CREDITS:

Digital scrap items in the header, layouts and sidebar are by Miss Mint at PeppermintCreative.com or Jen Wilson at JenWilsonDesigns.com

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Gone to Lake Granbury

I don't like living without AC so I packed Aiden up late last night at hit the road at 4 am to avoid evacuation traffic. I'm at my parent's house and will be until I am certain power is back on at home! The family couldn't be more thrilled. ;) I have a grandmother that thinks hurricanes should come every three months so I'll bring Aiden up more often! LOL! I'm going to have fun shopping at all the local boutiques on the town square. I can't wait to see what Halloween decor my favorite little shop has!

See you next week!

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

The Craziness Continues...

Aiden is sick with some mystery ailment and is not making life easy for me this week. I found myself secretly wishing that the world would be swallowed up in a self-made black hole when they switched on the LHC last night. *SIGH* No such luck. I'll be trying to console an irritable toddler all day with the Color Wonder markers and 97¢ party noise makers I bought at Wal-Mart last night "in case of emergency" for today. BOTH came out before his first nap at 9 am.

In between the mayhem I am trying to knock things off my never-ending, always growing to-do list. I believe I have agreed to do too much this fall. The stress hurts and I'm about as irritable as Aiden. Things will slow down after Halloween, which feels like an eternity away. For now I will finish typing this and then clean my floors. That will probably make me feel better! At least I can check it off my list!

P.S. In case you were wondering, I think the January Valentine craft is going to be pink metal mini buckets with vinyl lettering and clear cellophane treat bags to go inside with ribbon ties that you can fill with candy and use for teacher's gifts, neighbor's gifts or for your own home decoration. They're easy, inexpensive and adorable!

P.P.S. Yes, Miss Mint's site is down. Yes, something big and cool is coming! Yes, I have seen new products and I know she's working on some other new things as well. I'd bet a new freebie is one of them but don't quote me on that. I haven't seen a new freebie at all - not a single paper or element - it's just my speculation. You can follow all the fun on Miss Mint's Blog and I am not confirming or denying any of the rumors about what will or will not be on the site when it re-opens. NO, I do not know what she looks like! I have only talked to her on the phone and I can tell you she's a girl and she's 29. And she really hates when I make her say "this is Miss Mint" when I pick up the phone! ROFL!

Monday, September 8, 2008

Consolation Prize?

I feel bad that a partial draft of Midnight Sun leaked and frustrated Stephanie Meyer so much that she put the entire book on hold "indefinately". The first Twilight book is my favorite and I was sooooo looking forward to Midnight Sun. Even more than the release of Breaking Dawn.

Breaking Dawn was supremely disappointing to me. I felt like the author was tired of the story and finished everything up in a predictable, mundane way to ensure she wouldn't have to continue the story any longer. I was beyond disappointed.

Then Diana told me the illegally leaked draft of Midnight Sun was posted on Stephanie's Website, with a note to her readers. Since she's angry and not going to finish the book, she wanted her fans to be able to read what was written instead of being dishonest and seeking it out illegally. I have to admit that my heart leaped when I opened her PDF to see it was 264 pages long! I also have to admit that my heart sank because I knew it would only be half the story. Indeed, the draft ends just as the story begins to get good.

The selfish side of me appreciates being able to read Midnight Sun so soon after Breaking Dawn. Even though this was a rough draft, it's written well, in the same style as the first book where emotion pours from every page. As you read, you're reminded of how new crushes feel and think "Oh, yeah! I remember that feeling!" as you experience it along with the characters. I consider it a consolation prize after a fourth book so disappointingly written.

I'm sad the leak has ruined the fun for everyone BUT I'm betting on human greed. After one or two more books don't return the fame and fortune Twilight did, Midnight Sun will be finished to claim the last some-odd million the series holds for her. (Can you imagine the sales potential after an "indefinately held" project with a sudden secret completion is then unexpectedly released?) I'll be patient. Because the part of the book I have read has been even more impressive than the first. Someday I'd love to have Midnight Sun sitting beside Twilight on my bookshelf. The "free sample" has only left me wanting more!

P.S. Read it if you want or choose to not read it if you want. I won't judge you! I'm fascinated by my degree field and couldn't resist a peek into Edward's thoughts. It was even more fascinating than expected!

MILD SPOILER:

Edward was right. He really did love Bella more. I would have NEVER thought it possible but honestly, he was right. Her human emotions simply could not match his. I'm still stunned that his side of the story is so deep, complex and beautiful.