Where is Spring?

I'm well aware that I live in the U.P. and should expect winter to last a bit longer than others, but this is getting to be ridiculous. This is what my first day of spring looked like:

It is pretty and creates a beautiful wonderland for the photos I share with you, but I am getting sick of all this white. 

And in some spots it's not really even white anymore. In the front yards of the townspeople, it is a black/gray combo due to all the exhaust fumes and dirt. At school, it is a dangerous, slippery, nasty mess. My yard? Well, what you're seeing is where the dogs won't go. 

Can  you see where I am ready for the green that will bring my woods and yard to life? I feel as if I'm stuck in an old television show only not nearly as funny. *G*

The only critters I see in my yard are a couple of stray cats someone thought could survive better in the wild than in the local no-kill shelter. (That's a story for another day.)

 

I'm ready for the technicolor world again. The bright greens and blues, the vivid red and pinks of flowers, the yellow sunshine. Ahhh, the way the world comes to life when spring hits. I'm already making plans for my small container garden and all the jams I can make. Of course, that means I need to clean out the freezer and make room. 

 

See how beautiful my world can be? I would love to take a paintbrush out and do a paint by number on my world. Unfortunately, I don't have the time or the money for the amount of paint I'd need.

How about your corner of the world? Is spring showing her presence or is Old Man Winter still working his magick?

Walkers and Biters, Oh My!

I have never been one to enjoy zombies. While there are plenty of people out there who do like a good zombie flick (I'm married to one of them), they have never been my thing. Until one afternoon.

I was working on whatever it is I was working on when my husband switched the channel to something and started watching it. Because my "office" is in our living room, I kept hearing bits of dialogue and would look over my shoulder to see what was happening. That was my first introduction to The Walking Dead.
I finally turned off the computer and sat down to watch the marathon on A&E. I had missed Seasons 1 and 2, but I would be damned if I'd miss anymore. I am now a bonafide, true blue Walking Dead fan. 

I sit and sync my iPad with the show so I can keep up with what's happening. We watch the Talking Dead afterwards. I yell at the television and threaten to throw things. And yes, I was one of those who threatened to riot if they killed off Daryl.

This is from Tumblr. I'm not sure who made it, but I love it!

Yeah, I'm that woman! I have this huge crush on the redneck with heart. Hey, don't judge me! LOL I will even admit to sort of liking Merle at this point. I keep hoping he loves his little brother, but I'm afraid I will be wrong.

Now the season is winding down and each week I sit on the edge of my seat, begging for an ending that doesn't leave me hanging until next season. Hell, I watch the black and white episodes just to feed my addiction each week.

Yes, I'm a Walking Dead junkie. If I'm not careful, I'll turn into one of the despised walkers as I wait for the next season to start.

How about you? What shows are on your must watch list? Chat with me!

*Drumroll Please* Ta-Da!

Last weekend, I spent time e-mailing back and forth with the lovely Kathey at Design by Katt. I contacted her to create the cover for the third Cedar River series book, The Golden Dragon's Treasure.

I will admit I was nervous. I didn't know her and this whole self-publishing process has been a bit nerve-wracking. However, when she showed me the couple she had in mind for the cover...well, she had me hooked.

Kathey took my wish list and created something so magickal. I can't believe it is actually the cover for my book. I am so excited! Are you ready? Okay, here it is:

Because I'm going to try to get this to print as quickly as I possibly can. I'll also show you the print cover. *Squee*

So, tell me what you think. Are you ready for Brady and Silver's story?

I'm shooting for mid-to late May for the release.

It Is Finished

If you follow my Facebook page, then you've heard the news: Book 3 in the Cedar River series is finished!!! I am currently going through and editing it so I can send it off to my lovely beta reader.

One of the changes I spoke of in a previous post is I'm going to self-publish this book. I want to be able to put out 4-6 books this year and with my publisher's schedule, I am unable to do that.

I found a cover artist who is brilliant. I've seen what she has in mind and it is crazy how she sees inside my mind! I love it and I hope you do, too.

I am taking a creative writing class this semester and I've made a new friend. He makes me smile because he is so full of questions. I hate talking about myself, but my books? Well, I'll chat away about them :) He asked me a question yesterday, "Do you celebrate?" I smiled. When I signed my first contract (over a year ago), my husband and I went out to dinner. With the 2nd contract, we had a nice dinner at home. With this one, (because the costs are coming out of our budget) we didn't do anything too special. However, I do have a book that has been taunting me since I got it. I promised myself I would finish the third book before I cracked the cover of it. It is still sitting there, teasing me, but I have to finish the edits (and my Algebra homework) before I can start it. 

Whose book is it, you ask? It's Ever After by Kim Harrison. I think I'm going to take a whole day and just read once the edits are done.

I've told you repeatedly how exciting my life is. LOL I think it is a testament to how unexciting my life is when the highlight includes a book, a soft bed, and 4 dogs to cuddle with. However, I wouldn't trade it for the world.

How do you celebrate a special accomplishment? Tell me about it.