Playing with her grandbaby.  Lots of people told Terry how special grandchildren are, but she couldn't imagine what that meant until she was blessed with one of her own.  Now she's enjoying lots of that special stuff—and she got permission to sneak some of the best moments into Maybe, Baby, her latest book in the Bright Lights, Big Sky series.

Planning home renovation projects.  Now that Terry's husband has reduced their bathroom to a pile of shredded sheetrock heaped over a scarred subfloor, she's in a big hurry to replace that with new walls, windows, wiring, plumbing, fixtures, tile, and other goodies.  Next on the agenda: adding a new niche to the dining room, including the stained glass window that's waiting in a big box leaning against a dining room wall.

Collecting tunes.  One of Terry's Christmas presents was an iPod, and she's busy compiling a digital music library.  Her tastes are eclectic--everything from Bach to Bartok, from Sinatra to Santana, from motion picture soundtracks to Motown classics.  Latest purchased downloads: Judy Garland's rendition of "But Not for Me" from Girl Crazy and Earth, Wind & Fire's "Boogie Wonderland."

 

 

One of the joys of Terry’s life is her membership in the Wet Noodle Posse. The Posse formed in 2003, when its members finaled in Romance Writers of America’s Golden Heart contest. They didn’t merely keep in touch after their contest experience—they became as close as sisters.

How did they come up with the name? One of the members doubted her writing ability, and the rest of them threatened to get together, hunt her down, and beat her with a wet noodle.

Support and sympathy, shared sorrows and shared successes—the Posse members are always there for each other. Check out their monthly e-zine at wetnoodleposse.com and their latest project, their blog at wetnoodleposse.blogspot.com.

in search of chocolate cake, Atlanta, 2006

 

 

When she's writing, Terry likes to grab some finger food for lunch and then munch at the keyboard.  Here are a couple of her favorite spreads for crackers or toast.

Cheesy Shrimp Spread

one package cream cheese

approximately two cups small, peeled, fresh or canned shrimp

four green onions, cut into thin slices (including most of the dark green stem)

one teaspoon lemon juice

Blend all the ingredients together in a food processor until a coarse spread is formed.  Spread a bit over crackers or toast.

Tapenade

one jar (approximately 60) pitted Kalamata olives, drained
1 2 ounce can anchovy fillets
2 Tablespoons capers
1 Tablespoon lemon juice
2 Tablespoons olive oil

Blend all the ingredients together in a food processor until a coarse paste is formed. Spread a bit over crackers or toast with a little cream cheese.