Joy
Thanks to the lovely Chocolate Covered Daydreams I found a blog that is new to me called Barking Mad! And Audrey is having a wonderful Target gift card giveaway. All you have to do is write a post about what brings you joy. You can visit Audrey here. But act fast. The post is due today.
So what brings me joy? Hmm … you’d think this would be easy to write but not so much since my mind is currently filled with clutter of what I need to do and have to get or need to get me through the day/month and into next year. You see Joy is something I constantly strive for, not something I see myself as always having. But if I think about it, I know that I do have it. Deep down on the inside and I just need to keep tapping into it and not let all the clutter of my world hold it down.That said there is lots of Joy from the outside too. Things like: sincere smiles from friends and even strangers, looks of love from those you love, a good laugh that always brings joy, unexpected kindness from strangers. That always fills my heart.
Joy is when my family is all home safe and sound and snugged in their beds. Or maybe that is a bit of Peace of mind?
I have found much joy in the generosity and spirit of the blogging community.
And in the care of my writing friends and friends who have supported me as I continue my long quest to publication. Thanks PIC and Lovely Crit Partners, Jen and Jeanine!
There is also Joy in laughing with my knitting group. I love it when we all crack up over something and the needles have to stop.
Oh and I also find much joy in a good period movie or a great romance with an alpha hero and a strong heroine. That gives me lots of joy.
Best,Kwana
P.S. Even if you don’t have time to enter the giveaway. Please comment here on what bring you Joy and get some joy in thinking about it. Or write your own post and please let me know so I can stop on by. That would bring me Joy.
P.P.S. scroll down to see my Giveaway winner and to hear about my Bleak weekend.
Bleak Weekend
What’s Jack up to? Jack had been a funny one doing a few things that are out of the norm for him. Like in the picture here of him of sitting in front of the fire (yes, I know I need to paint, um, will get to it in the Spring).For some reason he really enjoyed the fireplace this weekend with me as I spent lost of time in front if it watching BBC’s version of Bleak House.
It was the perfect thing to watch in front of the fire and used up so much wood. Have you seen it? I totally enjoyed it. Bleak but not as bleak as I thought. Quite funny actually in parts.
Besides that, the usual running wild, finally getting the tree decorated and bowling a 132 (my new high). That was my weekend.Thanks to all my new followers and to those who entered my PVE giveaway.
The winner thanks to random number generator is: Deidra from Jumping Tandem!Congrats Deidra. And if your have not been to Deidra’s blog please stop by. It’s the perfect place for a little peace during this holiday season.
Deidra please send me an email with your info so I can get your prize out to you.I hope the holidays are running smoothly so far for all of you.Best,KwanaRight as Rain
The PIC sent me the Adele album as a gift now such a long time ago and I still listen to it so often and lately I’ve been singing this song to myself all the time. Thought I’d share it with you today. I hope your weekend is Right as Rain.
Best,
KwanaP.S. There is still time to enter my holiday giveaway here until Sunday at midnight. Don’t miss out.
Letter to My Younger Self
The dear Chocolate Covered Daydreams has put up a challenge on her blog here to go with a pretty great giveaway. The challenge is to write a letter to your younger self. In it she asks what would you say, would you be serious or funny? Tough call. There is so much I’d want to say to myself and so much that I’m still in the process of learning but here goes:
Dear Young Kwana,
Relax, it’s not all that bad. Stand tall and when you smile mean it, when you laugh mean it and when you cry mean that too. Slow down and take your time because time is all you have. Realize now how precious it is and please don’t waste so much of it worrying. Trust yourself and have faith that you will make it through. Always.
Oh and you are really beautiful. Did you know that?Don’t dream it, be it.
Love,
KwanaP.S. don’t forget to scroll down and enter my PVE giveaway. Thanks.
Holiday Giveaway!
What’s Jack up to? As I write this Jack is hanging in his spot under the bed with the latest toy that he’s chewed to bits. Lately I’ve been finding stuffing in the oddest places. Oh well, that’s my Jack.The holidays are here, really they are! And really I am still so not prepared. This is seriously turning into a thing with me this year. Way to cut it close, Kwana. Sigh.Ah well, I’m not going to let my lack of planning or get up and go ruin holiday cheer on this here blog so I’m having a Holiday Giveaway. Yay!!!
This giveaway is featuring a beautiful notebook/sketchbook from one of my favorite artists, my good friend, Patricia of PVE Design.
notebook titled: Life’s a BeachMany of you are fans of Patricia’s work from her blog or you may have been lucky enough to have commissioned a work of your very own. I’m lucky to have had her design my above banner which I always get compliments on.Well Patricia has opened up her own Etsy store where you can get some of her works at really great prices. Perfect timing for for the holidays. Please go and check it out here.
Now for the contest. Help me get a little more in the holiday spirit, gather new readers and fill my iPod while I’m at it.
1. You must be a follower to enter.2. If you tweet or link to the contest you can submit another entry.3. With your entry please leave me the title and artist of your favorite holiday song to add to my holiday playlist.The contest is open until Sunday 12/13 at Midnight.Easy Peasy!Best,
KwanaWeather or Not
Happy hump day. Over the weekend we had our first bit of snow here in New York and I snapped a few pictures during my walk with Jack that I thought I’d share.It was just a dusting but we’re supposed to get some more bad weather during the day today. I can’t complain though it’s nothing compared to the odd weather going on in the Midwest. Hang in there guys.Lovely red, white and brown
Our little stream view
One of my outside tin Christmas trees and my geraniums that are still hanging on.
What’s the weather like where you are today?Calm I hope. Life is stormy enough.Best,KwanaHoliday Romance at Lady Jane’s
It was another wonderful night for romance at Lady Jane’s Salon last night. As usual I was happy to get out share some romance book talk with friends over drinks and Madam X is the perfect place to do that.The holiday celebration was combined with a celebration of Harlequin’s 60th anniversary so Lady Jane was happy to welcome lots of folks from both Harlequin’s New York and Toronto office. Here they are here accepting a champagne toast on their anniversary. Cheers!
We were fortunate to have a reading from the wonderful Stacy Agdern. Stacy is a Romance fiction reviewer, bookseller, and an author. She read from her lovely Hanukkah novella.
Then the fabulous Hope Tarr read from her newest release Twelve Nights. A December Harlequin Blaze release which is the sequel to her wonderful book Bound to Please.
All in all it was a wonderful night. I’m so grateful to the founders of Lady Jane’s: Hope, Maya, Leanna and Ron for always putting together such a wonderful and worthwhile evening.Check out Lady Jane’s site here. And if you’re in NY come on by.Best,KwanaAwkward Family Photo
What’s Jack up to? I really am thinking that Jack thinks that he’s human. This weekend he was a snooty McSnooter with our other neighbor dog Mr. Bean. Giving him the cold shoulder like sweet Arya, but happy to say hello to Mr. Beans pretty owner. Oh well. That’s my snooty dog.
This weekend I braved the family tradition of the corny Sears holiday portrait session. Yep, after last year’s hot mess I put on my big girl mommy panties, gave all sorts of evil eyes, bought matching black tops (yep, I’m that woman. Thought I’d up the torture this year) and took the DH and dear teen twins to Sears once again for the awkward photo session. Here are a few choice lines from the night:“Do you know how much I hate this?”
“This is the worst”
“I’m so starving.”
“He’s so stupid.”
“Loser.”
“You know we’re the oldest ones here.”
“Um, Dad can you sit up straight.”
“Chin down”
“Sorry, you blinked on that one.”
“Brother, sister, um, just a little closer please?”
“Please.”“Hey mom, did you know you have a lot of grey hairs now?”
“Oh crap!”
CLICK!
Photo thanks to Awkward Family Photos.
Check to out here for loads of laughs.Best,
KwanaI’m a Believer
I know it’s a corny post title but there it is. Enjoy this musical interlude and then please go and check out my review of Zoe Heller’s The believers over a Booksquawk here. Okay? Thanks!
Best,
KwanaSweetness
Happy Friday! I hope you have a sweet weekend lined up.
I have a busy one and I hope with all the running around it will be sweet too. I’m about to kick off the holiday season (and not panic- see below) with my RWA chapter holiday brunch on Saturday. It’s always a fun gathering. I wonder if any sweet potatoes will be served with all the literary talk?Best,
Kwana
