Splurge!

Before my guy passed away, we spent a lot of time in bookstores. A lot of time. We both enjoyed browsing, chatting in the cookbook aisle and hauling home a stack (or two!) of new books. He favored cookbooks, nature guides and puzzle books, with the occasional classic thrown in for good measure. Me? Crazy for romance, mysteries and crossword puzzle books. Also loved cookbooks, big time.

Now, bookstore browsing has lost its appeal. It's just no fun without him. And, to be perfectly honest, the financial situation has changed so, for now at least, the days of bringing home stacks of books is out of the question.

But, every once in a while a gal's gotta splurge, doesn't she? Besides, I don't remember the last time I bought a book. I know it was in the hospital gift shop but I can't for the life of me remember when or what I bought. The only thing I'm sure of is that I left it in the patients' lounge for someone else to read when I was done with it. That's what I did with all the books I bought last year.

Anyhow...

Yesterday the UPS guy pulled into the driveway. Man, I was psyched--I heard his truck and met him at the door. A few days ago I splurged, calling B&N and ordering a short stack of books I've really wanted to read.

I am so excited by these books, I can't even begin to tell you how much they make me smile. I think I feel a smile coming from up above, too. My guy loved watching me mull over which book to read first, the way I did last night. I opened, then closed, each one, knowing full well they'll all quench my thirst for a good romance. Too, they'll sweep me away, letting me escape for a while. I need that.

Well, I'm not going to divulge which book I decided to read first. I'll just say that I was awake into the wee hours of the morning, and this time it wasn't because of insomnia. No, I was deep into a fabulous story--and loving every minute of it.

Yes, this was definitely a worthwhile splurge!

On the topic of fabulous books, have you peeked in at The Lark Journals this week? Big news! One of Kathleen O'Connor's romances has been rereleased. If I had known about it last week, it would have been on my book splurge order. Now you know what's at the top of my new splurge list! Why don't you check it out? Kathy writes such heartwarming, realistic romances. I never can put one of hers down without reading it from cover to cover.

So, what are you reading? And have you splurged on anything lately that's really brought you pleasure? I hope you have, and I hope whatever you chose makes you smile the way I'm smiling now.

Have a peaceful day!

November. I think.

Happy November!

Yesterday was a whirlwind. I had a to-do list that was nearly as long as a small book. All right, maybe it was only a short story but it sure felt like a small book. The day was glorious, a clear, crisp fall day so we really had a nice time running here and there.

Funny (in hindsight) story...

My "Duh?" moment came yesterday when I actually drove forty-some miles to buy a book. In and of itself, not so silly since we do live in the middle of nowhere. The truly dumb thing is that I went to four stores looking for the book. None of them had it. The reason? Yesterday, as every other person knew, was the 31st. The book I was searching for? Comes out on the 1st. Yes, I had it in my (empty, apparently!) head that yesterday was November 1st. Duh!!

Don't you hate it when you do something like that? Or perhaps you're not prone to having these moments. I'm not generally; I think I just had too much on my mind, what with the mile-long list and all. Anyhow, that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it.

Oh? The book? Melissa McClone's Rescued By the Magic of Christmas. I think it comes out today, but don't quote me on that. I'm not sure about anything, except that I'll be venturing out again to find this one. I love holiday stories and this one looks like it's going to be really good! Don't you just love that cover? So cozy and romantic.

I don't know how I forgot the date since today is the Big Day. Yes, National Novel Writing Month has officially begun. No, I haven't started my new novel yet. I'm off to do that as soon as I finish chatting with you. It's exhilirating to begin a new novel anytime but I especially love doing it during November. I just get a kick out of so many people working toward a common, yet personal, goal. Makes me smile.

To celebrate November I've decided to have a small contest here at From the Heart. I'm keeping the rules easy. Every Saturday of the month (starting next Saturday) I'll randomly choose a winner from the previous week's entries. How to enter? Couldn't be easier! Just comment here on the blog. Every comment is one entry. Every Saturday the contest begins anew. So today's comments count toward next Saturday's pool of entries.

Oh? The prize? Choice of title from my backlist. There are four in print and I've got copies of each so it's the winner's choice. Please tell your friends! The more the merrier, I always say! :)

So what's on your agenda for this first day of November? Anything you'd like to share? Me? First, I'm going to get my NaNo novel started. Then I've got a recipe for apple cake I'm going to try out. After that? Just going to take the day as it comes, and enjoy every moment of it. I hope you have a lovely Saturday!