The weather says a storm is coming in. So while I'm battening down the hatches, I thought I'd share a little Christmas warmth. : )
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Friday, December 07, 2007
Winter's Daughter is NOW AVAILABLE!
To say that I'm excited...would be a HUGE understatment. I am stupidly thrilled that WD is now available that I'm almost beyond words. (Note the 'almost') And now for some review quotes...
"This is an incredibly engrossing tale and I did not put it down for more than five minutes once I started it." The Romance Studio, 4.5 hearts
"The first Coven tale is an exciting paranormal thriller with whodunit and romantic elements to enhance the tense drama." Harriet Klausner
"Murder, mayhem and magic will send chills down your spine in this haunting first in The Coven series." RT Magazine, 4 stars
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
Sunday, December 02, 2007
Friday, November 30, 2007
The Junk Drawer...
Yes, I realize it's Foto Friday and I normally put up something pretty, thought provoking or fun - but this week I thought I'd just put up something that provokes me.
This is a photo of what I call my cord drawer. This is the top drawer of my filing cabinet that sits next to my desk. Now, I'd love to keep handy things in there like office supplies, files, paper for the printer...
BUT NO....
Every other week the cords take over. I swear, I clean this drawer at least twice a month and the moment I'm not looking, gremlins get in there, tangle up the cords to ensure I can't find anything. I gave up keeping much of anything in that drawer because it just gets caught in the cords, flipped out of the drawer and onto the floor.
Do you think it's a conspiracy? Are the cords trying to form a union and take control of my filing cabinet?
Cheeky monkeys. Today I'm armed with zip ties and labels, we'll see who wins this battle!
Monday, November 26, 2007
Manly Monday
Romance is all about the fantasy. 
We, as women, do harass men from time to time about objectifying us as sexual objects. If you watch television ads, what does a blonde in a bikini have to do with selling wine? Is the implication that if you buy said wine, you get a free blonde with purchase?
Now let's be honest ladies - do we not objectify men through romance novels? Tell the truth now. ;)
Of course, IMO, its difficult to find a man who doesn't enjoy being thought of as a sexual toy. Let's face it, they're all about the fantasy, too.
This is Jason Chambers, a mixed martial arts fighter and co-host of Human Weapon on the History Channel. I picked this photo because I thought he was hot, like the pose, and the tattoo screams Bad Boy. In all honesty, my favorite photo of him was in a suit but I didn't select it as I didn't feel it properly illustrated my point.
Fantasy is a beautiful thing.
Saturday, November 17, 2007
A Musical Commentary
Recently I discovered that my cable service has The Best channel EVAH! It is VH1 Classic. They play tons of videos that were big when I was a teen and completely addicted to MTV. This morning I spent several hours chuckling over the polyester stretch pants and way big hair.
Ah, fond memories.
While enjoying this blast from my past, I came up with a few comments that I'd like to share.
Van Halen - the moment David Lee Roth left they blew chunks.
Ann and Nancy Wilson from Heart have two of the most beautiful voices in music
The Police - after they broke up Sting had a few moments of brilliance then lost his mind and musical way
Eddie Van Halen wasn't nearly as hot as I remembered.
Warrant was one of the worst hair hands there was.
Michael Jackson was stupidly talented
U2 rocked both then and now!
Eric Clapton is one of the best guitar players in the history of recorded music
AC/DC was the BOMB both with and without Bon Scott
Metallica turned the Heavy Metal world on its ear when they made their arrival
Steven Tyler of Aerosmith is still incredibly HOT!
Why the Pet Shop Boys did a song called 'West End Girls' when it was pretty obvious they had little to no interest in women is beyond me...
Twisted Sister was one ugly band
Iron Maiden - how did they play music with all that hair?
Poison - no thanks - did nothing for me both then and now
REM was THE BAND then they went commercial in the nineties
I just loved Pop Up Video - it was fab.
Monday, November 12, 2007
Where does the time go??
I could've sworn I posted a blog last week. Normally I try to post two or three. Somehow, in the depths of my scary brain, I managed to miss almost two weeks of potential blog-time. How does that happen??
I was going through some old photos and thought I'd post something pretty. The fall colors around here have been bad thanks to the drought. I took this photo seven years ago and I think it's pretty.
I absolutely love the scent of drying leaves. Reminds me of pumpkin pies, hot chocolate and the scent of snow.Wednesday, October 31, 2007
13 things I can't live without
 |
1. Chocolate - no explanation necessary Links to other Thursday Thirteens! 1. (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!) |
The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!
View More Thursday Thirteen Participants
Happy Halloween!
It's that time again...when the little ghosties and goblins scamper about. You never know, someone who has passed on might be sending you a message - be open to it.
Namaste
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Have we gone too far?
This morning on local talk radio, the topic was Halloween festivities for children. I live in Central Ohio, north of the Bible Belt, in a position I refer to as the Bible Garter Belt. (its above the actual position of the panties (the bible belt) so hence the name.)
Yes, I know I'm not funny - its one of many crosses I have to bear in life. :)
Locally there has been a movement to eradicate Halloween from the schools. Instead of having a costume party, schools are now having a 'fall festival'. One lady called in and said that her children's school had declared halloween themed plates and napkins as verboten. (Hey, what did Caspar the ghost do to these people?) She laughed and said that she liked to throw them a curve by slipping a few of the contraband plates in the mix of autumn themed plates.
Good woman - a little civil disobedience is good for the soul.
Of course next year I expect them to frisk the plates before allowing them into the classroom. If I had children I'd do the same thing but I'd volunteer to help hostess the party then show up dressed as Glenda, the good witch. I'm devious like that. :)
First off, WTF? I agree, heartily agree, in a parents right to choose for their children. Children should not be allowed to play with loaded guns, drink liquor, or run the streets at midnight. Yeah, I get that - but Halloween? Candy? Costumes?
Secondly, as a tree hugging pagan, I can state with some authority that if one was to celebrate a Fall festival - that should be done on September 21st - the Autumnal Solstice or the beginning of fall.
What has happened to imagination in this country? When did fantasy become a bad thing?
Yes, I understand there are some who don't want their child exposed to the 'dark side' they imagine Halloween to be - but that's a lie. Samhain, for us pagans, signals the end of harvest. The Celts (not the basketball team) divided the year into two halves, the light and the dark. It signals the beginning of the dark half of the year - the time in which nothing grows and the earth lays fallow, gathering nourishment for the coming growing season. Some even believe it is the time in which the dead come to visit the living.
I don't know about anyone else but if you watch TAPS or MOST HAUNTED then you know ghosts are around all the time, not just one day of the year.
I guess for me, the bottom line is that I feel there is no darkness in the holiday. If you want to talk about darkness, read up on the origins of Passover - that day is much bloodier than Halloween.
I and millions of others grew up with Halloween parties, going trick or treating and all the crazy fun that makes up the holiday. Guess what, I'm not a serial killer and it didn't warp me in any lasting way. (At least not that the courts could prove) So let the kids have their fun and liberate the candy!!!
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Monday, October 22, 2007
Men never change...
Every morning I hit the local rec center to use to use the pool. That early in the morning, the only other people there is a group of retired swimmers. Seeing that I'm the youngest person there, they constantly call me The Kid.
In this group there are several married couples and I swear, these men still haven't grown up. they splash the pretty girls, play around and giggle like four year olds. They are great fun and when I spend time with them, it always starts my day with a smile.
I think men are genetically predisposed to being perpetual four year olds - or maybe they regress to that stage when they hit retirement. Whatever it is, I hope I have that much energy when I'm their age. :)
Sunday, October 21, 2007
No Kids Allowed!
From the time I was very young I knew I didn't want to have kids. I'm not saying I don't like children, I do - they're great on toast. (just kidding) I simply don't want to raise one. I can remember my mother laughing at me and saying, "you'll change your mind."
Uh, no, I won't and haven't.
I'm 42 and completely happy with my decision to remain single and child-less. I didn't have a normal childhood - my father was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis before I was born and when I turned 14 he broke his hip and that was that. He remained in a bed for 17 years until the day he died. I spent most of my child and young adult-hood taking care of my parents and guess what - I don't want to take care of anyone else. :)
It's always funny to me how society believes that those of us who choose to not have kids are unfulfilled in our lives. While it is more acceptable now, I still see it when I meet someone new and they question almost always comes up.
Do you have children?
No, I have dogs instead. :)
The double whammy comes in when they learn I'm not married. That's when the look turns pitying and they try to determine what is defective about me that no man would want to marry me or breed with me.
Whatever!
Society still harbors the mistaken impression that a woman cannot possibly be fulfilled if we don't have a man in our bed and children underfoot. And to add to that antiquated picture, we now have to have full time, high-powered careers and drive a Lexus. Of course personal trainers, manicures and charity work - let's not forget that part.
It's crap and I personally blame that stupid television show, The Housewives of Orange County, for keeping those myths alive. What a bunch of empty-headed, boob obsessed women! The end all be all of life isn't a perfect waistline of being seen in the 'right' car LADIES.
Sorry, had a moment.
Anyway - I laugh when people jump to their own conclusions about how I live my life. I'm fine with not having kids, between my sisters and my best friend I have about 10 children of various ages in my life. I love them, I play with them and I hand them back when I'm done. It's a perfect system.
As for marriage - its very rare that I feel lonely. I've had some amazing men in my life and I know that if I had married my soulmate then I wouldn't be a writer. (there's always a price to be paid for everything isn't there?) Am I willing to give up writing to have a man in my life?
Uh, no.
Maybe someday I will settle down (kids are still out of the question), but not anytime soon. I'm having way too much fun. :)
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
So tell me...
is it a bad thing when you go to get a cloth duster out of the box and the box is So Dusty that you have to dust it first?
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Sunday, October 14, 2007
My latest obsessions
I've always had the attention span of a gnat. I don't even consider myself the MTV generation - a generation of people who have been tested and determined to have shorter attention spans than average thanks for four minute videos - I'm just interested in everything and I'm easily distracted by shiny objects.
Some of my latest obsessions are:
America's Next Top Model - I've always loved this show. Early in my working career I was a stylist and I actually dressed people for a living. I love the clothes, the makeup - the process I guess.
Project Runway - Same as above. I love this show so much that I've actually purchased a new sewing machine and I plan on designing my own clothing for conferences. So watch out! Who knows what I will end up wearing.
Hershey's Dark Chocolate - Hey, it's chocolate - need I say more? I have finally made the switch from milk to dark, but it took a while. Now I truly enjoy the bite of dark chocolate.
Reading - some of you will laugh. I haven't had time to read the past few years and its really been breaking my heart. There are SO many good books out there and I just couldn't get into them or find the time to devote to reading. Now I actually make time to read and I've fallen in love all over again.
Eating Well - Yes, I am now obsessed with eating well. Scary isn't it? I've lost 22 pounds since early September and for the first time ever, I'm obsessed but in a good way. Before I'd beat myself up over eating a mouthful of anything 'bad'. Now, I realize there isn't any food that is bad, its all about how you look at it. I no longer live to eat, I eat to live. Will I keep this up? I hope so as I'm feeling better than I have in years.
So what's your latest obsession?
Friday, October 12, 2007
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Thirteen Things You Probably Didn't Know About Overweight People
| THURSDAY THIRTEEN! |
1. Pssst, we know we're fat, quite assuming we want to order diet soda with our lunches. 2. We love bright colors, will the designers please quit using the most offensive prints they can find in our clothing? Here's a hint, there's a reason why skinny people don't want to wear the elephant/tropical/giant flowered/geometric print mumu/shirt/pants/skirt that you've created. It's UGLY. 3. There is no need to stare at us, there's more than enough to go around. :) 4. Big people need love, too. 5. Just because we are overweight, that doesn't mean we live like bears in caves. We have homes, lives, careers, kids, siblings, spouses - just like normal people. 6. We like food just like everyone else, the only difference is we don't throw it up afterwards. 7. Food Addiction is just as deadly and difficult to kick as alcoholism, drug addiction, nicotine addiction. 8. Life is too short for bad food. 9. Just because we are large doesn't mean we're to be religated to the fat best friend, sympathetic mom-figure, the eternal bridesmaid or any of that crap. We're hot, sexy and ready to GO! 10. Big can be BEAUTIFUL. 11. Close the magazines and turn off the television - you're life will be much happier if you do. 12. Big people have caught on that Cosmo, Elle and other glossy magazines are not the end-all be-all of fashion. 13. Want to know what is sexy? Confidence! Links to other Thursday Thirteens! |
The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!
View More Thursday Thirteen Participants
Sunday, October 07, 2007
Banned Books Week
Banned Books Week is almost over, have you read your banned book yet? :)
What strikes me as odd about BBW is those who are banning the books are usually places reserved for education. Schools, libraries etc. Seeing that these institutions are funded, at least in part, by our government who should be supporting the freedom of speech - isn't it hypocritical to allow those same instutions to ban books?
In my opinion, any institution who receives tax money as part of their funding, should not have the right to ban a book. Now having said that, I'm not saying that third graders should be reading one of my books - no how no way! It should be up to the parents to determine what is appropriate reading material for their children, not a school or library.
I think what really bothers me is, when does this end?
John Lennon's song IMAGINE could be offensive to some though there are no curse words to be found. Just the line:
"Imagine there's no Heaven,"
would be enough to spin a few conservative heads off their shoulders. Where is the line drawn between inappropriate material for children and inappropriate ideas. Trust me, if we allow these institutions to 'ban' books, it's only a matter of time before one of them tries to ban a book based on the concept, not the content.
That is REALLY scary if you ask me.
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