Well, I'm running behind this morning but here's a few fun facts to brighten your day.

Did you know that your tongue print is unique just like your finger prints?

A sneeze travels at over 100 mph. Seriously?

Babe Ruth wore a cabbage leaf under his hat to keep his head cool and changed it every two innings.

Those divots on a golf ball are called dimples and there are 336 of them.

A jiffy is an actual unit of time...1/100th of a second. Wow...

Dogs and cats are left or right pawed. 

A pregnant goldfish is called a twit. 

The dot that goes over the letter i is a tittle.

A dime has 118 ridges around the edge.

Moe, Curly, and Shemp were actually brothers.

In Kansas it is illegal to catch fish with your bare hands.

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I don't remember exactly why this came to mind yesterday but it did so here we go.

Do you know anyone who is always negative. No matter what happens, even good stuff, they can find a negative about it and that's what they focus on. Or what about a person that is always positive? No matter what happens, even something bad, they can find a positive aspect and focus on that. 

But what about you? What is your attitude? And I think this is sorta where I'm going...

  Our attitude determines so much of our lives. It determines how we feel, who we associate with, what we do, where we go, and even where we end up.

I mean, think about it. I I'm negative all the time, who is going to want to hang out and be friends? Only another negative person...and they just want to tell me how much worse they have it than I.

If I'm looking on the negative side of a situation, then I'm probably a bit depressed. And being depressed, I don't feel that great, so I'll stay home in my jammies and feel sorry for myself, which makes me feel worse.

And feeling worse, I'll have a pity party which no one will want to attend so I end up isolated and alone. I won't chase dreams, I won't go on outings and have adventures. I won't socialize with positive people and have fun. I won't look for solutions 'cause, what's the use.

But the opposite is true also. I can choose to look for the good. In situations, in people, in my daily chores. I can look for and find solutions. I'll chase dreams and achieve them. I'll have friends and enjoy time with them. I'll get out, go on adventures...even it it's just a trip to Walmart. :-)

Our attitude is our choice. How's that for a truth-bomb? We are the ones who determine how we look at things. 

Oh...now I remember! Last year I did the keto thing for a while but during the holidays I got off and ate all those holiday foods that don't come around often. But, on the first, I jumped back on the keto wagon with both feet. (I need to do low carb 'cause of blood sugar issues.) Well, because I've been so good with it, no cheating, no foods that I shouldn't have, I should have been in ketosis on Thursday, Friday for sure. But I wasn't. So, in trying to figure out why, I discovered that one of the foods I believed was appropriate for the keto way of eating...I mean, it is even called keto-friendly, actually isn't for some people. Apparently, I'm one of those people. Not only was I annoyed, but I was a bit discouraged. And, I let my attitude get out of hand and felt sorry for myself. Which led to snickers, double stuff oreos, french fries, and m&ms. 

Instead of continuing to move forward, I've now taken several steps back and have to start over again. Which I'm doing today. I'll be more aware and diligent. I'm a bit annoyed with myself but I'm letting it go, looking at the positive, and moving forward.

So...remember, your attitude is your choice. When you slip up, forgive yourself and move on. It's okay. Choose to be happy, and positive, and joyful, and thankful. You'll soar a lot higher and farther. And it'll be lots more fun. :-)

Today is my day to rest, relax, and reset.  

First, my furry alarm clock let me sleep until 7. Yes, we did have to make a quick trip outside at 6 but he laid back down and I went back to sleep until the alarm went off. It doesn't happen often so I'm appreciative when it does. 

I'll spend this morning at Church. I love my church family. I know some of you don't care for church but it's a great way for me to recharge my battery for the coming week. I even get to serve as greeter this morning. :-)

After lunch, my daughter and I are going to the library to work on book stuff. I'll be plotting out the middle of the sequel to Dragons of Jade. I've gotten almost 10k written but I'm not sure what's going to happen in the middle.  I know the end, I just got to get there.  I've got a deadline to meet so I gotta get busy. 

I'll also be working in my planner a bit getting ready for this week.

What about you? What's your Sunday plans? What do you do to recharge for the coming week? Got a fuzzy alarm clock? 

​Be sure to sign up for my very rare newsletter. I'll send you something special if you do. :-)

One of the things on my "to do" list this year is to read more for myself. Not only for pleasure but to learn and grow. 

Another thing on my list is to de-clutter and not so much, downsize, but get rid of stuff I don't need or haven't used.  For example, we moved in to this house 8 years ago...but there are still boxes in the garage that haven't been unpacked.  Anyone else have this?

So, here's the first book I'll be reading this year.

One thing this deals with is procrastination. Sigh...I used to have a t-shirt that read, "I put the pro in procrastinate." I'm so good at procrastination. For example, I planned to have most of my posts planned and written for this month. But do I? Nope. I thought about it several times but kept putting it off. 

I'll let you know how the book is.

Got any things on your "to do" list you want to share? Or perhaps a goal you want to accomplish this year? 

​Have a great weekend!

   Today, we celebrate. Actually we should celebrate every day but many times we get so busy with life we forget. So, since today is Friday, which is a perfect reason to celebrate, let's share our wins for the week.  

First, I've blogged every day this year! How awesome is that. I like saying it this way instead of I've blogged for four days in a row. Maybe not a big deal to some but the last couple times I tried blogging for a month, it didn't happen.

Second, I was accepted into an awesome goal setting group. We had our first meeting/call yesterday and it was so good. I realized I don't have big enough goals and need to dream bigger. Plus, I tend to overthink things. Which is something I'll be working on.

Third, I'm made some new Facebook "friends" who I believe are actually going to become very good friends. Not to mention some very special ladies from my BSF group that I've gotten to know over the last couple months.

These are just a few things. So many blessings we take for granted...warm, dry house, food in the fridge/cabinets, indoor plumbing. :-)

What are you celebrating today? 

Some of y'all know I have a Belgian Malinois. His name is Bodhi, but often I call him Heathen or Demon Spawn. It's been an adventure and a pretty sharp learning curve figuring him out but I totally love him and the breed. 

Here's the thing...they aren't for everyone. They aren't called Maligators for nothing. They need a job, they bite, they herd, they tend to be very active. Many people say they don't have an off switch but you just have to get them tired...which takes a long time. For example, my dobie girls are couch potatoes. Bodhi, not so much.

I'm not exactly sure when people decided they "had" to have a mal. I know the movie Max had a lot to do with it though. Folks bought cheap mals, started breeding them in their backyard, and sold them to people who hadn't researched the breed and didn't have any clue as to how much work it is to live with a mal.

And that led to a major problem. These owners started getting rid of their puppies cause they were too much to handle, took too much time and energy. Now there is a serious over-abundance of mals showing up at shelters and rescue groups.

And that is where I'm going. If you think you might want a Belgian Malinois, do some research and study the breed and what it requires. 

If you decide you can take on a mal, then how about getting a rescue. I'm working with the American Belgian Malinois Rescue and they have some great dogs waiting for forever homes. These dogs have all been vetted and are being fostered so they are house trained, crate trained, have some basic obedience training, and would make an awesome addition to the right home. Check out the above link. Your next dog could be waiting there.

And, if you have a few spare bucks, how about making a donation. These folks are doing an awesome job and every little bit will help. I saw someone say they rescued/rehomed over 100 malinois last year. 

One of the great things about books is all the places they take you.  I mean, think about it...if not for J. K. Rowling we'd never have gone to Hogwarts. Without books, we'd never have gone to District 12 or the Capital. We'd never have visited the Night Court, gone to Middle Earth and into Mordor. Some of us would never have visited New York, Paris, Istanbul, or even Texas. 

Books give us a way to experience a different life. They help us to escape from our daily grind and do things we'd never be able in our own lives. Aren't books amazing???

What are your favorite places to visit in books? 

Some of you know my daughter also writes. She writes for all ages of kids and is working on YA now. Her latest release, is a Mid-grade chapter book that takes the reader on an adventure to Egypt and the pyramids. 

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​ Naturally I''m biased but I really love this story. And, I bet your kids will too.

You can get a signed copy through our Square store. There is free shipping too. You can also get it at Amazon, B&N, or our publisher's website. 

She's working on the next one and I think, not gonna swear to it, but I think it's set on Easter Island. It will be awesome though.

Want to keep up with us and what's happening with our books? Then click on over to the sidebar and signup for our newsletter. Naturally, I'll not share your info and spam you with a bunch of email, just the occasional newsletter.

Be sure to say hi and let me know your favorite place to visit in books.


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I don't know about you, but I'm so ready for today. I've been planning for today for about a week now. I even have a new planner that focuses on goals and the actions needed to achieve them. I've pondered a lot, planned, and am now ready to get busy.

What about you? Excited for the new year? Got plans and goals? What do you hope to achieve this year? Are you prepared to get things done?

I love planners but have a hard time finding one that fits me. It's sorta sad...I have several planners that have been started then abandoned. But, I'm really loving this new one. It's called 90X Goal Planner. You can get it here or on Amazon. I love that if focuses on goals along with action steps to achieve them and not so much daily routine. I even bought way too many stickers from The Happy Planner. I found them at Walmart and Michael's. These are so cool...not only do they have normal productivity stickers, but inspirational and motivational quotes. They are a nice way to bring a bit of color and personality to my planner.

I'm also using Habitbull on my phone. It's a nice little app. I love seeing the days checked off.  Getting healthier is one of my goals for the year so I'm using Carb Manager. Again, this is a nice phone app that helps track not only carbs but the macros. It connects to my Fitbit and adds my steps in and tracks calorie burn. If you are a list person, you  might like Do It Tomorrow. Check your app store. I like that it moves undone tasks to the next day for you.

What apps or tools are you using to achiever your goals this year? I love trying news tools so please share.

So, here's the thing...the point to this post. What will your 2019 look like? Sure, I know we can't plan for every circumstance and that things will happen. But, remember the "failing to plan is planning to fail" saying? And what about the "a year from now, you'll wish you had started today" one?  

Today is the start of a new year. It's the perfect time to take stock of the past year, decide what you want to accomplish, and put a plan into place to make it happen. A year from now, you'll be glad you did.

And don't forget to sign up for my rare but "it will be great" newsletter. I promise not to spam you and you can always unsubscribe if you find no value within.

First, Happy New Year's Eve, y'all.  

Second, welcome to the blog. I hope you find something of value. I've been seriously pondering how I can bring valuable content to the blog when there are so many blogs out there. I mean, all ya gotta do is Google and you have whatever info you need.

I figure most folks don't want to know about the writing process...I mean, it's kinda boring unless you are a writer. There are way too many cute cat or dog pix out there so while my critters are cute, I doubt you want a bunch of them. And honestly, I don't do a lot of new recipes, life hacks, or tips and tricks. I don't read as much popular or new books as I should since I'm busy writing and editing my own stuff and that of my publisher. I don't travel or have an exciting social life. I'm really kind of boring when it comes right down to it. 

So, I'm working on a plan. I figure Wednesday will be my writing post day. I'll post about my writing, what's coming out and when, and maybe some previews. I'll also post about my daughter's writing...new releases, etc.

Thursday is going to be dog stuff. I'll try to make it interesting. Training tips, a cute pix or two, fun things to do with your dog. 

Friday will be FriYay! We will celebrate our accomplishments for the week. Be sure to stop by and post your Friyay.

Not sure what I'm gong to do on the weekends. January I'm taking part in a blog challenge to post every day so there will be something there. After January, not sure.

Monday and Tuesday are still up in the wind. Not sure what will be there but it will be worth stopping by to see.

One thing I want to do in 2019 is grow my email list. I know, I know...you get enough email that you don't read but I won't send you a bunch of junk email. Just the occasional, here's what's happening. I'll also be sharing contests, free stories, and such things. I promise, it will be worth signing up for and reading. So, please, click on the subscribe to newsletter link over on the sidebar and take a second to fill it out. I'd really appreciate it.
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I'm really excited about the new year. I've a lot of things in the works and am planning more. It's going to be fun. So, tighten your seat belt and join me. You'll be glad you did.

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...is just not going to happen for me. I've tried...really I have. 

My desk is in the corner of our living room since I don't have an "office" at this time. One of these days, I will have a personal writing space away from distractions and such but right now, I'm just happy to have my desk and computer where I can use them.  

For the most part, I know which pile has what in it. But it's the extra stuff that sometimes gets in the way. Right now, I have several boxes of sinus and allergy meds close by with cough drops, peppermints and tissues. Not to mention my normal vitamins, probiotics, and daily pills I take. I have them on the desk cause I'm here so much it's easier to remember to take them if I see them.

I also have several small jars of dog treats, some snacks for me, books of course, lots of paper, extra batteries, tv remote, mail, and all sorts of miscellaneous odds and ends.  Oh, also my new mug. I'll share a pix of that. :-) 

   It amuses me.  I'll put my red editing pens in it later. 

That said, I do plan to straighten up my desk a bit and get more organized before the new year so I can start without so much clutter nearby. 

What about you? Is your desk a clutter-free work space or do you have your own pile system?