Where Have I Been?

What a week! And it's not over yet.  My nephew Joseph put it succinctly when he said how he couldn't believe that after seven years I am finally getting my bathroom redone.  He had lost hope he would ever see this day.  You see he lived with me for two years and even after he and my sister-in-law moved out, he'd heard me complain and drag my feet about it. 

Seven years.  I hadn't realized it's been seven years since my hand first went through the shower wall, spilling tiles and making a hole when I grabbed it to steady myself so I wouldn't fall.  Yes - for seven years I've been practically begging friends, family, strangers for a name of a contractor I could trust, for someone who wouldn't take advantage of a single woman. Someone who doesn't see dollar signs. In the meanwhile I'd gotten myself a shower curtain to protect the back wall from further damage.  I had come close to getting a contractor a couple of times.  At first it was the money.  Some of the quotes were outrageous, some were laughably cheap intended for me to sign on the dotted line and then I was sure the costs would slowly escalate.  Then it was lack of time and suddenly seven years passed.  I guess the planets must have all been aligned correctly and egged on by my son, a plan was put in motion, tiles were chosen, color palettes decided on and, miracle or miracle, a friend I hadn't spoken to in eight years got in touch with me and suddenly she had a contractor for me.   He came over.  I liked his laid-back style.  I liked how he didn't pressure me and suddenly I had no other excuses left.  Yes - I said excuses - for today I found myself crying uncontrallably as I drove out to enjoy the spring-like day as I thought of the room that was no more, that I no longer recognized.  That was the idea, wasn't it?  My contractor is rebuilding me a brand new, modern bathroom.  That's what I hired him for.  I should be happy, no?  It was then that it hit me.  I didn't really want the room to change.  I want nothing to change.  By resisting change, I could still pretend that things are as they were when I first moved into the house with my then husband and my two-year old son.  I could pretend that I hadn't gotten divorced, that was son hadn't grown to become the man he is, one who is ready to take his place in the world away from me, that my ex-husband isn't dead, that he's still alive.  

Of course, I'd known of this tendency of mine.  Right after I had gotten divorced, I couldn't bear to throw anything out or stand to be in the house alone.  I hated everything about it.  I was constantly in motion, every weekend visiting friends and family.  I never stayed home if I could help it.  By leaving everything as it was, my anxiety level was held in check.  Providence had other plans.  It started when I needed to knock my back yard shed down.  I had no choice and when it was done, I spilled a few tears.  I couldn't bear to look at the empty spot without remembering all of the happy times we had.  Now, not even two weeks later, I am undertaking another major renovation.  Who knows, I might even do the kitchen next.  I hate change.  This is what I learned this week.  I want to be in control.  But I can't control time.  I can't control anything.  So far the renovation is turning out fine.  I'm so very grateful of the contractor I have.  I trust him to do the right thing by me.  All of the catastrophes I had imagined and dreaded have not come to be and each day that passes by, my anxiety lessens.  This is day two, tomorrow will be day three but I am still on pins and needles until the final reveal, until all of the pieces come together.  At the end of it, I should have a brand new, modern bathroom.  I think I might even be able to do the kitchen next.

I am holding my breath.   

Great Comments Award! Happy New Year!

I am extremely honored to have been given the "Great Comments Award" from Lorelei Bell.  THANK YOU.  Here's a link to her web page: Lorelei's Muse

Since I made it to the Internet in my weakened state (I have a cold), I also want to take the opportunity to wish everyone a Happy New Year.  I can't believe we are already in 2012.  To think that 2012 was so far away in my youthful days of the 1970's and here I am, like it or not, into the future.  I can go on - as my posts usually do - from here and there and back again but I will mercifully stop here. 

if you haven't noticed my Blackberry has been silenced, except for a comment here and there, but I will resume as soon as I get rid of this cold.  I must leave you to grab the 100th cup of tea I've made myself today. 

2011 has been wonderful to me.  I've made many new friends in the U.S. and internationally (thank you Twitter!) who have all inspired me to continue my quest to become the best writer I can be.  Thank you all.

There have been many firsts in 2011 and I hope to continue this trend in 2012.

HAPPY, HAPPY NEW YEAR!  BUON ANNO CARI AMICI ITALIANI

Sorry I Can't Be That Kind of Blogger...

That writes every day.  I just don't have the time.  There's so many projects hanging over my head but it's all good.   I hope you understand.  Besides my writing projects, I also have to keep up with my health.  I am woefully behind my exercise.  Need I say that this week in particular has been the pits for exercise?  Since Monday I probably got maybe one hour or exercise, if that.  I've been glued to my chair for seven straight hours today.  My tush is hurting me.  Yes, but do you think I can get up?  No.  I have too many deadlines I've imposed upon myself.  Once I go back to work, I'll have even less time to write.  As soon as I'm done here, I'll have to go back to my two short stories and also try tackling more of Celeste.


So far though the week has been very good to me.  Besides submitting the review for 'Vampire's Trill,' I also wrote a blog that hopefully will be available online.  As soon as I know, I will let you know.

I'm very excited that my book review is now also on http://frogenyozurt.com/2011/12/vampires-trill-by-lorelei-bell-a-first-review/.

In the meanwhile I want to wish everyone a wonderful Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year.  Wish you all much prosperity and may all your dreams come true.

P.S. I think I also like this font.  It's so much easier to read. 

A Review of 'Vampire's Trill' by Lorelei Bell

All,

Here is my very first book review!  I told you I'm a late bloomer...

Seriously folks, I truly enjoyed Lorelei's books - the first one I won, the second I bought - and am looking forward to reading more of Sabrina Strong's adventures. Without further ado...

    'Vampire's Trill' continues where 'Vampire Ascending' leaves off, but fear not, you need not have read the first book to follow the plot and understand what's at stake (pardon the pun) in Sabrina' s life -- though I highly recommend it.   'Vampire Ascending' was an exciting and fun read from beginning to end, and this book is no different.

    What's it like to be Sabrina Strong?  She's one tough cookie.   She's struggled all her life against the world's stereotypes of her -- you see, she's a Touch Clairvoyant -- but the predicament she finds herself in 'Vampire's Trill' really raises the bar.   And for someone who can't even get a date, Sabrina is awfully popular these days.  Everyone wants her, but why?   There's Bjorn Tremayne the handsome master Vampire who first hired Sabrina to uncover some nefarious goings-on in his organization, but who now desperately needs help of his own, and Vasyl, the Rogue Vampire who has been unknowingly lurking in Sabrina's life but will soon reveal his true intentions.  Sabrina finds that the fate of the world is in her hands.  Is she the sybil Bjorn's enemies fear?  The mystery deepens -- no one's life is safe from danger  -- and there's plenty of romance too, as the once untouchable Sabrina is suddenly in hot demand. 

    Lorelei Bell makes the incredible, credible - a mark of a great story teller - and what a world she's created:  Vampires, Shape Shifters, and Werewolves as they cohabitate with the human race, and sometimes it's difficult to tell who is the most  inhuman. 

    In short, 'Vampire's Trill' is fun, exciting and entertaining, filled with mysterious twists as Sabrina uncovers the evil plot afoot.  I am not into Vampire fiction as a rule, but Lorelei  Bell has made a believer out of me.  I love Lorelei's blend of mystery, romance and humor and most important, her inventiveness.  She has fashioned an incredible, fresh new world.  I can't wait for the next installment in the Sabrina Strong series.