Mmmmm...

That moment when you realize that you've been walking around with your shoulders in your ears and been so tense and in so much pain that when you're not any more your friends at the dojo say, "Wow. You're practically glowing in a good and happy way. What happened?" Yeah. Muscle relaxants and your local Stina. It's a good thing. Also? The manuscript is busy being wonderful. I've never been this happy with a story at the half-way mark before. Every manuscript is different. This one's been an absolute bitch... until now. Now, it's a joy and the pieces are flowing together like water. I love when the writing is like this. I love it with every fiber of my being.

Yesterday, my sister took me out to dinner for my birthday. (The very last of the birthday celebrations. I promise.) We used to go out to the bookstore and then dinner about once or twice a month, but we both got busy and life stepped in...like it does. Anyway, she's moving away to Houston this summer. (Boo. It's necessary, and ultimately a good thing for her. She's going to be so happy. But...boo.) Anyway, we're squeezing in some time before she leaves. She bought me a copy of Shadowshaper by Daniel Jose Older. I adore the cover. I could so have a print of it on my office wall--if there were any space left.  

That, is an amazing cover, y'all. She's so bad ass. Even if I hadn't read his other novels and loved them, I'd have totally picked that up. Anyway, I can't wait to read it. After BookPeople (my favorite bookstore named with a Ray Bradbury reference) we went to Z'Tejas which is one of my sister's favorite restaurants. You know what? It used to be good. Now? It mostly sucks. It's just sad because it's an old Austin staple. Sadly, we didn't get to go inside Fortney's which is one of my very favorite junque stores. I adore that place. Anyway, it was fun even if I kept wanting to get back to re-writing Blackthorne. :)

​I hope your Friday is equally awesome.