Holy elk, people. It’s Monday already. Friday came and then–swoosh!–the weekend was gone. Snap, crackle, pop. The weather was cookin’ on Friday (80 degrees, thank you very much), so we broke out the bbq and had friends over for munchin’ and kickin’ back.

I’m proud to say that after six months in hibernation, the bbq is still rockin’ and rollin’. The hubster cooked chicken (which I don’t eat) and also made sushi (of which I had, seconds, thirds, and, um, well you know my issues with sushi). What did I make, you ask? Well, put your hand down. Cooking is not my dealio. But, I did break out the napkin rings and set the table, okay? New topic! Swoosh!

Good eating’ led to good convo. And being in Montana, the subject turned to hiking, camping and bears (eeks!). The grizzlies have woken up, people and I chimed in that I do not camp as I would not like to end up a bear snack. One minute I’m sleeping peacefully under the stars, the next swoosh! I’m bear sushi. No thanks. Brett says the likelihood of a bear breaking into my tent to chow me, is not so much.

BUT, what if? Huh? It’s just not the way I want to go. It’s not even in the top forty. Then Todd tells us that IS the way he’d like to go. “How great to be ripped apart in nature, end up mountain lion excrement, and turn to dust.” Sounds fun to any of you? Anyone? Just curious.

So, no camping and turning into lion poo for me. I’m sure I’ll hike though (Glacier Park is only 15 miles away, after all), so I mentioned the need for Bear Spray. A friend of mine had two and gave me one (thanks, Jamie!). Bear Spray’s like pepper spray (so I’m told), and Jamie said you’re not supposed to use it till the bear’s coming at you (don’t want to piss it off if it’s just moseying by) and it has to be three feet away before it’s effective.

By three feet, I’m sure I’ll have passed out. But, whatever. Brett says you can spray at ten feet. Oooh, that makes me feel so much better. So, this beach/lounge chair girl turned Mountain Girl (or so Misa calls me) is now ready to conquer nature! Or perhaps just a small trail by the river while carrying a Diet Coke.

So, what about it? Are you with Todd? Does being a bear bicsuit sound like a cooler way to go than the norm?

Every time I write a book, I find music that reminds me of the main character. When that song comes on the radio or I put on the CD (REPEAT button, baby!), I get new ideas for writing my book. It’s very cool.

Friends have accused me of liking sappy songs (who? moi?). With that said, I’ll tell you the song for the book I’m currently working on (Peek-A-Boo Brain, aka: Mind Reader). . . it’s Collide by Howie Day. Ever heard it?

I love this song (such a sap, I know). I put on my iPod Shuffle and play it over and over. Every time I hear it, the music and lyrics bring out Kylie and Trip. I picture their scenes. Get inspired to write. It’s awesome.

When I start my next book, a new song will hit me and I’ll picture those characters when I hear it. But, Collide will always be for Trip & Kylie.

Do you ever hear a song that reminds you of something? A memory? A specific friend, boyfriend, or ex?

As many of you read, I’ve had an arachnid obsession these past few weeks: Spider Solitaire. It has been my foe. But you heard it here first, folks. Today, I have conquered!!

Yes, those cards bent to my will and I got the fireworks show at the end to prove it. I know, a graphically challenged computer fireworks show isn’t all that. Normally. But, this time. Woo-hoo! Whoever said success was sweet? Cuz she was oh-so-right.

The feeling of winning SS (”difficult” level, the others were a cinch), makes me know I can conquer THE WORLD. I won’t though, cuz that’s a lot of responsibility and all. Plus I only speak 1 1/2 languages and translators cost mucho bucks. So, the world is safe. But, I could if I wanted to. Once you conquer SS (again “difficult” only, people), you can pretty much do anything.

Ever accomplish something that made you throw your fists in the air? Jump on the bed? Feel like you’d float away?