Anybody out there like "House" as much as I do?

I don't have time to watch TV. I'm not bragging, because after working all day, there is nothing I would rather do than veg a little in front of the tube, but I just don't have the time (not to mention we have initiated "no technology hour" at our house.) But I have been able to make time to watch "House, MD" for two weeks now. The characters are terrific, complex, funny, and sympathetic. Yes, even House. I love that character. Talk about your flawed hero. Besides, I have been a fan of Hugh Laurie since he appeared in "Wooster and Jeeves" on PBS. A very talented man.

But if I had to choose between TV and a good book, the book would win every time. Not trying to sound snobby here, just stating my preferences.

And notice I said "good" book.
--Gabi

Juggling and other great talents

This week had to be the week from hell. Not that I have a right to complain. After all, New Mexico wasn't hit by a hurricane. However, blessings having been counted, I don't want a repeat of this past week. I was out every night except Friday for some reason or another. Some of the events taking my time were of my doing--critique group, volleyball, romance readers' group--but others weren't--three days of kids' volleyball tournament (although technically you could call that my fault since they are my children and I chose to have them), piano lessons (again, kid's), class I have to take for work (not my choice, but it's required), speech therapy (again, kid's),etc. Friday night I didn't have to go out, but, lucky me, I caught a cold so I spent Friday night trying to feel better and drinking Nyquill, the cocktail of choice for the infirm.

On the bright side, there were no hurricanes in New Mexico.
--Gabi

What an annoyance...

A spammer has attached himself to my blog address, so I've had to turn on word identification for anyone making comments. It adds an extra step when you want to comment, for which I am sorry, but blame the idiots who want to use my blog for selling their crap. Please don't let the extra step keep you from commenting.
--Gabi

Here's looking at you, kid...

Did you ever notice how many great lines there are in the movie CASABLANCA? I just re-watched the movie, introducing it to my children for the first time. It has everything--romance, laughs, tears, intrigue. The perfect flick. What happened to great movies like that? It's not that I don't enjoy movies made today, it's just that for the most part they can't compare (I mean really--TITANIC vs CASABLANCA? Puh-lease) Movies like MRS. MINIVER, THE THIN MAN, THE WOMEN, TO CATCH A THIEF--they just don't make them like these any more. Mind you, I'm no movie snob--I love STAR WARS and INDIANA JONES--and I can see why AFI named CITIZEN KANE movie of the century, but it seems to me that if you have to see why KANE is movie of the century instead of just enjoying it, how can it be the movie of the century? I'm sorry, but "Rosebud" isn't all that profound. Where are the TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD-s now? OK, so the book is better, but, for that matter, where are the TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD books now ?

Currently reading: BET ME by Jennifer Crusie (A re-read for my book group)
JUST LIKE A MAN by Elizabeth Bevarly
"Rappaccini's Daughter" by Nathaniel Hawthorne, "The Reaper's Image" by Stephen King, "Everyday Use" by Alice Walker and "There will Come Soft Rains" by Ray Bradbury

Every little bit...

I'm doing my own little bit to help. Over at squawkradio.blogspot.com (you've heard me mention them before) they have adopted a family whose home and belongings were wiped out by Katrina. Leslie Ferdinand and her mother write romances as Christine Holden. Squawkradio is trying to help Leslie and her family (including three young children), so I've jumped onto their bandwagon and posted a couple of items for sale at eBay to benefit the family. I've put up two sets of EVER YOURS and YOURS ALWAYS (to be autographed, of course) along with a set of cover flats (except from A MATTER OF PRIDE, of which I have none) a complete set of postcards from all my books and a souvenir Destiny Coin. Visit

http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZlizabevQQhtZ-1

to see the other fabulous items the ladies at squawkradio have donated or to bid on my books. And for more detailed information visit squawkradio.blogspot.com

This is definitely a time to count our blessings and take joy in the few troubles our lives have compared to others.

Always dreaming,
--Gabi

In my thoughts...

It's hard to contemplate writing a light-hearted post during this time of tragedy and sorrow we, as a nation, are facing. My thoughts are with the people who are suffering, the ones who lost loved ones and homes, and the ones trying to bring them help.
--Gabi