Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Quit Bugging Me!


I need to get my handyman on and bad. My darn screen on my back door is all a tatters, letting in all sorts of flying bugs and I’m just a magnet for them. I just know it's because I'm so sweet.


It’s bad enough that I have 2 angry looking welts on my shoulder where I was bitten my something (I think a bee) while doing planting over the weekend. I don’t need a bunch more mosquito bites to go along with them.


Eek. I’m getting all itchy just thinking about it and I'm highly allergic to the world.

Wish me luck. I’m sure Jack won’t be nearly as helpful as the dog in this pic. How funny is that?




Best,
Kwana

Monday, June 29, 2009

Howdy Monday



What's Jack up to? Right now he's sitting next to me on the couch ever so sweetly. I swear you'd never believe he's same rowdy, heck raising, chair knocking over, neighborhood terrorizing little nut job that kept me going mad this weekend. I guess it's moments like this that keep me loving him.



So how was your weekend?
We still had some surprise pop-up storms in New York, but isn't that just like life?
Full of pop-up storms. And you're forever dodging the raindrops or caught without your umbrella. Well,hopefully with the official start of summer the weather will get a little calmer so we can all breathe easy and relax a bit.


Happy Monday!

best,
Kwana

Saturday, June 27, 2009

Memorials

Yesterday when the family was going to pick Nana up to bring her back for a visit we decided to drive by the Apollo theater to see the marquee with the the memorial to Michael Jackson. We had heard on the news about all the folks who had come gathered there as soon as the news of Michael's death got out. Well, it didn't seem that the days break slowed the tide.





There was still many people gathered and music being played. Like everyone, when I first heard I was shocked and saddened. Like I said yesterday, he was my first crush. What I was not prepared for was how upset my DD would be over the news. I mean she's a whole generation behind me. How can this be? Well, she was almost inconsolable. My good friend, her God mother, who was also a HUGE fan eventually got her smiling with stories of how the two of us once dressed in our Thriller outfits to go out to the movies and we thought we were soooo cool. I had not shared that with the DD:)



In the end the DD and I got out of the car as my DH double parked. We signed the makeshift memorial cardboard to say our own goodbyes and thanks to Michael for giving us music and memories that touched both our hearts.



Best,
Kwana

Friday, June 26, 2009

Double Shot

Yesterday came with a double shot of sadness with the loss of two of my childhood icons.

First came Farrah with her bright and beautiful smile gone forever.



Then out of left field the shocking news of the death of Michael Jackson. My very first childhood crush.



The lesson here: Love and appreciate all that you love while you have them.

Best,
Kwana

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Crying in Argentina

I would have probably written about something else today, but this story stopped me in and tracks and saved me from thinking of a topic so, um, thanks? Not.

It's just too much. And he's running an entire State while just running off without a word and on Father's Day weekend no less. And we wonder why we're all in a hot mess. Cut to me shaking my head.

One of the most interesting things I found about this video of South Carolina Gov. Republican Mark Sanford confessing to his affair and subsequent strange disappearing act was the Dow index in the corner. Just watch the DOW. Very telling.



Best,
Kwana

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Pins and Needles


What's Jack up to? Jack is being Jack just amped up a notch with the kids on high level with it being the end of the school year. So he's extra snappy since they are snapping at him. All this is making for a snippy snappy house. Eeeee.


I have to say like Jack I'm a little on pins a needles. Trying to get used to it being the end of the school year and still on worry alert as I wait to see how the school year will end. This has the mind racing with plans for the summer and how that will all wash out. Which then brings me into the Fall. Yep, that's me. Summer hasn't started and I'm already into the Fall.


I really must work on living in the moment but I've never been a particularly good at that. I'm always five steps ahead in my mind with all the scenarios that go with it.


I admire those that don't do this. Those that can turn a problem over in their mind ponder it then let it go even if it's not resolved or can't be. I know there is a secret to peace somewhere in there. But you have to be able to do it authentically and until then... I'll be on pins and needles.


Best,
Kwana

Image:
Madame Bovary: "Emma"John Archibald Austen (British, Kent 1886 - 1948 Kent)Black ink over graphite; sheet: 4 3/8 x 4 3/8 in. (11.1 x 11.1 cm)

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Ignorance=Bliss


The other morning I woke up with one thought on my mind. “I wish I had a straight contemporary romance novel.”


Seriously, these were the words that entered my mind as I opened my eyes. Strange right? Now none of my three ideas which I’m still very excited about and talked about is as a straight contemporary. But I know where this came from. I have just finished reading Lisa Kleypas’ Smooth Talking Stranger and she’s one smooth writer. You seem to pick up her books, you get involved with the characters, you read it and ‘poof’ it’s done. I love it.


Then it came to me, I did have a contemporary romance, my very first book from waaaay back when.
Now I know this book is a hot mess and I do mean a hotttt mess. But I went to the old computer and after some frantic searching I found it along with a very embarrassing query letter. (I can't belive I sent that hot mess out eek!) The embarrassing thing about this query is this is before I joined RWA and had done all my reading and learning about queries so it’s really long with no hook to speak of. The crazy thing about it is in its longness I found that I wrote the shortest synopsis of my life when I didn’t know anything about writing a synopsis at all. Nowadays my goal is to write a short synopsis and I’m having the hardest time doing that. Getting anywhere near 5 pages is torture and suddenly there it was, right before my eyes, written by me, a 1 ½ page synopsis.


Amazing!


Ignorance is Bliss in some ways I guess.


Best,
Kwana

Monday, June 22, 2009

Manic Monday

What's Jack up to? Jack is really going stir crazy with all the rain. You get a glimpse of sun then in a flash it gone replaced by torrents or rain that seem like they'll never stop. Sadly, the forecast in not so hot for the next few days. Sorry, Jack I'm over it too.

Yep, It's another Manic Monday. Man, they come around so fast. We're in the last week of school here in NY. The last bit of finals for the Dear Twins, then I hope for a bit of the wildness to die down. We'll see. Does it ever really? Nope. In the meantime I'm cracking that whip and lacing up my skates.



What's on tap for your week?

Best,
Kwana

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day to my Dear DH.
We love you way more than we say and you deserve.




You are a blessing to me and the twins who are teens and so far from these pictures now that I fear they hardly ever give you the thanks anymore for the:
hard work,
early mornings,
late nights,
full fridge,
car rides,
sideline cheers,
sleepless nights,
reprimands,
punishments,
long talks,
short walks,
quick answers,
BBQ,
take out,
warm beds,
cool air,
mall runs
and countless other things
but most of all
for the...
LOVE.




Love Always,
Kwana,
K & W
oh and Jack too your BFF!




Hug A Dad Today!

Friday, June 19, 2009

Who's Singing?

I'm crying uncle now with all the rain we've had in NY. I can take a day or three but this is nuts. It's the rainiest June that I can remember in my lifetime.

Where are you sun? I hear we may get a glimpse today, but it will be back to showers for the weekend. Sigh. I'll try and smile like Gene Kelly here but who am I fooling? I stopped singing many days ago.

Happy Friday!



Best,
Kwana

Thursday, June 18, 2009

I Luvs You Too- Friendly Blogger Award

What's Jack up to? Jack's a funny one. The poor dear is so confused this week with the Dear Twins coming and going at all hours of the day with it being finals and no set schedule. It's seriously cutting into his normal rest time. I know it's making me a bit nuts too Jack. Sigh.


I was surprised when I hopped on over to one of my favorite blogs, Get It Girl Style and saw that I had won a Friendly Blogger Award from Tamstyles This was so humbling and cool coming from such a chic blogger like her. It's also so nice to be thought of as friendly. I like that.


Here is the award's quote:


This award is bestowed on to blogs that are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award."
Pass along to 8 other friendly bloggers! I would love to put all of you guys down, but yall know how these work! You all are friendly and sweet to me on a daily basis. My giveaways are my way of showing you just how thankful I am to have the great, friendly, readers that I have!


I do try and be friendly even in my honestly. I'm not one of those bloggers where it's all Vaseline and soft focus. As a matter of fact sometimes there is no focus at all (my bad). I am here to give my thoughts, give a little taste of who I am, my style of writing, big up women, mothers, authors and the romance industry, oh and throw in a bit of whatever I'm thinking a the time.
But in all that I don't want to intentionally hurt anyone, assume I'm always right (we know I am. LOL) or create a space that belittles anyone.
So thanks Tamstyles and thanks to you all for putting up with me.


Now here's the part where I pass it on to a few other bloggers that I think are friendly too:



Please go and check out these wonderful and friendly bloggers. They're nice and don't bite. Much.


Best,
Kwana

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Strange for a Wednesday

I heard this Duran Duran song the other day and now it's stuck in my head. I'm still such an 80's baby. What does it make you think of?




Oh and did any of you watch the Real Hot Mess Housewives of New Jersey finale complete with table flipping? As I tweeted last night: "Keep it Klassy Ladies."



best,

Kwana

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Decisions Decisions

I'm at one of those awful and awfully exciting times when I'm ready to work on a new project.


It always fills me with a little bit of fear and dread, the thought of commitment, especially for my Gemini mind.


Now of course I don't just have one idea I want to work on, but two that feel semi-good. Neither of them easy. Then out of the blue another sneaks into my head, poof like it's the cleverest thing in the world (I'm sure it's not. Sneaky little bugger) like I'll have time for it. Like I'll have time for the other two. The truth is I'm no fast writer and the hardest word for me is the first.


Ugh. Decisions, decisions. How in the world does one know which direction to take when there's that large fork blocking your view?


Best,

Kwana

Monday, June 15, 2009

Getting Testy


What's Jack up to? Jack's had a fun weekend. A little sun a lot of rain, but he did his best to stay feisty through it all. So very Jack.


This week starts a strange and stressful 2 weeks at my house of testing and finals for my twins. So there is no real set school schedule. The kids will be just going in for their tests and whatever extra test prep that they can be coaxed into and they both can surely use.


I'll be on the edge of my seat hoping they do as well as possible to pull it all out for the end of the year. There will be some days on and some off for them and around it all I'll be on call for, well, whatever. Very stressful for any mom. Time to put on my roller skates and try and not get too testy myself.


What's on tap for your week?


Best,
Kwana

Saturday, June 13, 2009

The Party Goes On


What's Jack up to? Jack was a wild boy this morning. Running out the door and chasing behind the poor man that dared to ring our bell to deliver an early AM message. I swear we're going to get a bad rep, Jack and never get that million dollar check delivered.



Turns out my party is still going on. I was surprised last night by friends and neighbors with yet another cake at dinner. There is nothing nicer then spending a relaxing evening full of good food and laughs with folks you can let you hair down with. The older I get the more I appreciate the value of friends.


I hope you have plenty of cheer this weekend.



Best,
Kwana

Friday, June 12, 2009

With Thanks



I can't thank you all enough for all the love you've given me this week. You all really got me through my 40th birthday blues with style. I'm blessed to have the best family, friends and virtual friends in the world.
I'm so grateful.


The Universe left this wonderful note in my email box yesterday:

Happy Birrrrthday to Youuuu,
Happy Birrrrthday to Youuuu,
Happy Birrrrthday Dear Kwana,
Happy Birrrrthday to Youuuu!
A few years back, not so long ago, heaven and earth erupted into a major celebration with the news of your impending adventure into this very time and space.

You see, someone like Kwana Jackson doesn't come along all that often. In fact, there's never been a single one like you, nor is there ever ANY possibility that another will come again. You're an Angel among us. Someone, whose eyes see what no others will EVER see, whose ears hear what no others will EVER hear, and whose perspective and feelings will NEVER, ever be duplicated. Without YOU, the Universe, and ALL THAT IS, would be sadly less than it is.

Quite simply: You're the kind of person, Kwana,Who's hard to forget,A one-in-a-million To the people you've met.Your friends are as varied As the places you go,And they all want to tell you In case you don't know:That you make a big difference In the lives that you touch,By taking so little And giving so much!

Kwana, you are so AWESOME! For your birthday, friends and angels from every corner of the Universe, including buddies you didn't know you had, will be with you to wish you the HAPPIEST of days and an exciting new year in time and space. You won't be alone!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Kwana!

And it turns out I wasn't alone. You came out in droves. Here's a pic of my cake from last night. I wish you all could have been with me to have a taste. But you were in my heart.


Now it's time for me to tackle this new decade. GO ME and GO YOU. Let's make this our decade.

Much love to you all,
Kwana








Thursday, June 11, 2009

Oh No! It's My Birthday

And it's a big one. 4-0.

I will not go into it graciously or smiling. I'll admit here it's hitting me. Hard. All the what ifs, why nots, coulda woulda shouldas, plus the extra pounds are messing with my mind.

I'm normally a bit melancholy on holidays and birthdays, but put on the brave face and count my blessings. And I'm sure I'll be doing that again on this one. But I'll also be saying under my breath, "oh crap, it's my freakin 40th birthday. Now what?"

If only I could be half as gracious as Eddy from Ab Fab here. When you have time watch and enjoy. No, make some time. You'll thank me.












Tomorrow I'll be coming on strong. Forty Fabulous and all that mess. Right?

Best,
Kwana

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

1969

It was some year. My year. Full of change, turmoil and, well, me. I'm going continue with the music this week and bring some more music from 1969. Enjoy.



Now I know this special was filmed in 1971 but Aquarius and Wedding Bell Blues (marry me Bill dedicated to me sweetie!) was from 1969 and these rocking outfits and the white books alone are worth the watch!


And please let's say Happy Birthday to my almost birthday mate Wendy today!

Best,
Kwana

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Little Girl Blue

What's Jack up to? Cuteness!



In keeping with the Ugh 40th birthday week theme this was filmed the year I was born, 1969. A talent gone way too soon. Janis Joplin. Little Girl Blue.





What are you counting today? Blessings I hope.

Best,
Kwana

Monday, June 8, 2009

Moody Monday Music

Happy Monday! This this is the last Monday of my 39th year. On Thursday I'll be 40. Oh joy. Not.

Now I know plenty of you sweethearts out there will say all sorts of sweetheart things and I'll love you for it as I grimace on the inside and try and hold down all the swirling discontent in my stomach. Thoughts of times gone by, dreams not yet met, bodies changing (or not), what will be and what never will.

Oh, I know I'm being I big 'ol hot mess and I'm sure I'll handle 50 a lot better than I'm handling 40. But I think this week the blog will be full of music (much better than my words) and on Thursday I hope some laughs. Today's song speaks better for me than I can.



Best,
Kwana

Sunday, June 7, 2009

Have You Read Victoria?


Well why not? I know, probably the same reason as me. The TBR pile is too big. Well, I plan on having her skip a few books after

1. hearing about her cool blog contest and

2. reading the best and funniest review ever of her book The Wicked West and

3. becoming a twitter friend with her and seeing that she really is smart and funny so I know I'll enjoy her writing as much as Publishers weekly.


"Dahl delivers a fun, feisty and relentlessly sexy adventure."- Publishers Weekly


Check her out at her website VictoriaDahl.com here.


Best,

Kwana

Saturday, June 6, 2009

Taxi! I'm hungry

I really got a kick out of this cab. Hope you're having a nice weekend.


Best,

Kwana

Friday, June 5, 2009

What's Is Women's Fiction?

What's Jack up to? The Jackster is getting ready for the weekend by ignoring this rainy day. He's chilling. Sleeping soundly and storing up his energy so he can have a wild time once the sun is shining again.

Remember when I told you here that the fab Barbara Vey was snagging folks at Lady Jane's Salon for one of her Drive By Videos asking the question: What is Women's Fiction? Well, here is the video and, eek, I'm on it! Lord, is my head that big and is my voice that... blah? Yep, sadly so. But I will buck up and get past it because the video is great with tons of wonderful, insightful and varied answers to the same intriguing question. Watch and check out Barbara's blog to let her know what you think.


Best,
Kwana

Thursday, June 4, 2009

Crushing It!


I’m still talking BEA today. Sorry if I’m boring you all but it was a pretty exciting weekend for me. One of the biggest highlights was getting to see Gary Vaynerchuk at the Book Expo. It was an unexpected and pleasant surprise.

I was walking around with Amanda McCabe since she had some time before her Harlequin signing. I had planned on going to the Bloggers panel when I saw the words Crush It listed right below the Bloggers panel. I turn to Amanda and said “I wonder if that’s Gary Vee the Crush It guy?” To which she looks at me like I’ve grown not 2 but 3 heads.

Then I explained to Amanda how Crush It is the name of Gary’s book that’s coming out and how I’ve been following him on twitter and how he’s a wine expert but I don’t really follow him for the wine I follow him for the inspiration. More strange looks from Amanda. Hmm? Now she may be questioning this growing friendship with me and the invite for drinks later. But I don’t stop.

Anyone who knows me, knows I can go on and on with a story. I explain how my friend N told me about Gary so I followed him on twitter then PVE ask did I see this video of this guy who's kinda funny but cool on Makeunder My Life. I clicked. It was Gary! Loved the video. It was all about The Hustle and your passion and combing the hustle with your passion in order to achieve your dreams. Now I could totally relate because one of my favorite little sayings besides, “All roads lead to Oprah,” is “Every day I be hustling, hustling, hustling…”

Here is the video from Make Under My Life. After watching this a new motto was born, “Hustle 09!” The DD thinks it's lame. I adore it.




By the end of my long story Amanda agreed to sit in on what she could of Gary’s talk before her own book signing. She was instantly drawn into his ideas about the new ways to do business and decided I wasn’t a total nut. Whew. Not cra-zy! You can click on his site here to see the full BEA talk. Or check him out at Wine Library TV here for good wine talk.
I don't know if Gary was signing but I can't wait to get a copy of Crush It when it comes out Oct. 13th.

By the way Gary has a 10, yes, 10 book deal.
Also big congrats to Gary and his wife on the birth of their baby girl, Misha, born Sunday! Sweetness.


So what are you willing to do for your hustle? Me? I'm working. Hard.

Best,
Kwana
H09

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

I Haz Books!



What's Jack up to? Jack's been a funny one. Honing his skills at owner training. He's getting really good at getting us up and out and doing what he wants. Hanging around the kitchen at the perfect time to con the right individual out of a little morsel of something special. We are failing terribly. All the while he's just as wild as ever. Barking like mad at whoever dares walks by our house let alone darken our door. Oh Jack.


I had quite a few questions as to what books I got from Book Expo o9. Now some of my friends were not the book slut I was and did not get much of any at all. And in all honestly I didn't actively seek out that many books. The moment I walked in a sweet young woman handed me a book on money. I couldn't say no, could I? And of course I was with Katie from Babbling About Books and that woman can get a book. Lucky me.




I guess I was in the right places at the right times. So here's my haul:




DD is in book Heaven too.
Gotta remember to check my horoscope. Wonder if the DH and I are compatible? Kinda late all these years later.






And then the comics. My comic loving neighbor is very happy.




Do you see my Pride and Prejudice and the pretty Wizard of Oz?




Check out this great book. It's already been decided that Jack's somewhere between a Red and a Yellow. We have a lot of work to do. Sigh.




Best,
Kwana

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

She's a Lady

Ok it's official I'm pooped. After Book Expo, dinners out, the subway, walks around the city and The Strand (18 miles of books, yo) I then went to Lady Jane's Salon last night. How could I resist?



The first readers were Diane Gaston and Amanda McCabe (my weekend hang out buddies) reading from The Diamonds of Welbourne Manor anthology. They were both charming and funny. Totally entertaining the packed house.
Also reading were New York Times Best Selling author of over 70, yes, I said 70 books Wendy Corsi Staub. It's always fun to chat with Wendy. She had the room on the edge of their seats.



The evening finished with New York Times Bestseller paranormal author Marjorie M Liu. It was Marjorie's first reading and she was fabulous! What a voice and what a talent.


It was great seeing all of you at Lady Jane's last night. If you didn't make it the next one is July 6th. Please come on out and support romance and have a fun night.


Wish I could now sleep the day away but duty calls. Gotta get to work and the real world. There's a house that has been neglected and then I have some writing to do. That's what I do right?


Wendy, Marjorie, Diane and Amanda
(sorry about my bad crackberry lighting Amanda)




Oh, before I go please check out Barbara Vey's PW Blog today. Barbara did one of her Drive By Videos and I'm so scared I'll be on it. It was fun seeing you again Barbara!

Also check out Romance Novel TV Maria and Marisa were in the house covering Lady Jane's. Two wonderful and friendly ladies.

These cool industry blogs will give you much better coverage than mine.

Hope you have a great day!

Best,

Kwana

Monday, June 1, 2009

Books Galore

What's Jack up to? This morning Jack has all the energy I don't. He's up bright and early doing his shoving on the bed thing, making sure we're all up and doing what we have to on this Monday morning. Specifically, taking him out and getting him food. Good job, Jack.



Well this weekend had the great opportunity to attend my first Book Expo America at the Javits Center. It was massive, overwhelming and so much fun.


I sent out a Tweet that I was on the way and checked out who else would be there since I knew I would be lost. The fist person I found was Katie from Babbling About Books over by the grand landmark of the giant Clifford The Big Red Dog. It was like meeting a long lost friend.



Here are Kate and Leanna Renee Heiber over at the Harlequin booth.




I had so much fun running with Stacy, Kris, Marissa and Maria and grabbing books galore. My shoulders my never recover. There were my many books being given away. Tons of YA. My children, DD especially are very happy.


Here is Gena Showalter signing her newest YA Intertwined.




Check out the signing of The Diamonds of Welboure Manor with Diane Gaston and

Amanda McCabe. Shout out to Deb who could not be there.



Speaking of Diane and Amanda, how much do I love them? I crashed with them most of the weekend. Parking my books at their hotel before going out for drinks in Soho. Then meeting then on Sunday to head to The Strand for more book and some history and then dinner with the PIC. Thanks guys!!


Drinks in Soho organized by the lovely Elizabeth Mahon. Here is Elizabeth with Diane

and Amanda.


And me, Diane, Fab author and friend Hope Tarr and Amanda.


Also hanging with us: The Fabulous authors Jennifer St. Giles, Jacquie D'Alessandro

and Wendy Etherington. We had the best time with the ladies.


Check out Jacquie's Christian Lacroix's shoes. Hot!





It was such a fun weekend. I'll have more later in the week and tonight is Lady Jane's Salon at Madam X where Diane and Amanda will be reading along with Wendy Corsi Staub and Marjorie M Liu. If you're in town stop on by. Details here.


Shout out to the DH for all the rides and holding down the fort while I had fun and learned a lot from my writer friends. H09!

Best,
Kwana
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