Tag Archives: friends

yes i’m name dropping, get over it!

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Boy have I missed you. Seriously. Even you. And especially you. *wagging brows* Yes you. Don’t act like you don’t know who I’m talking about.

I got home at midnight last night, hugged the kids, changed the sheets on my bed and fell asleep. I had a tired. I needed to wash the airport grime off of me, but couldn’t even muster the energy for a shower.

This morning it was back to work. Hm. That kinda sucks. I took two days in DC after conference to wind down and not feel rushed getting home, but now I need another day to wind down from traveling.

Okay, really, I just need to win the freaking lottery. Yeah, yeah. Don’t we all.

I plan to post lots of pics this week at some point or another. (must find the time to download…)

Highlights of conference:

Being on a panel with 4 really amazing women: Seriously, these chicks know their stuff. Can’t believe they let me sit on the stage with them. All the feedback we received after the panel was positive, so that’s pretty awesome. Of course, who’s really gonna come up to us and say “That freaking sucked.” But I’m going to ignore that and believe that people told us they loved it because they loved it.

Seeing old friends and meeting new ones: I got to meet Katiebabs! Yay me! And Micki Nuding (who I now have a crush on but must wait in line behind Kitteh because apparently she gets first dibs. Whatever. Rocki will always get first dibs, but then that means I’m at least 3rd in line, so outlook is pretty dismal.) Finally got some face time with Colleen Gleason. I’m pretty sure we’re soulmates. Just ask her. If she says no, she’s just trying to play it cool. And there were many, many others as you will soon see in the upcoming pics. (if I get them downloaded. Sigh)

Being stopped in the hall and hearing: OMG I recognize your tattoo from twitter! Yes, that’s pretty freaking cool.

Being mistaken for Feisty. That is the best compliment ever.

Luncheon with Deidre Knight. I heart my agent.

Meeting Jade Lee. That woman is awesome. Plus she couldn’t keep her hands off my tattoo which makes her my #1 fan. (and not in a creepy Kathy Bates way)

Asking Nora Roberts for directions to the bathroom and seeing the mortified look on this other woman’s face when I did it. What? Nora doesn’t have to pee? Seriously. I had already introduced myself to Nora earlier in the week when I tried to pry her shoes off her wee little feet. So now we’re as tight as Joan Rivers’ face.

Getting a brand new story idea that I can’t wait to write. It’s so awesome. It’s a YA Urban Fantasy and if the idea works like I plan, it will be 3 books. Will commence writing today. Just get ready–you ain’t seen nothing like this!

Assisting Maria Geraci with her first Literacy Signing. (and by “assisting” I mean I was her wine bitch. I was also Robyn Carr’s and Colleen Gleason’s wine bitch as well. I’ll be taking applications for Wine-bitches-in-training for next year’s signing.)

Drag Queen Karoke. Pictures will follow. I sang two songs, (I’ll Think of a Reason Later and Copacabana) both sucked, (I had help so I didn’t suck alone) but I had the best time.

The Harlequin Party. Holy Smokin’Hot Dog was that fun.

This little Greek cafe called Medaterra. I ate there 2 or 3 times I think. It was so damn yummy.

Touring DC with Maria after the conference. By the time we were through, I was a pro at this metro traveling stuff!

There is definitely more, but these are just a few of the things that I truly enjoyed this week. Especially after a bad start on Tuesday. Trust me when I tell you, you just don’t wanna know. It’s laughable now, but on Tuesday? It totally wasn’t. BTW, I just have to give a shout out to Kitteh and Jax for saving me Tuesday. I owe you both, big time.

Today I plan to take my boys to see Harry Potter and then if it will ever stop raining, I’m going to go walking tonight with @jennchrstman. I’m kinda going through withdrawals!

DC day 1 #rwa09

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Okay, yesterday was a big blur of grungy travel, poor planning, and sheer exhaustion.

I finally got into my room at 4 after a tiring check-in process. Then I filmed a super sekrit interview which y’all will see soon, but no comment on it until then. Then I had dinner and drinks with Colleen Gleason, Merrilee Whren, and Terrie McLaughlin. Then I had one more glass of wine with Colleen, Janice Lynn, and Lindsey Brooks. But I was tired, so I couldn’t stay awake any longer.

Besides, Maria and I had been two ships passing in the night, so I needed to see her!

I slept hard (thankfully) and am just about raring to go now. Will report in later when things really get rolling.

Oh. just in case you don’t follow me on Twitter… there’s a plunger in the hallway on my floor. I’ve named him Kyle. I’m thinking he may be here for a while…

Saturday Special

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I don’t usually post on Saturdays, but I thought I’d make today extra special. Aren’t you glad?

Random things that make me happy:

1. Good dreams. Last night I had a dream I took a boat trip to the Florida Keys with a friend. I don’t remember a lot of details, other than there were fireworks, margaritas and lots of dancing. I woke up smiling.

2. Guinness. There is nothing like licking the foam of a Guinness off your lips. Or my lips. Whatever.

3. Throwing darts. I’m not very good, but I do it with flair!

4. Music. I have a favorite playlist that I add to here and there. Yesterday I added two songs to it, Chris Young’s Gettin’ You Home and Kim Taylor’s Baby I Need You. (both available on iTunes) Both are great songs. Am considering adding a Guns-n-Roses song today. Oh, and Poker Face by Lady GaGa. I adore that song. Yes, I’m all over the board with my music.

5. Friends. Seriously, I wouldn’t survive without my friends. And I’m very lucky to have both male and female friends who get me and love me for who I am. How sad would it be to not have anyone to lean on?

6. Singing and Dancing. See darts above. I may not be very good but I sure have a good time.

7. Sunrises. If I’m up that early, a beautiful sunrise always makes me happy. I woke at 5:09 this morning and sat outside for a while watching the sun break through the darkness. It was lovely.

8. My kids. Have you seen them? They’re the cutest things ever. How could they not make me happy.

What makes you happy?

gearing up for RWA

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Had a busy work day today, trying to tie up loose ends before next week. You see, I’m going to be gone all next week for the RWA National Conference in DC and I can’t wait. Don’t worry–I’m not going to leave you hanging. There will be tweets and blogs and pictures, OH MY! I’m really hoping for another karaoke night like we had in Dallas, though nothing will ever top Drag Queen Karaoke.

So, can you believe I’ll be on a panel? That’s right…me, Mel Francis will be on a panel. Like an expert. Pretending to know what the hell she’s talking about.

If you’re not meeting with an editor or agent Friday, July 17 from 9:45-10:45 then you’ll want to join us in the room Delaware B for our discussion on I SOLD TO NY…NOW WHAT? and maybe together, we’ll discover the answer.

The panel of experts includes: Maria Geraci, Crystal Jordan, Lilli Feisty, Kate Pearce, Lynn Rae Harris and, of course, me.

Don’t miss it. There’s no telling what this group of miscreants experts will do.

I am also doing a very special interview on Tuesday. Stay tuned for more info about that. You won’t wanna miss it, that’s for sure.

To file away in the ‘has she lost her bleepin’ marbles’ file: I’m thinking of trying to do a carry on bag only. Yes, I’m aware I’ll be there for a full week. Yes, I’m aware I’m a chronic over packer. Yes, I’m aware this probably won’t work. and Yes, I can hear you laughing all the way through the internetz. So glad I have your support.

I’m going as Maria’s +1 (I’m always her +1) to the Berkley party on Friday. That will be fun. And I have a lunch planned with my lovely agent where I plan to worship her like the goddess she is.

What else?

I have plans to finally meet Colleen Gleason (that cyber stalking internet friendship has really paid off) and Book Chic (who is bringing me his copy of my book so I can sign which will be my first official autograph request and seriously I’m all verklempt about it!)

Hmmm. Guess that’s all for right now. Just gotta spend the weekend tweaking final changes/edits on LOVE SUCKS! and get it to awesome editor by Monday so I can be home free for DC!

If you’re planning to be there, let me know! I’d love to connect. I’ll be easy to find: I’m the one with the great cleavage and the very open laugh who will probably be at the bar w/ other women w/ great cleavage and really great laughs. And we’ll be laughing. We’re always laughing.

the weekend in review

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Thursday: Received my final round of edits from awesome editor and in it, she included a lovely surprise that totally made my day. Read about it here at Ficitonistas. There’s even a picture. (Sorry to disappoint, it’s not porn.) Then I went out with my girlfriends and we celebrated

Friday: Do I remember Friday? Let me think. Oh yes. I got my hair did. The lovely Katie at Fringe Benefits rocked the color and cut as always. But then we had a bit of a snafu and she rallied the troops like the super hero that she is. So here’s what went down. We had my head covered in the lovely coppery red (WHAT? YOU THOUGHT IT WAS NATURAL? see how good she is?) I was rocking the plastic shower cap and texting some friends as I waited. (How did I ever survive getting my hair done without my crackberry?) It was time to rinse when suddenly, there was NO WATER IN THE SALON.

Yes, a water main had busted and I was going to have purple hair. Or no hair. it was not going to be pretty. Katie sprung into action and called some nearby salons but they, too, were affected by the water outage. I joked and said “Maybe we should use the bottled water. Or I could just run home and rinse.”

Next thing I know, one of the salon studs was holding a 5 gallon jug of water over my head as Katie rinsed and washed. Yes, I was rinsed by a $60 bottle of water. And my hair never felt softer.

Also, the color rocks; as does Katie.

After the hairmergency, I had a pretty low key day that ended with dinner with a girlfriend. Or so I thought it ended. It was 11 pm. I was burrowing into the bed when my cell phone rang. I figured it was a wrong number because really, nobody ever calls me that late.

But no. It was my friends K and K. I now call them the Devil’s Handmaidens. Here is the conversation that follows:

The Handmaidens: We’re going to Tunica and you’re coming with us.
Me: Nope. Can’t.
Handmaidens: Yes you can.
Me: Srsly, I can’t. I might could do a nightcap somewhere but no to Tunica.
Handmaidens: Fine, we’re coming to get you. We just wanna go somewhere.

Okay, so they came to get me. And we went out for a drink. And then we, um, took a detour that is a really funny story but one that cannot be told on this blog. Trust me when I say, it was VERY educational. And fun. And funny. Maybe I’ll tell you over a beer sometime.

Then we came back to my house where the Handmaidens stayed until 4 a.m. Not only that, but Handmaiden #1 went out to her car and brought in a box of Corn Pops. Who carries Corn Pops in their car? Just in case? So we snacked on Corn Pops and gossiped until I finally said, “Y’all are either spending the night or going home because this bitch is going to bed.”

I’m too old for late nights like that. (I say this every time I have a late night like that. My friends have way too much energy for me.)

Saturday I chilled in the morning watching Amanda Bynes movies (totally love her) and then went to Birdrunner’s house for the 4th celebration. The kids swam and I hung out with Stinkydog and Hopper and the rest of the fam but I was still so tired from my night out with the Handmaidens that I had to leave before fireworks. I’m not a big firework girl anyway. The only fireworks that really did anything for me was actually this past spring in Daytona when I could watch them from my balcony. That was kinda awesome.

Sunday: I wrestled with dog fur all day until I finally gave up. Yup, that’s about it. Dog fur 1; Mel 0

How was your holiday? Anything fun or exciting happen?

Happy 4th of July

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Hope you guys have big fun planned. I’ll be at Birdrunner’s with the boys, hanging out with Stinkydog and the newest (human) addition to her litter. Can’t wait.

Today I have a hair appointment and a pedicure planned. Haven’t decided on the toe color yet. Am thinking something funky and fun. Maybe a Red/White/Blue combo.

Maybe I’ll just do purple.

Or red. Bright, bright red.

I dunno. I really liked my Lizard Green toes and got loads of compliments on them. But it’s time to change things up.

Suggestions?

To my American friends, happy holiday.

To my Canadian friends, happy belated Canada day.

Party on, Wayne.

Farrah, Friday, and Fun

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Once my coffee kicks in, I’m going to clean this morning, then have lunch with writing pal Kait Nolan as she drives through town. Then I head to the lake to spend time with my parents and Rader. Ian has returned from his week-long trip in Dallas. I’ve missed him terribly, but he’s not going to the lake with us this weekend. At 15, he’s just too cool for that kinda thing.

In other news, I’m really sad about Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson, but I have to say, I’m really irritated at the media for spending so much time on MJ’s death. Farrah battled cancer for three years and did it with dignity and grace. Growing up, I didn’t know any girl who didn’t wanna be her, and I didn’t know any boy who didn’t wanna do her.

I stared at this poster every morning for years. I went blond, feathered my hair, and bought a red bathing suit. I never quite got there, but I wanted it.

Most people remember Farrah from Charlie’s Angels, but I remember her from Logan’s Run. As a matter of fact, I had a Logan’s Run beach towel.

RIP Farrah. I’ll always be a fan.

wildlife walkabout

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Last night I went for a walk with @jennchristman down by the river. Instead of just walking back and forth on the Big Dam(n)Bridge, we kept going into Burns Park along the banks of the Arkansas River. It was a gorgeous night (see sunset pic for proof) and even though it was a little humid, it wasn’t unbearable. Besides, humidity is good for the skin. Why do you think I look so hot at 40?

As we were solving the world’s problems (for example: Rachel Ray needs a new stylist in a major way, Rock of Love was totally underrated, and we should all talk like Caroline from Real Housewives of NJ) there was a rustling in the high grass over to our left.

It was a tiny little thing rustling around and at first I thought it was a puppy. As I approached the little animal, I quickly saw the shock of white down the middle of its black fur. No, this was not Rover, it was Pepe Le Pew.

“Back away slowly from the skunk. I don’t wanna take a tomato juice bath tonight.”

“Seriously? Tomato juice?”

“Yeah. I think. Or lemon. Or maybe it’s vinegar. I dunno. I just don’t wanna bathe in whatever it is you have to. Skunk Funk is not a fragrance I’m willing to try.”

“I’ve never seen one live. I mean seriously, they’re all dead and stinking up the roadways.”

“I’ve never seen one not in a zoo.”

After 45 minutes, we turn around and go back toward the bridge. Our conversation has moved toward more serious topics like the pros and cons of saving some calories for booze instead of cutting out booze all together, Jazzercise is still alive and kicking, weight training and the hot dudes who offer to ‘spot you,’ and how to get rid of the world of all mean people. (We have a plan, so if you’re mean, get ready.)

That’s when the attack started. Out of nowhere these stupid giant horseflies started dive-bombing us. One hit me in the ear and I’m pretty sure I have hearing loss as a result. They quickly left me alone though and started chasing Jenn. I guess she smells sweeter than me because they were all about her. There were three of them, all were huge, at least an inch long, and landing on her back and buzzing her head. Finally I told her to hand me her awesome ROCK OF LOVE baseball hat and let me swat them. I defended her honor. I was her white knight. I’m officially the butch in our friendship. That’s okay with me. I’m the cutest butch ever.

“I hate nature.”

“No you don’t.”

“I totally hate nature.”

“Shut up.”

“Tell me you hate nature, too.”

“Nope. I love it. I could pitch a tent right here, and pee in the woods.”

“You totally are the butch.”

About five minutes later, there was another rustling and a group of folks was gathered around a tree. I thought maybe it was an Opossum but no. It was an armadillo.

“I really hate nature.”

“Seriously! We’ve seen two animals LIVE that
usually we only see dead. That’s awesome.”

“Nature sucks.”

Our walk was an hour and a half long and apparently sponsored by Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom.<–and if you don’t get that reference, I’m too old or you’re too young. I’m going with the latter.

totally manic

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I’m at Ficitonistas this morning talking about Dares.

Last night, my friend Jen and I met up with some friends from high school who traveled from 3 corners of the world (Seattle, Boston, New Zealand) just to visit us. (okay, maybe not ONLY to visit us, but whatever) We had a great time, and it was hard to let it go and say goodbye.

I feel very lucky these guys are still in my life after all these years.
Laughter is truly good for the soul. After last night, my soul is set.

the girls at beaver lake

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heh. I am just going to stay away from the obvious porn joke.

We had a glorious three days on the lake, just me and my girls. We had a lot of fun conversations, a few serious conversations, a fair amount of adult beverages, and an all-around good time.

Let me show you:

This was the view from the cabin deck. Gorgeous, no?

Me on the last morning at the lake. A summer storm blew in and blew out and we had a gloriously beautiful last day.


This is the large waterfall. See the rainbow? I spent an hour looking for the pot-o-gold. Apparently I only have massive amounts of luck finding 4-leaf clovers…

This is the small waterfall. The water is the prettiest blue-green.


The lagoon at the small waterfall. D calls this place Shangri-La

Me on the boat. This is living!


The large waterfall

another view of the large waterfall

Me, D, and LB hanging out in the awesome falls.

Four Broads on a Boat.