Kindle and The Help

Hang out with friends and family or take time out to catch a movie or read a book that has been patiently waiting for your attention.

This book was anything but patient, and I had painting to do but I finished it anyway. Husband and Kids took me out to an early birthday dinner on Friday night and gave me my present - a Kindle. Husband is often great at figuring out what I want before I do and I think he's done it again. My favorite feature -- downloading a sample of a book to see if I really want to read it. Read a few samples then ordered The Help by Kathryn Stockett. Couldn't. Put. It. Down.

I was worried about reading on the Kindle, but the book was so good I think I would have been just as absorbed if I'd been reading it on toilet paper. It's been over a year since a book has drawn me in like that and I'd almost forgotten what it felt like. There is no better feeling. It's like going on a fabulous vacation and meeting interesting new people.

I want to write characters like that. I was so inspired....but had promised I would paint the trim in the family room. The room is looking pretty great. And I have to admit that I doubt my ability to write that well anyway (Camille - don't yell at me).

I wish today was my birthday 7

You're making inroads in arenas that have, until now, been closed to you. You're not different; it's the atmosphere that's changed. This is your time, so make the most of it.

I think that I'm hoping this is true more than I believe it really is true. And why would the atmosphere have changed? Is the world suddenly on the look out for slightly dumpy, middle-aged, somewhat sarcastic women?

If so, then it definitely is my time.



If Today is Your Birthday

You are a blessing.

That's it. A blessing. Not a helping hand, or a good friend, or a pretty face. A blessing.

I would love to be a blessing.

Pencils down, everybody 0

It's time to make a choice, and it won't be an easy one. It will, however, be a life-changing one. You'll see the effects of the verdict you announce now in about three months. Keep that in mind as you're weighing up your options and making your decisions.

I'm trying to figure out what decision I'm supposed to be making and I just can't. We went up to my parents' house today for Dad's 65th birthday and Husband went to the Buick Open while the kids and I hung out at the house. It was a nice relaxing day and I really can't figure out what I'm supposed to be announcing.

What are the options I'm weighing? What is this difficult decision? And why don't I even know what it is? I'm starting to feel all panicky, like I'm out of the loop. I feel like I'm going to be forced to suddenly make a decision that I'm not prepared to make.

I think I should have done better homework for today's horoscope. "Um, excuse me, Mr. Universe, but I didn't know there was going to be a quiz today."

And here's a disturbing observation: even when it's a stranger's interpretation of an ancient art or science or quackery from a web site that is just trying to get my money -- I always assume that I am the one who's wrong?

What the hell is that about?

Singing my own praises 7

Today's outgoing Sagittarius Full Moon falls in your 10th House of Career, revealing how your emotions can positively impact your professional life.

Interesting. Spent the morning being grateful for my awesome friends and writing another essay - that no one will probably buy. Was forced out of the house this afternoon to drive Son to a playdate and since I was out, dropped off headshots and resumes at local casting agencies. Might as well look for more opportunities to show off my bad acting skills! When I stopped at one, where I've been signed for nearly 20 years, the agent said, "Can you wait a few minutes?" I could (Son at playdate, Daughter glued to new Birthday Laptop) and did and when she came back she had a voiceover audition for me that had just come in. Since I didn't know it was coming I didn't have time to get nervous or worried and I think it may be the best voiceover audition I've ever had.

Light green candles to access the gentle, loving vibes of Venus as it sails into Cancer today. This aspect will also inspire your artistic side, so set aside time this evening to paint, write or sing.

I decided to write instead of sing. I don't know if you are grateful, but my family sure is.

REJECTED BY THE BEST

I recently submitted an essay to Hallmark Magazine and got a lovely email from Executive Editor Helen Rogan who rejected the essay but called my writing "smart and funny" (insert blushing and false modesty here). In an effort to figure out what Hallmark WOULD like to receive (Ms. Rogan also encouraged me to send in something again) I checked out the mag's website and discovered Ms. Rogan's blog, Life Lines, which I am ashamed to admit I had not read before. It is now a fixture in my recommended websites below. The Queen of Smart and Funny Writing called MY writing "smart and funny!" It's like Cindy Crawford just told me, "You know, you could be a model."

I have never been so excited to be rejected.