Plot Monkeys

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.