The Trip

In lieu of pictures of Twin, since she is still partly anon, you can have the very first picture I took, on our walk to the grocery store.

So, I admit, I totally wanted to do a post while I was with Twin and be all, "We are TOGETHER!" But that failed. I was entirely too busy being with Twin.

I had so much fun with her, guys. She's pretty much just as amazing in real life, which makes her WAY AWESOME.

We rewatched all three Lord of The Ring movies, extended versions, and we agree that neither of us like Frodo, not even one bit. Sam's the real hero. <3<3<3
We went on lovely walks, and drank delicious tea, and even wrote a bit. We painted our nails (mine are colorful! :D) and listened to music we both loved. We made chocolate truffles, and attempted chocolate sauce twice with varying success. We read the same book at the same time. (That was an accident, but interesting.)

After the first awkward moment where her siblings all stared at me, I got along with her family famously. Her little sister, Molly, even declared that she loved me, and wanted to be my best friend. I have the picture she drew and "home steeple" to prove it.

Don't I look mysterious?

One of my favorite moments––which is an inaccurate statement, because the whole trip was my favorite moment––was right at the beginning. When I arrived at the airport, I called Maggie and told her I was there, then I pulled on a lovely hat and my "fake glasses"(reading glasses from the dollar store with the lenses popped out) before heading to the baggage claim. As soon as I saw her and her mom, sitting, I forced myself to keep my eyes off them, and I slowly walked behind the pillar closest to them. It was all I could do to not squeal and launch myself at her. Or collapse on the floor, because my legs go cooked-noodle when I'm nervous, and I was so so so so nervous. Once behind the pillar, I took a moment to not have a meltdown, drew a deep, not-as-calming-as-I-could-hope breath, and walked around behind their seats. I was sure they would see me and Maggie would instantly know it was me.
At least, until I grabbed her shoulders and made her jump.
I am quite proud of myself for successfully sneaking up on her.
Her? Not so much. She was a little ticked.

Another favorite moment was when I went to the bookstore with Maggie, her mom, and her sister. This may not seem so big to you guys, but I've never gone to the bookstore with like-minded readers. It was thrilling. I bought a beautiful copy of Beth Revis's A Million Suns. It's quite lovely. *admires*

So many other things happened. I had balance difficulties once or twice. (In my defense, sliding across hardwood floors in socks is the funnest thing EVER.) We went spelunking. (spelunking = my new love in life <3) I actually finished a pair of fingerless mitts for myself (those in the above photo) and I'm very pleased with them. They fit and they're wonderful and they make me happy. *^_^*

The best of the best, though, was undoubtedly talking to Maggie face to face. Just...being in the same room as her. Knowing beyond doubt she's not a figment of my imagination or––as several family members have suggested––a creepy old man.

But now I'm back in Texas, and aside from being forgotten at the airport, I'm safe and sound. I've just begun the unpacking process, which is the real sign that my trip is over. *tear*

The trip was a blessing. Maggie is wonderful, and her family is unbelievably kind. I admit I was so sad I had to leave that I shed tears while waiting for my plane.

Now back to school and work and daily life. I'm glad to be back home, but I definitely can't wait 'til I get to see Maggie Twin again.

Gearing Up for NaNo!

I'd be happy to share my photo. Just don't steal it.

This November will be my first time participating in NaNoWriMo. I know, it's crazy. But in my defense, I didn't really step into the online writing sphere until early February this year, so I never heard tell of it 'till then.

I'm totally game, and I fully expect to meet (and possibly surpass) the 50k mark. In other words, finish a novel. It might be a little crazy, being the school year and all, and with Thanksgiving and relatives visiting, but I'm going to do it. Even if it's midnight and I'm exhausted, I'll be getting words in every day.

I already have my story beated out ("beated" meaning "beat-sheet-ed" -- if you don't know what I mean by a "beat sheet" please ask! I want to share the love!) and, while it might be a bit hard to let go of my revisions/WIP, I think it'll be fun to write!

Also, just as a side note, my wonderful, kind, attentive, loving (I could go on!) mother bought me chocolate today. Boy have I needed this!

The picture is just to make you jealous.

On that note, I'll leave you with a fill out and some questions: Are you doing NaNo? Have you before? Won or no? What are some pointers you can offer to a newbie?

Enjoy the rest of your Thursday!

Best Part of Today: CHOCOLATE!
Currently Craving: Tea. 
Music Pick: "Something To Talk About" by Badly Drawn Boy
I'm Reading: "David Copperfield" by Charles Dickens 

WIP: Fire [on hold!] (11,261 words) + Blink Revisions (Chapter 19/23)

Revisions, here I come!

I've never been more excited to revise!

Yesterday I got all my ducks in a row with Blink. I figured out what needs to change, what I have to do to achieve these changes, and then proceeded to do a lot of research. To say the least, it was depressing (if you read my tweet than you know it involved missing children and contagious diseases...) and left me feeling sad for the rest of the evening. Well, at least until I started watching Firefly.

Ahem.

Anyway, today's the day I would say officially begins the revisions. I'm pumped and ready to dive in. I don't really have a specific direction, but I know there will probably be index cards, pen-wielding, and much typing and deleting.

Sounds fun, right?

Oh, and I'm armed with chocolate and tea. That just makes it loads better. So does the rain outside. I'd say today is shaping up to be a perfect day.

So, tell me about you! What are you working on? What are you revising or drafting or editing or querying?

I'm all ears.

Best Part of Today: My chocolate. Or the rain. Or the revisions. Maybe all three.
Currently Craving: Pineapple. (I see a recurring theme here...)
Music Pick: "Je Me Perds" by Jena Lee (Oui, c'est en français! And I even bothered to find a "ç" to write that..)
I'm Reading: "David Copperfield" by Charles Dickens

WIP: Fire [on hold!] (11,261 words) + Blink Revisions