Over the past ten years, I’ve tried more times than I can remember to try and focus on one or two subjects. My intentions are always good, and I really do try, but… I get bored. And then I start finding excuses to postpone writing the post. And then I don’t post anything, and before I know it, weeks (or even months) can pass.
So… I’m breaking out of the blog box I put myself in. Again. But I’m giving in early, before I get burned out. And… I’m going to post whatever I want, just like I’ve done most of the time since I started this journey.
Maybe there will still be Just for Fun Friday or Take Some Time Tuesday posts. But maybe I’ll do Writing Update Wednesdays, Sweetheart Saturdays, or Mishmash Mondays posts too. And I’ll probably be just as surprised as you are about the topics in each one. After all, I AM the Queen of Procrastination, which means I’ll be scrambling for ideas up until the last possible second.
I’m not scrambling today though. Nope. Today, I’m so happy I could dance!
Why? Because … finally … I’ve finished the first draft of (working title) Quinn’s Book. If you’ve read any of the books in the Royal Sweethearts Series, you might remember Quinn McMahon as one of the hunky guards. (Affiliate link warning. Click here to find out more about that.)
I’ll probably share the real title and cover with my newsletter subscribers, along with some sneak peeks, so if you’d like to see those things, click here to subscribe.
Right now, it’s time to start editing. And outlining book five. 🙂
This week, I thought it might be nice to do something a little more serious. It can’t be all fun and games now, can it?
Find some kind of box. It doesn’t have to be a big box. Just big enough to hold ten regular sized envelopes (or bigger envelopes, if that’s all you have on hand). Next, grab ten envelopes and ten pieces of paper. Each of you take half of both, and head for different parts of your home.
Now, spend a little time thinking about some things that are important to you. Inexpensive things, or things that don’t cost anything at all. And write them down.
Need some examples? How about a ten second kiss before leaving for work every morning? Or giving up an hour of your phone time to dance with your partner instead? It could be watch a movie together, play a board game together, a foot rub, a couple’s shower. Or it could be something that takes a little more effort, like help wax a car, clean out a closet, organize the garage, or spend some quality time in your bedroom.
Use your imagination, but make sure whatever you write down is actually important to you. Your significant other should give this exercise serious thought too,
Now, write your partner’s name on each of the envelopes and put them all in the box. Each week, take two envelopes out, one for you and one for him or her. And then do whatever is written on the papers.
And now that we’ve got this week’s suggestion out of the way, let’s move on.
I didn’t know there was any such thing as National Best Friends Day, but there is. If you have a best friend, this would be a great day to call them up, give them a nice greeting card, or just do something nice to let them know how special they are to you.
Moving on again, I thought I’d let you know a couple of things. I’m about seven scenes away from finishing book four in the Royal Sweethearts series. Yup. Quinn McMahon is finally getting his own book. Big surprise, I know, but that was an affiliate link. You can learn more about those by clicking here.
I also have some super exciting news! If you follow my Facebook page, you already know about this. If not, well… I’m reviving my JJ Belding pen name because I’m partnering with Zoe McKay, aka Rhonda Hopkins – author of a variety of books, including a couple of really good zombie stories. I know, right? Me? Reading zombie books? But it’s true. And she has a new YA series out, too. You can find out more about those by clicking here.
Here’s a sneak peek at what we’re doing. If you want to see more of the cover as we … unravel it … follow us on Facebook, and keep checking back here.
Oops. I almost missed it! Ten years ago today, I posted my very first blog. And if I want to post on that anniversary, I have about two and a half minutes. So… One of my favorite songs to celebrate. 🙂
In considering what I could do for today’s post, I remembered a book I bought with 2,000 ‘Would You Rather’ questions. Since it’s been a while, I thought I’d dust it off and see what the next question was.
Would I rather have a talking plant – or a talking goldfish?
It didn’t take long for me to figure out what my answer to that would be because, quite simply, a talking plant would creep me out. It brings to mind things like swamp creatures and the things nightmares are made of. Talking fish, on the other hand, make me think of movies like Shark Tale, Finding Nemo, and Finding Dorie (all affiliate links, by the way – click here to learn more). So I’m okay with a talking fish. In theory anyway.
A fun fact about me? I want to learn to do the Cha Cha Slide. And I’d like to learn it by this time next year.
Of course, even if I do, I’d never be able to do it in public. If you’ve ever seen the movie Footloose, and remember how badly Willard danced early in the movie, that would be why. Because, while Willard’s improvement was impressive by the final dance, the odds of me improving to even passable are slim to none. I was terrible in creative dance in school, and I doubt that will ever change. But I still would like to learn the moves, just to break up the monotony of working out on my treadmill and recumbent bike.
This week’s advice is going to be late. At least for anyone living in EST. But for those on the west coast? I’ve still got an hour and fifty-four minutes to get this thing posted. 🙂
What advice, you might ask? Well, I thought a couple of my favorite things this week – Pictionary, and a backrub. But the really light, could almost be a tickle kind of backrub. (And, because it’s required, both by law and by Amazon, ‘Pictionary‘ is an affiliate link. Learn more about that by clicking here.)
So, where am I going with this? That’s easy. Combine them. Yup. Combine Pictionary with backrubs. Take turns ‘drawing’ simple pictures on each other’s backs. If you’re fully dressed, the end of a paintbrush or your index finger would work just fine. If you’re not so fully dressed, the soft bristles of a paintbrush would be perfect. Whoever winds up with the most correct guesses wins the game – and the previously agreed upon prize.
Moving on…
There are a crazy amount of daily ‘holidays,’ and June first was no different. There was no question about which one I chose for this post when I saw it though. As the title says… National Heimlich Maneuver Day. If you don’t know how to do it … learn how. You really could save a life someday. Kind of like Bill Murry in Groundhog Day. (another affiliate link)
And…
That reminds me of one of my favorite songs. Paying attention to the people in your life, to those who may be struggling, is another way you might possibly save a life someday.
Hope you had a great weekend – and can look forward to some nice backrubs. 🙂
I will admit that when it comes to comedies, I find most … not to my liking. But sometimes, I discover a few gems, and I’ll share a couple of my most favorite clips today. And then I’ll share something else, quickly, below.
Of the two, the WKRP turkey drop will probably always be my favorite though. That show had the best cast ever. Except maybe the Newhart series.
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I’ve been following the Keto Rewind. ‘Jess’ has a YouTube channel for quite a while now, and I just really enjoy her enthusiasm to lose weight and get healthier. It’s very inspiring. She has great tips, motivational advice, and even shares recipes – and how to prepare them.
During one video, I noticed that she was using an extremely cool meat chopping tool, and I thought … I’ve got to get one of those! Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love good quality wooden spoons, but chopping up burger isn’t a job I’ve ever really enjoyed. So, I started looking around and finally found one locally.
I wouldn’t be surprised if you could find them locally too, but in case you’re busy and don’t want to look (or don’t enjoy shopping), you can also get them by clicking this blue link. My daughter thought it was kind of silly, but the first time I needed cooked, chopped up burger for a meal after buying it, I felt kind of like a petulant two-year-old. Why? Because she was frying the burger instead of me. In fact, she didn’t even step away from the stove until it was almost done.
I’ve since used it a few times, and I just love it. Maybe not as much as wooden spoons, but pretty close. So, I thought I’d share the info with you. By the way, that was an affiliate link. Learn more about those in the sidebar, or by clicking here.
Have a great weekend, everyone! Happy Memorial Day!
Everyone likes to feel appreciated. If you’re reading this, you’d be one of the ‘everyone.’ Know who else likes to feel appreciated too? Your significant other.
Back in the day, when things were new and every little thing about him or her was exciting, there was no doubt they were the best thing that ever happened to you. But, now you’ve been together a while and new has turned to comfortable.
Now, I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with being comfortable together. But getting comfortable often goes hand-in-hand with taking someone for granted. And when that happens, the love of your life will wonder if you value them anymore.
Don’t let that happen. Seriously. Don’t. Because I promise if you do, you may wake up one day to find someone else is more than happy to take your place.
Start practicing the fine art of appreciation.
Instead of letting her know, in a distracted kind of way, that supper was good, give her a hug and let her know what a great cook she is. Better yet, let her overhear you telling someone else that she’s a genius in the kitchen and works hard to prepare delicious meals for you.
Of course, that works both ways.
Rather than, “0h by the way, the lawn looks nice,” let him know that you love all the hard work he puts in to make sure your yard is the showpiece of the neighborhood. Let him hear you bragging to your friends about how strong he is, and how sexy he looks out there working up a sweat.
What are some other ways you can start appreciating your mate? ‘Google’ it and make a list if you have trouble coming up with ideas. In the words of one of my favorite bands, this is just one way to….
Now, for a shout out to National Sing Out Day. Who doesn’t love to sing? Whether we can carry a tune – or not. I fall into the ‘or not’ category. Unless I’m alone in a vehicle. With the volume turned up. And there are no witnesses.
A couple of my favorite songs to sing along with…
Every time Aaron Neville starts to sing, it gives me goosebumps. Together, with Ms. Rondstadt, they are perfect.
Another pairing that I love to sing along with, and that also gives me goosebumps, is this one. Why, oh why, couldn’t I have been born to sing like Linda Rondstadt?
In turning over my new leaf, I’m going to start embracing everything that’s positive. Everything I can anyway, because let’s face it, there will always be things that are far from pleasant. But, if I look for it, there’s always more good than bad in the world. Sometimes, though, it’s easy to forget. Or to fall into the rut of ‘blah-ness.’ Therefore, I’m retiring Kristy 2.0, the one who kind of crushed the spirit of the original me.
And so, I’m going to enjoy life again. I’m going to give my writing 100% again – both to my books and my blog/social media posts. I’m going to direct most of my focus to the many positives the world has to offer. I’m going to laugh more. And, because laughter really is the best medicine, I will be sharing some of the things that make me smile – and hope that they make you smile too.
First up is a post that I’m able to find once in a blue moon. I finally saved the page and bookmarked it, so hopefully, I’ll never lose it again. It’s a short article about a fellow Michigander’s experience with taking a toddler into a public bathroom with her by clicking here.
Next up is Jeff Allen, one of my favorite comedians. His views on life, relationships, and parenthood are absolutely hilarious. At least in my opinion. This clip is one of my favorites.
And finally, a favorite past time of mine is watching the Blimey Cow videos, especially their meme reviews. Some of the actual memes are enough to make you bust a gut, but my favorite part is just listening to brothers Josh and Jordan laugh. They remind me so much of my dad and one of his brothers when they’d start reminiscing about growing up. The Shrek part of this is, in my opinion, the best, both as far as a meme itself goes, as well as their laughter. I’ve rerun it (that part) several times, and probably will a few more times.
As I was watching this video again, I realized I should mention, for those who didn’t know it, I have books 1-7 of the Coach’s Boys series, Books 1 & 2 in the Casteloria series, and A Fine Mess available in audio books. A quick note on Laying Low in Paradise and A Cool Summer in Paradise – the titles have been changed to A Prince on the Run and The Physician to the King … but for some reason, ACX/Audible refuse to change the covers to match the paperback/digital copies of the books. Anyway, if you’re interested in them, just click here to check them out. That was an affiliate link. Click here to learn more about those.
Until next time, I hope you all find more to smile about too.
I like this holiday. It’s practical, and it makes you feel good at the end of the day. It needs to be followed up with new holidays like: Cobweb Removal Day, Power Wash the Siding Day, and my favorite idea – Win a Big Lottery So I Can Hire a Housekeeper Day.
Right now though, one of my favorite days is going to be Tuesdays. Specifically, ‘Take Some Time Tuesdays.’
Why?
There was a time when I really enjoyed writing blog posts. At some point though, they stopped being something I looked forward to doing as much as I used to. So, a few days ago, I skimmed through the 766 blogs I’ve posted since June 6, 2011 – because I wanted to see if I could figure out why.
And I think I solved the puzzle. For some reason, I muzzled my sense of humor. I strangled my inclination toward fun. And I forgot that I’m a romance writer. I should be writing about romance. I don’t have to hold a degree in ‘romance-ology’ to have opinions on what I find romantic, and it’s time to start focusing on that again. Because when I was focused on romance, I was writing a lot more books. And I seriously want to write a lot more books. Every. Single. Year.
And so… For starters, I’m reviving Rod and Twiggy McStickfigure. If you’ve been around for the past ten years, you might remember them. Vaguely, because it’s been a long time. If not, a quick warning. I’m not an artist. I use Paint, so this is as good as it gets…
And a couple of the ones I’ve used in the past…
Rod and Twiggy will help me share my tips and opinions on things that might improve relationships. Again, I’m don’t have any degrees in relationships, but I do read a lot. I also know what I would appreciate from a significant other. And… I write a lot. That was an affiliate link. Learn more about those here. To get my books at other online bookstores, click here. Hopefully, I’ll figure out why links for some of my books have disappeared, but right now, The Coach’s Boys and Casteloria series’ are both there.
Hopefully, all of my Take Some Time Tuesday posts will be posted on Tuesdays. It may, however, take some time to get back into a routine, so don’t be surprised to find them showing up on a Thursday or Saturday (or any other day of the week) for a while.
Only God knows how many times I’ve shared this video, but since I’ve always believed that ‘love’ is an action, not just lip service, I’m sharing it again. Yeah, it’s nice to hear to hear someone say they love you, but if actions don’t follow, the words are meaningless.
Make sure to subscribe to my blog if you want to see new posts. Not sure how to do that? Just look to your right and enter your email in the white box.
Just out of curiosity, I found myself checking out a website of silly unusual holidays and, as you saw in the subject line, today is National Porridge Day. I’m not sure I’ve ever eaten anything called porridge. Oatmeal, Cream of Wheat, Cream of Rice, and Malt-O-Meal, yes. And I like them all. But are they considered porridge?
Okay, so I had to find out. Treehugger.com says, “A porridge is a hot cereal that can be made from a variety of grains, vegetables or even some legumes.” So maybe all of those cereals would qualify.
Wondering and researching aside, National Porridge Day reminded me of something I posted on June 9, 2011 – nearly a decade ago! So, since 2021 – June 6th specifically – will mark my 10th year of blogging, I’ll be sharing some of my oldest posts. Things I posted when no one had ever heard of me or my books. 🙂 By the way, that’s an affiliate link. Learn more about those here.
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Back in the day, when my kids were little, I belonged to a writer’s group. In fact, I was voted president the second year, amazingly enough. One fun assignment was to take a classic story and rewrite it. This is what I chose to go with…
Grumbling to himself, Papa Bear dragged his feet as he followed behind his wife and young son. High cholesterol indeed! Just because he was big boned (and quite a hunk, even if he did say so himself), didn’t mean for one moment that he needed to change his lifestyle. Especially not on a perfectly good Sunday morning when he should be kicked back in his recliner reading the current issue of Hunting for Humans.
But no…. Thanks to one of her busy-body friends, Mama now spent her time nagging him to take these miserable, early morning walks and cooking up low fat meals that tasted like something he wouldn’t want to step in, much less eat.
“Time to head on back,” she announced, deciding that breakfast should have cooled enough by now.
Oh goody. Porridge with skim milk. Not so much as a dab of butter to add a little flavor either. Papa kicked at a stone in agitation.
Recalling a recent letter from Cousin Yogi, he thought there were definitely advantages to living in the wild. But then Yogi was smarter than the average bear. He, at least, had the good sense to remain a bachelor. No interfering female insisting on houses and diets and exercise for him! No, the lucky stiff had it made.
“Look, Papa!” Baby gasped, pointing a claw toward their house.
“I see,” Papa told him, clamping a paw over his snout. “Hush.”
The back door was wide open and he knew it had been latched it when they left. Someone was … or had been in their house. Cautiously, he crept inside, Mama and Baby hot on his heels. Papa stopped abruptly and pointed to the bowls.
“Someone’s been eating my porridge,” he said, eyeing the bowl in disappointment. It was still pretty full from the looks of things.
“Someone’s been eating my porridge,” Mama told him. Her bowl, as well, had hardly been touched.
“Well someone has been eating my porridge,” Baby cried out, lifting the bowl and spoon to show them, “and they ate it all up!”
“Must be nice!” Papa grumbled.
Mama fixed him with a stern glare, as the cub hurried to the other room. Papa hightailed it after him. Not so much because he feared for his offspring’s safety, but because he feared another nagging session about the sacrifices his wife was making for the sake of his health.
“Someone’s been sitting in my chair,” Papa said, stopping at the sight of muddy footprints in the huge seat of his recliner.
“Someone’s been sitting in my chair,” Mama whined, because whoever sat there had mussed the pretty arm covers.
“Someone’s been sitting in my chair,” Baby wailed, pointing to the floor. “And they broke it all to pieces!”
“Well, don’t get any ideas about sitting in mine,” Papa told him. He had every intention of taking a well deserved nap once this mystery was cleared up.
When junior tried to take off first this time, Papa managed to grab him by the scruff of the neck and push him into the safety of Mama’s big, hairy arms. This time, the three marched quietly upstairs to see if their visitor had completed the tour of their home.
Uh-huh.
“Someone’s been sleeping in my bed,” Papa sighed, picking a strand of blond hair off his pillow.
“Someone’s been sleeping in my bed,” Mama said, hurrying to straighten the coverlet.
“Someone’s been sleeping in my bed,” Baby shouted, jumping up and down, pointing frantically at the human intruder. “And there she is!”
At the commotion, the girl woke with a start and cried out in alarm. She made a dash toward the window, but Papa quickly stepped between her and the escape route. Standing there with his paws on his hips, he grinned a calculating grin and shook his head once.
“Not so fast, young lady.”
“Please, sir, you’re not going to hurt me are you?” the girl asked, cowering back in fear.
“That depends on what you do in the next two seconds.”
“I don’t know what you mean.”
“You march yourself right back down those stairs and finish that porridge! The stuff in the biggest bowl!”
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I hope you enjoyed this blast from my past. And now, I’ll leave you with a song from tonight’s playlist … before I get back to my editing…
Hi, I’m Kristy, lover of God, family, friends, good books, and yummy food. I’m also on a quest to get in the best shape of my life. As a clean and wholesome/Christian romance author, I spend much of my days sitting at a desk. And we all know that a sedentary lifestyle isn’t conducive to good health. So it’s time to change all that. To start counteracting the side effects of too little activity, hypothyroidism, and gluten intolerance. Yeah, It’s time to get busy because I plan on living to be a happy, healthy, and energetic centenarian. I also plan on writing a lot more books! 🙂
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Just out of curiosity, I found myself checking out a website of 
