Sunday Night late

Hello, well it's Sunday night and I'm definitely feeling under the weather. It's just female problems but it's got me dragged down in mood spirit and body. I hate that...because with the book finished I want soooo much to be on cloud nine.
Okay Melissa and Chase didn't leave until around 3:30 or 4:00 they won't be home for four weeks. I then talked with Frank a while and finished watching a movie. Then Frank went to go get some brown and serve rolls to heat to have with the roast he was baking when I laid on the couch to watch Cold Case and ended up falling asleep and waking at 8:45.He let me sleep and so I just had a late supper watched the last hour of the Tom Selleck Movie, watched weather and news then Frank went to bed I took another advil and here I am reading emails. I wanted to stitch, I look forward to Sunday nights and it went out the window....I am still tired and will have no problem sleeping but can't get to bed until my body gives up the problems it's giving me.
I certainly hope tomorrow is better. We start a new showcase month and I haven't closed out the old one yet because I need to send her a nice email and ask a last question or two and my brain won't let me think staright enough to do it and yet everyone else has already given her praise and last questions and as the owner I need to wrap it up so let's hope tomorrow is much better than today and tonight.
Anyway I hope everyone else has a great Monday....I can tell it's not going to be my favorite Monday by far hopefully I can hold my own.
Hugs, Pamela

Saturday Night

It's Saturday Night and I am home alone. I didn't actually feel like going to Chucky Cheese anyway but the matter became out of my hands due to female problems so it's okay that Melissa and Frank too four grandkids over there tonight. However it will be my turn when they return home as we are having family game night. It's UNO and Dominos.
So I guess I'll send Heather Webber her interview while everyone is gone. It's a boring night for email as it's a weekend and everyone has plans and I have my Murder She Wrote Movie in.....I will be stitching and that I didn't think I would be able to work in until tomorrow night. There is Tom Selleck 'Jesse Stone Mystery Movie' on tomorrow night and I think I'll give it a try.
Anyway it's '57' degrees here right now with a low of 48 for tonight. So I'm back in long sleeves.....for some strange reason I cannot relax this weekend and it's driving me nuts....isn't that what a weekend is for and really it's not the family it's me....it's like I finished the book but I've worked on it for so long that now it's feeling like I should be doing something but have no idea what....so I keep waiting for something to happen.
It hasn't happened and I am wasting time.
I am hoping that a little stitching time will be what I need to not feel like I should be doing something else.
So I'll do the interview and then it's time to stitch......
Hugs,
Pamela

Saturday Fun

It's Saturday and I guess it's Chucky Cheese in Joplin with the grandchildren. Then family game night and right now Melissa is napping and I am doing laundry. I have a huge headache and feel all pmsy but then again I didn't get to bed until 4:30 in the morning and when I did get to sleep at around 5:00 Frank got called out, then he got home undressed and back in bed and was called at 6:45 from there he stayed up and him and Chase went to Wal-Mart and then I guess Melissa got up at 10:30 and when I woke at 11:00 Chase was in the bathtub because he went outside to play in the mud.
Melissa and I discussed that when I go up there in May that we are taking Bailey Anne, Chase and Karley to the Children's Museum, then having a picnic in the park with the girls and then we are going to let the kids fingerpaint and I am going have them do handprints and will put their pictures beside the handprints and frame them.
I think we will go hat shopping too with the girls.....
So that is the plan for them then we go get Jay to take out for supper one night and then she said she'll have a Mother's Day Surprise for me so I don't know what that is all about but I do know she said that Travis has tickets for me to go to the Comedy Club so I finally get to go to one of those which is awesome....
So when I do go it's going to be a funfilled week.......
But before that can happen I have to shop for her a quilt, starting getting things rounded up for the barbeque and I still need to order the wedding cake, grandkids start ball season, I did to work on the rewrites for the book but that is going wait at least a week, we promised a friend that Frank would hang her new door also promised her to help her move some stuff out of the storage until and we have take Melissa's bed, roll top computer desk, couch and odds and ends to her in Kansas City when I do go plus I have a new grandson that will be born before long.
Amanda has a friend keeping the girls now so that is another reason Melissa changed my plans. So lots of odds and ends before I may it up there but that's okay because I wasn't comfortable leaving it all for Frank to do anyway.
I also have reviews due, interviews due and I need to interview the next showcase author for our group. We will be starting a new group read before long too............but the good news is I can get some quality stitching and reading time before I have company again.
I think it's time to take something for this headache.
Hugs, Pamela

Friday Lightening

It's Friday and I wanted to be on the internet a while but we are having massive storms here in Parsons so I guess I'll make this quick as they are supposed to keep up all weekend. They say at least two inches of rain.
Anyway Melissa is coming in tonight so that's good but I'm tired.
Today I'll watch movies and clean for company...I hate cleaning....BUT I will get some reading and stitching in too. Also I can't do this yet due to storms but I will be interviewing Heather Webber I hope I can get to work on that Sunday Night.
I have a massive headache today but I think it's the weather/sinus thing.....so I'll start the day cleaning instead of stitching.
Terri if you're reading this...have fun at the oulet mall with your mom tomorrow. I think you'll find a lot of good things.....
Also can't wait for you to contact the Malice People....
I'll try to stay in contact this weekend but if everyone doesn't hear from me until Sunday don't panic it means these storms won't die....
Hugs, Pamela

I FINISHED IT

I FINISHED THE BOOK....THE CROSSED STITCHER BY PAMELA JAMES is now complete. I will work on the rewrites next week and soon I'll get it to Melissa and she'll turn it in -August....Iwill have until June 1st if I want it before I start the next book but I'll probably start plotting STITCHES & STONES soon.....
I'M HAPPY DANCING.......I feel like I should throw a party or something.LOLOL
Thank you everyone for hanging with me on this and I truly do appeciate your support.....
Hugs, Pamela

I'm Tired

I'm tired today. I got about four hours sleep last night. Not a good start to the day, my colon has kicked in and I think it just wants the book to be done. So I am going to try and get it done starting now....Hugs, Pamela

Thursday Talks

It's Thursday and things are going better all ready....I must make a trip to the post office today. My interview with Kate Grilley is going to be a good one. I did it and now I wait to see when Mary Emmons will post the interview.
We had breakfast for supper on Wednesday Night he took french bread from the bakery and made french toast....plus hashbrowns and omelettes.
Today the high will be 72 and it's actually supposed to be sunny and I hope it is because we are in for a weekend full of rain. It will start Friday so the rainy season was late this year but apparently its going to happen.
I even all ready did my Thursday Prompt for the group and I know we are having tuna for supper tonight or salmon patties anyway fish for Thursday.
Now I am ready to write and when I get done with that at some point today it's time to turn in reviews to Mary Emmons. I have found some authors I dearly love:
Victoria Laurie
Kate Bordon now I've only read one of her books but I want them ALL in the series I read DEATH OF A TART...LOVED IT....
Now this is the same author but different series and read DEATH RIDES AN ILL WIND and she writes this one under Kate Grilley...
I really want to stitch an old world map and a treasure map and I can't seem to locate patterns for these.
Someday I want a coffee mug that has the title of my book on it. THE CROSSED STITCHER and my name.....kewl idea now someday I will go to Kansas City see who does that but meanwhile I have the book to finish writing so off I go to finish the book and then get in the tub and read someone's else's ........just open a vein and bleed.......
Oh and some of my favorite short stories are: Dirty Dancing by Carole Nelson Douglas this is in the Malice Domestic that was edited by Carolyn Hart:
Also in the same book is : Killer Fudge by Kathy Hogan Trocheck
Then in MISTLETOE and MAYHEM: This is a holiday collection: The TWO MARYS by Katherine Hall Page
THE THIRTEENTH SANTA by Joanne Pence
Then in Sisters In Crime 5;
WHAT'S A WOMAN TO DO by Gillian Roberts
DON'T EAT THE RED HERRING by Jaqueline Girdner
Then in the short story collection MURDER UNDER THE TREE
I loved THE SANTA CLAUS CAPER by Connie Feddersen
plus NO COOKIES FOR SANTA by Louise Hendricksen
Then another MALICE DOMESTIC Collection present by Elizabeth Peters:
THE LAST TO KNOW by Joan Hess
HAPPINESS IS A DEAD POET by Shayrn McCrumb
Okay I don't write them very often but tonight I realized I've reead more short stories that are not classic and for lit class than I thought....KEWL.....LOLOL
Hugs, Pamela

Dull Wednesday

Hello, well it's dullsville here in Parsons today but hopefully I can perk up later as I am going to be interviewing Kate Grilley. She also writes as Kate Bordon and is one heck of a good author. I also emailed Lee Charles Kelley so may be interviewing him this week as well.
I wrote my ass off last night and even though I met my quota pages I'm still not done with the book so my manuscript will be going over 200 pages.
I hope everyone is having a good day!
Hugs, Pamela

One more thing

Okay one more thing today. USA Channel now has a thing going on "Are you a character?" A true character? So I was watching the latest commerical where the guy says he's a professional eater???? Now do you know what this does for a mystery author's imagination? I LOVE it.....a professional eaters competion....of course there are other characters in these commerical there is the rock guy who makes art from rocks well what if he made a special piece of art and it was used to conk someone in the head and left a very unique impression you know like that of a secret code....and so the mystery goes on......I just think these character commeicals on USA are worth mystery authors paying attention to.....very imspiring. Hugs, Pamela

Tuesday Times

Hello everyone, well it's Tuesday and a rainy one here in Parsons, and not a lot is happening. I have about seven pages left to write as the weather eased up last night. So I wrote and wrote then I left the rest for tonight possibly tomorrow night too. I have on t.v. something that is rare for me it's Nashville Stars....I got hooked on this about a month ago and now I have to ride it out to see who is going to win. I am not a huge country fan but these people have loads of talent and I do like Wynona Judd and so I have been keeping up with all of this.....
Mostly, I am a blues, jazz and rock-n-roll kinda gal a little easy listening thrown in and some ballards and folk and there you have me but this country show has a great bunch of talented unknowns.
but to be fair I also watch the Nick At Nite FUNNEST MOM IN AMERICA stuff too....now on there I still haven't found anybody to top my own humor.LOLOL such I gave birth to a box of fruit loops and that my friends is why some people eat their young!
Or instead of handing out fruitcakes every Christmas to my friends I just take my children around and leave them on people's door steps. Man have I lost a lot of friends that way.
Hugs, Pamela

Monday midafternoon

It's Monday afternoon and we've had some major rain and storms. It isn't raining now but we will have some bad ones moving in this evening and overnight so this is a quickie email......Terri is recovering from Malice and since I can't finish the book until hopefully tomorrow night I will be stitching and reading.
I have DEATH ON THE NILE in and it's killing me I can't finish the book while watching and listening to this movie so I will have to reply it later when I can draw up the book.
I did make out my to-do list for the week today and so that is done. Until Friday it looks like I have a light week but the weekend is a killer as my daughter will be in on Friday evening and she has invited Mishell's three kids and will have Chase and they will all spend the night this weekend so no rest for me when Friday hits until Sunday evening.
I decided on a different title and plot for the next book so I'll announce that now.......it's what I did when I had to get off the computer last night.
The title is STITCHES & STONES.....this leaves the mystery wide open and I think that due to the way I ended my THE CROSSED STITCHER I have the perfect plot for STITCHES & STONES...
Hugs, Pamela

Early Monday Morning-2

Okay it looks like I won't be able to post right now as we are having major storms. Which we need but I had to cut the writing time short so I will go try stitching. Anyway I did write two pages before the thunder lighting and pouring rain hit. Not to mention our lights keep flickering so I will read and stitch and hopefully I can get on here later today or by evening at least. The book is moving right along and I am thrilled I am down to two chapters or less to write.
Hugs, Pamela

A New Week

Sunday April 22nd, 2006
It's a new week and should bring the close of this book and a cross stitch project should be completed and I have finished reading two book all ready this weekend. Malice is behind everyone for another year but I am sure that Terri is the only who has made it home by now since she lives in Washington D.C. Area.
I was privy to all the fun adventures Terri had at Malice this year and so I was lucky enought to get the reports and I have to say I was green with envy. She did a wonderful job of reporting especially since she was tired towards the end of the conference.
Katherine Hall Page received her Agatha Teapot and it couldn' happen to a nice author.
As for me we moved the office furniture around today and my office is clean for the first time in weeks. Terri checked in today and we talked then she called later but for some strange reason I didn't hear the phone but was thrilled to know she met Lou Jane Temple and Lou Jane is from my area as in Kansas City.
Frank of course did things for other people again today.
Now he's in the recliner so that is that I'm sure.
As for me I will be writing as soon as I can tonight as I have several things to work into the end of this book.
Mystery Woman is on the Hallmark channel so that is what I m listening to inthe office.
It's hot, partly cloudy tonight and we are in for storms possibly through Tuesday if the weatherman is right.
I have made up my mind I am going to Malice next year. Carolyn Hart is receiving the lifetime acheivement award and I am not going to miss it. Frank and Melissa are going with me as Melissa's bestfriend lives in Washington D.C. and so we'll take out vacation in 2007 and go there.
I am thrilled to know I have a conference goal for 2007.
Okay I am going to see what we are going to eat for supper as I am starved.

Saturday Heat

Hello, well Terri should be having a great time about now. Malice Domestic is her cup of tea!!! Chocolate flavored at that...heehee
Anyway I am up barely and I have on khaki pants and a short sleeved light very light green top with brown swirls and a few bling blings on it kinda like seed perls.
Okay today I am going to do the writing prompt...
Then I am going to actually write an opening to the prompt I did yesterday....
Then I am going to draw up my book and write and finish stitching a cross stitch project and all this while waiting for Terri to check in with updates..
Although I may have some colon moments before I can do much of anything.
I am sipping coffee from my friendship mug in honor of Terri's first Malice and I'll her fill you in on all the details. I will say the free books alone are worth going to this conference.....let alone the panels, breakfast, desserts, mingling, meetings, autographs...think oscars for authors.....
Hugs, Pamela

Friday Surprise

Today was finally a wonderfully good day.....First the sun was out and it warm but no too warm. my pms threatened to give me a problem but never ever did get too wound up...then I emailed with my friend Terri who is of course going to have a weekend full of memories starting tonight. Then Glenda was in a good mood and looking forward to it being a good weekend. Kathleen checked in and wrote a wonderful writing prompt that made me laugh....I will be writing mine tonight.
To top all of this off my friend Terri sent me a box and inside were two wonderful (looking forward to reading these right away) mysteries and then another box was inside the blox and it had beautiful friendship mug that actually did choke me up a bit. It was a beautiful and nice surprise. She also sent me some chocolate flavored tea and this is going to be a treat I will try tomorrow in my mug to celebrate Terri's first Malice.....and to inspire me to write....I had an excellent writing session last night and with mug in hand I hope it stays that way this weekend.
Then my husband called and said he was on his way to Chelesa, Oklahoma and he won't be home until 7:00 or 8:00 tonight. So I called in an order for a bacon cheeseburger (I did mention I don't get to go to Malice)....so was delivered bacon cheeseburger, fries and a pepsi.....
I couldn't eat it all but it did actually feel good to sit in the yardswing, read and eat, sorta bachlorette days.....it was great...I am reading an Abbey Cooper Mystery and can't put it down....LOLOL....I keep looking for a good spot to stop and well so far this evening I only put it down long enough to blog. This is the escape I have needed all week and didn't know it. So I've had the best day today that I've had all week long. Oh and I went out to buy more bubble bath earlier today and they had my brand but only one bottle....still they had it so I bought the one bottle of Ocean Breeze and a bottle of lavendar and chamomile....Hugs, Pamela

MYSTERY AUTHOR-THANK YOU

All Mystery Authors....STAND UP AND TAKE A BOW TODAY.....MALICE DOMESTIC STARTS TODAY...and I for one can't wait to hear all about it and I can't help but think about all the authors no longer with us that I feel we carry in spirit on a WEEKEND like this one.
So when you're shopping for that next mystery, or reading a classic mystery, rereading a favorite mystery. Stop and think about all the people who worked on the cover, the publishing, the editors, reviewers, authors who wrote day or night and sometimes day and night so that you might have some entertainment, a sense of justice, you as the reader make all of this happen when you buy a new book by an author.
Readers have great power..........and authors love readers, and reading groups, these people are the backbone of their profession.
Malice brings everyone together and those of us who do not attend we still feel the electric charge of creativity in the air.....we know a wide group of mystery lovers are gathered and we are kindered spirit.
When I think of Malice here are some books that come to mind because they stir the pot of my imagination.
THE GHOST AND MRS. MCCLURE
DEATH ON DEMAND
HOCUS CROAKUS
I'LL BE THERE
A LITTLE CLASS ON MURDER
BELL,COOK AND CANDLE
MURDER MAKES WAVES
TO THE NINES
TROUBLE LOOKING FOR A PLACE TO HAPPEN
DYING TO MEET YOU
NEMESIS
A FAREWELL TO LEGS
THE HEARSE YOU CAME IN ON
IF LOOKS COULD KILL
MURDER SHE WROTE
FRIEND OR FAUX
RED HOT MURDERS
MURDER AMONG FRIENDS
PERMED TO DEATH
POISONED PINS
MURDER SHE MEOWED
So I salute all readers and authors this weekend as one couldn't survive without the other.
I also remember late great authors of mystery
Edgar Allen Poe
Anne George
Elizabeth Daniels Squire
Dame Agatha Christie
Raymond Chandler
Mickey Spillane
Carolyn Keene
There are too many to list but they are all here in spirit. At their manuel typewriters, at a dig in Egypt, On a train somewhere, sitting on their country estate with notebooks, writing in at a diner in the middle of nowhere, sitting in their office and creating a world outside the confines of the office walls....Maybe Nero created a new Orchid today in honor of Malice, Maybe Poirot was a Malice guest and had to put his little gray cells to use. Can't you just see Miss Marple sitting there knitting as she mentally solves the crimes, Mike Hammer hitting the gritty streets of New York, or what about other mystery creators...Alfred Hitchcock on a train conversing with a stranger, The Thin Man saying "Don' drink that it might be your last drink if you do"
I can hear Rod Sterlings Voice from the Twlight Zone now....Picture if you will....
Topper the Man who is haunted by a woman who tries to help.....we all know where that leads...LOL
Then there are our furry friends.....Carole Nelson Douglas's MIDNIGHT LOUIE.....who loves his owners legs.....KoKo and Yum Yum are cats that are smarter than some people I know.....
The Canterville Ghost knows all about family ties especially the kind that shackle
Then there is atmosphere for Malice, you know haunted houses.....and maddness WHATEVER HAPPENED TO BABY JANE? THE HAUNTING, The GHOST AND MR. CHICKEN, DEATH ON DEMAND BOOKSTORE, ROPE, REAR WINDOW, THE BIRDS, then there is the locked room or house mystery...HAUNTED HONEYMOON, TEN LITTLE INDIANS....CLUE.....SPOOFS ARE GREAT.....and so are fun fun mysteries WHOSE KILLING THE GREAT CHEFS OF EUROPE, MURDER MOST FOUL, MURDER AT THE PTA LUNCHEON, ARSNIC AND OLD LACE....
It's hard to believe but all the authors, started out with a blank sheet of paper, a pen and an idea...some may have starred at a computer screen but they are started off equal....as in blank paper, an idea, sitting down and making a world for us to enjoy, creating memorbale characters, adventures and we love them all we honor each and everyone and each and every one of their creations. We need to stand up and applause these creators of mystery because they are truly artist not matter what medium they chose for themselves.....
Today I wish I were Elaine Viets, Nancy Cohen, Barbara Colley, Terri Parsons, Katherine Hall Page, for each of these ladies have my heart my friendship and my admiration.
Hugs, Pamela

Thursday Thyme

It's Thurday which means the week is closing and I hope everyone loves the thought of that as much as I do because this means a peaceful weekend for me. It also means Malice Domestic is starting and so my fellow authors, readers and writers will be having the time of their life....
All while I finish my book.....
Tonight the low here is '42' degrees and later today the high will be '79' degrees, my sinuses are starting to act up and kick in.
I almost have my book and my cross stitch project finished but I have a bad headache and so this will be short as I had to cut my writing short too I know it's combination pms and sinuses but I am dizzy and my eyes are tired...I also ache.
I don't have anything witty to say this morning nor do I have much news. Melissa phoned in tonight. So we talked a while. Mostly about her politcal science class, her summer plans and Chase. Her best friend Lindsay will be coming in July from Washington D.C. for a week. They might take a road trip or do some fun things like outings etc....
Melissa loves to travel and she loves to go with family and friends so she and Lindsay always have a good time together.
Okay more later today....this headache is getting the better of me. I watched CSI New York tonight and Criminal Minds...both were really good. Hugs, Pamela

Wednesday Weather

Good afternoon,
Today is going to be a high of 73 and so far it's sunny. Well I went to bed at a decent hour last night but then Frank was called out and when he returned home he wanted to chat and couldn't sleep. You see the couple he got the call from Triple AAA at 3:00 this morning were from Kansas City, Mo and they were out of gas so Frank took gas to them out on he highway where they were and they paid him with a credit card for the gas and of course the credit card was bad and so it was not a good call. He phoned Triple AAA and told them and they called the people on their cell phone and told them the card was no good and to pay for the gas. They said they would but didn't so anyway Frank was troubled about people and their honesty last night.
I was troubled that Frank was troubled..you see Kansas City. MO is over two hours from us so it was a matter of 20.00 not like a five dollar can of gas and that time of day there are no places to stop to get gas between here and there that are open all night. So he had to take enough gas to make sure that they got home.
I tried to tell him to forget it but he has thing about stuff like that....I tried to tell him that at least they didn' conk him over the head or something....and actually steal his wallet.
Yes I am a mystery author and think of things like this when he is out on the road at three in the morning.
Anyway I wrote last night and now I'll reread what I wrote. Let's see what I think in the light of day about what I wrote. The thing is I went to bed early so I could be fresh today to continue and then he was upset so again no sleep, then I woke at seven with a ton of heartburn had to get up take something for it and go back to bed. So now I feel all sluggish again today.
Malice is this weekend for my friend and also a couple of authors or ten that I know and this is supposed to be one of the better conferences this year. I am soooo looking forward to seeing what everyone thinks....hearing the stories, hoping someone buys tapes of some of the talks....anyway this is hump day of the week.....I think we'll make Chinese Food for tonight.
I've got some dishes and laundry to do today and possibly an errand.
Someday I will get and have a life....LOLOL
Hugs, Pamela

Tuesday

Well today is Tuesday and I am once again tired. I'm going to say it's the heat...it's been like this for a few days and we've had record breaking temps so it seems like this is probably what is going on. Anyway I know I have errands but I am hoping for a peaceful day......I want nothing more than peace and quiet today......
Hugs, Pamela

Tuesday Topper

It's Tuesday.....I don't have any special plans for today. I know I'll go to the bank, I'm pretty sure I'll do laundry, and I know I'll write.
It might be a good day to clean my office.....but no promises as I hope to be in the writing zone....
I might put in a mystery movie or three to write by or treat myself to a movie marathon and stitching after I write.
I know the high will be 88 and when they said the high would be like 90 for Monday it ended up 92 or 93 and broke records.
My sinuses were acting up Monday evening......to the point where my ears were popping.
I think the high heat has zapped my energy.....
We are supposed to have normal temps that don't break records by Wednesday or Thursday....
Hugs, Pamela

Monday Mystery

It's Monday...............
I am happy for the peace and quiet at my house this Monday Morning. Life has been far too hectic for several days....Easter was good but busy.....my older grandchildren went to the park by my house and flew their kites. My husband didn't get back in time to do the barbeque so my son-inlaw did it. When he did get back most of it was done. My daughter Mishell helped me in the kitchen and to lay the spread out in the dining room and we pretty much had everything done.
My daughter inlaw didn't want to watch her child until I told her to take her son outside and watch him. I was tired and blunt......but she did it. Think she knew that I had no problem telling her off if it came to that yesterday. When her son wanted to go outside and play she said 'NO' that the other kids wouldn't watch him if he were outside. I told her they weren't paid to watch her son and that she should get up off the couch go outside and watch her own son. I think I might've added "That's what mother's do"....
Anyway this was after my eleven year old grandaughter, myself and my eight year old grandson spent a lot of time watching him yesterday not to mention his daddy holding, changing and watching him etc...while she sat, then sat and ate, then sat and watched t.v. then tried to take a nap. She did not lift one finger to help and did not help with doing any of the work as Shawn, Mishell and I did that....so my the end of the day I was blunt.....
Anyway they left to go home shortly after that which was fine with me.
I think every part of me aches today.....as after all of this once again I didn't get much sleep last night. You see my dear husband was called out at 11:00 last night to go pick up a car in St. Paul well that would only take about an hour so not bad but when he got there the ladies wanted to be taken to Joplin so he had to take them to Joplin too which meant another three hours for him to be gone. He returned home at 2:30 this morning and got up at 7:00 to go to work......neither of us will have a lot of energy today as I kept waking up this morning almost every hour until I finally got out of bed and started my day.
My grandaughters brought me a bouquet of flowers yesterday....and they had their Easter Dresses on from church....
I will get back to work this afternoon on my book....it's pretty close to being done so I will spend this week on it. It's very possible that I could have it finished by Friday.
I have 'Diagnosis Murder' on it's the one mystery series with Dick Van Dyke. I love him and I think I will at some point look for some of these books to read. The shows are pretty entertaining....
Anyway it's leftovers for supper and we have plenty of those it may be leftovers tomorrow night too..LOL....
Anyway it's Monday........Hugs, Pamela

HAPPY EASTER

HAPPY HOLIDAY to all who celebrate this day in various ways.
Okay well I got to bed at 4:00 this morning and at 5:00 Frank got a call from AAA he had to wait another two hours for them to call back and tell him where to go and what to do which meant he couldn't go back to sleep. Then at 7:00 they called and told him to pick up the car in Cherryvale and take it to Stillwater, Oklahoma which is three hours away so he's still gone on his at least six hour trip. Not cool on a holiday weekend with traffic and he had to take the wrecker and we are expecting company at 3:00 for a barbeque and so on and on.........needless to say this set me off and I got very little sleep too so we can count writing out tonight which sucks....
I am tired but can't nap.....at least most of the food is done but the actual barbeque.
Now I am mostly just worried about him as I hope he ate breakfast and too his meds before he left but there are no signs of this so I wait and worry.
Mishell called in and wanted to know if we had paperplates. "No I am going to feed you off of rocks" GEESH I hate this micro managers I have in my life.RELAX.....
Anyway it's bound to be an interesting day on my end.
hugs, Pamela

Saturday Night

Melissa was like ET she phoned home today. She is thrilled to get the desk from Aunt Carolyn, they are camping and boating this weekend at the lake near Travis's Dad.....Frank got all the jobs done for my friend plus picked up my recliner and it's here.
I have had a late afternoon colon attack before that we were doing great. I hate those types of surprises....but I was still going to have the grandkids in because I knew it would all pass but Mishell called in and said that the kids wanted to go on an overnight fishing trip instead of coming here. So off they went never mind that Frank went out and got everything to make it vey special for them....LOLOLOL but the main thing is they'll be happy.
For some strange reason I am very tired tonight....Melissa will be in on the 28th which is great because that means I have this coming weekend for ME....all for me....
I am doing laundry and I will write we just had KFC for supper. Tomorrow the menu is barbequed hotdogs, hamburgers, cheeseball, jello cake, relish plate, devilled eggs, potato salad, baked beans, coconut pie, little smokies in barbeque sauce, macaroni salad, cinammon bread,iced tea, flavored pop, bottled water.We always have peanut butter on celery sticks and we might grill some chicken too. Frank sometimes grills onions....We have kites for the kids to fly and with this wind it shouldn't be a problem to keep them in the air..this year our kite theme is retro kites from the '60's....last year the theme was 'Super Hereos'
Mishell might make some Easter Cookies it depended on how tired everyone was going to be from the fishing trips, oh and we have all manners of chips to go with the hotdogs and hamburgers.
There is a park nearby so the kids can go there after they eat and play.
And fly their kites as then they won't have to worry about trees.
I hope to have everyone home by 7:00 LOLOLOL...........I wanna stitch and have to write.
People are to start arriving at 3:00 we will have Shawn& Mishell, Cassie, Hailey, and Shawn Jr, Frank Jr & Heather with Austin and Caleb, Aunt Carolyn, Frank & Myself. So about a dozen people.
Hugs, Pamela

Saturday Springers

Okay sometimes the way my mind works I feel like I should be on a Jerry Springer Show, then go directly to Dr. Phil topping with a good dose of Oprah and maybe just maybe finish the day with visting the Betty Ford clinic to check out and see if they have any new programs for those of us who think we are authors but actually have orginal thoughts gone all out of my head which brings me to ONE FLEW OVER THE COOKOOS NEST....which brings me to my hair I think something has made a nest up there but I refuse to look in the mirror at this point, which brings me to another point which is I'm not vain I'm just beginning to think I might has writer's block which means I'm nuts. WHO HAS WRITER'S BLOCK IN THE LAST 25 PAGES OF THEIR DAMNED BOOK?
Okay deep breaths, then I think okay maybe if I get out of the house then I'll come back from being away from the office for a while with a fresh perspective. NOPE .. I know what isn't working on paper and how to delete it but I am not sure what should be there in it's place.
I am at this point thinking of applying for a job at the local cemetary as a grave digger...I mean I know I can borrow Glenda's shovel and there is little to invest in a character like that and since I've started sitting behind a desk for the past five years my arms are a big as any man's and we all know it takes a woman to do a man's job, maybe if I bury the bodies literally I'll have inspiration or at least on the job taining.
I blame part of this on drying up here in Parsons because I like the big city and I like to go sit and think in the thick of things but here there is no thick of things and I mean this is a nice town but it's not got anything for a woman my age such as a bookstore? A coffee shop like Starbucks or a watered down version of such, no clothes stores except Catos and how many times can a woman visit Wal-Mart in one week? It's not got a cross stitch shop, we are two hours away from real cities except Joplin but Joplin doesn't trip my trigger, But it would be nice to walk to someplace and see something and sit somewhere with real creative types....Okay now I'm just whining something I don't have time for....
You would think since I have nothing to do in Parsons it would be easy to write and find time to write. BUT I need stimulation creative stimulation....I did come up with the rest of the thought to my quote "You know how men say SON you're fruit of my loins...and I changes it to I gave birth to a box of fruit loops....well now it's I gave birth to a box of fruit loops and that is why I ate my young" a week's worth of writing and that is as good as it gets.......
I wonder if Betty Ford has a writing intervention from my friends...LOLOL...yes Pamela you can write.....Pamela value yourself as an author etc....
I had all the confidence in the world at the beginning of this project but confidence packed up and left home...but it sublet it's spot to inferior and I now know what Billy Crystal meant when in THROW MAMA FROM THE TRAIN and him and his girlfriend are trying to make out in the kiddie train and he says "I can't do this I have writer's block " she answers "Everywhere?" Yes Yes Yes everywhere.....I swear if I had a Clairavoyant (Spelled wrong) with me now she would madly be waving her arms chanting your aura is blocked we need to unblock you.....I need a good charm and you all will think I'm crazy but I used to have a coffee mug that had a stack books on it and I was never ever blocked until I broke the damn mug then my second charm was a keychain that was shaped like an open book.....never ever was blocked until I lost the whole thing the keychain and keys....I know I know I can't see authors like Jonnie Jacobs, Nora Roberts, Mary Higgins Clark, J>K> Rowlings, Mary Daheim, Emily Brightwell, Susan McBride, Janet Evanovich, Jill Churchill, Carolyn Hart, Lisa Scottoline, Earlene Fowler, Elaine Viets, Sarah Graves or Sue Grafton......BEING A BIG BABY
......
I wonder if I'm afraid of success? Oh well I am sure that last night in my sleep I had the perfect ending to this book but then I woke up. Hugs, Pamela

Books...first books....books

Okay I forgot to say something about the book I am reading that is set in Martha's Vineyard, it's doing a tad better but I have say it still has not captured my attention I think it may be that too many details in setting is one of the culprits. There are parts that are good but there parts that never seem to pick up now as for me I have something to say about this and that is the fact that I am writing a first book for me that is solo and I can tell you the hardest part for me in the last leg of this book is the pacing. It is hard to pace a book when it's just you....you are never a good judge of your own pacing....not until you have written a half dozen books I think my whole book is boring at the moment. I also feel that it sucks...gee I hope no one else notices....LOL....but I know I have learned that when it's just your name on the cover it is terrifying to the max, it's wonderful, it's maddening, it's hide under the bed and it's almost truth or dare time....it's a time where you want to go swimming and pray someone will hold your head under water, but alas you don't quit drown....there are many moons before I see it on the bookstore shelf but who knows maybe I can you the reader can give me hope to face my fears once again after this book is out....let's hope that the book isn't as boring as I am and maybe just maybe if you read closely enough you might get a peek into my life and personality as you read THE CROSSED STITCHER....I won't tell you where I am in the book what character I am and who my friends act like in the book, I won't even tell you why I wrote this book.....but behind every thought in this book there is a subthought, there is someone who helped bring the mystery to frutation and there is a zillion reason why I am scared senseless because I know that there are certain people who are going to read the book with a critical eye....there are some who won't want the book to succeed, and there are some who hope it will and want the best for me. Time will tell on what will happen, as for me I am opening a vein and bleeding but hey no pressure.LOLOL. See as a reviewer I have learned to read very well between the lines such as when someone says...
1. The book didn't keep me up all night but hey I finished reading it. Translation is I didn't puke on the book and finished reading it.
2. This book started out slow but picked up in the middle and had a twist ending.
Translation: If you can get through the first fifty pages you're a trooper and you'll be rewarded and if you think the author used any common sense with her ending just stab yourself now.
3. The main character didn't quite take but the plot did.
Translation: The characters need work....but the plot is fine so overall it didn't suck but don't you plan on being sucked in.
4. Now more to the point is when the reviewer says...THERE ARE DAYS WHEN THE WORDS WON'T COME FOR AN AUTHOR....THIS AUTHOR MUST'VE HAVE ONE OF THOSE DAYS...This one is pretty much self explanatory.
5. Here is my personal favorite: I DREW A CHALK OUTLINE FOR THE AUTHOR OF THIS BOOK...I THOUGHT I WOULD GIVE HER A WARNING THAT MAYBE SHE SHOULD GET A JOB AS A PERSON WHO DRAWS CHALK OUTLINES as I think the chalk out she described in detail in her book was the best part of her book....
Now you see why I am nervous.....

Friday Focus

Well we all made it to Friday.....Horray....now I got sidetracked yesterday as I said Carolyn had bought a new car the day before midnight blue and yes Terri they are hard to keep clean but she is a neat freak so probably no problem but what got me is the fact it was 92 and she came by for me to go for a ride and even with AC I have to say it was HOT that car draws heat. Anyway I digress....so she came by for me to go with her to buy a new kitchen stove which we found at Sears for her and a new washer and dryer which we also found at Sears and then we did more furniture shopping at Westco and so anyway then she wanted my husband Frank to pick it all up for her on Saturday morning and hook everything up so needless to say Saturday will be a long day as he has to pick up my new recliner too and she gave my daughter Melissa her Goddaughter an roll top computer desk that she has had less than a year because she also bought a new computer desk too so Thursday was strange as a lot of shopping was done. WHEW....I am so glad I didn't spend all that money....needless to say I was having hot flashes on Thursday as this made for a long afternoon.
Then I got to write Thursday evening and figured out what I wrote last night wasn't very good and so I deleted ten pages tonight stuck with writing and have now written ten pages but that only puts me up by three pages. Frank had a bad day at work and so we ended up eating pizza and I did break for a bit to watch a CSI which was very good. Now I hope to focus on the book today (which is Friday) the kids haven't called home at all in a couple of days none of them have and I did reserve the shelter at the park for Melissa's Wedding Barbeque in May.
Now Terri I know you read my posts so how was your Thursday and what's new for Friday? Hugs, Pamela

Thursday Thoughts

Good afternoon,
Today has started like a lamb which is good since I was indeposed most of yesterday and I might be again today just a little later start. It's sunny and should be either 89 or 90 today.
Frank bought fans last night which is good even though we have central heat and air it's nice to have the fans.
Nothing too exciting so far today. We just had sandwiches for supper last night since Frank was busy putting fans and a new motion light together.
They weren't tuna though they ended up being ham and cheese.
My friend Carolyn bought a new car yesterday it's a beautiful midnight blue with dark charcoal gray interrior.
I'm still writing every night I did last night and I will draw up the book this afternoon but right now I need more coffee. Hugs, Pamela

Wednesday Wisdom

Good morning,
Well today my left ear is bothering me and I am sure it's sinuses. But that is not my big complaint today. I've been reading a mystery by a new to me author. This author's protaganist is '92' years old an I loved the old woman but the thing is I am on page 40 and while the book started out with the 92 year old thinking she heard a murder so far we haven't seen much of her since the first five pages. I would think if she actually is the one who is supposed to be sleuthing and not her grandaughter then it would be nice for her to do more than sit there writing poetry. This book is off to a very slow start with me not to mention I do not feel the main characters are as well written as the minor characters are. I really want to like this series because it's set on Martha's Vineyard but so far I'm just not inclined to feel much for this book.
It's a sunny beautiful day here in Kansas but hotter than haddes so far.
My colon has started out giving me fits but I hope it eases back if not I'll be away from the computer most of the day.
I won't do much laundry until evening unless I put on the central air. It's just too stuffy in here and this is with the windows open.
Hugs, Pamela

Okay I'm back.....

Okay, I am back from running errands...because it's cloudy and cooler than expected we are having chili dogs for supper tonight. Also because I need to spend some serious time with the laundry today and tonight and some serious writing time with the book....right now I will take the evenings from 7:00 to 11:00 for Frank and I and relaxing, t.v. or movies, stitching etc...this way maybe I won't have to stay up as late if I can get the writing time in -in the afternoons and from 11:00 -2:00 would be ideal. I could then be in bed my 3:00 in the morning which sure beats four or five in the morning.
I know every afternoon won't work due to colon and interruptions but at least I can try to do it this way.
Hugs, Pamela

Tuesday Tools

Hello and how are you today? My day will be busy with errands and laundry...I have the book drawn up for when I can get back here...Hugs, Pamela

All Answers Are In

Okay all answers are in......Kim and I discussed my book cover today and I think we can make it happen. I have all the answers on pricing, when the book will come out covers, and so we are good, now it's all in Melissa's court on how and what she wants to do and when we will make it totally happen. I'm pretty sure it will still be August but if we go with the one plan it might be earlier or later.
Anyway I now have found out what I needed to know and Frank is watching wrestling and doing blueprints for Melissa's Hope Chest. He is like Glenda he overthinks things sometimes.LOLOL....
Frank and I ended up having chicken fajatias for supper tonight. We also went to The Dollar Store which was a good thing as once again I have kleenex, paper towels and snacks.
Okay so this could have been a worse Monday. It did start out badly but got better as the day went on this rarely happens when I start out with a bed day but thank goodness it happened this time.
I am now going to watch CSI Miami and cross stitch then later tonight I will be writing.
Then my favorite thing BUBBLES and reading a good mystery.
I need a beauty day before this weekend is up as I have to do my nails, facial, hair etc......
But with the book hanging over my head I will be getting down and dirty....LOLOL
Murder is a Blood Sport you know....
Hugs, Pamela

Monday Is Murder

Hello everyone, well today is a MONDAY.....to say the least, first my daughter had a college crisis then I missed a call from Kim at Pagefree but we've been emailing all day long......now speaking of which
I told you what Melissa and I decided but then I need questions answered like the bottom line on pricing and why can't anyone......just tell me this??? LOLOLOL
I am a just give me the bottom line kinda gal....I don't need to know well it's got a discount....."Oh really then what does that make the price" well it depends on the package but the basic package is this....okay where can I find something besides the basic package??" It's on the website okay I go to the website "If you have questions or need futher info call...."
There are days when I think I'm chasing my own tail Gee I wonder why?
I ask will the books be on the bookshelves? Wellwe have this basic plan that doesn't include....
Okay how do I get the books on the shelves well we more plans than the basic plan? OKAY WHERE?
That has been my Monday........It may just be the end of the book freak out but I have a feeling I have missed the point of my own questions today and I definitely missed the answers.....
I did however find out that the book will be out in ten weeks after submission......
I did talk to my friend Terri today which is the only voice of sanity I've talked to today.....
I mean I don't feel I'm asking complicated questions...I feel they are reasonable.....here is what it makes me feel like they are saying.....that my questions will be answered on a scale.....LOLOL If you're only willing to ask 300.00 questions then you're gonna get a 300.00 answer but if you ask a 500.00 questions then you'll get a 500.00 answer......LOLOLOL I'm sure that is not it I'm probably just not being clear.....I mean when just asking the question can cause a hotflash maybe I'm not presenting my best side.LOLOL
These days I am wearing black a lot......Hee
Hugs, Pamela

Sunday Silence

Okay it's Sunday and silence is golden. I can hear myself think now.....the children are all on their way back to Kansas City. We fed them biscuits and gravy for breakfast plus scambled eggs and toast.
I have laundry going and we are going to have steak and potatoes for supper.
Now for what all happened this weekend. First Melissa brought me a new watch to match the outfit she had bought me last month. Then we went shopping I bought a brown top, white,ivory and sand colored top, a long sleeved brown baby doll top like the peach/pink I had bought earlier in the week, I bought a sand, white and black striped top, so I think I'm ready for Spring sort've, I also bought new jeans an unmentionables. Melissa bought a striped top, two white tops, a black top that is baby doll looking, and some culottes to wear to work that are khaki colored plus unmentionable and pj's that were black silk....
She also bought a new wallet.
Then we researched POD Publishers for hours actually until the wee hours of the morning and we decided to go with PageFree but only their basic package.
Then depending cover and timelines we will see for the next book what we do......what will happen is I finish the book between now and next week...then take until June 15th to rewrite...then Iemail the book to Melissa who is going to take until August 7th to edit and get it ready to send to Kim & Gary at PageFree upon which it will be in their hands and I figure it will be a December Book Release maybe late Fall which is what I want is late Fall but we'll see.
As soon as I turn this book over to Melissa I start the next one which we hope will be done by Feb 1st.And will hopefully be published edit over March and ready to submit April-07.
So we now have a plan and deadlines and this won't change much because it can't.
Hugs, Pamela

Saturday noonish

Hello, well I did my part to keep the group out of trouble today...Daughter still hasn't arrived which is to be expected she probably overslept. Geez.....kids.....okay I'll write more later when I am more awake and rested and have more to report.......Hugs, Pamela

Saturday noonish

Hello, well I did my part to keep the group out of trouble today...Daughter still hasn't arrived which is to be expected she probably overslept. Geez.....kids.....okay I'll write more later when I am more awake and rested and have more to report.......Hugs, Pamela

Saturday Sunshine

Hello, well Melissa is due in bright and early.....she will take Frank and go see Mishell so she can give her -her birthday prezzie and she will then come home in the early afternoon and we are going to find me a publisher....then she and Jay will get together at our house for supper etc....hopefully her and I will bond for a while and she will watch t.v. with is and Chase will go to bed and then I am not sure her and I may go for a drive or a snack or something or back to wallyworld .....
I hope she brings me her wedding pictures etc...then I guess she will want me to go to her house on Mother's Day and I will stay that week because we now have found out that Amanda is going to be having a C--Section it seems the baby is breech and unless he turns around it's a C-Section for Amanda. So the long and short of it is Frank will take me to Kansas City and then I will be staying a week. That's all my news except Jay came over tonight for supper and I did his laundry and Frank made breakfast for supper. Hugs, Pamela

Friday Fury

Okay I am a published mystery author and so therefore I read and I write and sometimes I manage to stay out of people's way and hair. But today I am just furious over something that someone once again had to the neve to say to a group of people. I live by my words and I stand by my words and I would like to think everyone who writes and reads etc....do the same.
Now the problem is this person has not read this particular new book that just came out but she is already pretty much calling the author and the book a sham and thinking there are lies in there. Now since I have not read the book yet there very well might be but for someone to judge a book and a human being so harshly without even having read page one is a disgrace to all of us. PLUS I hate judgemental people (no not actually hate them) but I can't stand to be around this type of person. It really rankles me because others who don't see things her way were to speak up on the group we would have world war three and she wouldn't keep it to herself either. So I will get on here a blog because it's my right as an American To Do SO.....the worst of it is it involves the Bible too so we have the issue of that.....I am so flaming mad that she brings things like this to our group and I am helpless to cut her off at the mouth because I will look like a bitch or non believer etc...when that is truly not the case. I guess she would be surprised to to find out that I am studying to be a Jevhovah Wittness so would one or two others on the group. Hey I figure if it's good enough for Raymond Chandler it's good enough for me. I've spent a good portion of my life being in the Christian Church and Baptist then moved to the Foursquare Church and didn't get fulfilled so I have moved away from conventions and I feel I am finding myself better. I don't do the door to door literature thing I don't bring my friends into until now none of them knew as a matter of fact my children don't know but one of them too......I'm not hiding it I just don't have to say anything every damned time I have a thought. That's right I said damn....Pamela who is not in a hugging mood.

Friday Fun

Good Morning,
It's Mystery Friday......I love Mystery Fridays it's when I have a mystery on all day and night while I write, do laundry, email and just plain watch t.v. or stitch.....it's been my little habit for a while and I love it.
I had a good Thursday night, I watched CSI and the rerun of Without A Trace, Frank took me out for a burger and I relaxed. Now it's time to write and my mission today is to be in a good mood.....Melissa & Chase will be in Saturday and it will probably be bright and early.
It's supposed to rain on Friday now and I liked the old forecast better the one where we had sunshine...but rain is good for mystery friday it sets the mood....
Don't you love mood setters...rather it be romantic or mysterious.....What do you do to set a mood?
Me when I am feeling romantic I love picnics it's probably the Italian in me but the outdoors does something to me and that's all I'm saying...
Mysery mood I get everything ready, junk food or fruit, iced tea, my movies lined up in case the t.v. movies suck, I give myself a facial and paint my toenails and nails, I wear black or red that day, sometimes I light a candle and sit a read a mystery cover to cover...right now I don't have any good enough this time around but I have movies...I draw my book up and spend the first part of Mystery Friday writing.....I have things for the evening meal like chilidogs or tacos, one of my favortie things to eat is cream cheese brownies or raspberry brownies....popcorn is good but I also like flavored rice cakes or rice krispy bars, oranges are great.....
I am friends with my mysteries and I am not shy about letting you know how nuts I truly am....
Hugs, Pamela

Thursday Threats

Okay today is definitely Spring Showers and then some but worse because we are having 45 mile an hour winds, rain, hail and whatever else Mother Nature decides to throw in so I don't get bored.
My friend Terri is going to Malice Domestic as we all know because I've said it in my blog before but anyway this year for those who are going looks to be one of the better years for all types of workshops, panels etc....Terri is going to have one heck of a good time.
Now this month on our group we are honoring Elaine Viets but I have to say I am stumped as to what to do for her she is not easy to draw out and I can't think of things to make her in the 'limelight' she's a great author and probably a busy one but still....we need to make her shine but this month it's very hard because I am out of ideas before I start. Maybe everyone will loosen up when Terri does the group read of her book. Even out members are too reserved this month on asking her questions and so not quite sure what to do to turn this around. Although with her going to Malice and I know she's on a panel it could be she is just trying to gear up for that...I really don't like public speaking but have done it numerous times. Still for me it's unerving and not really my favorite thing.
However Ido have a few tricks to make it easier...first off if at all possible I try to sit and have the group sit in a circle or semi circle that way I am on their eye level and it seems more cozy like chit chatting. I try to cover how I came up with the idea for my books, talk a little on character development and sometimes I'll stand long enough to read an excert from my book. I always wear comfortable shoes and when signing books I always try to leave them laughing either at me or my character. I know what I need today but can't get it and that is I need a good dose of Mary Daheim as in Judith and Renie DEAD MAN DOCKING but so far none of the bookstores have the paperback version of this one out here. They are sold out and I don't shop for books online anymore as Frank is paranoid...do often wonder what your ancestors read when they were our age? I mean besides the Bible nobody in their generations ever copped to not reading the Bible and in recent generations we know they read cookbooks but what else did they read? What was 'normal' reading for them? I know I have a great great grandmother who was a poet and also wrote hymns so I do know she read poetry and wrote it and hymns too...but what else? I know people used to live for THE SATURDAY EVENING POST..... I am so glad to live in a day and age where we have such huge selection of books to read and variety but does NEW YORK ever listen to the common reader? I don't think so because there is more to life than Mary Higgins Clark and CHICKEN SOUP BOOKS ..........I hate that we are losing our legends famous actors, actress, novelist, authors, singers, enertainers and it's so sad....I was truely saddened by Don Knotts Death....John Ritter.....WHAT A GREAT LOSS.......these men made me laugh and love just a little bit better.....Anne George another great loss to the mystery world and she should have her series picked up as it's such a shame to let it all go....same with Elizabeth Daniels Squire......I like to think these ladies are looking down on us and chuckling that they now have crossed over and have even more time to write and when we die we will have an unendless supply of their writing....okay time to go cause merry mischief....Hugs, Pamela

Wednesday Afternoon

Well it's Wednesday afternoon. Now I woke if you can call not sleeping waking but that's another story....anyway I woke to sunshine and nice breeze I wasn't up thirty minutes and the cloudy gray sky rolled in and now the wind is up.
I think I'll wait to draw the book up as I wouldn't want to lose anything with the weather looking funky.
Do you remember the songs from the 50's,60's 70's and 80's here are some of my favorite ones. Now don't laugh......
Knock Three Time --Precious and Few---Bridge Over Troubled Waters--My Sweet lady----Angel Of The Morning----Rocky Mountain High---Shop Around----Silver Threads and Golden Needles---Band Of Gold---Ain't No Mountain High Enough---Heart Of Glass--Any Barry Manilow Sone or Billy Joel Song---I loved the Three Dog Nights--The Eagles Hotel California---Beach Boys----Many many more-----but you get the idea!
One of my all time favorites was--Tears Of A Clown.
Hugs, Pamela

Early Wednesday

Okay today is Wednesday 'Hump Day' of the week. So far this morning and by morning I mean its 2:43 a.m. I have written and I have emailed and now I am blogging. I did do my Pam's Pen Column for Mary Emmons at Voices In The Dark. I think it was okay for a first column. Let's see what can I talk about this morning before I retire to the land of bubbles.
Let's talk about book titles: I think BUBBLES UNBOUND is a great title, I also like SUGAR PLUM DEAD....doesn't that just state it all?
MUCH ADO ABOUT MURDER gotta love Jill Churchill for that title althought my personal favorite of hers is.....GRIME AND PUNISHMENT....but honestly can the woman come up with a bad title? Nope WAR AND PEAS is a classic.LOLOL....
MAD AS THE DICKENS by Toni L.P. Kelner well doesn't that just make your imagination run amuck?
HOCUS CROAKUS by Mary Daheim or how about FOWL PREY and LEGS BENEDICT?
TOOL and DIE by Sarah Graves I mean these titles are priceless and then when I go to think of a title I always think all the good ones are taken.LOLOL...
JUST MURDERED by Elaine Viets now I would have killed for that title it is so me!! LOLOL....
Janet Evanovich has the numbers, Sue Grafton has the alaphabet titles, another author has the nursery rythmes, some else has the Cat Who Books, others have song titles od course still others have puzzles, scapbooking and knitting titles, bad hair day titles, dessert titles, I am decided this time to start something new with the next book. I almost went with
SHE DID IT...then the next book HE DID IT, then the next book THEY DID IT, but changed my mind for obvious reasons.....
Still titles intrigue me....
People intrigue me too such as why do old women sound so loveable between the pages of a mystery but when you meet one in person they are not nice at all. Isn't it old people's job to be nice, show wisdom,and I mean heck I remember my grandparents being gracious and sweet and very nice people. Is old people being nice also a dying art?
Speaking of art tonight I went with Frank as he did an unlock for Triple AAA which means he used his break in to cars kit...now this is awesome and I am putting this in my book for Page but I have to tell you breaking into the new cars is AN ART....I was as captivated with watching him as I was watching Ocean's Eleven and Twelve.
You know maybe I don't give my husband enough credit for his gifts and talents.LOLOL.....
You know when I was young I used to dream about having my own detective agency and I was would come to work each day wearing a trench coat and hat and I would prop my feet complete with wonderful spike heels on my desk. I would have clients who wanted their dogs found and who would ask if I would follow their husbands and I would get to wear all sorts of diguises and travel to far off places and my secretary would be guy who popped his bubble gum and wore tennis shoes but had the best hair....and I carried my how to be a detective manuel everywhere I went but keep in mind I was not drawing attention to myself.LOLOLOL.....I daydreamed a lot as a child....I danced in front of the mirror a lot when I was a kid too, the one thing I never dreamed about was cooking and cleaning although when very small I loves doll dishes you know the corning ware dishes and the easy bake ovens but after that cooking got pushed away from dancing, dreaming and visions of Sam Spade.
Now when I grow up I wanna be Jessica Fletcher and Nora Charles.....although in reality I'm a bit more like Desiree Shapiro in Selma Eichler's Books. LOLOLOL......still I have these daydreams you see.......
Hugs, Pamela

Tuesday Tinkers

When my husband wants to get away from me he says "I'm going to the garage and tinker" Well today is Pam's Tinker Day.......I think I'll tinker with the laundry, my book and around the house. I guess it's better than saying Piddle but really is there a difference between tinkering and piddlying? You be the judge.
Terri thank you for telling me which cover idea you liked because we all know you're a temedous reader and you've been with me from the beginning so I have a lot of respect for your opinion.
I have all I can do some days to get the wax out of my ears let alone decide on book covers....I guess that is called tinkering with Qtips.
Lately here is what Iv'e done writing related. I wrote four pages last night and two yesterday....I also did an interview with Carolyn Haines, wrote a Susan McBride Review, talked to a couple of editors, and by the end of the day Glenda had posted me her first four pages of her chapter and gave my opinion and expert advice on that....in the end she decided a rewrite was in order this was probably a very good thing. last week my friend Kathleen wanted my opinion on some mystery short stories and I gave it. People sure ask my opinion a lot but I don't know why because half the time they don't follow my advice and the other half the time they either spend it justifying their thoughts or telling me that I don't know what I'm talking about and once in a while when it's proven I do they forgot that I gave them that advice in the first place. Do other mystery authors go through this or am I the only idiot left doling out advice like the pervert on the street corner handing out candy like he thinks kids these days are still that dumb...who knows but I always felt as though if you asked someone for advice you should really use it.
Opinions and advice are assholes everyone has them but do we have to waste our time and end up constipated????
I will say Kathleen takes my advice I like her for this and she does not give me too many excuses except the excuse once in a while of not having time to write. I am a good Italian mama and guilt her into writing. She does and loves it once she is in the zone...now she has a regular writing schedule for the most part and I admire her gumption as she works almost full time and has children at home and a husband who still loves her....these are no easy feats in today's society.
I have also cleaned my office this week and in doing so unearth a zillion things I thought I lost....okay gotta go

Monday

Hello everyone,
let's see it's monday which means it's colon day. We have partly cloudy skies but at least now I think it's turning to mostly sunny skies. It's much cooler today and I have the laundry going, changed my mind on make brisket so will probably make something else for supper tonight.
Mary Emmons my editor of the magazine sent me a message this morning and I think we are about fired up to do some contests upon which I will be one of the judges shussshhhh.....
Also I fired off some questions to Elaine Viets as she is the showcase author for this month on our group of readers and authors.
Anyone wanting to join my group needs to email me privately and I will run it passed my two cohorts in crime as this is an elite group of ladies and we do try to screen our applicates as we like it cozy all the way.
Also we like to keep it private what is said on the group stays on the group.
I need to do dishes, clean and cook today but inbetween I will be writing I figure a paragraph here and a paragraph there all adds up and makes my night time writing less stressful.
I have on very old jeans, a pink short sleeves button up shirt and sandals today with my hair pulled into a ponytail and hoop earrings in. In other words I have my cleaning and writing clothes on today.
Hugs, Pamela

Monday

Hello everyone,
let's see it's monday which means it's colon day. We have partly cloudy skies but at least now I think it's turning to mostly sunny skies. It's much cooler today and I have the laundry going, changed my mind on make brisket so will probably make something else for supper tonight.
Mary Emmons my editor of the magazine sent me a message this morning and I think we are about fired up to do some contests upon which I will be one of the judges shussshhhh.....
Also I fired off some questions to Elaine Viets as she is the showcase author for this month on our group of readers and authors.
Anyone wanting to join my group needs to email me privately and I will run it passed my two cohorts in crime as this is an elite group of ladies and we do try to screen our applicates as we like it cozy all the way.
Also we like to keep it private what is said on the group stays on the group.
I need to do dishes, clean and cook today but inbetween I will be writing I figure a paragraph here and a paragraph there all adds up and makes my night time writing less stressful.
I have on very old jeans, a pink short sleeves button up shirt and sandals today with my hair pulled into a ponytail and hoop earrings in. In other words I have my cleaning and writing clothes on today.
Hugs, Pamela

Sunday Evening

Okay I made it to Sunday evening. My neck and shoulders feel stiff as I power washed the car today, vacumed it out, cleaned all the crap out of it and waxed it. Then I dropped off a load of library books and after that Frank and I sat down to watch a movie I WALK THE LINE the story of Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash. Now I was not thrilled about watching the movie but Frank is a country fan so I thought WHY NOT! You know it was an extremely well written movie. Definitely worth everyone's time to see.
Not children phoned home today so I'm having any ET moments. All in all a relaxing Sunday afternoon but neck and shoulders still hurt.
We are having biscuits and gravy for supper....fine by me if he wants to finish carrying out the country theme today.LOLOL.
I wanted meatloaf but that was IF I was cooking.LOLOL.
Since I'm not I'll continue on with the stitching and laundry. I do need to draw up the book though and take a look at it and see in what direction I need to place clues, red herrings and see if I can take a few notes before time to write. So play day is almost over.
Okay I need everyone's votes:
For the cover of my book: THE CROSSED STITCHER....the first victim is found in her car in the park late at night. I wonder what it would look like to have a car on the cover with it's headlights on and a woman corpse in the driver's seat?
Or I could put a picture of a cross stitch shop
Or two needles like crossed swords with droplets of blood and the title of the book?
What are your thoughts as to which one would make a stunning book cover?
Hugs, Pamela

Sunny Sunday

Hi everyone,
So far today it's very windy and sunny, my cats are enjoying themselves. They are sitting in the windows and today I am going to watch movies and stitch.
I started Fredrick The Literate but it's on black aida not my favorite thing to stitch on so I am considering swittching to another color but I will think on it as the black will make the picture more stunning when finished.
For today I think I'll go back to either the family sampler or try something new.
Tonight I will be working (writing) I was going to draw the book up all day but decided it's Sunday and I need to regroup.
I watched BEWITCHED the movie last night and today I think Beetlejuice and possibly Bird On A Wire.....
Frank is working under the kitchen sink and we may have either barbequed brisket for supper or meatloaf.
Tomorrow I will fix a roast......probably Hawiian Pineapple Roast and maybe make a cobbler.
I suppose I will go check the towels and see if they are dry yet. For two people we go through a large amount of towels.
Oh for anyone who loves blogs my friend Terri has been very good about updating her blogs and she writes about anything.....and then Nancy Cohen has her mystery blog and right now it's reflecting other author's characters that have bad hair days or authors who have bad hair days. It's a fun blog too and so go check these ladies blogs out.
Oh I will do one big chore today...I will clean out my car!!!
I have not done this all winter.
Hugs, Pamela

Saturday Afternoon

It's Saturday afternoon and another lovely day here in Kansas. Although we are expecting rain later. Frank is fixing himself a salad and sandwich for lunch. I am trying to be true to my muse...
Today I am wearing brown culotts and a tank top with a match over shirt the top looks snake skin to match all of this brown I am wearing leather sandals.
I have THE NET on t.v. and am in the office watching it and sipping french vanilla coffee out of my Grand Canyon Mug.
I did pull all of my winter clothes and put them away.I left a few long sleeved tops because we do live in Kansas and it's ONLY April.
I will do laundry today and there is a book sale out on the highway now for female reasons I can't get out there today so I am trying to convince Frank to go and shop for me. He is reeally good at this.....
Plus I need to stick close to home as Kathleen and I are stitching on Fredrick The Litereate Today and I started mine this morning but I would also like to get more quality stitching time in today.
I love Spring Book Sales they are the best.....
I don't know what Terri is doing today and I do know Glenda has grandchilren and there was talk of taking them to Joplin but nothing in stone.
Nancy Fairbanks is back from her trip to England and so I know she will have lots to talk about.
I am resting this weekend as the daughter and grandson will be here next weekend.
I think I'll go make myself a pepsi and see if Frank is also making me something to eat. I feel peckish....
Then it's back here to write and I need to get to work on my article 'Pam's Pen' for Mary Emmons. I also need to check in with her as it's been a whole week and I have not heard from her.
I don't think I have ever been more happy to see the month of April arrive.
Hugs, Pamela