Welcome Back!

Hello Again,

It has been a couple of YEARS since I updated my blog.

Here is an update.

1.) My computer died a tragic death. 

2.) I couldn't afford another one

3.) I have two other jobs on top of Barnes & Noble that keep me hopping.

4.) I forgot about my own blog

5.) I am still reading.

Let's start with my job situation. 

I am definitely still a barista at Barnes & Noble. I still love it. It's crazy to think that I have been there for 4 years and am about to start my 5th. I am still in love with my co-workers and I definitely still love my books. 

But now I am also employed at my local community college in the Test Center. Basically, I hand out tests to the students and proctor exams. 

My third job is ... I am Editor-In-Chief at Line By Lion Publications. We are a small-press publishing company and we specialize in creating a quality book with the author at the center.

Remember how I always said that if it was possible, I would drop everything to join the Renaissance Faire? Well that is how I met my amazing boss, Amanda. Naturally, where does my eye land at any Renaissance Faire? The books. I was wandering around Blackrock Medieval Fest by myself (no one was able to go with me that day) and I meandered into this tent. I couldn't believe how amazing the company sounded. There's a broad selection of all types of genres from children's books to graphic novels to cyberpunk fiction. I had casually brought up about how I was looking for a job in the publishing field as an editor and she immediately started telling me about the opportunity available to do just that. Then I said that I really wanted to work at the Ren Faire and she asked me to come back the next weekend to WORK for her. It was amazing.

Naturally, I am already rambling. 

This photo was from my first weekend working with her. As you can see, my little friend on my shoulder is my faithful companion, Mystery the Dragon. Although, I advise extreme caution before going out and hatching a dragon. They're notorious for sneezing sparks and they are complete bed-hogs.
Anyway, I look forward to sharing my adventures as an Editor with you all. 

Next, I want to share with you all that I am severely sorry for forgetting about this blog. Time ran away from me. I never replaced a computer which only exacerbated that problem and now here we are, a couple of years later and a grotesquely overdue posting. 

I am here before you on my knees (figuratively) and begging for your forgiveness. 

*stands back up* 

So ... do you want to know what I've been reading? If I gave you a list from the past two years, we'd never leave this place, so let's just stick with what I am currently trapped in. 

Yes, indeed! I am finally on George R.R. Martin's fifth book in the Song Of Ice and Fire series. Will I be around for book six? No one knows. ;) I'm pretty sure that George is going to outlive us all and no one will have any idea what we were all excited about by the time that Winds of Winter is released. 

I love how he writes. He has so many characters and yet he makes it so easy to keep track of all of them. It's fascinating. Danaerys has made some momentous changes in her life since she began her story with Khal Drogo in book one. Tyrion is as feisty and clever as ever. Cersei ... well, I still kinda can't stand her, but I've also come to sympathize with her too. Then of course Jon Snow is always worth reading because life on the Wall with Ghost can't be an easy life

(Before anyone starts cringing and thinking I don't know what happens ... I have seen the show and I don't completely live in a cave. I know what happened. I am in DENIAL. But I know what happened)

Now the next book that I have been reading is in the Young Adult genre. I ... THINK ... it's supposed to be a romance, but as of yet, I don't see it. 

So far, from what I have seen, Kestrel is the daughter of a wealthy and very successful General. She's been raised to join the military herself. But she ... is only so-so at combat and much more impressive when playing at the piano. One day while she is out with a friend, she sees a slave up for auction. Something about him catches her attention and she bids and wins. The man's name is Arin. But there's something about him that Kestrel doesn't know about yet. And it could affect her entire life if he succeeds. 

I just don't see the chemistry between them. It seems like they play a board game in the evenings and then she ignores him during the day. I guess I have to give this more of a chance though. After all, this is only book one in a trilogy. 

All right, that's all for now. 

Let me get back into the swing of things. I haven't written in a long time. Give me a break. 

Be Open, Be Loving, Be Yourself

Taryn