True Story.

Yesterday I was bragging to Wizard about all I got done. It went something like this: “I got up at 5:15 to work, then we went grocery shopping, put all the groceries away, found my missing hair brush (don’t ask, even I can’t figure it out why I put it where I did), made a personalized cyber birthday card for my sister-in-law, cleared some email and…” I help up an addressed and stamped thank you card, “I’m taking this card for your mom out to the mailbox right now. It’s barely 9:30 in the morning!”

Then I turned and walked straight into a wall.

Same wall that’s been in our house for 20 years.

I can’t make this stuff up.

Wizard was honest-to-God trying NOT to laugh while choking on the words, “Are you okay? Man that’s gonna bruise your arm and shoulder.”

Sigh…I’m perfectly fine, my neck just twinges the tiniest bit and I probably won’t even bruise. But seriously, that wall moved and ruined my moment of triumph!

So today’s Wednesday Worth Candidate is a rerun in honor of the fact that I really want to punch that wall.

What do you think, is he worthy? And are you laughing at me too?

I had a good weekend finishing up my embarrassingly long birthday celebration Saturday CPA Boy, his wife (Special K) and their niece and nephew came out for marathon swimming and cupcakes. I shared this on one of my FB pages, but I’m going to be it here too. Special K’s amazing niece made this fresh flower arrangement for me:

They are so gorgeous! And so is Trisha (pictured on the left)  I was so touched and impressed.

Sunday I worked, but took a break to see Youngest Son, his girlfriend and Roxy (their dog). And with that all the celebrating is done! Now I just have to stop eating crap and I’m hitting the gym today.

I’m really excited to tell you guy that I have covers for the Savaged Trilogy! I met with my cover designer at RWA Conference in San Diego, and we discussed all three covers, plus a logo for the band and series. I just got the final versions on Friday and I’m thrilled! (So is Wizard who somehow got involved in the process and loves the covers, especially the one for the first book, Savaged Dreams). I can’t share them yet, I have to finish this revision and get everything back on track. But I’m finally moving along!

It’s a relief to have so many other things cleared up so I can work again. I’ll keep you all updated.

Now it’s your turn, how was your weekend?

I have a true reason to be happy! This isn’t books news, but it’s part of why I got so behind–yesterday I got the medical all clear on a serious situation that’s been going on for almost two months. It took a couple hours of testing yesterday but they finally determined I’m clear and fine. Wizard and I are both extremely grateful and happy. When we got home after finishing the tests and getting the news, Wizard opened a bottle of our “special” wine to celebrate. We never drink that wine (because it’s expensive and we’re cheap), so I knew he was relieved

After a couple tough months (especially losing Bailey), August is looking up. Honestly it feels like dark clouds that have been hanging over us for a while now are breaking up. Or maybe that’s the wine talking, LOL!

So now it’s your turn. What makes you happy today or this week?

I don’t know how life got so busy writing time so scarce and frustrating! It’ll slow down next week to a normal pace. In the meantime we have this guy because I’m feeling artistic…

What? Come on a male torso on a black background is totally artistic

So what do you think? Is this guy worthy?

It’s a brand new month! I’m so over July–the month was on crack or something. A few incredible highs and too many wicked lows. I’d kick it in the butt on the way out the door, but I’d probably break my toe.

Oh wait, I already did that, LOL! FYI, the toe is healing fine. Did I mention that Wizard has a herniated disc in his back? We got home from San Diego on Sunday, and Monday morning Wizard woke up in serious pain.

Um…possibly from dragging my suitcase up the stairs, but let’s not get crazy and blame me. It’s much more fun to blame July. His back problems led to a round of doctor visits, x-rays, MRIs and now we’re waiting for referrals for more specialists.

Did I mention I’m over July?

But now it’s August! I’m hoping we all have a great month.

So this weekend. On Saturday, Middle Son and his girlfriend came out to celebrate my birthday (my actual birthday is tomorrow). There were tough moments, of course as Bailey was Middle Son’s dog, and for the last three years, Middle son’s girlfriend has been Bailey’s mom (seriously, she took amazing and loving care of him when he needed it most). But to my surprise, they wanted to come anyway. And it turned out to be a good day, quiet with just the four of us, and I think we all needed that. We talked, swam and BBQed. They brought four flavors of mini cakes from a special bakery by their house: Chocolate, Lemon, Lemon Raspberry and Red Velvet. We split them up so we all got a slice of each.

Wizard’s taking me out tomorrow night, I’m seeing Biker Witch on Wednesday, and CPA Boy is coming out next weekend–because apparently we’re going to drag my birthday out over a week, LOL! If it were up to me, I’d have cancelled my birthday this year, but no one listens to me and I love them all for it.

Sunday I wrote. Man this book is killer hard to revise. I can’t tell if I’m totally screwing it up, or maybe, just maybe making it better. But I’m in it to win it now This is the time to have blind faith, keep working and believe.

How was your weekend?

Happy Friday! Thank you all for the amazing comfort as we said goodbye to Bailey Dog this week. I appreciate every single message and kind thought. You guys helped make this week beatable and I’m truly grateful.

I’m running a little contest over on my Facebook page today (Friday). Because all of you have let me share Bailey with you over the years, I really want to see pictures of the animals you have loved. If you’d like to share them, please go over to my Facebook Page. The Giveaway Post is pinned to the top of the page, and you can post a picture in the comments. I really want to see all your beloved animals, and share in that with you

This month has been filled with challenges that repeatedly interrupted my revision on Savaged Dreams, but I won’t let it stop me. I’m diving back in (for the billionth time) to revise this book. I believe in this story so much, and I won’t give up.

So what are you guys doing this weekend? Any big plans?

We lost Bailey Dog yesterday. We are all heartbroken. There just aren’t enough words to convey our love for that little dog, or the profound ways in which Bailey changed us all with his selfless love. There is no love like that of our fur babies.

Bailey was fine over the weekend. Middle Son was sending me pics of him and chatting about Bailey, and all was well. Monday, Bailey began suffering sudden and serious neurological problems. They took him to the vet, he was admitted him and they ran tests. On Tuesday, it became clear it was bad and Bailey was suffering. Middle Son then made the toughest and most loving of decisions.

And friends, it cost him a huge chunk of his heart to do it. Middle Son adopted Bailey when he was four years old and unwanted. The two of them quickly formed a bond that was, and in some ways still is, unbreakable. A few months after Bailey came into our lives, Middle Son had to go on a business trip. He called me and said, “Mom, can you check in on Bailey? I left him with my brothers, but Mom, Bailey is my best friend. The best friend I’ve ever had. Will you check on him?”

And that friendship lasted until Bailey took his last breath, and beyond. It hurt Middle Son and his girlfriend so much, but they refused to allow the dog that loved and trusted them to suffer. And so yesterday, Bailey left us.

But the love he gave us lives on in ways we can’t even measure.

R.I.P Bailey. We love you and miss you. You will always be a very special part of our family.