No Capes!

Coolness can be found here: Hero Maker

Hmmm...interesting...the Pobble and General Spectacled Nine Tails have never been seen in the same room together. I wonder...

Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.

*********

Amended much later this evening...

Timber and I were IMing just a moment ago. We decided we would noodle around with the Hero Maker. In completely different houses, many miles apart and even, technically, in different states, we came up with these:

Could explain why we get along so well, don't you think? :)

Those are still Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you another coffee.

Update

The book signing was rescheduled. Humph.

On the one hand, this is a little disappointing. Crow Mother and I have spent this afternoon emailing back and forth, trying to decide what Pauline's look is, what I should wear, blah, blah, blah... A friend in the town where the signing was (will be) had preordered pizzas for us to munch ahead of time. Plus, there was just the generalized adrenaline, which is now... *poof*

On the other hand, it has been rescheduled, not canceled. They had a date in mind (same time, same place, next Tuesday) when they called me and were willing to work around my calendar had that date not worked for me. The woman facilitating the meeting was so sick, I was thinking please tell me you're rescheduling this because I don't want whatever it is you have as she was explaining the situation. And the one that should have topped this list ~ Lithus should be home by then. It should play out that I have him and my new, cool-o book signing pen.

So, it's definitely a both-and situation rather than an either-or situation. I'm both disappointed and pleased. Ah, that human condition that never ceases to amaze me.

Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.

It's the Little Things

I love presents. I admit it. Winter holidays, my birthday, anniversaries...whatever. Getting presents is really only trumped by giving them. Presents are just way cool all the way around. But sometimes, presents are cooler than other times. Like when you aren't expecting them. Like when they are little and unimportant to anyone but you.

My first book signing is Tuesday night (AAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!). After not flying for months and months, Lithus has been called to work. Yep, he will miss my first ever book signing. No matter how many other book signings he gets to attend, we will be apart for the first one and nothing can change that. *sigh*

I asked him to please, at least, get me a special pen so that I could sign my books with a pen from him. He bought me two, one that feels good in the hand and one that just "screamed Pauline."



And he's right ~ the one on top feels better in my hand, while the purple one is more my personality (and Pauline's). Still, I think I will go with the one that feels good in my hand. The other is cute but would get annoying after about three signatures. I will, however, keep it handy as a spare. I'm hard on nibs and I know this.

However, he brought me something else. I do a lot of editing and critiquing, both of my own work and of other people's. This is always ~ always ~ done in pencil. I require a very sharp pencil or else it, too, feels strange in my hand and while writing.

I don't have a good pencil sharpener. I have a cute pencil sharpener. It's in the shape of a dachshund and looks remarkably like the Daisy baby. It doesn't work. I have struggled with my Daisy baby pencil sharpener through several manuscripts now. Not out of any strange sense of loyalty or sentimentalism but just because I never think to get a new pencil sharpener while I'm out. It's not until I'm sitting with a dull pencil and nothing but the Daisy sharpener that I remember I need a new one. This is not helpful.

Along with my pens for my signing, Lithus gave me this:



The pens are wonderful. I love the pens. The pencil sharpener made me cry.

Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.

Listen to the Silence

I'm alone in the house.

Lithus is at a job interview (a story for another time); Timber is at school. I'm alone in the house.

Now, Lithus and I are both the kind of people who need some time to ourselves. However, I work from home and he doesn't have an office to go to when he's not flying. He hasn't really flown since September. This is a lot of together time. And you know what? I had no idea how much together it had been until just now, writing this post, which must be why we got married. Still, part of why it works is that we are both really great about understanding when the other needs some alone time. Neither is offended by the other disappearing into the office, the bedroom or the bath tub without the other. A walk or a drive or a visit with friends is practically de rigeur.

But that's different. That's giving the other some space or taking some breathing room or hanging out in one's own head for a bit. That's not the same as being completely alone in the house. Which I am. Until sometime after 3:00 today.

Ahhhhhhhhhhh... Just...listen.

Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.

6 Weeks, 300 Pages

Oh boy. It's about to get busy here again. For a year now, my agent and I have been waiting to hear from my editor and publishing house about the proposal for the next book. We haven't heard. And we haven't heard. And we haven't heard. No contract. No feedback on the story. No rejection. No...anything.

I've been panicking because what if they don't like the story? They were really really eager to publish another book with me. But what if they don't like the story? I told them it would be done by February 2009. (Please note, we are now past that date. Remember this as it will be important later.)

My agent hasn't been panicking at all. Honestly, I don't think she's quite believed that they were so eager to publish another book. I can understand her reticence. All she has is the reports from a new author that a renowned publishing house and the holy grail of genre editors wants to work with said new author. And no shit. What new author wouldn't want to believe that aforementioned pub house and editor are falling all over themselves to work with her? This doesn't mean it's an accurate assessment of the situation and I do get that. No wonder agent hasn't quite believed it.

So, I've been saying "but it's due in Feb" and agent has been saying "don't write it until we hear from them." And I've been saying "but it's due in Feb" and agent has been saying "it's not though until they've accepted the proposal ~ which they haven't. Don't write it until we hear from them. You'll have 8-12 months once we hear back, if they buy it." And I've been saying "they were really into this trilogy and I said it would be ready in Feb" and agent has been saying "no pub house will publish a second book in a trilogy if they don't own the first one and we haven't heard back from editor. Don't write the second one until we hear back." And I've said...You get the idea.

Last week, I got the first email from my editor that I've received in a year. She needed plot and character description for the art department because they are going into cover design. Cover design. For a book that hasn't even officially been contracted. For a book they have not read a single word of yet. Cover design.

Um....

So, once it sunk in and Lithus and I did the Happy Husband Dance and Pobble Hop respectively, I started to panic a bit. I have asked my agent to get me six weeks. Please oh please, she can get me six weeks. Because I've gotta write about 300 pages. In six weeks. For a book that's gone to cover design.

Surreal doesn't even begin to describe it.

Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.

But Don't Fool Yourself

As glorious as the wedding was, it was also my wedding, which means it also looked like this:









Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.

It (More or Less) Sounded Like This:

Pobble And Lithus

February 22, 2009
Midnight

Introduction and Declaration of Intent

We gather here tonight to honor relationships: the relationship between Lithus and Pobble, the relationships that we have with them, and the relationships that we share with others in our lives especially those who love Lithus and Pobble but could not be here physically tonight and especially those whom Lithus and Pobble love but who are gone from this life: RoseAnna, Rex, Roark, and all the others who have helped shape them into the people that they are.

Each of us has a unique relationship with Lithus and Pobble; after all, they are unique people. It is what has brought us all together now as friends and family of these two people who are so important to us that we might offer our blessing to what they are about to do.

Lithus – Pobble, that you found each other means that there is something both very right with the universe and something slightly askew which is exactly how it should be. So as we honor the wonder of your love for one another I ask you…

Lithus, will you take Pobble, the person that she is and the person she is yet to become, to be your wife, to love her, cherish her, and care for her? Will you be her partner, her friend, and her lover? Will you laugh with her and cry with her? Will you stand beside her and support her in all that life brings until you are parted by death?
I will

And Pobble, will you take Lithus, the person that he is and the person he is yet to become, to be your husband, to love him, cherish him, and care for him? Will you be his partner, his friend, and his lover? Will you laugh with him and cry with him? Will you stand beside him and support him in all that life brings until you are parted by death?
I will
And those of us gathered here with Lithus and Pobble will we promise to love, support, and care for these two people in their lives together?
We will.

Exchanging of Vows and Handfasting

This is a sacred thing; it is made sacred by the love and commitment that Lithus and Pobble have for one another. We celebrate this sacred love because it has pulled the two of you together. It has wrapped itself around you and has refused to let you go. It honors the fact that each of you is a unique and whole person; you don’t need the other to be complete in who you both are. Instead this sacred love has found a way to tie you each other in bonds that don’t constrict or hinder either of you from being who you are but instead these bonds make you stronger because they hold you together.

It is sacred love that has brought you to this moment of commitment and promise to one another. So with hands bound I invite you to speak those words of love and commitment.

I promise to love you Pobble in all that you are and support all that you have yet to become. I will stand by you for all of the things that the universe offers us, whether they are good or by your back when they are not. For all that we are now and might become together, I offer myself to you as your partner and your friend.

I promise to love you, Lithus, for everything you are and everything you will become. I promise to be honest with you, to share my dreams and goals, while supporting you and yours. I will stand by your side when times are good and at your back when they are not. For all that you are, all that I am, and all that we can be together, I offer myself as your partner and friend.

Giving of the Rings

May these rings be an ever-present symbol of the joy and love you have in one another.

Announcement of Marriage

Lithus and Pobble, it is my honor to pronounce that by the promises that you have made this night you are now joined together as husband and wife.

Smooching, Hooping, and Hollering

It Looked Like This:

The most perfect cake EVER and the ideal bridal bouquet (staying fresh during dinner)

No one does this better than the Lovely Cats. No one.

Lionel in his tux, Dr. B. and Flora.

My mom and D were there, too, only they were the ones taking the pictures so we don't have many of them, sadly. Still...it was the perfect wedding. As Nemeria put it, it was a gothic Alice in Wonderland wedding. Isn't my family beautiful? Yeah. I think so too.

Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.

Wedding Ramblings

I know, the wedding has taken over Pobble Thoughts recently. Only, I'm mostly alone out here so you, dear Pobble Readers, are standing in for my Girlfriends. Thanks.

I had to pounce Lithus this morning because I was so excited. He took it good naturedly, which is one of the many reasons I'm marrying him. (to pounce ~ to cover an unsuspecting, often sleeping or drowsing, person with kisses and snuggles)

We wrote our vows last night. We made each other cry. This is a good thing.

Thoughts on registering (and not ~ not ~ a complaint, just a sociological observation)...there were two groups of people (of those who had an opinion): those who wanted us to register and those who agreed with our decision not to register. Most people wanted us to register so we finally registered. Interestingly enough, we have only received gifts from two of the people who wanted us to register. Everyone else who has gotten us something have come from the group who agreed we didn't need to.

My mother and her husband arrive tonight. The Lovely Cats arrives tomorrow afternoon and Dr. B. tomorrow night. I cannot wait.

My flowers, as designed especially for me by Flora, are going to be magnificent.

I am indescribably happy (even as I freak out a bit).

Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.

Watch Your Language!

When giving an unsolicited compliment, from now on I will be sure to get the phrases in my head correctly before I open my mouth. See, if you are thinking both:

"Your cooking rivals any Iron Chef's"
and
"Your cooking is the envy of any Iron Chef's"

it could very easily come out:

"Your cooking envies any Iron Chef's"

which wasn't my point at all.

When the compliment isn't about cooking but is about a...certain body part...it's even worse. And a real moment killer. *sigh*

Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.

When Clusterfuck-y Ends Well

I've had a post saved as a draft for about four days now. The title is "Clusterfuck-y", which is my new word. Because the wedding got clusterfuck-y.

Here's what you need to know from the saved draft:

We had our officiant. He is a wonderful, amazing man who didn't flinch at marrying a Pagan and an atheist, who has performed LGBT ceremonies in the past (an important qualification for this activist), who was willing to incorporate my beliefs and Lithus's nonbeliefs into a beautiful ceremony. Then there was a death in his family. The memorial service is scheduled for our wedding day ~ six hours away. Hm. Clusterfuck-y.

So we started brainstorming. He suggested Friday night which made a light go on for Lithus. What about midnight? Everybody loved it. It is actually the only detail of the wedding that Lithus has really had an opinion about, he is so excited. The only person coming from the east coast arrives at 8:30 pm. She'll have time to get to the hotel, change and be at ours with oodles of time to spare. Wedding at midnight Friday and wedding feast with champagne and cake (CAKE!) Saturday evening.

Yesterday, I got an email from the Lovely Cats. She's coming. She can indeed make it after all. Oh. My. God. And thank the Goddess. What is her itinerary? She changes planes three times, travels for something ungodly like 16 hours, all to be here for 36 hours and see us married. She arrives at 11:30 pm Friday. Hm. Clusterfuck-y.

So I get in touch with our officiant who suggests his wife (also an amazing person, just not our first choice). I get in touch with his wife. She has an all day event and won't be up to a midnight wedding on Saturday. Hm. Clusterfuck-y.

Now, at this point, I admit, there were tears. There were frustrations. There was chocolate. After which, I was once again able to think productively. See, here's the thing about the Lovely Cats...she's an ordained minister! And here's the thing about Washington state: "ministers from any state can perform the wedding ceremony but the ceremony must be performed in Washington state." Whoo-Hoo! So, I call the Lovely Cats.
"Hey."
"Hey."
"Um...when you get here, how'd you like to perform the wedding ceremony?"
"Oh no ~ are you serious?"
"Um...yeah."
Of course she's doing it.

You know what else? Our wedding anniversary will be February 22nd. First, that makes it 2/22. Neither of us will ever have any excuse to ever forget our wedding anniversary. Second, it's Edward Gorey's birthday. We're having a black wedding cake. Lithus is wearing black. I'm wearing burgundy and black with black lace and corset ties. Our wedding cake topper is a pair of ravens. We're getting married at midnight. AND it's Edward Gorey's birthday????

The truth? It's better than we'd originally planned. Hm. Not so clusterfuck-y at all.

Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.

An Early Valentine's Story

Have you heard about this?



Estimates are that millions of animals have died in the Australian fires. And you know me ~ give me an animal over a person any day ~ so I have been working on being hard about it, sighing and moving on, without letting myself care too much.

Until I heard this: A firefighter, named Mr. Tree, found a koala that had survived the horrific fires in Australia. Her paws were scorched and she wasn't doing so well. The firefighter gave her water. Although koalas are usually not overly friendly or approachable, she actually put her burned paw into his cold, wet hand for some relief and drank three bottles.


The koala was taken to an animal shelter, where she was named Sam, treated for her burns and dehydration ~ but not as much dehydration as she would've been had Mr. Tree hadn't found her. He was even able to come for a bit of a visit.



But my favorite part of the story is Bob. Bob is another scorched koala survivor of the fires. He and Sam have become quite the couple. The workers at the animal shelter say they have a "muchness" between them. This must be an Australian phrase but I really wish it was here in the States as well. In this case, it means they both appear to be about the same age, they have been through similar trauma, and they both have "that burned smell about them." I think that describes more of us than we'd probably care to admit. And yet these two wonderful critters are here, have found each other, and have a muchness between them, burned smell about them and all. Because isn't that what it's about, really? May we all be so lucky.



It's enough to soften even a Pobble's heart.

Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.

Because I'm Getting Married Next Week

Why has my entire jawline exploded with acne that is resisting every solution known to humanity?

Why have plane tickets that have been reasonably steady in cost from the east coast to the west coast skyrocketed in price?

Why have my roots grown out faster and more noticeably than ever before?

Why is the first time my roots have grown out this quickly and this noticeably also the first time I really can't afford to get my hair done?

As I said in a comment to Krystal ~ stressed? Who's stressed?

Sometimes you just have to laugh.

Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.

Knock, Knock. Who's There?

Ex-Boyfriend. Ex-boyfriend Who? The One You Broke Up With Two Whole Relationships Ago!

Hahahahahahahahahahahahaha.

Or something like that.

I actually wrote him back this time. Told him about all four books under both pseudonyms and let him know I was getting married in two weeks.

The betting is open if I will get a terse email, a drunken rambling email extolling my virtues while still managing to insult me somehow or if ~ just maybe ~ this will be the last I hear of him.

What can I say? I'm hard to get over. :)

Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.

Please Note: Raven

From Denny, over at the Chronicle because, yeah, I have time for this kind of thing. But he's right; it's spot on.

Your result for The Golden Compass Daemon Test...

Gruff Soul

You are a bold and fearless person, with a strong sense of self. People, especially people who don't know you well, might think that you are unfeeling or callous, but your loved ones know that you are a loyal and fierce friend. Your loyalty does not come easily, though. People need to earn your affection and respect.

You like to be with your favourite people, but you don't have much patience for the rest of humanity. Even your close friends and family can drive you crazy some times, so you need your space from them every now and then. You often hide your feelings behind offensive or rude jokes, and you rarely let your true feelings shine through. If an emotion does shine through, it is likely to be masked as aggression or through a joke.

Your daemon's form would represent your clannish, loyal nature, your self confidence and your aggressive, joking exterior. He or she would probably help you mock the people whom you dislike and disrespect.

Suggested form:
Hyena, Coati, Maned Wolf, Raven, Dingo.

Take The Golden Compass Daemon Test at HelloQuizzy

And ...

(1) Is there​ anyone on your friends list you would have sex with?​

There is actually.

(2) Sex in the morning,​ afternoon or night?​

Yes.

(3) Have you ever had to pull over on the side of the road to puke?

I have actually but not from drinking. I had a bad reaction to meds. It's still just as embarrassing, though.

(4) Have you ever taken ​your clothes off for money?​

Nope.

(5) Shower or bath while​ having sex?

Shower.

(6) Do you want someone aggressive​ or passive in bed?

Yes.

(7) Do you like someone in your friends list?​

Um...why would they be in my friends list, otherwise? I even like people who *aren't* in my friends list, 'cause I'm radical that way.

(8) Love or Money​?​

Love.

(9) Credit card or cash?​

preferably Debit. :)

(10) Have you ever wanted a best friend?​

Can this question be any more vague? I have a best friend. Two actually. I want both of them. I lust after neither.

(11) Camping or a 5 star hotel​?​

Oh please. 5-star.

(12) Where ​is the weirdest place​ you have had sex?

Hmmm...outside.

(13) Would​ you shave​ your entire body (​Inclu​ding your head)​?​

Why would I want to?

(14) Have you ever been to a strip​ club?​

Of course.

(15) Ever been to a bar?

Ummm...who wrote this?

(16) Ever been kicked ​out of a bar or a club?​

That's still under debate by those of us who were there.

(17) Ever been so drunk​ someo​ne else had to carry​ you?

Sadly, embarrassingly, yes. There has been staggering in my lifetime.

(18) Had sex in a movie​ theat​er?​

Surprisingly no.

(19) Had sex in a bathr​oom?​

Yes.

(20) Have you ever had sex at work?​

not at *my* work

(21) Ever been to an adult​ store​?​

Even when I wasn't working at one

(22) Bough​t somet​hing from an adult​ store​?​

Even when I didn't have an employee discount!

(23) Have you been caugh​t havin​g sex?

Almost

(24) Does anyon​e have naugh​ty pics of you?
Nope.

(25) Ever had sex with someo​ne and calle​d them by the wrong​ name?​
No.

Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.

More Sound Bites

It continues to be a crazy ride here so we are still on quick, bite-sized bullets. With apologies...

• Lithus and I registered for the wedding. Enough people wrote and said "we are getting you something, a little guidance would be nice, please" that we went ahead and did it. It was fun and now the people who want to get us something know the kind of thing we're looking for.

• The initial printing of the novel is 31,000 copies. This is huge. This is breathtaking. This is rockstar for a debut author. I had to put my head between my knees.

• Reviews are starting to come in. They are good. They are better than good. They are the stuff dreams are made of.
  

• The copies you put in the mail to reviewers are called ARCs (advanced review copies). I have figured out how to print them on my computer so that I don't have to pay Kinkos. The mailing rate is still kicking my butt. (And yes, I'm saving my receipts for my taxes and yes, I'm using the cheapest available *wink*)

• I refuse to bitch about the cost of mailing out ARCs (the above was a statement of fact) because it means this many reviewers want to review my book ~ and who can bitch about that?

• It's available on kindle. Initially, I was told it would probably not be available in any e-form because they saved that for bigger prints. 31,000 makes it available in e-form, I guess.
  

• There are already several signings scheduled ~ between March and September, for God's sake.

• My favorite bookstore in the entire world will carry the book.

• Amazon has already shipped it; Powells already has it on their shelves ~ and it's not even officially released until next week.

• I have figured out my "brand" on my professional blog. It's going to be about living a champagne life on a beer budget. New posts every Monday. Feel free to check it out. Or just hang out here. While I need the traffic over there, Pobble Thoughts and my Pobble readers keep me grounded.
  

• I'm getting married at the end of February. Sometimes the beauty of this man I love and the family we're building takes my breath away, even more than the book stuff does.

• My life does include more than books and weddings ~ but not much more. Ask again in March.

Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.

The Chronicles of Pobble

I've been tagged by Denny over at the Chronicle (over there, in my links, damn live linky-ness) and you know I love me a tag so here we go...

A. People who have been tagged must write their answers on their blog and replace any question that they dislike with a new, original question.

B. Tag eight people. Don't refuse to do that. Don't tag who tagged you.

001. What are your nicknames?

Pobble or Mame. I've been called other things by other individuals (some of them even printable) but those are the closest things to universal nicknames I've got.

002. How do you style your hair?

By drying it with a towel and, if I'm feeling Really adventurous, spritzing it with de-frizzer.

003. What's new in your life right now?
Oh dear Lord...what's not new???? The book, the marketing, the next book, the wedding, the job hunt...On and on we go.

004. How many colours are you wearing now?
three ~ black pants, white shirt and hot pink fuzzy slippers

005. Are you an introvert or extrovert?
Introvert, in spite of common misperception

006. What was the last book you read?

honestly, I don't remember. it was either a re-read or a romance novel, because I've had to start reading those in order to know my business better

007. Do you nap a lot?

oh hell yeah. that's part of the fun of my job.

008. If the person you secretly like is already taken, what would you do?

life is too short to wait around. and there's always someone else to like. >:)

009. Is there anything that has made you unhappy these days?

unfortunately, yes.

010. What's your favourite dessert?

chocolate baked good with ice cream. I'm really not picky about what the baked good is or what flavor the ice cream.

011. How long does it take you to get ready in the morning?

30 minutes, max.

012. What websites do you visit daily?

my site, msn, yahoo, cnn and the blogs I read

013. What classes are you taking right now? And if you're not in school any more, what's your job?

romance novelist, baby!

014. Do you like to clean?

I like to scrub. I loathe handling the clutter.

015. What's the last song that got stuck in your head?
"Put A Banana In Your Ear"

016. What's the last movie you saw?

ummm...hm. don't remember this one, either. life has been a bit of a whirlwind lately.

017. What's better: eternal love or memorable love?

memorable.

018. What colour do you look best in?
black, brown and deep reds

019. Best time of your life?

I've had too many of them to single any out.

020. What are you most looking forward to in the coming month?
getting married; the book release; seeing my friends...again, too many ~ it's going to be a hell of a good month.

And guess who's it?

Oh, it's tag time. I hate this part. Okay, I might not make 8 but here we go anyway...
Krystal ;)
Vanyel (maybe it will get him posting again)
Pharmyard (yes, she's new so WELCOME!)
um...
Cam Pike
Jersey
Graziella (if she has time with the move and all)
That's six. That's as good as it's going to get here. Anybody else decide to play, let me know.

Those are Pobble Thoughts, with a little help. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.

Perhaps A Bigger Deal Than I'd Thought

People are asking where we are registered.

Um.... where are we registered? We aren't registered. We didn't even think about registering. This isn't a first marriage for either of us. And to be completely honest, in some ways, we have to keep reminding ourselves it's even happening. The wedding part of the weekend is almost secondary to the friends coming to gather and the cake. (Not the marriage. The marriage is a big deal and hardly secondary. But the wedding itself.)

It's a very small event. The people who are coming are spending money getting here. The people who aren't coming either can't afford to come ~ at which point I don't want them to spend their money on a present ~ or they aren't invited ~ and what am I supposed to say to them? Hi, you're not invited but buy us presents anyway..?

And yet my mother is thrilled to be helping with the cake. My florist friend is thrilled to be helping with the flowers. My girlfriends want links and keep asking questions and want to know. And people are asking us where we're registered.

So...maybe this wedding is a bigger deal than I'd thought. But I still don't think we'll be registering. ;)

Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.

Updates, Updates

Here we go, people...

Lithus and I have a wedding date. It's very exciting. And, of course, you are all invited! I promise to post pictures.

FOUR STARS! Falling In Love got FOUR STARS (out of a possible 4.5) from a major review source for the genre. Yep, I'm tickled pink.

And Financial Words You Should Know has a cover. Check it out:


Finally, a plea to my readers who use WordPress. My professional blog is WordPress. Mostly, I think I'm getting it. If, however, there are little tricks you would like to share that aren't immediately apparent, I would love to know them. Thanks.

My apologies for the short, somewhat terse postings recently. Hopefully, we will be back to your more expected Pobble Thoughts relatively soon.

Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.

When Online Advertising Goes Bad

I have several email accounts. Some are for those sites you want to check out but are required to give an email address to register. Some are for work. Some are personal, primary or secondary. I have more than one address on a couple different servers. At least two of those servers use tracking in order to give you ads that are specific to your interests, geographic location, recent searches...whatever.

Two different servers and three different email addresses have given me the same ad today:

TRY CHRISTIAN MINGLE FOR FREE! MEET OTHER LIKE-MINDED CHRISTIANS...AND FIND LOVE!

There are So Many Reasons this is funny.

Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.

Images

I'm getting old. Or getting sensitive. Or getting something.

Scary movies, disturbing pictures, provoking images never used to bother. In fact, I was known for my ability to see something or read something and be asleep within moments. Cool as ice. Nothing touched me.

And it was legitimate. It wasn't a front or an act or anything.

Now? Now, apparently, this is me:


What happened? I have no idea. Seriously. Over the last few days, however, I have seen two things (one movie, one still picture) that have gotten under my skin. Gotten into my brain. That I can't quite let go, even during the day. At night? Whooo boy...


So for the first time since I saw my first horror flick and read my first Stephen King, I'm going to have to start really monitoring myself. It's a weird thought. I guess it's a good thing I write romance novels, huh?

Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.

Ps ~ If you're interested, the movie was called "Audition." Not scary per se. New definition of disturbing though. *shiver*

Pps ~ Those pictures up there? Those aren't really me. Those are probably copyrighted to someone who's not me. I use them with thanks.

Drunk Blogging

Nope. Not gonna do it.

*whew*

Those are Pobble Thoughts (if this particular Pobble could think). That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.

It's...It's...It's...

LIVE!

Check it out:

www.paulinetrent.com

Oh.
My.
God.
People.

Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.

2009 Resolution

Generally speaking, I'm not a New Year's Resolution type o'gal. When I make them, they tend to be things like light more candles or take more baths or remember to look at the sky more often. Because for the most part, I think New Year's Resolutions are simply good ways to set ourselves up to fail. However! Occasionally, I do make them. And I'm going to have to make one this year. So what is my 2009 New Year's Resolution?

Learn to trust that the man really can pull it off.

See, I'm a planner. On a random Tuesday or arbitrary Saturday, I have no problem with the whole getting-in-the-car-and-seeing-where-we-land thing. In fact, I enjoy it, thrive on it, look forward to it. Worst case scenario, we've had a nice evening drive and at least gotten out of the house. When it's just me, I can be as flexible and spontaneous as anyone you've ever met. More so, I'll wager. But when something is at stake ~ someone's good time, something that has been anticipated, whatever ~ I'm a planner. I know where we're going, what time it starts, when we need to leave, where we're going to park, how much it's going to cost and where we will spend the night once it's all done. I have checked and double-checked the directions. I know what's included and what isn't. If at all possible, I already have tickets. I'm a planner.

Lithus is not.

In the past, Lithus has taken Timber to Florida over New Year's with nothing but a clear credit card in his pocket and return plane tickets home a week later. No itinerary. No rental car reserved. No maps. No plan. No hotel rooms waiting for them. The very thought makes me a little queasy.

For the last several days, I've been asking Lithus if we need anything To Do with Timber over New Year's Eve. If we needed to arrange for something or plan something. His response has been "oh no; it's fine." Which said to me we will just hang out at the house and let it be whatever it is. Yesterday morning, he looks at me and says "I'm thinking we should go into town tonight."

What?

What's the plan? He doesn't have one. Where are the fireworks? He doesn't know. Are there fireworks? He's not sure. Is there anything all three of us can attend? He's sure there's something. What is he thinking about? Eh...driving into downtown, finding parking and ending up somewhere. Maybe there's a street party.

You have to be fucking kidding me.

At 10:45 last night, I went on the record as believing this was going to be a fiasco and a royally big mistake. We were going to end up driving around downtown, away from everything, with an unhappy, disappointed teenager in the backseat and two adults sniping at each other in the front. I was game. I was going. I was even laughing. And I was on the record.

By 11:15, we had found parking (at an incredibly good rate) right around the corner (seriously ~ less than a block, right.around.the corner) from a street party. On the waterfront. Coffees and cocoas were only a dollar. The karaoke and costume contests were free entertainment. It was under a huge tent, away from the rain and wind. At midnight, everyone cheered, a race started and the boats on the river sounded their horns. We decided a food run was in order so got back in the Pobble mobile and headed down the street.

Did he know where the donut shop was from where we are? No. Not really. How about the diner? Oh, definitely not. Was there anything else he knew was open? Honestly, not really. But there would be something.

And there was Denney's. Always open. We walked in and were seated in a booth along the wall immediately. By the time our orders had been taken, the line was out the door. On the way home, we all talked about what a really great evening it had been and what a nice way it was to start the new year.

The man pulls it off. Even when there's something at stake. Even when it's not just us being willing to be random and leave it to chance.

Thus, my 2009 New Year's Resolution. Even if I still need to plan when I'm in charge. Even if the thought of not planning still makes me a little queasy. When he says "Why don't we..." I'm going to swallow hard, smile and...trust.

Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.

At the Pobble House...

...the holidays looked like this:




...and this:



...and this:



...and this:



So...what are your plans for New Year's?

Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.

December 25,2008

And a very merry Christmas to anyone who happens by today.

Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.

Speed the Plow

Apparently, it doesn't often snow like this in the coastal regions of the Pacific Northwest. The mountains? Sure. Of course. Down here in the flat lands? Not so much. As the snow began and the numbers started adding up, I smugly rolled my eyes as schools and businesses and roads were closed after only a few inches of snow. Lithus and I tucked in, deciding to stay in, not because we or our vehicles couldn't handle the snow, but because, honestly, we didn't trust the other people on the road. Driving in snow is an art, people. Don't forget this.

Even once the numbers started really wracking up and it became a "real" snow (anything over 5-6 inches in my book), it still didn't merit the reaction. Yes, we all know that the weather stations and news reports always pick the most dramatic way of telling a weather story they possibly can and urge people to stay off the roads. I'm not talking about that. I'm talking about the reactions from people who were bailing on meetings because "the snow *might* be here by then"; who were stripping the stores of necessities; who were forgetting that 4WD helps you go but not stop.

Then...I learned something important. They don't plow here in my lovely little town. See, it doesn't snow like this here. They don't plow. They don't put down salt. They don't sprinkle sand. Nothing. And you know what? There's a lot of fucking snow out there when it's not taken away. Seriously. No matter which coast you happen to be on.

Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.

Seasons' Greetings

Blessed Be, Everyone!

~ the Pobble

Shout Outs

Cracker Lilo tagged me a couple days ago. So, here we go!

RULE ONE, I have to grab one of the books closest to me, go to page 56, type the fifth line and the next two to five lines that follow.

RULE TWO, I have to pick five people who love books and who could receive the Bookworm award with honor.

THING THE FIRST: "It is the same with people. The best judges never miss the mark. And from the very first." "What has this to do with me?" I was anxious to get on with my lesson and impress him with the many facts I had memorized for his benefit since last time. "Everything. First you must develop this skill within yourself, just as you have developed your skill at riding or music."
The Autobiography of Henry VIII ~ Margaret George

And yes, I am honored to be officially dubbed a Bookworm!

THING THE SECOND: The tag. If you have the time during the holiday busy-ness, I'd love to read a few lines from the books closest to Dennis R. Upkins, Mike C, $$, Wolfgrrrl and Cam Pike. Just for shits and grins, people. :)

Now, if you'll look back at the subject line, you'll see the shout outs are plural. Which means there's another one.

Especially for Get Off My Lawn!....



Now, next time I sign off weirdly, you're not left out of the coffee loop. The very thought makes me shudder.

Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will, indeed, get you coffee.

And One More

This showed up in my inbox today. Seems reasonable to me. :)

I've been talking to booksellers lately who report that times are hard. And local booksellers aren't known for vast reserves of capital, so a serious dip in sales can be devastating. Booksellers don't lose enough money, however, to receive congressional attention. A government bailout isn't in the cards.

We don't want bookstores to die. Authors need them, and so do neighborhoods. So let's mount a book-buying splurge. Get your friends together, go to your local bookstore and have a book-buying party. Buy the rest of your Christmas presents, but that's just for starters. Clear out the mysteries, wrap up the histories, beam up the science fiction! Round up the westerns, go crazy for self-help, say yes to the university press books! Get a load of those coffee-table books, fatten up on slim volumes of verse, and take a chance on romance!

There will be birthdays in the next twelve months; books keep well; they're easy to wrap: buy those books now. Buy replacements for any books looking raggedy on your shelves. Stockpile children's books as gifts for friends who look like they may eventually give birth. Hold off on the flat-screen TV and the GPS (they'll be cheaper after Christmas) and buy many, many books. Then tell the grateful booksellers, who by this time will be hanging onto your legs begging you to stay and live with their cat in the stockroom: "Got to move on, folks. Got some books to write now. You see...we're the Authors Guild."

Enjoy the holidays.

Roy Blount Jr.
President
Authors Guild

And in case you were concerned, this followed it shortly thereafter...

The Guild's staff informs me that many of you are writing to ask whether you can forward and post my holiday message encouraging orgiastic book-buying. Yes! Forward! Yes! Post! Sound the clarion call to every corner of the Internet: Hang in there, bookstores! We're coming! And we're coming to buy! To buy what? To buy books! Gimme a B! B! Gimme an O! O! Gimme another O! Another O! Gimme a K! K! Gimme an S! F! No, not an F, an S. We're spelling BOOKS!

Yours,

Roy

'Cause, hey, soldiers need books. Kids need books. Elders need books. Who doesn't need a book, right? Right.

Those are someone named Roy's thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you a bookstore still open in two months!

The Annual PSA

Christmas is coming, the goose is getting fat;
Please put a penny in the old man's hat.

Yes, Pobble Thoughts readers you fabulous few, it's that time of year again. You're (perhaps) thinking about giving. I'm (definitely) thinking about the fact that we are thinking about giving. Times are tough this year for more of us than usual so if you're not giving this year, I'm not judging. Truth be told, I'm not giving in the amounts I usually do, either, and consider myself beyond blessed that I can do anything. Last year, I posted a list of suggestions beyond Barbies, action figures, Stovetop stuffing and green beans (which are worthy donations and always welcome). I've reposted that list at the end of this if you want to check it out. But I don't want to just repost that list so here are some other thoughts beyond the Barbies and last year's list (which is still as valid as the Stovetop!)

If you haven't got a penny
Then a ha'penny will do.

First, in case you haven't heard about them, let me tell you about an organization called Toys for Troops. No, that's not a typo. Toys for Troops (http://www.toys-for-troops.com/) was created by Lori over at This Just In. Talk about a little idea growing beyond all possible expectations. This organization sends Beanie Babies and soccer balls to soldiers to pass out to the kids of the respective countries year-round. This time of year, they have sent holiday packages to the soldiers themselves. But did you read that previous sentence? They do this year-round. Which means shipping costs. And postage. And gas for the cars that drive to the drop off locations to pick up the toys to be postaged and shipped. Year-round. While it's too late to get in on the actual holiday package events this year, it's not too late to donate monies. For our soldiers. At war. Year-round. And the coolest thing is I can promise you (PROMISE YOU) every single penny you send will be spent actually on postage or shipping. Seriously. No explanation I can write will make this sound as amazing as it actually is so go check out the link.

Second, remember that kids aren't the only ones in need. Or lonely. Or alone. Which is bad enough in March but really, really sucks this time of year. Elders in your community are in need, lonely and alone, too. Think I'm wrong? I just googled "Christmas donations for elders" and came up with over 100,000 hits from community papers all over the country. I wish I could link something generalized here that would be applicable to all of us and I'm sorry I can't because Pobble Thought readers are so scattered. Still, it's something to think about. Be in touch with your local senior center, YMCA/YWCA, shelters, nursing homes...you get the idea. As much as I have always loved doing holiday donations for kids, the one year I remember most was the year we "adopted" a senior. All he wanted was "warm pajamas, please." He got a little more than that Christmas morning ~ and his warm pajamas.

Third, for my more misanthropic readers who have basically given up on humanity (you know who you are), remember the animals. Donations of dog/cat food, heartworm meds, pupy pads and kitty litter are always welcome at animal shelters and rescue organizations. Some food banks are even accepting them these days.

Finally, consider going to your calendar right now (okay, finish reading so you know why you're going to your calendar but you get the idea) and picking a day between March and September. Add some nonperishables to your grocery cart that day. Pick up an extra tube of toothpaste and a thing of deoderant then. Volunteer an hour of your time when no one else is bothering. Toys for Troops isn't the only organization that runs year-round. Nor is it the only one that tends to be forgotten the other nine months out of the year. Organizations love the people who give this time of year. Really. They do. But the ones who remember the other times of the year are the people who keep the organizations up and running to be around at this time of the year.

And, if what you really want to do is give to a child or family right now, keep reading. The list is there at the end. And thank you. From someone who did this for a very long time and is still grateful to the people who helped make it possible.

If you haven't got a ha'penny
Then God bless you!

Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will give someone a happier holiday.

The List (with thanks from some of last year's contributors)
wrapping paper, ribbon and tape
artificial Christmas trees and ornaments
stocking stuffers
gifts for teenagers ~ especially teenage boys
full-sized toiletries (because guess what? people still need to brush their teeth!)
gift cards for gas stations
board games the whole family can playbooks
adult-sized underwear ~ especially men's
AA batteries
ballcaps for your local team
gloves
t-shirts with funny sayings on them
posters of bands or cars or sayings (not religious, please)
walkmen
clever boxer shorts
art supplies
books (novels, action, sci-fi or How-To just to name a few)

For The Rest of My Life...

My winter holiday decorations will include lighted, glowy penguins.



So much for my trademark understated elegance.




I guess I can live with this. :)

Those are Pobble Thoughts. That and a buck fifty will get you coffee.