Happy Birthday Little Twin ‘A’ and Little Twin ‘B’
What’s Jack up to? Today’s he’s constantly stealing my slippers and taking them under the coffee table. What up with that, Jack? Get your own darn slippers.
“So, how many children do you want to have?”That was the question posed to me while I was flat on my back, a little over fourteen years ago, having my first sonogram. It’s the question that would change my life and the DH’s life forever. After the initial shock of being told we were having not one, but two babies we were sent home with two grainy, unrecognizable sonogram photos. One labeled Twin ‘A’ the other labeled Twin ‘B’. We showed them off as if they were painted by DaVinci.On January 15th, 1994 we welcomed our baby boy and baby girl into the world.
Happy 14th Birthday DD and DS!
We can’t believe that fourteen years have gone by so fast. To the world, you are both so different now from the photos shown here. But we don’t have to look too closely to see that your hearts are just the same.
We love you both more than any words on a page can say.Make this a wonderful year!Love,Mom and DadWelcome to 1950
I have to say a domestic goddess, I’m not. (See earlier post. The dust bunnies under my furniture even has, Jack sneezing).But this weekend I did something that was so domestic it made me smile and almost put on an apron.I got a crock-pot, well, a slow cooker since it’s not from Rival, but from Hamilton Beach. But I digress. I’d been thinking of buying one for quite a while. For he past year, I’d see them in Sears, or Tar-jay and stop, stare a bit then walk on by. “Come on, am I really gonna use that or is it going to be tossed in the ‘never will’ bin like my had-to-have-it basting set?”But recently a neighbor and knitting buddy of mine was telling me all about the wonders of a slow cooker. She said I just had to have one. She uses hers all the time. I was shocked. She’s an artist, from Australia, with a super cool haircut. Soooo not the Crock-pot type.Then got my new issue of Real Simple and once again I was assaulted with the virtues of the Crock-pot. That was it. A sign.On Saturday the DH and I were in Kmart and found ourselves (well, I found myself and called him over) in front of the slow cookers.I said: I had to get one.He looked at me and smirked.I said: what’s that for?He rolled his eyes. Obviously he was thinking of the basting set.I just shook my head, choose one and asked him to carry it to the check out, through clenched teeth.One look and my expression and the DH knew I would not be moved. He picked up the pot and went to check out.On Sunday, after searching the web for recipes and an afternoon trip to the grocery I came home make what I hoped would be life changing rosemary chicken with, potatoes, peas and onions. An hour later I realized why it’s called a slow cooker. The chicken was still pink and the DH was volunteering to go out for Chinese. Sigh.I scowled and he went back to the Giants game.After much hand wringing, stress knitting and 4 hours. It was done!I made plates for everyone and hovered as the DH and DS took their first bites (the DD was spared because she’d ate out earlier).Success! Seconds all around. The chicken was tender and moist and the potatoes cooked perfectly.
Easy one pot cooking.And guess what’s for dinner tonight? Sorry DD. It’s a pretty big pot.Welcome to 1950, Kwana!Scandalous
What’s Jack up to? Today he’s bummed that New York didn’t get big snow storm that was promised last night. So instead of scheduled frolicking, he’s enjoying sitting on his newest perch on the back of the couch. Too bad it’s not a dog bed, Jack! Come on and get down you’re squashing my pillows.
Want a fun read? Then pick up the February, Marie Claire and check out P-I-C, Megan Frampton’s essay I Was The Boss Of Him which is part of the: How to Survive An Office affair cover feature. Scandalous!
Go Megan!Best,
KwanaHappy Birthday Maddy!
What’s Jack up to? Today’s he’s pushing his luck by climbing up on the kitchen table to see what crumbs he can snatch up. Off the table, Jack!
Happy 2nd birthday to my niece, Madison!Auntie loves you.Let’s go and have a great party!Free mind
What’s Jack up to? Today’s he’s sneezing of all things. I wonder if it has anything to do with all the dust bunnies under my furniture. Are you trying to give me a sign, Jack? Sorry, it won’t work!
So, my most recent YA manuscript is out of my hands and off to my super fab agent. While I await her thoughts I’m in the strange position of having nothing pressing to write.I have a free mind. A free mind that can wander and think about any story it wants and not feel guilty for it. Of course, the mind is never really free. It’s thinking about what to work on next, how to work on it, when to work on it, oh and what’s the world going to think of the work that’s out there that’s already been worked on.
Not to mention, being a wife and mother on top of writer, the to-do list that’s a mile long.
A free mind? What’s that?Maybe it’s time to try mediation. Ommmmmmmm.
Best,
KwanaInterview with a Siren
Here is the first of what I hope will be an ongoing writer interview series. Today I’m featuring, new author, Wendy Toliver.
Wendy’s first book: The Secret Life Of Teenage Siren was released in December of 2007.
Here’s a teaser:
Geek
y to gorgeous in sixty seconds… Roxy’s about to turn sixteen, but life isn’t so sweet. As a band geek, Roxy can barely get the cute guys to notice her, much less go out with her. Then, on her birthday, Roxy is transformed into a siren: seductively beautiful with the power to control all men. She thought sirens were an ancient myth, but suddenly Roxy can get any guy she wants with just a few notes on her flute. There are only two rules: don’t tell anyone about being a siren, and don’t fall in love. When she starts dating Zach, the guy everybody’s crushing on, Roxy realizes she could get used to this siren thing…but how can she keep herself from falling in love?First off, congratulations on the debut on you first book, The Secret Life of a Teenage Siren out with Simon Pulse this past December.
What made you want to write for this Young Adult age group? Do you feel a certain kinship here?
Yes I do! I had a wonderful teenage life myself and I love reliving it through writing. One of my favorite things about being a published author is speaking to junior and senior high schools, getting to hang out with teens.
What made you decide to take on writing novels as a career? Is it something you always dreamed of or did you fall into it sideways?
LOL! I definitely fell into it sideways. I had a fun experience about 5 years ago that I thought would make a good chick lit novel so I started writing it out. It became a manuscript and I sent it out to agents and received offers for representation. The thought of being a novelist always intrigued me, but I can truthfully say writing was just a hobby, something I could do as a mom of three active little boys, and it’s just an added bonus that I’m finding some success in it.
Can you give of a brief overview of your road to ‘overnight’ success? (I laugh as I ask this one) and what has being a member of RWA meant to you on your way to publication?
Ha! Yes, there were definitely a bunch of ups and downs en route to becoming a published author. I might not have been writing (with the intent of being published) for as many years as some authors, but let me tell you, it hasn’t been easy. I’m still in the mindset that if something wonderful happens, I stand back and take a breath or two, making sure it’s real before I let loose and celebrate. On the flip side, writing YA seems to be a natural fit for me, as The Secret Life of a Teenage Siren is my first attempt at writing YA. So I guess I can’t complain!
RWA has been very important to me because it has educated me in the craft as well as the world of publishing, offered me support, introduced me to amazing writers who’ve become some of my closest friends, and given me the inspiration necessary to keep writing. RWA rocks!What’s your writing process like as a stay at home mother of three small boys?
I have a mommy’s helper who comes for about 6 hours a week, and though that might not
sound like much writing time, I get a lot done because I have to. I try and think about whatever project I’m working on while I’m doing other things (like laundry, dishes, and changing diapers) so when I do sit at my computer, I’m ready to write.What are you working on next?
I’m working on edits for my second YA with Simon Pulse. It’s called Miss Match and it is about a teenage matchmaker who is hired to fix a new guy up with her sister, only to discover that she’s crushing on him herself. I think it’s scheduled to come out around Valentine’s Day of 2009. I’m really excited about it!
Thanks so much, Wendy and best of luck with your next book!
High School Mania
What’s Jack up to? Why he’s just chillin’ right now after giving the house a 4:30 a.m. bark-fest. We get it, Jack. You’re a ferocious guard dog. Ohhh we’re sooo scared. Now be quiet.
I loved the prom dress challenge last night. But from the looks on the contestant’s faces when the models came out, it seems I was the only one.
Victorya looked so pissed at having to do this challenge, the anguish was all over her face. Then she had the nerve to get dissed by her high-school model, who told her she picked her because she got the last choice. Ha! But, I have to say Victorya redeemed herself from last week’s mess. Really cute dress. Totally prom.
Christian, as usual was like a little bolt of lightning. Then he got Miss Maddy who was super opinionated and studying design herself. She took the pencil right out of his hand! Perfect. Maddy sent Christian to the floor, in a fetal position. Taken down by a seventeen year old. Fantastic. Power in a pleated skirt. Maybe he learned something this week.
Ricky, I’m now officially tired of the hat. And when are you gonna stop crying? It’s not that deep, dude. I thought his dress was sweet though, even with the awful workmanship on the bottom.
Sorry, Rami you were not the golden child tonight. The panel was right. His dress was too old for a prom dress. Cut the back-talk and do the challenge right. We already know you’ve got it, but never forget the client. She’s seventeen for goodness sake!
Kevin saying he’d put a chastity belt in the prom dress was priceless. Too bad his dress was sad. Old and sad. He was sweet though. He’ll be missed.I also loved all the prom pictures. They took me back to my own My Fair Lady Moment.
And as always, Love you Tim Gunn. The voice, The stance, The Tim Gunn-isims. Just everything. Make it work.
For more PR fun check out the cartoon sketch of Christian on the Project Rungay blog. Fierce!
Best,
KwanaFashion will find you
What’s Jack up to today? Frolicking in the the wet morning grass, then coming inside to jump on my couch. Oh, Jack.
So, the Wellie saga continues. There may be a compromise on the horizon, but I’m not ready to do that just yet. More to come later.
Now, because of the Wellie woes, a good friend of mine sent me over to Kohl’s. It was a bust in the way-too-obsessed-boot department, but I scored big in the sweater department!
I found the cutest black and grey marled sweater, with swingy sleeves and three big buttons. It’s something I wish I could knit. But for the bargain price I paid, it would get me just one ball of yarn, maybe 1/4 of a sleeve. It was meant to be.Here’s a little sketch of it. Don’t laugh, it’s been a while since I’ve picked up the pencil.
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On the writing front, I’m just about ready to send my newest project to my agent.
Nail biting will ensue.
It’s always tough putting yourself out there. Doing any type of art always takes a leap of faith and a certain amount of daring. You’re putting what you value out in the world to be judged, hopefully kindly.Go me!
Best,
KwanaUltimate motivation?
Could NBC’s newest version of The Biggest Loser, couples edition, be the ultimate in diet motivation?It’s perfect for all those January resolutions. And talk about drama. Sweat and tears flow like crazy. My fav on the show? The hard-as-nails mama, Bette-Sue who’s teamed up with her daughter, Ali. The tough 53 year old mama actually slipped off the treadmill and did a face-plant. Ouch! But she got back up and kept in going. Well, I guess I’ll be at the gym again tomorrow. Thanks Bette-Sue.
On a more obscure note. With her sassy attitude and asymmetrical 80’s hair. Could she possibly be Christain from Project Runway’s mother too? Hmmm…
Wellie woes part deux
What’s Jack up to? Today’s he’s busy getting into my knitting bag and unraveling yarn. How many times do I have to tell you, you are not a cat, Jack!
So, being like a dog with a bone, I refuse to give up my size 11 shiny black Wellie search.
At 11:45 last night I thought I had finally hit pay dirt. At JC Penny of all places. There they were. Shiny, black, OK, the shaft could be taller, (laugh here if you like) but it was fine
. I was happy. Really and truly happy as the DH can attest to.I scroll down the sizes and see it. 11. Oh the joy! I jump off the bed and do a premature happy dance.
Then I select my size then hit the add to shopping cart button. Nothing.I hit again. Nothing.
Then I see it popped up in red: This item is no longer available.
UGH. The horror.
But watch out, all of you conspiring to keep my away from my dream boots. I will not give up. Onward to fashion nirvana!
Best,
Kwana
