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Things I Love

Graphic Organizing by this neurotic writer

I’m a visual learner. I need colorful graphs, charts, diagrams, and mind maps. I’m weird because I like taking notes – it’s an excuse to break out pens in a variety of pretty colors. And highlighters are my best friend when trying to remember something. When I started my first novel, I just sat down at my laptop and wrote with reckless abandon. And then I hit a roadblock about ten chapters into the story. That’s when I realized I needed a road map to see how I was going to get from the beginning

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Running

Rambling About: I Remember Running by Darcy Wakefield

I Remember Running: The Year I Got Everything I Ever Wanted - and ALS by Darcy Wakefield My rating: 5 of 5 stars Let me start of by saying - ALS SUCKS. SUCK - SUCK - SUCK - SUCKS! (Yes, I'm yelling! It's that bad!) Almost three years ago, my mother-in-law lost an incredibly short battle with ALS (also known as Lou Gehrig's disease). I was with her during her final days and hours and let me just say again - ALS SUCKS!! So... I've had I Remember Running, and another memoir about ALS on my

Uncategorized

Just looking at this makes me want to hurl

Aaack!! Why would a photo of pumpkin seeds make me want to hurl you ask? It all stems back to 6th grade. I remember like it was yesterday… But before I get to the story, you have to understand something. We didn’t celebrate holidays when I was a kid. Yup – no Halloween, no Christmas, no birthdays, no NOTHIN’! (I’ve blogged a little about that here) No holidays meant any chance to do something remotely festive—I was all in with reckless abandon, or in this case – reckless stupidity… I have Mrs.

Things I Love

My Favorite Breakfast Hack

In honor of National Oatmeal Day, I’m sharing my favorite breakfast hack. And it’s kind of a Scottish thing. So are you ready? It’s so labor intensive, you might not be able to handle it… Overnight Oatmeal In a microwavable mug, mix together 1 cup of Oats, 1 cup of Vanilla Almond Milk, a sprinkle or two of nutmeg and cinnamon, and a small handful of golden raisins (if you like raisins, that is). Cover and chill overnight in the refrigerator. That’s it!! Literally, seconds of prep and in the

Things I Love

Two of my favorite things: Scotland & a guy on a bicycle

Want to see stunning footage of the Isle of Skye? Or maybe some daredevil tricks on a mountain bike, complete with helmet-cam footage? Or just hear some nice Scottish tuneage? Then check out this video of Scottish street trials rider, Danny MacAskill taking on Cuillin Ridge. It’s super cool and kinda scary. Yeah – a 7 minute video is kinda long – but it’s worth it!! Video shared via YouTube Holy crapola!! Did you see him flip over the barbed wire fence? And what about riding along the Cuillin

Writing Teen Romance

Not So Accidental Blog Tourist Hop

I was tagged by the amazingly talented (and hilarious) Colleen Bennett, who also happens to be my Wonder Twin. That’s her, over there –> (Hey Colz, I hope you don’t mind I swiped this picture off your blog!! ) By the way – you should definitely check out Colleen’s blog where she shares her witty, yet poignant thoughts on MG writerly things. You won’t be disappointed!! So…let’s get this party started. Here’s the Q&A that Colleen passed my way: 1. What are you currently working on? I’m working on

Things I Love

Never give up

Here’s another great reminder to never give up on your dreams… When you reach for the stars you may not quite get one, but you won't come up with a handful of mud either - Leo Burnett -TL-

My DrEaMwOrLd

Rambling About: The Giver

The Giver by Lois Lowry My rating: 3 of 5 stars Well I finally read this acclaimed novel after making plans with my daughter to see the movie. It's a super quick read and I loved the writing. As with many dystopians, it's a very thought provoking story. However, I HATED the ending. As an aside, my daughter didn't like the ending either. In fact, she said the ending was stupid. :) We were hoping the movie adaptation added some clarity to the story. Something we missed while reading. Without

Things I Love

Music to Love: Thinking Out Loud

And I'm thinking 'bout how people fall in love in mysterious ways Maybe just the touch of a hand Well, me I fall in love with you every single day And I just wanna tell you I am. ~Ed Sheeran – Thinking Out Loud I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE THIS SONG!!! Yeah, I know this song has been out since late June, but it’s swoon worthy every time I hear it. What do you think of Ed Sheeran’s latest album ? I’d love to hear which are your favorite tracks. Awhile back I blogged about another one of my faves - I See