Welcome, Conversion Diary readers!
1.
Since I suspect I have a few more male readers today than I usually attract, I thought I should probably offer a little something different than my normal fare of “beauty, romance, and style.” How about a few thoughts on Conan the Barbarian from my husband, Dan?
I’m finishing up Final Edits for my book, which is going to be released by OSV in a couple of months. The Final Edit phase is like riding a wild pig: the animal is all there, you’ve even named it, but it runs all over the place and makes frequent shrill grunting noises and often threatens to carry the both of you right off of a cliff and into a steaming river of lava. Or is that magma? No, I checked: magma is underground, lava’s aboveground. That’s just one of the many millions of items you have to verify in the Final Edit phase.
But, as you writers out there already know, it isn’t just a matter of fact-checking, or even of correcting the multitudinous offenses against English grammar. Often you read entire paragraphs and wonder who the anti-intellectual adolescent was who lit THAT stinkbomb, and then realize with shame that is was YOU.
So, you work it out. You submerge yourself into the page like a paratrooper going behind enemy lines and you start blasting.
You call for support as needed, of course. During one particular bout in which I thought my prose lacked verve, I wandered over to my bookshelf to see if the work of any of my favorite writers could help me enliven things. I was also needing a fix of pure entertainment, a distraction from Final Edits so that I could return to them, refreshed.
Robert E. Howard’s Conan seemed to be the answer. Sometimes, a man just wants to read about a solitary barbarian who resolves all difficult situations with either a large sword or heavy drinking and implied hay-rolling with exotic wenches. I’m sure this reveals something completely scandalous about my nature…
You can read the rest here!
2.
And now back to our regular programming…
Why am I starting to suspect that I’m the very last woman on earth to discover Design Seeds? What a fantastically creative idea! Where have I been?
I may be able to throw an outfit together, but when it comes to choosing a color scheme for a room, I’m a lost cause. Here’s what I’m learning, though (thanks to Jessica of Design Seeds): I don’t want purple or orange coming anywhere near my house, blue and green are always welcome, as is pink (of course), and yellow and red are allowed to make occasional appearances. Are you a Design Seeds fan? What have you learned about your color preferences?
3.
So, I may have mentioned once or twice that I’m a little bit fond of mail. Okay, that’s a lie. I’m extremely fond of mail. Like, to the degree that I can honestly say that the moment the mailman pulls onto my street is often the highlight of my day. And I don’t have a boring life so that’s saying a lot. I just love mail. I love letters, I love catalogs, I love packages…it’s all good. Well, accept for the bills but I just throw those in my handsome husband’s direction and pretend I didn’t see them. ;)
4.
Why am I telling you about my odd relationship with mail? Because I just read this post by the gorgeous Margaret Cabaniss and am now plotting ways that I can convince her to be my BFF and send me one of those stunning care packages she has such a gift for creating. Or maybe I’ll just beg her to open a small business and start throwing mad cash in her direction. Whaddya say, Mags? ;)
5.
So, Maggie Smith. I love her. Love, love, love. If you happen to share my love for the inestimable Dame, do check out these fantastic clips from Downton Abbey:
6.
For those of you who are first time visitors, I’m giving away a Kindle Touch! And all you have to do to be entered is pre-order my new book, Style, Sex, and Substance (you can find more details here)! For all the men out there, I think it would make a fantastic gift for any of the women in your life! (BTW – thank you again, everyone, for all of your support! I am truly touched.)
7.
Have a lovely weekend, friends! Next week Jen is back! How awesome is that? Please keep her in your prayers this week as she works hard to finish up what is sure to be an insanely amazing book. It’s been an absolute pleasure hosting 7 Quick Takes and getting to know you all better! See you around the blogosphere!
Take care!
Hallie, I’m looking forward to meeting you at Behold! Thanks for hosting Quick Takes for the past few weeks!
Marie recently posted..7 Quick Takes 2.17.12
Hi Betty,
To thank you for hosting 7 Quick Takes, I posted a picture of your man, Ryan!
†
cinhosa recently posted..7 Quick Takes Friday (#5)
I hadn’t seen Design Seeds before – how lovely! Thank you for sharing that link.
Jessica Snell recently posted..7 Quick Takes
I wish Behold was closer to where I live…maybe one day I’ll get to it, although I REALLY want to go to a blogging conference…decisions..decisions.
I’ve seen those color things but never did much with them..I LOVE purple though :) hehe
When I get some extra money I may just have to get your book!! Thank you so much for hosting this link-up the last few weeks it was fun!
Beth Anne @ The Catholic Couponer Blog recently posted..7 Quick Takes Friday Volume 14
I used to run to the mailbox when I saw the mail truck coming around the cul-de-sac, and take the mail from him/her directly! My sisters and I would fight over it!
I too enjoy Downton Abbey and the fabulous Maggie Smith!
Liesl recently posted..Excuse Me While I Swoon
I LOVE Maggie Smith! AND, on getting things in the mail? I hear you, sister. I am a crazy fool when I know a little box or envelope is making it’s way to my door. Elated doesn’t describe…
Have a great weekend!
Cynthia recently posted..Finding Love in the South: Part 2
“Sometimes, a man just wants to read about a solitary barbarian who resolves all difficult situations with either a large sword or heavy drinking and implied hay-rolling with exotic wenches.”
Yep, that is about right. Sometimes we want a witty thoughtful protagonist who has dialogue that makes us laugh out loud. Other times we just want the big sword…
Most of the time actually.
Have a good weekend.
LF
The Licensed Fool recently posted..7 Quick Takes (Vol 8) The Pointy Stick edition.
Thanks Hallie for guest hosting 7QTF and for the link to Design Seeds. I have seen other color set generators, but nothing like this. The pictures really help to visualize how the colors look together and in what proportions. (My use is website design.)
My entry this week… The three most deadly words. Larry’s new series – Focus On The Faithless. Elizabeth Scalia, Terence Jeffrey, Jennifer Roback Morse and George Weigel take a sobering look at Obama’s contempt for the constitution. One senator that every pro-lifer should watch. Another prophetic gem from Pope Paul VI. The nanny-state in action – a mini-case study. A sting, guns, forceful pre-dawn takedown – the HHS when they are not busy trampling religious freedoms.
George @ Convert Journal recently posted..7 Quick Takes Friday (set #55)
I can’t say I’ve seen Downton Abbey, but I have a love of Maggie Smith from just about everything else she’s done – particularly her role as the mother superior in Sister Act.
Allie recently posted..Sacred Sites of Wisconsin (and Minnesota)
Design Seeds sounds interesting. Good luck with your book!
I’m personal friends with the aforementioned Margaret Cabaniss. We sang in choir together as kids, we were student leaders in our youth group as teens, were confirmed and graduated high school together. Her mom is still my mom’s Mary Kay lady, actually! So, I might be able to hook that BFF thing up anyway lol…I miss her, so this might be the nudge I need to make a road trip :)
Kristen @ St Monica’s Bridge recently posted..Seven Quick Takes Friday
You’re sweet, Kristen — thanks! (Also: I almost forgot about that kiddie choir. Wow.)
Great first take! I’ve never read the books, but the two movies are among my favorites.
Contra recently posted..7 Quick Takes 17FEB12
Have no fear, you aren’t the last woman on earth to discover Design Seeds, because it’s brand-new to me! I’m going to be a good girl this morning and get my work done, so I can check it out (and watch the Dowager Countess, OF COURSE) with my afternoon cup of coffee!
Anne @ Modern Mrs Darcy recently posted..My Take on Two New Austen-Inspired Books
i have GOT to start watching Dowton Abbey … and i LOVE maggie smith
maria recently posted..A Vacuuming Teen, A Winter Break Surprise, and the Story of William (in 7 quick takes)
I’ve never heard of Design Seeds either, but I am going to check them out!
Carol@simple_catholic recently posted..What Makes a Good Marriage?
Hallie, my dear, you can throw mad cash at me any ol’ time you like. Thanks for the link! (But I should clarify that while I love making care packages, I “borrowed” those pics from elsewhere…though they definitely inspire me!)
Oh — thanks for the reminder that I need to get back on the Downton wagon …. I found some bootleg sites and was getting ahead of the game, then they all quit working. Amazing. :)
Oh …. and Mad Men season 5 starts in March! YAY! More fun clothes!
I love Maggie Smith, too! And mail <3. I'd better stay away from Design Seeds until I can afford to decorate!
Jeanne G. recently posted..Seven Quick Takes Volume 34
I adore Maggie Smith, and she shines in Downton Abbey! I can’t wait for next season – I hear they’re bringing in Shirley MacLaine to play Cora’s mother and that she and Maggie will really clash :)
Hi Hallie,
Thanks for taking on the quick takes! I’m new to your blog because of the quick takes but find it so charming and will love to come back! Best wishes on your book-how exciting!
This is my first 7, so be gentle ;), I am so excited to be doing these, don’t why just am
Oh.my.gosh, your husband is hilarious! I’m a writer too, and I could completely relate. I laughed out loud!!
I totally sympathize with the need for brainless entertainment. It’s even more necessary with a stopped up ear and two children who won’t stop making noise…I mean, they barely stop to draw breath!….
Oh my gosh, I hate, hate. HATE getting the mail. If it weren’t for my kids, it would sit there in the box and pile up, day after day. Isn’t that odd?
It’s the same thing as the phone. I could go the rest of my life never again answering the phone, and be a very happy girl.
But I do have to admit Downton Abby is growing on me.
Cari recently posted..The Big News That Was Killing Me Not Talking About
I’m so glad you linked to Design Seeds!
Kayla @ The alluring world recently posted..7 Quick Takes
Loved all these takes, especially the clips of the beloved Maggie Smith and the care package post. Swoon. I second the motion that these are made for purchasing! Thanks for hosting this week, Hailey! :-)
bobbi recently posted..7 Quick Takes (2/17/12): Downton, Love Letters, & Fave Kitchen Items
So glad you are hosting, as it prompted me to stop by your blog, which I haven’t visited in a while due to limited time for reading blogs lately. It is always a delight to read what you have to share. Your wonderful spirit is as apparent in the written word as it was when I saw you at the F&F Boston area woman’s day out. Thank you!
Thanks for telling us about Design Seeds – I had no idea what people were pinning! I got busted on Twitter one day because I said “I’m starting to feel left out that I’ve never watched Downtown Abbey.” And somebody corrected me – but it was my iphone’s autocorrect, I swear! Ha ha one of these days I’m going to have to check it out, too much buzz from many savvy ladies.
mamabearJD recently posted..7 Quick Takes – Me and Paul – 2.17.12
I’ve never heard of design seeds! Now I must visit, immediately. Pray for my husband, will you?
Dwija {House Unseen} recently posted..7 Quick Takes Friday: It was like Christmas in February!
All of the above just reassured me that I absolutely must have my sister check out your blog. I had a feeling before that she’d really like it, but any inkling of procrastination on getting her to visit sooner than later has been removed.
Trisha Niermeyer Potter @ Prints of Grace recently posted..7 Quick Takes Friday (Vol. 38)
Thank you for hosting SEVEN Quick Takes Friday. It was good to stop for a minute and thing of my seven things!
I hadn’t heard about Design Seeds but I have discovered my new best friend. I am hopeless when it comes to color schemes. The two palates I felt immediately drawn to were Crashing Hues, and Cultured Tones both in the ocean/sea collection. From the Nature collection I wanted Lemongrass and Frosty Holiday. It’s odd because the color palate in my house is very neutral/cool (painted by previous owners) and I’ve always said our house feels “cold.” Yet when I look at color palates, I am definitely drawn to the cool tones. Go figure! I like warm splashes of color in accessories but not a lot.
Kimberlie recently posted..French Parenting