Part 5 of the Sequel to That Book

First of all, let me preface this by saying I'm so tired of the word 'smirk', it nearly turned me off another author's work!  I feel if I see it pop up one more time in another book, I'm going to scream and hurl it across the room, no matter if it's by an author I LIKE!  I apologize in advance to any other authors out there.  But I'm only on Book #2 of That Series, and I may never use 'mutter' or 'whisper' ever again, and woe if I ever find 'smirk' in one of my own books, or one I'm reading.

Ch. 9:
Pgs 197-202:  Enough with the -ly words!  My editor would have fit.

Pg 203:  Why is she put out because the valet compliments C on his car?  I don't get it.  Also, how is they're buying a new car on a SUNDAY?  Or is it only in Indiana the car dealerships are closed that day?  Or did he call ahead and pull some strings?  Otherwise, I find this hard to believe they randomly pull into the lot, and the dealership is open.  Like I said, this doesn't happen around here.

Pg 208:  Is she choosing the same thing as he for lunch in order to please him, or is this the downhill slide of 'You choose for me because I have no brain in my head'?

Pg 209:  I guess I need to brush up on my boat knowledge.  I thought a catamaran was a flat sailboat-thingy.  But what she's describing sounds more like a large sailboat/yacht.

Pg 212:  She's watching C and a member of his crew work with knots and suddenly she's wondering if M knows some good rope tricks too, then flushes at the forbidden thought.  I get this, but how does she know she's 'flushing'?

Pg 215:  Another 'I have the most ridiculous grin on my face'...can she see her reflection somewhere?

Pgs 216-20:  Skipped, due to boring sex scene.  I skimmed it, but other than the 'ho-hum' factor, nothing really to say.

Ch. 10:
Pg 222:  Why is she suddenly 'crabby' after helping him pack the sails away?  Unless she's overly tired from all that lovemaking.

Pg 224:  Why is C suddenly 'jealous' of her interest in JT?  More on this in a bit.

Pg 225:  Suddenly shy around M, because 'he must know what we were doing when he went ashore'.  Gee, you think?  I can hear C:  "Make yourself scarce so we can be alone for an hour.'

Pg 226-31:  I enjoyed reading their conversation, and the finally getting-to-know-you-better stuff.  But now it turns heavy, as she questions the fact he's changing for her.

Pg 232:  So A flirts with JT, then C 'makes her feel like a child'.  HUH???

Pgs 233-5:  I thought this entire conversation was taking place in front of the walk-in closet.  But then C leads her out of it.  So a little confusing here....

Pgs 237-40:  They're playing pool.  Isn't there a standard size for pool tables?  Yet she states "I don't think I've ever seen one so large...'

And great way to end the chapter.  Oooh, will he sink the 8-ball, then spank her and take her on the pool table?  I can hardly wait to read what happens in Ch 11.

And I sincerely hope my sarcasm is coming across in that last statement!

****
I was dealt a personal shock the past two days.  Found out a former boyfriend's mother took it upon herself to play God and interfere with our then-budding relationship.  If she hadn't have interfered, the summer of 1985 would have definitely been better for me.  So I wasn't too far off the mark when I wrote All She Ever Wanted back in July 2008, lol!

Going to karaoke tonight and singing some loud, angry songs.  I'll report back tomorrow.

Currently Reading:  Finished Laura by Hilary Norman, and loved it:)  Now reading The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan.  This one is interesting, and different from The Kitchen God's Wife. 

E-book-wise, I'm still on The Renovated Heart by Jean Joachim, and this one is a Definite Recommended Read:)  I'm about 3/4 of the way through it:)  Just not doing a great deal of reading on the Kindle while I have two sacks full of paperbacks.  I really need to alternate mediums...

Tomorrow:  Memories of my 17th birthday:)  Have a good day!

Hump Day Hook

Go here for more Hump Day Hooks:)

How about a holiday paragraph from Love On The Rocks?

Con Keller looked over the top of the morning paper at her. “Did you bring that English grade up?”

“Yes. I’ve made good grades on all the tests.”

“And your other classes?”

Damn... “Econ may be lower, but that’s it. I’m doing well in everything else.”

“You’ll find the keys on my desk.”

“Oh, thank you.” Elicia hugged her father then kissed his cheek. “I’ll call you if they want me to start right away.” She went to get the keys.

Driving to the mall in her red sunbird was heaven after being driven everywhere or walking. No pressures to live up to Diana’s scholastic achievements, no lectures on her choice of clothing from her ultraconservative mother, no worries…period. She was free to do as she wanted and after entering the mall, she headed for her favorite clothing store and spoke to the manager, for whom she’d worked for all through high school.

Love On The Rocks can be found at SCP, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble:) 

Flashback Friday

Dec 1972:
For my 7th birthday, I received a doll cake.  The kind with a Barbie-like doll standing up, and the cake is her dress:)  My grandparents and several neighborhood friends attended.  And for my birthday, I received a beautiful black Labrador puppy we named Wags.

Present Day:
Went Christmas shopping yesterday for the youngling and the granddaughter.  They're both going to have a good Christmas:)  I also need to finish up my online shopping for my nephew, SU, and Miss Drama Queen and Mr. Energy.

Tomorrow, my college kid turns 21.  He's heading up to Purdue today to celebrate with his fraternity brothers, so I won't get to spank him until Sunday.  We have a 'rule' in this house you cannot turn a year older until you've had your birthday spanking, ha ha:)  I need to call my mom and make arrangements to get together for our joint b-day dinner with them.

Have a great weekend!

Cookies Baked:  0 (was interrupted all afternoon, so decided I deserved a day of rest!)
Progress on Living Room:  Dusted the floor where the tree will be
Presents Bought:  9, not counting the ones I ordered last weekend.
Cards Written/Sent/Received:  0/0/1:)

Part 4 of the STTBWSNBN

Currently Reading:  Finished both Sushi For Beginners and Body Check!  Loved both!  Now reading Jean Joachim's The Renovated Heart.  Since I've loved Jean's other stories, I've no doubt I'll love this one too:)  Print-wise, haven't decided what to choose from the sack beside my bed.  Did I mention that after my TV appearance, I hit the 10 cent paperback sale, and came home with 11 gently used paperbacks?


It's been two weeks since I last posted, partly due to the holidays and NaNo, but also to the fact I nearly fell asleep twice reading Ch. 7.  I'm all for a party scene, but do you have to describe EVERYTHING?  And the present tense is still driving me crazy.  With that said, here are some of the 'roll my eyes' and 'gag me' parts:

Ch. 7:
Pg 144:  How does she know she doesn't realize his game until too late?  This should have been worded, "Too late, I realize the reason he's grabbed my hand is to place it on his erection."  Or something else to that fact.

Pg 145:  If you're so enthralled with his growing erection, how do you know you're barely aware of the bidding?  Either you're aware or not.

Pg 146:  She gives C a 'soft, chaste kiss', then notices the others at her table are 'astonished'.  Either the others are extremely bad at concealing their emotions or she's misinterpreting their facial expressions.  She doesn't know what's going on inside their heads; this is all assumption....and you know what they say about making assumptions....

Pgs 146-9:  I get she's embarrassed by the Ladies Auction.  And naturally, since this is her POV, there are two men vying to 'buy' her for the night.  One of the other ladies is furious when the bidding goes high.  Oh yeah; I burn with jealousy every time I see two men 'fighting' over another girl...give me a break!  This is for CHARITY!  The other girl should be thrilled A is forcing men to bid higher....

Pgs 150-5:  He takes her up to his childhood bedroom, spanks her, then they have sex.  Ho-hum.

Pgs 155-8:  The dancing begins, and C's psychiatrist dances with her.  Afterward, she teases C that the good doctor told her everything, and he doesn't take it well.  Does the man not know about the confidentiality clause in the doctor-patient/client relationship?

Pgs 158-60:  Mrs. R 'corners' A in the bathroom and while A is thrilled to think C loves her, Mrs R ruins it by warning 'if you hurt him, you'll have to answer to me'.  A case of an ex not wanting to let go?  Did she do this with all of C's other 'subs'?

Pgs 160-4:  A tells C about the conversation; he gets pissy and calls Mrs. R, which A evesdrops on; then C's father claims her attentions and she gleans some info about C's childhood.  Is it any wonder my eyes were drooping and my brain was shutting down?  Yawn....

(Two weeks later, I pick up the book again....)
Pgs 164-8:  A spectacular fireworks display.  And suddenly A has her wrap on.  Did she not check it when they came in?  I'll have to go back and check.  But then again, I really don't care, so I keep reading.

Pg 169:  How sweet; Mrs. R writes A a note, inviting her to lunch.  Why didn't she wait until the next day, when emotions have settled?

Pgs 170-1:  They arrive back home, only to be told A's car has been vandalized, and they need to check the apartment to make sure L isn't still there.  And all I can think of is 'Thank god that chapter's over!'

Ch. 8:
Pgs 172-6:  The house has been checked, and they've been given the 'all clear' sign.  A goes to bed.  And wakes suddenly with the groggy feeling she's not alone, but in the dark can't tell if it's just her imagination.  So she goes downstairs and flirts with C, who's in his office.  Then they go back to his room, where she was sleeping, and the balcony door is open.  NOW she tells C about why she woke up, then feels guilty for not being more forthcoming?

Pgs 176-82:  With the possibility L is hiding somewhere, A and C go to a motel.  And now the hotel receptionist can't contain her admiration of C.  What is it with the women in Seattle?

Pgs 183-90:  They make love.

Pgs 190-6:  C's doctor (MD) makes a hotel-room call and reprimands A for not taking her pill, then gives her a pregnancy test and a Depo shot.  And during the discussion of where A is in her cycle, it suddenly dawns on me why A has been so moody....she's suffering from a major case of PMS!  I'm surprised C didn't pick up on it, since he's such an expert on women....oh wait; he's been a little distracted.

Thank god that chapter is over and I don't have to pick this book up again for another week!  Did I actually say a month ago I was beginning to enjoy this book?  I take it back.

Update on Christmas Prep:
Cookies Baked:  5.5 doz M&M; 5.5 Butterscotch chip.  There's a cookie dough monster loose in my house!
Progress on Living Room:  Same as yesterday.

Hump Day Hook

Go here for more Hump Day Hooks:)

From my Zombie story:

“What about those still in the ER?  Are they still alive?  When do you think you’ll be checking on that area?” Another reporter from CBS shoved her microphone closer.

            “When the HazMat team finishes their investigation, then I’ll be able to answer that more fully.”

            “Is there any truth to the report that it was a patient from the Chicken Shack shooting which exploded?”  Jamie jumped in with her question.  At the collective gasp, she hurried on.  “Do you think this was the work of a suicide bomber?”

            “Young woman, this is preposterous!  Who are you and what television station do you represent?” The administrator turned angry eyes on Jamie and crossed his arms.

             “Jamie Sullivan, with PBS.  We were heading over to the Shrine Circus and as we neared the hospital, we witnessed the explosion from Sixteenth and Maple.”

            “Honey, let us handle the news,” a Fox reporter rolled his eyes.  “You’re not equipped to handle a story of this magnitude.”

            Jamie’s temper exploded.  “How would you know?  Just because your news director is a sexist pig doesn’t mean you have to be one too.” 

Have a great day and come back tomorrow for the Sequel To The Book Which Shall Not Be Named:)

Cookies Baked:  8 doz oatmeal-raisin
Progress On Living Room:  Space cleared and DVD's reorganized.  Tree and ornaments still downstairs. However, daughter's tabletop tree is in chair, waiting to go home with her.

Thanksgiving Pics And A Teaser....

My sister and her two children:)  They live in Vancouver, BC, so I don't get to see them very often.  R (left) is 7 and D (right) is 9.  I struck gold for both kids this year for Christmas presents:  I got R anthologies of Amelia Bedelia and Berenstain Bears.  Spoke to my sister last night and R reads a different story to her every night at bedtime:)  With D, I bought him The Lightening Thief, and it kept him enthralled during the long airplane ride home.  I now know what to get him for his birthday:)

My mom, looking awesome!  She's able to eat regular food now, and enjoyed the week with her Canadian-American grandchildren, plus two days with her great-grandchild:)  Mom and Dad will celebrate 50 years of marriage next year; plans are in the works.

Miss Alexandria, in her Pooh Bear Thanksgiving dress:)  She charmed everyone by her ability to sit up.  She can't do it herself just yet, but will sit up if placed in that postion.

 
My family and I stayed at the hotel with the water park.  On Friday, W and D came over to swim; R had a fever and wasn't feeling well.  We were soon joined by our 'other sister', K and her two children, M (far left) and A (front with dark shirt).  M is 12, A is 8.  K is the one who underwent drastic interleukin treatment for melanoma two years ago and beat the cancer.  Enjoyed seeing her kids again!

And I'd be remiss if I didn't include a pic of my BIL (center).  Also pictured, my SU and daughter.  Temps were in the 60's, so after eating, people went outside and enjoyed the nice weather:)

And Now For The Teaser:

Eight of the twelve dozen cookies made yesterday (four are stashed away for teachers).  Today I may make Oatmeal-Raisin, since it is the spousal unit's fave.

Cookies Baked:  
6 doz Holiday Chip
6 doz Choc. Chip

Tree Progress:  Still in basement.  Living room still a mess.

TGIO! Time To Bake:)

First of all, I accomplished my goal:)  Hit 30K on Love Is Color Blind, and the book is practically writing itself, which was my primary goal.  Now I'm waiting for a phone call from the 500 Festival president, since the woman I spoke to on Friday could not answer my questions.  And if you don't tell on me....I took the rewritten passages of Kenzie's Class Reunion, plus the notes back and forth from my editor, and it totaled 20,038. So if you add the two together, you get 50,038.  So I essentially 'won' NaNo.  But not bragging about it all over the place; I'm happier just knowing a) I accomplished my goal for LICB and b) did not turn into a stressed-out, screaming banshee mess!


Cookie Baking Time!

No, I've not begun baking yet; just wanted to tease you with the pictures of last year's efforts:)  I did make a quick trip to the store for last minute items (ahem...I was out of butter, which is an essential part of my cookie recipe!) this morning, and should be all set to dive into the baking and make my whole house smell like Christmas.  Now if I could just get motivated to clean up the living room and set up the tree.....

Remember the Great Candy-Making Experiment?  Yeah; the one that caused me to grow out of my size 18 jeans?  I think I'm going to stick with the chocolate-covered pretzels, one batch of PB cups, and one batch each of strawberry and berry blue gummies.

Currently Reading:  You've missed this feature, haven't you?  LOL!  
E-book-wise, I'm about halfway through Body Check by Heather Peters.  I've enjoyed both of these books, and both are Recommended Reads:)

Print-wise, I reread Marian Keyes' Rachel's Holiday and Angels, and am about 2/3 of the way through Sushi For Beginners.  I found these books while going through boxes downstairs, and enjoyed them so much the first two or three times, I decided to read 'em again!  Also, while surfing through Amazon, found out the last Walsh Sister, Helen, is finally getting her book!  It will be out in April, so I've pre-ordered it as an early Easter present for myself:)