AM I DONE YET?

Finally my Christmas shopping is done! But as I sit on the floor in the middle of the gift wrap, ribbons, bows, and presents, I find that I’m not nearly as “done” as I thought.

Go figure.

After all the thought put into each gift, standing in line, and shopping numerous stores for a particular item in stock, I sit here, my scissors poised and ready to wrap. Have I really bought the perfect gift for each person? Will the recipient think as much of the present as I do? Or will they rush to the store on December 26^th to exchange it for something else?

And then the mania sets in.

What about putting together the toys, bicycles, exercise equipment, etc.? If the box says “Some assembly required,” in English that means a person needs a professional mechanic’s tools and an engineering degree to get the job done. And how can you possibly pull that off without waking the kids?

Then there’s Christmas dinner. Can I cook the turkey and ham so that no one gets sick from undercooked meat? Will the guests get along and have a good time? Wait! That, I can do. I’ll just be sure to choose a good wine. Except that means ….. one more stop on the list.

So, really I am not “done”, I have just begun.

Until next week,

Mia



Jarenwicklund | Dreamstime.com

A Family Tradition

A tradition at my house is to put up the Christmas tree on Thanksgiving Day.  We have an artificial tree, mostly for safety reasons.  (If anyone is going to set their Christmas tree on fire, it’s me). 

It’s a family affair.  My husband puts the tree together.  He used to do the lights too but now we have a pre-lit tree.  (How is it that something always comes out to make his jobs easier?)  The kids put on the ornaments.  When they were little our tree was always leaning to one side or the other because they always seemed to put everything on the same side.  And I left it that way because that is part of what makes the holidays so special.  Lots of cute memories.  As they get older, they complain about doing the ornaments because it takes so long and the tree won’t be up that long anyway.  (From Thanksgiving Day to New Year’s Day is quite a stretch if you ask me). 

We have never used real popcorn or berries to put on our tree.  The various dogs and cats that live in our house would take that as an invitation.  As it is, the dogs like to lay under it and the cats enjoy climbing it.  We end up picking it up off the floor several times every year as it is.  If we put food on it, well, I have no idea what would happen.

I get to supervise and put on the icicles.  Yes, they are messy, clinging to your leg as you walk by, falling off the tree when a gift is added.  But I’ve tried leaving them off and it’s just not shiny enough without them.  They add a lot of sparkle to the tree.

Did you know that if you look at the lights and squint your eyes they look like stars?   I spend a lot of time staring at my tree.  It looks different every year. 

Some day soon it will be a mom and dad affair.  I’m enjoying the supervising for as long as I can.

Until next week,

Mia

DREAMZDESIGNER|DREAMSTIME.COM

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK:

The real trouble with reality is that there's no background music --- Anonymous

NEW RELEASE AVAILABLE

The fourth and final book in  my SEALS, Inc. series is now available at https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/107217.

If you're new and missed the first three, they too are available:

Leather, Lace & Rock-N-Roll:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/87362
or at Barnes and Noble:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/leather-lace-and-rock-n-roll-mia-dymond/1105870682?ean=2940011514418

Outspoken Angel:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/90312
or at Barnes and Noble:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/outspoken-angel-mia-dymond/1106579739?ean=2940011526800


Freaky By Nature:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/97541
or at Barnes and Noble:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/freaky-by-nature-mia-dymond/1107044281?ean=2940032818748

Thank you all for being such faithful readers!!!

Enjoy !!!

Mia

YOU CAN HAVE BLACK FRIDAY

Black Friday is less than a week away.  Yes, I know that some people take this day very seriously.  I tried it one year.  I got up at 2:00 am and stood in line for 4 hours.  When the doors opened, the crowd surged forward, sweeping me inside.  I rushed to get a shopping cart and put it into gear heading for electronics at the speed of light.  Well, as close to the speed of light as I could get when surrounded by 1,000 people.

By the time I made it to the electronics section, everything had been picked over and I had to really dig through the bins. The cell phone, IPOD, and blue ray players on my list were sold out.  I saw one e-reader and lunged for it.  So did a little grandma with blue hair.

Now, I am usually the woman who gives in, lets someone ahead of me in line, holds the door open for others, etc.  But  this time I just couldn’t do it.  Not after the hours and the crowd and the lack of sleep.  I must have been out of my mind.  I held on to my end and she held on to hers.  Our eyes locked and the staring match was on.

I had no idea little grannies could be so mean and so strong.  I lost.  And talk about being embarrassed!  Not just because I was beat out by a little ole lady, but because of my actions.  I blame it on lack of sleep and stress from being in a huge crowd.  But that was the first time I had ever lost control.  And I am going to make sure it is my last.

I no longer do the Black Friday shopping.  The picture of me and the granny that was published in the paper on Saturday made sure of that.

Be sure to watch my Facebook and Blog this week -- The final book in my SEAL, Inc. series is due to release sometime this week.  What a great way to spend the extra minutes of your holiday (if you have any!!).

Have a great holiday!!

Until next week,

Mia

Thought for the Week:

           The early bird gets the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese

                                                                               -- Anonymous

A REVIEW? OR A CRITIQUE?

As I scanned the new book selections this week, I couldn't help but notice that there seemed to be more reviews posted than usual.  I'm not one to put a whole lot of stock in a review before I purchase; I like to make my own decision.  However, I did take a peek.

There is a big difference between a critique and a review.   Sometimes, people get them mixed up.

A critique is provided by another professional writer who is asked (and sometimes paid) for their opinion. This opinion is given orally in a critique group or privately to the author. He/she reads the story and uses their skills to judge all aspects of the writing. Like a teacher grading an essay paper, grammar, sentence structure, and story structure are all taken into account as well as point of view, composition, plot, etc. Advice is given as to how the story could be improved and also praise is given for the good job done. This is an invaluable tool that all writers can use and help each other grow and do their best work.

A review is written by a reader and is meant to be shared with others. It is a personal opinion given to let others know what that person thought of the story. It should not be mistaken for the critique. While greatly appreciated, it is freely given and an invaluable tool that can increase sales and encourage writers.

So please, if you feel the need to review a book that you’ve read, remember that someone has poured their heart and soul into it. Give your opinion without trashing the writer. Stick to the reasons why you did or didn’t enjoy the story without picking it and the writer to death.

Until next week,

Mia

Thought for the Week:

A lot of good arguments are spoiled by some fool who knows what he's talking about

                                                                             --Anonymous

GERAKTV/DREAMSTIME.COM

TOP TEN REASONS WHY A WOMAN WOULD MAKE A GREAT PRESIDENT

10. Women can balance a checkbook and stick with a budget.

9. If the legislature can’t come to a decision in a timely manner, they will be put in time out together until they agree with each other.

8. There would be no unemployment because if you don’t have something to do, she will find you something.

7. Nobody would go to bed hungry or angry.

6. Other countries would treat us well. “Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned” translates into many languages and is recognized all over the world.

5. Countries run by women would be our best allies because summit meetings would include a shoe shopping trip and girls night out.

4. We would finally attain world peace by following her advice, “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.”

3. Everyone would have on clean underwear, just in case of an accident.

2. Nothing would get by her since she has eyes in the back of her head.

1. An afternoon nap would be mandatory for all students and employees.

Redbaron/Dreamstime.com

Thanks for reading, guys!  Downloads have been really good this month and I hope each and every one of you are enjoying them.  Keep watching Facebook and this blog closely -- the next and final book of my SEALS, Inc. series is due out sometime in November.

Also, please take the opportunity to post a review when you download - I love feedback from my readers.  And, when you register in Smashwords, you have the opportunity to add authors to your "favorites". 

Remember to visit my website too!

Until next week,

Mia


THOUGHT FOR THE MOMENT:

Never turn your back on a charging turtle
                                                 ---Anonymous



WEBSITE UPDATED!!!

Hey guys -- my website has been updated!  There's now a section devoted to my SEALS, Inc. series.  By the way, stay tuned because the next and final book in the series should be out in November.

Also, I now have an author's page at Book Junkies Library (http://book-junkies-library.com/authors.php#m).

Thanks for reading,


Mia

Andy Brown/Dreamstime.com

THANK GOODNESS FOR ROMANCE NOVELS

As I sit at my computer to write this blog, my mind starts to wander. What if life was more like a romance novel?

Women would still have problems, but they would always be resolved quickly and correctly.

Men would lower the toilet seat and the floor would remain dry.

Men would be muscular with washboard abs and a tight butt, even when he reached middle age and senior status.

We could eat anything we wanted and never gain weight.

Our hair, skin, nails, and make up would always be perfect.

Men would make sure we always have the big O multiple times and then snuggle instead of turning over and sleeping.

Men and women would both be independently wealthy, yet not spend much time at work.

Men would always know just how much time we needed with him and how much alone or girl time we needed.

But seriously, if life was really like that, why would we need to read romance novels?

*****

Have you visited my website? http://dymondintherough.com/ or friended me on Facebook?  http://www.facebook.com/

And  now the first three books in my SEALS, Inc. series are available at http://www.smashwords.com/:

Leather, Lace and Rock-N-Roll (Rachel and Hawke's story)
 http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/87362

Outspoken Angel (Cameron and Max's story) http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/90312

Freaky by Nature (Holly and Brett's story) http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/97541

Until next week,

Mia

© Antonio De Azevedo Negrão | Dreamstime.com

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK:

Why not have your cake and eat it too?  It's cake ... what else are you going to do with it? 

                                                                     -- Anonymous

NEW RELEASE AVAILABLE !!!

My newest release, Freaky By Nature, is now available at https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/97541. 

This is the third book in my SEALS, Inc. series and the story of Brett Steele and Holly London.  If you missed the first two books in the series, they are available on Smashwords also.  Leather, Lace and Rock-N-Roll, and Outspoken Angel.

For followers of my blog and my friends on Facebook, I am offering a free download coupon for Freaky By Nature but only for the next 48 hours.  Email me at mia_dymond at hotmail.com for the code.

Remember, you can also find me on the web:
https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/miadymond
http://dymondintherough.com/

Thanks for your support!!


Mia

WHY I WRITE ROMANCE NOVELS

I think I finally figured out why I write romance novels.

Yesterday, I broke down and decided to bake a batch of walnut brownies.  Not from a mix, mind you, but from scratch.  I measured, stirred, measured, then stirred again until finally the chocolate concoction was ready to be baked.  Very carefully I poured the mix into the baking pan, taking great care to keep the dripping chocolate in the pan and off the counter.  Then I popped the pan into the oven.  During cleanup, I scrubbed down the counters, gathered the eggshells into a pile, scooped everything up into a pile, and headed for the trash can.  And there I stood, my hands full of paper towels and egg "juice".  Why is it I am the only person in the house who finds it logical to replace the liner when the old one is removed?  My hero never forgets to replace the bag.  

Hot and sweaty, I headed for the shower.  Nothing like a nice, warm shower to wash away egg whites and frustration.  I leaned over the tub, turned on the faucets and then sighed.  Why is it I am the only person in the house who finds it logical to wash out the shower when I'm finished?  My hero always remembers to clean the shower (although most of the time he doesn't shower alone...)

After wiping out the shower, I started the process again.  This time, mother nature called while the water warmed.  I sat on the toilet and almost fell in.  I don't need to explain why.  My hero NEVER puts me in that position.

By the time I finished the shower, the timer on the stove beeped to tell me the brownies were done.  I pulled the steaming pan from the oven, cut them into squares, and managed to get one out and onto a plate.   Nothing like a nice, warm brownie and a cold glass of milk.  I stepped to the refrigerator and opened the door.  Why is it I am the only person in the house who doesn't replace the milk carton when there is only a dribble of milk left inside?  You get the point ... my hero always leaves the last glass of milk for me.

This is why I write romance novels. 

Have you visited my webpage yet?  http://www.dymondintherough.com/

And remember, my books are available at http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/miadymond

Until next week,

Mia

Thought for the week:

Normal around here is just a setting on the dryer --Anonymous

Japonka|Dreamstime.com

AHHHH .... FOOTBALL SEASON

Here it is, one of the busiest seasons of the year.  For me, anyway.  Football season.  Only, I spend game days differently than most. 

I run around like a chicken with my head cut off, gathering supplies, collecting last-minute donations and sometimes, making a few unplanned trips to the doctor's office.

My daughter is a college cheerleader. One that flies through the air and balances on one leg however-many-feet off the ground.

Honestly, the whole things makes me a nervous wreck.  And if she didn't weigh her whole 100 pounds, and her fit, buff, muscular partner his whole 200 pounds (MANY thanks to his mother for feeding him so well), I would spend most of the game passed out on the cold, hard bleachers.

Yet, I persevere.  I trust the handsome young man to catch her every single time she goes up.  Even if he did accidentally break her nose last season.

It's true when they say we'll do whatever it takes to support our children.  In my case, it's a bottle of anxiety medication.

My new website is now up and running.  You can access it at http://www.dymondintherough.com/ 

And, if you're new to my blog, my books are available on Smashwords.

                                   https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/87362

                                https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/90312

Until next week.

Mia

Thought for the week:

When somebody tells you nothing is impossible, ask him to dribble a football.

                                                                                      ---Anonymous

DO THINGS LIKE THIS ONLY HAPPEN TO ME?

I really thought I had this computer stuff down, but recently I found out I was wrong.  With a lot of practice, I've managed to fumble my way through e-mail.  Since I get loads of e-mail, I decided to organize my inbox by creating folders to store mail until I've had a chance to respond.  I also organized by contacts into groups. A fairly normal, easy function for most people.  Except me.

I'm not really a superstitious person, but I check my horoscope every morning.  If it's good, I take it to heart and tell my best friend, Ann.  If it's bad, I tell Ann I don't even believe in that stuff. 

Last Saturday morning, the stars were shining on me.  Since it was the weekend and I wouldn't see Ann until Monday, I decided to e-mail her a copy of the horoscope with a comment.  A private comment.

Now I know how to send e-mail to ALL the people in my "friends" folder.  See, I accidentally addressed my e-mail to every single contact in my "friends" folder, and my private comment became public.  To make matters worse, Ann didn't realize what I'd done (she's still learning about e-mail too) and she sent a reply.  Which was also sent to every single contact in my "friends" folder, some of whom chose to respond by telling me I shouldn't believe in that trash.

Embarrassed to no end, I called Ann for comfort.  Like a true best friend, she told me not to worry.  "At least we weren't gossiping," she said.  That's why she's the best friend.

If you can "undo" things you've done on your computer, shouldn't you be able to "unsend" an e-mail?  Someone really needs to work on that.

Be sure to check out my books on Smashwords!!!  Downloads are good!!!  Thanks for your support!!

Leather, Lace and Rock-N-Roll https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/87362
Outspoken Angel https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/90312

Until next week,

Mia



Thought for the week:

The road to success is always under construction
                           --Anonymous

Never EVER Follow the Crowd ...

I've never been one to follow the crowd.  In fact, I'm usually the one who suggests the trouble we find.  I'm just not brave enough to go through with it.  At least until the day I found out my best friend (we'll call her Jane for the protection of all involved) was getting married.  Jane is the most sensible, quiet, level-headed of our gang.  The type of woman any man would kill to bring home to his mother.  So, we decided a wild romp was exactly what she needed.  Being the crafty crew we are, we booked a weekend away (again, no mention of where) and tickets to an all-male revue.  You know, the hot, sexy young men who gyrate in front of you in nothing but a sequined g-string.  Buns of steel and looks to kill. 

Yum. Yum.

Perfectly harmless fun ... or so I thought.

The weekend started out fine until someone (no names, remember?) decided to open the complimentary bottle of wine in our suite (how did that get there, anyway?)  The next thing I knew, we were sitting in the club, being entertained by shiny, buff, extremely-talented young men.  My favorite was the policeman.  His handcuffs were the shiniest.

As he slung his billy club, I felt a nudge beside me.  "Here, Mia."  Jane handed me a twenty.  "I can't do it."  Did I hesitate?  NO!  I took that twenty, marched up to the stage and showed the sexy officer just how much I appreciated his civil service.  Unfortunately, all that gyrating made me dizzy.  Or maybe it was the wine.  Anyway, I excused myself and headed for the ladies room.  Halfway down the hallway, I ran into Sergeant Heartthrob himself, guns-a-blazing.

     "Are you lost?" he asked.
     I hiccuped.  "No.  Are you?"
     He smirked.  "Where are you going?"
     "The ladies room.  It was here the last time I checked."
     "You are lost," he said.  "You're backstage."
     Fire burnt my cheeks (or was that hormones?)  "Oh, God."
     He took me gently by the elbow and nudged me back the way I came, turning left this time instead of right.  I think.  Whatever direction it was I ended up in front of the ladies room.
     "Thank you," I said, desperately wanting to disappear inside.
     He turned to leave, shining his fabulous assets at me.  "No problem.  By the way, thanks for the tip."

The moral of the story:  Tipping a policeman could turn out to be an (cardiac) arresting experience.

Don't forget -- I now have two books available for download at Smashwords !!! Leather, Lace and Rock-N-Roll (http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/87362) and Outspoken Angel (http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/90312)



Quote for the week:  Friends are like bras:  close to your heart and there for support
                                                                                              ---Anonymous


Until next week,

Mia

© Kutt Niinepuu | Dreamstime.com

Outspoken Angel is Now Available

Surprise!!  Surprise !!!  Outspoken Angel (Cameron's story) is now available for download at https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/90312!!!!  And for friends on my Facebook page and followers of my blog, I am offering a free download coupon to use at checkout.  The coupon is good for 48 hours.  E-mail me at mia_dymond@hotmail.com to get a coupon code.

Thanks for reading!!!

Mia

Why Romance Heros are One in a Million

If you follow my blog, you know that I am a contemporary romance novelist; an opportunity that affords me ample opportunity to create darn near the perfect man !!!!   So that said, I've come up with the top fifteen (15) things a romance hero would NEVER say:

1.    Men are not mind readers.
2.    Learn to work the toilet seat; You're a big girl, if it's up, put it down.
3.    Shopping is not a sport.
4.    Crying is blackmail.
5.    Yes and No are perfectly acceptable answers to almost every question.
6.    Sympathy is what your girlfriends are for.
7.    Anything I said six (6) months ago is inadmissible in an argument.
8.    If you think you're fat, you probably are.
9.    If it itches, it WILL be scratched.
10.  You have to many shoes.
11.  Christopher Columbus did NOT need directions and neither do I.
12.  You can either ask me to do something or tell me how you want it done;        
        not both.
13.  Men see in only sixteen (16) colors.  Peach, for example, is not a COLOR.
14.  If you ask a question you don't want an answer to, expect an answer you don't
       want to hear.
15.  When we go somewhere, absolutely anything you wear is fine .... REALLY.

By the way, my novel is available for free download at https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/87362.  Take a leap over there and check it out !!!  And, my second should be available within the next couple of weeks.  Although it will be a paid download, followers here and friends on facebook can download it free for the first few hours.  Check the blog and facebook page for announcements!!

Until next week,


Mia

There is a Diagnosis for My Condition

Today I discovered I am disabled and I have never been quite so relieved in all my life.  I have become diagnosed as directionally-challenged.

That's socially correct for "can't find her way out of a cardboard box".

My  husband took pity on me and purchased my last car equipped with a navigation system.  "Now you won't have any trouble," he assured me.

He even programmed the voice to a nice, smooth, silky, male, Latin tone and "Roberto" and I became acquainted on my next trip out of town.

Never trust a man who refuses to stop for directions.  I arrived at my 2:00 p.m meeting at 3:00 p.m.

"I'm breaking up with Roberto," I told my husband when I got home.
"You weren't listening to his directions," he accused me.
"Oh, I was listening alright," I insisted.  "The problem is that when he speaks, the last thing I think of is direction."

And because the love of my life is just so wonderful, he reprogrammed the voice to a dull, female monotone.

With "Lola's" help, I am healing little by little.  We've become fast friends and she pretty well gets me where I need to go.  She's even sent me solo a time or two, and since I'm such an expert at following directions, we're even discussing the possibility of giving Roberto another chance.

Until next week,

Mia