Last night my mom and I went to see David Baldacci, the #1 New York Times Bestselling thriller author. I’ve read a handful of his books and while I wasn’t sure what to expect, I was excited to listen to a successful author tell his story in person. And tell it he did. He’s funny, …
Melanie Hooyenga
Ineffective Motivation
I’m not sure when I started doing this, but for the past year or so I’ve treated reading books as a reward. If I have a project hanging over my head that I really need to finish I won’t allow myself to start a new book until I’ve finished it. I love reading so in …
It’s Been Seven Months Since I’ve Seen a Machine Gun
Once again I’m struck by the absurdity that is my life. Never in a million years had I imagined that would be a sentence I’d state, let alone have it be true. I’ve been back in the US for seven months and while much of my life has returned to “normal”, there are still moments …
Sit. Heel. Aw Hell.
Monday night was Owen’s first official obedience class. *dramatic pause* Nah, he did really well. He made an effort to say hello to eeeeeeeeeeeeeveryone and most of them said hello back. I expected him to be noisy since he talks NON-STOP at home, but much like my friends who have rowdy kids and are shocked …
Yet Another Sign That I Truly Am a Writer
I suck. My book sucks. Why would anyone want to read this? I don’t even want to read this. Why did I ever think this was a good idea? I may as well quit now and save agents the hassle of ignoring my query. Ever had these thoughts? That’s been the constant monologue running through …
Hoo’s Bay?
My sister and I went fall clothes shopping last weekend. I pride myself on finding awesome bargains and my sister is even better, so needless to say we tore that mall up. I found boots and heels and sweaters (Adam I will not call them jumpers) and other long-sleeved shirts, since it seems there’s more …
An Overdue Announcement
I have some news that I don’t think will surprise very many of you. In fact, unless there’s a legion of readers out there who never comment and therefore have never made me aware of their existence, I think the majority of you already know. Last spring Ibis and I decided to separate, and I’ve …
More Old Habits Dying Hard
Since I’m living with my parents I don’t cook as much as I used to, and while I’m not completely heartbroken over this, I do miss cooking some of my favorite dishes. Yesterday I decided to make a peanut sauce chicken dish that tastes pretty close to one of my favorites from a Thai restaurant …
Remembering
Remembering everything about that day nine years ago, but especially remembering my friend Craig who died that day.
Fall
When I was in Mexico I complained A LOT about how hot it was. The heat, the humidity, the no air conditioning, the sun, the heat, the humidity, the bugs (wait, that’s a different problem), and the never-ending heat. Oh, and also the heat. So it’s with no small amount of pleasure that I welcome …