell out of the house! Get away from me - please.

To top it off, my work schedule has been really weird lately. I wasn't feeling well a couple Monday's in a row - so I did not attend the writers meetings - two weeks in a row. Then, one of the two people I work with on Writers group and Conference stuff was sick last week, so we are now behind on that stuff. That erks me. I know it is not their fault, they didn't plan it that way, but it is frustrating. I hate being sick.

Didn't finish NANO, I have to try really , really hard to keep my comments to myself about Nano. I support it, but... Never mind I can't go there.

So anyway - hey take care, have a safe and Happy holiday season - that's another thing that bothers me - say the word  CHRISTMAS - and you are dammed forever --- oh frickin please - it's a word and fun time of year if you have a problem with the wording - GET OVER IT

happy writings, smile for the photo and don't forget to read!

t

     So my saga of banks screwing around with my money continues. This time it was my bank loosing my deposit! Yes for five days I had no money in the bank and no access. It took them five days to find out that the person who posts the days transaction missed the first digit of my account number and posted to another. How exciting for them. On deadline to make my house payment, my lameass mortgage company wanted to know why I was making my payment on the last available day. Another point of contention - it's none of their business, the payment was NOT late. Arrggghhh.

    Life was going so well before the economy tanked. I loved my bank, loved my mortgage company all was good. Then within a few months wham - life will never be the same. Bank bought out, mortgage company bought out. Now, I have to deal with THEIR problems, not which are mine.

     In the middle of all this, the oldest child has found his way back to the nest. - Now they are all living here and I have once again lost my office. Back in the den where I started, that's okay. He's home not only for financial reasons, sort of a reality rehab. Finding out friends who move in with no jobs or means to support themselves - are usually hard to get rid of.

    Life is moving along, ready for the ride!

happy writings, smile for the photo and don't forget to read!

t

I am so excited. The other day I was handed my contributor copy of Patchwork Path: Friendship Star

My story, Bonnie is my first paid publication. Very exciting.

 http://patchworkpathbooks.com/index.php/patchwork-path-books/2-patchwork-path-friendship-star

     Nothing. My normal week of projects and work kept me busy, but ya know I feel like I have not accomplished much this week. I guess because I don't have anything spectacular to post. I have several newsletter news to add, oh by the way if you'd like to get your weekly edition of the Henderson Writers Group newsletter send me an email to teresawatts@cox.net and I'll get you on the list. You can get all the information of writing stuff.

Anella is progressing, this week I spent a lot of time on research. I am at that point of having a Point of View with a character I really do not like. I need to get rid of him... Ha! the joy of writing.

     I had an evening with my friends, hanging out having cocktails and chit chat. Everyone seems to be in an angry mood. Some that's okay they should be angry. I almost felt like I was 'attacked' for what I do and certain things in my life. That's what friendships are all about. The ability to tell someone how it is and get over it. It was a little hard, but I love my friends so I do know it was not completely personal.

     Still dealing with the mortgage issue. I have not had a chance to get back into my account. I figured it would be best to have my frame of mind in check so I don't completely loose it! They did post my payments, now I have the escrow account to deal with. I am not looking forward to this.

happy writings, smile for the photo and don't forget to read!

t

     Wow, reflecting back on the last couple of weeks. My daughter is now 18. Last child, technically I'm done. Right? That's what they say. I don't think you ever get done with parenting. It is a job that is in your blood always. But the "pick up your room, eat your vegetables, clean the table, take out the trash, do your homework, feed the dog and don't forget to brush your teeth" harboring is done. For the most part. Now they begin this life as an adult. Oh how they look forward to this day. "I'm 18, I can do whatever I want." ---Until, they need money. Or need something. As parents we chuckle at this one. My daughter came to me and asked if I had her money for the week. My line as the parent is now - "You're 18, I don't have to give you money anymore."  Wow did that piss her off.

The drama of this past week in my life, the discovery my mortgage company at random moved money to the wrong place on my account! A lesson from this poor financially strapped girl - watch what they are doing with your money.  I couldn't believe it - and too top it off, I have a feeling this is something that is going to cost me a lot of problems on a situation that was not my fault. No wonder the economy is so screwed up and banks are failing. I wonder what is really happening with the foreclosure melt down? I wonder if people are really looking at their statements? Are people failing to pay their mortgages, yes, but is the amount they owe really what the banks are claiming?

We were on the accelerated program, a portion was deducted weekly to cover the monthly nut. Well, needed to restructure and fix a few things I canceled it. I explained I would pay my mortgage once a month on line or mail the payment. The customer service rep understood and took care of it for me. Before we hung up, I confirmed. "The four deductions you have taken this month (Aug) will be applied to my September payment." --she was counting, adding up. --- "Yes, they will. We will send you a paper statement in the mail within 2-5 business days. If you make your payment online they will stop sending paper statements and send you a reminder through your email. Is there anything else I can help you with today?"  -- "Nope, as long as you put the funds taken towards my September payment and I will not have a payment due until Oct 1, all is good." -- "Yes, Mrs. Watts we will take care of that for you." -- "thank you, that's all I  have."  --- "thank you for choosing &*&^%&** for your mortgage needs, have a nice day."  Wa-- La we're done. Told the hub, taken care of, we don't have a payment due until 10-1 and we can take care of this, this and this.

Four days later I received an envelope in the mail from my mortgage company, tossed it into the date slot for it's process and went about my business. Never opened it. - I have never received anything from my mortgage company through the mail, I have always been on the accelerated deduction plan. It was what she said it was - my monthly statement. So, Oct 1 rolls around and I pull out the statement to go online to make my payment. Hmm, it won't let me in. Says I need to fill out this promise to pay?? What the hell is this, where did this come from... I look at the paper that was sent in the envelope. ... Payment due Sept 1.. ??? What Sept 1, what the hell is this. I rifle through the stack of mail I had just retrieved from the mailbox, there are several envelopes in this stack from my mortgage company. I open - This notice is to advise you if you do not pay $0,000 (A few thousand dollars) by such and such date we will begin foreclosure proceedings! Say what. WTF!!! Now it's about 9pm at night. I make an ill-fated attempt and call the mortgage company. Business hours notice - try tomorrow.

Determined to not let this stress  me out - I repeated a mantra to myself. "This is a mistake, it will be fine." Over and over I made this attempt to convince myself. The biggest stress I had over this, not that it was a mistake on the mortgage company and I knew in my bones I could fix this. It was telling my husband! Yep, That freaked me out the most. I could not tell him - he would blame me and this would be my fault. I convinced him to go off the accelerated plan and man did I have to do a sales pitch. I am the chief CFO in this house, it's my job to get things paid and taken care of. I was going to catch the heat for this. I kept my mouth shut. Don't spill it until you have all the facts. This I learned from him -- he doesn't advise his corp office of a situation until he has all the answers and reasons. Right, if he could do, so could I.

So the next day, I call the mortgage company, maintain my composure and began the conversation "I am really confused" the customer service rep after his 25 questions of who I am, looks at my account and it was almost as if he caught the mistake as he was attempting to advise me of "My mistake" -- "We received twenty three cents short to complete your payment, so we applied the funds to your principal... " I could hear it in his voice - he caught the mistake. Now for example - no my house payment is nowhere near this low of an amount. Example $$ - He then says, "your mortgage payment is 565.23 per month and we did not receive the .23."              I had my ammunition I replied back. "You received $566.00 you got an extra dollar to apply towards the .23 needed."  "Yes, I see that is a mistake, I'll move the money back where it belongs and we will get this taken care of."

Well they did apply it - I received a message in my email. Now I am waiting for them to update everything, so I can get back and look at my account. I still have that promise to pay screen - that will not let you get into anything! But since they are saying I paid the Sept, payment in October I am curious if they have a "late payment" thing on there...

I feel this is not over. But of course if they try and screw with me, you know I'll post it. And no, I still have not informed the hub of this.

happy writings, smile for the photo and don't forget to read.

t

I love rewards cards, not that they are all that rewarding. But if it gets me a few bucks off, then I'm all for it.

My all time favorite reward card has to be Barnes and Noble. Simple, easy to use and no muss, no fuss. You walk into the store, give them your id, they fill in all the required info and hand you your card. You pay $25.00 a year. It's done.

When you come back to the store, or shop on-line, they ask you for your membership card, swipe it - automatic 15% off. They periodically send you coupons through your email to shop in store or on-line - another 15% off. Even at the 'starbucks' you get a discount. At the end of the year they send you a statement like paper that tells you how much you saved using your membership card. One year I saved $130.00! Yes, I buy books. The amount is always over the membership cost. For me it is well worth it.

I have an OfficeMax card - now this one annoys me, same as Borders. They give you a card and then instructions on how to go online to activate it. ??? You have to create an account - like you don't have enough as it is - then you have to log in each time to get your information. This SUCKS! OfficeMax has a printer cartridge recycle program, you are allowed 10 per week. But you have to go online, log in to get your rewards certificate. To me that is crappy customer service. Make it easy for ME, not the business.

Technology has made life easier, more convenient, but it seems business have removed themselves from "customer service" Hmm. the economy is in a crappy place right now. could it be from lackadaisical service??? ( I know it's because of greed mostly, but bad management - which falls into customer service)

Well that's my opinion - as always

happy writings, smile for the photo and don't forget to read!

t

Well as always I have much to say. A topic of Cougars has come up lately. There is a new T.V. series that relates to that very topic. I did not watch, but a friend did and she said it sucked! Oh well.

I am not one to nit pick age. I say go with what makes you happy. Everything else in this world will kill you, is bad for you, why does your hormonal preference have to be packed into this? Have Fun.. geesh that's what you're here for.

My psychic friend Gregory (http://psychicgregory.com) got into some deep reading for me a few weeks ago. I tell you I not only recommend this because he is my friend, but he is spot on. Are you feeling strange, need some answers to a few nagging questions? Well he is pretty tuned in, you'd be surprised what he has to say. Those aches and pains you are having, might not be what you think they are - something I found out.

I read some of Anella to my writing group the other night. I got some good feedback, I need to focus on my point of view better. I really struggle with this.

It's Fall, I am so excited!! I am so sick of the hot weather. Ugh, it is supposed to be in the 100's today and tomorrow, mid to low 90's Monday and Tuesday then ha! 73 by Wednesday. Heavy wind will bring the cool weather - not my favorite thing, but if it cools it down I'll deal with it!

happy writings, smile for the photo and don't forget to read!

t

I am really in a very strange frame of mind right now. I hate computers, social media networks, emails, on-line promotions. Even as I sit and vent to the world wide web - I hate computers.

I wrote on my Writers Blog how I miss typewriters. The days before computers polluted and diluted our lives and minds. The past couple of weeks Facebook has been slower than the slow boat up the river. SUCKS! someday's  you get on, someday's you don't, someday's you get on quickly - once - only once. Twitter is not all that interesting.

I don't care how many followers I have - Just because someone follows you doesn't mean they are going to buy your book... Just because someone follows you doesn't mean they care about you... Just because someone follows you doesn't mean you are a star... Does it really matter? Is that important if you have a million followers - I dare you to read all their replies...

happy writings, smile for the photo and don't forget to read!!

t

Life has brought many commitments and projects my way lately. The past few weeks I have found myself in and out of my car driving from one end of town to the other; more than once during one day. Labor day rolls around and my calendar was not written with Barbeque! Instead a penciled in housewarming party for a friend. A personal event I was too exhausted to get in my car and drive. I had grocery shopping, cleaning and still more work to do. Laying down to catch a nap, which I had not taken once for a whole week, waking up 2 1/2 hours later and missed the party.

I am someone who takes a stance on doing what you love and putting my love for my chosen job first - I wanted to run away. The reality, you can't not answer the phone or ignore emails when you are someone who has committed to doing something. The world still goes on. I'm sure some would say 'yes you can it's your life' Yes it is my life. But I am someone who will not drop the ball when I have committed to something - not when my name is behind it.

So folks, I decided to take a retreat week. The only appointments on my schedule were personal ones. Okay, I can do that. I decided I was going to work on my novel and write a poem, personal pleasure writing. Yeah right, sounded good. Here is how my 'retreat week' played out:

Monday September 14th:   I rise at 6:00am. Put on my pot of coffee and dive right into the seemingly never ending problem of my husband's computer. At my desk I have two laptops, his with yet another virus scan, mine opened up to Anella. Working a few paragraphs out I glance over to hubs computer and something doesn't look right. Hmm, I move my fingers over to his keyboard, click on a few things - looks normal, click into something else - phantom user! Crap. I attempt to delete this phantom and now - I am locked out of the entire computer - jacka**! I am NOT a computer person. But I know a few routes to take and things to look into. With relief of one thing, my hubby's computer has nothing more than his facebook and his favorite websites to surf around in during the evenings. I had to take it back to factory settings. Praying I wasn't going to screw anything up, I called him and apologized. I didn't know what else to do. He was fine, don't worry about it. "Do what you gotta do. Just make it work."

1pm: Lunch with a friend who is moving out of state. Get a text from my daughter. Who had been at the mechanics to deal with the out of alignment situation on her car.

Daughter: "I have a huge bubble in my front tire and it is getting ready to split, he is sending me to Discount Tire."

Me:  "Call your dad, have him deal with it, I'll call you when I'm done with my lunch." Lay the phone down.

Ring, Ring - ME:  "oh excuse me, 'Hello"

"Hi Teresa, this is ***website person*** I need the passcodes to the websites so I can transfer the hosting" (domains for our writers group and conference)

ME: "Okay, I am not in my office I'll get them to you in a couple of hours." 

Back to lunch. Had a wonderful time chatting with her and talking about everything from writing, to attending women's conferences, to kids, husbands and life. Two and half hours later I head home.  

Now close to 4pm, hub comes home. Daughter has four new tires (360.00 dollars later), Hub plans to pedal as normal. I tell him, "I think I'll go to the meeting tonight. Laura's book is out and she's bringing it." Very exciting. It's been a three year process that is now a published product (http://lauralalton.com for your copy). I have friends I enjoy seeing that go to the meetings. Have a coffee and hang out for a little. Get home around 9:30pm, talk to the husband for a little, made a few notes at my desk. Watch T.V, for a little and head to bed around 11pm.  Out - I was asleep by 11:15pm.

Tuesday September 15:  Slept in a little today, 6:30am. Nine AM appointment to have coffee with a friend who I do not get to see much anymore and who just came back from "Burning Man" an experience that changed her life and the attitude about it - I had to know how it was. Sat at my desk and sent out invitations to our writers group yahoo page for paid members. Completed just in time at 8:20a - get dressed and head out for get together. Two hours and listening to her realization that she is closer and closer to saying "adios" to Corporate America. She said "I have yet to hear anyone claim leaving was the biggest mistake they made. I only hear - best decision of my life." Creative's have deep seated desires that we can not walk away from or get out of our systems. It's what we do. It's how we survive.

Hearing the news of Actor Patrick Swayze passing away from pancreatic cancer - just sucks. I enjoyed his movies. Very personable great actor.

President Barack Obama making an 'off the record' comment that Kayne West is a jackass - and catches criticism for it??? hello, call it what it is - Kenya is a jackass! A DUMBASS MOVE on Kenya's part! Everyone from the President to a 9 year old has the right to call him that - I would have to add F**&ing Jackass!

7pm - a frozen macaroni and cheese dinner. Back at my computer planning a late writing night. (9/16/09 update not a lot of writing was done. Went to bed for some more sleep.)

Wednesday September 16: Poetry day. Truly one of my events each month I really look forward to. LOVE MY POETRY PEEPS! Sincerely love it. Except my body aches, my brain is not creating any words that make any sense. Crap. Maybe I should stay home today. I am exhausted, I don't feel good, I don't feel right, Things are not working, blah, blah.  It ended up becoming the all day poem. I procrastinated, took a nap, went to hub's office to look at some personal storage items, etc., Whatever I could to not do a poem I did it. Finally, some things come together. I am not happy, but it's a poem and we are a WORKSHOP. It turns out to be a milestone in poetry history. My friend Gregory (for those who know him you will get this, for those who don't - very well read, intelligent, English Degree from Columbia University) DID NOT CHANGE ONE THING - NOT ONE- comma, word, stanza - nothing. You have no idea what that means to me. I wrote a poem that Gregory had not one suggestion to change!!! Was he off today? I asked him "What no changes?"  -- "No, you got it."  Milestone I tell you, milestone. I love him and value his opinion as a writer. Wow. That was like a gigantic boost!

Thursday September 17: Added 750 words to Anella, still exhausted, I laid down for about an hour. At lunch time, got dressed and went down to hub's warehouse to dive into something that I have not dealt with in 5 years. My mom's personal belongings. This was something I could no longer put off. My husband had an opp to get the vaults out where we could spread the stuff out and gave me no choice but to go down and deal with it. I had to cancel my get together with my writing buddy. But it worked out for both of us. She had a friend come into town, she had not seen in a number of years. Found not only my mother's personal belongings of general stuff, dishes, clothes, books - oh heavens books. My mother loved to read. I also found a box that belonged to my deceased aunt that contained letters from her son. Very touching. I also came across my own personal items. My daughters ice skating outfits - that I made - when she was 5! Her dance costumes, kids artwork and a few boxes of old clothes they once wore. What a dusty walk down memory lane, but it was great. My oldest son was helping me and the look on his face when he found this huge box of toys -  -"Oh my god, this has our GI Joes! I am going through this box."  I love that in his 20's, he still has those fond memories of his toys. Everyone should. I also came across my oldest brothers teddy bear. He passed away at 39, in 1990. It is still in awesome condition.  Loaded up the Mini with some boxes and came home. Took my nap, did the dishes, ran the vacuum, and watched T.V. At 9PM, I went to bed.

Friday September 18: it's Friday, updating this blog, Going through my 'retreat week review'. I'm a little bit rested. Had some downfalls and the week didn't work out quite the way I had planned, but overall - It was good. Took a walk down memory lane, produced a GREAT poem. Anella has some clarity (thank you Gregory - http://psychicgregory.com - you too will be pleased if you decide- he is very tuned in and accurate, worth it!) Had a chance to see and talk to all three of my kids. Now that two have moved out, I don't get to see them as much. Time spent with my friends and family always a treat. Overall, things do not always work out the way you plan them to. Sometimes you have to look deep into what lies beneath (a cliche' I know) but - if you look at what your real purpose is that drives your desires and wants. You find the right path to walk down and understand why you want to be there in the first place.   

happy writings, smile for the photo and don't forget to read!

t

These past few weeks have been a chaotic assortment of commitments, errands, new projects, and life in general.

A reprimand from a friend for taking on yet another project and taking a week off from my novel. Not good for me or my characters. I understand all of that, but this was a project I had been chomping at the bit to get my hands on.

I am anxious for the weather to turn to cool, then cold. I am tired of the heat and strange lasting humidity our normal dry airy desert has taken this summer. I seem to fall into a hibernation during the summer and explode with enthusiasm in the cooler months.

I am stacked with media releases I need to get out into the world but because our group and conference have dead websites I sit and wait -un-patiently for the them to be live again. I have faith this new person will get them going. I have faith.

Once a month we have a gathering of writer friends come together for cocktails and socializing - and networking of course. This month we had our last hurrah outdoors before we take cover in the warmer indoor gathering holes. It was a remarkable gathering, we had close to 20 people show up that were brand new, hadn't seen in awhile, and the normal group of fabulous friends.

It seems strange for someone who works at home to be so busy they have no time for rest, cleaning, or cooking. I always read and thought that people who worked at home did so because they were tired of the hustle and bustle of the corporate world. They work at home for piece of mind. I am busier now than I was collecting the 9-5 paycheck! This I guess is what happens when you do what you love. Your passion runs out of control.

I spent most of my life with limited social activity. Everyone always made me feel different and I shouldn't be around people. Funny how you let others control your frame of mind. Anywho, I have a large array of friends who keep me busy close to 5 days a week. I wouldn't trade any of them. They feed my creative soul, inspire me to continue with Anella, and reprimand me for my busy work schedule.

Carry on and be happy, love those around you and celebrate life and all that YOU can have! It's there.

**** Today is 9.11.09, our 8th anniversary of the tragic event of 9/11. Please give a thank you to your law enforcement and firefighters for their courage and strength to put our lives before their own - each and every day.

Please say a prayer (religion or not) to those who lives were taken on this horrific day. Life is meant to be a celebration. Not a mission of destruction on beliefs of another. Live - Love - Enjoy!

happy writings, smile for the photo and don't forget to read!

t

Hey there folks what's new with you? I have been very, very busy. Good busy. My novel is moving along well. The summer is almost over and I am ready for some cooler weather.

Exciting News:

Heading into the fall season it is time to start gearing up for the Las Vegas Writers Conference April 15-17,2010, Las Vegas Nevada, Sam's Town Hotel and Casino. We are excited to have the accepted invitations for 3 top New York Agents Yay! Hopefully our website will be corrected and working soon. We have had a few quips as of late but keep checking http://lasvegaswritersconference.com to reserve your spot today. Take advantage of the rate before it goes up!

Since my last posting here, I have a writing buddy. We have met a couple of times to swap our manuscripts for reading and critiquing. We have made each other accountable - 10 new pages each week! We are both going to get these books done regardless.

November 2009 release of Patchwork Path; Friendship Star, book 3 in the anthology series. And Yes yours truly has a story published! I am so excited over my first PAID publication. Get so goose bumpy. Pre-order your copy today and be the first to read Bonnie. http://patchworkpath.com  

Next up: Las Vegas Chew Toy by Laura L Alton. October release! Book Launch Party at reJAVAnate Coffee Lounge, 3301 E Flamingo Road, Las Vegas NV Saturday October 10, 2009 12 noon - 2PM. Come on down and meet the author of the Kayla Ann Dailee , the Veterinarian who solves murders with the help of her friends, family and clients.

Always have to support the hubby. This weekend I will be working on his website http://teampullmyfinger.com, putting the site together in hopes of having it up and going and cool swag for sale!  Keep checking the site (thank you for your patience.)

The other new to report My website - I have in my bio to contact me via wesbsite that will be published in Friendship Star - HA I guess I should get busy and get that done! hopefully by the end of September you can find me at http://teresalwatts.com

Whew! A lot of fabulous and exciting things going on with me. In between all the commitments of meetings, marketing and get together's I do, I have managed to get some writing done. I am working all weekend so I decided since Friday is usually my errand day, I will take it off. Humph, Well guess what? Characters don't like that. I did not manage much sleep last night. They kept me up with how will I handle Hannah? ,What am I going to do with Anella? Should I make Xavier more prominent. There is something brewing there. I tell ya' the get a little testy if you do not pay attention to them.  I will be working on it this morning while all the what' if's through the night are still swirling around my head!

happy writings, smile for the photo and don't forget to read!

t

Yesterday was an interesting day. To start off daughter comes home after dropping her boyfriend off at work. "Do you see what is going on back there?" Pointing to the houses behind ours. I look, there are about 20 cars and a S.W.A.T truck at this abandoned home. Since we had a drive by shooting a few miles down the road the day before, why not, this is not the first time cop cars have swarmed this place. Abandoned home perfect place for a loser to hid in. "Crap, I moved to this side of town for a reason, I'm getting tired of the garbage that goes on in Vegas." I reiterate again. A week earlier we had K-9 units, and before that there were Metro cars and police surrounding the place, guns drawn. This is not just a home, It's four abandoned mansions on one property.

I had an appointment to meet with a friend to have a birthday coffee, (fellow Leo and writer), my daughter was not comfortable to be at home alone with all that going on. I reminded her it's not like someone could hop over our wall, It's over 15 feet high from the street. "If you want, go to Steph's until I get back" I hated to leave her, but I had a commitment and she had options. "I have my phone, call me if you need me."

I went to my get together with my friend, no phone calls, had a lovely time. Came home four hours later. They are still there. I figured out they must have been on tactical maneuvers. I started to see, they were not in full gear and they were casually walking around. Then there was loud gunshots! and smoke! Then speeding cars down the driveway. Then it stopped at the end of the driveway, they spoke for a while, and then they did it all over again! My dogs were freaking out. Loud booms scare animals. 

Okay fine, yes they need training. But a little note to let the neighbors know what the heck is going on would have been nice.

some photos for you. (FYI, I was hiding in my tree, freaking out they would spot me and take my camera away!) 

Happy writings, smile for the photo and don't forget to read!

t