All packed and I don't think I forgot anything or overpacked. Almost time to head out to the NECRWA conference, one of my favorite weekends of the year. Close to Christmas, which for those who know me, is a high compliment. For an extroverted writer, the only word to properly describe a writer's conference is "yeeeeeehaw!" (And I don't even write westerns. So far.)

Allow me to elaborate; take a people person, drop her in a sealed environment absolutely overflowing with others who share the same passion for the genre. Then give her a name badge (I have always had a thing for name badges since I was a wee mite) with a sticker and a ribbon in some cases (stickers and ribbons make everything better; try it) and hand her a bag with free office supplies, chocolate and possibly even a free book. See Christmas reference above. Then put a book on the plate at every meal, said meals attended by uniformed servers (I also have a thing for hotels) and top it all with the chance to hear big names in the industry share their experience with the happily captive audience. Plus workshops that make me want to clone myself so I didn't have to choose. Then there's the pitch sessions. I actually love pitch sessions. See extrovert mention above. I get to talk...about my stories...and am gauranteed eight minutes where that is the sole topic of conversation.

See? My natural habitat. Where do you go to commune with others of your kind?

Time for a new Moleskine.

What we have here is the notebook I've been carrying in my purse since January. No theme for the contents, more of a catchall for the brain droppings that occur during the day, and the cover design was a bit of fiddling while watching something mediocre on TV. If I had put more thought into it, "fleur" would be centered over the fleur de lis (a current favorite motif.)

Time to retire this one (it's full) and start another. Need to think of theme for cover art; eyeing my Celtic knotwork stamps, so maybe that. The kraft cover Moleskines are for writing; those are lined inside. Black ones, not pictured, are for art. Current thing there is hand-drawing striped borders around all interior pages. My drawing skills are pitiful, but borders, I can manage.

Having a fine time working on novel and two novellas, all in different stages. I like the energy I get switching off among the three. When one finishes, then a new one must begin. Hence the mini notebook that goes with me everywhere. No more lost ideas. At least in theory. It's the end of the day, and I'm loopy. But I have iced tea, so that's good.

Smells like spring and thirteen reasons why:

1. Last night was the season finale of Psych :cries:
2. My recent trip to Lane Bryant confirms I am indeed over one size smaller and coral is a universally flattering color.
3. The New England RWA conference is only two weeks away, eep.
4. Have had the "I come inside because I do not want to be outside" discussion at home regarding too many open windows.
5. I have carried my coat for three days straight.
6. Weekend forecast is rain, rain, rain. :happydance:
7. Jellybeans in stores everywhere.
8. I get to purchase jellybeans for office stash.
9. New Virginia Henley and Heather Graham historicals crook their fingers at me from the TBR bookcase.
10. Working on one novel and two novellas makes me happy. (Okay, not a spring thing but had to include it.)
11. Recent discovery of Right Said Fred albums in European release; must purchase.
12. Somerset Studio Digital Imaging is out and Somerset Memories should be out any day now.
13. New arty thing of the season around here: beading. Prettyful jewelry soon.