So I’ve been virtually flogged. Well, sort of. Kristen from Divas has scolded us folks on the blogosphere who have become, cough, slackers. And I dutifully raised my hand and confessed to being one of those such people. And so here I am, with my promise to blog at least twice a week here, and then my one day a week at Naughty and Spice. Which, I must confess, is where the party is and thus why I’ve been absent here!
So let’s play catch up. What’s new with Shelli (ha, that’s the title of my newsletter too!) Really, what’s new with Shelli equates to ‘What’s new with Shelli’s kid’ which is pretty much what my life involves. Well, and writing. Let’s see. I went away for a few days (parents cabin) with the kid and my friend Patricia, who is also my work out buddy. We vegged out, walked on the beach, shopped, ate bad. I got a lot of writing/plotting done.
Now I must share a moment that was very difficult for me. We were browsing a senior run thrift shop, and the kid found a Care Bear key chain. It was only a dollar, and I intended to buy it for her. Then her behavior got a little bad (she is three) and I told her she needed to improve her behavior and say sorry if she wanted it. To which she replied–to my stunned amazement and the old ladies working–”No, mommy, you say sorry.”
Now I’m a sucker. I’ll say this right away. I figure it’s a dollar, why shouldn’t I buy it for her if it makes her happy. Yes I realize this is BAD MOMMY worthy. But truly, it goes back to the my kid doesn’t have a dad so I’ll replace him with toys mentality. Equally screwed up, and I’m working on it. I promise! So when I told her she couldn’t have the Care Bear, she started to cry. And I almost bent. The old push over mommy would have bent. But this time, and because I had three old ladies watching my every move, I held my ground. No Care Bear key chain. I carried her out of there screaming. And all three of the old ladies told my friend to tell me I was a good mom! And now I know the truth. I have the power to say no and the kid won’t drop dead. Not to mention she forgot about the Care Bear two minutes into the car ride.
So what is new on the writing front. Well, I just cancelled my editor appointment at Nationals. The main reason is the book I was pitching just doesn’t fit the publisher as well as I’d originally thought. I still have an agent appointment, so I’m focusing my attention on the book for that one. The book is half done and could be fully done, if not at least 75% by the time I leave for Nationals. I’m really exploring my light, fun voice on this one. This is the book that finaled in the Best First Line contest in Romance Divas!
My cousin is town and I haven’t seen him in 15 years. So I’ll be heading out of town again this weekend and hanging out with the family. So if you look for me in the chat Friday night at Cobblestone, alas I shall not be there. But congrats to the new releases.
Anyway, I’ll try and blog hop tonight!
Good Mommy!! I was so proud of you when you took Em out of the store!
You go girl. It has to happen. I know, I hate it too, but we don’t want to raise spoiled brats. It’s better that they hate mommy for a few minutes then they get to school and are hated by everyone else for being holy terrors who don’t know how to deal with not getting their own way.
Anna J. Evans (who fights the same mentality because 3 goes to visit his dad 3x a year for 1 month each and I’m sure this is traumatic and horrible and I am failing him for letting him be away from me for so long…when really it’s probably only traumatic and horrible for me…be glad you don’t have to share her…god isn’t that awful to say? and I meant it too…)
Anna I totally understand. Hugs, hon! I think I DID get lucky that my kid’s dad has nothing to do with her. Definitely easier on the kid.
Yep. . . I’ve totally been there. . . just wait until she’s a teenager (the sound of “I hate you, I hate you”. . . slam) I think saying no hurts me more than it hurts her!
Have a great weekend. We’ll miss you!
I’m proud of you Shell! You held your ground, good for you! And she’s no worse for it, trust me.
Yeah be glad you don’t have to share. Sharing sucks.
You’re an awesome mama, Shelli. That’s all I have to say.
Do you remember the story about my son and the teddy bear? Trust me when I say it’s easier to tell them no at three than when they’re older. You did good but I know it makes you feel like shit for hurting her feelings. *sigh*
I find myself doing the same thing you do bec. the boys don’t have a full time dad nad it’s just me nad I want them to have a good life and nice things but they’re so damned ungrateful and so NOT understanding if I say NO or I don’t have the money now that it makes me mad as hell. It’s better to teach her now than later.
Um, if you havent been to mine, you didnt “try” hard enough!
You’re a great mom!
That color chart gave me a headache.