Well hello there old friend

Crazy how long it has been since I posted, but life has gotten in the way. And if I was completely honest, I was rolling into a depression because work was excruciatingly stressful. Sad, too because I really loved working there. Alas, I have parted ways with that stressful situation and am waiting patiently for my new job to start in a few months. Currently I am blessed to be writing at home. Yes, I know. I really am not working. I am not bringing in a paycheck. I am so lucky to have this limited time opportunity to just do what I have always wanted, write. It was a little hard at first. I felt so lost not having a real focus, but in reality, I have never really allowed myself to see writing as a focus. Now I have no distractions. It is me and all my ideas. And I am truly blessed that my mom will be editing my work as I go.

I am using the days to retrain my breathing during running and enjoying yoga while watching my cats in their ever present regard for the relaxing life. I am back to juicing an bunch of vegetables mixed with fruits. I am brewing my own iced tea at home. My lunch sandwich gets a new addition every day - ham and cheese to start, then I added avocado, today I added tomatoes. Who knows what tomorrow will bring? Stress be gone. My cats never remember being stressed out seconds earlier. Why do I carry it?

Seriously, have you ever seen a cat stressed out? Oh wait, my Izabel does kind of lose it sometimes, but whatever. They really have perfected the way to sleep all day, watch the birds (and there are, currently, a lot of baby birds in my front yard), choose to be scared of or amazed by the strong wind, get excited for a can of cat food in the morning. You name it. Life is good - for my cats.

There are lessons to be learned by them though. Keep life simple. I can only control my own actions, thoughts and feelings. When in doubt, hide under the bed. (I kinda like this one) A treat is still a treat when found days later on the kitchen floor. Ignore the constant nagging, "No" of the one holding the ice cream because they are sure to share! Naps are so much better when loved ones are home.

I could go on, but I am still in the process of watching and learning.

There is this absolutely incredible little coffee shop I love to visit. It is small and quaint. The people who work there are like a small youtube video with personality that cannot be contained. I love the relaxed atmosphere. I like that I can go and write with a ginormous mug of their special and not be disturbed by random strangers. I can enjoy the heaviness of the wooden tables and chairs, the hatter that is endless, the whirling of the coffee grinder and the finesse of the hand crafted whip cream art. I feel inspired just being there.

Then again, I have been inspired for years, I just haven't used the opportunity to put ideas to paper, until now. It is sad how long I have wanted this passion to become real and it is wonderful that I am finally taking advantage and doing so.

My acknowledgement page will be so full of people and the love I feel for them allowing me to do this that I hope to be able to condense it enough for my (hopeful) readers to actually read - or pass up - whichever type of reader you are. My fiance, is so amazingly supportive that he would agree for me to take two months off of work (in between jobs) to write. ACK! He even said I need to write for a certain period of time each day, so I can do it. (probably so I'll stop talking about writing and actually do it) My mom for not only supporting me during my stress ridden time, but for being so open about editing. My dad for always asking, "what is your plan?!" and keeping me on track for the real future. My cats for not giving me grief when I end up napping in the middle of the day.

Simply, thanks.

Review & Interview: Fated Series by Sarah Alderson

I was so beyond excited when I happened upon seeing Sarah Alderson on facebook posting about looking for reviewers for her next book in the Fated series. I absolutely LOVE her books. Hunting Lila (and the followup, Losing Lila), is one of my favorites! The plot is so original, but has that pull to get me excited for each of the characters. And I simply cannot resist a really strong female lead. I was shocked to realize I hadn't even read any of the books in this series! And equally shocked to find that Fated was even on my Nook for download! Sarah Alderson mainly has her books on Amazon, so it is through them or Book Depository to order them. And being a big fan of my local bookstores, it is painful to order from Amazon. Though sometimes (like in her case) necessary.

Title: Fated
Fated #1
Author: Sarah Alderson
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Publish Date: Jan 5, 2012

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Evie has already had many loses in her life as both her parents were killed when she was a young child. She now lives with her foster, adopted mom in a house that boards people. She works endless amounts of jobs in order to get the heck out of her little town. She knows there has to be something better than what she has so far.

In walks in Victor, a mysterious man who is opening a very expensive boutique across the way and is looking for help. Will she be interested in an insane amount of money to come work for him? Hmmm, odd request, but yes she will.

It is then she finds out she is a Hunter. A woman with special powers and the need to kill the unhumans that want to rule this world and kill them.

Also thrown in is, Lucas, the ever handsome and sexy male that is half human, half unhuman. He is sent to kill her. He is sent to rid her of this world, as she may be the White Light as seen in the prophecy. It will be easy as she is untrained and unaware he is even there. Will she be able to kill Lucas before he kills her?


BOM BOM BOMMMMMMMM!

Seriously insanely good plot, no? And Evie is hilarious and I love that she shows her vulnerability, but not to the winy point of blah.

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Title: Severed
Fated #2
Author: Sarah Alderson
Publisher: Amazon
Publish Date: Nov 28, 2012

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Two things here, one, I prefer the cover from the first book. I am not sure why because the cover really does speak of the things happening within this second book, but I like the girl on the front. Wondering what she is thinking and why. Two, AHHH why only Amazon! Actually ended up downloading the Kindle app on my phone and reading it that way. Not a fun method for someone with migraines. But oh it was so worth it.

To the reader, you definitely want to read these in order as they give away many secrets that were in the previous book. And sigh, who doesn't want to re-experience the heart wrenching times of Evie and Lucas??

They are a team now. He betrayed the Brotherhood and killed them all. GASP! And now, they fight along side each other trying to end the unhumans killing and find the answer to the prophecy. We meet many new characters in this book, one being Flic, Lucas' sister and Cirus, another hunter who has the hots for Evie. A love triangle?? Where Lucas is quiet and respectful, Cirus is talking up his best assets! It makes for very entertaining conversations. There is a lot of fighting in this book too!

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Title: Severed
Fated #3
Author: Sarah Alderson
Publisher: Amazon
Publish Date: (expected) March 31, 2013

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What do I say without giving anything away???

HOW ABOUT AN AUTHOR INTERVIEW??

Describe your work area? Where is it? What does it entail? Do you have helpers (animals, special props) to aid in writing?

I work either in my studio at home in Bali - which overlooks our garden and the rice paddies. One wall is painted with blackboard paint so we use that (my husband is a designer) to plot out our ideas. It's always a jumble of designs, book and screenplay plots and my daughter's math homework. We bought an old piece of tamarind wood - about eight foot long and had it turned into a desk that we both work at. 

If I'm not working at my desk I'm to be found at Hubud - which is a co-work space in Ubud, the town I live in. It's filled with very cool designers, writers and other creative and entrepreneurial types. I love it. At the moment I am writing a screenplay with someone and that's our workspace for that. 

But the truth is I can work anywhere. I write on planes, trains, in cars...so long as I have my computer and my music and headphones I'm good to go.

What do you do when writing; eat, drink, tap, stare out a window?

All of the above. I start the morning with coffee then I sit down to work. If I get distracted it's by social media or music. I'm very fortunate that I have a housekeeper and so I don't have the excuse of cleaning up to distract me. I also live next door to a juice/ coconut store and so I get daily deliveries of fresh juice and coconuts. Nice! Sometimes when I want a break I'll go for a swim and a float on my lilo!

Do you have a writing goal or when the feeling strikes?

No. I write almost every day. It's a job. If you don't treat it seriously, like a job, and put in the hours then you're never going to make a success of writing as a career. It's not a hobby. You have to show up every day and work your ass off.

What do you see when picturing the Severed cover?

When I see the Severed cover I see the way through opening (or is it closing?).

Is there a bit of Evie in you? Lucas in someone you know? How about Cyrus?

I think Evie's probably the character least like me. I think there are pieces of me in all my characters but I think I'm probably more like Lila and Ren (from The Sound). I admire Evie's integrity though.

I am a big fan of Evie, but I truly adored Flic! Who is your favorite character? Or is that like asking for your favorite child?

Eeeek. I think my favourite character is Cyrus but don't tell the others. I just love him. He's so noble and so funny and man he's a good kisser.

If you could be CEO of any company in the world, which one would it be and why?

I wouldn't. I worked in a non profit for 9 years in senior management and oh god, I'm SO glad to be out of it. Not that I didn't enjoy it at the time but I realise now that I'm so much happier setting my own times, working for myself and not having to commute. I am really, really glad to have shed the 'manager' title and identity that goes with it.

If you could visit any country for one year, where would it be and why?

I'd like to live in Bhutan as it's supposed to be the happiest country in the world. I'd like to figure out the secret.

Did you know you were going to be an author from the get-go?

No. I had no idea until I was 30 and I started writing one day.

Do you own any digital devices to read on?

I had a Kindle but my daughter accidentally kicked it into the swimming pool. Now I have an iPad mini and use the Kindle App. It's hard to get books in Bali so I love my Kindle!

What kind of advice would you give a wanna-be author/writer?

Read everything you can get your hands on, learn about structure and plotting, find your own voice don't copy someone else's, write every single day, don't be hard on yourself, just keep moving on. I don't think it's so much about genius as it is about working very, very hard.

Review: Fight or Flight by Jamie Canosa

I am honored to announce that I am participating in the Blog Tour for Jamie Canosa's new book Fight or Flight for young adults. She emailed me with the blub and I just couldn't resist. It sounded like a book I would enjoy reading. I was not disappointed!

Title: Fight or Flight
Author: Jamie Canosa
Publisher:
Publish Date:

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First of all, I love the name she chose for the main character, Em. Her full name revealed later in the book is Emerson. Completely original!

It is simply amazing the lives that people live and we have no clue what is going on in them. Em, for example is a girl running from her past. She packs a bag, effectively. Has a plan and gets through the main part. Only to be destroyed by unforeseen circumstances. She is now left completely and utterly alone. And her plan is kaput!

She must learn how to survive on the streets with nothing. And she must learn fast because there are people who want what little she has left, people who will do anything to attain it. She has been fleeing her life to survive, but she may not be able to run from this.

Enter Jay. The unsuspecting hero that lurks in a man who has been on the streets for awhile. What he sees in Em, he doesn't know, but something draws him to her and before he knows it, he is helping her survive. But in reality, they may be helping each other just as much!

A great love story. A sad sob story.

The details of living on the streets and trying to find the simple things in life we take for granted like food and shelter is just heart breaking, but eye opening. Truly wonderful story telling. The emotions and thoughts of these two character is what kept me reading continuously to finish. Very well written!!

Summary -
Be smart.
Keep your head down.
And look out for number one.

These are the rules Jay has lived by for the past two years. The rules of surviving life on the streets. But when Em comes bursting into his life, in all of her disastrous glory, the rules go right out the window.


Survive.
Flee what’s been left behind.
And never look back.

Emerson’s plan was simple. Though, it was easier said than done. The city streets are dangerous and unforgiving to a new arrival. Especially, a seventeen-year-old girl who’s never known anything but life in the suburbs. Sometimes, however, what’s lurking behind those white picket fences can be more frightening than any dark alley.


Both of them made the same decision when life got overwhelming—to run from their demons. Brought together by fate or circumstance, Em and Jay find the kind of love neither of them ever expected. But, when those demons come back to haunt them and their love is on the line, which instincts will they choose to follow this time . . . Fight or Flight?

 

Movie Review - The Call

Just left the theaters from seeing the new movie with Halle Berry called The Call. It was so incredibly fun! Kept my on the edge of my seat and a hand half covering my face.

I wasn't sure if I was going to like this movie. First of all, I really don't like scary movies. (No I don't know why I like to try and see them) I do like to figure out the plot and how it will develop, though. I also tried to get a friend to go with me, but she was out of town. Blah, so I decided to give it a go by myself.

I am really intrigued right now with the emergency people and jobs, as I want to get my EMS license so I can volunteer once a month with the fire department paramedics. So knowing Halle Berry's character, Jordan, is a 9-1-1 operator right away was a great thing. Then add in a serial killer and a teenage girl - that right there is pretty much a great teen book - which have become my favorite genre!

Halle Berry played a wonderful emergency operator with a traumatic experience and then reliving it to see how she would do things (if anything) different.  But the one who stole the show was the teenage girl abducted, Abigail Breslin, who plays Casey. She has been in other movies like My Sister's Keeper and Little Miss Sunshine. She is the type of girl who it's easy to fall in love with. She is kind, friendly, beautiful, funny, but also vulnerable and strong. It didn't take long for me to start rooting for her to get away safely, but I am not telling whether or not she does! Halle Berry's boyfriend is a cop which made it more interesting because we got to see the side where the operator job ends and the call-in emergency people step in.

This is a fantastic movie for a girls night out or even a date as there is a simply titillating twist at the end!!

Homemade chicken soup

I was so sick recently, that I had to take 3 days off of work just to try and get better, which is kinda insane for me. Diagnosed with Strep and a sinus infection, I was desperate for chicken soup, but being gluten free I couldn't find any that I could eat. Finally after recovering enough to feel okay to work in my kitchen. I found a recipe online that seemed too easy to be good.

LINK FOR SOUP

Put a small chicken in a stockpot (3-4 lbs)
Cover with water
Add large carrots, celery, onion, garlic and salt and pepper
Simmer til chicken falls off bone
Cut apart chicken
Serve with soup, meat and veggies

SO GOOD!!! AND SO EASY!!

I am just so shocked this was so incredibly easy. I plan on doing this recipe at least once a month so that I can use the chicken meat for regular meals like chicken salad, chicken sandwiches, chicken tacos and then I can use the broth for cooking or as soup! The chicken could not have been juicier!

I had to share.

What recipe is shockingly easy?

Review: The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken

Title: The Darkest Minds
Author: Alexandra Bracken
Publisher:
Publish Date:
Hardcover, 488 pages

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BUY THIS BOOK!! SERIOUSLY THIS WAS A BOOK I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR FOR MONTHS!

I have been waiting to sit down and be absorbed in a book from page 1 to the end and I LOVE THIS BOOK!

Oddly enough this book was never on my radar. I had no idea what it was about or that it even existed. I spent about 20 minutes after work, looking a t books trying to find ONE book to check out and take home to read. It was murder. But the moment I read this blurb, I knew! Okay, I didn't know, but I hoped.

The plot is incredible. This society figures out that puberty brings on special powers. There are five special powers you can attain - everything from telekinesis to mind take-over. To prevent these kids taking over the earth (I guess) they begin to bus children to reform camps. Only they aren't really reforming these kids. They are segregating them into special powers to control and watch them.

Ruby was taken from her home on her 10th birthday to a camp and without realizing it gets the scientist to mark her as green (telekinesis). Meanwhile the kids with the very cool, very dangerous powers are disappearing. After a test shows Ruby to be Orange (mind bender), she is taken to be "protected" only her protectors may not be what they profess.

She runs in to a group of kids, also special, they become her new family of sorts. Liam, Zu and Chubs are the ones who may be the ones to save Ruby, and she may save them.

I absolutely fell in love with the Black Betty kids who roam around trying to survive. Liam, Zu and Chubs are so uniquely wonderful. They truly become a basis for Ruby to learn, survive and have a relationship with, even though she is afraid to touch anyone. These kids were so much fun and to see their powers come out and protect them was incredible.

Summary -
When Ruby woke up on her tenth birthday, something about her had changed. Something alarming enough to make her parents lock her in the garage and call the police. Something that gets her sent to Thurmond, a brutal government “rehabilitation camp.” She might have survived the mysterious disease that’s killed most of America’s children, but she and the others have emerged with something far worse: frightening abilities they cannot control.

Now sixteen, Ruby is one of the dangerous ones.

When the truth comes out, Ruby barely escapes Thurmond with her life. Now she’s on the run, desperate to find the one safe haven left for kids like her—East River. She joins a group of kids who escaped their own camp. Liam, their brave leader, is falling hard for Ruby. But no matter how much she aches for him, Ruby can’t risk getting close. Not after what happened to her parents.

When they arrive at East River, nothing is as it seems, least of all its mysterious leader. But there are other forces at work, people who will stop at nothing to use Ruby in their fight against the government. Ruby will be faced with a terrible choice, one that may mean giving up her only chance at a life worth living.

Review: Undeadly by Michele Vail

Title: Undeadly
The Reaper Diaries #1
Author: Michele Vail
Publisher:
Publish Date:

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I have to say this book started off really slow for me. It took me about a quarter of the way through to really start to get sucked in the plot. What threw me was the dead boyfriend. His character was a bit odd and seemed off, yet he was present often. I just kept thinking what are they doing with him and why is he still "alive".

Molly was a good character. Not necessarily a strong female lead. But I liked her. She wanted the good in people. She liked to not discount just based on past experiences. She wasn't just bent on following the orders of others, going with the big bad killer or any of that.

My favorite character was Rath, the already dead Reaper Molly stole Rick (her boyfriend) from killing. He was strong, sexy and very mysterious. I like that. He wanted to kiss her, but remained focused on his job. He didn't need to follow her around like a puppy or become jealous of her dead guy Rick.

The plot was different than anything I have ever read which was a breath of fresh air. I would have liked to see a bit stronger play on the weird in between characters that seemed to survive to have a purpose that to me was deflated. But by the end, I am really excited to read the next book in the series.

Summary -
 The day I turned 16, my boyfriend-to-be died. I brought him back to life. Then things got a little weird...

Molly Bartolucci wants to blend in, date hottie Rick and keep her zombie-raising abilities on the down-low. Then the god Anubis chooses her to become a reaper—and she accidentally undoes the work of another reaper, Rath. Within days, she's shipped off to the Nekyia Academy, an elite boarding school that trains the best necromancers in the world. And her personal reaping tutor? Rath.

Life at Nekyia has its plusses. Molly has her own personal ghoul, for one. Rick follows her there out of the blue, for another...except, there's something a little off about him. When students at the academy start to die and Rath disappears, Molly starts to wonder if anything is as it seems. Only one thing is certain—-Molly's got an undeadly knack for finding trouble....