Interview With Kyle Sampson and Contest:)

Welcome to the SCP Sweet and Historical Blog Hop!  For a complete list of this weekend's participants, go here.

Today, I'm showcasing book #3 of my Arbor University series, simply because I believe it's better written and you can easily 'catch up' with both Amy and Elicia from the first two.  So in the interest of keeping this short, here's the blurb:

Meet Keri Patterson, a sophomore at Arbor University, pursuing an Auto Technology career in the middle 1980s.  The college is located in the fictional town of Arbordale, Indiana, and Keri’s dream is to one day be a part of an Indy car racing team.  Along the way, she meets and falls for an older man, Kyle Sampson, who happens to be going through a divorce.  With the innocence of her first love, Keri tries to balance her ambition to be the first female member of a racing pit crew and her awakening femininity.  Will Keri and Kyle’s romance survive the hairpin twists and turns, or is disaster looming?

Kyle is not without problems of his own.  He wasn’t expecting to meet the girl of his dreams so quickly, before the ink is even dry on the divorce petition.  Trying to keep the two facets of his life separate, he discovers there is a fine line between love and hate, as well as deception and protection.  But life doesn’t always get wrapped up in neat packages.  Sometimes it blows up in your face.

Buy Link:

(Reposted from 2012):
I sat down with Kyle Sampson, leading man of Fobidden Love.  He's fresh from his shift at the hospital, and decked out in green scrubs.  His vivid blue eyes are tired, but they light up whenever Keri's name is spoken.

M:  Welcome Kyle:)  It's been a long time.

K (nodding his head):  Yes it has.  How've you been?

M:  Doing well.  Inquiring minds want to know:  What possessed you to get involved with a college coed eleven years younger that you?

K:  Ever walk into a room and just know you're meant to be with someone?  That's what I felt when I looked into her eyes.

M:  Wow....that's romantic!  But another question I've been getting is why did you try to keep Keri a secret?  I spoke to her yesterday and even she doesn't fully understand.

K:  At the time I thought I was doing the right thing.  Lisa, my ex-wife, has a nasty streak in her, and I didn't want Keri to be the target of her wrath.  And with my son Rusty to consider...I just did what I could to protect Keri from all that.  She had enough to worry about, with school, her job, and working at the 500.  She didn't need any extra baggage; not when she needs to concentrate on the team.  What I regret is not meeting her before Lisa and I married....but she would have only been fourteen, so that would have been a definite no-no.

M:  Yeah....let's not go there.

K:  I appreciate you giving me a voice in this book; it shows I have a heart instead of just wanting her for her body.

M:  I decided it wasn't fair to you, to only show her side of the story.  I hope I got it right.

K:  I just wish you'd left in the early parts.  Couldn't you have squeezed it in somewhere?

M:  When I wrote Elicia's story, I didn't know I'd be cutting the first six chapters of yours and Keri's.  And then I had to cut the last few chapters because it bled into Gretchen and Caty's, so I felt it didn't need to be told three times.

K:  'Bled into'....I'm assuming you mean our story does continue?

M:  Oh yes.  Anyone who reads books 4 and 5 will read more.  She doesn't graduate until book #6...I think.  I might have graduated her in #5.  If she is in #6, she only plays a minor role.  Moving on...so her age didn't bother you?

K:  Not in the least.  She doesn't act young; she's focused on her studies and future career; and I'm thrilled she chose me to be her first lover.  You have to remember; I grew up during the 70's, when sex was synonamous with 'Hello'.  It was actually refreshing to meet someone who had never even had a serious boyfriend before.  I was able to show her- teach her, if you will- how to live with a member of the opposite sex, and encourage her to explore her sexuality.  I borrowed the Kama Sutra from Sid's girlfriend Carole and-

M (holding up hand):  I get the picture! Thank you for sitting down with me today, Kyle.

K:  Thanks for giving me another chance to explain my side of things!

Forbidden Love is available now at SCP


Want to win your copy of Forbidden Love?  Answer this question:  How many PUBLISHED books are in this series?  Hint:  Look to the right side of blog.  I'll pick a winner on Monday, so don't forget to leave your contact info!  Have a great weekend!

Flashback Friday and Congratulations Derrick!!

Sept 2004:
S amused us by being in the Accelerated Reading and Science Class, and how every afternoon she would announce "I have to study my Greek' (they were learning root words).  She did well, and enjoyed both classes:)

Baby W was now six months old and beginning to crawl everywhere, after mastering the art of sitting up.

************
Present Day:
Big Brother Finale:
I LOVED the fact Derrick won!!!  I had to wonder, though, if he 'threw' the final contest, so Cody would win, and he wouldn't be forced to pick between C and Victoria if he won.  But Cody won, and V went out the door:)  Then only two jury members voted for Cody, so congrats to the cop, who definitely deserves a raise for proving how well he used his skills!  I think this is the 1st time a player has made it all the way through and NEVER been up for eviction.  Well done!

Karaoke Songs:
Last year at this time, I let Mark choose my songs, since his birthday is the 30th.  This year, however, I'm going to stick to my list, since I'm a bit behind schedule.
Here Comes The Rain Again (Eurythmics)
High On You (Survivor)
High Enough (Damn Yankees)
Hit Me With Your Best Shot (Pat Benetar)

Come back tomorrow since I'm participating in the SCP Sweet/Historical Blog Hop:)

Mesothelioma Awareness

I've been asked by the lovely Heather Von St. James (pictured above, with her daughter Lily) to be a part of Mesothelioma Awareness Campaign, so here are the basics:)  For more information, visit Heather's Blog .

People most likely to contract mesothelioma are those who worked with asbestos, or even being around someone whose been exposed to the dust and/or fibers.  So if your loved one worked with asbestos and you washed their clothes, you're at risk (I did NOT know this!).

Signs and Symptoms:
-Chest pain
-Fluid surrounding the lung(s)
-Shortness of breath
-Fatigue
-Wheezing, hoarseness, or persistent cough
-Blood in sputum*

Mesothelioma can be a difficult malignancy to diagnose because the symptoms of the disease closely resemble other respiratory conditions (I suffer from mild asthma, and since cold weather triggers it, I may have up to 4 symptoms noted above), and because the pathology can be very difficult to distinguish from lung cancer tumors.**

*taken from Wikipedia
**taken from Jack West, MD, http://www.mesolthelioma.com  

The lesson here is, make regular yearly doctor visits, and if you suspect you've been exposed to asbestos, and are experiencing the above symptoms ALL THE TIME, please consult your physician.

National Mesothelioma Awareness Day is Sept 26th.

Another excellent source: 

Flashback Friday: Joining MOPS:)

Sept 1994:
I decided to join MOPS (Mothers Of Pre-Schoolers) at my home church once a month.  The kids and I would drive up; K would get to play with a few kids his own age while S could either go with me or to the nursery.  Since she was sleeping soundly the 1st meeting, she went to the nursery.

One of my family's friends was the guest speaker, who talked about while how all Moms had 'their stories' about pregnancy and childbirth/rearing, but what was Mary's Story?  We all know she went to visit her cousin Elizabeth soon after conceiving, and we all know 'when' Christ was born, but what about the strenuous trip to Bethlehem on a donkey while being 9 months pregnant, how long was labor, and what was it like, knowing your child was special?  Not to mention realizing he wasn't with you when he was 12....or enduring the crowd's rejection of him in later years, then his horrific death, then resurrection.  Did he ever appear to Mary afterward?

Anyway, we made a craft stick refrigerator note-holder, which is still on my fridge 20 years later!

Afterward, I collected both kids; K bubbling with enthusiasm for the kids he played with, and Miss S, who was wide awake, and drove to JHS to have lunch with my mom.  After eating his hot dog, K decided to inspect the floor cleaning machine.

We called him back, but Butch the janitor, who'd known me since I was 5, said not to worry; there was no way K could turn it on.

"If he does, I'll give him a job."

Several moments later, I noticed water on the floor, and told Butch.  He went over.

"Well I'll be....he DID turn it on!"

"Okay, Butch, he's all yours!"

ROFL!

Mom and I had a great visit, then the kids and I headed back home.

Next Month:  Beginner's Luck and Halloween

**********
Present Day:
I spent last week up in Lafayette, and am still adjusting back to the household, lol!

Big Brother Update:
I was soooooo disappointed with Caleb, Cody, Derrick, and Victoria managed to get Frankie out of the house!!!  Nooooooo....I wanted the final 3 to be Caleb, Derrick, and Frankie!!!  But then the next day, Caleb followed him.  So now it's up to Derrick to win, plus get an additional $50 K, as being the sole Team America player left.

Tomorrow's Karaoke Songs:
Head Over Feet-Alanis
Help-Beattles
Here Comes The Rain Again-Eurythmics
High On You-Survivor
High Enough-Damn Yankees

Flashback Friday and News!!

First, the good news:

Kenzie Michaels has a new release today!!  Heart's Last Chance releases today at Secret Cravings Publishing, and since I'm not at my usual desk, I am unable to provide you with an excerpt until I find the port for the flash drive on my mother's computer!  So maybe next week when I get home, and the 3rd party links go live!


Sept 1984:
My roommates and I settled into a routine, and soon we were paired up.  EY and EC had their 'Big Brothers' at the Sigma Pi house; KC began dating one of the guys we'd met the 1st night; I had been set up with GW's date's roomie, but wasn't impressed with him.

I'd gone home for Labor Day Weekend, and Dad and I took our Black Lab over to Purdue to walk him.  We decided to go walk around the stadium as they were getting things ready for the Purdue-Notre Dame game, and when Dad paused to speak to someone he knew, Fudge decided to help himself to the hot dog stand!

Once back at VU, the Tube Race was soon organized.  EY and EC were both in it for Sig Pi, so GW, KC, and I cheered them on from the sidelines.  Afterward, we went to lunch, then got ready for the dance.

A week later, GW had a horrific breakup with her guy, and later, I went with her and KC to a party.  TM was there, and though I was wary around him at first, he turned out to share my sense of humor, and we ended up staying up all night, talking.  We got caught in the rain and ended up at Waffle House to dry out, then after returning to the dorms and changing into dry clothes, we spent the entire day together.  My lack of sleep caught up with me at 9pm on Sunday, and with GW's blessing, he and I became an item.

I'm rather embarrassed to admit he taught me to French Kiss.  I'd kissed guys on the lips, of course, but never frenched.  We'd spend hours in each other's arms, simply enjoying kissing.

Next Month:  A really bad decision and Parent's Weekend.  Plus, a huge change!

************
Present Day:
I'm currently at my mom's house, helping sort through cartons in the storage room and 'finding' her desk.  I've sorted and filed pictures, papers, and am down to the final carton in what used to be my sister's room.  We've found geneology, WW2 memorabilia from my Grandpa Grauel, and my grandfather's baby pictures, baptismal records, and marriage licenses.  Plus baby pictures of my great-grandmother, Mom K.

Mom's had a wonderful time seeing old pictures and recalling times at GSA camp, her prom, and time in Job's Daughters and her one year in 4-H.

Had lunch yesterday with friends, and tonight we're going to karaoke.  No clue what I might sing, but may do some of my better ones:

Wanted Dead Or Alive
Edge of 17
ET
Night The Lights Went Out In Georgia
What's Up
Birmingham
Grand Illusion
Come Sail Away
Better Dig Two
Gunpowder and Lead
Hell On Heels
I Will Be

No, I don't plan to sing all of these.  But if someone else does one of 'mine', then it's good to have a back up song!  

Flashback Friday: Cliques Begin To Form!

Sept 1974:
In my attempt to stay in the same class with KB, I deliberately did not change classes one day, and was nearly caught.  But that class wasn't nearly 'fun' enough for me, so the following day I dutifully changed classes.

Mrs. M began reading us the book Blue Ridge Billy, and I loved that time every day!  I couldn't wait to purchase my own copy, so I could read it all the way through.

One girl in my class arrived with nearly the same type of wire-framed glasses that I did, and soon people were mixing us up, since we both had blonde hair and blue eyes.  I couldn't stand her, however.

Friendships and cliques were beginning to form.  I got along well with nearly everyone, but we were clearly about to gang up on some of the pudgy members of our class, as well as one particularly unattractive boy.  As for us girls, well, I was in Girl Scouts with several of those in my class, so I had to behave myself.  At recess, I loved to play on the monkey bars, and was praised for my efforts going across the bars and being able to skip a bar or two.  I'd certainly had enough practice on KE's set during the summer!  I was too scared to play on the round tiles, since while not afraid of heights, I was afraid of falling.  I stayed on the two lower ones.

I absolutely love my 3rd grade picture.  I am wearing a light blue turtleneck, with a gold locket, and my hair is pulled back from the sides in a pony tail, with the rest hanging loose.  This is only the first of a handful of school pictures I think I look nice in.

Next Month:  Halloween!

*************
Present Day:
We went roller skating yesterday at a K12 outing.  I love to roller skate, and since our local rink closed in 2007, I've longed to get back on my skates.  But it's been 7 years.....I've gained 40 pounds....I'm also getting close to 50....needless to say, I could stand up on my skates, just couldn't MOVE!  I was slightly humiliated when I finally ventured out onto the floor, only to hang onto the wall like a beginner.  A kid even asked if it was the first time.  Ummm, no, seven years earlier, I'd zoomed around the floor like a pro.  It seems the spirit was willing, but the body was weak.  And it was my ideal situation; a nearly deserted floor!

Guess I'm going to have to hang up my skates.  I'm too old, too out of shape, and out of practice.

Tomorrow's Karaoke Tunes:
Heaven Is A Place On Earth
Heaven is a 4 Letter Word (maybe)
Hello
Hell on Heels
Black Velvet

September Reading Schedule and Aug Recap:)

We had a nice beginning to August, with temps in the mid-80s.  I wish we had been able to attend the State Fair, with temps being so nice, but we were recovering financially from our kid-filled summer!

Homeschooling:  I spent the first week of orientation watching videos, asking questions, and getting acquainted with the K12 program.  Week #2 went well, with the youngling 'reviewing' last year's material in Math.  Week #3 was a little bumpy, when I realized he was not doing all the reading, plus his new medication supplements arrived, and figuring out the correct dose/combination took a few days.  He's also not doing Study Island correctly, something we have the next three days to correct.

House Hunting:  Still looking.

Books Read:  4
            Print:  1
            E-book:  3

Yeah, rather dropped the ball on the reading this month....most of my free time was taken up with either Solitaire or DS9 on Netflix.  In my defense, I have really enjoyed rewatching this series!

In good news, I have a new adopted granddaughter, born Aug 30th, at 8:07 pm.  Miss Madison Renee weighed in at 6lbs, 4 oz, and is 21.5 inches long.

I got to hold her yesterday:)

Festivals/Signings:  I set up at both the Watermelon Festival and the Wine, Cheese, and Art Festival this past month and sold four copies of Love Weighs In:)  I've already heard back from one reader, so yay!

Mom's Health:  My mom had a horrible two weeks with back pain and being in the hospital.  Thankfully, she's been diagnosed with Spondalosis, or Osteoarthritis of the Spine, and is now on a Pain Management regime which seems to be working.  I was told she was going to have surgery this week, but instead, she's seeking a 2nd opinion before going under the knife.  I'll keep you updated!

September Reading Schedule:

Print:  
Calamity Jayne Goes To College-Kathleen Bacus Ended up skimming this.  Bleh.
Fluency-Jennifer Wells Interesting!
13 Reasons Why

E-Book:
Killer Cupid-Maeve Christopher Not bad:)
Entranced-Maddie James Good story!
Chocolate, Sex, and Other Surprises-Kellie Kamryn Enjoyed this!
Lovers and Liars-Jean Joachim REALLY LOVED THIS ONE!!!!
The Gentleman's Harlot-Natalie Dae
Slave-Sherri Hayes
Sticky Magic-Raine Delight
Lust On Tap-Liz Crowe
Blind Faith-Sandra Tilley
Laura Meets Jeffrey-Jeffrey Michaelson
Breathing His Air-Debra Kayn
Lawman-Regina Carlysle
Winning His Wife-Sandra Sookoo
Baby Stetson-Nikki Lynn Barrett, et al

Karaoke Songs:
Heaven is a Place On Earth-Belinda Carlisle Nailed it:)
Hello-Lionel Richie So so...
Hell On Heels-Pistol Annies Nailed it!
Head Over Feet-Alanis Morrisette Bleh.  Too low
Help-Beatles Bleh...
Here Comes The Rain Again-Eurythmics Bleh
High On You-Survivor didn't have it
Hit Me With Your Best Shot-Pat Benetar
Hold My Hand-Hootie and the Blowfish
Hold On-Wilson Phillips
Hold On Loosely-.38 Special
Holding Back The Years-Simply Red
Holding Out For A Hero-Bonnie Tyler