VACANT Blog Tour and Scavenger Hunt @AHughesWriter #BookReview

To start with, here's the brief teaser for the book:
Nothing ruins a romantic evening like a brawl with lowlifes—especially when one of them later turns up dead and my date, Detective Isabella Cherabino, is the #1 suspect. My history with the Atlanta PD on both sides of the law makes me an unreliable witness, so while Cherabino is suspended, I’m paying my bills by taking an FBI gig.

I’ve been hired to play telepathic bodyguard for Tommy, the ten-year-old son of a superior court judge in Savannah presiding over the murder trial of a mob-connected mogul. After an attempt on the kid’s life, the Feds believe he’s been targeted by the businessman’s “associates.”

Turns out, Tommy’s a nascent telepath, so I’m trying to help him get a handle on his Ability. But it doesn’t take a mind reader to see that there’s something going on with this kid’s parents that’s stressing him out more than a death threat…

I've read the series and I'm back for more. If you'd like to review what I found in the first of the series, you can check out my blog post here.  I started reading these thanks to the Decatur Book Festival two years ago when I was able to actually  meet the author.  When she asked me to take a part in the tour for the new book, I jumped at the chance.  I was given a copy of the book to review, all opinions are still my own.

I love to read, but not all books are good for a mostly single sitting read session.  I have to say I was easily kept in the book to finish it in two days.  Given that I was cleaning and preparing for Thanksgiving dinner at the time, that's not too shabby.  I could easily have taken a day and finished it then.   This go around is an interesting turn of events.  It pulls highly from the last book, so I recommend reading them in series first.  I don't want to give away spoilers, so I can't expound too much.  I will say it's a series of events that Cherabino faces on her own in Atlanta with Adam elsewhere in Savannah.  Adam learns more of his own strength and determination and faces down his addiction in a big way.  It will be interesting to find out what the consequences become in the next book in the series.

YOUR CLUE FOR THE HUNT:

Don't forget to go back to the Tour and Scavenger Hunt tomorrow for your next clue.

About the Author:
Alex Hughes, the author of the award-winning Mindspace Investigations series from Roc, has lived in the Atlanta area since the age of eight. Her short fiction has been published in several markets including EveryDay Fiction, Thunder on the Battlefield and White Cat Magazine. She is an avid cook and foodie, a trivia buff, and a science geek, and loves to talk about neuroscience, the Food Network, and writing craft—but not necessarily all at the same time! For all the latest news and free short stories, join Alex’s email list at http://bit.ly/AlexsList.

Happy Thanksgiving

May you enjoy your holiday and spend time with family and friends. 

My response to #Ferguson #WW

I'm not one to join a group of protestors.  I'm not one to post a lot of random words about an issue.  But I'm also not one to remain totally silent.  I don't agree with (or really even understand) the violence that broke out in Ferguson, though I do understand the protests.  My son's best friend is a young black male.  My daughter's best friend is his sister.  I consider those kids part of my family and would do whatever I felt necessary to help them and their parents out.  So, on that note..

Preparing for the holidays - attempting to clean house

So it's my turn to host Thanksgiving at my house.  I don't have a big house (it's deceptive to look at) so it's always a challenge to prepare for any large group.  The big thing is to simply get things clean.  With all of the sorting and eliminating I did over the summer, I don't have a lot of the clutter I used to.  Of course, to get things clean I have to get family motivated to help. 

I'm sure as a mom that others have felt the same way.  My family doesn't seem to notice when I do clean, they only notice when something isn't clean that they need/want.  Given that my kids are teens, they don't always notice that something isn't clean (or that it is) unless it's VERY obvious.  I can only assume that that's a teen characteristic that's developed since I was one. I don't remember being that bad (though my parents may disagree).

So, unless I stand over my family and force them to clean, cleaning doesn't happen.  Hubs will even have good intentions to get something of his clean.  Rarely does it actually happen, though.  (I'm not allowed to clean his part of the office, I'll get rid of something he wanted to keep or hide it from him in the process.)  If I want it clean, I have to do it.  Normally, I don't mind so much. Sometimes, though, I'm more than ready to just throw up my hands and not even try.

Will my house be clean for family? Yes.  By sheer force of will.  Let the beatings begin!

Atlanta History Center - Holidays in History Homeschool Day 12-5 @atlhistcenter

The Atlanta History Center’s next Homeschool Day is Friday, December 5^th, 2014 from 1:00 – 4:00 PM.  This month’s theme is Holidays in History.  Enjoy our annual holiday program and experience how Christmas was celebrated in years past, from the 1860s Smith Family Farm, to the 1930s Swan House.

At the Smith Family Farm, experience an 1860s Christmas through character encounters, demonstrations, and hands-on activities including blacksmithing, open-hearth cooking, candle-dipping, and making holiday decorations.  Meet members of the Smith family and the enslaved workers on the farm, and learn how they celebrated Christmas.

The 1930s Swan House is elegantly decorated for the holiday season.  Kitty Cates, the Governess of the Inman grandchildren, shows you how to make a holiday decoration and demonstrates proper holiday party manners.  Meet other members of the Swan House staff including the maid, Binah Lockett, the chauffeur, Grant Carter, and decorator, Ruby Ross Wood.  Grab a cup of cocoa from Binah and relax as you enjoy a reading of the beloved holiday poem A Visit from St. Nicholas.

Admission to Homeschool Days is $8.50 for nonmembers; $6.50 for children of members; and free for adult members. Discounted rates are available for groups with 10 or more children. For information or to make group reservations call 404-814-4018 or email: Homeschool@atlantahistorycenter.com .

While the special programming is only from 1:00 — 4:00 PM, you are welcome to spend the entire day at the History Center for this reduced rate. Many people come early (we open at 10:00 AM) and spend the first part of the day exploring our exhibitions, gardens, and historic houses, have lunch at our small Chick-fil-A (open from Noon—2:00 PM), and then participate in the Homeschool Day program in the afternoon.

Please note that we are currently undergoing renovations to our main entrance. The Atlanta History Center main entrance will be temporarily located at 3299 Andrews Drive, admissions and ticketing will be temporarily housed in the atrium of our Archives building, McElreath Hall, and free and accessible parking will remain available on-site. All exhibitions will remain open, but guests will enter the museum through the back of the building. Signs are posted to guide you.

To learn about our other Homeschool Days this year, visit this website:  www.AtlantaHistoryCenter.com/homeschool

Excuse me..

I've taken some time out today to go to the movies.  Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Happy 16th to my "little" boy!

Not so little any more!

Fernbank Museum Announces Holiday Programming, Events and Annual WINTER WONDERLAND Exhibition

ATLANTA, November 13, 2014—This holiday season, Fernbank Museum of Natural History features several ways to celebrate with fun and unique events. Fernbank’s holiday programming includes the Winter Wonderland: Celebrations & Traditions Around the World exhibition, a Winter Wonderland Celebration Day, Winter Wonderland evening viewing hours during Martinis & IMAX®, Holly Jolly Activities and holiday shopping in the Museum Store.

Winter Wonderland

On view from November 21, 2014 through January 11, 2015, the fifth annual Winter Wonderland exhibition includes two floors of festive trees and displays decorated by cultural partners to reflect traditions and holidays celebrated by cultures everywhere. Twinkling with lights, glimmering with color and shining with a variety of cultural objects, more than 30 trees and other displays recognize the diversity of celebrations, holidays, traditions and events from around the world. The exhibition highlights cultural celebrations from North America, South America, Africa, Europe, The Caribbean, Mediterranean and Middle East.

Winter Wonderland Celebration Day

Special festivities kick off with a Winter Wonderland Celebration Day on Saturday, November 22 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., where families can enjoy a special day of cultural and holiday-themed performances from The Atlanta Ballet’s Nutcracker Ensemble, the Chien Hong School of Kung Fu and Peruvian group Apu Inka.

Holly Jolly Activities

The fun continues on weekends from November 29 through December 21 with Holly Jolly Activities, featuring a Puppet Factory hosted by The Center for Puppetry Arts on Saturdays from noon until 2 p.m., winter-themed Tadpole Tales on December 27 and 28 at 1:30 p.m. and classic holiday cartoons every weekend. Films include:

A Charlie Brown Christmas on November 29-30,
‘Tis the Season to be Smurfy on December 6-7,  
A Flintstone  Family Christmas on December 13-14,
How the Grinch Stole Christmas  on December 20-21, and
Disney's Sing Along Songs: Very Merry Christmas every weekend from November 29 – December 14 and daily from December 19–24.

Martinis & IMAX® Evening Viewing Hours

Adults can enjoy music, films, small plates, a nip from a yuletide toddy and more as they enjoy evening viewing hours of Winter Wonderland during Martinis & IMAX® on November 21, December 5, December 12 and December 19 from 7 p.m. – 11 p.m.

Holiday Shopping

For those searching for a perfect gift, Fernbank’s Museum Store offers a variety of gift ideas, including dinosaur merchandise, jewelry, activity books, science kits, games, toys, ornaments and more. Fernbank also offers gift memberships and gift certificates. The Museum Store’s annual holiday sale offers an additional 10% off store purchases for Museum members on December 6 and 7, 2014.

Tickets and Other Information

All Winter Wonderland activities are included with Museum admission and are free for members. Evening viewing hours during Martinis & IMAX® are included with cover charge tickets as well as with IMAX® film tickets. The Museum Store is available for shoppers without the need for a ticket.

Museum admission is $18 for adults, $17 for students/seniors, $16 for children ages 3 to 12, free for children ages 2 and younger and free for Museum Members. Martinis & IMAX® prices are $8 for cover charge or $13 for an IMAX® film ticket, which includes a free cover charge.

Fernbank Museum of Natural History is located at 767 Clifton Road NE in Atlanta. Tickets and visitor information are available at www.fernbankmuseum.org and 404.929.6300. Fernbank Museum will be closed on Nov. 27 and Dec. 5 but will enjoy regular, daily operating hours throughout the remaining holiday season.

Winter Wonderland is made possible in part by the Nissan Foundation to support cultural learning.

The Winter Wonderland Celebration Day is sponsored by Publix Super Markets Charities Inc

Birthday Weekend #teenboys #lotsoffun #paintball @WildfirePaintball

For those that follow me on facebook, I posted a couple of these pics Saturday. My son's birthday isn't until Wednesday, but we had his friends over this weekend.  He didn't want a big celebration, but he did want to do something.  So our something was to go to lunch at Krystal (his choice) where I got a 48 count Krystal bag and drinks to feed the beasts.

When they were done devouring, they went to building. So funny to watch these guys.

We then headed over to Wildfire Paintball.  My daughter decided to join in the fun.  They did well until a couple of guys with their own gear came in.  They still enjoyed the game, that's just when the bruises started to crop up.  The funny here was there was a birthday party for a 10/11 yo boy that was there at the same time.  The young ones challenged the teens to a round.  The young ones were winning up until one particular boy gave up and then the domino effect occurred and the entirety of the group left the game.  (There were around 13 young boys against my 5.)  When the two with their own gear came in, they put the two against the 18.  The 2 won.

After they'd gone through around 2000 rounds of ammunition, we headed home for a "quiet" evening of XBox/Playstation. It was awesome getting to listen to these guys have a blast. I have to say I enjoy having my kids' friends over.

Holiday Gifting Guide part 1 @HeartofHaiti #Trade-Not-Aid @Macys

When it comes to holiday shopping, my family can be difficult to find things for (to put it mildly).  This year, I'm looking at gifts for the adults that mean more than just a "normal" gift.  Gifts that give back are the primary items on my list.  When thinking of those gifts, you can go for National Wildlife Federation or other charity, or you can do something like Macy's Heart of Haiti/Rwanda Path to Peace.

In 1994, Rwanda was torn apart by a brutal and swift genocide—in roughly 100 days, close to one million Rwandan citizens were murdered. In the aftermath, the population of this small African nation was nearly 70% women. Faced with an uncertain future, these women turned to their past and reclaimed their unique heritage of weaving. Drawing strength from this common history and ancient art form, brave women from both sides of the conflict organized groups of weavers, in an effort to rebuild their communities and their lives... together. This July marked the 20 year anniversary of the genocide.

Macy’s went to Rwanda in 1995, in an effort to help support the struggling economy. This year also marks the 10 year anniversary of the Macy's Rwanda Path to Peace collection. Today, the Path to Peace project is larger than ever, employing over 2,500 weavers and impacting tens of thousands of lives. Focused on trade, not aid, the Rwanda Path to Peace project puts the power of opportunity into the hands of the women of Rwanda, providing not only sustainable income but the chance to take an active role in the shaping of their future.

I was given a bread basket from this program.  It is handwoven and made of sweetgrass and raffia and is absolutely lovely.  There are quite a few gifts that give hope, all part of a fair trade collection.  Macy's has programs that support Heart of Haiti, which helps the Haitians that are still rebuilding from their major earth quake a few years ago, FEED which helps to feed children around the world, and RWANDA Path to Peace.  It's an awesome thing that you can give a gift to family and still give back at the same time.

You can find out more about Rwanda Path to Peace and its items by following Heart of Haiti's social channels at @HeartofHaiti on Twitter and www.facebook.com/heartofhaiti on Facebook.  You can check out the products that Macy's carries here:  Gifts that Give Hope

 Have you considered purchasing a gift that gives back for your list?

“I am a  member of the Everywhere Society and they provided me with this product for review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.”

Volunteering at the holidays @OCC #OperationChristmasChild

Sometimes it's hard to find the time to volunteer at the holidays, sometimes not so much.  A charity that my daughter and I have supported over the years is Operation Christmas Child.  While a part of American Heritage Girls we did several events where we collected items for boxes and toured one of the packaging facilities. Unfortunately, she wasn't old enough at the time to actually work in the warehouse, so instead we made boxes.  If you're looking for a fairly easy way to donate this year, let this be one of the things you consider.  As you consider it, take a look at this video to help you figure out how to pack a box.

National Collecting Week is Nov. 17th - 24th. You can find collection sites on the Samaritan's Purse web site.

loot from the @AtlantaPetExpo #ww @herocatscomic

Veteran's Day #honor #remember

PSA: Veteran's Day at the World of Coca Cola (11/8-11/16)

The attraction offers free admission to members of the Armed Forces (active duty, reserves and retirees) year-round. In honor of Veterans Day, we are going one step further to show our gratitude and support for the men and women who serve our country. Starting Saturday, Nov. 8 through Sunday, Nov. 16, members of the Armed Forces may also purchase up to four half-price general admission tickets for their friends and family.

To take advantage of this special offer, military members and retirees can present their valid Armed Forces ID cards at the World of Coca-Cola ticket windows.

@CONjuration Con Review #magic #cosplay

I was invited to go to CONjuration Con as a member of the press.  I attended Friday night and again on Sunday.  Unfortunately, I'd already made plans for Saturday that couldn't be undone, so I missed a lot of cool panels.  On the other hand, I did get to meet some very interesting people on both days and got to go to a couple of panels on Sunday.  There was a selection of authors, including the ones pictured below, to talk to.   Southeastern Reptile Rescue was on hand as well with some cool animals.

My daughter and I attended in costume on Friday night.  We attended the opening ceremony, explored the vendors (very cool selection), the gaming room and the Festival.  The two panels I attended on Sunday were Fantasy Parties (how to throw awesome fantasy type parties) and Crystal Magic.  A lot of useful information out of both.

I also went to the charity tea party Sunday afternoon.  This was to benefit Noah's Ark, a local animal rescue facility.   We were treated to music by Louis Robinson while we waited for the tea to begin.  There were 12 fandom teas from Adagio.  I think I sampled 6 before I floated away.  There were also shortbread cookies, British tea cakes and cheesecake samples.  I thoroughly enjoyed the samples and the company.  I met a couple of very nice ladies at my table and had a wonderful afternoon chatting.

By the end of the day Sunday, I'd thoroughly enjoyed myself.  It's a small con with a lot of heart and potential.  I'm looking forward to next year and am hoping I'll be able to attend.  Location hasn't been set yet, but you can reserve the dates: November 6-8, 2015.

Halloween 2014 #kids #teens #TrickorTreat

Yes, I'm aware my son turns 16 this month, but he decided he wanted to go out one more time.  So he and his sister went.  He's an Elven Mage (wand on one hip, ceremonial dagger on the other). My daughter started out as her own twist on Cheshire, but changed over to a fawn to go out with her brother (note the horns).

It's Election Day! #GoVote

PSA: Atlanta Botanical Garden Reindogs event #dogs #parade #familyfun @AtlBotanical

Red Rover, Red Rover,
Let Reindogs Come Over!

ATLANTA (October 27, 2014) – Dogs in costume – what could be more adorable? Find out in person at the seventh annual Reindog Parade on Saturday, December 6  –  the only day of the year that four-legged pals are allowed to set paw in the Atlanta Botanical Garden.

During the event, which begins at 11 a.m., pups clad in their finest holiday attire will parade across a stage before a panel of judges to compete for prizes - or just to show off for fun. Categories include Best Puppy, Best Adult, Best Botanical, Best Dog-Owner Dress-alike, Best Dog Pack, and ultimately, Best in Show. Emceeing the competition will be Atlanta resident Victoria Stilwell, host of the Animal Planet cable TV show “It’s Me or the Dog,” and Atlanta TV and radio personality Holly Firfer.

A Doggie Expo will offer canine-related products, services and information, warm refreshments will be available under the Pup Tent, and participants may have photos of their dogs made with botanical Saint Nick.

All dogs attending the event are encouraged to pre-register between November 3 and December 2. The cost, in addition to regular Garden admission, is $15 per dog, or $18 at the door (maximum two dogs per owner).

Reindog Parade joins the Garden’s array of holiday offerings this year, including the fourth annual Garden Lights, Holiday Nights November 15 - January 3 featuring botanical-inspired displays created with more than 1.5 million lights. 

For more information, visit atlantabotanicalgarden.org.