There's nothing quite as sweet as pressing send on your laptop when you've met a deadline or finished some project. I've been pressing my send button a lot lately and it's quite gratifying. When my laptop is behaving and I've given a project my all and it's off my desk and onto someone elses, I am so thankful. Time for rewards:) Must be the teacher in me. Nothing like a little reward to get you to that finish line a little faster. In my younger, thinner days I'd treat myself to a peanut buster parfait or beer battered onion rings with a side of tartar sauce (at least that's what these northwesterners do) or some other sinful concoction. But now that I seem to be developing a serious case of writer's rear (one of the hazards of the job!), I'm going to have to opt for slimmer pursuits:)
So...yesterday I found The Young Victoria at Costco and decided this would be it. Now to find time to watch it again with a tween, a teenager, and a husband who's seen it once and doesn't want a re-do. Wish you were with me and we'd have a girl's night in:) 
Thankfully, books are calorie free, too, or I'd have some serious issues. Here's my latest prize by Ann Rinaldi which I've already mentioned. I was quite sad about the cover, though. You'll rarely hear me complain here but heavens! Rinaldi is HUGE and this cover is dark and fuzzy and the girl - well... Shame on you, Harcourt! But maybe Ann loves it. Authors have strange tastes:) I always smile when I see this on the back of Rinaldi's wonderful books. Wish I could put a similar disclaimer on mine:
WARNING: This is a historical novel. Read at your own risk. The writer feels it necessary to alert you to the fact that you might enjoy it.
Oh yay, so happy you've added The Young Victoria to your collection. :) That one is worth many rewatches IMO. :) And congrats on that "send" thing. ;)
ReplyDeleteMmmm, I do love treats :) I look for any and every opportunity to get them. maybe that's why I have...studio rear? hehehe....
ReplyDeleteI just watched this movie with a friend the other day! we had tea and scones while we watched ;) Albert reminds me so much of my own leading man. So laid back and 'do your own thing, honey' lol. He's even offered to stay home and be a 'house dad' when I get rich and famous some day ;) I hope he's not holding his breath!
Cant wait to meet all your new characters! Its about time for Morrow, yes? I need to get my little hands on a copy!~! That will be my own calorie-free indulgence!
Congratulations Laura on pushing the “send” button! I'm so blessed for you my friend! My mom and I just watched The Young Victoria last night! It was so incredibly beautiful and it certainly makes for a great "reward" ;) I LOVE period dramas- between the costumes and the accents, goodness I’m in heaven! My two favorite movies of all time are the ever favorite staple “Pride & Prejudice” (the 2005 version with Keira Knightley of course) and the breath taking (2004) adaptation of Elizabeth Gaskell’s “North & South” – again, the costumes, the accents, the locations, and some of the best period acting our contemporary eyes will ever behold… sorry, I get carried away sometimes :)
ReplyDeleteLaura, if I was there I would definitely join you for your girls night in! Guy’s just don’t understand we need things like that ;) And, please let me know what you think of that book, okay? I agree, the cover is a bit… well… scary, for lack of a better word. But, if it’s set in RI and it has the thumbs up from you then I’ll give it a shot :)
Blessings,
Amanda Stanley
Enjoy your well earned rewards. The Young Victoria is a movie I could enjoy again and again. I plan to get a copy so I can do just that. Wish I could join you and other historical fans for a girls' night. Guys just don't get romance the way we do, bless their male hearts.
ReplyDeleteI must put in a plug for Gwynly. He sat through Bright Star tonight, the story of John Keats and his devoted friend Fanny. Sad story but a nicely portrayed depiction of a real life romance that, although cut short, speaks to many even two centuries later.
Congratulations on finishing! I imagine it must feel very good!
ReplyDeleteI too love, onion rings. I don't get them very often, so they're definitely a treat. Last month, I ordered onion rings, at a restaurant in eastern Kentucky, and the small serving was large enough for two people to share. As for the large (which my stepdad ordered), it was large enough for all three of us! Chocolate is definitely good as a reward too.
I'm so glad you bought The Young Victoria, I'm hopping I'll be able to find it at Wal-Mart this weekend. Tomorrow is my payday, so there will be a little book shopping too.
I agree about the cover of Ann Rinaldi's book, it's...I don't even have the words. The disclaimer on her books always makes me smile.
Hope you have a wonderful weekend, and Happy Mother's Day!
First, I think you could definitely post that warning on your books, because it's a foregone conclusion that anyone reading your writing WILL enjoy themselves.
ReplyDeleteSecond, I wish I could come and watch "The Young Victoria" with you, since I've not seen it yet. I have to argue a point with Amanda, though. I absolutely LOVE the PBS miniseries of "Pride and Prejudice." I could swoon just thinking about Colin Firth standing, all disheveled, on the edge of that pond, or moat, or whatever it was. Does it matter? ;)
Hitting "send" is a liberating experience, I know. And my experience simply extends to contests. The hard part, there, is waiting to see a response - and May 15 is beginning to loom . . .
Congrats on hitting SEND. For me, that's a very scary button.
ReplyDeleteI'd say go ahead & enjoy one calorie-laden treat WHILE you're reading. Reading must eat up one or two calories, right?
Ruth, This is fast becoming one of my favorite movies - quite a statement from someone who rarely watches them:) It's so nice to see history well done and on a big budget scale. Next movie on my list is Robin Hood with Russel Crowe. Now that should be one interesting review for you!
ReplyDeleteYes, that "send" thing is quite addictive:) Thank you.
That cover is odd. The dark edging is too much. It needs to recede a little.
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend, Laura. I'm biting my nails, stamping my foot, and waiting impatiently for the release of COURTING...
Oh Heather, the tea and scones sound great - and perfectly suited to the movie! You always do it up right! And if your man is anything like Prince A, you are blessed indeed. The way your artwork is going, he might just be able to retire early (my husband's dream) but I tell him not to hold his breath either:)
ReplyDeleteYES, thanks for mentioning Morrow. She's at the printers as we speak. The release date is July 1 but last go round TFD was in stores a couple of weeks early. Walmart and Sam's Club have picked the book up so please check there first as you'll have a savings.
And today I'm expecting hundreds of bookmarks and bookcards which will be winging their way to reader friends like you, only I promise to send you just one or two:)
Hi Amanda!
ReplyDeleteSo good to wake up to your name in my inbox this morning:) I'm so glad you watched The Young Victoria so recently - it is just so well done. I downloaded the soundtrack to my ipod and it sure makes great walking/thinking/plotting music. My husband even liked Pride and Prejudice and we're due for another viewing as that was so well done, too. You've certainly piqued my curiosity about North & South. I think there might have been an older version of that I watched but the newer one sounds so much better. And I believe I might have read the book. You are so right to rave about it when it's well done. What I wouldn't give for one of those costumes!
Yes, Rinaldi's cover is just missing something - was thinking it would have been lovely to have an island/water setting in the background as it is on Block Island. I think the thing that surprised me is that the period dress isn't right either. Hmmm...
Bless you, dear Amanda, and have an amazing weekend!
Congrats on all the sending! :) And I just went to Amazon to read what The Family Greene is about. Caty Greene! Yep, I'll be reading that one... eventually. She's such a vibrant historical figure and keeps popping up in so many of the books I'm reading (including my own!). :)
ReplyDeleteCongrats!! I love rewards too. :) Though I haven't completed anything near as big as sending a book off. Looking forward to someday reading it. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the Bright Star tip, Keli! That sounds so intriguing. I admire husbands who watch romantic movies with us, maybe for no other reason than the fact they know it means something to us. Kind of gallant, I'd say:) Your Gwynly sounds wonderful. That name belongs in a book but think i've said that before!
ReplyDeleteMovies with sad endings are hard for me, as are books. Not long ago we (Randy and I) watched Becoming Jane (Jane Austen) and though I'd studied her life and writings in college I'd forgotten the details, especially that sad ending! It was an emotional wrench even though I should have been prepared. Glad CBA pubs gravitate toward happy endings.
Happy Friday (and payday), Michelle! I know you will be as happy as I was when I found the DVD. They just came to Costco this week so Walmart is probably stocking them, too.
ReplyDeleteYour eastern Kentucky jaunt sounds wonderful, onion rings and all. I'm hankering to return to my Mammoth Cave roots and show my boys the sights there. Would love to stay at that wigwam village (don't laugh!) with those air-conditioned teepees - I believe they even have onion rings. And yes, they always serve way too many for one person!
Hope you have a wonderful Mother's Day with your loved ones.
Regina,
ReplyDeleteYou will love this movie when you see it. Definitely for historical loving hearts:) As for P&P, what is it about a disheveled man that is so romantic? I think so, too. Love those manly men...
As for contests, they are new to me and I'm thinking of the Genesis which several of my writing friends have entered. This coming week will be full of anticipation, for sure! Given your wonderful, heartfelt posts on your blog, I think you are a strong contender. And I wish you all the best with that - prayers going your way. It can be emotional, to say the least. I don't think we ever get over the butterflies that come when we hit send or watch that anticipated email pop into our inbox. Bless you and enjoy that Kentucky sunshine!
Brenda, I must confess SEND has me doing a great many emotional and mental gymnastics prior to doing just that. Just yesterday I was in a bit of a panic as I couldn't find the master file for the project I had worked on two weeks as I'd made too many copies! Since I'm not computer-savvy, alarm bells were ringing, to say the least. I've had things just up and disappear before. Much weeping and gnashing of teeth at times.
ReplyDeleteLove the calorie-burning reading thing:)
Lori, I think this is one example of the old adage "you can't judge a book by its cover." I have Kitty Greene mentioned in The Colonel's Lady, too, if you remember:) Always enjoy bringing real historical figures in - and events. Gives the work more depth and realism, if handled well. Happy reading to you today! And writing!
ReplyDeleteBritt, YAY! I've missed you here but know those Tennessee hills are keeping you out and about. You'll be getting a bookmark or two soon as I think I have your snail mail. Thanks so much for the thumbs up for Morrow. Can't believe it's right around the corner. Time goes so fast. Thinking of you and needing to catch up on my blog reading. Be blessed!
ReplyDeleteps i chuckled at your cover comments. We are on the same page about that, no pun intended:)
Casey, I hope you're rewarding yourself for all those great blogs you keep going!! I'm so impressed with your latest venture - http:thewritersalley.blogspot.com If I didn't get that quite right it's in the sidebar on my blogroll. You are with a great bunch of writers/seekers/believers. I'm always amazed that there are so many people devoted to writing and helping others along the way. You are a good reason why I don't write much about writing. Such great blogs already exist that I don't feel I can add much. Hope your weekend is wonderful and you sneak a reward or two in:)
ReplyDeleteLOL Regina! I agree, the disheveled Colin Firth did look very handsome in that version of P&P, but I think I like the recent Keira Knightley version the best because, first- I saw that one before the 1995 version with Colin Firth, and second- well, I’m only 24 and the 2005 version is kind of like my generations P&P. I hate to make blanket statements because everyone has different tastes, but I know the actors that were in the 2005 and other than Colin Firth, I had never heard of the others in the 1995 version :)
ReplyDeleteLaura, I know you would LOVE North and South!! I think I ordered mine from PBS or BBC America’s online store, you can check both sites. And, I can’t wait for the new Robin Hood movie to come out too!!
Blessings,
Amanda Stanley
Now those are my kind of treats/rewards!! I haven't seen that Rinaldi book yet. What is it about?
ReplyDeleteI've smiled a few times at her little "warning" on the back of her books.
Enjoy all of your well deserved rewards, Laura! You display remarkable restraint---I'm not sure I could save the fun things for after the work!
ReplyDeleteI've had The Young Victoria here from Netflix for about ten days now. Haven't had a chance to watch it yet and hubby doesn't seem too interested in it. Yes, we need a girl's movie night just like we need a girl's road trip!
Enjoy your movie and book and any desserts you may have to go with them!
Amanda, I'm off to look up North & South on Amazon. If I'm lucky enough to find it I will let you know:) Thanks for the tip! We romantics think alike:)
ReplyDeleteLisa, I've been thinking of you and am missing you now that you've moved to WordPress! Since I'm deadline free (well, just one book looming) at the moment, I can catch up on my blog hopping.
ReplyDeleteAs for Rinaldi's newest, it takes place on an island off the coast of Rhode Island and centers around the daughter of a Revolutionary war hero and his supposed fickle wife's infidelities. I will try to post a review once I read it.
Any lake house rewards in your future?! You are in for a wonderful summer!
Oh Mary, you are in for such a treat with this movie, George or no George:) I so wish we could watch it together - all of us! Let me know what you think. I can't wait to see it again - it's sitting here in my stack of stuff by my writing chair. Thanks for the sweet words as they really do count as dessert for me!
ReplyDeleteI read the ARC of The Family Greene and actually just reviewed it on my blog. I was disappointed in the cover but for a different reason - I noticed the clothing is all wrong for the time period! Oh well! I guess every cover can't be perfect. I did enjoy the story.
ReplyDeleteI'm an Ann Rinaldi fan, too...and I can't wait for Morrow...
ReplyDeleteLaura, I just wanted to let you know, I awarded your blog. You can pick it up here. God bless!
ReplyDeletehttp://enjoyingthewritingcraft.blogspot.com/2010/05/winner-and-blog-awarrd.html
Hi Laura,
ReplyDeleteI would love for you to answer some questions I had. Would it be possible for you to email me? I would really enjoy talking with you.
esterried[at]yahoo[dot]com
Hi Rebecca, Oh, I've been waiting for your review so will go there next. I saw that the clothing was 19th-c. and was surprised myself. Someone was asleep at the switch for this one. Some of her other covers are so well done and true to the era. But I know a bad one is sure to crop up when you've published as many books as she has. It does look like a great read.
ReplyDeleteThanks for checking in - off to your blog to read:)
Casey, I love blog awards and treasure the few I've gotten!! Thanks so much - this one is so nicely done. And it's such a privilege that you thought of me. So glad God brought us together. I sure enjoy your blogs - and just discovered you're into beading - something I've always wanted to do (and knit)! Don't laugh but in this 3rd book, The Colonel's Lady, I have my Roxie knitting socks for the whole garrison and I've never done a stitch! Guess I know who to call on for historic details:) Bless you - and thank you so much!
ReplyDeleteHi, Julia! Thank you for your enthusiasm about Morrow. I sure hope you enjoy her story as much as I enjoyed writing it. Stay tuned as I am going to start giving away a book a week all of July to my reading friends here. And I now have a boatload of bookmarks, as well:)
ReplyDeleteIt's always great to meet another Rinaldi fan. Coincidentally, I picked up one of her earlier books yesterday at the library - Time Enough for Drums. Really enjoying it so far. Wish I had them all but there are so many. I have yet to visit her blog so will do that next. After yours!
Thanks so much for stopping here - hope to see you again.