“I’m running away”... some old shirts…and books, of course!

Yes, you’re vision is fine. I am actually blogging twice in the span of two days. Just don’t get used to it.

The reason simply is, ‘I’m running away!’ Where you may ask? To the mountains. I’m planning on living as a hermit in the wilderness of Arizona. The birds and the snakes will be my company by day. The mountain lions and the elk (with random appearances by bobcats and foxes) will be my companions at night. On a more serious note, I really am going to the mountains for a few days. My family owns 80 sq acres on a mountain and I’m spending the weekend there. I haven’t been in more than six years, I think, and I am quite excited. My plan is to hike, read, take pictures, and write, write, write! We’ll see how well that goes.

In light of my trip I had to unearth my winter clothing. I’m not ready for any heavy duty bundling up, but I do need appropriate shoe wear as I hike. While I was going through my things, I have rediscovered my old t-shirts.

This one is from St. Petersburg, Russia. It’s a team shirt for a Russian football (I mean soccer) team.

This one is from my college days. West Coast Baptist College and the “Bird Fever.” Good times!

Do I even need to explain this one? I saw it twice! And still absolutely love it! What's your favorite Broadway musical? :)

Last, but not least, is my Dairy Queen shirt! My first official job in America! I suppose I should stop now :)

Now, guess what arrived a week early and just in time for my trip? Yes, books!!! I’m so excited to read these! However, I am limiting what I bring considering I actually want to get some writing done. Prioritize, I must prioritize!
Well, I probably should go pack now. Farewell the world of technology and my dear readers. If I don’t get eaten by any wild animals, or bitten by any poisonous bugs, I will be back on Tuesday (with quite a few pictures and chapters written). In meantime, happy reading!

Much love,

Valia

90210…Guys with white beards…Smart Chicks Kick it!

Welcome Autumn! I have to say that I am so excited Summer months are over. Don’t get me wrong, I actually love summer. But considering the fact that I live in Arizona, summer can be a bit hot. Who am I kidding? Scorching is more like it.

            Now, that we got that out of the way, happy 90210 day! How many times have you heard that today? I am not ashamed to say that yes, I watched BH 90210 and loved it! It was one of my favorite shows in Russia, right up there with A-Team and X-files. I also enjoyed this show about a super boat; don’t ask me the name of it. I have been trying, for ten years, to find out what its called with no luck! Maybe I should ask you! The main character had a bandana on and white hair, mustache and a goatee. I’m pretty sure he had a sidekick as well. If any of you can think of what it is, I would greatly appreciate it!

            Alright, now to other matter at hand. How many of you are excited for the Smart Chicks Kick It Tour? I am ecstatic! So many wonderful ladies of the YA world touring together. Three ladies are making every stop: Kelly Armstrong, Melissa Marr, and (my favorite) Alyson Noel. You like how I snuck that in there? Other ladies you may meet depending on the city are Holly Black, Cassandra Clare, Jennifer Lynn Barnes, Sarah Rees Brennan, and many more. Take a look at the official website for more information: http://www.smartchickskickit.com And if you can, come out and support all of these talented ladies.

            Many of you may know that August 31 was a great big day for book birthdays! If you haven’t bought a book recently, then you should! Susan Mallery, Alyson Noel, Cassandra Clare, Alexandra Adornetto, just to name a few, released their long anticipated masterpieces! I, finally, had the opportunity to buy some! Order is shipped today, and I just cant wait till my books get here!

            Well, other responsibilities are calling my name! Have a wonderful night everyone! Go read a book!

Much love,

Valia

Nutritious and Delicious

I’ve had this sudden fixation on salads lately, and a friend of mine brought one to work the other day. So simple, and yet, you’re taste buds will be thanking you with every bite. A few have been asking me about it, so I thought I’d just make a post! Thank you Regina, for introducing me to this simple deliciousness. The rest of you, happy eating!

Broccoli Salad

Ingredients:
4 Cups Broccoli
1 Cup Currants
½ Cup Red Onion
½ Cup Sunflower Seeds

Dressing:
1 Cup Mayo
3 Tablespoons Sugar
2 Tablespoons Vinegar

Mix dressing separately, then add to the ingredients. Enjoy!!

Let me know what you think! I would love to pass the compliments to the one who introduced me to the recipe!

Much love to all, 

Valia <3

300 Followers Contest!!!

            Yes, my dear readers, the contest is finally here! It has taken me a while to figure out what I wanted to do in the first place and with the help of some wonderful ladies (Yes, Dee I’m talking about you) I was able to put something together.

            Now, I know you all want to know what the prizes are before I dive into the rules. But first, you must read the whole post before entering in the contest. Sorry, had to throw that in, because I know how impatient people can be.

            PRIZES:

                        There will be 2 (or possibly more than 2) winners.

                        Prize pack #1 includes:

                                    “Simplicity” – autographed and personalized

                                    “Simplicity” mug

                                      Bookmark

                        Prize pack #2 includes:

                                    “Simplicity” – autographed and personalized

                                      Bookmark

            However, if I surpass the 300 follower’s bench mark, I will add another book for a prize. This one will be a recent release from one of the amazing authors.

            The rules are simple. You must be a follower of my blog and twitter. If you do not have a twitter, that’s fine. However, being a follower is a MUST! Hey that’s the whole point of this contest isn’t it?

• Name and email must be provided and counts as 1 entry.
• Links must be provided for any extra links
• Contest is US ONLY and ends September 30th.
• Once contacted the winner will have 48 hours to respond with their mailing address.
• The form must be filled out to enter.

I wish you all good luck!!! Happy reading!

 Valia 

Wicked...and not just me...

So here I am, at the end of August, and I have to say that life has been a bit crazy. Lets do a little recap of what I’ve been up to. First of all, I’d like to point you to my blog layout. Isn’t it the beautiful? I don’t know why, but I’ve been having dream of far away places and thus, London beckons. Ah, to be able to travel whenever you wanted. To see the places your heart is longing for. But I digress.

            Lets talk about writing. I have been hard at work at book number 2 and let me just say, I love it! I guess you can say I’m a little biased but truth be told I am my own worst critic. Aren’t we all? However, this story is so much fun. My characters, poor things, have been through so much lately. I’m being a bit evil these days. Yet, in spite of all the trials, they keep coming back with a smile on their faces. Isn’t that how life is best lived anyway? Through all the pain and suffering, we keep our heads high and smile through the tears. I have to say that my darlings are a bit on the funny side even through all the craziness. I cant wait to share them with the world. It’s like sending my firstborn to school for the first time, and watching him impress all the teachers and kids with his good looks, great personality, and a genius mind. Since I don’t have any kids of my own (I must say I’m too young for that, I think) these darlings are the children of my creation, and I am very proud of them!

            Now, if you’ve noticed the title of this particular post you’ll see that its simply wicked.  There is a story behind that. If you take a look at my previous entry, you see that I have posted a picture of my wall of inspiration. Almost in the middle of the whole craziness is my playbill from the amazing Broadway musical Wicked. I’ve seen it twice and know all the songs by heart, and it never fails to astonish me. So much talent on display! Well, its been a while since I’ve seen it but given that the playbill is right there in front of me, its been quite an inspiration to me lately. Its not the story itself that captures me so, it’s the pull of the music and the outstanding performances by the characters. It’s the knowledge that you can take such a random story, and make it an epic tale. I guess that’s where the inspiration lies. The idea that even the smallest of things can become the greatest of accomplishments when the time and effort is put into it. That is where I found my inspiration this week. Anyone care to share theirs?

            Now, I must bit thee farewell, dear readers. There will be more catching up to do later. As for now, dream sweet dreams, and tell someone a story to brighten their day. After all, words are powerful!

Much love to all,

Valia

           

Inspiration

I met the most adorable twelve year old girl on Sunday. As I was walking into a room I heard “Here she comes!” I looked up and saw a little girl starring at me as I was the most coveted piece of candy she has ever laid her eyes on. One of the gentlemen in the church brought me over and introduced me to her. She’s been reading my book and is absolutely in love with the story and the characters. I shook her hand and asked her name. She couldn’t take her eyes off me! That was my first experience with a “fan” 
I was talking to one of my favorite authors today (Susan M.) and I asked her if you ever get over that ‘awe’. Her words to me were “I don't think you ever get over the pleasure of connecting with readers & favorite authors.” No matter how much I write, or how busy I become, I always want to have that connection with my readers. I’ve met individuals who are in charge of a particular part of a company and they are ‘too busy’ to spend some time with people around them, answering questions or just sharing a smile. My challenge to you is to share you’re words with someone this week! When someone asks you a question, don’t be too busy to answer. We all learn from each other, and personally I think we all need to learn a little bit more every day.

On the other hand, my “Wall of Inspiration” is growing. I’m toying with the idea of letting my dear readers take part in it. If you’re interested in taking part in it, let me know and we’ll work something out! (for right now) Eventually I will figure out a contest or something.

Charles F. Kettering once said,
“People are very open-minded about new things -- as long as they're exactly like the old ones.”
Smile!

Summer Give Away!

Summer lovin' giveaway - Prize Pack #2

Includes
Sarah Dessen Gift Set (Just Listen, This Lullaby and The Truth About Forever)
Forgive My Fins bookmark
Sea bookmark


You will have until August 19th to sign up for them all! Winners should be announced Monday, August 23rd.

If you have any questions email Bookaholic at totalbookaholic[at]hotmail[dot]com

http://totalbookaholic.blogspot.com/2010/07/summer-lovin-giveaway-prize-pack-2.html