Jax's Artistic Journey...

Woohoo! I did it! I am all packed and my stuff is waiting in the garage until I get my moving truck Friday morning. Let me tell you, nothing feels better than accomplishing something you didn't think you had the energy to finish...hummm, reminds me of writing. Some days you look at the mess in front of you and wonder if you'd make it to the end...and then you amaze yourself when you reach the end!

I'm tired, a little battered, but the scrapes, bruises and cuts will all heal in time--soon I will be on top of the world. Excitement courses through me at the prospect of a new office, to make a new history in 2009. What a year it has been and I am more inspired than ever! This time last year, I was wondering if things would ever make sense for me...and then everything came together...

It's officially New Year's Eve and I can't begin to tell you how blessed I feel. Yes, it's been turbulent and it's been thrilling, and it's been eye-opening...for all my groans and aches...2008 was a test of my strength and I have discovered that I can conquer whatever I believe I can.

You can, too.

The Universe has reached out to me and now it's my turn to take hold of what life has to offer. It's time for me to write a new chapter and I can't think of a better way to start my new beginnings than with my Mr. Right...

Best wishes to a wonderful 2009!

Still living with this weird sinus/flu-like infection but packing continues...in addition to everything else I have going on...

I'm hanging in there. :)






At least yesterday I took a break because I felt horrible so my sister and I did an all day Burn Notice marathon. She got Season One for Christmas and then we watched Season Two through the USA Network online. We hooked the laptop to our flat screen tv and it was awesome! I had missed all of Season Two so it was nice to just OD on Michael Westen (Jeffrey Donovan). I really love that show!

Today, I'm back to the packing. Feeling like someone hit me in the head with a slegdehammer, my ears are muffled, and my nose hurts from blowing so much...alas, I've already brewed my yummy coffee and about to get the last stretch in as I have less than 3 days to pack. I know this week will pass in a blur so by this time next week I'll have a new zipcode!

If any of my friends are reading this...I am NOT neglecting you...I promise. Just sick, stressed, and not in the mood to talk to anyone.

Before I forget to post on the 25th...

MERRY CHRISTMAS! May your day be magical for everyone in the world who celebrates it.

By the rollercoaster temperatures in Florida, it doesn't seem to be so festive. The weather has been terribly hot and there seems to be no sign of winter. Except for yesterday which held a hint of cold at 41 degrees...The heat really impacts the whole feel of Christmastime. I miss snow. I used to make snow angels as a kid growing up in Arkansas and I miss using a trash can lid as a sled to slide down our hilly slope on our few acres of land. The magic for me was in sharing those happy days with my siblings. There was much laughter, lots of food, and many of our friends and relatives were invited. My brother's band would set up in the house and we'd play live music to the wee hours of the night. My sisters and I would throw snowballs and the world seemed to be filled with peace...

I'm certain most people in the north are complaining about the cold weather, their loathing for the snow plowing duties, bundling up and needing more heat in their homes because hardwood floors could feel like gliding on ice...from my point of view, as great as summers year round are--it does get exceedingly old! I love the seasons, watching the changes and just enjoying the earth's natural metamorphosis. I used to hate living in snow country but over the years I yearn for it. Texas is supposed to be cold so I am excited about ringing in the New Year in front of the fireplace, sipping champagne, and watching the ball drop on my flat screen! Well, that's the first thing MonCoeur and I are getting...he won fair and square. I got the laptop which is so pretty in pink..it will match my Betsy Johnson computer bag and all those pink accessories. I think I'm turning into a girly-girl!

Looking at boxes, I wonder if I'll ever finish packing on time for my big move next week. With Christmas being two days away, I've been shopping for family and wrapping presents until 2:00 AM! I'm not kidding. That's not including helping my parents with decorations at their house and my sister's at hers. I have been packing at a snail's pace and now I'm down to the wire...If I took a picture of how messy and chaotic my space looks, you'd cringe. Trust me on it. I still have shredding and tossing to do and don't know where to begin...this doesn't include going through my storage items from LA. Well, I'm not going to stress about it. Most people know this flu bug/ear & sinus infection has been kicking my butt but I have hope that this will be the end of it for me. I am going to make darn sure in 2009 I will be healthy and on top of the world when I sell big! The Universe is on my side, I tell ya!

Merry Christmas to the men and women who are overseas serving our country. I wish you all a wonderful holiday and hope that you will return quickly to celebrate with your loved ones! Be safe and know that you are thought of during this season...

Want to write and thank our soldiers personally? Go to: http://www.letterstosoldiers.org/

With the busy holiday season, I was still able to squeeze time for new author shots. The photographer is my talented 14-year-old art prodigy niece...don't be surprised if she hits it big in the future on the art and photography scene! Who needs to go to a professional photographer when you have relatives? What do you think?

Moving SUCKS! Plain and simple. With my hectic schedule, the holidays, plenty of procrastination, and flu season I didn't get much accomplished. The six weeks of packing I had has now dwindled down to two weeks...**sigh** Time to buckle down and get back to boxing, sorting, tossing, and upping the alcohol consumption. Gotta love the holidays!

Seriously...I love the idea of moving--I actually hate the moving part. Thank goodness I don't own furniture. I dumped all the big stuff in LA. New furniture and necessities I'll get in Texas as I settle into my new place. Since I'm not purchasing a house for at least 13 months, holding out for my custom made "Green" home in an HOA-free community, I'm going to make my new space very minimalistic...except for my office. I figure I'd spruce it up so I can feel like I'm a real author. LOL

I'm thinking that the next two and a half weeks I'll be scarce on the blogging. I'll try to post between breaks from moving insanity. Maybe even post during my road trip if I can pick up some free wi-fi. I'll be sure to take snapshots as I go. Documenting is fun and since I was sick with 102 degree fever during my road trip from LA to Orlando, I didn't get a chance to use my photography skills...so, I'm totally going to make up for it this round. I'm not sure how fun it will be 20 hours in a Uhaul...but I'll make the most of it. Hummm, there's going to also be plenty of time to brainstorm. I certainly hope this will be the last long distance moving I'll do for a while. I definitely deserve the trip to Italy after all this is said and done!

I love the smell of wintertime, watching lights come up in my neighborhood and around town. Love the smell of cinnamon and spice. Love the decorations adorning streetlamps and office buildings. I've never been big on decorating but this year I'm helping my sister make the house more festive as we're hosting the annual family Christmas party. I spent thirty minutes trying to put together a Santa Claus that runs and another twenty minutes to figure out the freakin' moving reindeer with lights. Not fun! I guess I'm more about enjoying the festivities than participating. I'm sure I'll change my tune once I'm at my own place...but getting ready for the holidays is hard work! I admire all the mothers and fathers out there who have the patience and dedication to bring Christmas cheer to their homes!

Well, we took Hunterbot, my nephew, to see Santa Claus and it gave me a warm tingly feeling knowing that he still believes. You should see his eyes light up as he spoke and the excitement in his voice, the intelligence of his responses made me really proud. I miss those days when I fell asleep waiting for Santa to climb down the chimney. I miss watching those annual claymations of Rudolph, Frosty, Kris Kringle that plays on tv on Christmas Eve. I think those memories are ones I'll never forget...Too often we forget the magic of just believing--holding on to something that makes us happy. I think we all need to believe in something and even with everything that's happening in the world, I have hope that things will turn around.

I'm especially happy today because I look back on this year and realized how much I've grown. I know, I say that a lot..but I have! I scored an AMAZING agent and now I'm just waiting...waiting...waiting. Like most authors, I am continually putting together proposals, working on deadlines, and researching. There's this drive to get me moving forward and this holiday season I have a lot to be thankful for. I don't know what 2009 will bring, but I most certainly will stay positive, focused, and enjoy this career I've carved out for myself. I'm motivated by so much and because I've got such amazing friends surrounding me...I'm at peace....

Can you say Nyquil is my best friend? Yes, it's true. It's gotten me through some nasty coughing, stuffy head nights and I'm certainly going to continue taking the cherry version whenever I'm sick! Every day I'm feeling better and the wheels in my head are spinning as I research for my WIP. I'm growing more excited and my fingers ache to write again...but I know I have to finish my edits before doing so! I swear, everytime I'm hit by some winter illness my creativity just jumps up and down, forcing me to develop the idea into a full-blown storyline. I'm so loving my characters and I am more excited to write about my Tuscan lovers. :) Sadly, I must ask them to wait another few days...






Last weekend I spent time with JamaicanChick and we watched FLIRTING WITH FORTY. Let me just say, BRAVO! It's an awesome book and I am happy to say that the adaptation to tv was very well done. I was so impressed by how the story was translated and the tone of the overall story. Kudos to LIFETIME for making it. For all you Jane Porter fans, it's really worth the watch. Great casting with Heather Locklear and who wouldn't kill to look like her? The movie was very inspiring and helped me re-think the tone of my current screenplay.

Almost four years ago I had the pleasure of meeting Ms. Porter at one of the first RWA Conferences I attended. Even then, she was so lovely and gracious. She was going through a transition in her life and so was I, but she was so upbeat and excited about this book. I always remembered her smile and how approachable she was. It's nice to see an author finally get to the point in their life that they have always dreamed of...one in which they deserved. I'd just like to say: JANE, YOU GO GIRL! :)

One more thing...can I just say Robert Buckley is..Oh-SO-YUMMY! Swoon. I'd watch it again just to see him with his shirt off, which was for most of the movie. LOL -- I just had to post this pic to prove my point...sigh.

I'm trying to ignore the fact that I'm sick. Of course, I'm taking meds but the sore throat, stuffy head, coughing and ear aches are starting to get on my nerves.






It's easy to get irritable these days but I've been working on the new proposal which I totally adore! I got a name for it BY TUSCAN MOONLIGHT and it's going to be the most interesting book I've ever worked on...not to mention a heckuvalot of research I'll need to do. Involves wine country, food, culture, etc...just reading up on the subject makes me want to pack and go there. I'm counting my pennies and hopefully I will be able to do this next year. Of course, this would mean I'd forgo one big conference...but, if I sell something I hope it'll help me with getting to both! :) I totally miss Europe and I've been itching to go back. I can't describe how incredible it is to travel but maybe I'll be able to adequately write about it in this book!

I can't seem to get this song out of my head! This is TI featuring Rhianna... So, I'm posting because it's so darn catchy! :)

I'm kind of looking forward to the cold weather. I love putting on my boots and wearing layers of clothes and hording scarves and hats. It's so much fun when you have winter wardrobe. Tres chic in some places...I hear Dallas is cold and I should have sweaters...I am excited about dressing for winter. In L.A., it could be cold as heck and I'd still wear flip flops. I must be nuts, but it's true. I need to re-train myself to separate clothes for each season so I won't freeze to death. If I don't, I'd most likely wear summer gear all year 'round. I'm trying to figure out when that lack of winter wardrobe started for me, shucks, I can't remember....come to think of it, there are a lot of things I can't recall.

Just yesterday my sisters and I were talking about people we knew years ago and my mind went blank. Who are you talking about? I say. Since my car accident, my memory loss is greater than I thought and it can be frustrating because I've forgotten huge patches of my life--It's SO bizarre. I don't even remember the person I used to be at times and it's a little frightening...even my taste in food and drinks have changed and my family has commented on it. The things I loved I no longer love and the things I used to hate, I totally love. I hope these pieces of my life come back to me because it's almost like a bit of amnesia. Let me just say, if I've met you before and you run into me again, please don't take offense if I can't remember who you are. Faces are hazy, and forget about me remembering names. The only way I can remember is by repetition and focusing on photographs, reciting names of people and associating people to events. Now, I'm not saying I'm totally forgetful, but I do have my lapses. Having short-term memory sucks.

That's why I'm thankful for writing. If I don't do it regularly, I'll never be able to consistently perform as a writer. It took me years to get pieces of proverbs and such straight in my head, and even then, I get them all wrong. :) Hence, my friends are good at laughing at me. Oh yea, I like to create words whenever I forget something...they call it Jaxisms. Hey, it sounds good to me.

What am I doing? Just rambling. I've had too much coffee and I'm a bit wired. I think the combo of cold meds and caffeine gives you a boost of energy...I'm sure I'll feel lousy tomorrow but at least I managed to avoid a serious flu that's been floating around in my household. Whew! Okay, now I need to decide what kind of laptop mini I want for Christmas. Anyone have suggestions? I'm favoring the Dell Mini 9 at the moment and it comes in RED...! Ubuntu Linux or Microsoft XP home? I'm partial to Ubuntu myself and I love OpenOffice..Freeware is always a good thing. Do you own one of those Netbooks or mini laptops? Let me know what you think of yours. I want to be able to get this present on time...but the longer I wait on a decision..Dell Mini, Acer Aspire, MSI, etc..I might not receive my gift until well after Christmas which would be no fun!

I was wondering why I've been craving soup...I'm catching a cold! Some of my family members have been spreading it around and there's no way I can prevent getting it even though I've popped plenty of vitamins. I guess I'll cross my fingers that I've managed to bypass the severe stuff at least. Last year I was sick a total of 6 times!!!! I had two cases of brochitis, the first ever case of strep throat, and severe flus that left me bedridden for days. No fun. People who know me know that I'm active and I don't like being sick. I don't have time for it. I've been known to work with a 103 degree temperature until work sent me home. Sigh...I'm blaming it on the cold Florida mornings and hot afternoons. I bundle up like an Eskimo and the natives laugh at me. Some make off-handed comments, but that's okay, I usually say I just got off the plane from New York. LOL

I've been kicking around a new book idea that's set in Italy...I love wine, the wine country, so naturally I'd be pulled to a contemporary set in Tuscany. I'm brainstorming for the proposal and already it's shaping in my head. I love exotic locales and you bet I'll be taking a trip once I get everything together in my head. How can a person not love the Italian countryside! Now for research and actually writing a synopsis. I hate those things, but that's part of the deal. Alright, I'm going to pop some cold medicine and get back to daydreaming...er, working....

P.S...I just discovered I received a 5 star review from Affaire de Coeur for ART OF SENSUALITY! I totally love them!!!!

Once in a lifetime you meet 'the one' and you just know it's right. Today is MonCoeur's B-day and I like to tease him because he's a whole 4 years older. It's funny how when you least expect love to knock on your door, it happens. You don't know why your heart chooses the one, but it knows.

This one's a keeper. He's my Prince Charming, he's my life jacket, he's the reason why I've stayed on track. Without meeting him, I would have never known what love was all about. Sure, I've thought I'd fallen in love many times before but when it truly happens, the world spins, my heart races, all I can think about is his kisses and I just know I want to spend the rest of my life with this one person who makes me feel whole. Even now, when I think of him, I have an overwhelming sense of happiness. I won't lie, I've snagged the Best of the Best...he has shown me that Chivalry isn't lost--because every day his love is unwavering and he is the most thoughtful, romantic, and strong man I've ever met. We're a perfect match. He keeps me balanced and he makes me feel like the most beautiful woman in the world....without him, the stories I write about would not have so much meaning. Thank you for loving me unconditionally.

On this day, we're miles apart but he knows that it won't be long before we're together and then, I'll have that happily-ever-after.

Je t'aime, Mon Coeur! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Coincidentally, he share's the same birthday with my dear friend Bruno...Bon Anniversaire! Hope you had an awesome celebration! If I were there I'd make you a homemade chocolate cake...just how you like it!! :)

**UPDATED**

How did I forget a shot out to my girl Gemma Halliday! Hope you got lots and lots and lots of cool shoes! Three of my favorite people were born on the same day! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, but I did get to tell you on time :P

Hey folks, my friend Dawn McClure's new e-book AZAZEL has just been released by Samhain Publishing. Check it out! :)

Genre: Paranormal Romance
ISBN: 978-1-60504-266-4
Length: Category
Price: $4.50
Publication Date: November 25, 2008

Alexia has no complaints about her job as an assassin in the Alliance, battling rogue vampires and demons. However, on a personal level, she has hit a sexual hiatus. Men from every race, every continent and every skill level have tried to bring her down—and turn her on. All have failed. Until a man with a body made of sin stirs her blood for the first time in over two hundred years.

Azazel, a demon of the First Angelic Revolt, is one of Lucifer’s most prominent—and dominant—assassins. His current mission leads him to Alexia, a fighter like himself who lives in the moment with no promise of tomorrow. A sexy vampire assassin whose secret sexual desire is a perfect match for his…skills.

His decision to give her exactly what she wants leaves them both hungry for more. But to delve into desires that might be best left unexplored, they’ll have to overcome a pack of rogue demons—and possibly Satan himself.

For more information on Dawn McClure you can visit her website at www.dawnmcclure.com

Purchase Azazel HERE

I haven't written anything since last Sunday so I feel like I should be working on something. I've been running around town trying to get my identity back and still have more to go but at least it's almost done...in fact, so is 2008.

Where did the time go? I can't believe in a few short weeks it'll be 2009!!!! I was just getting used to writing 2008 on all my checks. Anywoo, I've decided I'm going to put together a list of what I want to accomplish next year. Not really a resolution but a goal to work toward. It's one of those things that has always helped me to achieve my dreams...by pushing myself to reach these goals.

So here goes...

1. Sell at least 2 books to NY publisher(s)
2. Sell a screenplay
3. Take an exotic vacation
4. Get back to charity work
5. Take yoga again
6. Save for more conferences
7. Do an art show
8. Do more photography
9. Work on the children's book with my illustrator
10. Celebrate a successful year!

Okay, if I could hit half of those goals, I would be quite impressed. I'm sure you all of you would be too! I figure that I'm going to use my powers of positive thinking to get me through each points. I guess this feels like a new chapter in my life. I've moved on and I'm not looking back at all the bumps in the road that I've crossed. 2009 is a time to think ahead and move ahead. I've spent too many years struggling with life and now I feel good about everything--so I'm going to keep the momentum up. Yes, I've got a new attitude and I want next year to be my breakout year...and I'm going to make sure it'll happen for me :)

They say, dream big...so I will!

Tell me, what is on your list for 2009?

On another note...my friend Robin Bielman was so sweet to add me to the list of blogs she loves...and I can say I truly was honored by it. She is incredibly talented, funny, smart, and someone I dearly love....So, I know I should be naming 7 others that I adore and it's such a hard choice...there are so many wonderful people out there and I'm afraid someone will think I don't love them even though I lurk on their blogs all the time....Robin, can I be granted a pass????

Let me think on it--truth is, I've been trying to decide since I was told of this....

Alright, can you just forgive me because I've had a hard time dealing with my missing wallet??? **puppy dog eyes**