Tuesday, November 19, 2013

It's Tuesday??

Currently Reading:  Finished Big Girl (DS) and Love Slave for Two:  Family Matters (TD).  I was most disappointed in BG, since I love Steele's books, but this was so full of the same phrases over and over, I wondered if a) she actually wrote it or b) did her editor drop the ball?  I probably will NOT reread this.  And I blame my 3-star rating of LSFT on the fact I'm fighting for time with my Kindle, plus in the middle of NaNo and a long book was tiresome, especially in the 1st or 2nd chapter when I wanted to slap Nevvie silly for her temper tantrum over legalities.  If you're going to live in an unconditional marital arrangement, don't expect the state to readily jump in and change laws or give you preferential treatment.  I did, however, LOVE the hospital scenes.  Since I know it's possible to love more than one person unconditionally, those scenes were proof of one woman's devotion to her men.

Now I'm on Rick Kelsheimer's The Hanging of Betsey Reed and Mahalia Levey's Soulbound.

Where did Monday go?  And, for that matter, I keep thinking today's Wednesday.  Can't blame this on sleep deprivation, so just wondering what's up with my memory/concept of time.

I updated Google Chrome last week and it's giving me fits.  Sometimes I can access AOL and Blogger; other times I have to switch to Firefox.  And FF likes to crash w/o warning.  I couldn't do anything on FF yesterday, and it took me several tries to fix my post over on RB4U.  Yes, I'm over there today; drop by and say hi.  

Amazing Race:  
Why the hell did Team ER Docs use their Express Pass?  I saw the previews; I think they'll regret it.  Yes, it got them into 1st place, and they won new cars.  But the tasks were relatively easy, and they had a huge lead on the others.  Makes no sense.

And why did Team Pinky and the Brain U-turn Team Baseball  Moms?  Geez, can Pinky hold a grudge.  I really hope it comes back to bite her in the ass.

Karaoke Update:
Evergreen:  Nailed it, and crossed it off my list:)
Every Time You Go Away:  Ugh.  Too low.
ET: Nailed it and received applause!
Just Like Jesse James:  A bit scratchy, but one of my faves:)
What's Up:  Mark picked this out for me, since he didn't see Eye Of The Tiger on my sheet:)  I made it through, though also scratchy, and received applause.

Friday, November 15, 2013

Flashback Friday: Surprise!

November 1993:
Toward the end of October, I felt my body change.  I was suddenly having to use the restroom more, and since it was too early to watch for my period (sorry, TMI), I bought a pregnancy kit.

Negative.  I was disappointed; I was sure that's what the body was telling me.  It did say to retest in a week, so without saying anything to my spouse, I went about business as usual.

Baby K was testing his boundaries, especially in the mornings, and I wanted more sleep.  So I spent several days recording his favorite show, Barney, since he knew how to work the VCR.  That way, he could get up, pop in his video, and Mommy could sleep a little more.

One week later, I tested again.

Positive!  Jubilant, I took K out for lunch, where my upstairs neighbor worked, and told her the good news.  She agreed to babysit K that night so D and I could go out to dinner, when I'd tell him.  But D came home grumpy, and none too pleased to discover I wanted to go to Steak and Ale for dinner.  But he agreed, and acted surprised when I dressed up a bit more, and that we were not taking K along.

"Oh geez....you want a date night?  Can't this wait til next week, when I feel better?"

But I wasn't sure I could wait, so we went.  And when he got up to visit the salad bar, I placed the pregnancy test on the extra plate, then followed him.  When he saw it, his reaction was less than the 1st time I'd told him, nearly 18 months before.

"Oh.  This is why you dragged me out here.  Okay, you're pregnant.  Can we eat and get out of here, please?"

Since his 1st reaction had been to light up like a Christmas tree, yes I was disappointed.  But also thrilled; maybe this time I'd get my baby girl.

My doctor, however, was thrilled:)  I walked into this office for the official confirmation, and he met me in the hall, wondering why I was there.

"How would you like to deliver my 2nd child?"

He smiled.  "Is that why you're here?"

"As soon as the little pink dot appears."

The nurse looked up.  "It's official; it turned purple right away."

Dr. S got out his little wheel, and that's when I realized I would NOT be attending my grandmother's birthday party in Florida. 

I came up with a great way to tell the grandparents.  We went to my parents first, and I gave Mom a small package, telling her I had an early Christmas present.  She opened it up, looked at the double picture frame with K's newest picture on one side, and said, "But I already have this one..." and then read the note in the other frame, which read, 'Coming attraction in July'.

Mom looked up.  "Coming attraction....you're pregnant again?"  And burst into happy smiles and tears as she hugged me.

The next day, we drove to D's parents.  And did the same thing, only I waited til his dad's birthday the following day.  Which was hard, since I'd developed a cold and his mom tried to give me medication, then grew frustrated when I read the ingredients.  But when Dad H opened the package and they congratulated us (yes, his mom cried and hugged us also!), D said, "Now do you understand why she was such a pain in the ass last night about the medicine?"  I was forgiven:)

Plans for the following July had to be rearranged, since I would no longer be allowed to fly to Florida for my grandmother's 80th birthday July 16th.  The baby was due July 19th, but we also thought it would be nice if it was a few days early:)

Next Month:  Another health set-back for D.

********
Present Day:
I plan to spend tomorrow writing, since I've already cracked the 11K mark.  I'm still far from where I should be (25K at the halfway point), if I at least finish this book, or get close, I'll be thrilled.

Karaoke Songs For Tomorrow:
Evergreen (Barbra Streisand):  Hopefully I won't have another 'brain fart' on the melody!
Every Time You Go Away (Paul Young): This should be okay.
ET (Katy Perry):  Singing this again, since Mel won't be there to sing BackStreet Boys 'Everybody' with me.
Just Like Jesse James (Cher):  Redemption song:)  And if I get to sing more, I'll be thrilled to get into my F titles, or sing the few E titles which are keepers:)

Have a great weekend and see you back here next Monday! 

It's Thursday?

Damn it; I cannot copy/paste.

Go here to see this post; blogger is having issues.

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

HDH #29


Welcome to another exciting HDH post:)  For others in this weekly blog hop, go here.  Have fun!

Story thus far:  Brian and Randi have an immediate attraction to each other, but she's dating his best friend.  Six months later, after the summer break, she returned.  John (Randi's b/f) and Brian  pick her up; Brian's none too happy because John has been partying with another girl while Randi's been out of town.  An argument occurs, and Randi breaks up with John.  A year goes by; Randi is dating another guy and takes a friend with her to see John.  Brian is there as well, and while Randi's friend is down in the basement with John, he decides to confront her.  I apologize for the slight head-hopping.


“You’re one of the best looking, smartest girls that John’s ever dated, and yet you let him go down there with another girl.”  Might as well grab the bull by the horns...what the hell...
            “I have no ties to him anymore,” she stated.  “Can I help it if they find each other attractive?”  You think I’m good looking?
            “Well, you dated him.  Doesn’t it feel weird to see him with a friend of yours?”
            “Not really.  I don’t feel anything for him anymore.”  Now you, it’s a different story...
            Brian paused, and added some tobasco sauce, then reached in the refrigerator for a slice of celery.  “And there you have it, my dear...the perfect Bloody Mary!”  Oh shit...did I just call her ‘dear’???
            He called me ‘dear’!  

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Please Welcome Dorothy Bell:)







Hi, everybody, Dorothy A. Bell here. I would like to thank my host for putting me up on her blog today. As an introduction, I thought I would give visitors a glimpse into my life so far.
I grew up in southern Iowa, moved to Oregon’s Willamette Valley at the age of eleven. I was in the sixth grade when I started school in Oregon. On my first day of school, I encountered the boy I would eventually marry. He kept pestering me, trying to kiss me. I held out until I turned sixteen, then I kind’a got the hang of the kissing thing. We’ve been married for forty-eight years, he’s still a pest, bless him.
I started out writing Regency Romances to entertain myself. I took writing courses, but I think I learned the most by submitting my work to publishers, editors and agents, and getting feedback. Laid low for nearly twenty-five years with arthritis, forced to use a battery-powered cart, I took up aquatic exercise and became an instructor. After two surgeries to replace my knees, I went to work on myself and lost eighty-five pounds, which I have kept off.
My husband and I live in Central Oregon with two West Highland White terriers, an energetic, longhaired Dachshund and one big, angora tuxedo cat. When I need a break from writing Oregon historical western romances, I work in the yard or my garden.
This year I am proud to announce the release of two Laura Creek romances “The Reprobate” and “The Cost of Revenge”, available on Amazon, http://www.amazon.com/Kindle-eBooks/b?ie=UTF8&node=154606011
 Barnes and Noble, http://www.barnesandnoble.com/u/NOOK-Book-eBook-store/379003094  Good Reads, https://www.goodreads.com/ and Freya’s Bower, http://freyasbower.com as e-books.





The Reprobate
A Laura Creek Western Romance
Fiddle playing, hard drinking Royce O’Bannon believes he’s worthless like his old man, no woman should have anything to do with him.
Music teacher Cleantha Arnaud, her virtue long spent, believes her life is over; crippled and barren, no man would want her. When these two outcasts become lovers, hopes and dreams blossom within their parched souls.
Royce’s vengeful daddy begins a campaign of retaliation against his traitorous sons and the town that gave them a second chance.
Driven by a fledgling sense of responsibility, Royce follows his daddy into the dark tunnels beneath Pendleton’s streets intent on putting a stop to the old man’s vengeful crusade. With a swift crack on the head, all of Royce’s newly found hopes and dreams could be shattered like candied glass. Who would miss a reprobate, a worthless man?

Excerpt from “The Cost of Revenge

Quinn, turning his attention back to the lump of
hostility sitting on his step, put his hands on his hips,
steeling himself for battle. “All right, Miss McAdam….”
Her black eyes glittered and flashed, meeting his
challenging grin. Obvious loathing oozed from her
every pore. “Don’t you dare touch me.” she said, her
words reminding him of a snake’s hiss of warning
before it sank it’s fangs into flesh.

“Oh, I’m going to touch you,” Quinn assured her
with a wag of his head. “As a matter of fact, I’m going
to pick you up and carry you upstairs to my bed.”

 “I’ll bite your nose off. I’ll scratch your eyes out if
you try it.”

He leaned down, his face inches from her nose. “I
should leave you right where you sit. You can’t walk,”
he said, pointing out the obvious, his eyes traveling
the length of her, finally settling on the sight of her fat
foot and her bandaged ankle. Deliberately, raking
every inch of her body with his eyes, his gaze traveled
back up to her shoulder. “You’re right-handed, if I’m
not mistaken.” Recalling how she’d carried the baby on
her left hip, leaving her right arm free, he knew he had
it right. “I doubt you can feed yourself, not with that
sling on your arm and your wrist all bandaged up. No,
Miss McAdam, I don’t think you’ll give me too much
trouble. You see, I have what you hold most dear.”

“You have nothing.”

“Oh, but I do,” he said sweetly. “I have your
brothers and your sister. Ah, you see, I’ve lured them
into my lair with the promise of food and shelter. The
way I see it, you have no choice in the matter, and I
can and I will carry you inside. Your only alternative is
to sit here like a stubborn, broken-down mule. I can’t
let you stay out here, I’d have to sweep you off my step
in the morning.”

“Go to hell.” she said. When he picked her up, she
screeched and cursed him in a language he couldn’t
understand, but got the meaning behind every
utterance as he carried her around to the back
entrance of the mercantile.

* * * *

Tru tried to kick, but couldn’t, at least not without
inflicting a great deal of pain upon herself. He had her
good arm snugged up against his chest, and her other
arm was useless, swelling fast. She had a headache,
and she could feel a fever coming on—in more ways
than one.

The first time she’d seen him, she’d thought Quinn
O’Bannon too pretty. Up close this fact became
strikingly disturbing. He even smelled pretty—spicy
and clean like soap. He had tan skin, his features
almost perfect. Almost, except for that bump on the
bridge of his nose. But even that defect enhanced the
rakish, dangerous air he projected. To notice his nose,
she couldn’t very well avoid looking into his dark,
brown eyes. She regretted doing so, instantly. Those
laughing eyes mocked her indignation.

One thing they could probably agree on—she was a
fool. She had to be, to feel this emotion, cradled here
in his arms...heart racing...pulse pounding. She could
feel every muscle in his arms, and the warmth of his
hands through the fabric of her skirt, pressing against
her thigh. His touch sent ripples of aching desire
through her veins. They were so close she could feel
the heat of his chest against her side. Angry and in
pain, it thoroughly disgusted her that she could be so
affected by his nearness, by his touch. It wasn’t what
she wanted. She wanted to hate Quinn O’Bannon. She
wanted his touch to sicken her, not set her on fire with
longing.

Thank you for being with me today Dorothy!  Remember, you can buy her books at the following places:  
            Amazon, http://www.amazon.com/Kindle-eBooks/b?ie=UTF8&node=154606011 
Barnes and Noble, http://www.barnesandnoble.com/u/NOOK-Book-eBook-store/379003094            
Good Reads, https://www.goodreads.com/  
Freya’s Bower, http://freyasbower.com as e-books.

Friday, November 8, 2013

Flashback Friday

November 1983
For some reason, I cannot remember if we had Thanksgiving at our house, or went somewhere.  I do recall finding out that our Cheer Block was abandoning the traditional Girls Only, and going with a more modern coed look.  Gone were the skirts or dress pants, white gloves, and the traditional songs.  And since I'd spent most of my junior year sitting with the 1st row of sophomores, I decided not to join.

Instead, I quietly cheered on B from my spot next to the Pep Band.  I didn't have to pay for my ticket, since my mother was on staff and we simply walked in with the band.

Our Marching Band traveled back to 'The Land of the Little People', Johnson City, TN and competed at Grand Nationals.  We ended up taking 5th place, and returned home very happy.  I missed not having a boyfriend on the weekends to hang out with, but R and I enjoyed ourselves, since she wasn't seeing anyone either.

Next month:  Christmas!

******
Present Day:
I'm going on a Women's Retreat this weekend, Christ Renews His Parish or CHRP.  So no 'roke for me tomorrow night.

Have a great weekend! 

Thursday, November 7, 2013

TBWSNBN Pt 4

Currently Reading:  Still on Blue Skies by Robyn Carr.  I also very much enjoyed Lust by Mike Wells, and was frustrated he left me hanging, so went over to Amazon and snapped up both sequels.  I'm also several chapters in to Tymber Dalton's Love Slave For Two:  Family Matters, though I want to smack Nevvie silly for her temper tantrums over legal issues.


Don't hate me; I'm beginning to enjoy this 3rd book.

Read Chapters 9-13 last night, and the only issues I'm having (with the exception of some continued over-used words) is the overprotectiveness C exhibits in Ch. 10.

Ch. 9:  C is going out of town and A mentions she's getting together with her friend K for a drinks after work.  He implores her to stay home, due to security reasons, so she compromises and says they'll have one drink, then return to the apartment.

Only she shows some spunk and they stay at the bar for several hours and 4 drinks.  At this point, I'm thinking Good for you! 

But all hell breaks loose when 1) she discovers she hasn't checked her phone and he's called and texted, sounding none too pleased; 2) she returns home to find her former boss has trashed the place and C's security team has him contained; 3) she awakens in the night to discover C has returned and is furious, and says he really wants to 'beat the shit out of her', which sparks fear

The next morning, she tries to make him less mad by joining him in the shower, but he rebuffs her efforts.  Now she's really feeling like a wayward child.  When she gets to work, her brain kicks into gear and she finds her backbone, saying it's a woman's perogative to change her mind, and that had he informed her of his reasons, instead of treating her like a child ala 'obey me w/o question', she might have stayed home.

Then, in Ch. 11, he takes her into the playroom and decides to use Orgasm Denial or whatever it's called.  She can't take it anymore and uses the Safe Word, which immediately throws him into contrition.  She admits he's not doing this out of love; he's out for revenge.

But after more arguing and confusion on her part, he makes love to her and allows her release in Ch. 12.  Then he whisks her and family and friends off to Aspen for the weekend.

Ch. 13 is strange, in that C's brother claims they're going fishing.  A and K go shopping, and A observes the brother and his ex-lover in town.  She wonders several times if she should tell K....then doesn't.  And later at the club, E proposes to K.

And that's where sleepiness took over.  More next week.

Tomorrow:  Thanksgiving 1983.

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

HDH #28


Click here for more HDH fun:)

Today you're getting a look at my NaNo project, a story which popped into my head ten years or so ago, after reading Mary Winters' Water Lust. 

The whine of the a/c sent a steady stream of cool air into the bedroom.  But for Tricia Alexander, the humidity had crept in, making sleep unbearable as she tossed and turned.  In her mind, a stranger coaxed her body with a feather-soft fingertip, stripping away her silken nightie.
            “Trish, you’re as beautiful as I knew you’d be….”  Wet warmth replaced his finger, drawing the nipple of one breast between his teeth, then laving it with his tongue.
            Tricia moaned and arched her back, wanting more.  Her mystery lover obliged, his hand playing with her other breast, coaxing the other nipple into a peak.  He drifted his lips down her torso, sending ripples of pleasure through her belly.

            “More….” She reached out for him.

This particular story is taking a strange turn; I'm hoping to have it ready for submission by January, if I get it finished this month.  Good luck and happy writing to all NaNo participants!

Monday, November 4, 2013

November Reading and Karaoke Schedule

First of all, the End Of The Month Recap:
Books Read:  21
Print:  1
E-book:  20

Writing Goals Attained?  Not exactly....
Exercise Goal Attained?  Stayed with the 90 minutes per week; lost another two pounds, making the total 8 pounds lost!
Karaoke Update:   I've only added one 'E' title to my 'good song' list; Edge of 17 by Stevie Nicks.

November Reading Schedule:
Print:
Blue Skies-Robyn Carr  Excellent!
Big Girl-Danielle Steel  Not her best work
The Hanging of Betsey Reed-Rick Kelsheimer Interesting

E-book: 
His Witness to Evil-Autumn Jordan 
The Price of Defiance-Mahalia Levey Okay story; I think all the Spanish threw me off.
Soulbound-Mahalia Levey Good story
Love Slave For Two:  Family Matters-Tymber Dalton  Good
Bi-Curious-Jessica Collins
Stakin’ His Claim-Sandy Sullivan
Doctor Me Up-SS
The Bitch in the Kitchen-Paul Martin Excellent!  RR
Wyatt’s Guilt-Sara Daniels 
Loving Bliss-Regina Carlysle Smoking Hawt!

November Karaoke Songs:
Everything I Do-Bryan Adams Nailed this one Saturday night:)
Evergreen-Barbra Streisand Brain froze on melody halfway through song 1st time; will try again in 2 weeks.  Week #2:  Nailed it!
Everybody-Backstreet Boys Bleh....
Everybody Hurts-REM Didn't do too badly, but a depressing song for 'roke.
Every Time You Go Away-Paul Young  Ugh.  Too low.
Eye of The Tiger-Survivor Rocked the bar with this one:)
Faith of Heart-Rod Stewart Did well!  A keeper:)
Faithfully-Journey I'm soooooo glad this sounded good!
Fall To Pieces-Avril Lavign
Falling Out of Love-Reba McEntire
Fame-Irene Cara
Fancy-Reba
Far Away-Nickelback

Writing Goals:
I'm taking part in NaNoWriMo again, and I'm working on Kenzie's alien-meets-human story.  So far my total word count has been around 3K.

Exercise/Health Goals:  I've maintained the same weight as last week, so I've got to quit snacking.  Hard when there's leftover Halloween Candy in the house.  I'm leaving it in the other room; if I have to climb over the baby gate twice, that makes me think 'how badly do I want this?'

Friday, November 1, 2013

Flashback Friday

November 1973:
Thanksgiving was held at my great-grandmother's, and afterward, we went to Grandma's house about thirty minutes away.  I was crushed when Chitty Chitty Bang Bang came on the television, and we had to leave after the first hour.  It would be several more years before I would finally watch the entire movie!

In school, I continued to do well, and looked forward to planning my birthday party the following month.

******
Present Day:
NaNoWriMo is here!  I'll admit, I'm cheating again this year, sort of.  Instead of working on one project, I'll be working on-wait for it-THREE manuscripts.  One Molly, two of Kenzie's.  I'll be keeping track of the total NEW wordage, not the entire MS's.  So even though I wrote 1150 words yesterday, they do NOT count toward the total.

Next Monday, I'll recap October and post the reading and karaoke schedules.

Due to rain yesterday, our Trick-or-Treating was rescheduled for tonight:)  I'll post pics next week also.

Tomorrow, I'm off to the library for the Southern Indiana Writing Festival.  At karaoke tomorrow, I plan to sing the following:
Evergreen (Barbra Streisand)
Everybody Hurts (REM)
Everybody (Backstreet Boys) IF Mel shows up.
Every Thing I Do (Bryan Adams) IF Mel isn't there
Invincible (Pat Benetar)