Photo 365 #12

So you know how I said the other day that if there was a better fragrance than fresh-cut grass and fresh apples I didn’t know it? I was wrong.

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The one scent that’s better than those is the smell of applesauce cooking on the stove (and simmering in the crock pot, because I made two batches). I took a few chunks out of my thumb and I’ve been on my feet working with apples for the last ten hours or so, but judging by what I was able to taste (which was admittedly little because I burned the tar out of my tongue), it was all worth it. 🙂

(c) 2014. All rights reserved.

It’s release day!

InTheRearview-MariaAnnGreenIt’s release day for Maria Ann Green’s debut novel, In the Rearview, and I’m super excited to help her celebrate!  If you like YA Contemporary, you might like this book – I know I think it looks interesting.

So, what’s it about?  Well, in case you missed my last two posts about it, here’s the blurb:

When Meagan’s secret is found out, and she realizes there is no way to outrun her habit of cutting, she tries to work through it, and her depression, before she cuts too deep, making a mistake that can never be undone.

Meagan’s problems aren’t like every other adolescent’s no matter how much she wishes they could be. Hers are worse. They’ve pulled her down into the depths of a depression that is anything but normal. She begins her pattern of self-harm as her depression threatens to drown her. She starts with one cut that leads to the next, and the next. After starting, it’s apparent that there’s no stopping, and Meagan spirals into a dark and cruel world she doesn’t understand. Meagan cuts to feel better, but that comfort doesn’t last long enough, and soon life is worse than it ever was before.

While learning to quit cutting Meagan faces life-altering obstacles and grows up in the process. In the Rearview is a story of pain, loss, confusion, and hope told through Meagan’s poems, journal entries, and a splash of narrative.

Interested?  Then keep reading, because I’ve got an excerpt from the book right here:

Photo 365 #11

I woke up to the devastating news that we’ve lost yet another cat.

Calico

This time it wasn’t one of the kittens, but Mrs. Calico herself.  A great mama and a fantastic mouser, Calico was one of the sweetest kitties I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing.  She was apparently out hunting last night or early this morning when someone ran over her near our driveway.

I didn’t say anything to the kids this morning, but they’re going to be terribly upset tonight when they find out.  This makes six cats we’ve lost since May (unnamed kitten, Oscar, Freckles, Minnie, Katniss, and Calico all died; it’s seven if you count Patches, who went to a new home), and I don’t think I can take any more of this.

I really hope the boys didn’t let Shadow out this morning, because I’m afraid we might not see him again if they did.  He’s very shy and likes to hide – last time we let him out, he ended up stuck in the garage overnight because we couldn’t find him.

Rest in peace, Mrs. Calico, and take care of your babies in heaven.

(c) 2014.  All rights reserved.

Photo 365 #10

I spent this afternoon collecting apples while Seymour mowed lawn.

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If anything smells better than fresh cut grass and fresh apples, I don’t know what it is.

(c) 2014. All rights reserved.

In the Rearview giveaway!

InTheRearview-MariaAnnGreenRemember a while back when I shared the cover for Maria Ann Green’s forthcoming book, In the Rearview?  Well, on Friday she announced a giveaway, and I’ve got all the details right here!  Here’s Maria to tell you all about it in her own words:

GIVEAWAY PACKAGE STUFF:

*The How: Anyone who buys my book, In the Rearview, in any e-version the first week it’s out, August 19th – 26th, and sends me an email verification (screen shot your purchase confirmation, forward the confirmation email, take a picture of your computer screen – honestly whatever works) will be entered into the drawing to win a pretty cool set of prizes. Send the emails to: magauthorgiveaway@gmail.com

*About In the Rearview: When Meagan’s secret is found out, and she realizes there is no way to outrun her habit of cutting, she tries to work through it, and her depression, before she cuts too deep, making a mistake that can never be undone.

Meagan’s problems aren’t like every other adolescent’s …More details behind the cut.

Photo 365 #9

Here’s Seymour giving Miss Tadpole a few pointers on mini-golf:

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This picture is one of my favorites from our excursion the other day.

(c) 2014. All rights reserved.

Photo Friday: Ball

Bubbles starts fifth grade next week – my how the time has flown!

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He’s suiting up for football practice.  This year he graduates to tackle football (instead of flag football).  Before I know it, he’ll be all grown up and playing in high school.

Don’t forget to stop by Charnele’s blog and see what she’s posted, and have a great weekend!

(c) 2014.  All rights reserved.

Photo 365 #7

Today we took our older two kids to the local water park and miniature golf course. We don’t get to do a lot with just them, and this was great family fun.

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Before...

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...and after.


We are one T-I-R-E-D crew.

(c) 2014. All rights reserved.

I got a review!

tdproofI don’t talk much about my little poetry book, Tuesday Daydreams: A Journal in Verse.  You may not have even known it existed till now, though there’s a link to it in my blog’s header.  I haven’t done a lot of promotion for it, but it’s sold a few copies, which is pretty awesome for something that started out as a Christmas gift for a friend.

So when I got my very first review of it on Tuesday, I was pretty excited.  Pretty darn excited, actually.  So if you like poetry, maybe check it out?  And if you do, leave a review!  Reviews can really make someone’s day. 🙂

(c) 2014.  All rights reserved.