Reading

I’m in a very rare and tough position—I’ve started two books, and I can’t seem to get into either of them. I’ve halfheartedly read the first chapters of AND THE MOUNTAINS ECHOED twice. Though Khaled Hosseini’s two previous novels left me breathless with their dangerous beauty, I just can’t make the leap into this one. I’ve also picked up one of my favorite women’s fiction author’s summer release, and I seem to be reading it in a daze. I feel horribly guilty. I want to shout to the books and their authors, “It’s not you, it’s ME!” 

I have a list waiting on my kindle, but nothing is grabbing me. Between books is a dangerous time for me. Need help.

Listening to

Ear worm time!

I’ve been singing this song from Grease 2 all morning, now you can, too.

Today is Kiddo’s first day of 4th grade. {gulp} How is this possible? Although he is always up by seven, this morning I had to drag him from between the sheets—literally. I’m not ready for the end of playtime, relaxing, and pressure-free afternoons. I’m not ready to face the homework melt-downs, the drama, the tween angst. Fingers crossed this year will start better than last year. {If you want a clue what I’m talking about, check out my post THE BIGGER HE GETS, THE HARDER I FALL, now up at Kludgy Mom’s Best of the Bonfire series. And vote for me. Please?}

Thinking about

My manuscript’s next step. I’d still love some more beta readers {hint, hint} but I’m not sure how much more I can do with it. Is it ready? Is it good enough? I’m somehow desperate to start the eternally painful querying process and prepping for the requisite months (or years) of nail-biting and rejection. But I don’t think my query letter is perfect. Yes, it must be perfect. Yes, this is an impossible feat. I’m trying to convince myself to cool my heels a bit longer so I can take a Submissions that Sell online class. Patience, right?

Watching

Game of Thrones (season 1). I cannot read epic fantasy, but the hubby is in love with acclaimed series. Since a fanatical fantasy lover and fellow book nerd assured me that this TV series is actually almost as good as the books, I’ve been watching, immersing myself in this mythical world. Season 1 has proved that there’s no way I could have read the immense tombs, but I still love a great fantasy movie or TV series. Season 2 DVDs are already waiting by the TV.

At least now I get all the GOT & George R.R. Martin memes going around.

Bummed out on

My eyes. To celebrate my latest birthday, I bought my first pair of reading glasses. Granted, they are weak ones from the dollar store, but I own my first pair of glasses. I feel old. My days are spent immersed in words—on paper, my kindle, or the computer screen—and when they are blurry, my life seems unclear. Night driving and overall brightness have also bothered me lately, and I know I must get my vision checked out. I’m not sure if I’m embarrassed or proud to admit I’ve never had my eyes examined as an adult. Probably the former. Promise not to laugh if I’m caught wearing big honking frames in a few days.

Loving

My end-of summer memories. We took our first vacation in AGES. Though hubby has lived in Florida since he was a toddler, he’d never made it down to the Keys. Thanks to some amazing friends (with a timeshare—the BEST kind of friends to have) we spent four nights in paradise. By day we explored pristine beaches, meandered through a sweltering Key West, and glided through turquoise waters. We rented a boat and everyone (even the five-year-old) snorkeled along a shallow coral reef. We surprised a sea turtle, watched a hammerhead chase a stingray in the shallows (I was in the water on the other side of a tiny shoal), and delighted as a pod of curious dolphins surrounded our boat.

Dreamy days followed by stunning tropical sunsets and wonderful company. Perfect.

How’s your summer finishing up?