On Monday, my daughter goes back to school. I have to say that this has been the shortest summer in the history of summers. I guess because I spent so much time recovering from my surgery or dealing with my father’s surgery, I feel like the whole of the season slipped away without me hardly noticing.
What we didn’t do this summer:
Go to the movies once a week, or even once a month. We saw ONE movie. I’m trying to fix that on Friday.
Go to the beach. We like to spend the Fourth at the beach, but not this year. My surgery even had me passing up a free weekend at the Grand Floridian in Disney World. Can you imagine?
Spend time hanging out at my parent’s house, on the lake or by the pool. My daughter did go waterskiing for the first time, which I was sure was going to make my youngest brother, who is an avid skiier, though not of his four children share his obsession, die from happiness. Then the boat broke down (as boats are wont to do) and there was not a follow-up. As much as I was miffed that my daughter was allowed to ski without anyone consulting me first, I was glad she showed aptitude and interest. It’s not a video game, you know?
Read a ton of books. I think I read four. That’s pathetic.
Now, I shouldn’t be focusing on the negative. So here are the things I did accomplish this summer, just to make me feel better:
Painted my bedroom a beautiful shade of blue.
Finally got the surgery that I’ve needed for years and I’m feeling FABULOUS!!!
Rediscovered my love for Star Trek: Voyager.
Finished a Blaze!
Plotted a new novella, plus worked on my next Phantom book.
HUNG OUT WITH MY PLOTMONKEYS!!! (That was THE BEST PART of the summer…and it’s no wonder that coming home from San Francisco has resulted in my renewed energy. They were just the tonic I needed!)
So what did you get done this summer that you planned? What didn’t you? Anything unplanned…say, like a parent’s triple bypass? (Dad’s doing really well, btw!)
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Warm wishes for a Happy Birthday go out to Plotmonkey Pal, DONNA McCLURE, today! We hope you have a fabulous, fun-filled day!
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.
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Summer has flown by. I think it’s because kids are going back to school so early these days. I’m used to going after Labor Day. Those were the days…
Hmmm, let’s see. I did Lori Foster’s/Dianne Castell’s event in Ohio in June, which is always a great time. I did RWA and saw 3 of the 4 Plotmonkeys and got to explore SFO. I met up with some online friends (hey Ev!) in D.C. in May, which I know is not summer, but close enough.
My dad had to have quadruple bypass surgery, and he went back to work July 17th. So he recovered nicely, and now my mom can breathe again LOL. I’m glad to hear that your surgery and your dad’s went smoothly. Happy recovery to you both.
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I am actually having a pretty good summer so far. Still waiting on news of a book that should be published soon, just started work on another book, and have several ideas brewing on the sidelines. And I’ve been doing a LOT of reading!
Happy Birthday, Donna!
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I’ve had a good summer. I didnt’ get to see as many movies as I had planned, but I actually got to see a couple of new ones. I read tons of books, except the week I had my nieces(which is my favorite week of the summer), and made point to spend time each month with my friends and family.
I’m having out-patient foot surgery this morning at 9. I’ve needed to do this for years, but the pain walking(especially at the gym) has finally forced me to do it. I’m so ready as they told me I would be able to be back at the gym in 6-8 weeks. I’m hoping I feel just as fabulous as you Julie, once it’s all over.
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I like to think we kicked our summer off right in Washington (Hi Stacy!!). I had a great time there.
I didn’t go back to work after my surgery until after July 4th (3 1/2 months off!) but I still didn’t get done half the things I wanted to while I was out. My tbr pile didn’t go down as much as I would have liked, and the diningroom is still a disaster. On the other hand I did get the little bedroom turned over from my previous craft room to a sitting room just for ME!
We got another doxie rescue and I spent yesterday on my hands and knees steam cleaning the carpet. I did go see lots of movies but not as many as I wanted. (Does seeing Iron Man and Dark Knight 3 times each count?)
Still no word on the job. :pray: :pray:
I am glad your dad is do well Julie (and you too) and your dad too Liza! Good luck with your foot surgery.
Happy birthday Donna
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My summer has flown by too. Lots of changes at work. After working part-time while the kids were small, I’m finally getting the opportunity to go back to working full-time. It’s been 10 years so it will be a big adjustment for us all, not least of all, my two teenagers. But I’m looking forward to having medical benefits for myself again.
We’ve managed to see quite a few movies this summer and we’re going to try to hit the zoo before they head back to school in 2 weeks. All in all, it’s been a good one.
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Donna, Happy Bday. I love the cake.
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Happy Birthday, Donna!!
Liza – sending prayers and healing vibes your way this morning..hope all goes well and recovery is speedy!
My summer has been up and down but, thank God, nothing like last summer. We did have plans to go to the mountains in June but then they started hubby on his chemo. He doesn’t have the energy or stamina to walk or bike the App. Trail like we’d planned, so maybe we can do that next summer.
I haven’t been able to go to visit my dad this summer, I haven’t seen him since Christmas, so that has me kind of bummed too.
But, on the upside, hubby’s chemo seems to be working as the tumor is stable and the seizures have gotten less and less frequent. So maybe I’ll have a little more flexibility soon.
I did sell a novella this summer and the Plotmonkey’s threw me a party that I will NEVER forget!
I have been able to reclaim most of the plant bed around my house – the yard had grown right into it and you couldn’t tell where one started and the other was supposed to end. Another 3-4 days and I should be finished with that.
I think that’s about it, but I’ve learned that uneventful can be a very, very good thing!
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As for summer plans I went on vacation in early June and haven’t been to the beach once. Of course, I haven’t gone to any amusement parks, but have taken my kids to the local parks to play tennis and such. I haven’t written nearly enough to satisfy myself or my critique partner.
My kids go back to school next Wednesday and they are happier about it than I am.
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Happy Birthday Donna
Our summer started with my 8 year old daughter making the softball all star team so we had practice 6 days a week for 2 hours a day 
exhausting So when districts came around they first game went well my daughter made some game winning plays. the next day we get to the park an hour drive from us and it starts raining, pouring they make us stay normally in Florida it rains and then stops well to cut a long story short it rained all day and the director would not call the game so we had to stay there outside, sitting in the car or the dugout for 8 hours then we were told we could go home but they could call as back as late as 10 pm ( these are 5-8year olds. this was two days of this finally they played and came in third.
We spent a lot of time in our pool. We also took a mini vacation and drove down to Key West a long drive even longer with two kids in the back seat arguing and fighting. We had fun when we got there. Last week my husband had to do some work at one of the launch pads a Kennedy space center so we went to the visitors center. School starts Monday for Makailey and Braxton starts in two weeks (pre school) The first time I will have a few hours to myself maybe then I can take some writing classes and finish writing the book I’ve started.
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My boys did the summer reading program through the library (and I did the adult reading program). I told my middle boy I was going to read 20 books and I did that as of last Sunday (the program ends on Saturday, so I have a few more days to surpass my goal). Boys also met their goals.
I was also going to prepare my oldest for his move back to his old school, which I am still working on. I was going to get youngest potty trained (still hasn’t happened at all!). I guess I still have until September 3rd to get those done. LOL.
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I did get some things accomplished this summer! I finished an old manuscript, polished it up all bright and shiny, and as soon I finish the synopsis, I’ll be submitting the proposal to a publisher. *crosses fingers* I still have until Labor Day to finish final edit on a second manuscript and get it submitted to a second publisher!
It’s been so
here, I’m ready for fall to get here! Hope everyone had a great summer. Julie, glad you are recuperating and that’s great news on your dad!
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Happy birthday Donna.
I have to say my summer was extremely what I call… uneventful.
What I did do: 1.)The b/f and I did put up a pool for the kids, which was more hassle than I ever thought possible. But the kids loved it, so it was worth it.
2.) I’ve spent most of my summer going back and forth to the gynecologist for health issues, which has definitely not been fun. But on the other hand, it’s given me a lot of time to re-evaluate my life and I’ve stumbled upon many things, good and bad, so I really can’t complain.
3.) Spent a lot of time reading. I bought more books at the start of the summer, and finished them, then I ever have before. (I think the number is around 25).
4.) I’ve reconnected with old friends and made new ones.
What I didn’t do:
1.) Wasn’t able to find a job.
2.) Didn’t finish the book I’ve been writing for the past five months, haven’t even looked at it, for that matter.
3.) Haven’t been given a clean bill of health
4.) Didn’t have a single date night with my b/f
5.) Haven’t lost even five pounds though I’ve been on a diet forever
But all this, instead of depressing me the way it should, has just given me more determination to make it through what’s left of the summer and hope that no matter what, I’ll come out good in the end.
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All I did is work. This is my first summer working, and I swear that nothing else has gotten accomplished. :)
Julie, so glad you are feeling better. Also, super glad that your dad is doing better.
Donna–
Have a super day, everyone!
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY DONNA!!!
What did I do this summer? I worked on the first single title I’m writing about a wedding planner and a mortician. :giggle:
I went to national and saw the girls aka Plotmonkeys!! Yay!! And I got to meet Leslie in person! Double Yay!! I saw Brenda!! Triple Yay!!
Nurtured my tomato plants which are really tall now and I harvested the first tomato last weekend!! Delish!!
I read Hot Property and Slow Hands!! Delish too!!!
My daughter started school yesterday so we are back on the 5 o’clock shuffle. Ugh! The bus picks her up at 6:30. Poor kid has a very long day.
My BIL got married–his second, her second–Yay!! They just got back from Antigua on their honeymoon.
I read a bunch of Silhouette Nocturnes which I really liked. I’m reading the latest Stephanie Plum book and giggling all the way.
Now it’s the end of summer here in Colorado. Hallelujah! That means it’s cooling off. We’re even going to be getting highs in the 60′s soon!
Julie, so glad your dad is recovering nicely. That’s wonderful. I know you and your family are very relieved.
Have a terrific day all,
Cher
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Happy Birthday Ladies!
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Silver…potty training is not going well….sigh. I figure that his teacher can help me in the fall, worst case scenario.
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OMG JODIE!!!! How did I miss you selling a novella?? That is awesome! I’m so excited for you, congratulations!
:banana: 
Donna
Julie glad that both you and your dad are recovering :flower4you:
As for my summer, we did get to sneak away for a few days, but it wasn’t the trip we had hoped for…but at least we did something. I did see a few movies, read a ton of books, spent alot of time with my mom who finally retired from her job….but it does seem like the summer just flew by….where does the time go? :scratch3: Before you know it will be Christmas
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Katie, I’m not the best font of advice in that area. Mine was remarkably easy to train. This may be TMI, but a friend quit using ‘disposables’ and went to regular cloth training pants. It took about two weeks but her son was miserable. She’d tried the “Cheerio Target Practice” and that didn’t work at all. The pullups had kept him dry enough that he wasn’t uncomfortable so wasn’t too concerned about “making it on time”. Good luck.
Jodie – congrats again on the sale and sending good thoughts to your hubby. May his recovery be quick and complete.
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Happy Birthday Donna!
I did get to the beach and one amusement park. Planning another amusement park/water park for end of August. I’m making sure I keep up with my reading though.
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I spent the whole summer moving. At least that’s what it’s felt like!
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Silver…thanks for the advice…my oldest was pretty much there at 3 (odd because of his autism); middle boy, I told him the store was out of pull-ups and I could reason with him; youngest is just not having any of it. He doesn’t believe me or something. He’s happy just being wet or otherwise….
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My summer totally fizzled out, mainly because I was babysitting with my eldest and youngest
grandsons. One thing that got done and Honey did most of the work: the outdoor trim on the
house got painted. My contribution to the project: I painted the front door RED! My feng shui
eldest son says that’s a very good color for a front door.
Pat Cochran
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Thanks you Everyone for all the birthday wishes. It has been a quiet day, but that is okay as yesterday was long & wore me out!!
Julie, I am so glad you are feeling great and also glad your dad is doing well.
Liza good luck with your foot surgery & recovery. :pray:
Ev I hope you hear soon about the job. Interesting that they can drag it out so long!
What I did this summer:
1. Went to RWA, met the Plotmonkeys, Cher & Paula, got to go to a Blaze signing, met other authors. It was great to meet everyone & get a taste for RWA.
2. Read
3. Spent some time with my grandkids that live in Oregon, they went back home yesterday. One reason I am tired as I went along for the ride to meet my daughter in Redding, she went back to Oregon with the kids & Grandma Ann & I came back home!!
Did not do this summer:
1. Spend time at the ocean or getting to travel, except to RWA!
2. No movies except DVD’s from Netflix
3. Win the LOTTERY!!! :giggle:
What I will be doing: Moving! I am moving here in the same town to some low cost housing. What an experience getting approved for that!! Why would anyone try unless they need to??!!!
Anyway, I have much to do in a short period of time & I think MOVE is a four letter word!! However, I am grateful it is available!!
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Thanks for all the prayers and good wishes everyone. Just checking in while I’m awake. My dad told me the dr said the x-ray looks great and I have a nerve block in my leg right now, so I have no feeling in my foot. Taking my pain meds every 4-6 hours and plan to go back to sleep soon.
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Hm… I can’t believe summer is almost over as well! Things I did as planned… saw Dark Knight (thought not on opening night, sadly) and Wall-E. And I took summer classes for the first time in my life. Unplanned? Car accident – still trying to get the insurance person to give me my money… my uncle’s heart surgery, not getting my thesis done, and not taking any vacations. Ah well – I’m going to enjoy my last few days of freedom.
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OK- News on the new Job front—
After that 2 1/2 hour interview on Monday, the girl from HR said she should hear something by Tuesday at the latest. I didn’t hear from her yesterday, so I called today on my 1/2 hour break. She was surprised that she hadn’t heard anything either, especially since the person I did the 3rd and final interview with wanted to hire me on the spot. So she said she would make a call and get back to me.
She did.
I start on Monday.
The really, really nice part is- they own Penquin Publishing. And employees get a 60% discount.
Heck, they don’t even need to pay me!!
So thanks for the good luck and wishes everyone! They worked. Friday I am giving my 2 week notice at Border’s. I just can’t do the standing, bending and putting up with my manager stuff any more. It’s killing me. And I still have enough friends at the store so I can use their discount if I want to.
I need to do a happy
dance!!
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Rock on, ev!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Can summers fly? Mine sure did. We hosted a british soccer coach, drove across the country, went to another soccer camp for my son, visited with my mommy and somewhere in there my brother graduated Army boot camp and my Air Force husband came home from a 4 month stateside TDY. I also had my best friend move to Korea! My kids went back to school this week, I went back to work as a monitor for the school and my husband went TDY for the week. I’m thinking that maybe next week I find a few minutes for myself and get a haircut:)
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Happy Birthday Donna
Congrats Ev
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I feel like we lost out on a whole month b/c it rained the entire month of June! I fell like just now it’s in the middle of my summer. Boo!
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