Storms and Linky Love
I really wasn't sure I'd make it back in time for my Thursday post. We had humongous storms rage across most of Texas. We got anywhere from 4-6 inches of rain in one downpour. I should've known my internet provider was going to have equipment damage. You can almost count on it.
To rub salt on an open wound, Best Buy called me. (these are the people who were working on my old computer) The poor beast had 126 viruses!
The good news: They fixed it and it runs good as new.
The bad news: I paid a small fortune for a new computer.
At least it didn't cost me anything to fix the old computer. I opted for a warranty with the new pc that's good for any three computers.
***
I had stopped by Nadja Notariani's blog the other day and she was musing about how to price her next book. It's been on my mind as well.
The computer and the subsequent internet problems put my next two new releases at least two weeks behind. I'm looking at mid April now. I plan to raise the prices on The Frugal Way books sometime this year.
Don't worry. I'll be giving people plenty of notice to buy at the 99 cent rate for a while before I raise them. And it won't go up a lot. Maybe another dollar.
There are other things on the burner to coincide with the releases, but I don't want to introduce one thing without another, so I'm left juggling them until the time is right.
***
I got a very nice review from Cecile at All I Want and More Books for Chain of Souls. Poor Cecile. I wanted to mention the review way back when but it came out in the midst of my computer catastrophes.
***
And apparently, Mark of EvilDM fame hates me because he bestowed the Versatile Blogger award. :o) People nominate me for this award all the time, but there's really nothing interesting about my life that you probably don't already know. But do read his post at The Open Hearth because it gave me plenty of chills and thrills. Tarantulas. That's all I've got to say.
***
I really liked Shelley Munro's post this week on commenting. You cannot gauge a blog by the number of comments, though I would say I do gauge a blog by the quality of comments. If all I see are fast, empty comments I know those people only did it to make an "appearance" rather than to interact.
Not that we'll have something deep and meaningful to say every time we comment, but I've been on the blogverse long enough to know who's doing the drive-bys and who really has relationships with people.
Do read Shelley's post and chime in with your opinion.
***
It's been a heck of a month, and most of it I'm sorry to say was pretty miserable. And to put icing on that pity cake, I have a birthday coming up next week, only Greg won't be able to spend it with me due to work obligations. (Those of you who don't know, hubby and I live 300 miles apart.)
He'll make it up to me when he finally does make it home, but I'll still miss him. If my friend, Mel is willing to make the drive, maybe we can go out that day.
So if it's okay with the universe, can I start having a normal life now?
Stop by and visit all the nice people I mentioned today. But while you're here, tell me what's going on with you. What's the biggest thing on your plate this week?
Comments
Biggest thing here; Sithboy's band makes their début this weekend at a local contest. Kids are only 13-14, but man, can they rock! We bought him a new bass amp for the occasion (tax refund) and he's been using it non-stop. Unfortunately, the amp sits behind my favourite chair, so my heart was beating to the rhythm of Metallica last night. :P
Hey, check out The Frugal Way FB page. https://www.facebook.com/TheFrugalWay
I think I just posted something yesterday about a free subscription to Guitar Player and Bass Player magazines. I'll bet it's available to Canada too.
Sorry about all the computer trouble. Those suck.
Darling, sweetie, honey child, sugar pie, how do I hate thee?
Tis a ponderous thought twixt brain and lips that doth quizzes me verily? Thine thoughts of hate hath pulled at mine heart, with such heaviness of gravity, that I doth sit downcast and sullen with eyes lack lustre beholding joy no longer.
Ok, I can't keep that up - suffice to say, I'm glad you're back with a nice new sparkling and whizzy pc (so jealous). I shall, in future, very carefully consider what honours I bestow upon thee, fair maiden.
You really should stop by the blog sometime soon - I'll organise mint tea, scones with jam and cream, and maybe, if you are lucky, a wedge of sticky toffee pudding and custard.
Toodle pip, old bean
:)
***
Mark: I was just at your blog yesterday. (now I'm wondering if my comment went through)
Though I might come back for scones. :)
I'm just surprised I haven't scared you off yet?
;)
I hope you could spend time with hubby for your birthday.
Not much going...except trying to get rid of this cold. I'm much better than I was yesterday so that is a good thing.
126 viruses? Yikes - that sent a chill down my spine and sent me scurrying to check that everything here is backed up!
The biggest thing over here is sunshine. Really. It's so rare to see the sun that I feel I should be outside worshipping it. :)
Ref: scared?
Peshaw! I've been hardened by another Brit who also happens to be my crit partner. After a crit from him, nothing scares me. LOL.
***
Dru: It's unfair to feel bad when the weather outside is so good. I hope you're taking it easy.
***
Shirley: It was wild. I had to have the tech repeat that over the phone. I plan to pick up the old pc this weekend and ask him again.
Ref: sunshine
So it is true about all the rain in the UK? Glad you're getting a little of that sun.
***
Pat: At least with all this rain, my plants are sprouting like crazy. There's always a silver lining somewhere.
As for the commenting, I read the link. I agree. You have to look at your visits not the comments. I don't get many comments. The number has actually gone down while my visitors keep rising.
Dee: One computer is enough as long as it works. But you're right. You can never be too thin. :)
Wishing you a fabulous birthday, my friend.
Ref: ...just think of the celebration we could have!
This from the person who got thrown out of a bar. LOL. Then again, that might be fun.
Ref: ...wait, what is normal for you?
:sigh: I wish I knew.
Seriously, though, the recent times have been a bit less than stellar with your computer and all. And sending early Happy Festive Wishes for your Birthday. Hubby may not be there now but I'm sure he'll do as you said, and definitely make it up to you. Bear in mind, no details need be disclosed :-)
As for Shelley's post, I enjoyed it too. I try to comment as much as I can, that is, when I'm doing blog runs. I prefer leaving something more than just, "Cool." I mean, not much memorable there. Otherwise, I enjoy lurking and learning.
Thanks for the shout out, and for the feedback on book pricing. I've been wading those waters, as you know, for the last few weeks. I've settled in my mind, and everyone's input helped a great deal. Thanks!
Hope those thunderstorms are finished! I've seen the weather map on my Good Morning News Show. Jeepers!
Good luck with the publishing. I'll publish by April first - G-d willing. I'd be happy to feature a link when your book goes live. Best luck!
Happy birthday in advance, Maria, and at least the storms gave you rain. *runs outside and shakes fist at blue sky*
Kay: So you're the reason for our weather. We'll be in the 80s tomorrow so I'm willing to share.
Nadja: Thanks, hon. It's probably about time I did another book round up too.
Jenny: After last year's drought I'm more grateful of storms than before.
I'm crossing my fingers for you and your new computer. You've had your share of tech probs this year!
Thanks for the mention. I had a lot of visits that day - quite a few without a comment :)
I hope things work out for your birthday. They're better if they're shared.
I have a puppy that dug a hole in the rosemary tub after being left alone for a few hours. That's been the hi light of my day today! Next week I think I'm off on a wine tour, so that will be fun.
I'm glad your computer problems are worked out and make sure you install a antivirus on your new one. 126! Wow. I'm thankful my husband is a techie, he fixes all my problems.
Ref: Give that PC a prophylactic!
ROTFL! I nearly choked on my tongue. Ain't that the truth?
***
Shelley: Not the rosemary bush! Bad Bella. Won't you be glad when she outgrows this stage? I know with Iko, there were times when I was sure I'd never have nice things again.
***
Clarissa: I have 900 blogs on my reader. I comment on only a fraction of them--and only when I can add to the conversation.
Ref: antivirus
I had Norton on the old machine. The techs put Kaspersky on the new one. Hope it works.
And happy early birthday!!
My DH is a computer geek and does computer repair now and then for friends. He has one friend who's computers visit us regularly because of viruses. They seldom know they have them ... "Computer was running poorly." ... and some are just nasty. One was able to access the client files she had online.
One reason I don't ever go to pirate sites to check for my books is because those places in particular (along with gaming sites and adult sites) are loaded with viruses: spyware in particular.
Ugh.
Anyway, if I were closer, *I* would take you out on your birthday. But... 2000 miles is a little far. :-)