Great news! The ebook of Ancestor's Call is out today, print version should be available next week. (I decided to retool the logo on the cover at the last moment....sorry about that.)
Right now Analinde & Ancestor's Call are both on sale (65% off) for the book launch, get it while it's $2.99. :)
Stay tuned for a couple of collections of short stories set in the world of Loresse. They should be released in the next few weeks. Also, the sequels to Trapped are coming soon. Happy day!
Bucky the Donkey, Peter, Tom, and Colin going around, around, and around the inner circle at Regents Park, London. 160 laps in all. I tell ya, I couldn't have done it. I think I might have fallen over and died. They make it look so easy!
It's 11:00 at night and people are out on the streets cheering and chanting "Obama".
I stick my head outside my 4th story apartment and listen to the cheers wondering if people have simply gathered at the park down the street or if they're marching.
I wonder, should I go join them?
My neighbors cheer as well. Some pop their heads outside their windows and chant too. Others just pull the drapes to the side and peer out.
It's too early to call, but Obama's ahead so far.
-Bitter Update: It's 11:13 and it looks like the BBC had called the election for Obama with at least 297 votes.
Of course after the debacle a few years back, we in the US are a bit more conservative in calling the votes. The NY Times is reporting Obama ahead at 217 votes. Here's hoping the Brits have called it correctly.
Update II: People are setting off fireworks down the street. All of the networks have called the election for Obama.
I first heard of Dean Kamen, the inventor of the Segway back in April when he had a guest appearance on the Stephen Colbert show about water. Here's the link to his segment.
I just ran across a NY Times article that was talking about him again. Considering that eventually we'll be fighting wars over water, not oil, I'll be a little selfish by saying that I hope he gets massive amounts of outside funding, succeeds at mass producing these water purifiers and power sources, and does so quickly.
This is my fourth Autumn in NYC, and the most interesting of the bunch. The first Fall/Winter I roasted. The heat vents/radiator in the apartment where I briefly couch surfed were permanently on.
As in full on.
As in plastered into the wall with no access on.
The only way to cope, was to leave the windows open and wear shorts. It worked until the heat went off in the middle of the night and then we froze.
My next two fall seasons were pleasant, almost bland (heat wise). Actually, Autumn is my favorite season. Crisp cool days, turning leaves, hot chocolate and apple cider. Brisk walks through the city, shorter days, and the holiday lights and displays.
The past two Autumns, I haven't minded the slight delay of the heat turning on, while the super waited until the last possible moment to turn on the broiler.
This year I did.
I think it's because this is my first year at home. All day. Without heat.
You know, regularly, I'd go to work, sit at a warm but drafty cubicle, play into the evening, then come home.
I'd only be home long enough to snuggle down under soon to be warm blankets, toss and turn for a moment, dash quickly to the sock drawer to don additional layers, then dive back under the covers, where I slept soundly with my hoodie over the top of my head.
This year, I spend my days bundled up against the cold, with my "heater shoes" on (crocs if you must know) and multiple layers of clothing. And yet, here I sit watching my fingers freeze and the end of my nose turn cold.
The happy thing is that the heat season started Oct. 1st. The sad part is that supers aren't required to turn on the heat until the daytime temperature doesn't rise above 55 degrees, and the nighttime temperature sinks below 40.
Yeah. I thought the regs were shocking too.
I figured that since we're skirting those temperatures, but haven't reached them, that between the price of oil, the long-standing tradition of things going slightly unfixed around here, and our landlord attempting to save a buck, the heat wouldn't be turned on for a few more weeks. I was wrong.
It official. As of 6:00 this morning. The heat is on! We're saved!!! Er, um, at least I am. . . . What about you? Has your super turned the Heat on yet?
I'm so excited I can't stand it! I've been waiting for months, and months, and months, and months, well frankly, FOREVER, for new episodes of Eureka. (due to the writer's strike last year...)
Happy Day! New episodes are on the horizon. July 29th to be exact. I wonder when they'll have the show uploaded online? (I don't have a t.v.)
What is Eureka? A well-written comedic, upbeat, techy, and quirky sitcom that provides fun entertainment for geek and non-geek alike. In a day when there are very few shows that aren't based on crappy "reality", trying to sell sex, or push some boundary to see how far they can go without being fined by the FCC, Eureka stands out, in a good way.
For those of you who would like to catch up on the first two seasons, visit your local Netflix Queue for the easiest and most cost effective fix. For those of you who'd like to check out a few episodes to get back in the groove, go to the SciFi channel where you can watch the five episodes they're displaying at the moment.
So I had to view quite a few trailers until I got one that didn't look like a hodge-podge of older bond films, so I wonder at the accuracy of the clip above. If the clip is accurate as to the upcoming film, then it looks like part of the movie was filmed in NYC, or at the very least, that a few NYPD cop cars made it to the set.
-Bitter
Edit: Now that I think about it, a couple of the scenes shown in the clip remind me of The Bourne Ultimatum..... hmmm, I wonder if they borrowed from that film to make the clip...
It’s crazy how it can be absolutely freezing outside one day and then warm & balmy the next isn’t it? I guess that’s Spring for you. Happy day.
The past few weeks have sped by at an unusually fast pace and a lot of things have happened. Here’s a quick run-down:
The Ankle Verdict: I’ve hobbled all over town and can thoroughly vouch that NYC is not crutch friendly. For example, have you ever noticed that the subway steps are slanted slightly downhill? Yeah, I didn’t notice either, until I was crawling up the steps the other day.
Good news: The sight of my aluminum appendages engendered sympathy, a personal bubble of space, and a bit of kindness from my fellow jaded New Yorkers. I suppose that since I was hobbling along slightly faster than molasses on a cold day helped facilitate that bubble of space, but on the whole, New Yorkers have been kind. (oh, and i’m sans crutches now)
Side note: I’m now the proud owner of a prescription for physical therapy and now wonder if it’s possible to get hypothermia or frost bite from sticking one’s foot into an icy cold whirlpool of water. Four to six more weeks and I’ll be as good as new.
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The New Zealand Wedding Yay: I’ve managed to wrestle a certain slideshow program into submission and have uploaded the presentation online. :) You can find the link to the New Zealand wedding pictures in the next blog post.
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The Day-Job Finally: Yes I saved the best for last, I’ve given notice at work and will be leaving the day job in tow weeks. (No this is not an April Fool’s joke.)
You may send your felicitations or condolences to not-so-bitter [at] i-m-bitter.com.
At long last, I’ll have enough time to implement the exciting blog changes that’ve been percolating for the better part of a year. A recipe section, a free stuff page where I’ll give away free stuff, and a section where I can sell the stuff that’s not free.
Since I’ll soon be out of the steady income paying my rent and would prefer not to beg for pennies on street corners, if you hear of anyone who needs a photographer, please keep me in mind.
I just heard the news! The seventh and final Harry Potter book, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" will be spread out over two movies.
I'm so thankful that the writers finally wizened up and realized that if they tried to cram book 7 into one movie that we'd all revolt, take to the streets and begin rioting. (Well, maybe not that drastically, but you know what I mean.)
I just wish they would split up book 6 as well. Now I wonder if they'll do back to back releases, or if they'll make us wait a year like they did with LOTR.
I'm happy to announce that I saw snow this morning on my way to work, yes, I'm talking about those white little flurries that float through the air before dying a miserable death by melting.
Anyway, NYC's first snow of the season last year came in February. So I'm thinking that since I've sighted snow already, and it's only November, that we might actually have a winter this year. What do you think?
A few weeks ago I approached Sarah to see if she was interested in doing a “Fearless Bridal” session (formerly known as Trash The Dress or TTD). She was game, and so a few weeks later we found ourselves running around NYC's Upper West Side & Central Park having a great time.
I asked her if she wouldn’t mind writing up a little blurb for the blog, and she said sure (try saying that last part ten times fast). Her words are below, and I’ve even posted a fun clip highlighting fun photos from our shoot.
Happy reading & viewing.
-Bitter
****
When Melissa Bitter first asked me if she could take some pictures of me in my wedding dress, I agreed without hesitation. The weekend we hoped to do the photo shoot would be one week shy of my 1st wedding anniversary, and this seemed like a perfect time to pull out the dress and re-live some of the fun of my wedding day.
But, as the day for the photo shoot drew near, I began to get nervous. Melissa wasn’t going to take me to a photo studio for some nice conservative portraits. I was going to be out there in the public eye; in Central Park, on the streets hailing cabs, and on (not in!) fountains.
I realized- People are going to be staring at me! And despite being a Leo (very easily flattered and generally a sucker for attention), I became more and more apprehensive about tromping around New York in my wedding dress and veil until I finally found myself in the bathroom at the American Museum of Natural History touching up my makeup. And I was self-conscious…for about 5 minutes. Melissa was so professional and encouraging.
As the day progressed, I lost almost all inhibition (as demonstrated by the dance party shots!) and began to fully embrace what I was doing. I felt confident, sexy, and happy. People didn’t think I was weird- they thought I was a bride (albeit, a bride that was climbing over rocks and scaling stonework) and I was greeted by nothing but goodwill from onlookers. When everyone is smiling at you, wishing you congratulations, and telling you that you look beautiful in your dress, it’s hard not enjoy yourself. I felt that wedding-day flush all over again.
Was my dress filthy by the end of the day? Yes.
Was I exhausted? Yes. (Though probably not as much as Melissa who had to lug a 20 pound camera bad around with her everywhere!)
Would I do it again? In a heartbeat. It was such a fun, liberating experience that the fact that Melissa’s shots came out wonderfully is just a bonus. The shoot was a great way to close out my first year of marriage- it reminded me that I’m still a little bit of a blushing bride, but it also helped me (finally!) get my dress to the drycleaner and pack it away that chapter of my life.
Just wanted to spread the word about a headshot special I'm running for those of you actors and musicians out there in need of updated photos.
The Deal: Book a shoot in the month of September for any Saturday, or Monday-Friday (5:00-7:00) from Sept. 1st to Oct. 15th (2207) for $99+ NY sales tax.
The $99 sale includes approximately 200 headshots, up to 2 outfits, and 1 lightly retouched image from the shoot. All sessions will take place in NYC, on the Upper West Side, and will be shot in natural light.
To book a shoot, email Melissa (ack! now you know my name!) melissa @ bitterphotography.com (remove the spaces to make the email address work) and let her know what date you'd like.
For those of you who don't need headshots, but have artsy friends who need them, spread the word. If you do, I'll work on expanding my blog to give away free desktop wall paper and add the how to/recipe section I've been planning, like pronto. lol
-Bitter, someone who's not against bribing her readers to support a good cause...
She was a cheerleader. He was a basketball player. They both graduated together from the same high school in 1968. Forty years later they find friendship and love, and will live happily ever after.
The wedding was beautiful and they beamed all day long. It was fun to watch them walk around with twinkling eyes and an "I'm the luckiest person in the world" expression stamped onto their faces.
The genuine love they have for each other shone through to the rest of us and lit the day. Welcome to the family Briant.
To see a few shots I took after the wedding, click here. I did the flowers, you can leave me congrats or critiques in the comments section below. lol
Why yes, that is a Kwik E Mart! If you happen to be in midtown within the next few weeks, make sure to stop by and grab a squishee. Located between 8th & 9th on 42nd Street this Kwik E Mart is full of all your favorites, from Buzz cola to Krusty-O's cereal.
The next time you take a break, make sure to surf by The Simpsons movie website where you can create an avatar, play The Ball of Death, or my favorite The Wrecking Ball.
Oh, and for those of you who don't know. The movie comes out today!
Oh, and go here and watch all three previews! So absolutely funny!!
Well the time has come for all of you Harry Potter fans out there. Harry Potter, and the Deathly Hallows is finally here! In just a matter of hours, millions of people everywhere will be curled up with the book in bed, reading through the night to see what finally happens to the boy who lived.
Several weeks ago, I urged you to reserve your copy of the book, and to start brushing up on your Potter knowledge in order to be prepared for book seven. If you still haven't reserved your copy, it's not too late to do so. Simply call up your local bookseller right now, and you'll be set.
I swung by our local Barnes & Noble down at Lincoln Square to find out a timeline, or schedule of events, for tomorrow night's party. Here's the skinny.
7:30:Registration table opens. When you register, you will be given a wristband. Two types of wristbands will be given out, one for those who pre-ordered their book, another for those who didn't. Tim, our friendly B&N Event Coordinator, strongly urges you to reserve (pre-order) your copy of the book. You won't have to wait in line as long if you do. The Lincoln Square B&N number is 212-595-6859.
8:00: The costume contest begins at 8:00. If you plan to participate, you will need to sign up at the registration table from 7:30 - 8:00. The contest will be broken up into three categories, age 12 and below, ages 13 to 19, and adults. Broadway tickets will be given to the first-place winner in each category. Pretty fabulous if you ask me. Perhaps I'll dress up as Rita Skeeter. There will be lots of fun activities to participate in; face painting, a balloon man, and a fortune teller. There will even be a craft table where you can make bookmarks. Of course this time is also a prime opportunity for peruse the shelves for new books.
10:00:Wizards Chess will take place in the event space on the third floor. How cool is that, need I say more?
11:00: The lines begin. The Barnes & Noble staff will politely usher all patrons out of the store to form lines. One line for those who pre-ordered, the other for those who just show up. Your wristbands are not numbered, so be prepared to just get in line and wait your turn regardless of what time you signed in. There will be a little shelter from the scaffolding just outside the building in case of rain, but come prepared anyway, bring your umbrella.
12:01: The books go on sale. I've been assured that the lines will move quickly, but since they will process the pre-ordered line first, pre-ordered yours so you don't have to wait as long. Have I mentioned that enough?
Subway ride home: Please take care that you don't get too sucked into your book. You probably don't want to look up at the end of chapter four and realize you're up in the Bronx, or clear down at Coney Island.
Until Monday, Happy Reading! -Bitter
p.s. Remember to stop and eat every now and then. Oh, and it would be nice if you remember to shower.
The Mother of Boys sent me this photo earlier today, it’s my nephew’s birthday. Can you guess who he and his brothers are fans of?
You betcha! The one, the only, Harry Potter.
Addison is certainly celebrating in style, complete with Gryffindor colors. They made little owls and attached the birthday invitation to its leg before passing them out. See the cake above for a image of the idea.
The cake has two layers, one chocolate the other vanilla with meringue frosting in the middle. Covered in a yummy butter cream frosting, the details and wording were shaped out of fondant, and then painted with food coloring and chocolate syrup to great effect.
Addison himself made the golden Snitch in the upper left-hand corner. His older brother made the wand on the top right and the lightning scar on the bottom left. The school owl with accompanying scroll, bubbling cauldron with 3-D flames, bludger, Sorting Hat, and Firebolt were made by other family members.
On the eve of the final book coming out, who wouldn’t want to celebrate their birthday like this! How exciting! Yea Mother of Boys, you’re going to be the coolest mother on the block!
Happy Birthday Addison!
Love, your favorite aunt, -Antie Lou
. . .
(don’t ask)
. . .
(I said don't ask. . . . Fine. No, my name isn’t Lou, . . . but to my nephews it is. :)
