Thirteen Things...

Since my post here is always on the 13th of the month, I've decided it might be fun to try doing lists of thirteen things... We'll see how well that works, but this month, it's

Thirteen things that make me smile this September

#13: cooler evenings

#12: fresh apples and pears at the farmer's market

#11: The new fall TV line up--especially new episodes of Dr. Who!

#10: This amazing artwork done by John R. White, featuring George from the Gaslight Chronicles. Look for magnets, bookmarks, and maybe even a facebook page of his own.

 #9: Working on a new book with the fabulous Lacey Thorn!

#8: Having a new book coming out next month from Carina Press. More info here.

#7: Sending a new proposal off to my agent and finishing up Cards and Caravans (out next spring) and getting edits done on time.

#6. My critique group and getting to interact with any of my writer friends--people who understand my brand of crazy. (Two of my fabulous critique partners: Anny Cook doing a roaring 20s look and Sarah Zettel as the winter half of Mother Nature.)

#5: A new steampunk gathering I found locally: Up in the Aether, a monthly party at the Phoenix Cafe in Hazel Park. More chances to dress up in cool outfits and hang out with other nerds. YAY!

#4: my two idiot dogs: they keep me company while I write, cuddle me when I'm sad, and entertain me when I'm bored.

#3: knowing both of my sons have jobs they don't hate AND are going to college. One turns 20 this fall and the other 21. They've both had their ups and downs, but I'm proud of both of them, and still enjoy hanging out with them. (yeah, this shot is a few years old.) 

#2: my dad's 88th birthday (that's him last summer with his friend.) He's still in great shape and a big part of my life on a day-to-day basis.

#1: Renaissance Festival weekends with my husband. (and sometimes the kids and our friends!)

 This year we splurged on season passes, so there's been lots of dressing up. Unfortunately I suck at taking pictures, so this one was from a few years back. I love the music, the costumes, and yeah, ;-) the shopping. Mostly I love getting to spend quality time with my favorite geek.

So what makes you smile?