tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-113007362024-03-13T13:26:54.207-04:00Caren's Big ThoughtsThe semi-coherent thoughts of Caren Crane, writer and gabber extraordinaire. Okay, it's likely none of these thoughts will ever be considered 'big'. But I can delude myself like the rest of bloggerdom and pretend they are, right? So here is a selection of my most random thoughts, skewed by the filter of my twisted mind. Enjoy!Caren Cranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12352366686017375279noreply@blogger.comBlogger45125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11300736.post-66097429607099077722007-10-11T10:58:00.000-04:002007-10-17T11:07:40.647-04:00American Title Mania!<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w68/romancerocks/TrishMilburn_th.jpg" border="0" align=right></a>Hi, all. In case you haven't heard, <a href="http://www.romantictimes.com/">Romantic Times</a> and <a href="www.dorchesterpub.com">Dorchester Publishing</a> will launch the voting phase of their fourth American Title contest on <b>October 15</b>. In the romance writing world, this contest has become big news and creates the sort of furor only American Idol can duplicate. This year, the focus is on paranormal. I'm sure the stories will be full of magic, intrigue and spine-tingling romance!<br /><br />I am pleased to announce that my fellow <a href="http://romancebandits.blogspot.com">Romance Bandit</a> <b><a href="http://www.trishmilburn.com">Trish Milburn</a></b> is a finalist in the new contest! As a special treat, Trish will be blogging with me on <b>Wednesday, October 26</b>. Don't miss this opportunity to get to know Trish and learn more about her journey to publication and her American Title finaling manuscript <i>Out Of Sight</i>. Check back on the 26th!Caren Cranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12352366686017375279noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11300736.post-54461582147797102082007-08-29T13:53:00.000-04:002007-08-29T14:22:26.403-04:00Pimping the Contest<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r52/cchelms/Bandita%20booty/FirstChapterslogo.jpg" border="0" align=right alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>Hi, all! I am donning my promotional tiara to tell you that I have entered my Golden Heart-finaling manuscript 'Kick Start' in Pocket Books's First Chapters Writing Contest.<br /><br />Pocket, in conjunction with Gather.com (a social networking site) is sponsoring a contest for aspiring romance writers. Basically, you read someone's entry, vote on it and leave a comment. First round voting will run until Sept 18. After that, they will announce 25 semi-finalists, who will get to post a second chapter for a second round of voting. After the second round, five finalists will have their books reviewed by Pocket's editorial staff and the editors will select the winner. Nerve-wracking, but fun! <br /><br />The winner will have their book published by Pocket and receive a $5000 advance. It is a wonderful opportunity for us aspiring romance writers! If you would be so kind, please go to Gather.com, read my story, vote and leave a comment. <br /><br />Things to know:<br /> * It's more "rating" than "voting". Under the chapter, there is a "Rate this article" header. Under that, there are numbers with stars above them. Select the number you would like to rate the chapter. <br /> * No ratings under "10" will be counted. You may rate a chapter less than 10, but it will not be counted. It is less demoralizing for the writers if you simply don't vote unless you really think the story is a 10! <br /> * Comments count! In the case of a tie, the contender with the greatest number of different commentors will win. <br /><br />If you're game, here is a link to my first chapter of 'Kick Start': http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.jsp?articleId=281474977089460<br /><br />Thank you for your support!Caren Cranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12352366686017375279noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11300736.post-91114248853874167722007-07-27T19:57:00.000-04:002007-07-27T20:05:39.180-04:00RWA Conference, Digested<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_sSnUrU7N5R8/RqqHz9i17QI/AAAAAAAAACE/B8sKGl32OGI/s1600-h/RWA+pictures+067.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_sSnUrU7N5R8/RqqHz9i17QI/AAAAAAAAACE/B8sKGl32OGI/s320/RWA+pictures+067.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5092031655459548418" /></a><br /><center>Fabulous Jennie Lucas and me after the RITA ceremony</center><br /><br /><br />The RWA Conference in Dallas was glorious, as all RWA conferences are. Now that almost two weeks have passed since I arrived home, the stories and news are coming out of the woodwork. On Tuesday of this week, the incomparable Trish Milburn got The Call! Penguin Putnam is contracting her for two YA books. This followed fast on the heels of both her Golden Heart win and her action-packed year as PRO Liaison. <br /> <br />Just today, I heard the news that another '06 Packer friend of mine, Trish Cerrone, has also sold! But her offer came <b>at conference</b> from the acquiring editor who apparently gushed over her work. She described it as being surreal and stunning and said she stared a lot and told the editor, "I love you". *g* I'm sure I would too! But she didn't spread the news until she secured an agent, the agent negotiated the deal, Trish accepted, etc. Two weeks! I could never hold it in that long. She deserves sainthood!<br /> <br />I have heard stories of deals being brokered, contracts offered, anthologies plotted and volunteers recruited at conference. Actually, I was recruited. I offered to serve as RWA Bylaws Committee Chair for the coming year. I served on the Bylaws Committee this year, so I know (sort of) what it entails. But it's a little terrifying to think they are entrusting this to me. I'm sure all will be well - really! Now I simply have to recruit some people to serve on my Committee (heh, heh, heh).<br /> <br />I also made sure to mail off my requested partials last week. Hopefully they will be among the first that hit the editor's and agent's desks. While their eyes are fresh, they will be delighted and request more material. With glee, they will realize that <b>I</b> am the author they have been looking for. Ah, conference. Always good for refueling my dreams.<br /> <br /><b>So what was the best take-home from the RWA conference for you?</b>Caren Cranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12352366686017375279noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11300736.post-83016458759146758622007-07-21T07:19:00.000-04:002007-07-21T07:59:05.515-04:0024-Hour Party PeopleIt will not be surprising (given my penchant for discussing cows and strudel) that I am not really a <b>party</b> person. Except, that is, when I am at the <a href="http://www.rwanational.org">RWA National conference</a>. At conference, we all get to be someone else. Our public persona for a magical few days. I did that last week and had a fabulous time.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_sSnUrU7N5R8/RqHvhti17NI/AAAAAAAAABs/DeSaRHqfuAU/s1600-h/RWA+pictures+024.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_sSnUrU7N5R8/RqHvhti17NI/AAAAAAAAABs/DeSaRHqfuAU/s320/RWA+pictures+024.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5089612416345828562" /></a><br /><br />In the picture above, I was heading out to <a href="http://www.thegoldennetwork.com">The Golden Network's</a> annual Dessert Reception. There, I had the great pleasure of watching as my dear friends <a href="http://www.jennielucas.com">Jennie Lucas</a> and <a href="http://www.debmarlowe.com">Deb Marlowe</a> were <i>booted out</i> - which is an honor! That is what we do to previous Golden Heart finalists once they are published. Believe me, I look forward to the boot!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_sSnUrU7N5R8/RqHzn9i17OI/AAAAAAAAAB0/V3zzGTqoBTQ/s1600-h/RWA+pictures+035.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_sSnUrU7N5R8/RqHzn9i17OI/AAAAAAAAAB0/V3zzGTqoBTQ/s320/RWA+pictures+035.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5089616921766522082" /></a><br /><br />And here I am dressed for the RITA/Golden Heart awards ceremony. It's rather like the Oscars, in that everyone dresses to the nines and there are teleprompters and larger-than-life pictures flashed on huge screens. Last year, it was thrilling to see my own image flashed on the screen. This year, I got an even bigger thrill:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_sSnUrU7N5R8/RqH0UNi17PI/AAAAAAAAAB8/EnaN8xGCiZc/s1600-h/RWA+pictures+058.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_sSnUrU7N5R8/RqH0UNi17PI/AAAAAAAAAB8/EnaN8xGCiZc/s320/RWA+pictures+058.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5089617681975733490" /></a><br /><br />My dear friend Deb Marlowe won the Golden Heart in Short Historical! It was an incredibly wonderful time for all of us who know and love Deb. I hope not to qualify for the Golden Heart next year. But if I do still qualify, I can only hope to have as joyous a time as Deb had. Congratulations to all the finalists and winners!<br /><br /><b>Does anyone have conference highs or lows to share? A great story? A triumph? Do tell!</b>Caren Cranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12352366686017375279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11300736.post-88550594556556165742007-07-05T10:37:00.000-04:002007-07-05T11:04:18.872-04:00Cow Story Was TrueIn case you doubted the veracity of my statement Re: Cows marching through Adelboden, here is a picture:<br /><br /><center><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r52/cchelms/Switzerland%20pictures/Switzerlandpictures279.jpg" border="0" height=85% width=75% alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a></center><br /><br />I took this picture while sitting in a cafe/bakery in downtown Adelboden. Now, Adelboden is a village, but it has a decent downtown area with many nice stores and a large Co-op. The last thing I expected to see while we were there (resting after a day of hiking and rock climbing) were cows marching through downtown. I suppose it's the quickest way to get them to the high pastures.<br /><br />Here is another herd of cows, which also came through town while we were there. This herd belonged to a different family, though:<br /><br /><center><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r52/cchelms/Switzerland%20pictures/Switzerlandpictures280upright.jpg" border="0" height=65% width=75% alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a></center><br /><br />In case you're wondering about the bells, apparently the size of the cow's bell reflects on the prosperity of the farmer. We visited a living history museum called <a href="http://www.ballenberg.ch/e/index_bb_500.html">Ballenberg</a> and saw the whole range of cowbells. The largest were so enormous you couldn't possibly lift them and the leather straps holding them on the cow's necks were at least 12 inches wide. It was amazing! But I felt a bit sorry for the cows. <br /><br /><b>Know any interesting cow trivia? I heard global warming is causing certain Alpine flowers not to bloom, which could change the taste of the cow's milk and, therefore, the Alpine cheeses. How's that for unintended consequences?</b>Caren Cranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12352366686017375279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11300736.post-36195833470170161932007-07-03T09:56:00.001-04:002007-07-05T10:35:31.710-04:00Adelboden Versus Dallas<center><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r52/cchelms/caren%20crane%20blog%20pics/raleigh-skyline.jpg" height=65% width=80% border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a><br /><b>Raleigh skyline (at night, which is cheating)</b></center><br /><br />Adelboden, Switzerland and Dallas, Texas could not possibly be more different. They do have some things in common, though. For one, I returned from Adelboden a couple of weeks ago and will head to Dallas a week from today.<br /><br />For another, both are quite different from my hometown. Adelboden is full of mountains (that people fully expect you to <b>hike</b> up and down) and Dallas is flatter than the proverbial buffalo pancake. Raleigh, on the other hand, is situated between the rolling foothills of the Appalachians and the sandhills of the east coast. Rolling hills is what we have. Ones that are easy to hike up and down, might I add.<br /><br /><center><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r52/cchelms/Switzerland%20pictures/Switzerlandpictures044.jpg" height=65% width=80% border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a><br /><b>Oey, near Adelboden (this is close as they get to a skyline!)</b></center><br /><br />Also, Adelboden is a place of cold, snowy winters and cool, gorgeous summers. They believe it is warm when it is 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Ha! Dallas, on the other hand, can be icy and treacherous in the winter (on rare occasions) but enjoys temperatures above 100 degrees F many times during the summer. Raleigh is somewhere in between these, but leans toward the Dallas side on the heat scale.<br /><br />A big difference between these towns and Raleigh is the great public transportation. Raleigh is trying hard, but it is far behind the fabulous transportation system in Switzerland and also the getting-better-all-the-time rail, light rail and bus system in the greater Dallas area. We used public transportation exclusively while in Adelboden and I plan to do the same thing in Dallas. I love public transportation! <br /><br /><center><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r52/cchelms/caren%20crane%20blog%20pics/Dallas_Skyline_01.jpg" border="0" height=55% width=80% alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a><br /><b>Dallas skyline (our hotel is adjacent to the ball-topped tower)</b></center><br /><br />Raleigh looks much more like Dallas than it does Adelboden, but Raleigh is prettier, if I say so myself. Still, my excitement in visiting Dallas at least equals that of Adelboden, because Dallas is hosting the <a href="http://www.rwanational.org">RWA national conference</a> this year. As I say every year, I love conference! I will once again be rooming with my dear friends <a href="http://www.sabrinajeffries.com">Sabrina Jeffries</a>, <a href="http://www.claudiadain.com">Claudia Dain</a> and <a href="http://www.debmarlowe.com">Deb Marlowe</a>. We are fortunate to have Laura Maldonado rooming with us this year, the fabulous President of <a href="http://www.heartofcarolina.org">Heart of Carolina Romance Writers</a>.<br /><br />I can hardly wait until the conference next week. Catching up with my writer friends, attending great workshops and parties, pitching to an agent and an editor. Onto the merry-go-round once more! So, as different as this trip will be from my last, it should prove to be just as exciting. But probably slightly easier on my feet!<br /><br /><b>Anyone else going to conference? Or just on a great trip? Let me know, I love to travel vicariously through others!</b>Caren Cranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12352366686017375279noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11300736.post-83600075948933940042007-06-21T13:27:00.000-04:002007-06-21T13:39:03.231-04:00Adelboden Versus Mayberry<center><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r52/cchelms/Switzerland%20pictures/Switzerlandpictures103.jpg" height=60%, width=75% border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a></center><br /><br />I'm back from Switzerland and disconcerted to report that Adelboden has more cows than Mayberry could ever claim. There may be more cows than people. We were there during the time when they are moving the cows from the lower (winter) pastures to the higher (summer) pastures. The cows are marched right up the paved roads and, when necessary, through the middle of town! Needless to say, for someone born and raised in the suburbs, it was a change of pace.<br /><br /><br />But so gorgeous! If I ever get over the jet lag (which looks doubtful at this time) and get all my pictures uploaded to the web (looking even more dubious), I will post more travel tidbits. We did far too much to write about it all, but suffice to say that Switzerland is beautiful, clean and rustic and the Swiss are lovely and welcoming people. <br /><br /><b>Anyone else experienced the cow phenom in Switzerland or anywhere else?</b>Caren Cranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12352366686017375279noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11300736.post-9432176911319443872007-05-31T15:50:00.000-04:002007-05-31T16:37:26.608-04:00Switzerland or Bust<center><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r52/cchelms/caren%20crane%20blog%20pics/switzerland_the_alps.jpg" height=60% width=60% align=center border=1 alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a></center><br />I am getting ready for a trip to Switzerland. Sounds cool, huh? The Swiss Alps and hot chocolate and Heidi and all. But we will not be staying in a city there. We will be in a rather out-of-the-way village in the mountains. There are no malls or convenience stores or fine restaurants. Kind of like someone coming to my part of the USA and going to, say, Mayberry, NC. <br /><br /><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r52/cchelms/caren%20crane%20blog%20pics/auntbea.jpg" height=30% width=30% border="0.1" align=right alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>I fully expect that Switzerland's Mayberry will be far more picturesque than North Carolina's. Instead of Aunt Bea with her poufy bun, we will have Tante Bertilda with a crown of braids. Strudel rather than sticky buns. Weiner schnitzel rather than country fried steak. Bier rather than...well, maybe 'Bier' and 'beer' are pretty close. I anticipate most things, though, will be much cooler in Switzerland.<br /><br /><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r52/cchelms/caren%20crane%20blog%20pics/apple_strudel.jpg" height=50% width=30% align=left border=5 alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a> I intend to get a digital camera before this trip (to take pictures of people, not food - well, maybe food too). Yes, I am the only person on the planet who is not a professional photographer (or even an expert amateur) and still uses film. By using film and ordering my pictures on CD, I have avoided having to learn a whole new technology. But my digital-camera envy has surpassed my laziness and I am ready to take the plunge. Stay tuned for pictures of the trip when I return (eventually). I do have a Photobucket account, so I'm not completely Neanderthal about the picture thing. <br /><br /><b>So, is anyone else planning a great trip this summer? Got exciting plans that will make us writhe with jealousy? Let me know!</b>Caren Cranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12352366686017375279noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11300736.post-25878649109552065612007-05-24T16:23:00.000-04:002007-10-23T10:56:05.225-04:00Book Covers and Coming Attractions - Arr!<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/038079747X?ie=UTF8&tag=romanbandi-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=038079747X"><img src="http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r52/cchelms/Bandita%20booty/cover_lrg_piratelord.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=romanbandi-20&l=as2&o=1&a=038079747X" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />Caren Cranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12352366686017375279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11300736.post-11448444452263757242007-05-12T06:46:00.000-04:002007-05-31T16:51:10.988-04:00Obsessing and Moving On<center><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r52/cchelms/caren%20crane%20blog%20pics/barbaracartland_m.jpg" width=50% height=50% border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a><br><b>Dame Barbara Cartland</b></center><br />I'll admit I get obsessed about any number of things. It never lasts long, but while it does it is all-consuming. I remember a fling I had with Barbara Cartland books when I was 14. I went to the library and got armloads of them. Those heroines with heart-shaped faces and huge eyes. The one, sweet kiss I waited a whole book for! But, after reading 50 or 60, I wanted something else. I moved on.<br /><br />I had it bad one year for Tagalongs - the Girl Scout cookies filled with luscious peanut butter on a vanilla cookie, smothered in chocolate. I bought for myself (not to share with family) at least 3 boxes. I ate them all. By myself. Toward the end, they had no flavor. I burned out on them. I moved on.<br /><br />I do it most often with great songs. I have many CDs to which I listen endlessly, looping and relooping a single song, a group of songs, or the whole CD. I have burned out on many great CDs. I have learned to pace myself a bit, not to play it when it no longer gives me that seat-bouncing giddy rush when I hear the opening bars. Because when the thrill is gone, I'll move on.<br /><br />I like to think I have learned, at least a little, not to be so obsessive. It's hard on relationships, for one thing. My husband and I have been married for 14-1/2 years and dated for 4-1/2 years before that. Nineteen years is a lot of years. It took some doing to get us past the no-longer-obsessed stage and into a more mature relationship. It was worth it. If I can manage to do the same with books and cookies and CDs and movies and any number of other things, I may grow up yet!<br /><br /><b>How about you? Do you obsess or are you one of those annoying, balanced people? If you are a reformed obsessive, what's your secret? Please let me hear I'm not alone!</b>Caren Cranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12352366686017375279noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11300736.post-81522774413959712302007-05-08T11:30:00.000-04:002007-05-08T11:44:38.563-04:00My Life As a BanditaI announced last week the unveiling of my new group blog, <a href="http://romancebandits.blogspot.com">Romance Bandits</a>. I think I've mentioned before that it's possible for me to feel like I'm cheating on my blog. Or website. I flung up a <a href="http://carencrane.myspace.com">MySpace page</a>, but quickly learned to ignore it after the initial fun and frenzy of friending people. <br /><br />I hate to ignore my own poor, semi-neglected blog, but it's so much more fun to blog with a group! I like the energy, the clamor, and getting to merely comment on other people's brilliant posts. Since mine are never what I would classify as <b>brilliant</b>, this works out for me.<br /><br /><b>Does anyone else find it easier to glom onto other people's great work/blog/e-mail rather than create their own?</b>Caren Cranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12352366686017375279noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11300736.post-7396075067715622007-05-05T22:59:00.000-04:002007-05-08T11:45:48.097-04:00I was tagged by Trish!<p>I was tagged by my friend <a href="http://trishwrites.blogspot.com/">Trish</a>, so now you get to play with me!<em><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></em></p><p><em><span style="font-style: italic;"></span>Here are the rules:</em></p> <p><em><em>1. Each player starts with eight random facts/habits about themselves.</em></em></p> <p><em><em>2. People who are tagged need to write their own blog about their eight things and post these rules</em>.</em></p> <p><em><em>3. At the end of your blog, you need to choose eight people to get tagged and list their names.</em></em></p> <p><em><em>4. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.</em></em></p> <p><strong>8 random facts/habits about me …</strong></p><p>1. I think peanut butter is almost a perfect food. If they could just get rid of the fat and calories!</p><p>2. I am so allergic to MSG that I get hives if I eat it and all my mucous membranes (eyelids, lips, nose) start to swell.<br /></p><p>3. I adore Chinese food, which can make #2 a challenge when I'm out of town!</p><p>4. I am a huge fan of alternative music and my favorite radio station is one from a <a href="http://www.wknc.org/">local college.</a></p><p>5. I cannot function on less than 6-1/2 hours of sleep.</p><p>6. I am an electrical engineer (according to my college diploma, anyway).</p><p>7. My favorite cookies are <a href="http://www.traderjoes.com/">Trader Joe's </a>Triple Ginger cookies.</p><p>8. I am a registered Girl Scout!</p><p>I tagged: <a href="http://blog.sonjafoust.com/">Sonja</a>, <a href="http://marciacolette.blogspot.com/">Marcia</a>, <a href="http://so5girls.blogspot.com/">Skye</a>, <a href="http://www.elizabethbemis.com/news.aspx">Liz</a>, <a href="http://www.jennablack.blogspot.com/">Jenna</a>, <a href="http://www.pinkladiesblog.com/">Donna</a>, <a href="http://www.jenniferlabrecque.com/wp/">Jennifer</a> and <a href="http://www.cindyprocter-king.com/projects.html#trialsandtriumphs">Cindy</a>!<br /><strong></strong></p>Caren Cranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12352366686017375279noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11300736.post-78947719887912490782007-05-04T08:39:00.000-04:002007-05-29T13:28:37.429-04:00Romance Bandits Go Live!<center><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r52/cchelms/Bandita%20booty/zorro.jpg" width=40% border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a></center><br /><center><b>Zorro, our Romance Bandits Inspiration!</b></center><br /><br />I'm excited to announce that I am a member of the <a href="http://romancebandits.blogspot.com">Romance Bandits</a> blog. The Romance Bandits is a blog of around 20 of the 2006 Golden Heart finalists. We have fabulous published authors like <a href="www.annacampbell.info">Anna Campbell</a>, <a href="www.donnamacmeans.com">Donna MacMeans</a>, <a href="www.christine-wells.com">Christine Wells</a> and <a href="www.tawnyweber.com">Tawny Weber</a>, as well as a collection of fabulous as-yet-unpublished authors like <a href="www.kjhowe.com">Kim Howe</a>, who made it to the final round of 2007's American Title contest!<br /><br />Come on over and check us out. We will be thrilled to have you there!Caren Cranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12352366686017375279noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11300736.post-70706555218832346652007-05-01T11:28:00.000-04:002007-05-08T11:43:48.288-04:00Raving on Guster<center><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r52/cchelms/dispimage.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a></center><center>Guster: Adam, Ryan, Joe, Brian</center><BR><DIV><SPAN class=750580115-01052007><FONT face=Arial size=2>I have a dirty secret: I have never, according to my husband, really grown up. This will surprise none of my friends. My husband believes this because I still go to concerts. Not all concerts, not random concerts, but <STRONG>good</STRONG> concerts. Ones that it would sear my soul to miss. </FONT></SPAN></DIV> <DIV><SPAN class=750580115-01052007><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV> <DIV><SPAN class=750580115-01052007><FONT face=Arial size=2>I am taking this opportunity, here on my very own blog where I have all the power, to rave on one of my favorite bands, <A href="http://www.guster.com">Guster</A>. I encourage you, if you've never experienced them, to start off with their album <A href="http://www.amazon.com/Guster-Ice-Live-Portland-Maine/dp/B00020HEM0">Guster On Ice</A>. Why is this album so expensive, you ask? Because it is not only a fabulous live CD (recorded at a concert in Portland, Maine), but it also contains a DVD of the concert. As awesome as the CD is, it's the DVD that will make you a rabid Guster fan. The band, you readily realize, are quite off - all of them. At first, I thought maybe Joe wasn't as cracked as the others, being a bit older and more mature. But the Joe's Place episodes on the Guster website, recorded during recording of the album <A href="http://www.amazon.com/Ganging-Up-Sun-Guster/dp/B000FNNI88/ref=pd_bxgy_m_text_b/103-1520528-7211864">Ganging Up On the Sun</A>, proved me wrong (if not delusional).</FONT></SPAN></DIV> <DIV><SPAN class=750580115-01052007><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV> <DIV><SPAN class=750580115-01052007><FONT face=Arial size=2>The mad drummer and conga player, <A href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brian_Rosenworcel">Brian Rosenworcel</A>, is the most beautifully insane and funny person on the planet. Except for his fixation on the tour bus toilet, which is slightly disturbing, Brian (aka "Thundergod") is a delight to Guster readers everywhere. Brian keeps up the Road and Studio journals on the website and MySpace pages. Check them out. </FONT></SPAN></DIV> <DIV><SPAN class=750580115-01052007><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV> <DIV><SPAN class=750580115-01052007><FONT face=Arial size=2>Speaking of MySpace, my only gripe with Guster is that I put one of their songs on <A href="http://carencrane.myspace.com">my own MySpace page</A> and then friended Guster. Someone from the Guster MySpace page removed their song from my page! Now, they may simply not want their song attached to random MySpace pages, but it felt like an ageist snub. I figure, if I'm not too old to travel around the country to college campuses to see them or to buy their (reasonably priced) merch, they should not snub my MySpace page. Then again, maybe I'm reading too much into the removal. By the way, I replaced their song with one from a new find, <A href="http://www.mybrightestdiamond.com">My Brightest Diamond</A>. I discovered them when I heard them open for <A href="http://www.decemberists.com">The Decemberists</A> last month. Awesome concert!</FONT></SPAN></DIV> <DIV><SPAN class=750580115-01052007><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV> <DIV><SPAN class=750580115-01052007><FONT face=Arial size=2>Of course, even though they dissed me, I'm going to see Guster this weekend at Furman University. It's a 4-1/2 hour drive, but I'm that kind of fan. As a matter of fact, I drove 10 hours to Ohio to see them once. Anyone else have bands they would drive way too far to see?</FONT></SPAN></DIV>Caren Cranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12352366686017375279noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11300736.post-83638493246175678622007-04-10T14:39:00.000-04:002007-05-02T14:46:37.507-04:00Travel Log - Day 4, Part 1<DIV><SPAN class=933325617-02052007><FONT face=Arial size=2>I awoke to an alarm clock. I checked my watch and was disoriented to find that the clock said it was an hour later than my watch did. Ah, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daylight_saving_time">Daylight Savings Time</a> had begun! Obviously, my son was in a conscious-enough state to change the clock and set the alarm before he collapsed in bed (around 5:30 this morning, if my semi-awake brain registered it correctly). Did the getting ready thing. The Boy had not moved. Packed as much of my stuff as I could and tried to wake Boy up. No luck. Reminded him we had to be <STRONG>out</STRONG> by noon. </FONT></SPAN></DIV> <DIV><SPAN class=933325617-02052007><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV> <DIV><SPAN class=933325617-02052007><FONT face=Arial size=2>Went down the block and bought an extra rolling suitcase for the trip home. I did this on my last trip to NYC, too. I thought to bring an extra one this trip, but talked myself out of it. When will I learn? I paid too much for the suitcase, but was frankly too tired to haggle. Stopped by <a href="http://www.pickabagel.geomerx.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=storePage&customPageID=2">Pick A Bagel</a> on the way back and got an everything bagel (with schmear), a banana nut muffin and two coffees. Worst. Coffee. Ever. </FONT></SPAN></DIV> <DIV><SPAN class=933325617-02052007><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV> <DIV><SPAN class=933325617-02052007><FONT face=Arial size=2>Got back to hotel just before 11:00. The Boy finally got up around 11:20 (not that I was watching the clock!) and, under duress, picked out something to wear so I could help him get packed. Showed him how to roll his clothes into neat little sausages so he could use every square millimeter of space and fit more in his case. Managed to get everything packed by 11:52. Then Boy announced he wanted to take a shower - with 8 minutes to go until checkout. I was stressing more than a smidge. Remembered we could check out via the TV. Tried that, but of course it didn't work. Schlepped my stuff downstairs (leaving Boy in the shower).</FONT></SPAN></DIV> <DIV><SPAN class=933325617-02052007><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV> <DIV><SPAN class=933325617-02052007><FONT face=Arial size=2>Boy caught up with me while I stood in the very slow line to check out. Did so successfully, then we checked our luggage with the porter. Headed down to Union Square and Greenwich Village. Shopped at a <a href="http://www.bn.com">Barnes & Noble</a>, where I found an even newer J.D. Robb novel than the one I was reading at that time. Boy found a book about the now-defunct <a href="http://www.cbgb.com/">CBGB</a> (so sad!). Went to <a href="http://www.fpnyc.com/">Forbidden Planet</a>, a real geek's paradise, full of comic books, graphic novels, anime, action figures and collectibles of all sorts from the fantasy/anime/comic book genres. Found presents for my friends Suzell and Nikki. Took pictures (to make a roommate jealous) of Boy near the huge case of action figures and in front of the ginormous Batman. </FONT></SPAN></DIV> <DIV><SPAN class=933325617-02052007><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV> <DIV><SPAN class=933325617-02052007><FONT face=Arial size=2>Left and took picture of Boy "holding up" The Alamo near NYU. Forbidden Planet, in all its used-book fabulousness, had given me horrible sinus pressure (very allergic to mildew), so I got the world's biggest hot tea at a COSI. Went to Union Square and visited lots of artists who had set up on the Square. Found an awesome 80s-looking, Japanese-influenced painting of Audrey Hepburn (from Breakfast At Tiffany's) at <A href="http://jappopart.com/">Stella & Zane Japanese Pop Art</A> for Suse and Boy found gifts for many of his friends. These included some very unique and interesting finger puppets. 'Nuff said. </FONT></SPAN></DIV> <DIV><SPAN class=933325617-02052007><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV> <DIV><SPAN class=933325617-02052007><FONT face=Arial size=2>We attempted to find <A href="http://nymag.com/listings/restaurant/coffee-shop/">The Coffee Shop</A>, where a couple of guys Boy met at Union Square the night before worked. These are the same dudes he hung out with until the wee hours and with whom he created much drum music and probably a public nuisance. The Coffee Shop had, overnight, been closed down the the Health Dept. Read about it <A href="http://www.curbed.com/archives/2007/03/12/coffee_shop_shuttering_prompts_union_square_meltdown.php">here</A>. That's enough drama for one segment of one day, methinks. One more segment to come, featuring lost cars, insanely crowded elevators, cheesecake and magical rescue technology.</FONT></SPAN></DIV>Caren Cranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12352366686017375279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11300736.post-16763248385359531352007-04-04T17:00:00.001-04:002007-04-05T10:24:39.268-04:00Travel Log - Day 3, Part 2This day may have several parts, simply because I can't seem to get in chunks of time to write it in two! Anyway, on my way to Build-A-Bear, I went into Saks Fifth Avenue and sneered at the price they wanted for a very homely seersucker shirt. Actually, I made a point of looking disgusted while there, simply because I could and it amused me. I'm bad that way. <br /><br />At Build-A-Bear, I found NYC-themed t-shirts for the 4 bears back home, then searched cheesy souvenir shops for t-shirts for the bears' mothers (aka my daughters). I then headed back to the hotel because my back was killing me. What a drag it is getting old, as Mick said. The Boy (off having his own adventure) called twice. Once to talk about hooking up for dinner, then again to ask where the TKTS office was. Apparently, his posse was looking for theater tickets. I was in the mood for sweets, so I used our internet connection and looked up a great chocolate place and a great cupcake place. Also found directions to a good Indian restaurant for dinner. Woot!<br /><br />Took the A train to 42nd, walked to 9th and 40th to The Cupcake Cafe, famous for its butter cream icing. Got a yellow cupcake with chocolate butter cream icing and a chocolate cupcake with mocha buttercream icing. Hocked a kidney to pay for them. Called Boy and met him back at Times Square. Went to Cafe Europa for water (for me), juice (for him) and cupcakes (for both). They were very good cupcakes and beautifully decorated. We swapped stories about our days and he made a list of things he still needed to do in NYC. I told him about the break dancers outside the library and going to Nintendo World. His ears perked up.<br /><br />Took orange line to Rockefeller Center, where we took pictures of each other by the skating rink. We went to Nintendo World, where they had a bunch of Wiis set up on the top floor. Boy showed me how to use the Wii, how to create a Mii (I have a cute picture of him and his Mii). We played with the Wii Sports bowling game, found souvenirs for our peeps, then decided it was time (okay, past time) for dinner.<br /><br />Walked to the Indian restaurant, which was called <a href="http://www.bombay-palace.com/">Bombay Palace</a>. They looked taken aback that we had no reservation, but found us a table in short order. The restaurant was beautiful, rather an Empire feel to it, and the food was exceptional. The Boy had Thali, a vegetarian dinner, which was like a sampler platter with five different dishes. I had the vegetable Biryani and Roti, plus sharing the Thali. We ate far too much, then waddled back to the Park Central. On the way, some crazy balck guy had my son take his picture with a couple of different high end cars on the street (a Mercedes sedan and a Porsche). <br /><br />Made it back to the hotel, where I needed to collapse. The Boy got ready and hit the town, after researching clubs on the internet. Apparently, he was refused entry at every club on his list. No surprise, since he still had that UNDER 21 stamp on his driver's license! Bouncers have no sympathy for the not-yet-21. He hung out around Union Square station quite a while and met up with some fellows named Adam and Sterling, who apparently work at the Coffee Shop. Yes, THE Coffee Shop. <br /><br />They hung out with subway drummers and empty-park drummers until The Boy was asked by the NYPD to cease his drumming long about 5 a.m. He made it back around 5:30 a.m. I said prayers of thanks for the safe return and more for his denial of entry into all those clubs. Hey, we can't protect them from everything, but it doesn't stop us from wanting to, right?Caren Cranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12352366686017375279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11300736.post-9347395844078839652007-03-28T17:05:00.001-04:002007-04-05T10:06:59.128-04:00Travel Log - Day 3, Part 1Awakened around 8:30 am by nature calling, aided and abetted by the Housekeeping staff rattling around in the hallway. Got beautiful (ha!) and the Boy woke up around 9:30. Told me he was going to hook up with his German friends today. I felt certain beer would be involved. We agreed to do our own things and meet up around dinner time. <br /><br />I went to breakfast, solo, at Fluffy's Cafe. Had a good Western omelet, home fries and toast. There is no good toast in NYC. They know very little about whole grains, apparently, unless it is a health food restaurant.<br /><br />I proceeded with my plan to stalk Bono - or at least his NYC apartment. Went to Columbus Circle station, where I learned: a) there were no C trains running that day; and, b) I have no business catching trains there. Because, naturally, I got on a southbound when I meant to go north. Got off, then accidentally got on an Express A train and couldn't get off until 125th St. Got on the local A and (finally) got off at 72nd - phew! Walked two short blocks to Bono's place. I was after stalker pics for my friend Suse. If I haven't mentioned it, she is a rabid fan of Bono and has been in the U2 fan club since she was 13. That's 25 years, if you're counting.<br /><br />Took shots of the front of the building from the sidewalk, the towers from the sidewalk, then went into Central Park, climbed some hills and hiking trails and took pictures of the towers again. Also took pictures of the view of the reservoir as it would be from his apartment (though much closer to the ground, of course). I called Suse while there so she could share the experience vicariously. Unfortunately, Bono did not make an appearance while I was in the area. It's a good thing, too, because I never would have heard the end of it. Really wished she was there with me.<br /><br />Back to the hotel for a quick break, then I headed toward the Build-A-Bear on Madison Ave.Caren Cranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12352366686017375279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11300736.post-25609441505360969492007-03-21T13:36:00.000-04:002007-03-28T15:02:12.595-04:00Travel Log - Day 2, Part 2Afternoon, Friday, March 9. On the way back from The Cloisters, we took the M4 bus again. Not because it was so much fun the first time, but because there was a store called The Africa Shop my son wanted to check out. I believe the bus took a slightly altered route south, because we never spotted the store. Once we realized we missed it, we had the bus stop at 125th St so we could get on the subway. I, in Caren form, dropped my camera and we had to make the driver stop a second time. I believe I mentioned it was that sort of trip. <br /><br />Had to climb 3000 steps to get to the A train, which is elevated at 125th St. Escalator not working, naturally. After those steps, there were more. Did I mention I had not been able to breathe the entire day? Despite every OTC medication made, I had felt wretched the entire time we were at The Cloisters. The meds didn't help with the stair climbing. Neither did the 10-degree wind up on the train platform. Got on the A and off at Columbus Circle. Walked back to the hotel. <br /><br />Snacks, phone calls, phone charging. I put on my Birkenstocks with tremendous gratitude. My feet wept. We were going to head over to the Met Museum since our tickets were good for that one, too, on the same day. We blew it off. Boy had a great idea we could buy a video cable and watch DVDs from his laptop. We headed to Times Square (the station didn't confound us this time, since we didn't have to be anywhere) and ogled everything. <br /><br />We went to Gap and I bought <a href="http://www.oneorg">(RED)</a> items for Suse and my girls. Bought Boy some shirts, since all the clothes he brought with him were dirty (remember?). We took cheesy pictures of each other in Times Square with neon all around us. Checked in a Computer Video store and they wanted $25 for a $5 video cable. No thanks. Took a picture of Boy by the huge, neon-lit Scientology headquarters. Creepy how it's nestled in the theater district and looks like another theater. <br /><br />Went to SWATCH, where I resisted the lure of a gorgeous tapestry-banded watch in autumnal colors. Oooh. It was only about $80, but I imagined my darling husband freaking out about how much the trip cost us and I said, "No." The little sales chick, Kimberly of the sparkly eyelashes, helped talk me out of it. In an effort to be charming to Boy, she led us to the conclusion that the watches were not as durable as they could be. Under the guise of me coming back tomorrow, Kimberly managed to tell us exactly when she was working on Saturday. Hm. Boy thought he might come back. Not to buy a watch, either. <br /><br />Went down Restaurant Row on 46th and checked menus at approximately 100 restaurants. Plagued by indecision and growing exasperation, we chose Meson Sevilla, a supposedly Spanish restaurant. Sadly, I have had much better Spanish food in Charlotte, NC. They had great Shrimp Ajilla, middling veggie paella (which was nothing more than glorifed saffron rice with mostly canned vegetables) and great flan. Boy mistakenly ordered an Italian dish rather than the Spanish one he wanted. It was fine, but not Spanish. The tapas smelled and looked good, but they were mostly things we didn't care for - mussels and whatnot. The restaurant had nice atmosphere but was quite close (very NYC) and not to our taste. <br /><br />After dinner, we went back to the hotel where I, of course, collapsed since it was after 9:30. I tried to read and make notes about the day, but ended up falling asleep. Boy went out around 11:00 where he apparently met some German young people, Bjorn and Matteas. He told me, when he came in, he planned to hook up with them on Saturday. Mysterious phone ringing in the middle of the night. I remember why I love it that he doesn't live with us. Out of sight, out of mind, out of the Worry Zone!Caren Cranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12352366686017375279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11300736.post-11137806450394688312007-03-21T09:21:00.000-04:002007-03-21T10:15:08.201-04:00Travel Log, Day 2 - Part 1Friday, March 9. I am awakened at 4:30 am by sirens. Welcome to NYC. Go back to sleep and am awakened at 7:30 am by the insistent crash of garbage trucks. I got up while Boy slept. Had a leisurely bath (knowing Boy would not be up anytime soon) and soaked my feet, which already had walking damage. Got ready, woke Boy up. <br /><br />While he showered, I spent half a lifetime at the <a href="http://www.starbucks.com">Starbucks</a> by our hotel. There were some amusing people getting their panties in a double wad about their coffee being wrong. Most amusing was the lady who was waiting on some half-something, half-something else with half a Splenda in it. They had lost her order (or someone else took it) so they made it again, supposedly. She snatches it and runs to where a large group of students and a charter bus is waiting for her. She comes back quite a few minutes later (I am still waiting for my drink, having secured Boy's minutes ago) and says hers is still not right. Um, that's because she took mine! My panties remained wad-free. Finally got the coffee and went back to check on the progress in our room.<br /><br />Boy was futzing around and worrying inordinately about his clothes. He messed with the scarf/jacket/shirt/belt/hat combination until he was satisfied and I wanted to scream. Went to some little Tel-something cafe near the hotel and had very fast and tasty breakfast. Went back to hotel to get the maps we had forgotten, then headed off to <a href="http://www.metmuseum.org/events/ev_cloisters.asp?HomePageLink=collections_cloisters_l">The Cloisters</a>. Strategic error. I should have studied the MTA map more and not trusted the directions given on the <a href="http://www.metmuseum.org/">Metropolitan Museum of Art</a> website. At their advice, we took M4 bus from 86th past 207th all the way to Fort Tryon Park, home of The Cloisters. While the trip through Harlem was educational, and we saw many interesting spots that might warrant closer inspection, it wasted precious time! <br /><br />The Cloisters was magnificent. All medieval art and architecture, all the time, in a setting that models a Benedictine abbey. There was a complete Chapter Room - where the Benedictine monks would gather each day to hear a chapter of their Order read and to pray and have fellowship. I found out the abbey where the Chapter Room was housed, in France, was abandoned after the French Revolution. The Chapter Room was used as a stable from that time until the 1920s! That was fascinating to me. Yes, I'm a big history geek. Also, the site where The Cloisters sits - high on a hill overlooking the Hudson River - was the site of a private estate that burned down in the 1920s. Fort Tryon Park is beautiful and I'm sure is positively gorgeous in warm weather. You know, when the wind chill is above 10 degrees F. <br /><br />Trip back through Harlem and Times Square to follow when Day 2 continues...Caren Cranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12352366686017375279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11300736.post-44710835656836716752007-03-20T21:06:00.001-04:002007-03-21T10:12:27.560-04:00Travel Log - Day 1, Part 2<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2><SPAN class=659480020-19032007>It's taking much longer to write this than the actual trip took! Anyway, once Boy secured his hat, we went to a noodle shop for lunch. Nice, hot tea, good dumplings, good food. Then we headed down to Century 21 Department Store (highly recommended by my hairdresser, Jesus). It is right across from Ground Zero, which has much less impact, IMO, now that it is a construction site. We had lots of fun at Century 21. Boy found some wool socks and a funky ribbon belt that looked quite 70s with a side of preppy thrown in. But it matched his tri-colored Members Only jacket so well! (Never thought the Members Only jacket would be resurrected, btw.) We went upstairs and I found an almost-perfect black leather jacket. FYI, I have been searching for a black leather jacket for at least 3 or 4 years. This one was the right length with nice long sleeves (no elastic). It zipped fine, but then I thought it didn't lay quite as I wanted, so I was able to say, "No." Good thing, too, since it was still too expensive, even at Century 21! </SPAN></FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2><SPAN class=659480020-19032007></SPAN></FONT> </DIV> <DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2><SPAN class=659480020-19032007>I found wonderful gift boxes (suitcase-style with handle) and lovely personal care gift sets for my critique partners. I hope they appreciate the fact that the TSA was so suspicious of these three, identical, fully-loaded, large boxes that they had to inspect my suitcase! It had already been a fruitful trip for me, since one of my goals was to find something special and lovely for the Hip & Edgy. Headed back to midtown to dump our parcels at the hotel. Still no hairdryer, but I am hopeful. I call to ask about it and am told someone will check on it We walked over to FAO Schwartz. </SPAN></FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2><SPAN class=659480020-19032007></SPAN></FONT> </DIV> <DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2><SPAN class=659480020-19032007>FAO Schwartz really is a kid's paradise. Besides the <STRONG>huge</STRONG> puppies, there were the cutest penguins ever! One of my critique partners pointed out there were Huskies in the picture, too. What do you know? I really only saw the penguins and seals. Loved the old school toy area. I got a kaleidoscope and bought Adam some Robot blocks. He hasn't opened them yet, but my kaleidoscope has already gotten a ton of play. Also bought a couple of things I cannot disclose here because they are for my friend Suzell's birthday. In July. Yes, I know how horrid and cruel I am to tease her so. They had more Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings stuff than you can shake a stick at. They also had a very cool design-your-own Hot Wheels program. Anyway, we enjoyed the life-sized Lego Chewie, Batman and Hagrid (who had some pieces broken off). These things are especially amazing because they are made from <STRONG>small</STRONG> Legos, all put together then glued. Not the big cheater Duplo blocks, but tiny Legos. Makes it all the more impressive, IMO.</SPAN></FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2><SPAN class=659480020-19032007></SPAN></FONT> </DIV> <DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2><SPAN class=659480020-19032007>As we were checking out, the cute cashier told Boy she liked his hat. Yes, the chewed-up one. She asked him if he made it (didn't I tell you it looked like it?). He told her where he bought it. Then, she said she really liked the Robot blocks he was buying. After we left, he figured out she was totally flirting with him. Duh! For a smart guy he's a bit dim at times. He also has no idea how cute he is. It's kind of sweet. On the way back, it was bitterly cold. We decided to go to a place called Sushiya near our hotel for dinner. Nice atmosphere, very warm (have I mentioned it was freezing?), lovely green tea, really good Shrimp Dragon and California rolls, great miso soup (who knew it could be so good?) and pretty good katsudon. Waddled back to hotel to get ready for the theater.</SPAN></FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2><SPAN class=659480020-19032007></SPAN></FONT> </DIV> <DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2><SPAN class=659480020-19032007>Got changed in record time and dashed to the subway. Took the yellow line down to Times Square station. Big mistake. I had forgotten this is the most confusing station ever. The markings messed me up badly and I got a bit disoriented. Went all the way down to 8th, then headed north a block, turned the corner and - bam - there was the Majestic Theater, home of "Phantom of the Opera". We picked up our (really great) tickets from the Will Call window and slid into our seats about 2 minutes before the lights went down. I told you it was that sort of trip! Confession time: I had never seen "Phantom" in any form. Not live, movie or made-for-TV movie. I didn't even know the story beyond the premise. The staging was dramatic and magnificent. Great performances all the way around. I, Boy and the hundreds of teenaged girls in the audience were captivated. Passed up the merch as too expensive, though. Made the big mistake of going back to Times Square station. Got on southbound train rather than north. Got off at the first stop, got back on the northbound and off at 57th. Sheesh! </SPAN></FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2><SPAN class=659480020-19032007></SPAN></FONT> </DIV> <DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2><SPAN class=659480020-19032007>Went to 55th St Deli (next door to Carnegie Deli). Great selection of many yummy things. Everything from cheesecake to whole grain Kashi cookies. Yes, I got the Kashi cookies! boy was lured by the hot food and got some intensely good eats. At the hotel, I collapsed. boy made hone calls and tried to unwind. Unsuccessful. He went out for a bit around midnight but came back re</SPAN></FONT><FONT face=Arial size=2><SPAN class=659480020-19032007>latively soon. Said he found some cool shops. I slept. </SPAN></FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2><SPAN class=659480020-19032007></SPAN></FONT> </DIV> <DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2><SPAN class=659480020-19032007>So ends Day 1.</SPAN></FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2><SPAN class=659480020-19032007></SPAN></FONT> </DIV>Caren Cranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12352366686017375279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11300736.post-69810104128109855152007-03-13T21:27:00.000-04:002007-03-21T10:15:08.202-04:00Travel Log - Day 1, Part 1This is the Day 1, Part 1 entry covering my recent trip to New York City. Please note: this trip was taken with my son who was not-quite-21 (this will be important later) as an early birthday present. Why go in March? It was Spring Break, natch.<br /><br />Thursday, March 8: Awakened by alarm clock @ 4:45 am. Check on my son, who was supposed to come over in the middle of the night, "After I do laundry." Of course, he wasn't there. Call his unfortunate roommate on his cell phone and ask him to go kick my son and tell him he was going to miss the trip. The (obviously well-trained and polite) young man agreed to do so.<br /><br />My son pulls in the driveway 2 minutes before we are supposed to leave for the airport. It was destined to be that sort of trip, I mused. Repacked his stuff a bit because, as expected, he hadn't checked the FAA or current airport regulations to know that no liquids or gels more than 3 ounces can be taken in a carry-on bag. We get to the airport parking deck with him dozing and me in a bit of a fog (this also becomes important later). Make the flight and get through security with no problems. Good weather, good flight, arrive at La Guardia about 8:45. <br /><br />Catch a cab right away. Cabbie takes the longest route ever to the Park Central Hotel - seriously. Through Spanish Harlem to the far side of Central Park, then down 7th. But, we got a great tour of Central Park, so it was worth the extra $9, I suppose. There is snow on the ground from the day before, the wind is icy, the sun is shining. A lovely day.<br /><br />The hotel lets us check in, even though it's only 9:30 am. Sweet! Especially since my son has been camping in the mountains for several days and only skidded into town in time to make this trip. All his clothes, he informs me, are dirty. At least he can shower, since we're in our room. "Showering" takes about an hour and a half when you are my son. The selection of the right outfit for one's first day in NYC is, apparently, mission critical. There is no hairdryer in our room. Sensing a crisis brewing, I call for one. It does not appear before my patience evaporates and I force my son to put on a coat and leave the room.<br /><br />We walk to the Tourist Information center to buy Metro cards and pick up the requisite maps of subway and city. Armed, we head to Chinatown. My son has never ridden the subway before and is charmed by how NYC everything is. In Chinatown, he haggles with a guy over the price of a knit hat with flaps, but doesn't buy it (he regrets this later). He <b>does</b> buy a hat from a different guy. This one looks like a fourth-grader made it from scraps of fabric he found lying about, then gave it to his dog to chew on. It has a poorly-executed skull-and-crossbones on it. My son adores it and wears it the rest of the day (this also becomes important later). <br /><br />More to follow, wherein shopping is accomplished and leather is lusted after.Caren Cranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12352366686017375279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11300736.post-57919570352957457322007-03-04T13:42:00.000-05:002007-03-28T15:08:03.847-04:00Getting To Know Caren!FYI: The following post is one I created for the Packers Work In Progress blog, which has not yet been deemed fit for human consumption. It is the group blog for some of the 2006 Golden Heart Finalists. We call ourselves the '06 Packers, hence the "Packers Work In Progress". I'll be sure to post a link when the FDA approves it for the general public. In the meantime, here is my introductory post over there!<br /><br />When did you start writing? Or if you've been writing all your life, then when and how did you decide to pursue publication?<br /><br />I started writing, with absolutely no idea what I was doing, in 2000. I did it to escape the mind-numbing tedium of my work as an electrical engineer. I was inspired by a girl at work whom I didn't know well, but who was a real character. I wrote a completely fictional story about her (that was, I'm ashamed to admit, a bit mean-spirited but completely hilarious) and shared it with my good friends. One friend had been a member of <a href="http://www.rwanational.org/">RWA</a> and my local chapter, <a href="http://www.heartofcarolina.org/">Heart of Carolina Romance Writers</a> and she suggested that I join.<br /><br />I realize now that she saw a spark (quite a small one) in my writing and meant to encourage me. Like many, I thought my writing was brilliant at the time, but later discovered it needed <b>lots</b> of work! I'm blessed with wonderful - and tactful - friends.<br /><br />What books/authors have influenced you?<br /><br />Since joining RWA, I have been influenced by the groundwork many brilliant authors have laid. From an educational and mentoring standpoint, I owe huge debts of gratitude to my dear friends <a href="http://www.sabrinajeffries.com/">Sabrina Jeffries</a>, <a href="http://www.claudiadain.com/">Claudia Dain</a>, <a href="http://www.lizcarlyle.com">Liz Carlyle</a>, <a href="http://www.virginiakantra.net/">Virginia Kantra</a> and <a href="http://www.debmarlowe.com/">Deb Marlowe</a>.<br /><br />From an inspirational standpoint, I owe debts to <a href="http://www.susanephillips.com/">Susan Elizabeth Phillips</a> and <a href="http://www.jennycrusie.com/">Jennifer Crusie</a>. Why? Because they are both pantzers and slow writers like me! I know if they can do it and enjoy success, I can too. You can't buy that sort of inspiration.<br /><br />Describe your writing process.<br /><br />There's a process? Oh, yes, I recall other people <b>have</b> one of those. As mentioned above, I am a pantzer. Not by design, but because I can't teach my brain a better way. My books are almost completely character driven and that is what always comes to me first: the people. Once I have these wonderful people, I have to figure out a situation to put them in that will highlight where they need to grow and enable them to do that. Easier said than done!<br /><br />This thing they call "plotting" usually involves many fits and starts, followed by long periods of "marination". The marination time, like with all good recipes, varies each time I need it. Unfortunately, I have learned enough and become disciplined enough to continue working even when my story isn't. Because of that, I started my last book 3 times and got about 1/2 to 2/3 written each time before I figured out why it wasn't quite right (though both discarded stories were good) and how to fix it. My dream is to get to the point in my career where this is no longer necessary and I can write more than one book a year. Hey, I said it was a dream.<br /><br />And please, nobody mention color-coded index cards or detailed, scene-by-scene outlines or my head will explode!<br /><br />Tell us about your current Work In Progress and what is next for you?<br /><br />The book is about a chef, Sarah, and a building contractor, Luke. They are great characters and I know oodles and gobs about them, their histories, their heartbreaks, their families and the town they live in (Laurel Mountain, North Carolina). What I don't know is exactly what happens in their book. It's marinating.<br /><br />Any advice for others or personal observations?<br /><br />The best advice I can give anyone is: respect your process. Even if, like me, you don't really have one. I have put myself through untold traumas trying to follow other writers' recipes (including color-coded index cards and detailed, scene-by-scene outlines). None of them worked for me.<br /><br />Why not? Well, everyone's brain is wired a certain way. It's quite difficult to force your brain to operate in another fashion. I was quite successful, for instance, in filling out color-coded index cards and in coming up with detailed, scene-by-scene outlines. Did they help my books? Not at all. That is because my characters don't come alive on index cards or outlines. They come alive when I write. So, until I start writing, I have no idea how they will react to people or situations. In other words, I have no idea what the "plot" will be. I don't really need to. I simply need to know how they should feel toward their situation and those around them when the book ends. How they get there ends up being an organic extension of who they are.<br /><br />Plus, the marinade fills in the blanks! Anyone else find plot to be the last thing you know about your book?Caren Cranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12352366686017375279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11300736.post-24134812237411355012007-03-04T08:26:00.000-05:002007-05-08T11:45:48.098-04:00Back On TopThose who know me well will tell you I don't stay firmly trenched in "reality" for long. So, I have bounced back up on my wave of natural optimism and am excited about a number of things right now. <br /><br />First, I am starting to feel better, so I will be starting back to the gym tomorrow. My sadly sagging muscles are so glad about that! <br /><br />Second, my son and I are headed to <a href="http://www.nycvisit.com/">NYC</a> on Thursday, which is always a thrill. I can hardly wait to indulge in some street cart <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Falafel">falafel</a>, which will make my younger daughter insanely jealous (insert <a href="http://http://www.pglewis.com/Newsletter/Dec05/grinch.bmp">evil grin</a> here). We were unable to get tickets to any of the shows we wanted to see taped (Conan O'Brien, Daily Show, Colbert Report), so we are going with no real plans at all. Those who know me well will tell you this sort of thing makes me crazy loco, but it's not my trip, it's my son's. <br /><br />He says a couple of his friends will be in NYC at the same time, so we may hook up with them. No telling what we will end up doing! Stay tuned for news stories involving a middle-aged Southern woman and a group of semi-legal youth getting bounced from dicey establishments in NYC. Ack! <br /><br />Third (see, I remembered this was a list), I have a first annual writers' retreat with my critique group, the Hip & Edgy. You can check them out on the pictures page of my <a href="http://www.carencrane.com">Caren Crane website</a>. My critique partners are Regan Black, Tracy Leigh Brown and Kimberly Justen. They are fabulous writers and keep me straight. I am so looking forward to a weekend of brainstorming and plotting! <br /><br />Fourth, I will be seeing my dear friend <a href="http://www.elizabethbemis.com">Liz Bemis</a> toward the end of the month. Liz is a friend, confidante and advisor to me. I adore her and can't wait to see her again. And, since she's come to see me twice since I last visited her, I owe her. We are also going to see a band I really like, <a href="http://www.greatbigsea.com/">Great Big Sea</a>. They are from Newfoundland and rarely make it to the sunny South, so I don't mind combining a trip to Ohio to see a friend with a great concert. Oh, I just realized that the last time I went to see Liz, we went to a <a href="http://www.guster.com">Guster</a> concert. Now she'll think I <span style="font-weight:bold;">only</span> come to visit when there's a concert. Not at all! I just like to multi-task. Really!<br /><br />Then, of course, it will be Easter and I'll get to see my wonderful extended family. Always the best part of any holiday! <br /><br />Anyone else have things they are eagerly anticipating? A great trip? A season finale or a great book coming out, maybe?Caren Cranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12352366686017375279noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11300736.post-399889946010626272007-02-27T09:52:00.000-05:002007-05-08T11:45:48.099-04:00Back To RealityOkay, the Oscar furor is over. I am sorry to say I fared poorly in my predictions, mainly because I allowed the opinions of "experts" to sway me. I have come to the conclusion I have no sense for how SAG members think. This should be no surprise, since I am a writer and not an actor. I hear The Chubbies picked more winners than I did. Again, no shock there.<br /><br />Anyway, it's back to harsh reality in my life. My husband has declared a moratorium on all fun, so I'm sure I'll have nothing to blog about for weeks to come. Until my son and I get back from New York City, that is! Then, I'm sure I'll have some sort of adventure to write about. Until then, expect nothing from me. Anyone else going through a dry spell? Or are you guys busy having all the fun I'm being denied? If you are, tell me about it. Please!Caren Cranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12352366686017375279noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11300736.post-73872974573824507342007-02-14T08:12:00.000-05:002007-03-21T10:13:36.727-04:00Oscar UpdateAs you may have read earlier, I've been killing myself trying to see all the <a href="http://www.oscar.com">Oscar</a> nominated movies this month. Since last Friday, I have seen <a href="http//www.sonypictures.com/movies/click/">Click</a> (love Adam Sandler!), <a href="http://www.littlechildrenmovie.com">Little Children</a> (Jackie Earl Haley was the best part of the movie, which was really good), <a href="http://www.film.com/movies/venus/10698426">Venus</a> (Peter O'Toole deserves some love for this fabulous performance!), <a href="http://www.paramountvantage.com/babel/">Babel</a> (overrated, in my opinion, though very good), <a href="http://www.devilwearspradamovie.com/">The Devil Wears Prada</a> (Meryl was great, but couldn't save the movie) and <a href="http://theblackdahliamovie.net/">The Black Dahlia</a> (which should have been nominated for costumes, as well as cinematography). <br /><br />Overall, most of the movies I've seen have been exceptional in some way. The problem with seeing a number of exceptional movies, especially in a row, is that the least exceptional pale in comparison to the most exceptional. For instance, "Click" was a wonderful movie. But comparing it to "Notes On a Scandal" is unfair. Helen Mirren gave a wonderful, nuanced performance in "The Queen". But Judi Dench in "Notes On a Scandal" was so much more vibrant! I suppose it's all apples and oranges in Oscar world in any given year. I'm just glad for the excuse to see so many wonderful films.<br /><br />On a sad note, I learned that the Oscar party is off. The hoopla of throwing the shindig, it seems, has proved too much for our dear <a href="http://www.sabrinajeffries.com">Sabrina Jeffries</a>. I can't blame her for it - you don't see me volunteering! But I will miss the competition. Perhaps I will post who I think will win in each category, then you can ridicule me when I only get 5 right!<br /><br />Does anyone else even watch the Oscars, or am I the only one?Caren Cranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12352366686017375279noreply@blogger.com3