Friday Summer Blend: IWSG, NetFlix, & Fred

It's July everyone!  Can't believe how much 2015 has disappeared.  TGIF, though.  Since I've missed too many Fridays this year, I decided to do a quick Friday post featuring a few topics such as, IWSG, NetFlix, & last but not least....Fred.

Insecure Writers Support Group

Although I missed Insecure Writers Support Group this month, I wanted to post a brief comment on my insecurity status. It's been a few months since I posted with IWSG and there are no excuses other than work and taking care of my family. That said, my biggest insecurity surrounds my inability to manage my time better. This month, I've managed to get back on track though. I'm back into writing and of course editing. I found this clever image online on precisely how I feel about editing. Other than that, I'm still plugging along.

What about you? What type of insecurities do you have plaguing you this month?  

So true!

What's Hot on Netflix - Sense8

From IMDB, the Netflix original series Sense8 is about "a group of people around the world are suddenly linked mentally, and must find a way to survive being hunted by those who see them as a threat to the world's order."

After binge-watching this series, I have to say this brief description above doesn't do the show justice. In the Sense 8 world, there are a group of individuals who are connected mentally and have the ability to communicate with each other despite being located in various countries all over the world. It's amazing how these eight individuals can get into trouble and what's cool is these eight can physically support each other when dire circumstances arise. Have a problem with a drug dealer or gangster? No problem. When you're a part of the Sense 8, just call upon the group's ninja master to step into your body and kick some ass. Yeah, it has some intense action like that, and it's endless in this series. If you get a chance, don't hesitate to watch it!

On a side note, this series has graphic nudity and content and is definitely a Rated R series.  Not for the kiddos, folks.

Fridays with Fred - Birthday Boy

Last weekend Fred turned 16.  I thought it was 17, but then double-checked and realized, he's only 16.  And for those that don't know, he's an Independence baby too since his birthday is on July 4th.  Last weekend, Fred, my loyal friend, celebrated another year of greatness.  He's getting up there and at times moves slow.  Other times, he's limber and still likes to jump and frolic with his two-year old friend, Spike.  Some days he can hang, others not so much.  Anyway, it's been too long since I posted about Fred.  For those interested, he's still kicking!  Happy Birthday, Fred!

Stay tuned on Monday when I post about a review on another book I read from fellow author friend, Marcy Hatch and her latest novel, West of Paradise.

Hope you all have a great weekend.  See you next week!

Mina Burrows

Friday the 13th Mixup: Campers Not Wanted & Fred

A person can discover a lot things about themselves when they go camping.  Before I began my adventure, I researched, pinned and planned like you wouldn't believe for my family's camping trip.  My goal was to create a wonderful experience with my family.  My husband was on vacation, the kids were on break, I slowed down work for a few days...you get my point.  The idea of jumping into pseudo-survivor mode really had me excited for this excursion.

Well I found out something new about myself.  I'm not a fan of camping. In fact, if the apocalypse heads my way, I probably would be one of the first to go.  The realization is a bit depressing, but that's the truth.

Take away the heat, the noseeums and mosquitoes, my kids whining and Fred almost having a heart attack, it wasn't all that bad.  And yet, it wasn't all that great either.

I never once complained though.  When you're a mom, you often try to please everybody else that I find it's never a good thing to start complaining.  Once you do, then it's like the little ones follow your lead and everything goes down hill.  Camping takes so much work it's mind boggling.  In the end, we left early because the truth is we suck.  Fred wasn't doing so well and the other dog we have, Spike, became ill at the boarders.  All and all it wasn't the best trip, but we did try.

Yum!

When did I realize that camping wasn't for me?  When we left and I ended up asking my husband to stop a restaurant so I could have a rum runner.  Yeah, just 40 minutes of drinking a rum runner and enjoying a mahi mahi sandwich did it for me.

Anyway, I thought I'd share some images of Fred during our trip.  He seldom poses for me anymore.  In fact, he hides.  Bless him he's getting old.  Still, my husband captured these wonderful images of him.

That's it!  Happy Friday the 13th!  And a special Happy Father's Day to all the Dads out there.

Mina Burrows

Friday's Brew

It's Friday.  Whoop Whoop!  I have a few things for my Friday Brew including Katniss Everdeen, an Epic Giveaway and Fred is back too.  Wahoo! #TGIF

Bring on the Fire

To kick start everything, did you know Catching Fire is out on DVD today?  Well it's marketed practically everywhere including that rock we writers sometimes live under.  If you're a loser like me and didn't get a chance to see this in the movie theaters, now's the time to watch in the lap of luxury in your own living room.  Wahoo!  That's my kind of movie-watching.  

On a side note, I can't begin to express how much I loved this series.  When reading Catching Fire, I still can remember how chilling it was for Katniss when President Snow visited her in her own home.  It's such a killer series.  I'm glad the movies are up to par, but seriously folks, if you ever need an escape, Suzanne Collins will take you there with The Hunger Games.

Epic 2000 Followers Giveaway!

Alex J. Cavanaugh's blog is nearing 2000 GFC followers and to celebrate, he's hosting a giveaway! 

He's only a few short of reaching his goal so let's help him, minions!  See the details here.  First place prize includes one copy of the any book in the Cassa sci-fi series, $10 iTunes card, and one book donated to the library (middle school, high school, public) of your choice.  Grand prize – Signed copy of all three books, $10 iTunes card, t-shirt of your choice from Neat-O-Rama, designed by Retro Jeremy Hawkins, and three books donated to the library of your choice.   Those are some wicked prizes, huh?

Fred Snoozing

I mentioned before how Fred is getting older and naps rather frequently.  This is a shot of him in his new bed, where he spends about half of his day sleeping away.  There was a time when I would never be able to sneak up and capture a shot like this.  Those days are over.  He doesn't even move.

Have a wonderful Friday and enjoy your weekend!

Mina B.