Liebster Award nomination

This Morning I Woke Up, honored, grateful, and excited. 

Why you ask? M.C Lavocat, the author of Control has come into my life for a second time. The first time we met was when I saw her post on Goodreads about her project called, Write it forward, and I asked to participate. She happily agreed and interviewed me about my novel, This Morning I Woke Up Dead for her blog, soulofvoodoo. And now, the second time, she’s nominated me for the Liebster award. What a cool chick! Hopefully, someday, I will have the privilege to meet and thank her in person for both of these great opportunities!

How thrilling!! How cool!! What an honor!!

But wait a sec. . .  What does is the Liebster award? I feel like the dad on A Christmas Story, and I am REALLY excited but have no idea what my 'major award' is. After checking things out a little, I found out that the Liebster award is a way to bring virtual attention to new up and coming bloggers. I am totally new to blogging, my blog is just a seedling and took barely root in January. If you could see my face right now, you’d see that it’s the color of over-ripened tomato. Although I feel unworthy to be a part of this opportunity, I couldn't be more pleased! Thank you M.C! Thank you! 

There are rules to be followed in order to accept the award. To be honest, usually, I would frown at this. Having rules can be a real drag. Being somewhat of a rebellious spirit, I like to do things my way, color outside of the lines, and I can get easily agitated when being told what to do. However, at this point, I am happy there is some kind of structure involved to keep me in order and on topic. Who knows what would happen if there wasn't?

Anyhow back to the rules

I must give eleven facts about myself

I must answer eleven questions provided by the blogger who nominated me

I must nominate eleven bloggers with fewer than 200 followers

I must provide my nominees eleven new questions

Part one: Eleven Useless, Yet Amusing Facts

1.    From the year 2007 until 2012 I hardly watched TV. Ever. Like not at all. Instead, I was a nerd girl, and reading at least four or five hours a day was my norm. My total of books read is over 500 novels. Through the magic and power of enthralling reads, I traveled back in time to the 1800’s and met Lizzie Bennett and her obnoxious sisters. Visited and ate in Italy, prayed in India, and fell in love in Thailand, all through the generosity of the novel Eat, Pray, Love. Embarrassingly I fell in love with an infamous vampire in, Forks, Washington. Journeyed on a train with a traveling circus, called: Le Cirque des Rêves where I witnessed a couple of headstrong magicians duel to their untimely death. And just to round it all out, I learned witchcraft and little about love from a spunky intelligent lady called, Diana Bishop and her dark and mysterious vampire lover, Mathew Clairmont.

2.    Over the years, I have had lots of different hair colors. I've been an overly-highlighted blonde, a fiery red head, and now, and for the last three years, a reddish brown brunette. 

What is my real hair color??

 I shall never tell. 

3.    I used to be a vegetarian. Yes. It’s true. For six months, I went without meat. Honestly, at the time, I didn't miss it. I love veggies, and love spicy black bean veggie burgers! Although I adore a great steak, I still order veggies burgers and even make my own from time to time.

4.    When I was five years old, a couple of inches of the tip of my fourth finger was cut off in the hinges of bathroom door at a pizza parlor. It was mended and placed back on with over a hundred stitches. It’s a tad shorter than the rest of my fingers. To this day, I will likely faint if I am confronted with blood.

5.    I have a shoe fetish. I love shoes. I really love them. They make me happy. I have a ton of them. Heels. Boots. Sandals. Running shoes. Converse’s. I have an entire Pinterest  board dedicated just to shoes. Each year or so, I’ll box some up and donate them or sell them. Soon enough I will replace whatever I parted with when I inevitably fall in love with a new pair. 

Vicious cycle, I know. 

6.    I am on my way to becoming a professional disc golfer. Not really. But I’d like to be. My boyfriend, Troy and I LOVE to play disc golf! He’s great at it. He’s a great teacher. Great coach. And he’s taught me so much. We've played in a little in Wyoming, and all over Idaho. Some favorite places to play include, Sun Valley, Victor, Driggs, Massacre Rocks, Idaho Falls, McCall, Boise, Blackfoot, and in our own town of Pocatello. We love, the not for wimps course, here in Pocatello, called Bengal Ridge. Feeling inspired by the movie, The Big Year with Jack Black, Steve Martin, and Owen Wilson, I too want to do a Big Year. But not a Big Year bird watching, I want to do a Big Year with Disc Golf. We will play ALL of the courses all across the US. I’d blog about it, take photos, and discuss the best discs to play at each course. 

Anyone want to sponsor us??

 

7.    Bragging is not something I feel comfortable doing, but, what the hell, this is kind of cool. I feel somewhat responsible for the San Francisco Giants winning the World Series last year, in 2012. Before last year, I had never watched a single game, but when Troy introduced me to one of his passions, baseball, and the San Francisco Giants, I was instantly hooked! Rarely do we miss a game. By using a little magical mojo and the power of believing, I helped them win the series and become the champs. Woot! Here's to becoming the 2013 champs!

8.    A few years back, every single night me and my kids would eat a bowl of microwave popcorn. This went on for a good six months. Hey, I am not a quitter! I need to mention it was the so called 'healthy' low-calorie kettle corn tasteless crap. Now I can hardly bare the sight or smell of the stuff.



9.The movie Poltergeist did a number on me. At five, I convinced my dad I was old enough, brave enough and man enough to handle it. Afterwards, I truly believed there was a ghost living in my bedroom. It hung out in the closet in the day and at night it was always under my bed but sleeping with the covers over my head protected me from any harm. As an adult, I am completely drawn to anything paranormal I love all all ghost related books, movies, and TV shows. 

10.  My mind never stops. I constantly analyze, plan out scenes in my head for my novels, and just think about things. My kids. Loved ones. Life. What I should do next. What I should write about next. If I’m overly quiet at times, that’s why. 

11. My  favorite place to go is without a doubt, the beach. Any of them. It's soul soothing, tranquil, and stunningly beautiful. However I rarely get in the water past my ankles, instead I love to walk along the cool waters edge as the waves roll in and out across my toes. Other times I enjoy sitting in the sand and taking it all in. The people. The salty air. Birds swooping in. The gentle majestic waves. It's all just pure bliss.

Part Two: Eleven Questions from a readers point of view

1.    If you had to pick one song to be your personal theme song what would it be?

At this very moment in time, I’d have to say, The Times they are A-Changin’ by, Bob Dylan. In the last year and half, I’ve had a TON of changes occur in my life, and I still feel like I am on the brink of even more new things unfolding.

2.    If you could choose one person to beat the crap out of, who would you choose and why?

I hate to waste the rare opportunity but I am at peace with all of the demons, bullies, and negative Nelly’s that have come and gone in my life and I can’t think of anyone.

3.    If you could give one person a non-sexual hug, who would it be and why?

Anyone in the Cullen family. Because I’d like to see what it would be like to hug a rock.

4.    If you could create the perfect ice cream sundae, what ice cream and toppings would you use? 

Mocha coffee flavored ice cream, dark chocolate syrup, and a cherry on top.

5.    What is the funniest movie you've ever seen?

Anchorman 

6.    If you were a character from the Outsiders, who would you be and why?

 Right off the top of my head, I’d be Cherry, because she’s chick and I couldn't fathom being a dude and what that would be like. Just like me, she can get along with anyone.

7.    Do you prefer to pull the toilet paper over the roll or under the roll? 

Over. Under always breaks before I am ready.

8.     What is the last book you read and what is your opinion of it in one word?

I am currently rereading The Secret Garden by Kate Morton. Enthralling.

9.    How do you take your coffee or tea?

If I am ordering from a coffeehouse, I get lots of splenda and nonfat milk. At home, I use a keurig single cup coffee maker; I adore hazelnut coffee with lots of caramel macchiato creamer.

10. Boxers or briefs?

Boxers.

11. What is the best holiday/vacation you've ever taken?

Last June, in 2012, I went with my four kids and my parents to Disneyland and the beach. We had a great time.

Part Three: My Nominee’s

1.  soulofvoodoo

2.  kbooklover

3. hauntedbookcase

4. thislittlebookworm

5. donnahawk

6. robinpwaldrop

7. inspirationsbysimone

8. turnthepagebookblog

9.  debdebreviews

10. phillybookblog

11.lmdavid54

Part Four: Questions for my nominee’s

1.   If you could pick one album to listen to every day for the rest of your life what would it be and why?

2.    If you were stranded on a desert island what one thing would you bring and why?

3.    If you could live inside of a book which one would you choose and why?

4.    What three foods could you not live without out?

5.    Are you a morning person or night owl?

6.    What animal would you be and why?

7.    What is your all time favorite drink?

8.    Knowing what you know now, and you could somehow go back in time and change one thing about your past, what would it be and why?

9.    If you could be anyone in the world, who would you be, and why?

10.  What makes you the happiest?

11.  If you had a dinner party and able to invite ANY three people, alive or deceased, who would you choose and why?

Thanks again to M.C Lavocat for the nomination and your friendship! To those of you I've nominated, thanks for your time and I hope you participate and have as much fun as I did! Cheers and have a great day!

Wow Factor

“It’s promo day!” I smiled and cheered. Darting my eyes at the clock on the wall, I saw that it was nine in the morning. My second cup of coffee wasn't far from my lips.

Troy paused the TV as to hear me better. Storage Wars was on. Darrell was mid wink.  “Wahoo!” Troy cheered, smiling my favorite smile, and like always, making me smile more so.

Our latest TV obsession is A&E’s Storage Wars. I’m sure you've seen it. And I’m also sure if you have tuned in, you've been like us and unable to tear your eyes from it once the train wreck begins.

What will they find?

What will Barry drive up in?

What will Brandi be wearing?

What will Jarrod throw at Brandi?

With all of this in mind, we decided to go to a storage auction near our hometown, in Idaho Falls. But before we could play Storage Wars, we went to the UPS store and had some fliers and posters printed for my upcoming book signing. My brother, photographer, and brilliant cover artist, Nick Boyer, used his mad photo-shopping skills and made me some posters to have printed. An hour and fifty four dollars later, the posters and fliers were in my hands. Excitement, awe, and pure gratification flooded me I saw my name in the same vicinity as Barnes and Noble and book signing.

Talk about a wow factor!

With forty minutes to get there, we hopped in the truck, and were on our way to the auction. It was sunny. Sixty five. Perfect for an auction. When we pulled up, a crowd of various dudes, ladies, and kids welcomed us with suspicious glances. I imagined them thinking, “whose the newbie’s?”

Some were sporting tanks and flip flops, other’s had on cowboy boots and lots of plaid. One fellow had on a skin tight green Mountain Dew T shirt, and to complete his look a matching hat. To my disappointment, Brandi, Jarrod, Darrell, Dave, and Barry were missing, although I did keep scanning the crowd, just in case.  

With a confident smile, I thought to myself, they’re all going down! We have this crowd.

After signing in, we followed the group to the first auction. My eyes widened as the lady auctioneer cut off the lock and opened the gate to reveal….

Nothing.

Sacks of unknown items. A baby walker. An unlabeled box, it all screamed, DON'T bid. OK. No wow factor there. Either way, we both took turns having a peak in with our trained eyes. 

Shaking his head, Troy said, “Nope, this one’s not for us.”

Part of me wanted to argue with him and go for it. As I've seen the cast do on the show. But I held back. The unit went for a whopping fifteen dollars. The next was similar and went for thirty three dollars.

The third and final locker looked appealing. I could totally see Jarrod, Barry, Darrel, and Dave, all in bidding war over it and it going for 2k or more.

“Yuuuppp!”

“There’s a piano in there!” I whispered to Troy loud enough for all to hear. The crowd turned and eyed me, wondering what my angle was. I smiled sheepishly at the guy with the Mohawk.

“Babe, quiet!” Troy met my eyes with slight disappointment.

I figured, hey, if I can see it, and with one nearly blind eye, so can the dude in the Mountain Dew shirt and lady with the blond wig. And not to mention, I was wearing my lucky Glocket necklace. I couldn't lose.

Either way, the third and the last locker went for one thousand dollars. We didn’t win. We didn’t even bid. But we also didn’t break our backs digging through someone else’s abandoned items in hopes of MAYBE finding a treasure.

Sometimes when you lose, you win.

After the speedy twenty minute auction, we proceeded on with the promotion of my book signing, May 4th. We went to Barnes and Noble. It was windy. As always. My fliers were carefully stuffed in window shields. They flapped excitedly in the strong breeze, like little contained kites. The employees were super nice and agreed to even to pass them out when customers purchased a book inside the store!  We also saw a large poster of my event on the front windows of the store.

One hundred fliers later, and a sandwich from Gandolfo’s, we went to Freeman Park and played disc golf: one of our favorite pass times.

 Despite the constant brutal winds, we played eighteen holes and met a new friend named, Grant. 

I had a couple of great throws and couple of horrendous ones as well. Troy did very well and came in under par. It was a great time. 

Ready for more wow factor?

It was six o’clock on Saturday and our weekend was far from over.

“Wanna go to Yellowstone?” Troy asked, wagging his pale eyebrows with excitement.

“Yes!” I love going to new places. He loves going to new places. It was a win-win.

Troy got on his phone and booked us room in West Yellowstone. 

Three hours later, at about nine o’clock, we arrived in West Yellowstone. Everything was blanketed in a purple cast of magical eeriness. It was dusk. It was chilly. 

It was Yellowstone! 

We were gonna see some bears, I just knew it.

The next morning, excitedly we headed out towards the park. No bears were spotted, but Mule deer, mountain goats, and a numerous packs of Bison greeted us. 

There was rain. Snow. Sun at some point. 

Glorious views to be seen everywhere we looked. 

In closing, just a quick update with what’s going with my book: things are going very well, sales are steady, reviews have been very positive and great. Check them out on goodreads Its been amazingly validating! And I have numerous upcoming book signings for the next few months. How exciting! Be sure to like me on Facebook and keep updated with everything I have going on.

 I am grateful for so many things. Connections with other authors, bloggers, readers, fans and reviewers.

Who knew that writing a book would open so many doors? 

Wow factor?

 Indeed. 

This Morning I Woke Up on the news

Excitement provoked me to wake way before my alarm even had a chance. The early morning blackness was still settled and camped out in my room. Looking at the time, I saw that is was 3:33. OK, so I was a little keyed up and couldn't sleep. No biggie. I made some coffee. Lots of coffee. Played some Neko Case tunes, and soaked in a tub full of bubbles. All the while I practiced what I wanted to say. I've never been on TV before. The thought both terrified me and thrilled me. What an honor and a blessing.  Although I was excited, my stomach protested; it twisted and turned at the thought. I blocked out any negative, 'what if's' thoughts, and replaced them with, you can do this. You can do this. You can do this. 

Believe you can and you're half way there.

This is what you're meant to do.

         I got out of the tub and got dressed in what I feel like was a Kate Middleton inspired ensemble. My red heels clicked down the hall and into my kitchen. Surprise was evident on my face when I saw my oldest son, Brayden, sitting at the table sipping some coffee. By this time, it was 4:45 am. Usually I see him moments before he leaves for school, at about 7:45. 

         

          "Hey, B," I called out. "What are you doing up?"

          His big brown eyes met mine and with a shrug, he said, "Good morning. Ready to go on the news?"

         I laughed and smiled and said, "Yes. Yes I am." 

         From there, I rehearsed what I wanted to say about my book as Brayden patiently listened and nodded along. It felt really good to see that he was proud of me, enough so that he even got up to see me before I headed out. As I'm cheerfully talking  about my beloved book and characters, I look up and see my love, Troy, coming down the hall. His eyes are squinting and tired. Its now 5:00, so no wonder. But he is smiling my favorite smile! Giving me more confidence. More support. More encouragement. I want to make him proud. Surprise was also evident on his face when he saw that I was actually animated and smiling and laughing. And so early in the morning!

      

 I not a morning person. 

But today, I was.

   

         It was still dusk when we arrived at the station. We were fifteen minutes early. The sky was purple. The moon was waning and half full. A peacefulness settled over me. I hopped out of our truck and my heels caught a little on the pavement, but Troy caught me and I steadied myself. As I clutched my good luck heart shaped necklace, I headed into the station. I never do anything important without Troy and my good luck necklace glocket. It has pretty gem stones inside, my birthstone, Troy's, my kids, and the word BELIEVE. 

        After we found our way into where the filming was already taking place, I was surprised to see behind the scenes of a program I've watched many times from my living room. It was very different than watching it on TV, but also kind of similar. Their voices were familiar  As was their faces.  Quickly, we were welcomed and made to feel at home. The set was small and quaint, and it comforted me like a nice cup of coffee and my favorite cream cardigan. It didn't take long for me to realize that the show was like a well oiled machine and news and information was flowing from its pores. And it wouldn't be what it is without all great the people involved. The anchors. The cameramen. The audience. And well, me, at least for the day. 

        When it was my turn to sit on the stand next to the very kind, Logan Mcdougal, the channel six news co-anchor, it didn't feel scary at all. It was a great feeling. Almost as good as being in Troy's arms. But only because when I looked over, I saw him smiling at me. He believed in me. This gave me the courage and confidence to speak on air. And to believe in myself.  Eloquently I conversed about something very dear to me, my novel, This Morning I Woke Up Dead. I am humbled and proud to say, that it went very well. It was an amazing experience, and if you ever get the chance to go on TV, do it! 

Just believe you can. 

Me on KPVI news channel six NBC talking about my book

Good things come in three

My face warms when I hear the words, “Yes, hello, my girlfriend has just published her first novel, entitled This Morning I Woke Up Dead,” Troy pauses. Laughs. “Yes, we’re very excited, thank you. And yes it’s as intriguing as the title. I read it and really loved it.”

Troy is my biggest fan. My manager, PR person. And my love.

He goes onto say that he is helping me to promote my novel and we’re looking for avenues to put the word out about my book and if they’d be interested in writing an article to help support a local author.

          

Oh my.

          Local author.  

          Talk about a rush!

          
While writing my novel, it never occurred to me that at some point, I would need to actually talk about it with others and promote myself. Ugh. Inside I still feel five years old. Thick glasses. Patch on one eye like a Pirate. Arm in a sling. Sweaty palms. I have grown up a lot since then. I ditched the patch. I wear contacts. All my limbs work well, most of the time. But at heart, I will always be that nerdy little awkward girl.

Until my twenties I was uncomfortable calling or speaking to a single soul on the phone.

          “Oh, yes, Mindy is here.” Troy nods excitedly. “You want to interview her? Oh, sure of course.” Troy’s green eyes are glistening with excitement. He is smiling his amazing big charming smile, melting me as he thrusts his slim cell phone into my hands. I don’t want to let him down or let him know how chicken shit I am. I want to make him proud. I will do this.

          

Well, maybe.

          
          My eyes bulged as I say, “She wants to talk to me??”

         “Uh, yeah,” Troy whispers holding his strong hand over the phone, hoping to mute my resistance. One second passes. Two. Three.

         
           It literally feels as if there is a balloon being inflated and deflated inside of my stomach as butterflies and fairies dance in celebration of the release of my novel. Shaking my head, I breathe, “I can’t.” Five year old me just wants to crawl under a blanket. Instead, I pull my long hair over my face, as thirty six year old me screams inside: This is awesome! Talk to her! This is what you want!

          
           “You got this babe, you got this,” Troy says encouragingly, giving me the courage to take to the phone.

          “Hello?” My palms sweat in remembrance of my younger days. As I collect myself, I hear an excited voice speaking. I remind myself that this is important, and to pay attention. When I tune in I hear an excited voice say, “Hi, this is Tammy from TBA. Would you like to meet and do an interview for the TBA newspaper?”

          “Um, sure. When were you thinking?” Part of me wants her to say, next week or even better, next month. But no.

          “How about right now? Do you like tea, or coffee?”

          “I love coffee.” I tell her and we plan to meet in half an hour.

         
          Troy and I always talk about how timing is everything and we don’t believe in coincidences. Things happen for a reason. Tammy from TBA explained to me how her friend was supposed to do the interview for the paper and even be on hand for the Pocatello Art Walk to sign some books, but unfortunately, she can’t make it. “Can you do it?”

          
           “Yes,” I cheer as I smile proudly and dance around my living like my fairy friends. Lucy, our dog, rolls her eyes at me and sighs.

Personally, I truly believe that everything works out when you’re in tune with want you want.  Meaning, you are grateful. 
                                                     
                                                    

 You believe. 

  You go get it.

         

              
         At this point, I was still in my pajamas. Diet coke black T shirt. Faded gray yoga pants. And cascading down my back is my unruly bed head hair. To top it off, I have a couple of pimples in great need of some concealer. Luckily, adrenaline kicked in and I've never got ready in so little time.

         

My meeting with Tammy went very well.

She bought me lunch and coffee. I gave her my last copy of my book. I also gave her chills when I told her about my book. And again when I told her that those are my daughter’s hands on the cover of the book. And for a third time when I told her that my daughter plays the violin and they’re violinist’s hands.

Tammy was thrilled. She explained that a spiritual reader friend of hers told her that whenever someone or something gives you the chills it means that you are at the right place and with the right person. I think it means something amazing is happening and to pay attention.

        Just before our meeting ended, I signed my third book. The first was to my mom, second to Troy. Three is a recurring theme in my book. Coincidence? I think not.

          

Troy made two more phone calls that day on my behalf.

          I am honored and grateful and excited and proud to say that I have my first book signing coming up at TBA- The Basic Alternative Magazine April 5th, 2013 in Old Town Pocatello, ID. 

Here's a photo. I was introduced to Louise Bolliger, another local author here in Pocatello

My second book signing will be at Barnes and Noble in Idaho Falls, ID. So far, we've had an amazing response. I am selling lots of books and had a lot of great things happen and numerous compliments regarding my novel. 

     I believe. 

            I also believe good things come in three’s. 

What do you believe?