Light-skinned-ed Girl

Hanging in there during the holidays

Don't ask me why I found this film today -- I swear I wasn't looking for it.  But perhaps it will be helpful during the holidays which can be stressful -- so enjoy this film primer: "Mental Health: Keeping Mentally Fit: the four steps in acquiring, maintaining and improving mental health: express emotions naturally, respect yourself, respect others, and solve problems as they arise."  If nothing else, hope you have a good laugh.  I did.

A Christmas Melon Wish

I hope you're enjoying the day --we've been busy festing for days it seems and today we'll top it all off with a big dinner with a turkey, a roast beast, a ham, and a stuffed goose, and all the sides and trimmings and desserts.  Yes, a ton of food, but I'm certain it will all be eaten.

On the menu too is our first Christmas melon also known as Piel de Sapo (toad skin).  We had totally forgotten it until we were pulling out the champagne from the wine refrigerator and were startled by the thing.  We bought it at the farmer's market in August where we were told that in Spain and in South America the melons are harvested in the summer and then stored in basements during the Fall.  Come Christmas, the melons are perfectly ripe and enjoyed on Christmas day.  (If this isn't right, please help fill in the story!  Thanks.) 

So we thought we'd try it --we stuck it away with the wine five months ago where it was chilled and protected from light--and so far so good.  The real test will come with the tasting at dinner.  I'll let you know.

And happy happy holidays!

A Mixed Bag Update

It may seem like I've disappeared from blogging, but I've been busy over at my website's blog doing a Countdown to Publication--only 56 days left before The Girl Who Fell From the Sky finds it way into bookstores!  It's a mixed bag of fun facts about writing the book--check it and tell me what you think. 

I've also started a podcast you can download on itunes.  While I'm on the road, I'll record some of the readings and share my thoughts about how it's all going, and include short interviews with the people I meet along the way. 

I'm looking forward to meeting you all on the road when I go on the book tour--but if I'm not coming to a town near you, I'd still love to sign your book.  Just send me a self-addressed stamped envelope like Alethea and Isha (yours are on the way!) did, and I'll send you a personalized signed bookplate (the kind that usually says "this book belongs to") and you can put in the front of your book.  It's my way of thanking you for the support of my work.  My address is here. 

More soon guys--and happy holidays!