Friday Four or Five

1. I got older this week. I have to admit, I love birthdays. I love getting spoiled, I'm not going to lie. But I used to dread that number getting higher. Not anymore. Now I am grateful for every year I am blessed with.

2. The publishing industry can be a hard one. So many high highs and really low lows (and everything in between). But one thing is constant--how awesome all of my CPs and writer friends are. Whether we only communicate through emails and social media, or if you're one of the lucky ones who gets to see me in person and hear my stories about potty training my 3-year-old, I am so grateful for you all. You make the lows bearable and the highs even higher.

3. You know what else makes me happy? A new idea after a long dry spell. I was seriously beginning to wonder if my well had dried up last week. I was racking my brain, desperate for a new WIP to lose myself in. NOTHING CAME. *insert shrieks of horror* So I sat down and started writing. I didn't have an idea for a story, I didn't even know character's names. I just wrote. I got a few paragraphs out and still had no idea what it was. Then, five days later, the rest came to me. Shiny new idea, I love you.

4. Spring is here! Sunshine, 60's, wind... Yep, it's definitely here. And I have to admit, I'm loving it. I feel better than I have in weeks. Months, even. More hopeful. I have some great books on my night stand to read, I have a new project to work on, I have wonderful friends, an amazing family. I am very blessed. After losing Josh, I am trying to never take any of my blessings or the time I have with the people I love for granted ever again.

What's on your mind today?

Lots of Love

So, recently, my blog hasn't had too many lighter posts. Time for a little change. It's Valentine's Day, the day of love. (Or at least the day we're told we better spend money and let everyone know that we're loved, right?)

Well, today I thought I'd write a little love note, to some special people in my life.

First, to all the writers.
I am so lucky to have such wonderful friends and partners in crime. (Candice, Kasie, Renee, Natalie, Jen, and Chantale) Writers are a quirky bunch (some a little bit more certifiably crazy than others -- sword fighting in the aisles anyone?), but hey to each their own, right? Thanks for the laughs, for protecting our "special corner" while I, ahem, you know what, basically for a fabulous weekend at LTUE. I love you girls!

THIS is SUSPENSE!!!

Oh look! More authors! More people that I am so grateful for. (Brodi Ashton, Natalie Whipple, Bree Despain, and James Dashner.) Dinner with such amazing people was just what the doc prescribed. We are all glowing because we are all so fantabulous we're practically angelic. Or else the flash went wacko on my camera. It's one or the other.

Look! MORE awesome authors! (Cute preggo Natalie and Renee) I am so blessed with great, supportive friends. Even when others go totally wackadoodle on me and try to cause me stress, all these lovely ladies here and previously pictured and even those who aren't pictured in this post help keep me laughing and sane. Oh, and the boys, too. Like Dashner. There is just a plethora of female authors in the YA world.

LOOK EVEN MORE AWESOME AUTHORS! (Are you seeing a trend?) I love all of you. And I love yummy food. This was a good night. :-)

And all the authors who I don't know, but whose books inspire, uplift, and transport me to your worlds of intrigue, danger, and romance--I love you, too. But not in a scary, stalker kind of way. Just an "I hope I can be like you some day. And maybe meet you, too" kind of way.

I also love my family. I am so blessed to have three of the (in my completely unbiased opinion) best kids in the whole world. SHH and I heart attacked the boys' door this morning (and surprised them with some new shoes for when spring gets here).

The cute Valentine's Day "Card" we made the grandparents. Yep, I refuse to support Hallmark this year. We're all about the cheesy homemade goodness. I have the best parents. Love their guts.

And my four little sisters -- I don't have any giant cards for you with my kids feet plastered on them, but I do love you all VERY much. My first and most special besties. :-)

And of course the rest of my family and my other amazing friends, who are some of the coolest people and most wonderful friends on this earth. MWUAH!

Aw, tenderness, right? You know I love ya SHH. My friends are the wind that help me to fly, but you are the one who builds (and constantly repairs) my wings.

Had enough mushy-mush? Well, it's not over yet! I love all of you, too! This blogging world is amazing. I have met so many amazing people through my blogging adventures and I am so grateful for all of you--your support, every comment you leave (I honestly cherish them all), and just how rockin' you all are. BIG AWKWARD ONLINE HUGS TO EVERYONE!

Who do you love today?