The National Pork Board wishes to thank you for your attendance. Oh, and BTW, you'll get an even bigger laugh from a certain piece of spam that arrived in my inbox this week - Bebo can verify its validity. Guess which one??
Notice of approval Thu, 29 June 2006, 03:38:46 -0600 (I always like to have the date and time I’ve been approved.)
Prepare yourself for this (Okay, now what?)
This is what I heard (And what grapevine have you been sitting near?)
Spermamax can get pregnant even a man (I wasn’t prepared for this. Have you called the Science Magazines or The National Enquirer)
Amnesty Jimmy Carter required (Oh now, leave him alone. He’ll build you a house)
We are pure light beings (Yeah, and I’m Mother Theresa)
Walrus (Is that the way pure light beings behave?)
Your neighbors lost their alarm clock (My suspect list would include a pregnant man and pure light beings)
Life without the alarm clock (I have an alarm clock. Talk to the neighbors)
Your money, morning coat (Thank you smoking jacket)
What are your plans for the 19th? (Why? Is that when we nab Jimmy Carter?)
Speak leave author want (Okay)
Quitter (Hey, you were the one that told me to speak and then leave!)
Still unable to contact (That’s because I left)
To grow thinner diminish dinner (Wow, what genius thought of that?)
Illicit schemes documented (Are you going to tell me that Jimmy Carter has been taking the alarm clocks?)
How can one explain? (It’s usually best to start at the beginning. It was a dark and stormy night …)
Your primary submission incoherent (I’m incoherent?)
We can actually help (With what? Finding the alarm clock, Jimmy Carter or helping me become coherent?)
Friday giveaway: Just tell me which book you want and I’ll draw names on Sunday night.
Shalvis:
Hero for Hire
Blue Flame
White Heat
Roughing it With Ryan (Temptation)
The Rancher’s Surrender (Intimate Moments)
For the love of Nick (Temptation)
The Detectives Undoing (Intimate Moments)
Come Fly with Me
Chance Encounter (Temptation)
The Bachelors Bed (Tempation)
Men of Courage II (w/ Lori Foster and Donna Kauffman)
Crusie:
Charlie All Night
Crazy for You
Strange Bedpersons (Temptation)
Manhunting (Temptation)
Anthologies:
Perfect for the Beach by Janelle Denison, Ericn McCarthy, MaryJanice Davidson, Kayla Perrin and Morgan Leigh
Man of My Dreams by Sherrilyn Kenyon, Maggie Shayne, Suzanne Forster and Virginia Kantra
Bad Boys in Black Tie by Lori Foster, Erin McCarthy and Morgan Leigh
Bad Boys Over Easy by Erin McCarthy, Jen Nicholas and Jordan Summers
Bad Boys on Board by Lori Foster, Donna Kauffman and Nancy Warren
Bad Boys to Go by Lori Foster, Janelle Denison and Nancy Warren
Fantasy/Paranormal:
Sword of Darkness by Kinley MacGregor
The Bitten by L.A. Banks
Bitten & Smitten by Michelle Rowen
Broken by Kelley Armstrong
Mortal Danger by Eileen Wilks
Contemporary:
The Model Man by Genie Davis (last time in giveaway)
Good Girls Don’t by Kelley St. John (last time in giveaway)
She Drives Me Crazy by Leslie Kelly
Romantic Suspense:
Code of Honor by Catherine Mann
Lie by Moonlight by Amanda Quick
Double Play by Penelope Neri (last time in giveaway)
Unspoken Fear by Hunter Morgan
Sleeping with the Agent by Gennita Low
Eye of the Storm by Dee Davis
Friday, June 30, 2006
Thursday, June 29, 2006
Happy Birthday Loreth
Happy Birthday Loreth. Hope you have a wonderful day.
Not a lot to blog about. Mom's still not feeling too great, so my time at the computer is limited. Plus I'm exhausted. I now have a new admiration for single parents with a sick child. At least when I was a nanny I could hand the kid off to the parents at the end of the day and go home.
Anyway, nothing much to blog on except that Scott and Stacy have some exciting news. I'm going to let them tell you.
Don't forget you can still get a chance at Jo Leigh's book Closer ... at Joely's blog. Contest ends Friday. Oh, yeah, just thought I'd show you how Seamas (aka Bubba) likes to help with the laundry. Only problem is, that's the clean stuff.
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
IBC
I received this information from my cousin Christine. I felt it was something that needed to be shared with you. You can find more information here.
The Silent Killer: Inflammatory Breast Cancer
May 7, 2006 By Michelle Esteban
SEATTLE - Breast cancer is something women think they know all about: Look for lumps; have mammograms; see our doctors.
But none of that will save you from one silent breast cancer killer that women know virtually nothing about.
It's called "inflammatory breast cancer," and it's something every woman must know about.
Nancy Key didn't know.
"I was furious and at the same time, terrified that I was going to die, 'cause I didn't know," she said.
What Marilyn Willingham didn't know, killed her.
"She smiled and took a breath and went to sleep," says Phil Willingham, Marilyn's husband.
And Kristine Turck didn't know.
"It's gonna be a tough fight," says Kristine.
They didn't know there was more than one kind of breast cancer.
They didn't know they could get breast cancer without a lump.
They didn't know a mammogram would not detect this kind of breast cancer.
They didn't know Inflammatory Breast Cancer - or IBC - is the most aggressive form of breast cancer.
They didn't know, until they got it.
Almost Never A Tell-Tale Lump
"How can I have something when I go to the doctor every year, I do self breast exams every month and what is this? Why am I surprised?" asks Nancy.
We've all been taught the same thing when it comes to breast cancer -- we look for a lump. But when it comes to IBC, forget that! You won't find a lump.
"Inflammatory breast cancer almost always presents itself without a lump," says Breast Cancer Specialist Dr. Julie Gralow.
Inflammatory breast cancer appears in sheets of cancer, or what doctors call cancer nests. The cancer clogs breast tissue vessels.
"If I had heard of it prior, I probably would have been more suspect that something was wrong rather than just young and dumb," says Kristine Turck.
Kristine was just 37 when she was diagnosed with IBC, three years away from the recommended age to start mammograms.
Patti Bradfield can never forget the day her daughter Kristine told her.
"I have the kind that I'm gonna die," says Patti Bradfield.
Patti had never heard of IBC either.
"Ignorance is causing death," says Bradfield.
Getting The Word Out
Patti is determined to warn every woman she meets.
"Have you heard of inflammatory breast cancer?" Bradfield asks a woman walking by on a Kirkland street corner. "I'm not trying to sell anything. My daughter has stage 4 and I'm just trying to alert women." She stopped 46 people on that corner, and 42 never heard of IBC.
"Oh my God, I never even heard of it, thank you for the information," says a young mother.
"The interesting thing is most women have never heard about IBC and most physicians heard about it in med school but never have seen a case," says Dr. Gralow.
Nancy and Marilyn's doctors told them they had bug bites on their breasts and prescribed antibiotics. By the time Marilyn was diagnosed, she was stage 4 and the cancer was everywhere. "I never dealt with stages of cancer, I didn't know there wasn't a stage 5," says a dumfounded Bradfield.
Know The Symptoms
Andi was just 16 when she died from IBC. She was too embarrassed to tell her mother her breast looked funny. It was slightly enlarged and her nipple was inverted -classic IBC symptoms.
Other symptoms include: rapid increase in breast size, redness, skin hot to the touch, persistent itching, an orange peel texture to the breast and thickening of breast tissue.
"It's important to understand your breast, no one knows your breasts better than you," advices Dr. Gralow.
"It doesn't happen very often so there isn't as much awareness about it," says Lynn Hagerman, Executive Director of the Susan G. Komen Foundation's Puget Sound Affiliate. IBC accounts for about 6% of all invasive breast cancer cases.
Lynn Hagerman runs the local chapter of the Susan G. Komen Foundation. With their pink ribbons and messaging heard nationwide, they are the undisputed leader in breast cancer awareness.
In 20 years the foundation's work has helped boost survival rates from 75% to 95%.
"One in 8 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime," says Hagerman.
Hard To Find IBC Information
She admits with all the emphasis on a lump, inflammatory breast cancer patients may not get enough warning. In fact, it's hard to find information on IBC even on the Komen Web site.
IBC survivors say that and not being included in awareness campaigns makes them feel left out.
"It's all about them, it's not about the good for everyone else," says Turck.
And, survivors tell KOMO 4 when they were diagnosed, they called Cancer Centers and couldn't get help.
So, we called four cancer help lines in Seattle, and 3 out of 4 didn't know about IBC.
"It stands for Inflammatory Breast Cancer, 3 separate words," I tell one center.
Even when I spelled it out, they still didn't know.
"I just want to be sure, I called the resource desk at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, is that right?" I asked.
When her own helpline didn't know, that shocked Dr. Gralow.
"Wow... which means we have education of our own staff to do," admits Dr. Gralow.
More Money Going To Research
All the cancer centers do a good job creating breast cancer awareness, but more information on IBC will help to ensure that women know what to look for.
Dr. Gralow assured us that the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance is spending research dollars on IBC. Komen says it is too.
Dr. Gralow is also working with the National Cancer Institute and will participate in the " State of Science" conference to be held next April in Bethesda, Maryland. She says IBC is on the agenda.
Since our initial report, the Susan G. Komen Foundation told KOMO 4 News they need to do a better job with IBC awareness and that they're redesigning their Web site and creating a better search engine to make all information, including IBC more accessible.
The best way to detect IBC is to know the warning signs and ask for an MRI or a biopsy for detection.
Mother (as of Tuesday night) is doing much better so we may be able to get back to whatever normal is. But keep those fingers crossed. I know, it's hard to write that way but humor me. *gg*
The two winners of Closer ... are Stacy and CrystalG. Send your snailmail addresses to baileystewart at swbell dot net
If you didn't win and you want the book you still have a chance. Go to Joely's blog. Her contest goes until Friday.
The Silent Killer: Inflammatory Breast Cancer
May 7, 2006 By Michelle Esteban
SEATTLE - Breast cancer is something women think they know all about: Look for lumps; have mammograms; see our doctors.
But none of that will save you from one silent breast cancer killer that women know virtually nothing about.
It's called "inflammatory breast cancer," and it's something every woman must know about.
Nancy Key didn't know.
"I was furious and at the same time, terrified that I was going to die, 'cause I didn't know," she said.
What Marilyn Willingham didn't know, killed her.
"She smiled and took a breath and went to sleep," says Phil Willingham, Marilyn's husband.
And Kristine Turck didn't know.
"It's gonna be a tough fight," says Kristine.
They didn't know there was more than one kind of breast cancer.
They didn't know they could get breast cancer without a lump.
They didn't know a mammogram would not detect this kind of breast cancer.
They didn't know Inflammatory Breast Cancer - or IBC - is the most aggressive form of breast cancer.
They didn't know, until they got it.
Almost Never A Tell-Tale Lump
"How can I have something when I go to the doctor every year, I do self breast exams every month and what is this? Why am I surprised?" asks Nancy.
We've all been taught the same thing when it comes to breast cancer -- we look for a lump. But when it comes to IBC, forget that! You won't find a lump.
"Inflammatory breast cancer almost always presents itself without a lump," says Breast Cancer Specialist Dr. Julie Gralow.
Inflammatory breast cancer appears in sheets of cancer, or what doctors call cancer nests. The cancer clogs breast tissue vessels.
"If I had heard of it prior, I probably would have been more suspect that something was wrong rather than just young and dumb," says Kristine Turck.
Kristine was just 37 when she was diagnosed with IBC, three years away from the recommended age to start mammograms.
Patti Bradfield can never forget the day her daughter Kristine told her.
"I have the kind that I'm gonna die," says Patti Bradfield.
Patti had never heard of IBC either.
"Ignorance is causing death," says Bradfield.
Getting The Word Out
Patti is determined to warn every woman she meets.
"Have you heard of inflammatory breast cancer?" Bradfield asks a woman walking by on a Kirkland street corner. "I'm not trying to sell anything. My daughter has stage 4 and I'm just trying to alert women." She stopped 46 people on that corner, and 42 never heard of IBC.
"Oh my God, I never even heard of it, thank you for the information," says a young mother.
"The interesting thing is most women have never heard about IBC and most physicians heard about it in med school but never have seen a case," says Dr. Gralow.
Nancy and Marilyn's doctors told them they had bug bites on their breasts and prescribed antibiotics. By the time Marilyn was diagnosed, she was stage 4 and the cancer was everywhere. "I never dealt with stages of cancer, I didn't know there wasn't a stage 5," says a dumfounded Bradfield.
Know The Symptoms
Andi was just 16 when she died from IBC. She was too embarrassed to tell her mother her breast looked funny. It was slightly enlarged and her nipple was inverted -classic IBC symptoms.
Other symptoms include: rapid increase in breast size, redness, skin hot to the touch, persistent itching, an orange peel texture to the breast and thickening of breast tissue.
"It's important to understand your breast, no one knows your breasts better than you," advices Dr. Gralow.
"It doesn't happen very often so there isn't as much awareness about it," says Lynn Hagerman, Executive Director of the Susan G. Komen Foundation's Puget Sound Affiliate. IBC accounts for about 6% of all invasive breast cancer cases.
Lynn Hagerman runs the local chapter of the Susan G. Komen Foundation. With their pink ribbons and messaging heard nationwide, they are the undisputed leader in breast cancer awareness.
In 20 years the foundation's work has helped boost survival rates from 75% to 95%.
"One in 8 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime," says Hagerman.
Hard To Find IBC Information
She admits with all the emphasis on a lump, inflammatory breast cancer patients may not get enough warning. In fact, it's hard to find information on IBC even on the Komen Web site.
IBC survivors say that and not being included in awareness campaigns makes them feel left out.
"It's all about them, it's not about the good for everyone else," says Turck.
And, survivors tell KOMO 4 when they were diagnosed, they called Cancer Centers and couldn't get help.
So, we called four cancer help lines in Seattle, and 3 out of 4 didn't know about IBC.
"It stands for Inflammatory Breast Cancer, 3 separate words," I tell one center.
Even when I spelled it out, they still didn't know.
"I just want to be sure, I called the resource desk at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, is that right?" I asked.
When her own helpline didn't know, that shocked Dr. Gralow.
"Wow... which means we have education of our own staff to do," admits Dr. Gralow.
More Money Going To Research
All the cancer centers do a good job creating breast cancer awareness, but more information on IBC will help to ensure that women know what to look for.
Dr. Gralow assured us that the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance is spending research dollars on IBC. Komen says it is too.
Dr. Gralow is also working with the National Cancer Institute and will participate in the " State of Science" conference to be held next April in Bethesda, Maryland. She says IBC is on the agenda.
Since our initial report, the Susan G. Komen Foundation told KOMO 4 News they need to do a better job with IBC awareness and that they're redesigning their Web site and creating a better search engine to make all information, including IBC more accessible.
The best way to detect IBC is to know the warning signs and ask for an MRI or a biopsy for detection.
Mother (as of Tuesday night) is doing much better so we may be able to get back to whatever normal is. But keep those fingers crossed. I know, it's hard to write that way but humor me. *gg*
The two winners of Closer ... are Stacy and CrystalG. Send your snailmail addresses to baileystewart at swbell dot net
If you didn't win and you want the book you still have a chance. Go to Joely's blog. Her contest goes until Friday.
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Perks of Being Over 45
Can't seem to get anything done with mom still sick, so will leave you with blogger filler. Don't forget you can still enter for the drawing for Closer ... you have until 9:00 p.m. central Tuesday night.
Perks of Being Over 45
1. Kidnappers are not very interested in you.
2. In a hostage situation you are likely to be released first.
3. No one expects you to run--anywhere.
4. People call at 9 pm and ask, " Did I wake you ???? "
5. People no longer view you as a hypochondriac.
6. There is nothing left to learn the hard way.
7. Things you buy now won't wear out.
8. You can eat dinner at 4 pm.
9. You can live without sex but not your glasses.
10. You get into heated arguments about pension plans.
11. You no longer think of speed limits as a challenge.
12. You quit trying to hold your stomach in no matter who walks into the
room.
13. You sing along with elevator music.
14. Your eyes won't get much worse.
15. Your investment in health insurance is finally beginning to pay
off.
16. Your joints are more accurate meteorologists than the national
weather service.
17. Your secrets are safe with your friends because they can't remember
them either.
18. Your supply of brain cells is finally down to manageable size.
19. You can't remember who sent you this list... (this one is very true *gg*)
And you notice these are all in Big Print for your convenience.
Perks of Being Over 45
1. Kidnappers are not very interested in you.
2. In a hostage situation you are likely to be released first.
3. No one expects you to run--anywhere.
4. People call at 9 pm and ask, " Did I wake you ???? "
5. People no longer view you as a hypochondriac.
6. There is nothing left to learn the hard way.
7. Things you buy now won't wear out.
8. You can eat dinner at 4 pm.
9. You can live without sex but not your glasses.
10. You get into heated arguments about pension plans.
11. You no longer think of speed limits as a challenge.
12. You quit trying to hold your stomach in no matter who walks into the
room.
13. You sing along with elevator music.
14. Your eyes won't get much worse.
15. Your investment in health insurance is finally beginning to pay
off.
16. Your joints are more accurate meteorologists than the national
weather service.
17. Your secrets are safe with your friends because they can't remember
them either.
18. Your supply of brain cells is finally down to manageable size.
19. You can't remember who sent you this list... (this one is very true *gg*)
And you notice these are all in Big Print for your convenience.
Monday, June 26, 2006
Monday, Monday
First, a couple of announcements:
The winner of a copy of Bound is Kathleen. Second and third place prizes go to Zaza and Kristie (they win book flaps). Congratulations. As soon as I receive the stuff I'll get it off to you. Kathleen and Zaza, please email me your addresses - baileystewart at swbell dot net (I've been told that's the way to give the address without spammers getting it - you know I don't like spam. *gg*)
Also, there's a new review up at Isn't it Romantic. Go take a look. A little bit about that blog. Those who have gone there might notice that comment moderation is enabled. I don't mind negative reviews. If you disagree with me, then tell me. But I've seen a lot of vicious remarks out there about authors that have nothing to do with the book being reviewed. I won't have that on my blog, hence the safety measure.
Today's contest (and last for a bit - well, except for the end of the month book giveaway) - win an autographed copy of Closer ... by Jo Leigh. I've blogged about this book. I've given one copy away already. There's a review at Isn't it Romantic, so there isn't much more to add except that I loved this. Everyone I know who has read it has loved it. You'll love it. This is different than a lot of Blazes I have read and I hope it marks a turning point for the line. Jo Leigh is an exceptional writer, these characters come alive on the page, the story rocks! And you will wait breathless in anticipation for the next installment. Really. Honest. I wouldn't lie to you. So how about it folks. Who wants to win a copy of this book? You know what to do - just tell me in the comments: I want this book. Drawing ends 9:00 p.m. Tuesday June 27.
The winner of a copy of Bound is Kathleen. Second and third place prizes go to Zaza and Kristie (they win book flaps). Congratulations. As soon as I receive the stuff I'll get it off to you. Kathleen and Zaza, please email me your addresses - baileystewart at swbell dot net (I've been told that's the way to give the address without spammers getting it - you know I don't like spam. *gg*)
Also, there's a new review up at Isn't it Romantic. Go take a look. A little bit about that blog. Those who have gone there might notice that comment moderation is enabled. I don't mind negative reviews. If you disagree with me, then tell me. But I've seen a lot of vicious remarks out there about authors that have nothing to do with the book being reviewed. I won't have that on my blog, hence the safety measure.
Today's contest (and last for a bit - well, except for the end of the month book giveaway) - win an autographed copy of Closer ... by Jo Leigh. I've blogged about this book. I've given one copy away already. There's a review at Isn't it Romantic, so there isn't much more to add except that I loved this. Everyone I know who has read it has loved it. You'll love it. This is different than a lot of Blazes I have read and I hope it marks a turning point for the line. Jo Leigh is an exceptional writer, these characters come alive on the page, the story rocks! And you will wait breathless in anticipation for the next installment. Really. Honest. I wouldn't lie to you. So how about it folks. Who wants to win a copy of this book? You know what to do - just tell me in the comments: I want this book. Drawing ends 9:00 p.m. Tuesday June 27.
Sunday, June 25, 2006
It's Only Aaron Spelling
I was talking to a co-worker Saturday about the passing of Aaron Spelling when a customer (long-time and friendly) interjected "But it's only Aaron Spelling". I know what she was saying. It's not like a president, Nobel Peace Prize Winner, a relative, etc. He was just a man that I didn't know. I explained to her that it wasn't the fact that Aaron Spelling had died that bothered me. It was that a part of my young adulthood had passed. Aaron was responsible for my step into that phase of being a young woman. Before, my crushes had been boys such as Donny Osmond, Bobby Sherman and David Cassidy (the latter two not actually boys but boyish in character). Then came S.W.A.T. Mark Shera and Robert Urich, A.K.A. Dom DeLuca and Jim Street. Oh, I had a crush on Daniel Boone, but that was in re-runs later. No, Dom and Jim were my first "man" crushes, and it represented a transition in my life. I was no longer a little girl but a young lady coming to terms with changes and the feelings they engendered. Of course this coincided with the beginning of my Harlequin stage too, but Mark and Robert became my heroes, the ones that I had read about in those books. And it was Aaron Spelling who brought them to me. Did I cry upon learning of his death? No. But I mourn his passing, if not the man, then the symbol.
But I did cry when Andy Gibb died in 1980. So young and tragic. It was the first time that someone I had had a crush on died. His passing represented, in a way, the death of the idea of immortality. The one we as teenagers carry with us like a shield. We're young, we're vibrant, we can never die. I was 19 and long past my Andy Gibb phase and yet I wept for that loss.
And I cried in 2002 upon learning of the death of Robert Urich. As I said, he was one of my first "loves", and it seemed as if he had been there my entire adult life. It didn't matter that I no longer lusted after him because I had moved on to someone named Clooney by then, it was that he was always there. Dependable Robert Urich, good for a smile and an "ah yes, I remember" sigh.
Which brings us back to Aaron Spelling. The men he brought in to my life: Fess Parker, Robert Urich, Mark Shera, Adrian Zmed, John James, Michael Ontkean, Paul Michael Glaser, Dirk Benedict (remember Chopper One), Michael Cole, Dack Rambo, and Ted McGinley. You can almost say that Mr. Spelling was my heart-throb pimp. What would my young dreams and fantasies have been without him.
What celebrity death impacted you? And why?
And a Happy Belated Birthday to Shirley. I'm such a mess. I'm sorry I forgot that Saturday was your day. I hope you had a great birthday.
But I did cry when Andy Gibb died in 1980. So young and tragic. It was the first time that someone I had had a crush on died. His passing represented, in a way, the death of the idea of immortality. The one we as teenagers carry with us like a shield. We're young, we're vibrant, we can never die. I was 19 and long past my Andy Gibb phase and yet I wept for that loss.
And I cried in 2002 upon learning of the death of Robert Urich. As I said, he was one of my first "loves", and it seemed as if he had been there my entire adult life. It didn't matter that I no longer lusted after him because I had moved on to someone named Clooney by then, it was that he was always there. Dependable Robert Urich, good for a smile and an "ah yes, I remember" sigh.
Which brings us back to Aaron Spelling. The men he brought in to my life: Fess Parker, Robert Urich, Mark Shera, Adrian Zmed, John James, Michael Ontkean, Paul Michael Glaser, Dirk Benedict (remember Chopper One), Michael Cole, Dack Rambo, and Ted McGinley. You can almost say that Mr. Spelling was my heart-throb pimp. What would my young dreams and fantasies have been without him.
What celebrity death impacted you? And why?
And a Happy Belated Birthday to Shirley. I'm such a mess. I'm sorry I forgot that Saturday was your day. I hope you had a great birthday.
Saturday, June 24, 2006
Saturday in the Park
I think it was the Fourth of Julyyyyyy. Well almost. So I was trying to think of a title, knew it was Saturday's post and that song just popped in. Soooorrrrryyyyy. (not really *gg*)
Before we're reduced to just plain silliness, let's give a shout out to Stacy who sold two books! Yay!!!!
And don't forget there's a giveaway on for Sasha White's new book Bound. Look at Thursday's blog for an excerpt. You have until Sunday night 9:00 p.m. central. Also, Lis is giving away a copy of Jo Leigh's book Closer ... that give-away ends Sunday night too.
I've had songs stuck in my head for the last couple of days. It began Thursday with The Partridge Family's I think I Love You. I could only get so far in the song before the loop would begin again. I kind of blame Scott for it, since someone mentioned it on his blog. Thank you Scott. I finally got rid of it, only to have it replaced by The Monkees theme. No one to blame there, just the way the ol' noggin' bounces. Woke up just fine on Friday (woke up this mornin' feelin' fine, ??? somethin' special on my mind - sorry, I'll try to control myself) only to go to Jill's and read that the kids were out for summer. Cue Alice Cooper, whose charcoal rimmed eyes haunted me for most of the morning. Thankyouverymuch ol' pal ol' pal of mine. Exorcised Mr. Cooper by lunch time. Ahh, pleasant silence (Hello darkness my old friend, I've come to talk to you again ... - STOP THAT!) Anyhoo, then came nap time. That blissful part of the day when I can lose myself in sleep for a few hours. I cuddled into my pillow, my mind slowly letting go of the days problems, when, out of the blue (cue Theme from Jaws) Gotta Dance ... Gotta Dance (You know, that song from Singing in the Rain?). On to gonna wash that man right out of my hair ... I got rhythm, I got music ... I hear music and there's no one there ... It's a whole Broadway extravaganza! And let us not forget ... There's no business like show business, like no business I know. Great ghost of Ethel Merman. It wouldn't stop. I expected Harvey Fierstein to show up dressed like the mother in Hairspray. I needed to go to sleep - I needed to re-energize, I needed ... Come on along and listen to, the lullaby of Broadway. The hip hooray and ballyhoo, the lullaby of Broadway. You know, the workings of my mind is a scary place at times. I finally fell asleep. Did the music go away when I woke up? Not quite. It's there (Here, there and everywhere), lurking at the corners of mind (Like the circles that you find In the windmills of your mind), just waiting for its chance to break out again (I write the songs that make the whole world sing). I think it's time for me to go to bed now. Don't you? Who knows what's waiting there for me. I'm just hoping I can get those eyes closed before it hits (Though the world is fast asleep, Though your pillow's soft and deep. You're not sleepy as you seem. Stay awake, don't nod and dream. Stay awake, don't nod and dream).
And before I forget - Aaron Spelling has passed away. Now this may not seem like much to some of you, but for those of us from the 60s. 70s and 80s - well, there was always a Spelling program we loved, be it Daniel Boone, Honey West, The Mod Squad, T.J. Hooker, Dynasty, Hart to Hart, Charlie's Angels, Fantasy Island, S.W.A.T., The Rookies, Starsky and Hutch, Family, Vega$ ... and even in to the 90s with Beverly Hills 90210, 7th Heaven and Charmed. He was a force to be reckoned with.
Good Night Aaron ... and just for you:
Love, exciting and new
Come Aboard. We're expecting you.
Love, life's sweetest reward.
Let it flow, it floats back to you.
Love Boat soon will be making another run
The Love Boat promises something for everyone
Set a course for adventure,
Your mind on a new romance.
Love won't hurt anymore
It's an open smile on a friendly shore.
Yes LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE! It's LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE! (hey-ah!)
Before we're reduced to just plain silliness, let's give a shout out to Stacy who sold two books! Yay!!!!
And don't forget there's a giveaway on for Sasha White's new book Bound. Look at Thursday's blog for an excerpt. You have until Sunday night 9:00 p.m. central. Also, Lis is giving away a copy of Jo Leigh's book Closer ... that give-away ends Sunday night too.
I've had songs stuck in my head for the last couple of days. It began Thursday with The Partridge Family's I think I Love You. I could only get so far in the song before the loop would begin again. I kind of blame Scott for it, since someone mentioned it on his blog. Thank you Scott. I finally got rid of it, only to have it replaced by The Monkees theme. No one to blame there, just the way the ol' noggin' bounces. Woke up just fine on Friday (woke up this mornin' feelin' fine, ??? somethin' special on my mind - sorry, I'll try to control myself) only to go to Jill's and read that the kids were out for summer. Cue Alice Cooper, whose charcoal rimmed eyes haunted me for most of the morning. Thankyouverymuch ol' pal ol' pal of mine. Exorcised Mr. Cooper by lunch time. Ahh, pleasant silence (Hello darkness my old friend, I've come to talk to you again ... - STOP THAT!) Anyhoo, then came nap time. That blissful part of the day when I can lose myself in sleep for a few hours. I cuddled into my pillow, my mind slowly letting go of the days problems, when, out of the blue (cue Theme from Jaws) Gotta Dance ... Gotta Dance (You know, that song from Singing in the Rain?). On to gonna wash that man right out of my hair ... I got rhythm, I got music ... I hear music and there's no one there ... It's a whole Broadway extravaganza! And let us not forget ... There's no business like show business, like no business I know. Great ghost of Ethel Merman. It wouldn't stop. I expected Harvey Fierstein to show up dressed like the mother in Hairspray. I needed to go to sleep - I needed to re-energize, I needed ... Come on along and listen to, the lullaby of Broadway. The hip hooray and ballyhoo, the lullaby of Broadway. You know, the workings of my mind is a scary place at times. I finally fell asleep. Did the music go away when I woke up? Not quite. It's there (Here, there and everywhere), lurking at the corners of mind (Like the circles that you find In the windmills of your mind), just waiting for its chance to break out again (I write the songs that make the whole world sing). I think it's time for me to go to bed now. Don't you? Who knows what's waiting there for me. I'm just hoping I can get those eyes closed before it hits (Though the world is fast asleep, Though your pillow's soft and deep. You're not sleepy as you seem. Stay awake, don't nod and dream. Stay awake, don't nod and dream).
And before I forget - Aaron Spelling has passed away. Now this may not seem like much to some of you, but for those of us from the 60s. 70s and 80s - well, there was always a Spelling program we loved, be it Daniel Boone, Honey West, The Mod Squad, T.J. Hooker, Dynasty, Hart to Hart, Charlie's Angels, Fantasy Island, S.W.A.T., The Rookies, Starsky and Hutch, Family, Vega$ ... and even in to the 90s with Beverly Hills 90210, 7th Heaven and Charmed. He was a force to be reckoned with.
Good Night Aaron ... and just for you:
Love, exciting and new
Come Aboard. We're expecting you.
Love, life's sweetest reward.
Let it flow, it floats back to you.
Love Boat soon will be making another run
The Love Boat promises something for everyone
Set a course for adventure,
Your mind on a new romance.
Love won't hurt anymore
It's an open smile on a friendly shore.
Yes LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE! It's LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE! (hey-ah!)
Friday, June 23, 2006
Spam-Jamboree
Let's take a little look in the bulk file. Hmmm ...
Browse local singles for free (won’t that bother them?)
First time Aimee (Nope, she’s been here a couple of times.)
To achieve something in your life, you need to have a child. If you have any pro … (How about my cousin? She’s had about 10 kids. I’d consider her a pro)
Your neighbors lost their alarm clock (Same song, different verse. Tie a string on it next time.)
We can actually help (go ahead. I don’t think it’ll do any good)
All her plans will be disconcerted when she sees your new dick (She’ll be disconcerted?)
Morning (Good morning to you too.)
I’m very upset about last Sunday (Well don’t blame me. I was right here all the time)
Can’t believe it (Honest. I didn’t leave the house once. Can’t vouch for the neighbors though)
Sociopath (Excuse me? I am not being anti-social. Why would I want to hang around with someone who can’t even keep track of their alarm clock?)
Planning folding (Now that’s where I’ve gone wrong. I never plan to fold.
No wonder my clothes are always wrinkled)
Got a second? (Not right now. I’m too busy planning to fold.)
Fun, winter-starved (If you knew me, you’d know I have no fun when I’m Winter-starved)
Finally, I think I found it. (Shhhh, don’t tell the neighbors. They’ll just lose it again)
I wish you could have found it before (Don’t worry. There’ll be another chance. They lose the damn thing every week.)
Your Neighborhood house value is falling (People are afraid for their alarm clocks. What’s the world coming too?)
Our Viagra soft tabs can make your dirtiest dreams come true (Can they produce Hugh Jackman?)
When my girlfriend broke up with me I had a goal to prove to her that she’s ... (One smart cookie)
Wanna win a copy of Bound by Sasha White? You know what to do, just tell me in your comment and you're entered. Drawing Sunday night, 9:00 central. There will also be a couple of second place winners (book flaps) and bunches of other things.
Oh, and Lis is giving away Jo Leigh's Closer ... with the drawing Sunday night. And don't forget to come back Monday for your chance to win this book too.
Browse local singles for free (won’t that bother them?)
First time Aimee (Nope, she’s been here a couple of times.)
To achieve something in your life, you need to have a child. If you have any pro … (How about my cousin? She’s had about 10 kids. I’d consider her a pro)
Your neighbors lost their alarm clock (Same song, different verse. Tie a string on it next time.)
We can actually help (go ahead. I don’t think it’ll do any good)
All her plans will be disconcerted when she sees your new dick (She’ll be disconcerted?)
Morning (Good morning to you too.)
I’m very upset about last Sunday (Well don’t blame me. I was right here all the time)
Can’t believe it (Honest. I didn’t leave the house once. Can’t vouch for the neighbors though)
Sociopath (Excuse me? I am not being anti-social. Why would I want to hang around with someone who can’t even keep track of their alarm clock?)
Planning folding (Now that’s where I’ve gone wrong. I never plan to fold.
No wonder my clothes are always wrinkled)
Got a second? (Not right now. I’m too busy planning to fold.)
Fun, winter-starved (If you knew me, you’d know I have no fun when I’m Winter-starved)
Finally, I think I found it. (Shhhh, don’t tell the neighbors. They’ll just lose it again)
I wish you could have found it before (Don’t worry. There’ll be another chance. They lose the damn thing every week.)
Your Neighborhood house value is falling (People are afraid for their alarm clocks. What’s the world coming too?)
Our Viagra soft tabs can make your dirtiest dreams come true (Can they produce Hugh Jackman?)
When my girlfriend broke up with me I had a goal to prove to her that she’s ... (One smart cookie)
Wanna win a copy of Bound by Sasha White? You know what to do, just tell me in your comment and you're entered. Drawing Sunday night, 9:00 central. There will also be a couple of second place winners (book flaps) and bunches of other things.
Oh, and Lis is giving away Jo Leigh's Closer ... with the drawing Sunday night. And don't forget to come back Monday for your chance to win this book too.
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Bound ... and a giveaway (must by 18 years or older)
What the hell had I done?
I ran naked, still dripping from the shower, through my tiny apartment. Picking up strewn clothes and notebooks along the way, I stacked magazines neatly in the corner and stashed my latest erotica novel in the kitchen cupboard. I was getting ready to pull out the vacuum cleaner when I stopped dead in my tracks.
This was crazy! Vacuuming was taking things a bit too far. It wasn’t like Joe cared if I was good housekeeper or not. He was coming over for one reason and one reason only. To finish what I’d started at work earlier that day.
Heat pooled low in my belly and my insides trembled at the enormity of what I’d done. Masturbating for him via the casino’s surveillance system at work had sure started this … thing off with a bang.
Well, actually, the masturbation thing had only been a bang on my part. The thrill of knowing he was watching me, and his heavy breathing into the phone while I played with myself had set me off good.
His bang had come a short time later when we met in the surveillance room. And it wasn’t enough for either of us. It was like my first taste of chocolate, I wanted more. Then Joe had told me to go home and get cleaned up, to “be ready” for him in an hour. My heart had pounded and my just “seconds” ago satisfied body had tightened in anticipation.
Now I was running around like a crazy person.
I looked around the room then down at my naked body. Rigid nipples poked out, and I could feel the constant dampness of my excitement leaking onto my thighs. He said be ready. What was ready?
My body couldn’t be any more ready. My mind, well, it was functioning on autopilot, if at all, and my apartment looked like a twentysix year old single girl lived there.
Clothes might be good.
Dashing to my bedroom, I glanced at the clock as I headed for the closet. Five o’clock. His shift was over now, and the casino was about ten minutes away, so I had at least that much time to get ready. What sort of clothes did one put on when you knew they were going to come off right away?
Scanning my closet I found no sexy peignoirs or silk robes. Not a big surprise there. Spotting a stretchy knit top, I snatched it off the hanger and pulled it on without a bra. My breasts were small enough that a bra would be prudent, but not necessary. For private company that I really wanted to look sexy for, the bra wasn’t needed. After stepping into some bikini underpants, I added a pair of baggy cotton drawstring trousers.
The look was summer, lightweight, and casual. Now all I had to do was achieve that attitude.
Sucking in a deep breath I strolled into the bathroom and looked into the mirror. Big brown eyes stared back at me, looking a little glassy.
“Breathe, Katie, breathe,” I muttered to my reflection.
I grabbed the blow dryer, did some quick work on my hair, and finished just as the buzzer signaling Joe’s arrival sounded. A final glance in the mirror by the door showed me to be a casual looking all American girl with long blond hair and big Bambi eyes. I wondered if anyone looking at me would be able to tell that I was so aroused I could barely think straight.
The door to the apartment swung open slowly and I stood there, unsure of what to say or do as six feet plus of solid muscle walked inside like he owned the place. Thick black hair that was a touch unruly made my fingers itch to touch his wavy locks, but those distant ice blue eyes seemed to suggest that wouldn’t be a smart move. Right now those eyes were guarded, but hot, as they ran over my still form.
Joe Carson.
The man I’d been fantasizing about ever since I first saw him two months earlier when he’d hired on at the casino I work in. At twenty-six years old I’m no virgin, but I can honestly say I’ve never had much luck in the sex department either. None of the guys I’d ever been with were anything to brag about. Until today, I’d never had a male induced orgasm. When I needed to get off, I relied on myself.
Then Joe showed up.
There will be a giveaway tomorrow for a chance to win a copy of Bound by Sasha White. I think I've said it before that she's one of my favorite erotica authors. She's providing a few other things for y'all too - a couple of book flaps, postcards, nameplates, etc.
Today's funny post follows this one.
Medicine
In honor of one of our favorite pieces of spam (Thanks Christa):
In Pharmacology, all drugs have two names, a trade name and generic name. For example, the trade name of Tylenol also has a generic name of Acetaminophen. Aleve is also called Naproxen. Amoxil is also called Amoxicillin and Advil is also called Ibuprofen.
The FDA has been looking for a generic name for Viagra. After careful consideration by a team of government experts, it recently announced that it has settled on the generic name of Mycoxafloppin. Also considered were Mycoxafailin, Mydixadrupin, Mydixarizin, Dixafix, and of course, Ibepokin.
Pfizer Corp. announced today that Viagra will soon be available in liquid form, and will be marketed by Pepsi Cola as a power beverage suitable for use as a mixer. It will now be possible for a man to literally pour himself a stiff one. Obviously we can no longer call this a soft drink, and it gives new meaning to the names of "cocktails", "highballs" and just a good old-fashioned "stiff drink". Pepsi will market the new concoction by the name of: MOUNT & DO.
Thought for the day: There is more money being spent on breast implants and Viagra today than on Alzheimer's research. This means that by 2040, there should be a large elderly population with perky boobs and huge erections and absolutely no recollection of what to do with them.
Also, those of you who were interested in Jo Leigh's book Closer ... you have another chance to win. Make sure you come back on Monday to enter a contest where I will be giving away two autographed copies of her book. Thanks Jo!
In Pharmacology, all drugs have two names, a trade name and generic name. For example, the trade name of Tylenol also has a generic name of Acetaminophen. Aleve is also called Naproxen. Amoxil is also called Amoxicillin and Advil is also called Ibuprofen.
The FDA has been looking for a generic name for Viagra. After careful consideration by a team of government experts, it recently announced that it has settled on the generic name of Mycoxafloppin. Also considered were Mycoxafailin, Mydixadrupin, Mydixarizin, Dixafix, and of course, Ibepokin.
Pfizer Corp. announced today that Viagra will soon be available in liquid form, and will be marketed by Pepsi Cola as a power beverage suitable for use as a mixer. It will now be possible for a man to literally pour himself a stiff one. Obviously we can no longer call this a soft drink, and it gives new meaning to the names of "cocktails", "highballs" and just a good old-fashioned "stiff drink". Pepsi will market the new concoction by the name of: MOUNT & DO.
Thought for the day: There is more money being spent on breast implants and Viagra today than on Alzheimer's research. This means that by 2040, there should be a large elderly population with perky boobs and huge erections and absolutely no recollection of what to do with them.
Also, those of you who were interested in Jo Leigh's book Closer ... you have another chance to win. Make sure you come back on Monday to enter a contest where I will be giving away two autographed copies of her book. Thanks Jo!
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
Pen Names
First, I want to thank everyone for their support yesterday, it meant a lot to me. I'm feeling better today - something about writing it down kind of helps.
Also, good news on the missing girl.
I finished me website, or as finished as it's going to be. Go check it out here.
I'm trying to get things settled with the writing, the website, the pen name, etc. It's sort of like setting up my office. It's making it a little more real for me - something that I needed to do. I've also got to get back to the cleaning, now that the sinuses have settled down from all of the dust. It's taking me a while because I'm also weeding out years of my mother's junk, just getting ready. After that - well, there will be no more excuses for not writing, except dealing with mom. And that was the other reason I spilled about what was going on. This is why I'm not entering contests or anything else that requires a deadline. I never know when mom is going to get up five times during the night and leave me feeling dragging and unable to think straight.
Anyway, as I was working on the site, I began to think about pen names. I'm using one because I want to write in different genres. Bailey is my romance persona, E.M. Hanlon is the one that I will use for mysteries. Anyway, do you use a pen name? If so, why? And you non-writers can also answer - if you were a writer, would you use a pen name?
Also, good news on the missing girl.
I finished me website, or as finished as it's going to be. Go check it out here.
I'm trying to get things settled with the writing, the website, the pen name, etc. It's sort of like setting up my office. It's making it a little more real for me - something that I needed to do. I've also got to get back to the cleaning, now that the sinuses have settled down from all of the dust. It's taking me a while because I'm also weeding out years of my mother's junk, just getting ready. After that - well, there will be no more excuses for not writing, except dealing with mom. And that was the other reason I spilled about what was going on. This is why I'm not entering contests or anything else that requires a deadline. I never know when mom is going to get up five times during the night and leave me feeling dragging and unable to think straight.
Anyway, as I was working on the site, I began to think about pen names. I'm using one because I want to write in different genres. Bailey is my romance persona, E.M. Hanlon is the one that I will use for mysteries. Anyway, do you use a pen name? If so, why? And you non-writers can also answer - if you were a writer, would you use a pen name?
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
Alzheimer's Ugly Head
Stage 6:
Severe cognitive decline(Moderately severe or mid-stage Alzheimer's disease)
Memory difficulties continue to worsen, significant personality changes may emerge and affected individuals need extensive help with customary daily activities. At this stage, individuals may:
Lose most awareness of recent experiences and events as well as of their surroundings
Recollect their personal history imperfectly, although they generally recall their own name
Occasionally forget the name of their spouse or primary caregiver but generally can distinguish familiar from unfamiliar faces
Need help getting dressed properly; without supervision, may make such errors as putting pajamas over daytime clothes or shoes on wrong feet
Experience disruption of their normal sleep/waking cycle
Need help with handling details of toileting (flushing toilet, wiping and disposing of tissue properly)
Have increasing episodes of urinary or fecal incontinence
Experience significant personality changes and behavioral symptoms, including suspiciousness and delusions (for example, believing that their caregiver is an impostor); hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not really there); or compulsive, repetitive behaviors such as hand-wringing or tissue shredding
Tend to wander and become lost
Mother has now entered stage 6. I think I should tell you that there are only 7 stages of this disease. I haven't had an uninterrupted night's sleep in over a week. Some nights it's only once, other nights several times. I'll hear her door open and close, or she'll open it and actually come out. Sometimes disoriented, other times crying. That's another reason I've been so tired lately. We (Bebo and I) think we're probably looking at 6 months to a year before nursing home time. We're going to go around and look at places soon and get on some lists. After she goes in to a home, well that's where my life takes a dive. I feel like I'm standing at the edge of a cliff. You see, until this last year, my entire life has revolved around taking care of my mother. I have to admit to being scared of that yawning abyss that awaits me. I have no real "support yourself" skills, my siblings want the money from the sale of the house - so I'll be pretty homeless. I've made them promise to give me a year in the house to get a job and my life together. Thing is, this is my home. We moved here when I was 8 1/2. My siblings are older - in fact, my sister has probably only lived in this house 1 year; David lived here for 7 1/2 years. I have lived here for 31 years of my life. It's morally more my home than theirs. But the will leaves it to all of us. Anyway, sorry to have dumped all of this, just thought I would let you know where my mind is now.
And if you haven't been here since last week - you need to check out Sunday's post.
Severe cognitive decline(Moderately severe or mid-stage Alzheimer's disease)
Memory difficulties continue to worsen, significant personality changes may emerge and affected individuals need extensive help with customary daily activities. At this stage, individuals may:
Lose most awareness of recent experiences and events as well as of their surroundings
Recollect their personal history imperfectly, although they generally recall their own name
Occasionally forget the name of their spouse or primary caregiver but generally can distinguish familiar from unfamiliar faces
Need help getting dressed properly; without supervision, may make such errors as putting pajamas over daytime clothes or shoes on wrong feet
Experience disruption of their normal sleep/waking cycle
Need help with handling details of toileting (flushing toilet, wiping and disposing of tissue properly)
Have increasing episodes of urinary or fecal incontinence
Experience significant personality changes and behavioral symptoms, including suspiciousness and delusions (for example, believing that their caregiver is an impostor); hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not really there); or compulsive, repetitive behaviors such as hand-wringing or tissue shredding
Tend to wander and become lost
Mother has now entered stage 6. I think I should tell you that there are only 7 stages of this disease. I haven't had an uninterrupted night's sleep in over a week. Some nights it's only once, other nights several times. I'll hear her door open and close, or she'll open it and actually come out. Sometimes disoriented, other times crying. That's another reason I've been so tired lately. We (Bebo and I) think we're probably looking at 6 months to a year before nursing home time. We're going to go around and look at places soon and get on some lists. After she goes in to a home, well that's where my life takes a dive. I feel like I'm standing at the edge of a cliff. You see, until this last year, my entire life has revolved around taking care of my mother. I have to admit to being scared of that yawning abyss that awaits me. I have no real "support yourself" skills, my siblings want the money from the sale of the house - so I'll be pretty homeless. I've made them promise to give me a year in the house to get a job and my life together. Thing is, this is my home. We moved here when I was 8 1/2. My siblings are older - in fact, my sister has probably only lived in this house 1 year; David lived here for 7 1/2 years. I have lived here for 31 years of my life. It's morally more my home than theirs. But the will leaves it to all of us. Anyway, sorry to have dumped all of this, just thought I would let you know where my mind is now.
And if you haven't been here since last week - you need to check out Sunday's post.
Monday, June 19, 2006
Bound
BOUND
release date: June 27, 2006
Bound by fantasy.
Everyone thinks small town Katie Long is the good girl looking for tender romance. All she needs is to find the right man. Katie couldn't agree more.
She too has always fantasized about the "right man." But what she's looking for is one who'll give her exactly what she wants. And everything she needs.
Bound by desire.
Joe Carson is that man. A security guard at a local casino, he's the answer to her sensual prayers. But there's more to Joe than even Katie realizes. And more to their nightgames than just master and slave.
Now Katie wonders just how far she'll go with a man who's more than ready to take her...
Author: Sasha White
Amazon/Borders
Sasha is one of my favorite erotica authors. This is her first ST in print. Make sure to come back on Friday for a chance to win a copy.
I'm either coming down with a summer cold or a bad case of sinusitis, so I'm going to be laying low again.
Make sure you read Sunday's post.
Sunday, June 18, 2006
Change is in the Air
I'm a writer. I know I haven't acted like one lately, but life has kind of stepped on my toes. But the fact is that I am a writer. I have to get serious about that. So the first step is going to be the introduction of Bailey Stewart into my life. I need to let her out, breathe a bit. So you'll notice that name being bandied about, sort of a Cece/Amie thing ('cuz I know that Dennie isn't confused enough). I'll still be Eve on some sites (Jill's for instance - most of them don't come here and would be thoroughly confused), but most of you will be seeing Bailey Stewart in your comment boxes. Get used to it. You can still call me Eve if you want to, but if you have my name in your links, I'd appreciate it if you'd change that to Bailey Stewart. I still don't have the money to join anything yet, nor am I ready for contests (that pesky Alzheimer's issue), but I have to do what I can to make it more real for me, to get me motivated and if that means pulling out the pen name, then so be it. I'm also working on a website. Definitely not finished, but you can look at it if you'd like - it's down there under websites in the links. Oh, and the new picture (well, not new, but more grown-up - I figure if I age myself gradually I'll eventually get to a newer picture). That's me at 21 - when I think I looked my best. Ah, to be young again.
Saturday, June 17, 2006
Church Bulletins
Thanks Lis! Now, straight from email heaven:
From real church bulletins and written announcements:
• Bertha Belch, a missionary, will be speaking tonight at Calvary Memorial Church in Racine. Come tonight to hear Bertha Belch all the way from Africa.
• Miss Charlene Mason sang "I Will Not Pass This Way Again", giving obvious pleasure to the congregation.
• Ladies, remember the rummage sale. It's a chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping around the house. Don't forget your husbands.
• Barbara remains in the hospital needing blood donors for more transfusions. She is also having trouble sleeping and requests tapes of Pastor Smith's sermons.
• A new loudspeaker system has been installed in the church. It was given by a new member in honor of his wife.
• Bring your wife and one other covered dish to the banquet.
• The Ladies Bible Study will be held Thursday morning at 10. Ladies are invited to lunch in the Fellowship Hall after the BS is over.
• The third verse of "Blessed Assurance" will be sung without musical accomplishment.
• Pastor will preach his farewell message, after which the choir will sing, "Break Forth Into Joy".
• Next Sunday Mrs. Vinson will be soloist for the morning service. The pastor will speak on "It's a Terrible Experience."
• Due to the Patstor's illness, Wednesday's healing services will bediscontinued until further notice.
• The eighth-graders will present Shakespeare's "Hamlet" in the church basement on Friday at 7 p.m. The congregation is invited to attend the tragedy.
• The annual song-fest will be hell at the church Wednesday night.
• Youth have saved aluminum cans, bottles, and other items to be recycled. Proceeds will help to cripple children.
• Don't let worry kill you - let the church help.
• Thursday night - Potluck Supper. Prayer and medication to follow.
• Remember in prayer the many who are sick of our church and community.
• For those of you with children that don't know it, we have a nursery downstairs.
• This being Easter Sunday, Mrs. Lewis will come forward and lay an egg on the lectern.
• Next Sunday a special collection will be taken to defray the cost of the new carpet. All those wishing to do something on the new carpet will come forward and get a form.
• Members of the church have cast off clothing of every kind. They can be seen in the church basement Saturday.
• At the evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be "What is hell?" Come early and listen to our choir practice.
From real church bulletins and written announcements:
• Bertha Belch, a missionary, will be speaking tonight at Calvary Memorial Church in Racine. Come tonight to hear Bertha Belch all the way from Africa.
• Miss Charlene Mason sang "I Will Not Pass This Way Again", giving obvious pleasure to the congregation.
• Ladies, remember the rummage sale. It's a chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping around the house. Don't forget your husbands.
• Barbara remains in the hospital needing blood donors for more transfusions. She is also having trouble sleeping and requests tapes of Pastor Smith's sermons.
• A new loudspeaker system has been installed in the church. It was given by a new member in honor of his wife.
• Bring your wife and one other covered dish to the banquet.
• The Ladies Bible Study will be held Thursday morning at 10. Ladies are invited to lunch in the Fellowship Hall after the BS is over.
• The third verse of "Blessed Assurance" will be sung without musical accomplishment.
• Pastor will preach his farewell message, after which the choir will sing, "Break Forth Into Joy".
• Next Sunday Mrs. Vinson will be soloist for the morning service. The pastor will speak on "It's a Terrible Experience."
• Due to the Patstor's illness, Wednesday's healing services will bediscontinued until further notice.
• The eighth-graders will present Shakespeare's "Hamlet" in the church basement on Friday at 7 p.m. The congregation is invited to attend the tragedy.
• The annual song-fest will be hell at the church Wednesday night.
• Youth have saved aluminum cans, bottles, and other items to be recycled. Proceeds will help to cripple children.
• Don't let worry kill you - let the church help.
• Thursday night - Potluck Supper. Prayer and medication to follow.
• Remember in prayer the many who are sick of our church and community.
• For those of you with children that don't know it, we have a nursery downstairs.
• This being Easter Sunday, Mrs. Lewis will come forward and lay an egg on the lectern.
• Next Sunday a special collection will be taken to defray the cost of the new carpet. All those wishing to do something on the new carpet will come forward and get a form.
• Members of the church have cast off clothing of every kind. They can be seen in the church basement Saturday.
• At the evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be "What is hell?" Come early and listen to our choir practice.
Friday, June 16, 2006
All the Spam That's Unfit to Print
Firstly, I very, very Happy Belated Birthday to Susie. One thousand mea culpas amiga. You are a wonderful friend and you deserved better from me. I'll do better next year - I should be able to find my brain by then.
Also, congratulations Toni Anderson, whose current WIP The Blade Runner is now on contract with Triskelion. Way to go pal!
And finally, if you don't hear from me AT ALL in the next few days you'll know that this monitor that I borrowed from Bebo has gone out completely. Right now the screen is almost a bright white - in fact I had to do this posting by going through Toni's site to blogger because my site is so light that I can't read it. I'll have to give in and put myself further in debt on Sunday when I go out and buy a new monitor. There goes any chance of an e-reader this year. I can still read my mail screen so I will be able to read your comments, I just might not be able to respond.
On to Spamarama:
Your cash, not good (You're telling me? That's why I have plastic)
Are you ready? (For what? Wait a minute, this doesn't have anything to do with alarm clocks does it?)
Cartier on Farther's Days? (It will be a much farther day before I can afford Cartier)
Your money, mosquito bar (Or what, roach motel?)
Your neighbors lost their alarm clock (I knew it. I just knew there'd be trouble)
Need a background check? (Why? Just because they can't hold on to their alarm clock doesn't make them criminals. I keep losing my mind and I'm not in jail.)
I've finally got that 650 dollars I owe you (This doesn't have anything to do with Saudi Arabian Princes, does it?)
Your choice (Honey, it's always been my choice)
2 Days left to save big (My cash isn't any good, remember?)
Need cash, round-lipped (Doesn't everybody, square eyes?)
Harass estimated (Oh, there's no estimate needed. Harassment is assured)
re: illegal activities documented (Was this before or after the background check?)
Just save a pot of money (It depends. Are we talking sauce pan or kettle?)
Disturbance 883 (Is that police code for alarm clocks?)
Erection problems can be fixed Ethel (I don't think Ethel's erection problems can be fixed, if you know what I mean)
Interfamily undevoured codrus majo (Of course it's undevoured. I wouldn't eat codrus majo, family present or not)
UPDATE: The daughter of fellow romance writer Marjorie Jones is missing. It is believed that she may be on her way to Texas from Utah. Please go here for more information.
Also, congratulations Toni Anderson, whose current WIP The Blade Runner is now on contract with Triskelion. Way to go pal!
And finally, if you don't hear from me AT ALL in the next few days you'll know that this monitor that I borrowed from Bebo has gone out completely. Right now the screen is almost a bright white - in fact I had to do this posting by going through Toni's site to blogger because my site is so light that I can't read it. I'll have to give in and put myself further in debt on Sunday when I go out and buy a new monitor. There goes any chance of an e-reader this year. I can still read my mail screen so I will be able to read your comments, I just might not be able to respond.
On to Spamarama:
Your cash, not good (You're telling me? That's why I have plastic)
Are you ready? (For what? Wait a minute, this doesn't have anything to do with alarm clocks does it?)
Cartier on Farther's Days? (It will be a much farther day before I can afford Cartier)
Your money, mosquito bar (Or what, roach motel?)
Your neighbors lost their alarm clock (I knew it. I just knew there'd be trouble)
Need a background check? (Why? Just because they can't hold on to their alarm clock doesn't make them criminals. I keep losing my mind and I'm not in jail.)
I've finally got that 650 dollars I owe you (This doesn't have anything to do with Saudi Arabian Princes, does it?)
Your choice (Honey, it's always been my choice)
2 Days left to save big (My cash isn't any good, remember?)
Need cash, round-lipped (Doesn't everybody, square eyes?)
Harass estimated (Oh, there's no estimate needed. Harassment is assured)
re: illegal activities documented (Was this before or after the background check?)
Just save a pot of money (It depends. Are we talking sauce pan or kettle?)
Disturbance 883 (Is that police code for alarm clocks?)
Erection problems can be fixed Ethel (I don't think Ethel's erection problems can be fixed, if you know what I mean)
Interfamily undevoured codrus majo (Of course it's undevoured. I wouldn't eat codrus majo, family present or not)
UPDATE: The daughter of fellow romance writer Marjorie Jones is missing. It is believed that she may be on her way to Texas from Utah. Please go here for more information.
Thursday, June 15, 2006
That Bear Don't Know Jack
I don't know if anyone has blogged about this (since I haven't been anywhere but Jill's - um, once to Donna), but I thought this story was great. Meretta first mentioned it, then I told Loreth, who sent me a picture ... anyway, this is the story of Jack, a clawless orange tabby in New Jersey. Did you know that there are a lot of bears in New Jersey? I didn't. Anyway, when the neighbors first spotted the bear up the tree, they thought that Jack was just looking up at it (see little orange spot at base of tree). The bear was up there for approximately 15 minutes. Then the bear descended and Jack chased it up another tree. It would probably still be there if the owner hadn't called the cat in. They knew that Jack was very territorial, but not to this extreme.
Happy Birthday Melissa I hope you have a great day.
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Real Newspaper Ads
Oh, the picture? That's Bubba the Red-Necked Kitty (A.K.A. Seamas). Bebo was getting ready for work one morning and when she started gathering her stuff to leave - well, there was Bubba smack dab in the middle of her purse. Little Bugger thought he was going to work with her. Know what else this means? I can upload pictures again. Yay!
I didn't get a lot done yesterday. Had to balance checkbooks first and then set to work on the living room and den. But with only three hours of sleep Monday night I wasn't making a lot of progress (you can tell I've worked, but I could have gotten a lot more done. Finally gave in around 1:00 and went to take a nap, only to have my Aunt and Uncle (they were in for a few days from Iowa) show up about 1:45. They didn't leave until around 3:30 - so no nap and I'm tired. Wednesday is work on study day. Keep the fingers crossed that I can devote the entire day to it. Anyway, just to keep you occupied and off the streets, here are some rather insteresting real newspaper ads. My version of Jay Leno's Funny Headlines.
REAL NEWSPAPER ADS
FREE YORKSHIRE TERRIER.
8 years old. Hateful little dog. Bites.
FREE PUPPIES:
1/2 Cocker Spaniel, 1/2 sneaky neighbor's dog.
FREE PUPPIES...
Mother, AKC German Shepherd.
Father, Super Dog...able to leap tall fences in a single bound.
FOUND DIRTY WHITE DOG.
Looks like a rat .... been out a while.
Better be a reward.
COWS, CALVES: NEVER BRED.
Also 1 gay bull for sale.
NORDIC TRACK
$300 Hardly used, call Chubby.
GEORGIA PEACHES
California grown - 89 cents lb.
JOINING NUDIST COLONY!
Must sell washer and dryer $300.
WEDDING DRESS FOR SALE.
WORN ONCE BY MISTAKE.
Call Stephanie.
FOR SALE:
Set of 3 stainless steel bowels. $25.00.
DINNER SPECIAL:
Turkey $2.35; Chicken or Beef $2.25; Children $2.00
FOR SALE:
An antique desk suitable for lady with thick legs and large drawers.
ILLITERATE?
Write today for free help.
TIRED OF CLEANING YOURSELF?
Let me do it.
WANTED:
Man to take care of cow that does not smoke or drink.
STOCK UP AND SAVE:
Limit: One
WANTED:
3-year-old teacher needed for pre-school. Experience preferred.
AND THE BEST ONE:
FOR SALE BY OWNER:
Complete set of Encyclopedia Britannica, 45 volumes.
Excellent condition.
$1,000 or best offer.
No longer needed, got married last month.
Wife knows everything.
And the winner of the copy of Closer ... is - Meretta. Send me your snail mail information. The book should be here in about a week or so.
And if you weren't around Monday or Tuesday (why weren't you?), I'm not here. Not blogging. (well, except Jill's and one dart over to Donna Kauffman's to razz her about basketball) I'm cleaning. Really. Honestly I am. I'll be back Thursday (hopefully) or maybe Friday. But there will be Spamarama. I promise.
Have a good one everybody.
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
The Player
Today I’m going to talk about The Player by Rhonda Nelson. This book is the opposite of Closer … in that it’s not suspenseful. This is also the first in a series and it looks very promising. The premise: When a mission goes bad, three Rangers - James Aidan Flanagan (aka Jamie), Guy McCann and Bryan Payne (aka Payne) want out of the military. Colonel Garrett, their commanding officer, lets them go only after getting a promise from them that they would each grant him one favor – of his choosing and his timetable. First up is Jamie “The Player”, so named because of his prowess with the ladies. Right now, Jamie is going through the women like there’s no tomorrow – his way of dealing with the grief and guilt over the last mission. So what does the Colonel want from him? Only to flirt with his granddaughter Audrey to put doubts in her head about the man she’s thinking of marrying. No touching – she’s totally off limits, and the Colonel has made that perfectly clear.
“Oh, no,” Jamie corrected. “He’s as crafty as ever. He issued a curt guard-her-but-no-funny-business order and promised to – “ ……”Ah, yes, ‘Cut my dick off with a dull axe and force-feed it to me’ if I so much a looked at her with anything more than a friendly interest.”
Audrey (Audie) Kinkaid left the high-stress working world to open a “de-stressing” camp. Past relationships, including one that ended with a restraining order, has made her leery of “needy” men. She’s a bit of an empath and absorbs their bad energy, so she’s looking for a man who doesn’t need anything from her. Hence her hook-up with arrogant, self-absorbed Derrick. This is the only part of the book that I wasn’t pleased with. Audrey is written as an intelligent woman who wouldn’t put up with a lot – so I (and Bebo) didn’t understand how she could stay with this guy for one year. But it wasn’t as much of a problem that it ruined the book for me.
On an Amazon scale – 4 ½ (I know, you can’t do half stars there, but they should). The sexual tension in the book was good, the banter was wonderful – I laughed out-loud in quite a few places. The demons that hounded Jamie were understandable and sympathetic. The secondary character of Tewanda was great – adding to the comedic moments. I also like how Rhonda focused a bit on the other two men, so you get a feel for them before their books come out. I don’t regret paying full price for this, and I do certainly recommend it if you want a fun read.
Okay folks, I’m skipping the blogging for a couple of days (well, except for Jill) as I really have to get to work on this house. Since my best time to work is in the morning (my blogging time) and I still end up sleeping the afternoon away – something has to give. I’ll put up something for Wednesday, but don’t look for me to be around today or tomorrow. I’ll be back on Thursday. I have got to get this study back in shape so that I can commence to writing again.
I don’t have a second copy of this book, so no contest. But you can still enter for a copy of Closer … that contest doesn’t end until Tuesday night, 9:00 central. (I intentionally set it for two days because of the way blogger has been acting.)
“Oh, no,” Jamie corrected. “He’s as crafty as ever. He issued a curt guard-her-but-no-funny-business order and promised to – “ ……”Ah, yes, ‘Cut my dick off with a dull axe and force-feed it to me’ if I so much a looked at her with anything more than a friendly interest.”
Audrey (Audie) Kinkaid left the high-stress working world to open a “de-stressing” camp. Past relationships, including one that ended with a restraining order, has made her leery of “needy” men. She’s a bit of an empath and absorbs their bad energy, so she’s looking for a man who doesn’t need anything from her. Hence her hook-up with arrogant, self-absorbed Derrick. This is the only part of the book that I wasn’t pleased with. Audrey is written as an intelligent woman who wouldn’t put up with a lot – so I (and Bebo) didn’t understand how she could stay with this guy for one year. But it wasn’t as much of a problem that it ruined the book for me.
On an Amazon scale – 4 ½ (I know, you can’t do half stars there, but they should). The sexual tension in the book was good, the banter was wonderful – I laughed out-loud in quite a few places. The demons that hounded Jamie were understandable and sympathetic. The secondary character of Tewanda was great – adding to the comedic moments. I also like how Rhonda focused a bit on the other two men, so you get a feel for them before their books come out. I don’t regret paying full price for this, and I do certainly recommend it if you want a fun read.
Okay folks, I’m skipping the blogging for a couple of days (well, except for Jill) as I really have to get to work on this house. Since my best time to work is in the morning (my blogging time) and I still end up sleeping the afternoon away – something has to give. I’ll put up something for Wednesday, but don’t look for me to be around today or tomorrow. I’ll be back on Thursday. I have got to get this study back in shape so that I can commence to writing again.
I don’t have a second copy of this book, so no contest. But you can still enter for a copy of Closer … that contest doesn’t end until Tuesday night, 9:00 central. (I intentionally set it for two days because of the way blogger has been acting.)
Monday, June 12, 2006
A Review
I have to say, by and large, that I’ve been pretty disappointed in the Blaze line this year. Six books come out each month, that’s 36 books this year so far, and I can count on one hand (maybe) the ones that I’ve actually liked. One, of course, was The Shalvis’ Room Service; I’m not going to mention the other two. But I will tell you, today and tomorrow about the last two that I’ve read. They show promise for the line this month and next. I’m going to review them in alphabetical order, which means that Closer … by Jo Leigh is first.
I’ll start by saying that I loved this book. In fact, I just finished reading it a few minutes ago. It’s a July release and I urge you to go to eharlequin.com and pre-order it now.
This is the first in a series about a group of people who know something they shouldn’t, who are running for their lives while trying to get those lives back. They live “just below the surface” of society, shifting from identity to identity, one step ahead of the enemy. They can only rely on each other, they can’t make friends or fall in love – it isn’t an option. Closer … is the story of Christie Pratchett whose brother Nate had been one of those people and had died because of it. Christie has a stalker who has effectively shut down her life; taken away her job, her friends, and isolating her from everything that she knew. Out of desperation she dialed a number on the back of a picture, a number that her brother had told her to call if she ever needed help. That help turned out to be ex-Delta Force member Boone Ferguson, a friend of her brother’s, who sets out to get Christie back everything that she lost. Boone can’t help but become more involved than he should, to care for Christie far beyond what is required to protect her. And as it becomes more evident that this stalker is more dangerous than imagined, falling in love can become more a liability than blessing, a distraction that could get them both killed.
If I were to put this on an Amazon scale of stars – it would get 5. I loved both Christie and Boone. The chemistry between them is palpable, the tension not only sexual but heightened by the danger surrounding them. The storyline is believable, engrossing and kept me totally absorbed in the story. Once again, I highly recommend this book.
I was also going to post the beautiful cover, but blogger isn't letting me. In fact, I haven't been able to post any pictures since their software problem last week. And if the blogger help page is any indication, I'm not the only one.
Oh, and the winners of Let's Pretend are Dennie and Trace. I need your addresses. I have more new book giveaways coming up.
And what the heck. Whenever an author sends me a copy of their book, I still buy one - so I have a copy of Closer ... on order. If you want it, just tell me and I'll draw a name Tuesday night.
I’ll start by saying that I loved this book. In fact, I just finished reading it a few minutes ago. It’s a July release and I urge you to go to eharlequin.com and pre-order it now.
This is the first in a series about a group of people who know something they shouldn’t, who are running for their lives while trying to get those lives back. They live “just below the surface” of society, shifting from identity to identity, one step ahead of the enemy. They can only rely on each other, they can’t make friends or fall in love – it isn’t an option. Closer … is the story of Christie Pratchett whose brother Nate had been one of those people and had died because of it. Christie has a stalker who has effectively shut down her life; taken away her job, her friends, and isolating her from everything that she knew. Out of desperation she dialed a number on the back of a picture, a number that her brother had told her to call if she ever needed help. That help turned out to be ex-Delta Force member Boone Ferguson, a friend of her brother’s, who sets out to get Christie back everything that she lost. Boone can’t help but become more involved than he should, to care for Christie far beyond what is required to protect her. And as it becomes more evident that this stalker is more dangerous than imagined, falling in love can become more a liability than blessing, a distraction that could get them both killed.
If I were to put this on an Amazon scale of stars – it would get 5. I loved both Christie and Boone. The chemistry between them is palpable, the tension not only sexual but heightened by the danger surrounding them. The storyline is believable, engrossing and kept me totally absorbed in the story. Once again, I highly recommend this book.
I was also going to post the beautiful cover, but blogger isn't letting me. In fact, I haven't been able to post any pictures since their software problem last week. And if the blogger help page is any indication, I'm not the only one.
Oh, and the winners of Let's Pretend are Dennie and Trace. I need your addresses. I have more new book giveaways coming up.
And what the heck. Whenever an author sends me a copy of their book, I still buy one - so I have a copy of Closer ... on order. If you want it, just tell me and I'll draw a name Tuesday night.
Sunday, June 11, 2006
Goodnight, Goodbye
A father put his three year old daughter to bed, told her a story and listened to her prayers - which she ended by saying "God bless Mommy, God bless Daddy, God bless Grandma, and good-bye Grandpa."
The father said, "Why did you say good-bye to Grandpa?"
The little girl said, "I don't know, Daddy, it just seemed like the thing to do."
The next day Grandpa died. The father thought it was a strange coincidence.
A few months later the father put the girl to bed and listened to her prayers, which went like this -- "God bless Mommy, God bless Daddy, and good-bye Grandma."
The next day the grandmother died. My goodness, thought the father, this kid is in contact with the other side. Several weeks later when the girl was going to bed the Dad heard her say, "God bless Mommy and good-bye Daddy."
He practically went into shock. He couldn't sleep all night and got up at the crack of dawn to go to his office. He was nervous as a cat all day, had lunch sent in and watched the clock. He figured if he could get by until midnight he would be OK. He felt safe in the office, so instead of going home at the end of the day he stayed there, drinking coffee, looking at his watch and jumping at every sound. Finally midnight arrived, he breathed a sigh of relief and went home.
When he got home his wife said, "I've never seen you work so late, what's the matter?" He said, "I don't want to talk about it, I've just spent the worst day of my life."
She said, "You think you had a bad day, you'll never believe what happened to me. This morning the mailman dropped dead on our porch."
And don't forget - today is the last day to enter to win a copy of Raine Weaver's book Let's Pretend. You have until 9:00 p.m. Central. See Friday's post for details.
Saturday, June 10, 2006
Another Saturday
Found this article on one of my email subscriptions and thought it was interesting. I'm off to work today - at least my co-worker is back from his THREE WEEK vacation. He'd better have enjoyed himself, that's all I can say. Have a great Saturday everyone, "talk" to ya later. And don't forget the contest on yesterday's blog. You can answer on that blog - and come back Monday to find out who our lucky winners are.
A Feline Example on Courage
By Sheryl Joy Olano
Fangs. Killer claws. Hisses, grrrs...and later, yelps. Who is not familiar with cat-dog combats? It's a "hair-raising" party of limbs and tails and yes, the loser sheds most of the fur- mostly, the cat. It was night time and I was in the living room reading a tear-jerker when I heard a throaty, prolonged and wavering wail. Instantly I dropped the book and rushed to the door with one thought in mind - my cat was under attack. The thought brought an ugly picture to my head. I feared an on-the-prowl Sparky or a hyperactive Caesar or worse, the Big Dogs on the Block (BDOB a.k.a. askal) was circling my Khufu in anticipation of tearing her apart. So you could just imagine the shock on my face when I caught Khufu chasing Sparky, a dog two times her size. A dog. My cat just chased a dog. I thought it only happens on TV. "You were supposed to be helpless," I scolded Khufu but actually I was torn between being proud of the cat and being afraid of it as it sat on its hind, licking its paws...Sparky completely forgotten. But then my memory bank had retrieved from its archives a plausible explanation about what had transpired in the scene of crime. Said dog seemed to have a phobia with cats for once upon a time it received a blow from a cat's paw on the head. So I thought my cat was just plain lucky. Sparky would avert from anything that meows. But then another weird night came and dogs were running for their tails. The militant cat had struck again. Dogs. Not one, but two. Dogs- definitely not puppies. One was Caesar and the other was a BDOB- both bigger than Sparky. I was impressed. Perhaps it would happen again, perhaps not. But I wouldn't want my feline friend to make it a hobby or she'll drive all the dogs away. Here's the norm: cats are to be chased by dogs. The poor cat must have gotten tired of running for her life that she decided to make a brave yet an unthinkable move to alter cat life in our dog-infested neighborhood. It seems she has gathered up her tattered pride and charge, come what may, to make a statement in the name of the feline race. The statement would be: We cats may be soft, but we are not fragile. How easy it is for us to run away from our fears or to give in to the unfairness of the bullies to avert the hassles and side effects of battle, having known not the possible victories we could achieve...dreams stay as mere dreams. But fear is fear. If only we could just throw it out of the window and have it locked out from our minds. But fear is a part of our existence. It is a psychological battle, a tug-of-war between yes and no. For me, it is not something we bulldoze in a day. I remember how my cat used to sacrifice her food to the dogs and be rooted indoors. It took her time to gain the courage to go against the norm we thought could never be changed. Perhaps the passport to courage is to be sure of who we are, to believe, to act big no matter how small, like the cat that fought for its claim of territory and demand for respect with a personlity bigger than a dog. We all have our own dogs to chase to turn our "impossible" into a badge we can proudly wear. As for me, I'm not done with mine yet.
A Feline Example on Courage
By Sheryl Joy Olano
Fangs. Killer claws. Hisses, grrrs...and later, yelps. Who is not familiar with cat-dog combats? It's a "hair-raising" party of limbs and tails and yes, the loser sheds most of the fur- mostly, the cat. It was night time and I was in the living room reading a tear-jerker when I heard a throaty, prolonged and wavering wail. Instantly I dropped the book and rushed to the door with one thought in mind - my cat was under attack. The thought brought an ugly picture to my head. I feared an on-the-prowl Sparky or a hyperactive Caesar or worse, the Big Dogs on the Block (BDOB a.k.a. askal) was circling my Khufu in anticipation of tearing her apart. So you could just imagine the shock on my face when I caught Khufu chasing Sparky, a dog two times her size. A dog. My cat just chased a dog. I thought it only happens on TV. "You were supposed to be helpless," I scolded Khufu but actually I was torn between being proud of the cat and being afraid of it as it sat on its hind, licking its paws...Sparky completely forgotten. But then my memory bank had retrieved from its archives a plausible explanation about what had transpired in the scene of crime. Said dog seemed to have a phobia with cats for once upon a time it received a blow from a cat's paw on the head. So I thought my cat was just plain lucky. Sparky would avert from anything that meows. But then another weird night came and dogs were running for their tails. The militant cat had struck again. Dogs. Not one, but two. Dogs- definitely not puppies. One was Caesar and the other was a BDOB- both bigger than Sparky. I was impressed. Perhaps it would happen again, perhaps not. But I wouldn't want my feline friend to make it a hobby or she'll drive all the dogs away. Here's the norm: cats are to be chased by dogs. The poor cat must have gotten tired of running for her life that she decided to make a brave yet an unthinkable move to alter cat life in our dog-infested neighborhood. It seems she has gathered up her tattered pride and charge, come what may, to make a statement in the name of the feline race. The statement would be: We cats may be soft, but we are not fragile. How easy it is for us to run away from our fears or to give in to the unfairness of the bullies to avert the hassles and side effects of battle, having known not the possible victories we could achieve...dreams stay as mere dreams. But fear is fear. If only we could just throw it out of the window and have it locked out from our minds. But fear is a part of our existence. It is a psychological battle, a tug-of-war between yes and no. For me, it is not something we bulldoze in a day. I remember how my cat used to sacrifice her food to the dogs and be rooted indoors. It took her time to gain the courage to go against the norm we thought could never be changed. Perhaps the passport to courage is to be sure of who we are, to believe, to act big no matter how small, like the cat that fought for its claim of territory and demand for respect with a personlity bigger than a dog. We all have our own dogs to chase to turn our "impossible" into a badge we can proudly wear. As for me, I'm not done with mine yet.
Friday, June 09, 2006
Spam I Am .... And a Contest Too
Oh no! I’ve become my own running-joke. Three times this week I, Queen of Spamarama, have been accused of being spam. The gall. I’m aghast. Aghast I say. Flabbergasted to say the least. Me. Spam. I am Spam. Spam I am. It’s ludicrous – and I absolutely love it. Really. I think it’s hysterical. And in light of my new stature, here’s today’s spamarama – with a contest at the end.
Hi, paraffin paper (hello Saran Wrap)
How does this sound (Can you hear me now?)
test Leo (DeCaprio? Does he need testing? Okay.)
contentious (Hey, you trying to start an argument or something?)
Your mother has always dreamed of having sweet grandkids (too bad, she’s stuck with the jerks she has now)
Lower payments, giblet-checked (Chicken liver)
Your neighbors have lost their alarm clock (And I’ve lost my mind; we’re even)
Citation recognized from Detective Paul Edwardsd (Don’t give me a citation. Give it to whoever keeps taking those alarm clocks)
Felonious movements noted (No sh*t Sherlock)
Just about time (No, it’s about alarm clocks)
Since the early childhood I was called an ugly duckling. When I became a teenager … (You were still ugly)
One hot chick I knew used to take a ruler for every new date. (Who? Henry VIII ?)
Lokdxmgld xbhbixn elzuq nzhe dgoirnn mhcckkrw! (Watch it! We don’t use that kind of language around here.)
Your personal form inadequate. (I beg your pardon. You leave my personal form alone)
Try Penis Enlarge Patch before risking with vacuum pump method (OUCH!)
Contest? Did I say contest? Remember all of those nice remarks people said about Raine Weaver’s new book Let’s Pretend (June 5)? Wanna chance to win a copy? I have two, count them two, pristine copies of said book for two lucky winners. All you have to do is answer this question. When you were a child, what did you like to pretend to be? I’ll pick two names on Sunday night.
EDIT: Siobhan is going through a health crisis at the moment. Please keep her in your thoughts and, if you're the praying sort, say some prayers.
Hi, paraffin paper (hello Saran Wrap)
How does this sound (Can you hear me now?)
test Leo (DeCaprio? Does he need testing? Okay.)
contentious (Hey, you trying to start an argument or something?)
Your mother has always dreamed of having sweet grandkids (too bad, she’s stuck with the jerks she has now)
Lower payments, giblet-checked (Chicken liver)
Your neighbors have lost their alarm clock (And I’ve lost my mind; we’re even)
Citation recognized from Detective Paul Edwardsd (Don’t give me a citation. Give it to whoever keeps taking those alarm clocks)
Felonious movements noted (No sh*t Sherlock)
Just about time (No, it’s about alarm clocks)
Since the early childhood I was called an ugly duckling. When I became a teenager … (You were still ugly)
One hot chick I knew used to take a ruler for every new date. (Who? Henry VIII ?)
Lokdxmgld xbhbixn elzuq nzhe dgoirnn mhcckkrw! (Watch it! We don’t use that kind of language around here.)
Your personal form inadequate. (I beg your pardon. You leave my personal form alone)
Try Penis Enlarge Patch before risking with vacuum pump method (OUCH!)
Contest? Did I say contest? Remember all of those nice remarks people said about Raine Weaver’s new book Let’s Pretend (June 5)? Wanna chance to win a copy? I have two, count them two, pristine copies of said book for two lucky winners. All you have to do is answer this question. When you were a child, what did you like to pretend to be? I’ll pick two names on Sunday night.
EDIT: Siobhan is going through a health crisis at the moment. Please keep her in your thoughts and, if you're the praying sort, say some prayers.
Thursday, June 08, 2006
Whatcha Readin'?
(Blogspeak for - it's Thursday and I have nothing to blog about)
Okay folks, line 'em up. I want to know what you've just finished reading, what you're reading now and what's on the bedstand waiting. And, what are you waiting for eagerly? Ooooh, Oooooh, me first!
I just finished Tall, Tanned & Texan by Kimberly Raye and I enjoyed it.
I'm reading The Player by Rhonda Nelson and it is very good. (review on it later)
What's up next? Closer ... by Jo Leigh; Hidden Obsession by Joanne Rock; Let's Pretend by Raine Weaver (as soon as my copy gets here - I already have the copies to give away)
Waiting? Sleeping with Fear by Kay Hooper (July 18) and Bad Boys Southern Style which has a story by Jill something or other (also July). Of course, I have a lot of books pre-ordered so I don't remember what's up next. Makes opening packages from Amazon a lot of fun.
So, what about you?
Okay folks, line 'em up. I want to know what you've just finished reading, what you're reading now and what's on the bedstand waiting. And, what are you waiting for eagerly? Ooooh, Oooooh, me first!
I just finished Tall, Tanned & Texan by Kimberly Raye and I enjoyed it.
I'm reading The Player by Rhonda Nelson and it is very good. (review on it later)
What's up next? Closer ... by Jo Leigh; Hidden Obsession by Joanne Rock; Let's Pretend by Raine Weaver (as soon as my copy gets here - I already have the copies to give away)
Waiting? Sleeping with Fear by Kay Hooper (July 18) and Bad Boys Southern Style which has a story by Jill something or other (also July). Of course, I have a lot of books pre-ordered so I don't remember what's up next. Makes opening packages from Amazon a lot of fun.
So, what about you?
Wednesday, June 07, 2006
As the Scarecrow Flies
Or, I've Lost My Brain and I Can't Get Up
Really. I know that's hard to believe, but I've lost it. I know it's in one of these boxes here somewhere. I could have sworn I put it in one of the boxes marked "study" but I can't find it. I hope nobody took it literally and sent it to the Mayo clinic. If so, I expect to have it returned any day now with a label that says "Empty Box". I have been more forgetful, more absentminded, more scatterbrained (think I can come up with any other synonyms?) lately than I have in a long time. It's really embarrassing. Take my TV remote (actually, please don't - I've looked too long and hard for it). When Bebo moved in, for some reason known only to the move-in elves, we decided that she would bring her TV and I'd put the one in my bedroom out in the garage. So there it sat for four and 1/2 months gathering dust. My cousin's husband helped Bebo move some stuff out on May 19th and moved the TV back in to the bedroom for me. I didn't hook it up until the evening of the 21st (the date is important). But I couldn't find the remote. Nor the cable that hooked the VCR to the TV. The last wasn't a major problem as we rarely used the VCR in mom's room, so I stole that cable. We'll skip the problems of channel surfing without a remote, or the fact that my VCR for some unknown reason likes to bring up the TV menu screen periodically whenever I hit fast forward - and the only way to get it off is by pushing a button on the ... you got it, remote. Had to get up and turn the TV off and then on again. Anyhoo - When I'd go out through the garage, I'd check a box or two, nothing but books. Susie helped bring in the boxes from the garage on Saturday. That night I frantically went through them (oh, and I might add that the cable was in a basket on the cedar chest in the living room the entire time). Frustrated, I walk through the bedroom towards the door and just happened to look up at my bookcase. The top two shelves were not emptied for Bebo's stay - in other words, those things were there the entire time including the "O'Connell" mug I got at the Irish festival one year. There was something black poking out of it. I looked closer ... yeah, it was the remote. It had been there the entire time. Every day. Every night when I would cuss at the TV. Every freakin' moment.
I sit here at my desk shuffling papers around, some read "Go back to Loreth's to read excerpt" (I did); another says "Go back to Marty's blog" or "Jason's blog" ... um, I haven't. Took a carload of cans out to Walmart today for recycling. Brought them back with me too. While there I couldn't find my pen to write the check. After the clerk lent me hers I noticed that mine was still sticking out of the pocket of my t-shirt where I had put it after checking my list. Twice. Which reminds me. Yesterday was my nephew's birthday. He's 16 now. I was supposed to "send" him some birthday money by transferring it from mom's account to my brother's. I'll just write myself a note. Right here, next to the one that says "buy cat food". I guess I'll be heading back out tomorrow.
So, if I haven't been by in a little while, there's probably a note on my desk ...
Really. I know that's hard to believe, but I've lost it. I know it's in one of these boxes here somewhere. I could have sworn I put it in one of the boxes marked "study" but I can't find it. I hope nobody took it literally and sent it to the Mayo clinic. If so, I expect to have it returned any day now with a label that says "Empty Box". I have been more forgetful, more absentminded, more scatterbrained (think I can come up with any other synonyms?) lately than I have in a long time. It's really embarrassing. Take my TV remote (actually, please don't - I've looked too long and hard for it). When Bebo moved in, for some reason known only to the move-in elves, we decided that she would bring her TV and I'd put the one in my bedroom out in the garage. So there it sat for four and 1/2 months gathering dust. My cousin's husband helped Bebo move some stuff out on May 19th and moved the TV back in to the bedroom for me. I didn't hook it up until the evening of the 21st (the date is important). But I couldn't find the remote. Nor the cable that hooked the VCR to the TV. The last wasn't a major problem as we rarely used the VCR in mom's room, so I stole that cable. We'll skip the problems of channel surfing without a remote, or the fact that my VCR for some unknown reason likes to bring up the TV menu screen periodically whenever I hit fast forward - and the only way to get it off is by pushing a button on the ... you got it, remote. Had to get up and turn the TV off and then on again. Anyhoo - When I'd go out through the garage, I'd check a box or two, nothing but books. Susie helped bring in the boxes from the garage on Saturday. That night I frantically went through them (oh, and I might add that the cable was in a basket on the cedar chest in the living room the entire time). Frustrated, I walk through the bedroom towards the door and just happened to look up at my bookcase. The top two shelves were not emptied for Bebo's stay - in other words, those things were there the entire time including the "O'Connell" mug I got at the Irish festival one year. There was something black poking out of it. I looked closer ... yeah, it was the remote. It had been there the entire time. Every day. Every night when I would cuss at the TV. Every freakin' moment.
I sit here at my desk shuffling papers around, some read "Go back to Loreth's to read excerpt" (I did); another says "Go back to Marty's blog" or "Jason's blog" ... um, I haven't. Took a carload of cans out to Walmart today for recycling. Brought them back with me too. While there I couldn't find my pen to write the check. After the clerk lent me hers I noticed that mine was still sticking out of the pocket of my t-shirt where I had put it after checking my list. Twice. Which reminds me. Yesterday was my nephew's birthday. He's 16 now. I was supposed to "send" him some birthday money by transferring it from mom's account to my brother's. I'll just write myself a note. Right here, next to the one that says "buy cat food". I guess I'll be heading back out tomorrow.
So, if I haven't been by in a little while, there's probably a note on my desk ...
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
D-Day
June 6, 1944, also known as The Normandy Invasion or Operation Overlord. We more commonly refer to it as D-Day, when almost 3 million allied troops, led by the United States, Britain, Canada and France, landed on the beaches of German-occupied France. It still remains the largest seaborne invasion in history. Beginning the evening of June 5 with night-time paratrooper and glider landings, the most famous landing occurred on June 6 where many soldiers didn't even make it to shore, shot in the water while they waded to the beach. Transports weighted down in the water almost capsized. In fact, this "invasion" probably shouldn't hav
e even succeeded, if not for a series of snafus on the part of the Germans. Yeah, you could say that the opening scenes of Saving Private Ryan came pretty close to reality. I always watch the National Memorial Day concert from Washington D.C., the actor Charles Durning is there every year and I've often heard him talk about his experience that day - you can still see the pain in his eyes, the haunting images of horror on his face. The battles waged for more than 2 months - and concluded with the liberation of France and the fall of the Falaise Pocket. It was a multi-national force, with the participation of other countries like Australia, Belgium, Czechoslovakia, Greece, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway and Poland. 53,700 allied troops dead, 18,000 missing and 155,000 wounded. The beaches were littered with dead bodies - Utah, Omaha, Juno - just a few of the names that come to mind whenever I think of D-Day. My father wasn't part of this first unit, he came in on the 3rd wave which came up the boot of Italy. He talked about the ruins of Italy and of later marching through the Arc de Triomphe. And every time you asked him about it, he always said "I didn't do anything." I'll be flying my flag today, not only in remembrance of those men, American and foreign, who died that day, but for the men, like my father who "didn't do anything".
Monday, June 05, 2006
Author, Author
We have another book sale in our midst. Denise Belinda McDonald (Dennie to us) has sold her book The Inn Crowd to Samhain. Yay Dennie.
Also, her book Deadly Mistake is due out in ebook format September 19, 2006, with a print edition out around December 19, 2006 (for those without e-readers, like me). I'll have more about it around publishing time.
Raine Weaver's book Let's Pretend is now available in print!
The art of subtle seduction can be a light-hearted game-or a deadly dance.
Veronica Peale is playing a game.
Her best friend Kayla has decided to "loan" Ronnie her newest boy-toy, all in an effort to make her boss, Paul Lang, insanely jealous. Veronica reluctantly agrees to pretend that she's having a torrid love affair with Brant Coleman in order to entice the man she really wants.
At least, she thinks he's the man she really wants…
Brant Coleman is also playing a game. He is, in reality, an insurance investigator, trying to discover why Ronnie is in possession of a priceless pair of antique earrings, reported stolen by one of the wealthiest families in Cleveland, Ohio. It is his job to verify that they are the stolen earrings and, if possible, to recover them. And if he has to pretend to be Kayla's tool and Veronica's lover to get what he wants, so be it.
At least, he thinks he's pretending to be in love with her…
Let's Pretend by Raine Weaver
My Bookstore and More
Amazon.com
I've ordered two of these - one to keep and one to give away. When they arrive I'll do something (probably just a simple "tell me you want it" draw) for the giveaway. This has gotten excellent reviews and I've been waiting to read it.
Also, her book Deadly Mistake is due out in ebook format September 19, 2006, with a print edition out around December 19, 2006 (for those without e-readers, like me). I'll have more about it around publishing time.
Raine Weaver's book Let's Pretend is now available in print!
The art of subtle seduction can be a light-hearted game-or a deadly dance.
Veronica Peale is playing a game.
Her best friend Kayla has decided to "loan" Ronnie her newest boy-toy, all in an effort to make her boss, Paul Lang, insanely jealous. Veronica reluctantly agrees to pretend that she's having a torrid love affair with Brant Coleman in order to entice the man she really wants.
At least, she thinks he's the man she really wants…
Brant Coleman is also playing a game. He is, in reality, an insurance investigator, trying to discover why Ronnie is in possession of a priceless pair of antique earrings, reported stolen by one of the wealthiest families in Cleveland, Ohio. It is his job to verify that they are the stolen earrings and, if possible, to recover them. And if he has to pretend to be Kayla's tool and Veronica's lover to get what he wants, so be it.
At least, he thinks he's pretending to be in love with her…
Let's Pretend by Raine Weaver
My Bookstore and More
Amazon.com
I've ordered two of these - one to keep and one to give away. When they arrive I'll do something (probably just a simple "tell me you want it" draw) for the giveaway. This has gotten excellent reviews and I've been waiting to read it.
Sunday, June 04, 2006
This and That
Yay Lis - her MS Vegas Whisperer finalled in the query contest over at Romance Divas. Thank you for doing this Lis so I would have something to blog about. *gg*
Keep Raine in your thoughts - her mother has been admitted to the hospital.
Oh, and we're finally done with the painting, so I'll be spending Sunday continuing to put things back together.
That's it. I'm so full of information it's obscene, aren't I?
So I'll leave you with this:
Why is it called tourist season if we can't shoot at them?
Why is the alphabet in that order? Is it because of that song?
Where are we going? And what's with this handbasket?
If most car accidents occur within five miles of home, why doesn't everyone just move 10 miles away?
How do I set my laser printer on stun?
If one synchronized swimmer drowns, do the rest have to drown too?
If the #2 pencil is the most popular, why is it still #2?
Is there another word for synonym?
One tequila, two tequila, three tequila, floor.
If Fed Ex and UPS were to merge, would they call it Fed UP?
If it's true that we are here to help others, then what exactly are the others here for?
You never really learn to swear until you learn to drive.
If a cow laughed, would milk come out her nose?
Whatever happened to preparations A through G?
If olive oil comes from olives, where does baby oil come from?
If people from Poland are called Poles, why aren't people from Holland called Holes?
Why do we say something is out of whack? What's a whack?
Why isn't 11 pronounced onety one?
Keep Raine in your thoughts - her mother has been admitted to the hospital.
Oh, and we're finally done with the painting, so I'll be spending Sunday continuing to put things back together.
That's it. I'm so full of information it's obscene, aren't I?
So I'll leave you with this:
Why is it called tourist season if we can't shoot at them?
Why is the alphabet in that order? Is it because of that song?
Where are we going? And what's with this handbasket?
If most car accidents occur within five miles of home, why doesn't everyone just move 10 miles away?
How do I set my laser printer on stun?
If one synchronized swimmer drowns, do the rest have to drown too?
If the #2 pencil is the most popular, why is it still #2?
Is there another word for synonym?
One tequila, two tequila, three tequila, floor.
If Fed Ex and UPS were to merge, would they call it Fed UP?
If it's true that we are here to help others, then what exactly are the others here for?
You never really learn to swear until you learn to drive.
If a cow laughed, would milk come out her nose?
Whatever happened to preparations A through G?
If olive oil comes from olives, where does baby oil come from?
If people from Poland are called Poles, why aren't people from Holland called Holes?
Why do we say something is out of whack? What's a whack?
Why isn't 11 pronounced onety one?
Saturday, June 03, 2006
Waxing Nostalgic
I was outside the other day and saw some kids playing baseball in their yards down the street. It took me back a few years as I remembered that these two particular houses were not here when we moved to the neighborhood in 1969 (they were built somewhere between 1975 and 79). Back then, they were the only two vacant lots on the block, and being side by side was an excellent place to play ball. I used to watch my two brothers and their friends play there almost every day. Kind of sad now, since Howard is gone and David has been disabled by strokes. But in my memories they were young and vigor, laughing and enjoying America's pasttime. I stood and watched for quite a while. And then this morning as I was leaving for the store I saw two young boys on their bikes in the middle of the street, obviously poised for a race. Yes, there was another kid further on down the block with a makeshift flag - one, two, three, go! I smiled. When I was there age I had this humongo bike, a boys pedal brake in the land of 3 speeds and banana seats. It was bigger than me, but I loved it. But here's the funny part - guys my brother's ages would come up and borrow it for races because it was faster than those fancy glow-in-the-dark purple speedsters. I used to sit on the curb and watch them race my bike down this very street. I finally received one of those fancy bikes for Christmas, the old one relegated to charity. I couldn't get the hang of the hand brakes (come to find out, my hands/wrists were too weak to squeeze them), so my bike riding days came to a close. It's funny how, more and more, things happen to bring back memories like these. What about you? Has anything touched off moments of nostalgia for you?
Posting early tonight. I'm tired, I'm going to try to go to bed a bit early. See you after work.
Posting early tonight. I'm tired, I'm going to try to go to bed a bit early. See you after work.
Friday, June 02, 2006
Coming to You in Spamarama Vision
Wonderful Spam from the mind of an exhausted author.
The time is right to build a strong position (And my position is that you are scum)
Because you are my friend (No, you're just scum anyway)
Your neighbors lost their alarm clock (one, two, three ... all together now: we.don't.care.)
Incrimination authorized from Officer Carmelo Wiley (you're authorized to incriminate me? The charges won't stick. I didn't touch their freakin' alarm clock)
Neighborhood property market rating is rising. (Wait until they hear about the rash of alarm clock thefts)
I've found (What? The alarm clock? Better get it to Officer Wiley, he's trying to incriminate me.)
Your health, oil paint (We're safe - we used a lot of latex.)
With Viagara Soft Tabs you can crack nuts with your penis (Honey, I don't go that way. You might ... oh never mind)
Don't be inadequate anymore! (Not if I can crack nuts with my penis)
Felonious Tasks Documented (Who? Mine or Officer Wiley)
Your loan ... deion circuit breaker (No thank you ... Patti Power Strip)
You can see you are getting older: gray hair, wrinkles on your forehead, glasses (If I take my glasses off I can't see anything - so there!)
Listen to the voice of your penis. He is asking to get Penis Enlarge Patch. (I listened - he said "I'm in the wrong body.")
This is what I heard (If your penis is talking to you, I don't want to know about it.)
Because I know that the only reason you dropped by today was to find out the winner of Aussie Rules, here goes. Between Jeanne and I (waving at Jeanne - Paris or Bust will be in the mail today) we managed to get the loooooong list down to (and I've added middle names and surnames to some of these) Emma Sue Waggoner, Stella Mae Waggoner, Olivia Newsom, and Hannah Voss. I kept rolling them around in my head, trying different scenarious, inflections, etc. I kept coming back to Olivia. But I couldn't find anything ugly about it. No reason for it to bother her (also with Hannah). So I kept at it, but still my mind wanted Olivia. So I'll have to think of some other name for Scott to call her that would irritate her, sort of like Jordan always referring to Skye as comp girl (short for computer girl). Scott and Olivia sound good together too. So the winner is Loreth. Email me your snailmail and I'll get Aussie Rules to you. You'll really enjoy it. And to everyone else - thank you. There were so many good names. I'll tell you the final list of 10 - yes, that's as far down as we culled it - so honorable mention (but no prize except for my undying gratitude) goes to: (previously listed 4 above) Prue, Lily, Ruthanne, Claire, Chelsea, and Sarah. There's another giveaway for Sasha White's new book Bound coming up - she is a wonderful erotica writer and this is her first ST in print (although I highly recommend Gypsy Heart, an ebook).
The time is right to build a strong position (And my position is that you are scum)
Because you are my friend (No, you're just scum anyway)
Your neighbors lost their alarm clock (one, two, three ... all together now: we.don't.care.)
Incrimination authorized from Officer Carmelo Wiley (you're authorized to incriminate me? The charges won't stick. I didn't touch their freakin' alarm clock)
Neighborhood property market rating is rising. (Wait until they hear about the rash of alarm clock thefts)
I've found (What? The alarm clock? Better get it to Officer Wiley, he's trying to incriminate me.)
Your health, oil paint (We're safe - we used a lot of latex.)
With Viagara Soft Tabs you can crack nuts with your penis (Honey, I don't go that way. You might ... oh never mind)
Don't be inadequate anymore! (Not if I can crack nuts with my penis)
Felonious Tasks Documented (Who? Mine or Officer Wiley)
Your loan ... deion circuit breaker (No thank you ... Patti Power Strip)
You can see you are getting older: gray hair, wrinkles on your forehead, glasses (If I take my glasses off I can't see anything - so there!)
Listen to the voice of your penis. He is asking to get Penis Enlarge Patch. (I listened - he said "I'm in the wrong body.")
This is what I heard (If your penis is talking to you, I don't want to know about it.)
Because I know that the only reason you dropped by today was to find out the winner of Aussie Rules, here goes. Between Jeanne and I (waving at Jeanne - Paris or Bust will be in the mail today) we managed to get the loooooong list down to (and I've added middle names and surnames to some of these) Emma Sue Waggoner, Stella Mae Waggoner, Olivia Newsom, and Hannah Voss. I kept rolling them around in my head, trying different scenarious, inflections, etc. I kept coming back to Olivia. But I couldn't find anything ugly about it. No reason for it to bother her (also with Hannah). So I kept at it, but still my mind wanted Olivia. So I'll have to think of some other name for Scott to call her that would irritate her, sort of like Jordan always referring to Skye as comp girl (short for computer girl). Scott and Olivia sound good together too. So the winner is Loreth. Email me your snailmail and I'll get Aussie Rules to you. You'll really enjoy it. And to everyone else - thank you. There were so many good names. I'll tell you the final list of 10 - yes, that's as far down as we culled it - so honorable mention (but no prize except for my undying gratitude) goes to: (previously listed 4 above) Prue, Lily, Ruthanne, Claire, Chelsea, and Sarah. There's another giveaway for Sasha White's new book Bound coming up - she is a wonderful erotica writer and this is her first ST in print (although I highly recommend Gypsy Heart, an ebook).
Thursday, June 01, 2006
I've Got it Covered
Have you ever bought a book just because you liked the cover? I definitely have. Yeah, that one over there. I bought this in January 2005 - I haven't read it yet, just sat it on my desk for inspiration. Okay, I lied, I did read the love scenes. What do you think of those abs? I'm a little curious about the face, but I can fantasize that in. It wasn't just the body - although that's a big part of it - it's the whole attitude.
But it's not just the look that has pulled me in - I've been caught in the title trick too. What about you? Have you ever bought a book just because you liked the title?
I don't have the cover here, but I would love to read the book I Miss My Man, but My Aim is Getting Better. I keep meaning to look that one up and see who wrote it, but always forget.
Sharyn McCrumb has some great titles too. I've read
PMS Outlaws and the book on the right.
In fact, If I'd Killed Him When I Met Him ...
was the first of her mysteries I'd read. And I bought it solely on the title.
I've been looking for this one too. I just love the title.
Titles and covers have been the impetus of many a purchase, some good, other's not. In fact, I've found more bombs just by buying a book on title or cover impulse.
Is it just me or are the Blaze covers getting hotter?
That's all for today - it's Thursday, what did you expect ... Shakespeare? If you want funny, then go see Jill, Donna, or Daisy. But make sure you come back for Spamarama Friday AND the winner of the copy of Aussie Rules. You have until 9:00 p.m. (central) Thursday night to get your entries in. Look at Tuesday's post for details.
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