Let’s Talk About Things That Matter

Which is to say, let’s talk about things that matter to me, because really, that’s what matters. (Don’t look at me, you’re the one putting up with this.)

mikeroweWORKS

This? This is exactly what’s important. This is Serious Business — we have a dysfunctional relationship with “work”, and that’s gotta change. Look, let me derail you: I’m not having kids. There’s a lot of reasons why, but among them is the very real fear that by the time my kids are old enough to step out into the world, there’s going to be jack all for them. We’re in serious trouble, here. In the words of Eddie Izzard, “Infrastructure’s fucked.”

But you know what’s awesome? What’s awesome is that it doesn’t have to be that way. I remember a time when our working class were actually hard workers. When we thought being a skilled laborer—a welder, a plumber, a bleeding electronics repairman!—was pretty darn respectable. (Like how I’ll swear at random and then say things like darn? Just imagine it in a twangy Southern slant, it helps.)

What’s even more awesome is the fact the the mancandy has decided he’s done with retail jobs and intends to go back to school to pick up some certificates and/or an Applied Sciences degree in one of these kickass fields. Welding, maybe, since he can then use that to work on Steampunk ideas. Of which he has many.

That man is amazing.

Oh, and so is Mike Rowe.

Dancing Queen

I’m pretty sure I have no rhythm. I mean, sure, I know how to walk in high heels and I can fake a dance with a little bit of liquor and a good crowd, but I can’t dance worth crap. I admit this. But it doesn’t stop me.

My secret dream is to actually do a fusion style of belly dance that is as much theater as it is dance. I love the evocative storytelling-through-dance stuff, and I really like mixing up belly dance with art like the clip above. I doubt I’ll ever get this good — see that whole lack of rhtyhm thing — but I figure, hey, a girl can dream.

There’s a lady here locally who’s been teaching belly dance for years. I’ve flitted in and out of her class like, as she puts it, a specter, and I keep going back. This time, I found out that I get a discount at the gym where she teaches because of my current side job. I am so there.

What are they going to do? Laugh? Well, okay. If you must. (p.s. Any local dreamers/dancers want to go with me?)

You Love Me!

Well, according to the reviews, you actually love Before the Witches. Do you see this face? Does it look like complaining face?

Skippy. It is, in fact, the opposite of a complaining face. I’m completely humbled by all the people who have written me to say they loved it. You make me blushy! And squee’y! And filled with glee!

So, to everyone who purchased my novella, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. For those of you who haven’t jumped on the end of the world bandwagon, check it out! For $1.99, you can’t really go wrong. Dear Author says so.

Don’t Forget the Good Stuff!

And it’s all good stuff over at Casa Karina. Most notably, don’t forget I’ve got two rockin’ things happening on Tuesday, May 31st. The first is the release of Blood of the Wicked, which is going to happen, well… nationally. You know. Like it does.

The second is my release party! If you’re local and happen to have the evening free, come on by and say hi! I’ll be at Skylark’s Hidden Cafe from 7 ’til they close, so swing on by with intents to eat, drink, or get your copy signed. I won’t have any to give away there, but I’ll happily sign anything you want! (Except, you know, wangs. I kind of draw the line at signing wangs. “But Karina,” you say, “why on earth would you say this?” … Because someone’s asked. I’m just sayin’. Better to be up front. Besides, I write really big…)

Happiness for Der Wendigfamily

And because I can’t get over how freaking fabulous this is, here’s a shout out to Chuck and Michelle Wendig, who just recently welcomed Benjamin aka B-Dub to the hizzouse.

Congratulations, you wonderful, miraculous, crazy-ass lunatics, you!

(And while you’re at it, delicious readers, saunter on over and download your copy of Confessions of a Freelance Penmonkey. I even said something awesome about it! Because it’s true.)