Three day weekends are awesome. I always get so much done! I read a book, painted my new office, organized my goods to go to Lori Foster’s Reader Author Get Together this weekend (woot!), and managed to take a nap or two. It was a good, if hot, three day weekend.

I’m sore from painting, but it’s a good kind of sore, y’ know? There are many imperfections in the paint job, I had my 15 YO helping me, but it’s my space, so I’m okay with it. The color turned out to be much less gray and more purple. The paint swatches never quite get it right do they? The color is fine, no worries there, just unexpectedly a different color.

Now I have to think about how to arrange my desk and bookcase in there. I also want to get a chaise or a big comfy chair and a half to put in there. Oh, the Estrogen Oasis is coming together. Do you like the name? Should I come up with something else? LOL.

Okay y’all, you need to help me out here. This is Mom’s office, no boys allowed. It’s girly, all me and where I will try to do my business and my writing. My retreat. My office. My hidey-hole.

Ideas for a name?

Today is Memorial Day here in the United States. What began as Decoration Day after the Civil War to remember the lives of Confederate and Union soldiers killed during the war has become the Memorial Day we know.

Let’s all take a moment and thank all the men and women that have given their lives in service for their country. Their sacrifice was the ultimate gift to all of us.

I was writing like a madwoman this morning, the final scene, y’all. THE FINAL SCENE. I had to stop to go to my “real” job. *sob* I am going to finish it at lunchtime though. I think I only need about 30-45 minutes and then DONE, DONE, DONE.

I’m pleased with the way this book developed. It’s book 2 in my Circle Eight series – book 1 is Matthew, which by the way is now up for preorder (squeeeee!), releasing February 2012.

I hope to have the cover for Matthew soon. I worked with my lovely Brava editor Alicia on the concept for the series – there will be 8 books. And they will all feature the hero’s name, ergo, book 2 will not be Beverly, as I expected. It will be Wylond. Yep, the hero’s name is Wylond Armstrong and he’s one of the first Texas Rangers in 1836, Republic of Texas.

Oh boy I really liked this book. Beverly is a kick-ass chick and Wylond is a hard-ass alpha. Great combo!

I hope y’all have a fabulous, safe weekend. For those in the US, happy Memorial Day! Please be sure to do something to remember the men and women who have given their lives serving our country. Thank a veteran!

I’ve got one more scene to write y’all, then my WIP IS DONE! *happy dancing* Sorry I’ve been in the writing cave – more tomorrow!

Off to the day job – have a fabulous hump day!

Today’s eye candy for your viewing pleasure.

It’s the Friday happy dance y’all.

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Did you enjoy my fabulous dance moves? I thought you might. ;)

So glad it’s Friday. The first week back after vacation is so tough. I made it through, although I could use some more sleep. Tonight is book club (yeehaw!) and I plan on having a rocking good time with my peeps. They are an amazing group of ladies.

DS #2 has to go to school on Saturday to make up a Spanish test from when we were on the cruise but he’ll survive. *evil grin*

Tomorrow and Sunday are writing blitz time. I WILL finish my WIP (oh so close) and there are no privileges until I do. Ha, I sound like my own mom. Really though, after I finish, I’m going to rent a movie I want to see and take a nap afterwards. :)

DH is at the the Museum of Natural Sciences in downtown Raleigh this weekend for Astronomy Days. He’ll be heading up the model rocketry group – first area on the right when you walk in. Look for the big rockets (tee hee). It’s free to the public and a lot of fun if you’re in downtown Raleigh!

I hope y’all have a fantastic weekend. Mine will be the first time in months I don’t have an event, trip, schedule. And it will be gorgeous weather – 86 and sunny! Awesomeness!

Work has been crazy busy this week after being away for 10 days. I’ve been there each day for 9-10 hours. When I get home my brain is tired but I’m writing anyway. I’ve got to get this WIP done this week. No excuses! I let it go on for too long and now I’m behind on other things.

*kicks self in butt*

Anyhoo, I’m at home this morning for a bit waiting for the inspector to come and verify our new HVAC unit is peachy keen. Depending on when he arrives, I may go into the office. I also need to get to downtown Raleigh (anyone want to volunteer? LOL) to pick up a copy of the original building permit & plans for our hours. We’re going to finish off the 1/2 story on the 3rd floor for a man cave and I need the plans.

Back to reality, eh? I’m trying to catch my breath but I have so much to do it’s likely not going to be easy. The good news is, this weekend looks relatively clear of commitments. Friday night is book club (fistpump!) and DS has to go to Saturday school to make up a test he missed while we were on the cruise. Other than that, I will be writing, getting ready for Lori Foster’s event in 2 weeks, and searching for the elusive breath.

Oops! I am still playing catch-up y’all, and spending every spare moment trying to bang out the last 15K of my WIP. I totally forgot to post yesterday. Sorry about that!

As promised, here are some pics from my cruise!

The ship!

Me & DH at dinner

Looking up from deck 6 to deck 15

Looking down the elevator shaft from deck 12

Central Park

St. Thomas

Me (sunburned face) & DH in St. Thomas

St. Maarten

Beach at St. Maarten

Alley in St. Maarten

The gorgeous blue water of the Caribbean

Me and my toes relaxing

I’m back from vacation, more on my adventures tomorrow. :)

Today’s eye candy for your viewing pleasure.

Hey y’all – you must check out the amazing Big Bad iPad Contest by Moira Rogers and Vivian Arend. Four weeks of fabulous prizes and an iPad as a grand prize. Check out this week’s goodies (including my copy of Devils on Horseback: Lee):