Did you miss me? Don’t answer that.
Did you notice I was gone?
Don’t answer that, either.
Remember months ago when I said I needed to take a blog break to work on my book? That didn’t really end up happening. I just couldn’t stay away. August 31 was my deadline, however, so I used this last month to really knuckle down. And it’s done! Hooray!
There are few things more stressful than hitting the send button when turning in a manuscript.
I’m excited about this book. It was originally “If You Keep Perfectly Still, Maybe They Won’t See You,” eliciting the image of being stalked by a T-Rex. The first Jurassic Park film taught us Tyranosaurs have poor eyesight, but see movement. It was an instructional film. The publisher felt that title was too long, however. Now we have: Be a Happier Parent or Laugh Trying.
I guess that works, too, even if it contains no practical wisdom for T-Rex attacks.At first I was saving email notifications of new blog posts, thinking I would “catch up.” But when it topped 80 unread messages, I knew I was kidding myself. Believe me when I say it was painful and guilt-inducing to hit the delete button.
I never told you it was the great Julie Holmes whom I got to meet while in Minnesota. She is one of my fave Blog Buddies, so it was a THRILL to meet her in person. As soon as she drove away, I thought, “Oooh, shoulda gotten a picture together.” Later she told me she had the same thought. You’ll just have to take my word for it. Really, she’s not just an imaginary friend, honest, Mom! (Check out her blog for proof.)
I do, however, have pictures of two of the three bodaciously furry cats at the house where we stayed. The third cat was much too shy.

Here’s Sylvester.

And this is Jenga, an exceptionally friendly and furry friend!

Perhaps more aptly named Garfield.
Until my next post! Looking forward to “seeing” you all again!
Congrats on the book! I hope you had a fabulous proofreader. I know from experience, funny book, spitting coffee while writing funny, you can miss a comma or two. Hey, welcome back ! Been too long: has the little guy graduated from high school?
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Ha! Spitting coffee while writing or reading? Perhaps both in my case.
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Like back pls
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I missed you! ♥
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Awh, thanks, Nikitaland. I miss you too! Glad you’re still in the blog world even if you’re not still blogging.
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Yep, I am still around.
FYI… my Mother just passed away this past Saturday. She was 89. Funeral is this Friday. Sad times over here this week. (sigh)
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Awh, Val. So sorry about your mom. That was a good long run she had in this world. God be with you all during this time. 😦
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Welcome back. Congratulations on the book. I probably noticed not seeing your posts in the WordPress feed. I answered it, although you said not to. 😀
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Well, so long as you answer in the affirmative, it’s okay. Thanks. 🙂
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YAY! Book done. When does it become a best seller and you get your talk show?
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Haha! Ah, yes, the talk show. I’d nearly forgotten. It won’t hit shelves til April, so we have a while to see how it does. More time for you to practice in front of the mirror.
No comment on the kitties?
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my kitties don’t like me looking at other kitties …
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Hahaha! Perfect response. You never disappoint.
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Wow! Talk about big fluffy kitties! I’m sure you stocked up on kitty petting, and kitty cuddling, and kitty shedding hair while you were here. 😀 And I see Joe in the picture being tempted to grab a kitty tail.
Had to chuckle at the mention. You really need to come back to MN so we can get that picture. I enjoyed our visit. Would love to do it again sometime! *waves* Hi Betsy’s mom! Yes, I’m real 🙂 Not as funny as Betsy, though. 😀
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If you think I’m bad about lovin’ on kittie fur, my sister would talk about wanting to skin a cat so she could have its fur present always. She may have mentioned making a pillow out of it. Sounds gross but has some merit! 😉
We will definitely get together again next time I’m in MN. In the meantime, maybe you should use my photo above and do a truly terrible awful and obvious photoshop job. What do you think? 🙂 🙂
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Missed you definitely.
Glad you’re back.
Congratulations on the book!
Dog person here, so kitties umm..okay.
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Thank you, Jaya! And it’s okay. Dogs can be cute too, even if usually not as fluffy. 🙂
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Glad to see you back.
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Thanks, MTA!
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Yes
Yes
Welcome back!!!!
And holy moly those are some fluffy cats!!!!
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Right?! I loved them!!
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Congratulations on finishing your manuscript! I like both titles equally.
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Thanks, Mark. Glad you approve. 🙂
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I missed you. Congrats on the book!
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Thank you times two!
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Congratulation on your book.
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Thanks, Jodi!
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You are most welcome.
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Well, yeah! Of course we noticed! And congrats on the next book. Can’t wait till the cover reveal.
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I can’t wait either, but they tell me they won’t have it until January. Boo!
Thanks for noticing. {garsh!}
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Congratulations on the book.
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Thanks, Ron! 🙂
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Mazel, I’m not surprised you were able to get it done. Whew…now on to bigger and better…like too many hours on social media arguing with strangers about the end of life as we know it.
I don’t know what your editor is talking about. I’d totally buy a parenting book entitled, “If You Keep Perfectly Still, Maybe They Won’t See You.” Of course, I’m the master of pithy titles that don’t bring me traffic, so what do I know?
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Mazel? Is that some kind of bizarre auto-correct going on there? 😀 I liked the title, too, obvs., but I guess it’s just too long when it was then paired with the explanatory subtitle: and other tips for happier parenting. I guess they may were on to something there.
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Mazel is Yiddish for Congratulations.
Do you think those things really work for marketing. Why not add “a parenting guide” after and call it a day? 😉
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Ah! Forgive me for my lack of Yiddish knowledge! Now I’ve learned something. I thought it was a strange version of my name, and not the strangest at that. As for the title, I just have to trust the publisher’s marketing people know what they’re doing!
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Way to go, Lil Mom!!! Many, many CONGRATULATIONS!!!! ❤
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Thank you, Lucie!!
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Congrats on the book! And don’t fret about deleting those notifications – I actually think it’s healthy to NOT try to catch up on blogs. We all need to attend to other parts of our lives without feeling guilty about blogging! Lol. And I’m jealous that you got to hang out with Julie. Someday I will meet a blogger in real life too! Happy September.
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She mentioned that you were one of the few she hopes to meet some day. It was for sure a highlight of my trip! Would love to do it again. I hope you get to, too. 🙂
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Aw. Thanks. 🙂
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Love the cat photos and how cool you were able to meet a blogging friend. Congrats on submitting your manuscript! That’s awesome!
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Cats are so cozy. I love warm fluffy things. Meeting Julie was so cool! And thank you, Camie. 🙂
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Welcome back, Betsy! Of course I noticed you were gone because I smiled when I received the notice of your post! Congrats on the accomplishment …. and wow … those 2 cats could use a meal!
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Congratulations and welcome back!
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Thanks, Diane!
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Congrays on the book, that is amazing!
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Thank you! I hope people enjoy it as much as I enjoyed writing in. Hopefully I don’t just crack myself up. 😉
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Toll !!!!!!!!!!!!>>>
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