What Attitude Do You Want To Exercise?

“God gave you a gift of 86,400 seconds today. Have you used one to say “thank you?”  — William A. Ward
Dang. Now doesn't that put things into perspective?
So often I get caught up in my lists and sticky note reminders of To-Dos that I forget the Why in the reason I wake up each morning. The Why in sending my kids off to school. The Why in making dinner or doing laundry or banging my head against my desk to get the next sentence out in the novel I'm working on. 
When the internet goes out, my frustration is immediate. Instead, I should remember what it was like to exist with no internet at all. Before the world was instantly connected at the click of a key or two. Before computers the size of small houses went the way of laptops and tablets that process word docs but also music.
When my car won't start or I'm almost out of gas, my frustration is immediate. Instead, I need to think back to that first car I owned - a 1987 Renault. It wasn't pretty. And frankly, it probably wasn't even safe. But guess what? It was mine and the only maintenance it required was to spit in the gas tank and it would go.
Then there's my biggest accomplishment of my life. And there are four of them. My kids. I can't even tell you the utter chaos, irritation, vexation, and genuine befuddlement these breathing mongrels have brought into my life. Trust me, with my oldest being twenty, I've had plenty of those emotions and more that could probably stuff a freight train. And like my other examples, I often find myself focusing on all the struggle instead of the miracle of being entrusted with four other human beings. 
If I let that thought simmer, just for a moment, I'm overcome with tears. Then the images of their births reel across my inner screen. And though there were four, each birth was individual and different. Memories shift to older times, battles with bedtime or prayers or brushing teeth. All of which bring a quirky smile to my face now. 
How is it that we lose ourselves in the mist of turmoil to look back in hindsight and chuckle? What prompts us to be so in the negative that we lose sight of the bigger picture? 
This Thanksgiving, I'm making myself a promise: to focus on the good and positive in my life, letting the rest slide into the ditch. The times when my kids argue, I'll be thankful that I even have them. The times I'll be stuck in traffic, I'll be thankful that I have a care and the money to fill it with gas. The next time it rains or snows or the winds blow strongly that it ruins a day at the beach or camp, I'll be thankful for at least being alive.
So, I have to ask. What attitude do you want to exercise?
During this post of being so thankful, I must give a big birthday shout-out to one of my kids. Kate is our third child and she turns 15 today! 
THEN ...

NOW ...

Happy Birthday, Katelynn!

To my American brothers and sisters - have a safe, wonderful, and grateful Thanksgiving holiday. See you next week. This question is for everyone: What's your favorite holiday treat?

New Adult ~ THE LAST HYBRID: Bloodlines of Angels

Can I just say, as a children's author how much I love this new category of New Adult literature?!!! I really do love that the literary world has found a place for what I like to call 'the lost years'-- the three or four years after a young adult graduates from high school.

Although I do not write NA, I do enjoy it and respect all those who write it. So without anymore jabbering from me, here's my latest New Adult spotlight - a book the publishers asked me to read before the summer months, but hit some snags and the whole deal got delayed. I'm excited to share this one with you now!

The Last HYBRID: Bloodline of Angels by Lee Wilson
Genre: Dark Fantasy
Publisher: William and Keats Publishing
Released date: April 2013
Pages: 324

I'd like to thank the publisher for supplying me with a copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.

Favorite Line/Passage: "I got in a fight at the mall. I think it was a set up. He was probably trying to take me to the ones he works for. Or maybe he was going to kidnap you and force me to do something for them to get you back. I'd rather run, than risk your safety." (Daniel, pg. 131)

Description: When Hannah Sawyer dropped out of college after losing her scholarship she spent five years weaning herself of alpha males and alcohol, but when she decides to return to finish her degree she finds those things rolled into one in the intoxicating blue eyes of fellow non-traditional student Daniel Keith. 

What she soon learns is that her newfound addiction to Daniel impairs her judgment beyond any mixed drink a frat boy could have handed her. She should have left when he cut his arm with a car key to show her his white blood. Or when he had a run-in with a dark angel on one of their dates. But Hannah stays, entranced by this man who remains a mystery to her. 

Who or what is Daniel? And why does the small town of Spring Hill, Tennessee seem to summon his enemies? As romance lures Hannah further into a shadowy world most people never see, she realizes she s gotten herself in deeper than she knew possible. And this time there's no option of dropping out.

NIGHTSTAND WORTHY!

My Splats: Enter the energetic world of the twenty-somethings, filled with teasing, mystery, passion...and in this case, a world most cannot see yet has touched every life since the beginning of time.

Prologues are elements of a story that I can live with, but also live without. It all depends on the story. In this story, a prologue was used to capture attention and tease the reader to piece together what could possibly follow. It did its job - I wanted to read on and did.

From the onset, I felt a mature voice telling the story, which added stability to the somewhat chaotic and tumultuous age of new adult material. Clues, of the everlasting yet unseen world to most humans, dropped subtly before me as I read, working their magic to add intrigue and a need to discover what happened next. Odd glances or gestures by certain characters filtered in more clues about the underlining elements brewing below the surface of what could be seen. 

The concept of fallen angels or them being referred as vampires is nothing new; however, Wilson adds a unique twist to their 'becoming', which flavored the world created - as well as the world the reader begins to foresee evolving. Relationships complicated this already troubled hidden world of angels and rebels (angels), who want to forge their own path. As Daniel and Hannah, along with most of their friends, sink deeper into prophecies and Daniel's true heritage, dangerous bargains are offered; some made, while others are refused, leaving the reader parched as the final few chapters approach and hoping for the thirst to be quenched. 

The writing is crisp and eager, as is the dialog, which is often punchy and quick witted. I really enjoyed the flirtatious verbal rants between Daniel and Hannah - lead characters. Both showed tendencies to keep their relationship playful and free, with real passion brimming slowly beneath the surface. This tease yet feisty touches is classic NA and what sets it apart from mere young adult literature. There is a fine line between the two and in this case the line was walked carefully and eloquently, shown through gentle embraces as well as subtle nuances that upped the heat - all tastefully done.   

Another element that was fully NA was the sense of dipping deeper into the emotional entanglements of the characters. Whether characters one on one or a multitude, the reader is given full knowledge that they are in their real world, making real decisions for themselves.

My only negative about the story was my confusion because of a few underdeveloped elements like those explaining the human - hybrid (half/angel) - angel - vampire (dark angel) relationships. In defense, there was a ton to explain. Overall, it was well written, described, and delivered. I'd recommend this book to any paranormal or angel enthusiast, romance lover, and even physical fight scene admirer-due to a few of Daniel's impressive fight scenes-of the upper teen, college, or adult age. Oh, and also for any sequel lovers because there will be a Book II to this book! I will definitely read the next book. I need to find out what happens to Daniel and Hannah. 

Two questions: What do you think of this newer New Adult literary category  and have you read a NA novel recently?