Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Fall Reading List Update

I added the Birth to Five book by Brenda Nixon to my reading list. She is so on the money when it comes to toddlers. Here are seven that are perfect for my 2 year old.

All toddlers are egocentric – it is all about Sean

Toddlers are risk takers – love jumping off the stairs – five stairs up

Are movers – I wish I had his energy

Consummate language learner – I wonder where he get’s his vocabulary

Can’t tell time – He wants to know when we’re leaving a million times

Are scribblers – Every wall and appliance has his signature over them

Seek Independence – loves to do it himself.

Yes I have two other kids, but this third one is like starting all over again. I’m enjoying reading Brenda’s book. I’m learning I’m not that bad of a parent. LOL

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Books That Touch You Part 1

My love of books exploded when I was introduced to the romance genre as a teenager. How exciting it was to fall in love along with the couple I’m reading about. These books transformed my life and opinion about love. I enjoy meeting the couples and watching them fight to stay together and seeing them live happily ever after. I don’t know there is just something about reading a book that touches your emotions.

Today I want to talk about two books that touched me this month. The first was released this month and the next one will be released next month.

I met the first author at a RWA meeting. She wrote historical romances set in Scotland. She announced her blog tour on face book and I started following the tour and becoming intrigued about her new book - Highland Dragon.

Last Saturday I stopped by the RWA meeting so I could get my autograph copy.

I enjoyed this book. I laughed out loud so many times, I’m sure people around me thought I was crazy. The passion in the book gave me goose bumps. I could feel their love oozing off the pages. This is one of those books I call DELICIOUS.

I felt every range of emotions as I read this book. I so do enjoy a book that takes you along for the ride with the characters. I found myself sneaking to the bathroom, so I could read another chapter. I haven't done that with a book in a long time.

It reminded me of why I so love a good romance – they feature passion, falling in love, and a good story that ends with happily ever after.

Sometimes I need to know something is going to end happily ever after. Life is hard some days and that's why I read, to remind me that there is some good in the world.


HIGHLAND DRAGON
by Kimberly Killion
Publisher: Kensington Publishing Corp.
Release Date: October 2009
6ISBN-10: 1420104411

A desire that defies all limits…
and a love that was meant to be…

Scotland 1502. Akira Neish has been raised as a peasant, her belly often empty and her family subject to the cruel whims of her clan's laird. To the clan’s children, the horned shaped birthmark she bears means she is a witch. But she is neither peasant nor witch—and now the man who knows the truth has returned to claim her for his own.

Calin MacLeod has kept Akira's secrets and to avenge his father, the sensual young laird must marry her. He is more than a match for the fiery nature of the woman he adores. Yet the passion they share—and truths that can no longer remain hidden—could rip all of Scotland apart...

http://www.kimberlykillion.com/

Read part two on Thursday.

Did you read a book this month that was Delicious?

Thursday, October 15, 2009

FALL READING LIST

My book pile is growing taller and taller. I decided to pick out a few books to read for the fall. I'm hoping that I'll be able to add 10 more to the list.

Secrets And Lies - Rhonda McKnight


Sizzling Seduction - Gwyneth Bolton

Captured - Beverly Jenkins

Ideal Wife - Jacquelin Thomas

Lady Jasmine - Victoria Christopher Murray

My Son's Wife - Shelia Lipsey

Experiencing the Spirit - Henry & Melvin Blackaby

Making Great Decisions - T. D. Jakes

Never Make the Same Mistake Twice: Lessons on Love and Life Learned the Hard Way - Nene Leakes and Denene Millner


On the Line - Serena Williams and Daniel Paisner

Coldest Winter - Sister Souljah

The Bishop's Daughter - Tiffany L. Warner

Sex In The Sanctuary - Lutishia Lovely



What's on your reading list?

Thursday, October 08, 2009

What To Do After You Attend A Conference

I’m getting ready for another online conference. This time I will be in attendance. It’s a good one too, Muse Online Conference. I’ve attended for the past three years. This conference is more hands on than mine and I love it. It’s like attending mini classes. I’m looking forward to participating.

I was reading an article yesterday and the author stated one thing you should do after a conference is write an article. I never thought about this, but she’s right. You can share about what you learned, or what went wrong or what you’d do different.

I have a few lessons to share from the online conference I hosted, so I need to sit down and write. Here’s the first lesson.

Lessons From Attending An Online Conference – Part 1

MAKE TIME

When you attend an online conference, you have to make time. Schedule some time in your schedule because most online conference consist of a lot of reading. You want to be able to read the posts and comments.

You can’t bop into a conference and think you’re going to get the full affect. You’ll miss a lot.

DON’T BE A LURKER

This isn’t the time to lurk. The conference hosts like to see comments, it let’s them know that you are reading. It is also your way to win prizes. You can’t win if no one knows you’re there.

DON’T HOG THE COMMENTS

Let others post. This isn’t your private conference. Share the comments.

Now this rule goes out the window if nobody is commenting. This might be your only chance to talk with your dream agent. If no one is asking questions, step up and ask away.

SHARE YOUR WISDOM

You might not be on the panel, but you might have something worthy to share. Don’t be afraid to speak up. I’ve learn a lot from those in attendance.

HAVE FUN

That what the conference is about, having fun. If it becomes too overwhelming, shut down the computer and come back tomorrow. Enjoy your time online and you’ll participate more.

That’s my first lesson, more to come.

Feel free to share what you do after you attend a conference.

Tuesday, October 06, 2009

Bebe and Cece Are Back


In my early twenties I wasn’t saved but as I look back over my life, I’m always amazed to see how the Holy Spirit was guiding me even though I didn’t know it.

One of my favorite groups back then was Bebe and CeCe. Something about their music soothed my soul. I had all of their CDs and when I wanted to be lifted from my funk, I’d pop one of their CDs in. I could always count on their music to take me to a higher space.

I didn’t know then that Bebe and CeCe’s music was Christian music. I just loved the melodies and they could sing. I’m thankful for their music in my life. I didn’t know it but they were sowing seeds in my spirit, showing me the wonders of God with their music.

It has been 15 years since they sang together. I heard they were making a new CD and it was releasing soon. This morning I had the pleasure of hearing the first single, Close To You.

I’m so looking forward to enjoying Bebe and Cece’s music again. I know their music will inspire and encourage me. I’m so thankful for the Holy Spirit guiding me to their music.

I hope you get a chance to hear their new music.