Jumbled Jungle in my Brain

One would think that, being a writer, when I'm under the weather I would write a lot, or at least read more. Alas. Yesterday, I sat all day and repeatedly employed the equivalent of the neti pot's cousin. I couldn't even focus enough to read the library book I have on Kindle. (Although I am excited about my newest novel that I've started. I'm seeing what happens when I pit an assassin and a pacifist as antagonists.)

But today, feeling more human than yesterday (and yesterday was an improvement on Thursday), I'm back to reading and am quite enjoying the continuing saga of The Ranger's Apprentice. Right now, I'm in the midst of book nine, Halt's Peril.

At first I was not happy with the change from the Ranger's apprentice being just that, an apprentice, to being a full-grown, graduated Ranger himself. Not to say I didn't want that to eventually, someday, at-the-conclusion-of-the-series happen, but...well, I expected it at the conclusion of the series. Not five books into a series of ten or so books.

But, I adjusted, and I quite like them all being grown up. Especially since the characters still work together most of the time. I would recommend, however, that if you like to read stories in a chronological order, read book seven, Erak's Ransom, before five and six, The Sorcerer of the North and The Siege of Macindaw, respectively. You'll enjoy more suspense that way.

And, for my Kindle, I'm excited. I just bought a skin and cover that came all the way from Hawai`i (...squeee!). I've got to go there someday. The cover is what I needed, but I bought this particular bundle for the skin. Pink plumeria flowers. Yay! A nice decoration without causing distraction while reading: perfect.

And, yes, I haven't forgotten that I still owe pictures of my reading nook (note: that's not an ereader, because I have a Kindle). I've been using it, so it is a little mussed from when I originally finished (and it looked gorgeous), but it's still very functionable and reasonably clean. That's the goal, after all.

...I'll never have anything spotless.

War with Allergies

This is a formal notice to you, allergens and misery makers, that you have trespassed on our, this blog writer's collective senses, territory and harassed our members without indication of cessation.  We can only understand this to be an invasive act of war.  Therefore, we will take appropriate countermeasures against you and your malicious offenses until you have been driven from our territory or killed outright.  Should you wish to surrender and withdraw your forces from our territory, you must do so immediately.  We have already begun our actions against you and will strengthen our efforts with the new day.  If you choose to stay, you may expect our best and most persistent fighters to face you until you are slain.  No mercy or quarter will be offered.  You will not be victorious.  This is your only warning.