Authors Blog Hop!

This is totally exciting because I think it's the first time I've participated in such a cool author hop, at least on such a scale. Thanks, Lady Amber, for the invite. I'm prepared to have a lot of fun! First I'll introduce myself to all you new visitors, and my fellow participating authors. I'm Cheri Chesley and I'm a writer and a mom. My first book, The Peasant Queen, which is YA romantic fantasy, was published by Cedar Fort in 2010. My other two novels in the series, The Wild Queen and The Tyrant King, were self published.

Since this Hop falls at the end of my multi-book blog tour, I wanted to be certain you had the link to the kick off that has all the participating blogs listed so you can keep up with the rest of the tour. CLICK HERE to see all the awesomeness.

If you haven't had a chance to look at all the incredible participants for this Authors Hop, you can find the list at the bottom of this post. Lady Amber has really outdone herself. 130 participants and counting! Be sure you check out the other blogs and get in on their giveaways as well as mine!

Now for the fun part: My contest. What do you need to do? How can you win? WHAT can you win?

I'm glad you asked. ;) First of all, Lady Amber has been awesome with helping me get a little more book attention lately, and I really appreciate all she's done. She brought my author page on Facebook up over 400 likes, which was so wonderful since I'd been stuck just under 400 forever. But I think there's room for a little more, so we're going to start there.

CLICK on over to my Facebook page and "like" it for One contest entry.

FOLLOW me on Twitter for One contest entry.

Leave a comment on my blog for One contest entry.

***For a 5 entry bonus (meaning you will get 5 bonus contest entries for a possible total of 8 entries), go to FIVE of the other authors participating in this contest and tell me something about their work. Do they write fantasy? Horror? Children's books? Share with me. You may want to enter their contests while you're visiting. :)

Isn't that wonderful? A single person can have up to 8 entries into my contest just by sharing a little bloggy love with my fellow authors. And with 8 entries your chances of winning the prize increases dramatically.

So, what is the prize? Signed copies of each of my 3 books, The Peasant Queen, The Wild Queen, and The Tyrant King, along with bookmarks, a $25 Amazon gift card, and a previously unpublished SNEAK PEEK into my next novel, The Lost Princess.

Excited yet? You'll get a chance to read something no one has read before. Well, except me of course. This isn't going to be the first chapter of The Lost Princess that I included at the end of The Tyrant King. This is something entirely different, something from deep within the story itself. And you're going to love it.

So what you waiting for? Start clicking, and be sure to leave a comment on this blog (which, incidentally, is good for ONE contest entry all by itself) telling me everything you've done and how many contest entries your efforts have earned you.

The contest ends 11:59 PM WEDNESDAY, JULY 10TH, so don't delay. I will be posting the winner on Friday, July 12th!

See you on the flip side.

Authors are People, Too

This morning, Yahoo "News" posted an article about a children's author who was ejected from an airplane for swearing. Click HERE for the article. I clicked it mainly because I was curious whether a beloved children's author had been caught being human. Let's face it--we all make mistakes. Some are just more public than others.

What I found ridiculous is that this article is about a TV producer who happens to have a book coming out later this year and said the F-word (maybe) twice in exhausted frustration. This calls to mind many famous actors who have written a children's book here or there. We don't call them authors. They're still actors. But "children's author swears" has a better ring to it than "TV producer says F-word."

That's it, Yahoo. Go right for the sensationalism. Worry about accuracy later. Sigh.

So, before you start thinking that ALL children's authors routinely drop the F-bomb, I thought I'd tell you a story about one of the good ones. :)

Gail Carson Levine, best known for books like Ella Enchanted, The Fairy's Return, Fairest and Ever is such an author. When I checked out my friend Rebecca's BLOG a couple of weeks ago, it was with the intent to find some clue to lifting her spirits. Fighting cancer is no fun, but it generally has a heavy emphasis on the physical fight. I wanted to make sure she had the emotional well being to balance that out. I still want to. But, anyway, one her blog she lists her "Absolute Favorite Books" and, on that list, is "any Gail Carson Levine book."

This got my wheels turning. I'd met Gail briefly at The King's English Bookstore in SLC last year when she came out to help promote her newest Disney Fairy book. I even have a picture of her posing with my daughter on my phone. Let's put aside the fact that I was too star struck to admit to her that, yes, I am also an author and had a book coming out later that year. But I did listen while she talked, especially where she said she posts author advice on her blog. I've been following her blog ever since.

I thought to myself, wouldn't it be great if Rebecca got a signed Gail Carson Levine book in the mail out of the blue? Wouldn't that help lift her spirits? The answer: absolutely. So I commented on Ms Levine's blog and let her know what I wanted to do. I didn't expect a quick response--she's a busy lady--but I got one anyway. Yes, she'd love to send my friend a book. Which one? In order for this to be a surprise, I couldn't ask Rebecca. I chose The Two Princesses of Bamarre, because, to me, it's the story of finding strength you didn't know you had. And I believe Rebecca is stronger than she may think.

Sunday, when she came to church (the first time since her diagnosis), Rebecca told me, "You have connections." She'd gotten the book. Squeee! I was excited. Ms Levine really delivered. I'm so grateful, I just had to share how fantastic it is of her to take the time and trouble to do this sweet thing for a virtual stranger.

That's pretty cool. And I'm almost certain she did it without swearing. ;)

I've Been Tagged

The wonderful and talented Karen Hoover tagged me on her BLOG. This is a new one for me--my first tag, so I'll do my best.

Do you think you're hot? Seriously? Is this high school? lol. Um, NO.

Upload a picture or wall paper you are using at the moment

I'm getting ready to change it though.

When was the last time you ate chicken meat? Yesterday.

The Song(s) you listened to recently? I listen to music to help me fall asleep.
"The Climb" by Miley Cyrus
"Within You" David Bowie
"Wanted Dead or Alive" Bon Jovi
"Never Say Die" Bon Jovi
"As the World Falls Down" David Bowie
"Best I can" Queensryche
"Christmas Eve (Sarajevo 12/24)" Trans Siberian Orchestra
"Standin Outside the Fire" Garth Brooks

What were you thinking as you were doing this?
Exactly how much I wanted to reveal :)

Do you have nicknames? Really?
Cher-Bear (shortened to Bear)--long story
my kids call me Mommy
hubby calls me--ha! you didn't actually think I'd put that on here, did you? lol

Tag eight Blogger friends
Laura Bastian
Canda Mortensen
Angie Lofthouse
Deirdra Coppel
Ali Cross
Elana Johnson
Nichole Giles
Elizabeth Mueller

Who's listed as number one?
Laura Bastian--mommy, author and really insightful critiquer!

Say something about number 5.
Incredibly sweet. Really supportive.

How did you get to know number 3?
Through various writing circles.

How about number 4?
AMAZING-ly talented lady! She did two of my e-book covers, and writes pretty dang good stuff, too!

Leave a message for number 6.
So looking forward to your book release, Elana!!

Leave a lovey-dovey message for number 2.
I plead the 5th. lol! Love ya, Canda :)

Do number 7 and number 8 have any similarities?
Yes! They are both caring and really upbeat people. I love that!

Now, in all honesty, I'm not going to check up on anyone to see if they are continuing the fun. It's not that I don't care about you all, but I am crazy busy with edits this week. If Karen hadn't emailed me to tell me I'd been tagged, I'd probably STILL not know! :)

AuthorPalooza is a Good Thing

What a difference a day makes!

I had planned to go to the WriteWise Book Camp this weekend with my fellow authors and WW peeps, but my plans fell through--and then my alternate plan fell through. So by last night I was pretty dang bummed. That is, until I got on FaceBook and checked up on my friends.

Heather Justesen posted about AuthorPalooza going on this afternoon at the Barnes and Noble Bookstore in Sandy from 1-4pm and I thought, what the heck. I was all set to talk books and rub shoulders with other authors this weekend anyway, and AuthorPalooza was hosting over 30 published authors. Wow. And again. 30 published authors in one store. WOW.

Not only did I get to see Heather again (whose book I already own and read), but I got to see James Dashner again, Jessica Day George, Nichole Giles, Cindy Beck, Terri Ferran, Ronda Gibb Hinrichsen, Ann Cannon, Carol Lynch Williams, Lisa Mangum, Emily Smith, Sydney Salter and Nathan Hale.

Nathan is a lot of fun. He kept our crowd at the Purple Cow entertained (see past blogs) for a while when the rest of the authors ::coughs:: Dean and Shannon Hale were late. I hoped he'd have some of his picture books out for sale--the family had a ton of fun with The Devil You Know, but alas, all he had was what we'd already purchased. Ah well. It was still great to say hi chat for a bit. Sydney Salter I've also seen before, though I'm sure she doesn't remember. She was with a few other authors at The Purple Cow early last year. I've wanted her book, My Big Nose and other Natural Disasters, ever since--and now I have a signed copy.

I'd ordered a ton of James Dashner books just before finding out about the signing, so I only picked up The Maze Runner today. Had it signed to my son, because I'm cool like that.

The girls raided the Jessica Day George table. Jessica and I shared a stage at the Grantsville Jr High's author days last year. This happened a lot today. I'd get that, "You look really familiar" look from about 90% of the authors I approached. Yes, I'd say--I've been around a lot.

It's a good thing authors like to see people return again and again, otherwise I might be looked upon as a stalker. Yes, I drove 40 miles to blow my income for the month (don't get excited, I only make about $100/mo) and meet my friends and authors and get said books signed. Yes, I do this a couple of times a year because I find Utah to be culturally good to authors and I like to support that--seeing as I hope to be one of them someday.

I also picked up Austenland by Shannon Hale and a couple of Julie Wright books--even though they weren't in attendance.

Look for my upcoming reviews of the treasures I've acquired at this blog or you can find me on Goodreads.com

Now, if you don't mind, there are several books calling my name...

And here it is!!

First, I'd like to say hello to my newest followers. I think it's cool I'm writing something you find of worth. Thank you!

Now for the (more) fun stuff. Yesterday the Tooele Transcript Bulletin printed their article on local authors. Featured are yours truly, the talented Karen Hoover and Rachel Bird--all members of the mysteriously delightful Authors Incognito.

CLICK HERE

Kudos to Emma Penrod for an incredibly well written article and also to Maegan Burr for her great photography.

Happy reading!
Cheri

I'm addicted to Book Signings

Even if they aren't mine, which so far none have been. :)

Yesterday my sweet niece-in-law helped me take my daughter to our local bookstore, The Purple Cow, to attend a book signing for the newest graphic novel, Calamity Jack.

Now, don't get your dander up. This is a graphic novel, as in WITH PICTURES, not a graphic novel meaning with intense descriptive scenes of sex and/or violence.

Award winning author Shannon Hale co-wrote this book with her husband, Dean. And just by watching them entertain the crowd you can tell they totally LOVE working together. Even if it's not always smooth and easy, they have a special bond that is just too sweet to watch. In fact, I've observed them twice now and I have to say I keep seeing my dear hubby and I doing the same thing.

Nathan Hale illustrated Calamity Jack. Basically, you see Nate all over the book (as it's a novel with pictures). He does great work. I picked up a copy of his picture book, The Devil You Know, for my little baby nephew.

Poor Nathan, though. Through crossed wires, he showed up at the bookstore on time for the 2pm start. The Hales thought it started at 3pm. So Nathan entertained us by doing some illustrating on demand and telling fun stories.

One story was this: Nathan Hale did not live in Utah. He did not know Shannon Hale or Dean Hale. They met when Shannon's publisher bought Dean's publisher. But, they maintained that they are not related. Yes, same last name, but no relation. As Nathan told it, about 4 months ago they found out that Nathan's grandfather and Dean's grandfather are brothers, making them second cousins and, by default, Nate and Shannon second cousins-in-law. So, they ARE related. Maybe it's just me, but I find that truly hilarious. It really is a small world.

On a personal note, Isa Ventura--the very wonderful and generous owner of The Purple Cow bookstore--singled me out to the gathering crowd as one of Tooele's up and coming authors. She asked me about the status of my book, and I told her we are very hopeful that this time it will take.

Oooh, and she also let me hold in my hot little hands her ARC of Karen Hoover's book, The Sapphire Flute. That was awesome!!

All in all, a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon. Even if the main event was nearly an hour late. :)

I'm going to be in the newspaper!

My hubby is SO gloating right now. He's really having a great time with this. After hassling me for months to go to the local paper and let them know I'm here and I write, I got an email through Authors Incognito that a reporter for our paper wants to do an article on local authors. So I followed up on it and Monday had a phone interview with the reporter, Emma Penrod, about my memberships in LUW (League of Utah Writers) and Authors Incognito. She did mention that she had talked to Karen Hoover and I really hope she'll be in the article too so she can get the word out about The Sapphire Flute, due out this March.

So, this morning Meagan, the photographer, came to my house and took pictures of me. She said the article will hopefully be in next week's Tooele Transcript Bulletin; it kind of depends on the other authors Emma is able to interview and when that gets done. I have to say, for the record, it's the second time a newspaper photographer has come to my house and snapped my picture since we moved to Utah. The first time was in 2002 for The Deseret News. They had asked for contributors for an article on remembering 9/11, and I submitted my memories of that day. I got a call saying they wanted to print it, and that afternoon a guy showed up, snapped two pics, and left. Meagan took a few more. We have lighting issues in my house, plus I really am not fond of having my picture taken so I wasn't the most cooperative subject. I try, but I know I'm making some goofy face, or there's a reflection of my glasses, or my chin is too high, or my shoulders are stiff--and so on.

And, for the record, I live in a family of comedians. I texted my sibs and in-laws to tell them I was going to be in the paper, and my oldest brother asked me "How many people did you shoot/stab/maim and where do I mail the cookies?" When I mentioned that to my brother-in-law, he said, "Those thoughts did cross my mind, but . . . nah!" Sigh.

And my 5 yr old is convinced getting into the newspaper means it's going to make me famous. I love my kids.

**Embarrassing Author Moment**

If that title doesn't your attention, I don't know what will.

Yes, I'm actually going to spill on something I did this year that I'm sure you all will enjoy. It's been long enough that I can laugh about it, too, but at the time...well, you'll see.

Early this year I was shopping for business cards that designated my new place in this world as a writer of young adult fantasy novels. So I trot over to our local print/packaging shop and fill out a request for business cards. This is how I designated myself:

Cheri Chesley
Young Adult Fantasy

Did you catch it? Along with that title, I entered my email, cell phone and other contact information.

About ten minutes later, I was in line at the pharmacy when I realized I had given myself a title that could possibly get me arrested. As soon as I paid for our medicines I rushed back to the printer to add AUTHOR to my title. Much, much better.

I am so glad I caught it before they printed, and especially before I handed them out to a bunch of strangers.

Altared Plans

This is a book trailer for a really fun book by author Rebecca Talley. I won my copy in a contest and shared it with a friend heading off to college. She loved it too! Take a peek, and check out the book.

Just click the blog title and it will take you to the book trailer on YouTube.

The Author Mom

I found it difficult to decide whether to post this in my Mommy blog or my Author blog, since it has to do with both writing and my family—so you win. Lucky you.

My kids impress me. I don’t take any credit for this. It would be awkward, and snooty, and I just don’t feel up to it. But they’re impressive.

For instance, two years ago I decided to start taking myself seriously as an author and work toward publication. You know, I stopped fighting the inevitable and accepted something that nearly consumed every waking thought needed attention. This had a profound effect on my kids, and in ways I never considered.

When I got my first publishing contract (that has since dissolved, don’t worry about why) in 2007 one of the first things we did was tell the kids. The next morning, my oldest looks at me and says, “Mommy, what if you become famous?” My stomach did a little flip but I calmly responded, “We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.”

A few months later, one of the twins abruptly asked, “Mommy, are you an author?” I said yes, and the smile that lit up his face brought tears to my eyes.

My daughter, Kylie, tells everyone she’s going to be an author like me. But it’s not the gratuitous adoration that I’m talking about here.

When I chose to pursue my dream, my kids noticed. And they’ve been taking notes.
Currently, my oldest is working on a time machine. The twins are doing their normal things—drawing, writing, creating in general, exploring, taking care of bugs, obsessing over nature in its most minute form.

My fledgling author is still at it, plugging away weekly at her craft and coming up with some pretty interesting ideas. She even has her mother’s author insecurities. Sigh. Didn’t mean to pass that on.

The youngest is continuing her love of words. Now she’s started writing, sounding out words and spelling most of them herself.

Because they’re my kids, they’re convinced my book will be known all over the world and likely be made into a movie. But what happens with the book isn’t important. The fact that my kids consider pursuing their dreams to be cool is worth every bump in the road and setback I face.

I'm sorry my fellow Authors

I can't get to everyone I want to at each author conference. I see someone and think "I need to say hi" and then they vanish to another class or area or have to leave and I never get the chance.

Today I'm thinking of Heather Moore. I'm sorry, Heather. I walked right by your table when you were signing books and should have said hello. I wanted to get my books signed before time ran out and before the lines got crazy, but when I was done you had gone (it was 20 min after the signings had ended so I'm not surprised). I'm not ignoring you on purpose, I promise. I had the same problem at the LUW conference where I saw you and smiled but didn't stop and say hi.

Let's face it; I'm still coming out of my shell. I have some shining moments at these things where I'm talkative and friendly and other moments where I don't talk to anyone at all. And the conference schedules have me running from one thing to the next. I want to soak it all in and there's just not enough time.

I'm battling years and years of antisocial behavior. Like many authors, I'm an introverted person and don't like to open up. It's been a fight for me, and each time I talk to someone at a conference or other gathering is another step I'm taking to overcome. It's not easy. My goal has always been that none of you knows the inner struggle I go through each time I open my mouth. It's hard to talk about our own weaknesses or shortcomings.

But Heather's a fantastic author and wonderful person, and I don't want her to think I don't like her. I won one of her books, Abinadi, during her contest giveaway this summer, and joined her blog tour for Alma. (hint, I got Alma in the mail before I opened up Abinadi, so I've chosen to read them out of order to provide the perspective of reading Alma first) You rock, Heather!

I Get to be an Author this Weekend!!!

It's a crazy, crazy week. And a short one. And all because the LUW's Author Roundup is Friday and Saturday. But, the up side is I get to be an author this weekend!

As it turns out, this comes at no small sacrifice. If my kids make their play audition today I will miss both their performances, since they both happen Saturday. Our local bookstore, The Purple Cow, is having Brandon Mull and Lisa Mangum out Saturday for an Author day. EVERYTHING is happening this weekend. Sacrifices must be made.

Truth is, I'm a major homebody. I'd rather hang out here, see my kids perform and support my local bookstore than drive for hours, stay at a hotel and eat out. Especially lately, since I haven't felt much like an author. My novel's taking the snail's track to publication and finding time to write has been about as evasive as a technicolor unicorn.

But the author conventions are useful. We get to recharge, connect with others in the same boat and learn how to better our craft. This is vital to an author. We're by nature rather solitary creatures, but we need to poke our heads out of our burrows occasionally and see what's going on out there in the world of writing. Otherwise we'll always be "trying to get published."

So, I'm going. A little reluctantly, but I'm going. Fortunately I know I'll have a great time.

20 Years?!

Birthdays make me introspective. I guess that's true for most people, once we get old enough to stop trying to guess what gifts we're getting each year. Big markers always make me stop and think, too.

In September of 1989, a 14 year old Freshman sat down at her first lunch in high school and wished herself somewhere--anywhere--else. Nothing to do. No one to talk to. So how does she pass the time without looking like a friendless geek? She started writing.

Twenty years and several drafts later that story the girl wrote is perched on the cusp of publication, waiting at this moment for the final read through to be completed. It's taken so long the story of publication is an epic in and of itself, probably worthy of being told. High school, graduation, jobs, marriage, children, etc. It happens to all of us but the highs and lows can be gut-wrenching.

I can't claim I did nothing but write for 20 years, so I don't say this book took me 20 years to finish. The original draft--which I still have--took a year and ten months. Not bad, all things considered. I toyed with it for a few years off and on but then ten years ago, after the twins were born, the writing stopped for about 7 or 8 years.

But still, it's been a long road and the story is still worthy of being told. And it's going to knock your socks off, when it has the chance.

This would be a Down

I feel a little sorry for myself tonight, sitting her under the influence of prescription painkillers and muscle relaxants. After over two weeks of being sick and trying desperately to get over it (2 rounds of antibiotics), I took my brilliant son--who read 10,000 minutes last school year--to Lagoon and rode all the spine rattling rides he could find. For the record, while I enjoy the thrill of the rides I actually dread them the whole time I'm in line.

The next morning I woke up with a horrible pain in my neck and shoulders, like I had slept wrong. Except it never went away. Yesterday, 6 days later, I finally stopped torturing myself and went to the doctor. I don't know why I waited so long to seek relief. I can't drive because I can barely turn my head to look around and I can't even stand to be hugged by my kids because of the pain. Sleeping has been next to impossible.

But I signed on to participate in a charity author workshop (not as a presenter) in Ogden at the Treehouse Museum, which sounds like a fascinating place. Actual authors will be there like Brandon Mull and Shannon Hale, and I really wanted to be able to go. Except now that's become impossible. I can't drive safely without my meds to alleviate my pain and I can't drive safely with my meds because they're so powerful.

I'm especially disappointed because I wanted to get another signed copy of Shannon Hale's newest book for my cousin Becca who lives in Indiana because she's such a fan. A copy of Brandon Mull's Pingo for her daughters wouldn't be amiss, either.

Oddly enough, either because the meds have alleviated my pain so I can concentrate on other things or they've made me loopy, I'm feeling really creative. Maybe I can get some actual writing done this weekend, since I'm not leaving the house for the next few days.

Being an Author is SO cool!

I just had the most awesome day speaking at the Grantsville Jr High Author Day. Just thought I'd type a quick blog about it before my kids start really begging for dinner.

First off, I showed up and they had assigned each author a student guide for the day. I got Shelby who, aside from being totally adorable, also happens to be efficient, competent and fun to talk to. We all had lunch and then gathered in the lunch room for the main part before separating into our classes.

I kind of danced all over my topic, trying to stay on a time line but really jumping all over, but did manage to eek out at least 25 min of talking about myself and my writing during my two sessions. But I got to meet some great kids. Seeing as it's a Friday afternoon near the end of May at a Jr High, I kind of expected a group more ready for summer than sitting and listening to someone they'd never heard of.

But over all the kids were awesome. I got good feedback and a lot of them signed up for my newsletter so I can tell them when The Peasant Queen comes out. I'm really excited to share this with them because some of them said they'd like to be authors too.

I do regret not being able to talk more to one particular girl. She came up on my right side as we were doing signings and said she wanted to be an author too, but someone distracted me and she said that we could talk later and then disappeared before I could grab her. (If you're reading this, get on my website and email me please! I want to talk to you!)

Overall, these kids represented their school beautifully. Everyone was so gracious. This is an experience I'd definitely repeat!

Moms, writing and working

There are only 24 hours in a day. God did it on purpose and no matter how hard we try we can't cram 26 hours of things to do in a 24 hr day. Come on, Moms, you all know you do that.

I know I do. There's so much to get to every day that somehow something gets left behind. Between family, work and writing I simply run out of day. I know I'm not perfect. My family doesn't always get the best of me, but I try and I think I'm improving. After all, that's what life is about. If you don't know where you need improvement you might be working on the wrong thing.

I love my day care kids. I have the day care so I can help support the family and still be here for my kids when they need me. But it's my job, not my career. Writing is my career.

For me, writing is breathing. I sometimes struggle to do both and yet I can't give up either. Breathing is a struggle because of my asthma and allergies and that fun stuff. Writing is a struggle because, mostly, I run out of time. Work has to happen--the money has to come in. The family doesn't let itself be ignored, which is good since it has to be a priority. And yet so much of who I am is wrapped up in the writing I don't have time to do.

I become an incredibly irritable and crabby person when I don't write regularly. The outlet is vital to my being an emotionally contributing member of this family. It should be prioritized. It's important. It's that one thing that fills the spaces in my heart not already taken up with the people I love.

This year I sewed my daughters' Easter dresses. I really have a problem with the available spring fashions in Utah. Nearly every dress sold for little girls is sleeveless or short sleeved and, HELLO!--it's sometimes 50 degrees on Easter around here! So you buy your little girl a beautiful dress and then have to cover it up with a sweater, jacket or coat. Forget it. My daughter wore Easter dresses with long sleeves.

The dresses turned out amazing. Better than I would have thought I could do. I approach sewing in much the same way I approach writing. I see it in my head first and then work to make it look like what I saw. This will include piecing together parts from different patterns to make what I want or making it up as I go. Both sewing and writing are formulaic. Certain things have to fit together in order for it to work. Unfortunately I can never repeat a sewing creation. But that's also true of my writing. Nothing is ever exactly the same.

The experience gave me the confidence to say I would make Kylie's baptism dress this year. We could even use my Temple wedding dress. It will be beautiful. Don't get me wrong. With $60 to spare I'd drive to Orem and buy her the one I've been eyeballing for months. But money's tight. These days, that's almost a universally accepted condition.

So much to do, so little time. What am I doing here?