Christmas in Outer Space anthology available for the holidays

My first sci-fi story is in the Christmas anthology, Christmas in Outer Space. Available through Whortleberry Press, this anthology has 30 Holly-day (pun intended) stories about outer space. Thank you Jean for a great anthology! It is a funny and unique anthology you simply won't find anywhere else!

Have You Been to the Pumpkin Patch?

It's that time of year again...time to go to the pumpkin patch!

There are so many things to love about Fall. The air is crisp, leaves change to reds and golds, the pumpkin spice latte at Starbucks. But one of my favorites is a visit to the pumpkin patch to pick out the annual Halloween pumpkin.

It used to be there were few places you could get your Halloween pumpkin, they were special, just a bit elusive. Today you can find Halloween pumpkins in so many places - at your grocery stores and garden centers and even at those superstores.

The pumpkin patch is special. It makes you feel like you hunting out that perfect pumpkin in it's ideal spot: nature. While this may not be the exact place the pumpkin was picked - the pumpkin patch is likely full of pumpkins picked together. You can imagine them growing on the vine together.

Maybe that's the reason I always wind up going home with more than one. I don't like separating a family!

Were You a "Wild Thing" Too?

I remember as a child one of my favorite books was Where The Wild Things Are. I always thought that Max was so very brave, to spend all of that time with monsters. I especially admired the fact he got to go outside in his footie pajamas!

Where The Wild Things Are fans will be pleased to know the movie opens today. Sure to please both adults (big kids) and kids alike. I think many people have been looking forward to this movie. Pass the popcorn!

(c) Photo Damien Searles

Harvest Moon Today

There's a full moon today...can you feel it? Did I even have to tell you?

Today's a special full moon, it's called a Harvest Moon. Many people that love the moon enjoy this full moon because when it arrives it signals that we are nearing the Autumn Equinox.

The slight chill in the air, turning of the leaves and Pumpkin Spice Lattes at Starbucks all signal that fall is officially under way. Enjoy!

(c) Photo ew9

Put it in the Pig

Do you have one? A piggy bank that is?

Maybe you've outgrown the idea. I happen to collect piggy banks. There are some rather unique looking piggy banks that are special and fun. While everyone needs to make big savings goals - a piggy bank can remind you to make smaller savings goals too.

Perhaps you've seen that bank commercial that talks about adding the change to your savings account to help you save. It's a great idea. Saving change can be a terrific way to save money a little at a time so you don't even notice it. I know my piggy bank can hold quite a bit when it fills up.

Try a piggy bank - or an old coffee jar to save for a special treat. That espresso machine you've wanted for awhile. Or that appointment with the fancy schmancy salon down the street. Make it a piggy bank goal. You'll be amazed at just how fast your coins add up!

Photo (c) Carlos Zaragoza

The Perfect Time for Used Book Sales

I have to admit one of my favorite things about the fall and winter seasons are used book sales. Have you ever been to one? There actually easier to find than you would think.

Many are run by your local library or college/university. These are a great way to add to your personal library for a fraction of the cost. I know I've bought a bag full of books for the price of one brand new hardcover many times.

You can easily find used book sales by visiting www.booksalefinder.com and pop in your zip code. They even have a service that will e-mail you when there are book sales in your area from a certain mile radius. This is both very convenient - and a service that may have you wishing for more bookshelves! Happy reading!

Photo (c) Jess Bio

It's Pumpkin Time!

It's pumpkin time! It seems wherever I go, I see pumpkins ready for children to turn into Jack O'Lanterns. Halloween will soon be here. While we've had an Indian summer with warmer temperatures, it is finally starting to cool. Pumpkin time has arrived and fall has made it's entrance.

What are you going to carve on your pumpkin? I always carve a smile. Sometimes I've carved a different looking face - last year I did a cat's face and another year I did a vampire face. I prefer a silly or smiling looking pumpkin than one that is spooky in style.

So go out and grab your pumpkin - there's one that is waiting for your family to claim it! Enjoy the Halloween season.

Photo credit (c) naneki