Would-be Wayfarer

My friend Rick and I spent some time discussing the fact that there are still a number of people who are not deterred from climbing Mt. Everest by a small thing like the high probability of death. When there are numerous other activities one might engage in for fun and sport, it makes one wonder what people are about. Are we bored? Stubborn? Ahem...insane? Then a few days ago, I was drawn to the ABC news site where I watched a clip about underwater pumpkin-carving. The interview subject said it's quite challenging since pumpkins float. Some divers actually weigh the pumpkins down in order to get them to stay underwater for the carving. (Delay from typing as I contemplate this and laugh...again.) Do these poor divers lack kitchen tables? Perhaps we should start a fund. So, I'm just curious...does it strike anyone else that we are a staggeringly silly species?

Several wonderful friends have asked if my books will be available this year in time for Christmas. Unfortunately no. In the meantime, I see no reason that I can't try to influence your book-buying, since some of you asked... Christine Goff combines two great ways to spend time, reading and birdwatching. (And doesn't she have beautiful covers?) This terrific series also has a scene that references The In-laws, a favorite movie of mine. Isn't Peter Falk awesome? Susan Goodwill's book is fun and light with numerous laugh out loud moments and quirky characters. Fans of NYT-bestselling author Jennifer Crusie will enjoy it. Susan's new book will be out in spring, so now is a great time to get introduced to this series. John Getze's book is just as cool and funny as he is. Austin Carr is the sort of hero you have to shake your head at while rooting for him to survive his adventures. I loved this book, and it was the first book my dad has liked as much as Lawrence Bl...

"It is great to be a blonde. With low expectations it's easy to surprise people." Pamela Anderson As I take a break from my studies, I would really like to encounter some wonderful news and entertainment on the internet during breaks. Instead, I am quite annoyed to find that the world is much as I left it. With the exception of the pleasant news about Al Gore and the Nobel Peace Prize. (A 35-year-old died and many other runners were taken the to the hospital from heat-related illness during the Chicago marathon. As most people who stepped outside last week can attest, it's safe to assume that global warming is real.) Top 5 questions that I would like answered this week... 1. Why does Pamela Anderson have a novel? 2. Why isn't an ethics course required for people who have the most powerful jobs in world? 3. Why doesn't anyone feed Victoria Beckham? 4. Why do Borders coupons expire so quickly? 5. How does one escape news of Britney Spears? If you have any or all...

"Amelia McNaughton took corners as though they were a personal affront." Kerry Greenwood in her second Phryne Fisher mystery. I am a fan of the 1920s, so one day while I was wandering through Houston's famed mystery bookstore Murder By the Book (murderbooks.com) I was intrigued when I saw a staff pick set in that era. I read the book and found it to be completely wonderful and advise you to try it if you like cozy historical mysteries full of wit and quirky characters. Many thanks to staff member, McKenna, for choosing it and thereby introducing me to the world of Phryne Fisher.

Columbia Restaurant in Tampa, circa 1905 "It is impossible to travel faster than the speed of light, and certainly not desirable, as one's hat keeps blowing off." Woody Allen. I had the pleasure of seeing my close friends Lorin and Brenda last weekend. We ate at a number of delicious restaurants and I thank Brenda's daughter Liz for all her excellent suggestions. I was not disappointed once. In addition to Columbia's wonderful food, the mosaic tile murals were fantastic. I was relatively low energy in terms of creativity, so it was fortunate that we visited so many coffee shops and drank many mochas. I decided to use my new prologue and got some new scenes written. I also began work on some new goals. And of course, most importantly, I spent time with my kind, funny, and talented friends. For those of you that know them, you will undoubtedly be extremely envious that you didn't get to travel with me to Tampa. This is a most natural reaction, and I recom...

"Let other pens dwell on guilt and misery." Jane Austen While I spent the weekend and subsequent days at Bonnie's, we went to see Becoming Jane. I'm a decided Jane Austen fan, though not rabid about it. Becoming Jane was rather heart-breaking, and I was glad to learn later that the evidence of the cruelly dashed romance between Austen and Lefroy was not significant. Meanwhile, thinking of her life, I had to reflect upon her early death. She died at 41 after having written 6 novels. Those stories have gone on to inspire countless books, movies, societies, museums, stage plays, and the admiration of millions. Charlotte Bronte and Mark Twain were quite critical of her work, but I find I can love it without guilt. If characters are put through their trials and tribulations, they usually deserve a happy ending. While I can sometimes enjoy a novel where things are dark and scary or dreary, as an author, I am usually with Jane. Let others dwell in the darkness, I prefe...