Report Card

Last week…

1. I completed edits for an author & began edits for another!
2. Still no swimming due to the pool pump quitting on us! However, the repairman came out and replaced the motor for the pump, so we’re working on getting the algae tamed.
3. Healthwise, I am gradually getting used to the 1-2 punch of Keytruda and Lenvima for my targeted immunotherapy. I still fight fatigue and the occasional bout of diarrhea, but it’s much improved!
4. I’m painting, though not daily! I’m approaching the end of #the100dayproject. Here’s one of last week’s accomplishments.

This next week…

1. I’ll continue working on edits of a manuscript for another author.
2. I’ll begin reading the Burn: A Boys Behaving Badly Anthology entries! I can’t wait to see what I have!
3. I’ll continue painting to complete #the100dayproject.
4. Any day now, I’ll be back to swimming in the pool—maybe as soon as this afternoon!
5. I have a blood draw scheduled for later this week in preparation for my infusion appointment the following week.

Open Contests

Be sure to check out these posts and enter to win the prizes that are still up for grabs:

1. June Into July (Contest) — Last day to enter! Win an Amazon gift card!
2. My New Guilty Pleasure (Contest) — Last day to enter! Win an Amazon gift card!
3. Memory Game: More Guilty Pleasures (Contest) — This one ends soon! Win an Amazon gift card!
4. Ava Cuvay: The Down & Dirty on the Short Story (Contest) — This one ends soon! Win a FREE book!
5. Saturday Puzzle-Contest: Poised at the “Star Gate” — This one ends soon! Win an Amazon gift card!
6. Bookmark Giveaway! — Win a hand painted bookmark!
7. Flashback: Knight in Transition (Contest — 2 Winners!) — Win a FREE book!
8. Let’s Celebrate World Kebab Day! — Win an Amazon gift card!
9. Saturday Puzzle-Contest: The Ideal Vacation — Win an Amazon gift card!

I’m back to posting my weekly report card because I have actual work accomplishments to share! Woot!

Report Card

Last week…

1. I worked on edits for another author!
2. No swimming due to the pool pump quitting on us! No other exercise other than stairs.
3. Healthwise, I had an immunotherapy treatment on Monday, and after consulting with my oncologist, I resumed Lenvima on Tuesday, but every other day rather than daily. The doctor hopes my body will adjust so I can go back to daily doses, but it’s kicking my butt again. Not as badly. I’m mostly fatigued and little fuzzy-headed the day I take it.
4. I’m painting again! Limping toward the end of #the100dayproject. The one below was fun to paint because I used a supply I hadn’t tried yet in my hoard of supplies—watercolor sticks on top of watercolor.

This next week…

1. I’ll complete edits for one author and begin edits on another author’s story!
2. I’ll, hopefully, complete work on Ignition—writing new words until I get to The End.
3. I’ll continue painting to complete #the100dayproject. I want to finish by the end of the week. Just six more pieces to go!
4. We’re scheduled to have our pump replaced this week, then it’ll take time to turn the neon green water blue again!
5. I’ll hopefully have time to take pictures to reopen my Etsy shop to sell some of the bookmarks and small paintings I’ve been making!

Open Contests

Be sure to check out these posts and enter to win the prizes that are still up for grabs:

1. Gabbi Grey: When a trope comes calling (Contest) — Last day to enter! Win a FREE book!
2. Word Search: Things associated with June! (Contest) — Last day to enter! Win an Amazon gift card!
3. Gabbi Black: A Home for Every Story (Contest) — This one ends soon! Win a FREE book!
4. June Into July (Contest) — Win an Amazon gift card!
5. My New Guilty Pleasure (Contest) — Win an Amazon gift card!
6. Memory Game: More Guilty Pleasures (Contest) — Win an Amazon gift card!
7. Ava Cuvay: The Down & Dirty on the Short Story (Contest) — Win a FREE book!
8. Saturday Puzzle-Contest: Poised at the “Star Gate” — Win an Amazon gift card!

UPDATE: The winner is…Gretchen!
*~*~*

June

 

1. I completed one set of edits and began work on another author’s edits.
2. I had the print covers for both Ultra Strokes volumes created, then uploaded them. They are both available at Amazon now!
3. I read through Ignition and actually wrote a few pages. It’s not finished, but my writer’s brain is starting to wake up!

Health-related:

1. I started a new infusion drug, Keytruda, this month. I felt fatigued for a couple of days afterward, but no worrisome side effects.
2. I began two pills a day of a targeted therapy called Lenvima. The fatigue compounded and worsened over the two weeks I stayed on it, along with a nasty bout of diarrhea that left me feeling like a wrung-out dishrag. The oncologist had me discontinue using it last Friday, and I improved immediately.
3. At today’s infusion appointment, we will discuss what to do going forward.

Happiness-related: 

1. I celebrated my birthday! Thanks to everyone who dropped by here or on FB to wish me well! I really do appreciate it!
2. I continued my participation in #the100dayproject. While the rest of the world ended their participation in early June, I’m persevering to get to 100 pieces of art before I finish! Here are a few small pieces I completed in June:

July

 

For work-related, I plan:

1. To finish writing Ignition! Again—no excuses! This will complete the Delta Fire series, my erotic firefighter stories. The book will be out by the end of the month!
2. To begin work on Built Like Mack, the next story in my We are Dead Horse series.
3. To complete working on the edits I have for one author and await the arrival of two other editing projects to start working on.

For health-related, I plan:

1. To continue to focus on recovery! Rest when I need to, and some light exercise—housework and swimming (when the pool pump gets repaired!!!).
2. To endure another immunotherapy session this month.

For happiness-related, I plan: 

1. To spend time with the family during this summer break. We have plans for fun meals, movies, flea market shopping, and lots and lots of swimming.
2. To head to my sister’s place in the northern part of this state for a mini vacation.
3. To complete #the100dayproject and create more art.

Contest

Comment on anything you’ve read in this post. Tell me what you’re doing to make yourself happier and healthier, or tell me what you plan to read in July…

Like I said, comment on anything for a chance to win a $5 Amazon gift card!

Just a quick note about Burn: A Boys Behaving Badly Anthology…

Yes, today is the deadline for submitting a story; however, I’ll begin reading those I’ve already received next week and will continue reading until around mid-July. If you still want to submit, I’ll hold the door open while I’m still reading. Click on the graphic to the left to read about submission guidelines. These are short stories! Maybe a little more than a weekend’s worth of work!

Report Card

Last week…

1. Zero editing gigs this week, which was kinda nice.
2. I did finish reading through what I have of Ignition, the last of the Delta Fire stories, and I wrote one page of new material. One page. Doesn’t sound like a big deal, but I haven’t written a single page since July of last year—so that’s a big deal for me!
3. I requested print covers for Ultra Strokes, volumes 1 & 2!
4. I swam every day the weather cooperated. The pool is now a lovely 88 degrees.
5. Healthwise, I had an immunotherapy treatment on Monday. They started me on a new protocol, something a little more aggressive than what I was given before. A daily pill is coming to me in the mail, so that will be an added PITA. I was fatigued for two days and suffered the indignity of diarrhea and nausea. But hey, so long as this stuff kicks the remnants of the cancer in my body in the ass, I’m good with it!
6. I’m limping toward the end of #the100dayproject. I only completed two pieces this week. The one below was fun. It started life as a Gelli-printed paper using actual flowers, then I glued it to a board, added smudges of color with Pan pastels, then highlighted with oil pastels and a little gold and black pen. I’ll be experimenting with that again!

This next week…

1. I’ll complete work on Ignition—writing new words until I get to The End.
2. I’ll upload print versions of Ultra Strokes, volumes 1 and 2.
3. I’ll re-read the stories in the We Are Dead Horse series and then plot the next stories.
4. I’ll continue painting to complete #the100dayproject. I want to finish by the end of the month.
5. I’ll hopefully have time to take pictures and reopen my Etsy shop for the summer to sell some of the bookmarks and small paintings I’ve been making!

Open Contests

Be sure to check out these posts and enter to win the prizes that are still up for grabs:

1. May Into June (Contest) — This is the last day to enter! Win an Amazon gift card!
2. Anna Taylor Sweringen/Michal Scott: Mary Annette Anderson Smith – First African American Woman in Phi Beta Kappa (Contest) — This is the last day to enter! Win an Amazon gift card!
3. Celebrate Repeat Day! (Contest) — This one ends soon! Win an Amazon gift card!
4. Gabbi Grey: The Story that Happened When I Wasn’t Looking (Contest) — This one ends soon! Win an Amazon gift card!
5. It’s Drive-in Movie Day! (Contest) — This one ends soon! Win an Amazon gift card!
6. Saturday Puzzle Contest — Morning Cup of Joe — Win an Amazon gift card!
7. Gabbi Grey: Did Some Say Rucking?!?! (Contest) — Win a FREE eBook!
8. Gabbi Grey: I have an addiction… (Contest–2 Winners!) — Two winners will receive a FREE audiobook!
9. Saturday Puzzle-Contest: AI Software & Spaceship in Candy Land — Win an Amazon gift card!

I could use a little nudging to get stuff done, y’all. I’m enjoying the sun and the pool a little too much. I have work to do. ~DD

Report Card

Last week…

1. I didn’t accomplish much of anything. I had the entire week, without any editing gigs going on, and I did zero writing.
2. I did read through what I have of Ignition, the last of the Delta Fire stories, to refamiliarize myself with the story and come up with ideas about how to finish it. (BTW, I still don’t know how I’m going to finish it. 🙁 )
3. I swam every day the weather cooperated. The pool is now a lovely 85 degrees. I’m not gasping when I sink beneath the surface. I’m getting my exercise in!
4. Healthwise, I got a blood draw at the hospital in preparation for next Monday’s immunotherapy appointment. My cancer antigen test continues to show improvement. At my worst, the CA-125 level was at 1100. Last Thursday’s test was a lovely, normal 15.
5. The #the100dayproject challenge ended for everyone else. I honestly thought about ending my participation, too, but I only have 20 pieces to go, so yesterday, I restarted, and this is what I painted. (I love using the real coffee, watercolor paint…the colors, the scent…)

This next week…

1. I’ll restart work on Ignition—writing new words. Lord, I hope this is the last time I will say that.
2. I’ll continue painting to complete #the100dayproject.
3. I’ll hopefully have time to take pictures and reopen my Etsy shop for the summer to sell some of the bookmarks and small paintings I’ve been making!

Open Contests

Be sure to check out these posts and enter to win the prizes that are still up for grabs:

1. Gabbi Grey: When Life Delivers Lemons… (Contest) — This is the last day to enter! Win TWO BOXED SETS of stories!
2. Clear My Bookshelf Giveaway! — This one ends soon! Win a SIGNED BOOK!
3. Gabbi Grey: Five Years! (Contest, plus F*R*E*E Read) — This one ends soon! Win a FREE book, and get your FREE read!
4. Saturday Puzzle-Contest: Lost in Space — This one ends soon! Win an Amazon gift card!
5. May Into June (Contest) — Win an Amazon gift card!
6. Anna Taylor Sweringen/Michal Scott: Mary Annette Anderson Smith – First African American Woman in Phi Beta Kappa (Contest) — Win an Amazon gift card!
7. Celebrate Repeat Day! (Contest) — Win an Amazon gift card!
8. Gabbi Grey: The Story that Happened When I Wasn’t Looking (Contest) — Win an Amazon gift card!
9. It’s Drive-in Movie Day! (Contest) — Win an Amazon gift card!
10. Saturday Puzzle Contest — Morning Cup of Joe — Win an Amazon gift card!

UPDATE: The winner is…Jackie Wisherd!
*~*~*

May

1. I completed 4 editing projects for other authors in May!
2. I found new artwork for a previously published anthology of erotic short stories, Ultra Strokes, Vol. 1. I recovered it and reuploaded it.
3. I compiled my second volume of erotic short stories, Ultra Strokes, Vol. 2, and published it! It’s my first release of the year! Progress, finally!

Health-related:

1. I finally went to the optometrist since I’m far enough away from chemotherapy that I don’t think my eyesight is going to further degrade any time soon. I have new glasses, and the screen is no longer blurry!
2. I fought a second UTI and have completed another round of antibiotics. I feel great!

Happiness-related: 

1. I continued my participation in #the100dayproject. Here are a few small pieces I completed:

June

For work-related, I plan:

1. To finish writing Ignition! No excuses! This will complete the Delta Fire series, my erotic firefighter stories. The pre-order will be set up this week, and the book will be out by the end of the month!
2. To begin work on Built Like Mack, the next story in my We are Dead Horse series.
3. To await the arrival of two editing projects around mid-month. Not having any at the moment is fine with me. Again, I have nothing to get in the way of my writing mojo, other than me.

For health-related, I plan:

1. To continue to focus on recovery! Rest when I need to, and some light exercise—housework and swimming.
2. To endure another immunotherapy session this month (I tolerate it so much better than chemo!) and a wellness checkup with my general practitioner.

For happiness-related, I plan: 

1. To spend time with the family during this summer break. We have plans for fun meals, movies, flea market shopping, and lots and lots of swimming.
2. To complete #the100dayproject and create more art.

Contest

Comment on anything you’ve read in this post. Tell me what you’re doing to make yourself happier and healthier, or tell me what you plan to read in June…

Like I said, comment on anything for a chance to win a $5 Amazon gift card!

Report Card

Last week…

1. I completed one author’s edits. I’m currently working on another’s.
2. The weather cooperated so that I got to swim four days this past week. We had a thunderstorm yesterday that knocked out our power for hours. 🙁
3. I’ve continued painting and trying to catch up with #the100dayproject challenge. This was my favorite piece for the week because the paint was made with actual coffee and smells like it!
4. Healthwise, I battled another UTI. I’m currently on antibiotics. It’s always something. Gah!

This next week…

1. I will complete one author’s edits and then I have no more on the near horizon, so it’s time to get writing!
2. I’ll begin assembling my next Ultra compilation for publication.
3. I’ll restart work on Ignition—writing new words. I’m ready to get back on that treadmill. And yeah, I know I said this last week.
4. I’ll continue trying to catch up with #the100dayproject schedule.
5. I’ll hopefully have time to open my Etsy shop for the summer to sell some of the bookmarks and small paintings I’ve been making!

Open Contests

Be sure to check out these posts and enter to win the prizes that are still up for grabs:

1. 1. Gabbi Grey: Challenge Accepted (Contest) — Last day to enter! Win an Amazon gift card!
   2. Flashback: Big Sky SEAL (Contest–2 Winners!) — Last day to enter! Win a FREE book!
   3. Memory Game: Wildlife Where I Live (Contest) — This one ends soon! Win an Amazon gift card!
   4. Saturday Puzzle-Contest: Mad about goats! — This one ends soon! Win an Amazon gift card!
   5. Clear My Bookshelf Giveaway (Contest) — This one ends soon! Win a SIGNED book, plus a hand-painted bookmark!
   6. Cameron Allie: Love Spells, Full Moons, and Silver Bullets (F*R*E*E Read, Excerpt, & Contest) — Get your FREE read, plus a sticker bundle!
   7. Word Search: Let’s Celebrate Buy a Musical Instrument Day! (Contest) — Win an Amazon gift card!
   8. Saturday Puzzle-Contest: Surprise Blooms! — Win an Amazon gift card!