i'm bulletproof

At least, that's what I'm trying to convince myself. Pursuant with my previous entry, I am still working through the commitments piled high on my plate. I do need to get those things taken care of before I can really refocus on the things that are important to me. But I'm making steady progress. I'm hoping to have enough wrapped up by January that I can really start getting back to my arts. And don't worry, I won't be doing any freelance during the week between Christmas and New Year's. That week is for sleeping, for watching movies with my partner-in-crime, for writing and making music and baking and going on walks and writing more. Not for working.
Books:
35) Days of Blood & Starlight by Laini Taylor. Just . . . wow. Really. Laini consistently blows me away with the depth her characters show, with her stunning use of language, with her creativity. This is just as good as Daughter of Smoke & Bone. And these two books have put Laini on my top-five list of authors. They're just brilliant, both of them.
36) Nowhere Girl by A. J. Paquette. This was a great little read about an American girl born in a Thai prison, and what happens after her mother passes away. I know that sounds depressing, but the story is actually quite uplifting. It's fascinating to watch Luchi interact with the world on her own for the first time, without the safety of the prison to return to. She's a strong, curious girl and this is worth a read to see what happens.
37) Black Swan Rising by Lee Carroll. I also enjoyed this one quite a bit. It's an urban fantasy in a market full of urban fantasies, true, but this one has some great qualities that set it apart from the crowd. While there are vampires and fey folk, the approach to them is a little different than the norm, and there are some other great fantastical elements mixed in. I believed Garet every step of the way, from disbelief to unsurety to reluctant belief. This book is set in New York City, which also makes for a lot of fun. I haven't been to all of the locations used in the book, but some of them, yes. I'll definite be getting a copy of the sequel to this one.
That's really about all I've got right now. I've been burning the candle at both ends a bit, so I've been struggling to remember any dreams. This weekend is going to be a busy one, but after that life will slow down substantially. Next time I'll talk about my writing projects, and maybe even give you a sneak peek or two. Blessed Be!