
Can you believe September is done and dusted? I'm a bit like the opposite to glossy magazines. They bring out an issue a month early, while I do a month behind. But in fairness to me, I can't write about my life before it actually happens...
September is birthday month in our house. It kicks off with my daughter Kim, followed by my friend Cathy, followed by my dad, then me. I'm not actually very into my own birthday but I enjoy other people's. Kim had the party that I would've given my eye teeth for aged twelve. We had a fabulous company called 'Girls night in,' come to the house. They do hen nights in general, but Kim spotted them on a wedding show and decided this was her dream! I don't blame her. They arrived with pink lights, pink dressing gowns, a chocolate fountain, karaoke machine and all manner of girly stuff. They did make up (not drag queen variety, you understand, more make up lessons so they don't look like ladies of the night) facials, glitter tattoos and nail art. It was brilliant (and not as expensive as you might think - cheaper than a party at one of those God-awful play zones, where you come home deaf in one ear and utterly traumatized). I would've happily stayed in the room and joined in, but alas I'm not cool enough and far too old. I have reached the stage where I am supurfluous to requirement most of the time (unless she's ill or needs money.) So I knew my place and stayed in the kitchen. The giggles, singing and squeals of delight were my reward!
Kim did a lovely thing though. On my birthday she made me a 'pigs in mud' cake! This concept went viral on the net ages ago, but we only saw it recently. We made one together on a rainy Sunday afternoon and Kim did one all by herself on my birthday. My son Sacha got up at six in the morning (on a school day) and made us all breakfast as my pressie. Most of the time I question my mothering skills. But every now and again, I feel I must be doing something right!
Herbie the puppy is still growing. He's now three times the size he was. He still wakes twice a night and needs to be let out to pee. Dear Lord it's worse than having a new baby. But he's so so so so (multiplied by a trillion) cute... I'm sure some night soon, he'll let us sleep for a full eight hours. That'd be wonderful.
The excitement is building for Halloween. Even though they're too cool for most things now, both of my off-spring are still partial to dressing up. Sacha got one of those morph suits, which is like a second skin. He has the body for it. But, hand on heart, that'd be my worst nightmare! Could you imagine going to the supermarket in that? Forget wobbly bits on show - people would know what you ate for breakfast!
Kim is being a cheerleader with her friends. The cartwheels etc are ongoing.
I know I shouldn't mention it, as it's not even Halloween yet, so I'll only whisper... the paper back of 'Driving Home for Christmas' is out next month. Shush. Don't tell anyone. People tend to get a bit violent when Christmas is mentioned in October. I won't tell you I bought a Christmas jumper the other day either. It's navy with glittery Christmas writing and holly leaves on it. Hubby saw it and shook his head sadly while tutting. If he doesn't stop that I might wear it every day next week...
There are loads of things coming up for breast cancer awareness month. This is a fantastic reminder for all women to be vigilant and check themselves. I have a very exciting challenge coming up which I'll have more information on next month... Meanwhile, take advantage of all the extra articles and information that's floating around. Even if you've never been affected by cancer, it's always good to be aware.
We all had vomiting bug the other week and although I lost a measly two pounds in weight, it wasn't worth it. Not to be recommended. The entire house (bar the pup and two cats) were the colour of Shrek for a week. Hideous and I deserved to have lost at least a stone for the violence of it all.
Anyway, onwards and upwards. I've just finished the edit on my next novel, which hits the shops in April 2014. It's always exciting to finish another book! I'm on to the next one and so far it's flying. Thank goodness my imagination hasn't dried up just yet! I hope you are all surviving and getting ready for Halloween. Enjoy all the beautiful leaves and Autumn colours if you're around my end of the hemisphere!
By the way, you may have noticed I changed my web site. I took a crazy notion yesterday and restyled it. Hope you like it.
Bye for now,
Emma x