Louisa Cornell, ladydawgfan, KateS and Kelly Ryan are the winners of Fun Contest Saturday!
Lori Austin's (aka Lori Handeland) An Outlaw in Wonderland has been named one of Publisher Weekly's Best Summer Books of 2013!!
A big CONGRATULATIONS to Goddesses Lori Austin (Lori Handeland) and Sabrina Jeffries for being named as RITA finalists for their historical romances BEAUTY AND THE BOUNTY HUNTER and A LADY NEVER SURRENDERS!
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I’m sure I’m not alone in having made some new discoveries this year. Some of them were good, some of them were bad (for me), and some of them were downright weird. But they will (partly) define my year. So let’s share our new discoveries. Here’s mine:
Best new-to-me show: Rizzoli and Isles. I just love how those two women banter!
Best (and worst for me) new candy: Carolina Candy Company’s Dark Chocolate Toffee. I never knew I liked toffee until I tasted this stuff. Heaven!
Worst new idea for a candy ever: Dark chocolate with bacon. OMG, but that was vile. I can’t believe anybody eats it!
Best new Celtic/Folk artist: Megson. This English husband and wife team find the most interesting old ballads and sing them beautifully. I even like their original songs.
Best new wine: Moscato. What can I say–I like sweet, sparkling wines!
Best new-to-me cheese: Smoked gouda with bacon. Now THAT’s where you put bacon.
Best new travel experience: Visiting the Scottish Highlands. When can I go back?
Worst new travel experience: Sharing the train to Scotland with several drunk, middle-aged Scotsmen. The state of those bathrooms put a damper on the whole Scotsman fantasy.
Best new achievement by a family member: My autistic son got a job bussing tables!
Best new movie: Silver Linings Playbook–quirky and life-affirming. I loved it.
Worst new-to-me movie: Martha Marcy May Marlene. I don’t care if Sundance DID love it. I can’t stand it when ambiguity in a narrative is seen as “profound.” It went nowhere and ended in the same place, which annoyed me.
I could probably go on, but I will stop here.
So what were your great discoveries in 2012? You can use my categories or make up your own!
53 Comments on “Looking Back at 2012”
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I discovered that if I turn on the television there is nothing I want to watch. I doubt if I’ve watched it all year.
I discovered that while I have a Kindle, tree books are still my first love.
I discovered that my first point had an upside. I read more great books.
Posted on December 31, 2012 at 4:13 am.
More time for reading! That is definitely an upside.
Posted on December 31, 2012 at 10:53 am.
Tree books never need charging.
Posted on December 31, 2012 at 4:27 pm.
I discovered that by reading different books outside what I normally read I read some really great books this year.
I discovered red wine. My friend’s boyfriend loves red wine and wanted to spread the love. I discovered I love sweet red wine. It is so good.
Posted on December 31, 2012 at 8:09 am.
I read some good books outside what I normally read, too. More paranormal, which I’m really getting to like.
I still haven’t quite fallen in love with red wine, but once in a while, I find one I can tolerate.
Posted on December 31, 2012 at 10:54 am.
Best new bacon discovery-carmalized bacon–OMG.
I discovered Glee. Totally hooked.
Posted on December 31, 2012 at 9:27 am.
What is carmelized bacon? Now you’ve got me curious.
I tried Glee, but it didn’t hook me right away. I’m going to have to make another stab at it.
Posted on December 31, 2012 at 10:55 am.
My sis in law made it for Christmas from the Barefoot Contessa’s new cookbook. Not sure what she did, but I had to stop myself from eating it ALL.
Posted on December 31, 2012 at 11:16 am.
I never knew Cardiff (Wales) was such a nice place, with a wonderful medieval castle. And also discovered The Corner House there: best lamb chops I’ve ever tasted!
Worst experience: nearly losing my sister. She keeled down on a ski slope and was unconscious for more than 15 minutes. Still don’t know the reason, but were thankful it did not happen at a diamond run.
Posted on December 31, 2012 at 9:32 am.
I would love to visit Wales! I tried to work it in with our Scotland trip, but it was just too much.
I’m so glad you DIDN’T lose your sister! That would be horrible.
Posted on December 31, 2012 at 10:57 am.
I have discovered what my dad really thinks of me and it isn’t worth repeating on here.
I have discovered that I have a right to be happy.
I have discovered a brilliant therapist.
I have discovered a man who loves me for the crazy book and cat obsessed woman that I am.
I have discovered that it’s okay to be me and that it isn’t a bad thing.
Posted on December 31, 2012 at 10:53 am.
Those are good discoveries, especially the last two. As for the first, I wouldn’t put too much stock in whatever he said. People say things they don’t mean sometimes. And if he REALLY does think something bad of you (which I’m assuming you’re saying since you said it isn’t worth repeating), then you’re better off knowing where you stand so you can go on. You DO have a right to be happy, and I’m glad you’re with a man who appreciates you.
Oh, and brilliant therapists are worth their weight in gold. I had one for two brief periods in my life, and I really needed that.
Posted on December 31, 2012 at 11:01 am.
This isn’t a new discovery, but I hope you know we all think your brilliant! Funny, snarky and a dear!
Posted on December 31, 2012 at 11:24 pm.
Sabrina: CONGRATULATIONS to your son!!!! You must be so proud.
To me, 2012 was all about the people. I “discovered” so many amazing people <3 Professors who inspire me and became friends, co workers, students I fell in love with (in a completely non sexual way, of course). Just… People.
Also, there was teaching. I never thought I wanted to be a teacher, and here I am now. After a year doing that, learning from my students, I can't help but wonder if that's my way after all.
Posted on December 31, 2012 at 11:12 am.
Teaching is a wonderful profession, B. I’m so happy for you that you’ve found it!
Posted on December 31, 2012 at 2:22 pm.
I just listed these on Facebook as the top Five Discoveries for me in 2012:
1.Johnson’s Backyard Gardens (homegrown produce delivered to my door)
2.Moroccan Oil for my hair (if you have frizzy, curly hair like me, this stuff is the bomb!)
3.TRX, a strength training exercise that uses your body weight as resistance
4.That after I tossed my scale, I was able to keep up with my weight with only a tape measure. Hoozah!
5. That you can get two uses out of a Keurig cup if you turn it 180 degrees. There is something about the way the machine slants that the grounds move to one side.
Posted on December 31, 2012 at 11:24 am.
I didn’t know that about Keurig cups!! I’ll have to tell my dad. He has a Keurig and spends a fortune on those little cups. I love them for my tea, but they are soooo expensive!!
Posted on December 31, 2012 at 11:45 am.
Did you know you can get a filter for the Keurig and put your own coffee in it? I can’t do it with mine, because I bought an office model that doesn’t accommodate that, but my parents use theirs and buy their own coffee. It really saves money (and is better for the environment).
Posted on December 31, 2012 at 2:24 pm.
Okay, number One sounds wonderful! I guess that’s just local to you, though, huh?
I’ll have to try the Keurig thing, but could you explain it better? Do you turn them after the first use? Are you just turning them AROUND? I already re-use the 6 oz. ones, but I never thought to turn them.
Posted on December 31, 2012 at 2:27 pm.
Take the keurig cup out of the holder after the first brew, turn it 180 degrees, put it back in, and brew again.
Posted on December 31, 2012 at 3:31 pm.
I have (re)discovered that I am not a small town girl. At all. They are fun to visit, but I cannot WAIT until I can wave at it in the rear window.
I discovered Doctor Who. I have watched all the new ones, but not the classics yet. But yes, I am a Whovian.
This winter, I have discovered a whole new level of dry skin.
I also recently discovered the awesomeness of my new Keen snow boots and really warm, water repellent winter gloves. They make snowman building much more fun
Posted on December 31, 2012 at 11:28 am.
Sadly, the dry skin has become a real issue for me, too. Dial Aloe soap helps, as does vaseline. I’m a big believer in Vaseline! I also love Eucerin lotion.
Posted on December 31, 2012 at 2:28 pm.
Hi Sabrina! My grandson is autistic and I can understand that you are very proud of your son. If you have a chance, you should read this book by Moriah Densley, Song for Sophia. You will love it. It’s a story of a war hero, who suffers from the savant syndrome “savant autism”. I discovered that even if I have à Tablet for ebook, I still prefer “hold and touch” my book! Wish you a new year full of beautiful surprises!
Posted on December 31, 2012 at 11:33 am.
I just got a Nook, so we’ll see how I like it!
I’ll have to check out Song for Sophia.
Posted on December 31, 2012 at 2:29 pm.
Best achievement by family member: Only Girl has a job she loves and excels at! Whew. It took a few jobs that didn’t work and a lot of searching but she finally has a job she can live with.
Posted on December 31, 2012 at 11:40 am.
Yay!! That’s the best ever.
Posted on December 31, 2012 at 2:29 pm.
I discovered new authors that I enjoy which means I have more books to read. I completely missed the R & I series that just ended last week. Don’t know how I did that. I’m still able to hike up (and down a mountain) at the age of 67. I got an MP3 player and discovered that I really like it.
Posted on December 31, 2012 at 11:57 am.
I love walking myself . . . while listening to my iPod! So there you go. I’m a little younger than you, but I hope to be doing the same when I’m 67!
Posted on December 31, 2012 at 2:32 pm.
Congrats to your son! That is excellent. And I also love Rizzoli and Isles.
I have discovered Seagrams 7 Dark Honey whiskey goes very well with chamomile tea. Too well.
I discovered that working for someone else is very overrated.
I also discovered this neat little place where 10 fabulous writers, one great hand maiden, and many smart, beautiful people come and chat every day.
I hope you all have a happy and safe New Year!
Posted on December 31, 2012 at 12:08 pm.
Yes, working for yourself is much better for some of us.
I discovered that Mango Rum and Diet Coke go “too well” together. Uh-oh.
Glad you found us!
Posted on December 31, 2012 at 2:34 pm.
I discovered that taking our 2 kids on vacation without my dh, isn’t such a big deal. It’s just like doing what we do at home when he’s working long hours, just in another state. I’m prepared to do it, again, this coming summer if I have to.
I learned that I need to exercise and miss that I haven’t been exercising as much as I have in the past.
I just discovered that I weigh the most that I’ve weighed in the last 3 years. Oops.
I discovered that while I do like to make jewelry and getting paid when it’s sold, I don’t like the selling part. And etsy is a TON of work that requires more time than I have, especially when my dh is working to finish a movie. I need to sell locally. There’s a boutique that I need to check out because she sells local artists’ work. I just worry that since she takes 40% of the sale, that people won’t buy my jewelry with that 40% mark up that I’ll have to put on the piece to get back what I put into it.
Posted on December 31, 2012 at 12:40 pm.
It’s worth a try, Janae! You’d be surprised what people will pay for creative jewelry. And yes, I could see that Etsy would be a ton of work.
I need to exercise, too. It’s essential to my wellbeing. But I like it, so that’s good!
Posted on December 31, 2012 at 2:57 pm.
An expensive hairdryer (ion + ceramic) does make a difference in achieving shiny hair in a very quick time.
Waiting for someone else to clear out my office is futile.
One of life’s great pleasures is a meal, sitting outside a bistro (whether in SoCal or NYC), watching the waves roll in or the world go by.
Posted on December 31, 2012 at 12:47 pm.
The ocean … **sigh** Nothing seems to put the world into perspective better than watching the waves.
Posted on December 31, 2012 at 2:07 pm.
I hear you on the “waiting for someone else to clear out of my office” thing. And I’m bad about kicking people out.
Posted on December 31, 2012 at 2:58 pm.
So funny, Karen gets your ocean thing, Sabrina gets your office cleaning, me I so heart you hair dryer discovery. Great hair is all about the tools!
Posted on December 31, 2012 at 5:33 pm.
I rediscovered a few things this year, especially the joy of family when we had our reunion this fall. There were sixteen of us at lunch down to grandnieces and grandnephews. It’s a shames we all live so far apart.
Another is the blossoming relationship with my high school sweetheart. It’s grand to have someone with whom to talk sports.
I discovered a new appreciation for living considering I almost died twice this year.
I learned I can lose weight and keep it off, (thank goodness!)
Posted on December 31, 2012 at 2:09 pm.
Glad you didn’t die, Donna! We would miss you!
And I’m so happy you’ve found someone with whom to talk sports. Because it wouldn’t be me!
Posted on December 31, 2012 at 2:59 pm.
Congrats on cheating death!
Posted on December 31, 2012 at 5:31 pm.
I’ve discovered that I will never again have a Christmas without my kiddos nearby. I may have to travel to them in the future, but it wasn’t a bit of fun without them.
While cleaning out a few bookcases and rearranging them so that I could find things, I discovered the joy in re-reading some of my favorite romance classics. There is a reason they were keepers — and all of them still are.
And I’ve discovered that I not only need a social-media-savvy assistant, but I enjoy having one very much, even from a distance, so that I’m not a small company of one wondering what I should do next, but can plan for my sales growth like a professional. (It doesn’t hurt that she’s brilliant and funny, too.)
Posted on December 31, 2012 at 2:11 pm.
Assistants are the best! I love mine.
Posted on December 31, 2012 at 3:00 pm.
I discover the iPad – before I got mine in March, no one I’m sure had heard of these amazing things.
I discovered that the muscles in my upper arms tighten up painfully because of my addiction to the discovery above. iPad users try laying on the floor, put your arms over your head, palms facing in. Do your hands reach the floor without pain?
I discovered the new Sony reader app and the Kindle app so I don’t lose access to my library and gained access to a vast new offer of books.
I discovered salted caramels. (Sabrina, if your intro to choc w/ bacon wasn’t Vosge’s version, that may be why you didn’t swoon on first bite )
Posted on December 31, 2012 at 5:29 pm.
Fresh, we’re trying the iPad communications app on my son right now. Keep your fingers crossed that he’ll use it!
Sadly, it WAS the Vosge’s version. I like the salt/chocolate combo; what I don’t like is the bits of bacon. But hey, different strokes and all that…
Posted on December 31, 2012 at 8:27 pm.
Good luck the app, so cool that he’s got job!
Ok I’ll lay off on the bacon choc ‘ cause you tried the best there is. More for me
Posted on December 31, 2012 at 8:38 pm.
Best thing in 2013 – my new great-nephew!
Posted on December 31, 2012 at 6:43 pm.
Ooh, I should have mentioned my new great-niece, Vera! She’s adorable!!!
Posted on December 31, 2012 at 8:27 pm.
I discovered the cake decorator and pushed the hardest and didn’t let up on all year figured out why I was so hard on her. Hence the gift of a very delicious and expensive box of chocolates from her for my birthday on Saturday. She continues to amaze me with her creativity, talent and technique.
I discovered I cannot give up on my quest for a career as a romance writer. I tried for a bit. I was miserable. So, I’m going to keep on writing!
Best vacation experience – RWA National Conference in Anaheim. Great workshops, amazing meals with my critique partners, lots of laughter and hanging out with my roommate, Andrea, is the absolute best. The weather was amazing and I even slept through my first earthquake.
I also discovered that even after thirty-five years my best friend from high school and I can pick up a conversation as if we’ve lived next door to each other all our lives. That the people I graduated with can still dance. And high school reunions can turn a hundred or so 50 somethings into teenagers with one chorus of Sweet Home Alabama.
And like Mary Preston, while I love my kindle dead tree books will always be my favorites.
Posted on December 31, 2012 at 11:43 pm.
Glad you’re not giving up! When you’re a writer, you have to write, or you’re just not happy.
I have a best friend like that. It’s amazing, isn’t it?
Posted on January 1, 2013 at 12:42 pm.
I’ve discovered many new authors and websites this year that are awesome. I’m blessed in many ways and I’m thankful for those blessings.
Posted on January 1, 2013 at 2:30 am.
Me, too! I’m very blessed.
Posted on January 1, 2013 at 12:43 pm.
Movie:Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
Candy:Cherry Cordial M&M’s
New authors:Sarah Wyndes, Colleen Gleason
Music:The Lumineers, Florence and the Machine, Little Talks, The Band Perry
Happy New Year!
Posted on January 1, 2013 at 12:14 pm.
I have GOT to see that movie! My brother recommended it.
Posted on January 1, 2013 at 12:43 pm.
Best new-to-me show: I like Rizzoli and Isles, too, but I think mine would be Big Bang Theory. We started watching some of the reruns on TBS, and the show was so funny, we started watching the new ones on CBS, too.
Best (and worst for me) new candy: Bequet caramels–specifically the Celtic Sea Salt ones. O…M….G….they are so yummy–I think that’s the only coherent thought when eating them.
Worst new idea for a candy ever: maple cream chocolates…I’m sorry if you like them, but I think they are horrid. Ick.
Best new wine: Moscato–ditto! Love a good Moscato wine.
Best new movie: The Hobbit in 3D. I rarely will spend the extra extortion at the theater for 3D, but it was well worth it in this one.
Worst movie: The recent adaptation of Anna Karenina…that is several hours of my life I can never get back.
Posted on January 2, 2013 at 10:20 am.