Category Archives: Adventures

Throwback Thursday with Shannon Lee Alexander

Given the trendiness of Throwback Thursday, I’m re-branding my beloved series of guest author posts called “Self-Deprecating Sunday.” Self-Deprecating Sunday started because I’d written a YA novel about a girl in R.O.T.C. in high school. I was looking for photos of myself in my uniform–had to get the description of the uniform just right. I foundContinue reading “Throwback Thursday with Shannon Lee Alexander”

The Dog who Loves Selfies

Magnolia has adopted Instagram as her preferred social media platform, and I’m committed to not getting my parental funk all over the site by joining it. She didn’t specifically ask me not to, but it’s an easy enough gesture. So, I’m sharing a few of the selfies she took with Eleanor and the dogs. Because theyContinue reading “The Dog who Loves Selfies”

Fourteen Years

So today marks fourteen years of marriage for Josh and me. That seems like sooooo many years. I guess it is. Josh asked me what year was the best so far. It’s a little like asking which season is the best when you live on the California coast. They’re all good. Sure there was theContinue reading “Fourteen Years”

Jody Sparks Alphabet Z

Here it is: My alphabet conclusion. And because Erin started this meme, I’m ending it the way she did! Z is for Zero. Here is a list of things I’ve done zero times: (Anything with a star means that even though I haven’t done them, I’d like to.)     – Won a game ofContinue reading “Jody Sparks Alphabet Z”

Jody Sparks Alphabet K – O

Saturday Morning. Finished Flash Burnout yesterday. I was moping because it was over. Josh asked me if he should buy my flowers. He was only kidding in part. He gets it. Some books are like that. Looking forward to writing in my own book today. It’s nice to feel inspired. Now, on with the alphabetContinue reading “Jody Sparks Alphabet K – O”

Must Be Santa

I found this a few days ago, hanging out in my desk. It’s from 2002. Magnolia is two yrs old. Eleanor is almost five. You can see they pretty much came out of the womb celebrating reality. What I remember from this day was that we went with some friends whose kids were of similarContinue reading “Must Be Santa”

Of Grinches and Pink Christmases

Upon moving into our house and seeing the wonder that was a vaulted ceiling, Magnolia said, “Wow, we can get a really BIG Christmas tree!” So of course I’ve been not-so-secretly looking forward to seeing her little face light up when we picked out a big one. Maggie Pie has a special relationship with ChristmasContinue reading “Of Grinches and Pink Christmases”

What, This Old Thing?

How much attention do you pay to what your characters wear? I tend to pay it a lot of attention, but I wonder if that’s because writing for teens tends to focus on identity. When a teen character steps out of the bounds of normal for what’s in fashion, it sets up some tension inContinue reading “What, This Old Thing?”