Twelve Ways I'm Grateful

On the twelfth day of Christmas her Tartness gave to us...

Twelve ways she's grateful

Eleven days vacation

Ten Books that changed me

Nine Crisco Twisters

Eight Solstice Wishes

Seven Success Secrets...

Six Writing Tasks

Five Sii---illy Songs

Four Cross-Dressed

Three Christmas Lists

Two Tartlet Minis

And a Boy Toy on a Hay Bale

I have so much to be thankful for. I spend a lot of time playing, grumbling... in reality though, my life is pretty good. Here is just a partial list of the things I am truly grateful for.


The Cantankerous Fart I call Husband

He nags and picks... and he has the most absurd, morbid sense of humor... but he is my compliment... the Yang to my Yin... without him I'd forget I had children, I'd never do a chore... I'd surely be a crazy cat lady. I'm grateful he keeps me on track.

The Drama Queen in Teen's Clothing

The world revolves around her—every being and creature in existence only existing to do her bidding... the highs are high, the lows are low... but she still calls me mommy sometimes—she likes to hold my hand when she's not telling me off for failing to buy something for her. Natalie is such a colossal set of contradictions, and I wouldn't trade her for anything.


The Bottomless Pit of Sarcasm

He has four snacks every night after dinner—he is THAT hungry... it never stops. Still, at five and a half feet tall he only breaks 100 pounds on a good day. His humor is dry, he knows he's smart (and tends to mock people who don't quite measure up). In any given conversation I get some clue that he's mine... I adore everything about him.

Joely B-Bolio

Our nutso little dog who has to greet each of us every morning and every time we come home. He is quirky and smart... holds a grudge for a while if you wrong him (like making him get off the couch) and likes to hide his face...

Calius Insanus

The cat who leaps at us when we walk through the living room—who chases anything thrown, and who loves conversation, but hates to be held.


My Extended Family—far flung and missed

It is the worst thing about living in Michigan... Most of my loved ones are in the Pacific Northwest and I truly miss them, especially this time of year.

Some Talent with Words

I may not be published yet, but I believe it is a matter of time. I think I've got some skill, and I think it really is just a matter of persistence and timing...


My New Friends who share a love for Writing

Between Facebook and Blogging I have met some truly incredible people. I love making friends with people who share common ground—common interests and goals. I feel so lucky to have found this way to connect with like minds.


My Old Friends I've Managed to Reconnect with

I LOVE LOVE LOVE that facebook has reconnected me with so many people who I'd formerly either lost, or just not managed to talk to as often as I like.

My Potterverse Family

You know who you are. You people created the Tart, you know... I mean I was always tartish, but it took a group who loved to laugh and play—where we could mix brain power with silly antics. I love you guys!

A Job I Like

I know I want to write novels for a living, but I'm grateful for a job that pays for my family's living and that for the most part I enjoy. My coworkers are FABULOUS, from my boss, to the research tech, to the admin, to the students I theoretically mentor. It's a great bunch.


Our Cozy Little House and The Continued Life of our Car

Oh, sure... I'd love a BIG house. I especially would love a library that had a fireplace, a comfy chair and floor to ceiling books, but it's nice to have a place that is HOME—it holds everything that truly and deeply matters to me. And thankfully... the car is still holding up.