In between books, I have to “refill” the well…the well of my creativity, that is. I’ve tried many times to go from book to book with no discernable break, but it doesn’t work. As I finished my last book right before Christmas, I didn’t have much guilt over taking a vacation from writing. I read a book–LONE STAR SANTA by Heather MacAllister–that was delightful. 
Funny, sexy with a GREAT plot…what Temptation used to be in all its glory, but now is at American with fabulous authors like Heather. Pick it up if you can find it. I think it was a November release.
I’m re-reading HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF-BLOOD PRINCE now. HP is my comfort read and I’m always struck by the change in mood from the first book to the most recent…so much darker. But still fabulous!
I’ve watched several movies, including one last night with my gorgeous 18-year-old niece who is graduating this year from high school. She was three when she was the flower girl at my wedding. But she doesn’t make me feel old. She’s the neatest kid. We watched LOVE, ACTUALLY together, which I have never seen in its entirity. Great movie. They could have cut out the porno-stand in story line and the guy who goes to Wisconsin and possibly even the Kiera Knightly and given more screen time to Colin Firth. LOTS more screen time. And I actually loved Hugh Grant in this movie. Make that two movies of his I liked…no wait, three. SENSE AND SENSIBILITY, TWO WEEKS NOTICE and this one. I’m almost becoming a fan. Almost…but not quite. Still, more Colin Firth, I say!
Went to the theatre with my daughter and saw NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM which was delightful, funny and clever. Loved Ben Stiller. Loved, LOVED Robin Williams (though I always do.) Anyone who says he is playing his same manic, crazy character SO didn’t get this flick. He’s playing Teddy Roosevelt…and Teddy Roosevelt was larger than life. Robin Williams was the heart of the movie. Fabulous. And what’s up with Owen Wilson taking an uncredited role? He was incredibly funny…honestly, the funniest character in the entire movie. He was perfect. And thankfully, all the stupid monkey parts you see in the previews and trailer are all the stupid monkey parts in the whole film. While I love plotmonkeys, I’m not a fan of mean monkeys…so the less the better.
Last night, my daughter and I joined my sister in law and her sons (and their friends) to see ERAGON. I haven’t read the book. My nephews, who had, were very disappointed. My SIL, who also read it, knew ahead of time what had been cut, so she was able to enjoy the movie on its own. I liked it. Didn’t love it, but liked it. The guy who played Eragon was a cutie and it was nice to see Jeremy Irons in a good-guy (sort of) role. Thumbs up, though. Daughter liked it, too, though she was a bit confused by parts…she’s only 8. I’ve heard it called a Star Wars wannabe. Whatevah…I loved Star Wars (the original) so I’m not going to complain. I found the “homage” (said with the proper French accent) quite delightful, esp. since the story was originally penned by a 15-year old boy, yes?
How else did I refill this week? I cleaned the junk drawers in the kitchen. Not a big thing, but it’s a reminder that I’m getting caught up on all the little things that went by the wayside while I was working so hard to meet my deadline. And I cooked! I made minestrone soup, chocolate cake, mac & cheese, artichoke dip, peaches & cream bread pudding (my specialty!) and any and all comfort foods I could think of. I even had my mother-in-law over so she could show me how to make her signature chocolate chip cookies. Delish!
I know I have to get back to work soon…probably won’t be until next week after my daughter goes back to school and my husband goes back to work, but I’m determined to enjoy these last few days of “vacation” and keep my mind off my books so that when I do get back, my subconscious and creative minds will be rested.
So…what do you do to refill your well? To soothe your frazzled nerves and give your brain a well-deserved rest?
Me, I think of Colin Firth. 
And since it finally got cold in Florida after the tornados…I think I’ll make more soup.
By all reports, Julie Leto was a sweet child once, somewhat shy, preferring to play quietly in her room making up stories. However, being raised with three brothers in a loud, primarily Italian household did have its influences and Julie discovered her inner tough girl. That’s probably why most of her heroines kick serious butt. Writing sassy heroines has worked out, as she’s sold over forty books to four publishers featuring strong, confident women. Julie lives in Florida with her daughter, a spoiled dachshund, a haughty lynx-point Siamese and a wide range of relatives all within driving distance.
Destiny
Dirty Little Secrets
Once Upon A Valentine
Through The Night
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I do much like you do – I love to go to the movies, or even watch old faves, I’m a huge re-reader so that always puts me in fine spirits. Getting together with friends to chat (gossip) is a great rejuvenator. Naps!
Cold in Florida? Well, it’s 30 degrees here in Chicago – trade ya!
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Easy…I grab a book, some Ghiradelli chocolate and lock the bedroom door. Not even the dog gets in.
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I read, read, and read! I also love to go to the movies with my kids. We have a movie date today to go see either Night at the Museum or Deck the Halls. Then it’ll be back to computer. I have to reach the 1/2 way mark in my book before New Year’s!
Happy Wednesday, everyone!
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Anything that isn’t writing usually works, but like you, I usually turn to reading and watching TV/movies in bulk — we went to see Stranger Than Fiction which is one of the best movies I’ve ever seen, hands down, and then The Holiday, which was very nice but they should have dropped the Kate Winslet/Jack Black subplot because they didn’t spend enough time on it. We watched Love Actually on Christmas Eve, and I love it just as it is, just perfect. With that one, I just soak it all in, and don’t analyze, though it’s totally understandable why you would want more Colin. We are going to see The Good Shephard and Casino Royale this week, and dh also bought me the entire Superman collection, all the movies, extended versions, the recent documentary, and all the special features disks and my niece bought me the X-Men trilogy, so I’m like a pig in… cupcakes. :happy2:
Reading Lisa Scottoline’s Courting Trouble and waiting on Charlaine Harris’s Grave Surprise and Maria Snyder’s Magic Study in the mail, though I am also writing, a lot, this week, believe it or not. But it doesn’t feel draining, it’s kind of a nice quiet writing week, actually.
Wishing you a good one, Julie,
Sam
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I read or watch an old movie on dvd(sometimes both at the same time). Getting together with my friends also helps me to recharge, but we usually can only see each other about once a month, so reading is my big way to recharge.
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I love to read–got some good new books for Christmas that I can’t wait to dive into.
And I love movies–I got the complete DVD series of the North & South movies, plus X Files season 2, plus (get this Julie…) Land of the Lost!!! That just cracked me up. I am quite sure it won’t be quite as fabulous now as it was when I was 8 :cough: but I thought it was adorable that my hubby tracked it down. I’ll have to invite a certain editor over for a LOTL party.
Thanks for the thumbs up on Night at The Museum! I’d heard it got awful reviews and that really bummed me out because I so wanted to see it!
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Sam- you will enjoy the new Harris series. I have read both books and enjoyed them alot. Have you ever read her other stuff, not the sookie stuff, but the Shakespear ones?
I love Love Actually. I still :cry: at the end, no matter how many times I have seen it. There is a new Hugh Grant movie coming out too. yummy!!
I am lucky in that daughter’s bf is the manager at the local theater, so I get to get in for nothing. I saw Casino Royale, and being a Bond fan wasn’t sure if I would like it. I didn’t. I LOVED it!!:thumbsup2:
I want to go see Night at the Museum and some others and now that it has quieted down, I can get there. And not do anything at home. Shopping is how I recharge- I charge it!!!!:devil:
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Leslie, I loved Land of the Lost, too! I can’t believe that Bruce found a copy of it!!! How fun
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My hubby got “Land of the Lost” for Christmas. We must all be in the same age group!!!!
When I ‘refill”, I read or when things get desperate….I book a ‘spa day’ (massage and pedicure).
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To recharge I like to go to the coast & spend time watching the ocean. This time of year you can watch for whales off our coastline. It is about an hours drive away. We have had a storm & there are surf warnings up. We don’t have the gentle beaches in this part of California like in the southern part of the state but they are more interesting & not heavily populated with people! Reading, watching TV or movies is always a good way to just relax.
Julie, I tried a new to me Cranberry bread pudding recipe but am not wild about it–it is okay! I had one that I think was Brandy bread pudding but not sure where I found the recipe. Oh well, I really don’t need desserts!!
Have a great day everyone. :)
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Ev, have read every single Harris to date, yes, and enjoyed the first Grave book — love her style. I hear Sookie is also going to be a Fox TV show? Can’t wait.
It seems like she loses a little steam about 4-5 books in, though, which is always interesting to me, from a writing perspective. Frankly, I think a 4-5 book series is about as long as they need to be, and they should end there instead of trying to drag them out infinitely. I saw some reviews that complained that she’s getting Harper and Tolliver together too soon, but we’ll see how it goes. I don’t mind that, actually.
Sam
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I like to curl up with a good book and read, to refill my reserves. I also like to sit back and watch a movie……….:)
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hmm recharge… I read myself to sleep and sleep really late.
I like to cuddle up and watch a movie with my hubby.:love:
Books are my get away esecially in the winter months when I am not able
to take a walk in the woods or dangle my feet in a babbling brook.:love2:
Hope your son’s feelin better Katie.:love:
Now I m off to YUK do some house work and iron.:hissyfit:
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I relax and read a good book.
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Jeannine…thanks…we’ve all had this crud all December long…..I am so tired of it. My littliest has been up each night coughing (for the past couple of nights). I am getting a little tired. I was up last night sick myself (not pleasant). I am doing better, though.
Hope your chores were a breeze.
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I did a movie review of Eragon on my blog and my hubby and his friend (both Star Wars fiends) made the same analogy. Ditto what you said: whatevah. I liked it, too. And what do I do to refill my well of creativity? (I like that, by the way):
READ, READ, READ.
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I wear my fleecy warm pyjamas and lie on the couch under my duvet with a hot water bottle, a bar of Green and Blacks Organic chocolate with orange and my instant fix – hot chocolate mmmm!
I inhale through my eager nostrils the opulent chocolate, take a deep breath, lift tentatively and savour a long, slow sip. The warmth of the hot milky liquid glides smoothly down my throat making me feel completely fulfilled.
Gazing at my silver spoon I know my troubles are disappearing as I stare at the steam rising sporadically from my big Shrek mug. I enjoy watching episodes of Dawsons Creek – fantastic scriptwriting which appeals to everyone – we can all identify with trials and tribulations of love and making decisions. The music is great – often play the soundtracks and I just wanna be in North Carolina – looks a gorgeous place and sit at the edge of the creek – with the delicious Joshua Jackson for company.
Hope everyone has a great New Year’s Eve and New Years Day.
Hogmanay here in Scotland is wet and windy but I am so lucky and happy I have my hot chocolate! Who says all us Scots drink whisky?
Best wishes to you all
Love
Mhairi xx