Smiling all the Way From A to Z -- K

On to the letter K, I smile because of...

KINGS

If you haven't noticed already, my last name is King. I really, really, really (with double fudge frosting and Reeses Peanut Butter Cups on top) love my last name. It is wicked cool. But more than loving my last name, I love my family.

I have a fantastic mom and dad who support me so much. My dad has probably read my books more times than anyone. Bless his heart for reading the rough versions. My mom is a sweet angel, one of the best people ever.

My siblings are truly the best--an older sister and an older brother. All three of us have names that start with J. Of course, my parents say they didn't do that on purpose. I beg to differ, though. Why? Well, my dad is an identical twin. His twins  two sons' names start with J. Go figure...

My siblings married fantastic spouses. And my brother and his wife have three hyper rugrat boys, a princess little girl, and a baby boy on the way next month. Life would be extremely dull without those little ones in my life.

I rather enjoyed living in London years ago, therefore, I love Kings--real Kings. And ya know what? According to some of the genealogy research my dad has undertaken, my family is related to an Italian King way back when. Pretty nifty! I want some gelato now. Nums

Are you a fan of royalty? Do you like your last name? Starting with the letter K, what makes you smile?

Writing Jewels

PS: Refer to the blurb on the very top of my blogs sidebar to know why I am posting about what makes me smile. Go forward and smile!

Smiling all the Way From A to Z -- F

I'm glad that the letter F landed on today. Today is a day that comes only once every year. I endlessly smile on this particular day. Why? Because...

 

TODAY IS MY BIRTHDAY!

 

Yup, I'm one year older and wiser too. I hit the big 31 today! By golly, I love birthdays! So, now you can wish me a Happy Birthday and send me lots of presents and a hot handsome hunk of a hubs. haha No, really.

 

Anyway, Happy and Birthday obviously don't start with the letter F and don't even have that letter gracing the words. Well, how does the letter F and my birthday relate.

 

Because the things that start with the letter F always make me smile, especially on my birthday. They are my FAMILY and FRIENDS.

 

I appreciate them all for their love, support, and putting up with me in all my random, quirky, often times loud, and silly ways. They listen. They love. They are my favorite.

 

So, my presents haven't appeared out of thin air yet. Come on guys, get with it! haha

 

I love my dear Dad, Mom, sister, brother-in-law, brother, sister-in-law, three nephews (one on the way), and my princess of a cute niece.

 

Seriously, guys, where are my presents. *stomps foot*

 

Well, it's on to you. Starting with the letter F, what makes you smile?

 

Writing Jewels

PS: Refer to the blurb on the very top of my blogs sidebar to know why I am posting about what makes me smile. Go forward and smile!

Wrapping It Up

So, I spent my vacation on the banks of the Columbia River. I enjoyed time with my brother's family, two parades, a super-duper-chocolatey-smothered funnel cake, a carnival, a craft fair, and a 5K race. And yes, oddly enough, I did enjoy the run. Oh, and I saw The Avengers too. Not that shabby for a weekend, eh?

Well, now I'm taking some recuperating time from the fun. And that's why this post has come a bit late on this fine Tuesday post-day. I slept in and didn't have a post scheduled. I very well could have prepared this last night, but I watched a couple too many episodes of Jane by Design on Netflix. While on my vacation someone told me about the show. Now.... yes.... I'm obsessed. And really want to go on a huge shopping spree to buy supercool clothes like Jane wears.

Could I pull it off is the question...

Anyway, here are some pics from my vacation. I promise, I'll get back to posting about writing from now on. But for now, enjoy some pics!




At the craft fair, I spotted a vendor doing henna. This is the ink drying.

 I wanted the Chinese character for love put on my ankle and asked for pretty flowers to sprout from it. So pretty!

 My hand today, it is fading a bit but should last for a while longer.

 Ok, this is how much I love dogs... I'm standing in the dog potty area. Gross, huh? But I had to get the pic cuz it was way too cool to pass up the chance. Haha

 Me holding my sleeping niece at the parade. She's sooo cute. Me on the other hand, not so cute. I just finished a 5K. Give me a break. :D

And I read quite a bit of The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter while trapped in a car for the 11 hour drive, twice. Could have finished more, but got caught up in watching movies with my nephews and niece. And taking little naps here and there.

Love you all!

Writing. Jewels.

Giving Thanks

After yesterdays huge meal and feeling like I was about the burst at the seams from stuffing myself, I went home from a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner with thoughts in my mind of my family.

The most prominent parts were my nephew's hugs and "I love you, Julia's" that sounded beautifully in my ears. The youngest of the lot has the cutest voice in the world. Hearing him say my name is like angels singing. I love those little guys, but can't forget their little sister, too. Yet, she's not quite at the talking stage other than cute mumbles. 

I am thankful for my family. They are the best in the West. Um, yes I do live in the Western United States. Haha. I love my family lots!

Now, on to a more writing note . . . 

I am extremely thankful for all those who have stuck by me over the past two years while I've struggled through writing two books. These people are family, friends, writing buddies, and followers. You all know who you are! 

I thank you for getting me here. And here is a great place to be.

Mwah! 

I feel blessed in so many ways when it comes to my writing craft. If only I could name them all . . .  But that would take way too much time and blog space.

Thanks! Gracias! Merci! Xie Xie! Arigato! Grazie!

What are you thankful for?

Writing. Jewels. Out.