by Sarah | Aug 6, 2015 | All About Denver, All About Erik, All About Family, All About Kennedy, All About Me, All About Molly, All of Us, Blogging Life, Disney, Make-A-Wish, Redefining Perfect
For two of the kids there was one park that was a hands-down favorite.
Epcot.
Molly absolutely loved the world showcase. Perhaps because there weren’t any rides she was too afraid to go on. She loved seeing the different countries and meeting the Princesses in their areas.
Denver loved the rides (and is mad, like me, that we totally missed a few), and the world showcase was top notch for him. He liked exploring and seeing all the different things to offer. His biggest regret is that we missed the one Disney Princess he would have agreed to get a picture with – Mulan.
But, what we all loved, unanimously, best about Epcot is situated right in France.
It has been my favorite place since my first trip to Epcot, and remains so today. I cannot wait to go back, and plan on budgeting a bit more money for more sweets than last time. They were so good, and I could totally bring them back with me to the villa. 😉
We bought four whole desserts last time, and scarfed every single one of them down. The favorite was, of course, the macarons. Light, airy, and so packed with flavor in every bite. I think I ended up with the vanilla, while the kids got the blueberry, raspberry and chocolate.
I think the kids and I totally ignored lunch that day and just pigged out on desserts. Poor diabetic hubby didn’t get to share in the joy as much, and was disappointed that all of their sandwiches had sauces (he doesn’t like sauce on his sandwiches). But, he satisfied himself with other treats as we were there during the food and wine festival.
Anyway, we’re already prepping our menu for next time, and seeing as my parents will be with us, it’s going to be quite a to-do, I’m sure. I might even actually get a sandwich this time, there were so many that looked good…but really, the whole point in going there is for the desserts. I can snack all day in Epcot, but here I get serious and sit down and really dive into the sweets.
by Sarah | Aug 5, 2015 | All About Me, All of Us, Blogging Life, I'm A Writer, Redefining Perfect, Wordy Wednesday
July was an exceptionally busy month for me in my writing world. I started using this blog again, but then got so wrapped up in word count on one of my stories that I just lost all sense of time and space. Drove my husband nuts to see me so lost in my computer again.
I managed almost 100,000 words in the month of July. 75% of that in the last two weeks. After a slow, steady, not overly productive year I really took off and found my niche. Apparently my decision to take a year off from Lake Point really got my muse a-rockin’. I still have another Lake Point book to complete for this year, but then it’s free-wheeling fun (some of which may involve Lake Point).
So as for what I’m working on now…
1) I’ve started the revision of my original Dominion Falls Series novels. In a read-through I did a few months back I found some errors and some scenes I thought could use a much deeper point of view.
2) By returning to Dominion Falls with my revision I have managed to gather some major plot points and scenes for upcoming novels in the series. There will be one novella and two or three full length novels.
3) I finished Haunted Hearts (Holidays in Lake Point 12) and turned it in for edits. Any day now I’ll be getting edits for Love For Hire (Holidays in Lake Point 11), and plan on writing Mistletoe Mixup (Holidays in Lake Point 13) during the month of August.
4) And I need to get back to work on book 4 of my Tribe series, The Raven. It’s half done and I’m eager to finish.
Speaking of which, it’s time to get back to it now!
by Sarah | Jul 25, 2015 | All About Denver, All About Family, All About Me, All of Us, Disney, Redefining Perfect, Story of Me
Growing up, I always knew I’d become my mom. It ran in the family, after all. She was turning into Grandma, and I favored her over my dad, so it stood to reason I’d turn into her.
I never expected to become my dad.
My family had a tendency toward vacations that were road trips. My dad has a bit of a nomadic side to him, so I think those road trips really helped ease that need to go, go, go.
My dad was also a control freak.
I remember half-teasing that he had a tendency to plan our vacations down to the minute.
Trips to Disney. To California. Hockey tournaments. Busch Gardens. The Henry Ford Museum.
Everything was thoroughly researched and plans made that we weren’t allowed to deviate from.
It was intense vacationing.
I swore I’d never do that.
And I haven’t…
Exactly…
When the word came down that Denver’s original wish was going to be a no-go, I knew what that meant.
A return to Disney World (his backup wish).
This time we’d have the experience of last year (and the handful of missteps we made, rides we missed, etc.) to guide us…
Which meant planning was going to happen.
Turns out the teen is as much my dad, if not more, than I am. We’ve gathered books (these are just two of the 6 we have), watched every single Disney special on TV we could find, and I got the free Disney vacation DVD. We’ve written down what we missed that we want to see, and things we saw we want to do again. Denver has even located a map w/ approximate walking times between attractions (seriously).
I’ve made meal reservations (we sort of flubbed this last time), and Denver’s plans are revolving around those times and the parks we’ve mutually agreed we want to visit each of our three days.
Since he’s been gone most of the summer we haven’t gotten down to nitty gritty, and I’m still insisting on complete flexibility (not minute-by-minute) in our planning because things happen, and my dad is ill, and my mom has a horrific back (they are going w/ did I mention that?)–so flexibility is key…but we are going in with some plans this year.
It’s oddly soothing.
Just don’t tell my dad I said that.
by Sarah | Jul 22, 2015 | All About Me, All of Us, Blogging Life, I'm A Reader, Redefining Perfect, Wordy Wednesday
I’ve been on a real reading streak in 2016, with plans for more reading coming up. Of course, that’s when I find time in between family, friends and writing. I still haven’t quite figured out how I’ve read 40+ books this year, but there you have it.
So, here’s some of what I’ve been reading, and what I’m reading coming up.
What I’ve Read
Incarnation – it’s a different take on the story of Lucy Weston, the supposedly wanton creation of Dracula. Set in a steampunk victorian era London, the atmosphere is dark and dreary, perfect for a vampire tale.
I don’t usually read vampire books (anymore), but I got this based on the gorgeous cover and the word ‘steampunk’. I’m so glad I did. I loved the somber feel of it, the character of Lucy portrayed here and the story of how she came to be what she was, and the whys. There was a hint of romance, but it wasn’t your typical lovey-dovey-goo-eyed romance in any fashion and it didn’t end as expected that way, either.
Shadow & Bone – Again, the gorgeous covers swayed me, along with a few good reviews from people I knew. I honestly didn’t have much faith when I picked up the book that I would like it, but before I knew it I was swept up and read it in no time. I’m honestly afraid to pick up the next book because I fear it won’t be as good as enjoyable as the first.
I had moments where I wanted to throttle the main character, and others where I wanted to hug her. She was thrown into a world she didn’t understand and wasn’t able to handle it. I really do want to know what happens next. I plan on getting around to the second book soon. Really, I do 😉
The Paper Magician – I have been eyeing this book for ages and ages, never pulling the trigger on a purchase. So when I suddenly remembered that Amazon had it’s “Borrow one book a month” policy for Prime users I went in and snatched this up.
Ceony is a fun, strong, heroine. I like her, even though the love story at first seemed far too easy before it got really difficult and actually made sense. Once you’ve been where Ceony goes, you can’t help but know a person. By the end I was 100% behind the whole kit and kaboodle and immediately turned around and borrowed the next book in the series.
.
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What I’m Reading
Wicked Lovely – I just picked it up, and I’m not far enough in to have an opinion quite yet. The world building is strong, but I can already see the dreaded triangle forming into place. It would be a shame if I don’t care for it because I have the entire series sitting on my shelf waiting for me. If I don’t like it that’ll be a whole lot heading back to the bookstore for sale. Although that’ll free up space on my shelf for other stuff. 😉
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire – The little one and I are still going strong in this book. We’ve finally passed the halfway point and we’re coming into the home stretch. The Yule Ball is complete, and Harry’s about to discover the secret of the egg.
It’s no longer an every single night thing, but we’re still plugging away. Of course, being halfway through the fourth book means we’re halfway through the series. Really loving reading it with her, even though I know she’s skipping ahead and reading her favorite parts of later books 😉
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What I’m Reading Next
The Glass Magician – I’m waiting until I know I can borrow the next book after it to start this one. I’m really curious what’s going to happen, because I know Ceony has more to her than we realized. I guessed as much in the first book. I’m also curious what will happen as her and Emery continue to get closer together.
Also, there appears to be a new big bad in this one and I’m really interested to see what they’re like, if they’re who I think they are and where it’ll head. So much curiosity. I can’t wait to start (will be super soon)
The Magicians – I’m supposed to be reading this RIGHT NOW for my book club. Clearly I’m behind as I just finished Junes book a week back (not any of the above). I’m curious about it for sure, but don’t have it in my hand yet. Just put in a request for it at the library so I’m probably going to be starting it really soon.
95% of times books don’t live up to their hype for me, so I’m hoping this one is in the 5%. I’d really like to enjoy a book assigned by book club for once.
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*~*
And that’s where I’m at for now. More books coming in the near-future I’m sure. Here’s hoping I get through them all quick. 😀
by Sarah | Jul 21, 2015 | All About Me, All of Us, Redefining Perfect, Story of Me
In case you’ve been living under a rock–or are new here–here’s a news flash for ya:
I’m from Buffalo.
Buffalo, the 716, is my home town and though I’ve now lived more years in Indiana than I did in Buffalo, I still miss my hometown.
Some things I miss more than others.
This list is all about a few of those things.
1. Anderson’s famous Beef on Weck – You haven’t lived until you’ve had one of Anderson’s famous Beef on Weck’s. That’s Kimmelweck, by the way. It’s essentially a Kaiser roll with coarse salt and caraway seeds. I don’t even need toppings, but many people add horseradish.
2. Sponge Candy – More specifically Fowler’s sponge candy. Anyone from Buffalo knows what it is. Everyone that isn’t gets a blank stare. Let’s just say it’s crunchy, melt in your mouth candy goodness wrapped in chocolate (milk chocolate is my preference, but orange chocolate works well, and I’ll “force down” dark chocolate if it’s all that’s around. I can’t begin to tell you how magnificent this is.
3. Sahlen’s hot dogs – There is no other. I, in general, despise hot dogs. Sahlen’s I will eat until the cows come home. The spices, the skin, the way they cook up on the grill. Nothing compares. Nothing. Still trying to wrangle a way to get them to Indiana without the willingness of Wegman’s (bestest grocery store ever) to move this far west.
4. Family – Like I said, I grew up there. I miss the days of family gathering. Grandma, grandpa, aunts and cousins. Even now it’s not what it was. Grandma & Grandpa are gone, my aunt is living in their old house, my cousin in the next city…but I still miss being that close to my family.
5. Anderson’s & its Frozen Custard – Yes, Anderson’s gets two mentions on the list, they are that good. Not only do I love their beef on weck, but Anderson’s itself (the original on Sheridan Ave) holds such dear memories for me. This picture is from the days when i lived there before they built on an indoor seating area…back when it was walk up only. It gives me a sense of nostalgia. Oh, and the soft frozen custard? Unmatchable. I’ve tried. It’s totally unmatchable.
6. Duff’s – The only place for wings far as I’m concerned.
7. Canada – Again, it was right there. We once had a cottage on Lake Erie, back when crossing the border was as easy as saying hi to a border guard. I miss the cottage, and I really miss the chocolate. Because Canadian candy is DA BOM. Seriously, Smarties (the Canadian version of M&M’s) are so much better…and every other candy. Trust me, there’s a difference.
8. My old House – That’s it. The neighborhood, the house itself, that tree in front was a wee baby when we moved in. Sure, memories are often rosy, but we were really happy there and after we left there we were here, our family separated (bro stayed to finish his senior year in Buffalo), and things were never ever the same.
9. Niagara Falls – It was right there. In some ways that made it less special, in others more. I mean, it’s the Falls.
10. Vinegar on Fries – The land where it’s so expected that you put vinegar on your fries, that vinegar is on the tables like ketchup. My favorite place to indulge is at Ted’s (where they, coincidentally, serve Sahlen’s hot dogs).
*~*
Okay, so clearly I have a dear, close tie to the foods of my home, since they clearly dominated this list. lol. still, I miss so much. ~sigh~
Of course, if asked if I’d want to live there again I generally say no. That doesn’t mean I don’t miss it with my whole heart.
by Sarah | Jul 20, 2015 | All About Me, All of Us, Bucket List, Redefining Perfect
Since it was just my birthday this weekend, I thought now would be a great time to revisit my 45X45 list. The last time I checked it was over two years ago! Yikes. I don’t even remember what’s on half of it. I have a feeling I might be changing a few things up. I have about 6 years left to clear the list, so let’s see where I am.
A color legend is probably important.
RED is done.
ORANGE is working on it.
BLUE is new (replacing something else).
****
45 X 45
Take a real vacation. (Not to Buffalo, not w/ the kids) (Done 4/23/12)Take my kids to Disney World. (Done, thanks to Make-A-Wish 10/28/14)See my name in print (get published, e-zine, paper-zine). (Done 6/24/12 – Sirens Call June 2012 Issue)Have a novel published. (Done 2/8/13 – Changing Tracks & 17 more times [so far] by 7/18/15)- Get my Dominion Falls books series in front of a producer.
- Completely tidy my house [w/reference to KonMari]. (Started w/ my clothes. Lots left to do)
- Take a photography class (or 2 or 3)
- Perform on stage again
- See Colorado
- Camp – really camp in the Rockies
- See Yellowstone
- Go skydiving. [Yes, I feel slightly insane here]
Go to a blogger’s conference. (done 4/23/12)- Go to a writer’s conference
- Get on a regular exercise regime & stay on it for more than 3 months.
Hand craft (knit, sew) 1 item for ME for a change. (DONE 4/1/12)- Make a complete Victorian era dress from skin out. (underthings complete, corset 50% complete)
Get some crazy color in my hair (purple, blue, pink highlites/streaks) Done 2/11/12- Read the Harry Potter series aloud to my girls. (1/2-way through by 7/18/15)
- Sing Karaoke
- Relearn French. (Actually working on this at the moment)
- Pay my house off (long shot – but I can dream)
- Get a car that is less than 2 years old
Run a 5k. Done 9/22/12 Do something daring (paragliding, zipline, etc.) Done 7/14/12- See the butterflies at the Indy Zoo (Done 3/19/13)
- Be a reenactor at Conner Prairie
- Go on a road trip with a girlfriend
- Go on a hot air balloon ride
See Cirque du Soleil (Done 6/27/2012)- Ride a horse – not a trail horse. A real ride on a horse.
- Volunteer at Kennedy’s CF clinic
- Stop drinking pop
- Visit Disneyland [Been to WDW many times, would like to see the other]
Get a tattoo (Done 7/16/11)- Go on a Cruise [preferably Alaskan, but I’m not picky]
Go on a wine tasting (Done 10/16/10)- Have a photo at the State Fair (preferably getting a ribbon for it)
- Take my husband to swim with whale sharks
- Fly first class
- Read at least 50 of the 100 Greatest Novels (I am saying the book can be from either of the 2 lists there. In total I have read 8/50 at this point)
Have a real spa day (Done, thanks to Hubs, 7/2014)- Visit a real haunted location
- Sell a photo
- Visit Salem, MA
*~*
Well, I’ve made a few changes, obviously. Some are still long-shots, but if I don’t dream big it’ll never happen. I really need to not forget about this again. 45 is coming up faster than I care to think about.
What about you? What’s on your list?
But, what we all loved, unanimously, best about Epcot is situated right in France.
