AskMissA: My new adventure!

Hey everyone! I decided to start living one of my dreams, not just talk about it. I have always wanted to write and have people read my writing. I recently stumbled upon an amazing online womans magazine called Askmissa.com. It allows todays modern woman, wheather you are a mom or a single gal, to stay in "The Know". Writers from all over the country contribute to their specific home city. I landed the Annapolis Author position last week. I am very excited to say the least. I've had my first article posted already. Make sure to check out the site as soon as possible. Click on Maryland and look for the woman wearing the blue flower in her hair. Thats my trademark. Also, I will be recouping my blog soon as well. Please let me know any ideas you may have. I am not the most computer savvy. Till next time!

My new book club adventure!

Recently some friends of mine thought it would be a good idea to get a book club together. I was a little weary at first, not because I don't love books. Anyone who knows me knows my extreme love for books. I was just unsure about whether we could all agree on one type of book. Everyone has different taste. I tend to lean more towards fiction novels including mysteries and stories with a strong female lead. I am happy to report that the book club is a big hit in my book. Our official name is "Perspectives". The name fits our group like a glove. We are 5 strong woman who all come from different backgrounds. We all have different takes on the books we read and bring that to the table every couple months. I believe that this book club will make me not only a better writer but a better person. I am am learning how to speak my mind and get my points across strategically. Our next meeting is October 2nd. I am finishing up our book "Committed" in anticipation of our next gathering. I will be updating with my ideas soon!

October Read-A-Thon!

It's almost that time again folks. October 22nd is the next Dewey's Read-A-Thon. I had such a good time last April participating. Thank you all for the support and cheerleading. For those of you that didn't get a chance to participate last April, grab your books and coffee. It's another 24hrs of straight reading coming up next month. Don't worry! There will be plenty of games and challenges to keep you motivated, and lets not forget the prizes. I am volunteering for the marketing committee this year to help get the word out. Any good book suggestions? I am starting to get my reading material together now! Last time I didn't make it the full 24hrs but this time around I am determined. Please let me know if you have any questions. I had a little trouble posting the link but if you google Dewey's 24 hour Read-A-Thon it will pop up.

New Read!

Hello all my book worms! I have been away for a while but my reading has not stopped. In the last few months I have had time to get quite a bit of traveling in and complete a few more books. My current read is called "Committed" by Elizabeth Gilbert. This is the sequel to "Eat Pray Love" which was a big hit worldwide. I have to admit it took me a while to get into the first book but I am very pleased to announce my excitement over Ms. Gilbert's sequel. it is an excellent read so far. Any woman who is in a relationship or previously engaged in one can relate to this book. Marriage is a big topic in this book and I have found myself asking questions and learning so much right along with the author. I have never been married, but as many woman it is definitely something i would love to succeed at. I will update you all on my progress as i read more of the book. Has anyone read or is reading "Committed"? Please feel free to share any thoughts or feelings you may have. Talk to you soon!

I Missed You all!

Hello everyone,

I wanted to apologize for not posting in a while. Life has been very busy lately including a new move into our new apartment as well as a promotion at work. Verizon finally came out and hooked up my cable/internet so I have re-joined the land of the living. What have I missed? Anyone start any new books? I am still reading Water for Elephant's. I will give you an update later on. I did have a chance to see "Something Borrowed" this past Friday. It was amazing! I definitely recommend reading the book first and then seeing the movie. The movie had me laughing and crying all at the same time. Has anyone else seen the movie yet. I am working on an author interview with Emily Giffin so hopefully she can stop by and chat with us soon. I will check back in later with you all today. Talk to you soon!

My Golden Day!

I had a golden day yesterday. It was so golden that I woke up this morning wanting to do a little spring cleaning. Anyone who knows me is aware the I never voluntarily do any type of cleaning unless I have too. You might be asking yourself, what is a golden day? It can have a different meaning for everyone. A golden day for me is when I get to do what I love and then share that with other people. In this case that would be reading. I participated in the "Dewey's 24 hour read-a-thon" yesterday. It was an amazing experience. People from all over the world come together to do the same precise thing for an extended period of time. On top of that you have mini-challenges, plenty of prizes and best of all it's completly free. In this fast paced, penny pincing day and age I consider that a miracle. This was my first time doing the event. I plan on signing up again for the next one in October. The leaves will be on the ground. The pumkin seeds will be roasting in the oven. It will be the perfect time to throw on a cozy knit sweater and lay by the fire place with your favorite bookin hand. Those golden day's don't come by too often, but when they do you have to reach out and grab them. "Savor the Moment" is what I like to call it. Have a golden day everyone. Talk to you soon!

Check in hour 2!

Hello Everyone,

Reading is going well. I have switched my reading material to "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen. So far so good! I am going to update via the Dewey Read-a-Thon facebook page/discussion board. That way I will not spoil the book for those who would like to read it. I also wanted to share that I have officially downloaded Nook for my PC. This was a big step for me as I was not sure I wanted to jump on that bandwagon yet. I have not decided if I am going to purchase a Nook yet, but we are taking baby steps here right? I am an avid book lover so I am still on the fence. Does anyone out there have a Nook or Kindle? Please share your experience! I am eager to get different point's of view!

Back to my reading I go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You Need To Know :-)

Read-A-Thon Questions

1)Where are you reading from today?
2)Three random facts about me…
3)How many books do you have in your TBR pile for the next 24 hours?
4)Do you have any goals for the read-a-thon (i.e. number of books, number of pages, number of hours, or number of comments on blogs)?
5)If you’re a veteran read-a-thoner, any advice for people doing this for the first time

1) Glen Burnie Maryland
2)I have green eyes, I'm lactose intolerent and I'm allergic to cats
3) So far 1...I switched books to "Water for Elephants"
4) I plan on finishing "Water for Elephants" hopefully..I want to update my blog followers one every hour...
5) This is my first time so....any advice????????????

Ready...Set...

Hey Everyone,

I am gearing up for Dewey's Read-A-Thon now. I have about 10 minutes until my start time. Remember this is world wide so there are a lot of people well into their reading by now. I wonder what they are reading in China or Italy even. For the next 24 hours I am going to read book's that are brand new to me. I am going to step out of my comfort zone a little bit. The first book is entitled "Dawn" by Harriet Adams. I randomly picked it out at Barnes & Nobles yesterday. I will update once and hour on my reading. If any of you are participating as well please let me know. We are here to cheer each other on. Ready....Set....Go!

Writer's Block!

There are times when my need to write, bring pen to paper, is so overwhelming that I can't find the words. I am looking for that release to flow out onto the pages in front of me. I feel the need to penetrate deeper but come up with nothing. I have writers block. There is no simple cure at times and I am curious to find some solutions. Are there any exercises that you, my fellow readers and writers, have discovered? I was able to find a writing club here in Howard County. It is called "The Maryland Writers' Association", Howard County chapter. It is rather large though. I am looking for something on a more smaller scale. Please let me know if anyone has any suggestions.

Also, I am looking to start generating some ideas for my first novel soon. Does anyone have any beginner advice? any good brainstorming techniques?

www.mwahocowriters.com

Fiction vs. The Underdog

Recently a coworker of mine suggested a book too add to my reading list. I immediately got excited. A fresh, undiscovered book always awakens stormy feeling's inside of me. I automatically started imagining a lovely romance, a chilling mystery or even a light hearted comedy. I naturally lean towards any of these fiction books usually. Sometimes escaping reality is like a good shrink. Make believe is better than reality any day right? This has always been my thought process, until I came across the book "Outcast United". It is based on a true story of a soccer team, their coach and the small town where they play and live. I immediatly googled the book to find out more.

"Theirs is a story about resillience, the power of one person to make a difference and the daunting challenge of creating community in a place where people seem to have little in common." (www.outcastunited.com)

As I read over these words I felt a small "pang" in my heart. It dawned on me that that even though this book was not my regular cup of tea, it was something even better. This is a underdog story. This was the come from behind, triumphant story I have been yearning for. I always route for the underdog, in real life or not. Lets face it. No matter who we are or how far we have come, we all need a little inspiration in our lives. We need to know that their is more that one "point of view" of the world, other than our own. I have added this book to my reading list. I encourage everyone to click on the link and check out the latest on the team and their families.

www.fugeesfamily.org

Dewey's 24 Hour Read-A-Thon

http://24hourreadathon.com/

Here is the link to the event coming up. This will be my first time doing it. I am very excited. I encourage you all to join. You can read from home and win some cool prizes.

Kids Anyone?

Hey Guys! I want to say "Hello" to all my new follower's! Thank's for joining us. I love comments and discussion so feel free to leave notes. I have started the third book in the Emily Giffin series called "Baby Proof" I haven't really been able to relate to the main character yet. The main character's name is claudia. She is a 30 year old professional. She is happily married to Ben, and decided a long time ago that she did not want any kids, which brings along the main plot of the story. Someone in the marriage changes their mind. I am a 29 year old professional, who has not begun to think about kids...Until Now. I would love to have at least 1 child, but I do feels like there are still things that need to come first, like marriage and a bigger saving's account. People I know who have kids say that you will never be fully prepared. You just make it work! I definitely hear that side of the argument. I came from a very loving family. We were never lacking in the hugs department. My mom and dad were good at that. There were tough times though for a family of five. What do you all think? Is it better to wait till you are fully prepared or go on faith?

"Something Blue"

Where have you been all my life? My thoughts extactly when it comes to the Emily Giffin book series. I have finished "Something Blue". It was different seeing Darcy's view of things. I felt like I was right there with here going through the growing pains of becoming a mother and a better friend. I have pulled a discussion question from the reading group guide. Please feel free to leave your point of views(POV) and ideas. My main goal is to start a disscusion. If you havent read the book yet feel free to comment on other, related topics.

"Many readers of "Something Blue" expressed doubts at being able to read and enjoy a book from Darcy's point of view. Were you reluctant to read her story? Did your feelings about her ever change? If so at what point in the story?

I found this question very thought provoking. I am a TRUE Rachel fan, so it took a lot of patience at times to relate to Darcy. Darcy does transition wonderfully from a villain to a heroin in her story. I believe Ethan played a major role in this. His presence made her character come alive. My feelings toward Darcy did not change till very late in the game. I didnt feel any empathy towards her until that exact moment when she delivers her twins in the hospital. Her character becomes very vonerable at this point. Then an only then can she really let go of all her anger and misplaced feelings toward Rachel and Dex. She realizes and excpets that she has faults as well. In the end we are all "not perfect". There is knowledge and strenth in knowing that about ones self.

Next Up! Baby Proof!

Link for "Something Borrowed" Movie!

http://somethingborrowedmovie.warnerbros.com/

Good Morning!

Good Morning everyone! I wanted to stop by and share some exciting news about "Something Borrowed" by Emily Giffin. The movie is coming out in May, this summer. I was excited to hear about this. I am happy I have read the book first though. I have attached the link to the trailer so you all can see! By the way, I got "Something Blue" yesterday and I will post a book club question later today! Talk to you soon!

Little Bit of Everything!

Hey Everyone! I had the most wonderful weekend! I celebrated my birthday as well as finished Emily Griffin's "Something Borrowed". I thought I would share both experiences with you. Once in a while I come across a book that I can not put down. I finished "Something Borrowed" in 3 days flat. If I didn't have to go to work I probably could have brought that number down a little bit. The last time we left off I shared with you all that Rachel and Dex where in the middle of an affair. This is the main part of the story. The writer does move the story from New York to London, which is a breath of fresh air for reader's. In the end Dex does make a choice. Does he choose Rachel or Darcy? I admit that sometimes I am terrible at keeping a secret! I will tell you this though. The ending leaves the door open to the next book in the series "Something Blue", which I am going to pick up from the bookstore later today. I am also going to research some various book club questions for future post!

I had the most amazing time celebrating my birthday with my friends this weekend. I turned the wonderful age of 29. That's right! Last year in my 20's. I will say it's a little bitter sweet. My friends took me to a group cooking class called "Cooking with Ben". It was lovely. There were six of us and together we learned how to make fillet mignon, mashed potatoes(dairy free which I like since I am lactose intolerant),spinach and sun dried tomatoes,musells, lobster bisque and for dessert an apple tart. We then proceeded to sit down and enjoy what we made. It was like magic for someone like me who doesn't cook that often. I am proud to say I have some new recipe's up my sleeve now! I will cherish this birthday for years to come:-)

Synopsis #1 of "Something Borrowed"

Hello All! I have to say that I could barely put this book down long enough to fill you all in. It's such a page turner. The author ,Emily Griffin, has everything to do with the fact that I have gone on a 24 hour hiatus, locked in my room with no food or drink and just a copy of MY "Something Borrowed". Emily is a unique writer as she starts the story of with the main climax. The story is about the friendship between two best friends Rachel and Darcy. They grow up together in Indiana. After college they end up in New York where Rachel, the smart, not as pretty one finishes out her law degree. She goes on to work in a big firm. Darcy, always the pretty and glamorous one, gets a high profile job at a PR firm in the city. They story starts out with Rachel, accidently, sleeping with Darcy's fiance Dex. Rachel and Dex went to law school togther. They formed a friendship. Rachel had a crush on Dex but never thought she was good enough for him. She introduces him to Darcy and two years later they get engaged. Cut to Rachel's 30th birthday and several tequila shots later and a slightly intoxicated two stop Cab ride with Dex turns into a one stop cab ride. Before you know the two have awakened the next morning to a beautiful NY and awakened feelings. So far the affair is one for the record books, with Dex trying to decide whether to break the wedding off with Darcy. I see this story line as having a falling climax, which is very interesting. I will fill you all in with another update soon! Till next time!

New Book!

Hey Guys! I have new reading material. The book is called "Something Borrowed" by Emily Griffin. I will summarizing what I read and report back to you all. I am thinking about starting a book club. What do you all think?

Writers Block!

Hello Everyone,

I have to apologize for not posting any new post for the last few months. I have a serious case of writers block. I cant find any one topic that I would like to write about. I need something that can keep my interest for more than a minute! I am open for suggestions. Help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!