My Mind Wanders...

Wednesday Word of the Day

2012-02-01T04:00:00.000-06:00

neoterism \nee-OT-uh-riz-uhm\, noun:

1. An innovation in language, as a new word, term, or expression.
2. The use of new words, terms, or expressions.

~Ha, I do this a lot! Of course my family looks at me like I'm slightly cracked, but shoossh-ala-banger, who isn't slightly cracked in some way these days? *wink*~

Gotta made up word of your own? I'd love to hear it. :)

**Though it did not come into English usage until the late 1800s, neoterism originally comes from the Greek word neōterismós which meant "an attempt to change." ~~info found at Dictionary.com

Tuesday Tease...

2012-01-31T09:51:00.000-06:00

"I‘m not going anywhere, Em." His thumb played over her lips, back and forth, teasing the tiny nerves beneath the plump flesh. A gentle nudge requested entrance into the soft, wet warmth of her mouth while his eyes blazed; reminding her of the many other times, he‘d sought solace there. "Not until we get a few things straight."

Fabulous Friday Fun....

2012-01-27T04:00:00.000-06:00

Out in the theaters today is One for the Money by Janet Evanovich. I can't wait to see it. Normally, I rarely see a show in at the theater, but I'll definitely make and exception for this one! :D

Tuesday De-Stressor...

2012-01-24T10:55:00.000-06:00

Now who couldn't use a sure fire cure for stress...I know I could. Are the instructions below a cure? Probably not, but they couldn't hurt to try. Well, sticking a finger in your ear might not be the most comfortable thing, but smelling a yummy candle sounds lovely.

Check out the steps below courtesy of Braingle. And may you all find a trigger of your own!

~Similar to how Pavlov's dog had associated food with the sound of a bell, it's possible to program your mind to associate some stimuli with being in a relaxed and calm state. This can be a very effect way of coping with stress.

The first step is to find a trigger that you can use on yourself. It should be something that doesn't happen in a normal day. Maybe it could be sticking a finger in your ear, pinching the back of your hand, or taking a whiff from one of your scent canisters.

The second step is to associate this trigger with the state of being calm and relaxed. Try to conjure up a vivid memory of a time in the past when you were totally at peace. Try to recreate all the sounds, smells and images. Once you think you have a good visualization, program it into your mind by sticking your finger in your ear, or whatever else you have chosen to be your trigger. In the future, whenever you are naturally feeling calm and relaxed you should reinforce your trigger by doing it.

Now that you have programmed your mind to associate the trigger with a relaxed state, you can use it whenever you feel stressed. Simply activate your trigger and you will immediately start feeling more relaxed.~

Friday Retro...

2012-01-20T07:43:00.000-06:00

Look, it's me! Okay, maybe it's me from a past life, but I can definitely see myself in today's retro picture. I adore the fashion of the time - hats, big coats, and sturdy, yet gorgeous, shoes. Then throw in coffee time girl gabs and yeah, I'm right there!

Pictures like this bring me back to my grandmother's closet; to a place of warmth, of comfort, and with that wonderful Grams smell filling the small space. Then, of course, there was all of the fabulous hats & shoes I would try on like a fiend, practicing my high-heel walk. My Grandmother's Closet...there's a poem there somewhere. :)

Thursday Story Slam - The Lady in Red

2012-01-19T11:24:00.000-06:00

Image Credit to Whitebook @ DeviantArt, titled A Christmas Story for Rezzan

The lady in red waits beneath thegnarled old tree, sure her love will return one day.

The lady in red listens for hisvoice on the wind, sure she will hear it in time.

The lady in red watches the skyfor his graceful glide; sure she will see it on the horizon.

He’d vowed to love her beyond hisvery last breath.

He would be her champion in thislife and onward into death.

The lady in red worries upon herknees, troubling is his late arrival.

The lady in red weeps among the leaves,firmly entrenched—deep in denial.

The lady in red withers below thebranches, fearful he is lost to her.

She vowed to love him beyond hervery last breath.

She would be his haven in lifeand in death.

The lady in red acknowledges theswift setting sun, their timing long gone.

The lady in red feels the oncomingchange, their places to switch with nary a hitch.

The lady in red resolves toaccept her fate, the moon once again rearranged the mates.

They vowed to love beyond theirvery last breath.

Be they in fur, or in feathers—inlife or in death.

To view more story slams or join in the fun visit Bluebell Books.

Tuesday Temptation

2012-01-17T10:45:00.000-06:00

Have you ever wanted to write steampunk? Check out the upcoming workshop on the Passionate Ink site...

Writing Erotica Steampunk by Christine D'Abo
February 1-15th, 2012

WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION: Gears, gadgets and sex? The world of steampunk presents authors with a variety of opportunities to create fantastical worlds, while exploring the human condition through technology. Alternative histories, the bending of sexual identities, and the use of future technologies in a historical setting are all arenas authors can explore in the world of steampunk.This workshop will outline what the basics of steampunk, look at the used of politics, sex and technology, while weaving together a love story.

ABOUT THE PRESENTER: Multipublished author Christine d'Abo loves exploring the human condition through a romantic lens. She takes her characters on fantastical journeys that change their hearts and expand their minds. A self-professed sci-fi junkie, Christine can often be found chatting about her favorite shows and movies. When she's not writing, she can be found chasing after her children, dogs or husband.

Christine is published with Carina Press, Ellora's Cave, Samhain Publishing, Cleis Press and Berkley Heat.

WORKSHOP FEES:

$15 for Members
$20 for Non-Members

To pay via PayPal, please send payment to robinrotham@yahoo.com and make the subject line WORKSHOP: EROTIC STEAMPUNK. Please be sure the information field includes the name and email address you will be using for the workshop.

To pay via check, please include WORKSHOP: EROTIC STEAMPUNK in the memo area. Also, please include a note containing the name and email address you will be using for the workshop.

Mail checks to:

Robin L Rotham, Treasurer
P.O. Box 2412
Norfolk, NE 68702

***Permission to forward granted and encouraged.***

Friday Retro... The 13th?

2012-01-13T04:00:00.000-06:00

So you have to ask yourself...WTH? How are Lemon/Limes associated with Friday the 13th and women's bodies?? I honestly have no idea. I searched the web, for a while, mixing and matching human/fruit/Friday the 13th and the only thing I found was that apparently Eve ate the fruit on a Friday. Really? If that's the case, then our lady above should be sporting an apple, not a citrus fruit.

Oh well, maybe one of you will enlighten me. ;-)

Enjoy the vintage pic and if you're the superstitious type—stay safe. If you're superstitious and a lady… Watch out for giant citrus fruit!

Wednesday Word of the Day

2012-01-11T04:00:00.000-06:00

Cimmerian \si-MEER-ee-uhn\, adjective:

1. Very dark; gloomy; deep.
2. Classical Mythology. Of, pertaining to, or suggestive of a western people believed to dwell in perpetual darkness.

~I'd love to use this word in my writing, must consider what the best way would be...~

Like gasconade, cimmerian was originally a toponym. It referred to the Cimmerii, an ancient nomadic people who live in Crimea, according to Herodotus. ~~info found at Dictionary.com

Tuesday Temptation - Shapeshifters

2012-01-10T09:28:00.000-06:00

It's really no surprise that I'm tempted by all things shape shifters, lore, stories, movies and even jewelry. I mean, I do write about that particular paranormal creature quite often, or at least try to. So when I do come across some bit of shape shifter paraphernalia that I've not seen before, the anticipation to spend more time with it is incredible. When the new find happens to be a shape shifter series, well, can you say happy tingles!

Lydia Dare's werewolf series is just that, the trail of happy tingles across the swirls of my brain. Her characters are strong yet lighthearted and fun. This series is a temptation not to be missed.

A Certain Wolfish Charm - Book 1

Tall, Dark and Wolfish - Book 2

The Wolf Next Door - Book 3

The Taming of the Wolf - Book 4

Friday Retro...

2012-01-06T04:00:00.000-06:00

Not sure how Retro this is, but I adore the saying! Definitely Make Art Not War. :)

Wednesday Word of the Day

2012-01-04T04:00:00.000-06:00

solecism \SOL-uh-siz-uhm\, noun:

1. A breach of good manners or etiquette.
2. A nonstandard or ungrammatical usage, as unflammable and they was.
3. Any error, impropriety, or inconsistency.

~LOL, so many of the character's in the fictitious town of Talbot's Peak, found over on my group blog Shapeshifter Seductions, suffer from this affliction a time or two. They are also a heck of a lot of fun...so bring on the solecism. ;)~

Solecism was originally a toponym for people from the Greek city of Cilicia where a corrupt form of Greek was spoken. It came to mean "a mistake in speaking or writing" in Middle French in the 1500s. The sense of "a breach in manners" was recorded in the early 1600s. ~info from dictionary.com~

I Read How Many Books?

2012-01-01T15:19:00.003-06:00

So as we begin 2012 I like to post my read list from 2011. Why? Well primarily so I can keep track of it somewhere, but also so everyone can see it and maybe find something they would like to read. The other thing is, seeing what I've read...do you have any suggestions for additional stories I might like? I love getting book recommendations. With so many options out there, I love hearing what you enjoy or enjoyed.

Drop me a line and let me know. I'd hate to miss something! :)

Now for 2012, I've challenged myself to read 175...can I do it?

151. Changing the Game by Jaci Burton
150. Reaper's Justice by Charlotte Boyett-Compo
149. Tall, Dark and Deadly by Suzanne Brockmann
148. Door Prize by Lynn Lafleur
147. Revenge at Bella Terra by Christina Dodd
146. Santa Baby, Several Stars Away by Savanna Kougar
145. Wild Orchids by Karen Robards
144. Werewolf in the North Woods by Vicki Lewis Thompson
143. Saying Yes by Barbara Elsborg
142. Against the Wind by Kat Martin
141. Head Over Heels by Jill Shalvis
140. Take Me by Grace Samuels
139. bound, branded, & brazen by Jaci Burton
138. The Perfect Play by Jaci Burton
137. In the Heat of the Bite by Lydia Dare
136. Night Watch by Suzanne Brockmann
135. Ecstasy Untamed by Pamela Palmer
134. Discovering Sofia by Mel Teshco
133. Blood and Fire by Shannon McKenna
132. The Greek's Pregnant Lover by Lucy Monroe
131. The Pursuit of Pleasure by Elizabeth Essex
130. One Scream Away by Kate Brady
129. Colters' Wife by Maya Banks
128. The Shy Bride by Lucy Monroe
127. The Darkest Surrender by Gena Showalter
126. Untamed by P.C. Cast + Kristin Cast
125. Dance of the Seven Veils by Cris Anson
124. First Taste by Paisley Smith
123. It Happened One Bite by Lydia Dare
122. Secrets of Bella Terra by Christina Dodd
121. Archangel's Blade by Nalini Singh
120. Black Heart Loa by Adrian Phoenix
119. Ice by Linda Howard
118. Chosen by P.C. Cast + Kristin Cast
117. Notorious by Vicki Lewis Thompson
116. English Vice by Lolita Lopez
115. Veil of Night by Linda Howard
114. A Werewolf in Manhattan: A Wild About You Novel by Vicki Lewis Thompson
113. Envy by J.R. Ward
112. Breaking the Rules by Suzanne Brockmann
111. Black Dust Mambo by Adrian Phoenix
110. Devil Without a Cause by Terri Garey
109. Burn by Bree Younger
108. Death Angel by Linda Howard
107. Tempted by Elisabeth Naughton
106. The Rebel by J.R. Ward
105. Kiss of Snow by Nalini Singh
104. Betrayed by P.C. Cast & Kristin Cast
103. Dark Predator by Christine Feehan
102. Play of Passion by Nalini Singh
101. Bonds of Justice by Nalini Singh
100. Midnight Sins by Lora Leigh
99. Smokin' Seventeen by Janet Evanovich
98. Blaze of Memory by Nalini Singh
97. Branded by Fire by Nalini Singh
96. The Dangerous Protector by Janet Chapman
95. Marked by P.C. Cast & Kristin Cast
94. Hostage to Pleasure by Nalini Singh
93. Retribution by Sherrilyn Kenyon
92. Mine to Possess by Nalini Singh
91. My Immortal by Erin McCarthy
90. Savor the Danger by Lori Foster
89. Trace of Fever by Lori Foster
88. Spellbound by Kelley Armstrong
87. Angels' Judgment by Nalini Singh
86. Mystical Warrior by Janet Chapman
85. A Highlander Christmas by Janet Chapman
84. Kandy Apple and Her Hellhounds by Savanna Kougar
83. The Werewolf Upstairs by Ashlyn Chase
82. Secrets of the Hightlander by Janet Chapman
81. Deeper Than Midnight by Lara Adrian
80. Darkfire Kiss by Deborah Cooke
79. Only With A Highlander by Janet Chapman
78. When You Dare by Lori Foster
77. Archangel's Consort by Nalini Singh
76. Storm Kissed by Jessica Andersen
75. Archangel's Kiss by Nalini Singh
74. Hit List by Laurell K Hamilton
73. Tempt Me If You Can by Janet Chapman
72. Angels' Blood by Nalini Singh
71. Visions of Heat by Nalini Singh
70. The Seductive Impostor by Janet Chapman
69. Tempting the Highlander by Janet Chapman
68. Wedding the Highlander by Janet Chapman
67. The Man Must Marry by Janet Chapman
66. Quincy's Woman by Gem Sivad
65. Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris
64. Lover Unleashed by J.R. Ward
63. Savage Nature by Christine Feehan
62. A Staged Affair by Gem Sivad
61. Charming the Highlander by Janet Chapman
60. Slave to Sensation by Nalini Singh
59. Red Mortal by Deidre Knight
58. The Chase by Erin McCarthy
57. Invincible by Sherrilyn Kenyon
56. Truly Scrumptious by R.G. Alexander
55. The Sweetest Thing by Jill Shalvis
54. The Darkest Secret by Gena Showalter
53. Dragon Warrior by Janet Chapman
52. Moonlight Warrior by Janet Chapman
51. The Collector by Shannon K. Butcher
50. Red Angel by Deidre Knight
49. Ever Night by Gena Showalter
48. Crystal Skull by Jessica Andersen
47. Navarro's Promise by Lora Leigh
46. Hunger Untamed by Pamela Palmer
45. Bleeding Heart by Michelle Rowen
44. Skin & Bone by Ava Gray
43. Angel-claimed by Jory Strong
42. Primal Kiss by Lora Leigh
41. Hard and Fast by Erin McCarthy
40. Flat-Out Sexy by Erin McCarthy
39. Sixteen Decades by Trish Jensen
38. The Drowning Sea by Veronica Wolff
37. Tomorrow Is Another Day by Sandra Hill
36. Man from the Moon by Janet Chapman
35. Dead Right by Cate Noble
34. Hot Finish by Erin McCarthy
33. waking the Witch by Kelley Armstrong
32. Animal Magnetism by Jill Shalvis
31. Belonging by Pat Cunningham
30. Unstoppable by Laura Griffin
29. Leave No Trace by Cindy Gerard
28. Just Bad Enough by Sherrilyn Kenyon and Dianna Love
27. One Woman One Ranger by Phyliss Miranda
26. Undertaking Texas by Linda Broday
25. The Ranger's Angel by Jodi Thomas
24. Her Wolf by Rebecca Royce
23. Live Wire by Lora Leigh
22. Coyote Moon by Pat Cunningham
21. Reno's Chance: A Navy Seals Story by Lora Leigh
20. The Breed Next Door: A Novella of the Breeds by Lora Leigh
19. Three for Me? by R.G. Alexander
18. Branded by the Texans by Savanna Kougar
17. Master of the Mountain by Cherise Sinclair
16. Caleb by Sarah McCarty
15. Bad Boys by Pat Cunningham
14. Surrender to Darkness by Annette McCleave
13. Undertow by Cherry Adair
12. Aiden's Charity by Lora Leigh
11. Impetuous by Lori Foster
10. Ruthless Game by Christine Feehan
9. Augest Heat by Lora Leigh
8. Elizabeth's Wolf by Lora Leigh
7. Sapphire Dream by Pamela Montgomerie
6. Sarah's Seduction by Lora Leigh
5. Crossing Borders by Cora Zane
4. Summers Caress by Tielle St. Clare
3. Forbidden Fruit by Mackenzie McKade
2. Strange Neighbors by Ashlyn Chase
1. Murder by Hair Spray In Gardenia, New Atlantis by Savanna Kougar

Happy New Year!

2011-12-31T14:44:00.000-06:00

May your New Year be safe, and sparkle with the light of a million moons!

~Serena

Friday Retro...

2011-12-30T04:00:00.000-06:00

A sexy, vintage New Year greeting. I don't know about you, but there is something about old photo's that just draw me in. :)

Wednesday Word of the Day

2011-12-28T04:00:00.000-06:00

calvous \KAL-vuhs\, adjective:

Lacking all or most of the hair on the head; bald.

~Mmm, a big, brawny, sensitive yet strong, calvous hero. So delish!~

Calvous is derived from the Latin word calvus which meant simply “bald.”

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T04:00:00.000-06:00

Have a safe and lovely day.

Friday Retro...

2011-12-23T04:00:00.000-06:00

LOL...Pop in a glass bottle, that is retro!

Wednesday's Words...

2011-12-21T07:47:00.000-06:00

"I'm beautiful in my way
'Cause God makes no mistakes
I'm on the right track, baby
I was born this way
Don't hide yourself in regret
Just love yourself and you're set
I'm on the right track, baby
I was born this way"
....Born This Way by Lady Gaga

Kudos to Lady Gaga for her wonderful words of acceptance.

And to my Darling Diva...You were right, I love the song, thanks for asking me to listen!

Tuesday Tease

2011-12-20T04:00:00.000-06:00

A word I know,
six letters it contains
subtract just one,
and twelve is what remains.

Answer

Dozens

Feeling Naughty?

2011-12-19T08:00:00.000-06:00

If so, swing on over to the Naughty Nights blog at Passionate Ink. Enjoy a saucy story and comment for a chance to win books, given away by several of our authors.

Friday Retro...

2011-12-16T04:00:00.000-06:00

Hohoho...This little Santa reminds me of the jolly guy I'd see on all of the Christmas decoration boxes at my grandparents house. Tree decoration time, cookie making, warm house, huge piles of snow outside and me inside happily waiting for Santa to come.

Wanna know a secret...all these years later and I still wait for Santa! :D

Wednesday Word of the Day

2011-12-14T04:00:00.000-06:00

boscage \BOS-kij\, noun:

A mass of trees or shrubs.

~She lured the snarly wolf into the boscage with her scent, but kept him there with her soft skin and the look in her eye.~

Boscage comes from the Middle French word boscage, from the roots bosk meaning “a small wood or thicket” and -age, a suffix that denotes a general noun, like voyage and courage.

Tuesday Temptation

2011-12-13T03:30:00.000-06:00

Lookee here at the new release from Savanna Kougar, just in time for the holidays. Shifters, Christmas and erotic fun! Quite a tingly temptation.

Get yours now from Amazon or Smashwords

Friday Retro...

2011-12-09T04:00:00.000-06:00

Here, Here! Muahahahah

Wednesday Word of the Day

2011-12-07T04:00:00.000-06:00

Crepitate \KREP-i-teyt\, verb:

To make a crackling sound; crackle.

~I can see a grizzled old woman or a grouping of birds who crepitate. Or, better yet, a group of dark birds who turn into grizzled old women who torment the "pure", but "pure" of what? Hmmm~

Crepitate is from the Latin crepitare which meant “to rustle or chatter.”

Tuesday Temptation...

2011-12-06T15:25:00.001-06:00

I'll be taking part in The Jingle Bell Hop over at Shapeshifter Seductions. Drop on by and see what's happening this Christmas in Talbot's Peak!

Sunday Scribblings - Joy

2011-12-04T04:00:00.000-06:00

Joy to the things
all shiny and new

Joy to the way
that I love you

Joy to the feelings
deep in my heart

Joy to the way
we leapt from the start

Joy to the love
we brought into the world

Joy to the wings
she finally unfurled

Joy to the time
we've been given together

Joy to the memories
I'll hold them forever

Joy to the moments
right up to the end

Joy to the whispers; the love
I'll continue to send...

Stop by Sunday Scribblings for more Joy...

Friday Retro...

2011-12-02T04:00:00.000-06:00

LOL, so I generally try to refrain from posting questionable language on my blog, but this graphic is just perfect for my sense of humor. Technically, I should be calling this a Friday Retro with a twist, since I know the words had to be added recently. And since we are now in December (can you believe it) I could call this a Friday Retro Christmas with a twist...or I could call it this years Christmas card!

Oh man, I can see the looks on my relatives faces if that got this baby in the mail...muahahaha

Haven't we all had this kind of Christmas though? It starts with frantic shopping, failed spritz cookies cause the dang press is a piece of junk, more frantic shopping which now includes a new spritzer so you can remake the cookies, indecision on what the menu should be for the Christmas Eve get together, more f-ing(that's frantic, wink wink) shopping, battles over whether that one year we made a truffle or a trifle, mf shopping (that's more), Christmas tunes and Christmas games, too much wine, not enough food... up late and early to rise, head pounding and toys under the tree that look as if a hopped up reindeer put them together...

So, yeah, Harold...where is that rum!!

Wednesday Word of the Day

2011-11-30T04:00:00.000-06:00

poltroon \pol-TROON\, noun:

1. A wretched coward; craven.

adjective:
1. Marked by utter cowardice.

~Very cool word! I love when I happen across words that I've never heard before. Now, I feel compelled to write about a poltroon character.~

Poltroon originally came from the Latin pullus meaning “young animal.” It came to mean an idler or coward in Old French.

Tuesday Teaser

2011-11-29T04:00:00.000-06:00

Can you complete this grid of letters? Each line is a valid 5 letter word with its first and last letters missing. The missing letters form a word when read downwards and the same word appears both at the start and at the end. What is the missing word?

_OMI_
_EVE_
_ROM_
_OAK_
_ATC_

See below for answers...

Answer

CLASH.

Friday Retro...

2011-11-25T04:00:00.000-06:00

LOL...there's just something about Norman Rockwell's work that makes me smile. I wonder what his sense of humor was like?

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T04:00:00.000-06:00

Safe travels and plenty of, er, flamingo one and all on this day of Thanksgiving...

Serena

Wednesday Word of the Day

2011-11-23T04:00:00.000-06:00

kef \keyf\, noun:

1. A state of drowsy contentment
2. Also, keef. a substance, especially a smoking preparation of hemp leaves, used to produce this state.

~LOL, so tomorrow, after my yummy turkey dinner, I'll experience a kef! I wonder if I can sneak this word into the conversation around the dinner table? ;)~

Kef comes from the Arabic word kaif meaning “well-being or pleasure.”

Tuesday Trivia - Thanksgiving Style

2011-11-22T07:35:00.001-06:00

How about some Tuesday Trivia of the Thanksgiving sort in preparation for the upcoming holiday?*

1. In what year did the first American Thanksgiving celebration take place?
A. 1900
B. 1492
C. 1621
D. 1776

2. Where was the first American Thanksgiving celebration held?
A. Plymouth, Massachusetts
B. New York, New York
C. Jamestown, Virginia
D. Boston, Massachusetts

3. How many Pilgrims were on board the Mayflower?
A. 89
B. 102
C. 185
D. 219

4. The Native Americans who were invited to the first Thanksgiving feast belonged to the Wampanoag tribe. Who was the chief of this tribe?
A Squanto
B Samoset
C Cheyenne
D Massasoit

5. How long did the first Thanksgiving celebration last?
A. One day
B. One week
C. Three days
D. Four days

Answers:
1. C 1621
2. A Plymouth, Massachusetts
3. B (it is believed to be 102)
4. D Massasoit
5. C Three days (the celebration consisted of games as well as food)

*Thanks to Catalogs.com for this great little trivia quiz. Check out more info by Ryan Walters here...http://www.catalogs.com/info/party-planning/thanksgiving-trivia.html

Friday Retro...

2011-11-18T04:00:00.000-06:00

Hmm...me thinks this was not meant to portray those special spanking that lead to hours of fun and morning after grins! :D

Wednesday Word of the Day

2011-11-16T04:00:00.000-06:00

Ferly \FER-lee\, noun:

1. Something unusual, strange, or causing wonder or terror.
2. Astonishment; wonder.

adjective:
1. Unexpected; strange; unusual.

~I love to be ferlied! LOL~

Ferly is derived from Old English fǣrlīc meaning fǣr (fear) and -līc (-ly). It was related to the German gefährlich meaning dangerous.

Tuesday Tunes...

2011-11-15T04:00:00.000-06:00

How's about a slightly retro tune this Tuesday.

I missed the Lady Gaga hype at the beginning, but Darling Diva is now discovering that she enjoys her songs...soooo, trying to be a good mom, I listen. Know what, I too, enjoy a little poker face. ~wink~

Monday Muse...

2011-11-14T12:16:00.001-06:00

I'm not very happy with my muse today. I have an idea tiptoeing around the edges of my brain and it's been there all weekend. it tortures me with the barest of flashes-New Year's Eve, the ball dropping on the masses, wolves and passion-but the story that I know is there refuses to solidify.

To be fair, it must have been Sat morning when I awoke with the clearest of pictures of my next story, but real life reared its busy head and delayed me from writing the idea down. I can see why my muse would now be holding out on me...

So I publicly apologize to my dear muse for not taking notes when I should have and I promise to pay closer attention if you would just come a little closer and, once again, whisper it in my ear.

Much love, your dutiful scribe

TRR Yes! Party

2011-11-13T13:05:00.001-06:00

I'm giving away a copy of A MAGICAL RETURN during The Romance Reviews Yes! party. Come on over for a chance to win! Have a happy Sunday. :)

Friday Retro...

2011-11-11T09:46:00.001-06:00

LOL...I'm gonna remember my Miranda rights, cause anything I say at this point could be held against me! ;)

Remembering The "Mighty Fitz"

2011-11-10T08:35:00.001-06:00

Nov 10th, 1975 twenty-nine souls lost to a Nov gale on Lake Gichigami* shall be quietly remembered.

*Gichigami is the Ojibwa (Chippewa) word for Lake Superior, meaning "big water".

~When you stand on the shores of this beautiful lake, you forget how deadly she can be...~

Wednesday Word of the Day

2011-11-09T04:00:00.000-06:00

perdition \per-DISH-uhn\, noun:

1. A state of final spiritual ruin; loss of the soul; damnation.
2. The future state of the wicked.
3. Hell.
4. Utter destruction or ruin.
5. Obsolete. Loss.

~You know, I like this word a lot better than Hell. It sounds scarier and more final than Hell. "You're on the path to perdition, son. Watch out." Yep, watch out, indeed!~

Perdition stems from the Latin perditiōn- meaning destruction. It was the equivalent of perdit, the past participle of perdere meaning to do in, ruin or lose.

Interview and Giveaway...

2011-11-07T13:49:00.000-06:00

Nov 7th - 10th, you can find me over at Ann Lory's Blog Bites. Check out my interview and leave a message for a chance to win a copy of my recent release, A Magical Return.

Friday Retro...

2011-11-04T04:00:00.000-05:00

"Who shall I be tonight, darling? Marilyn, Rita or little ol' Betty Jean." Aah, the power of a good wig!

Wednesday Word of the Day

2011-11-02T04:00:00.000-05:00

Nyctophobia \nik-tuh-FOH-bee-uh\, noun:

An abnormal fear of night or darkness.

~What's to fear...there are vamps, shifters and all manner of paranormal lovelies out to protect us at night...I'd say it's the daytime we need to worry about! *Wink* Yes, my imagination is a lovely place to come and play.~

Nyctophobia stems from the Greek nyktos- meaning night and phobia meaning fear.

Tuesday Trailer...One for the Money

2011-11-01T09:35:00.000-05:00

Looky, looky at what I found! The trailer for Janet Evanovich's One for the Money coming Jan 27th, 2012 to theaters near you!! Wheeeee!

I can't wait! A friend introduced me to this book series a few years back and I have been eternally grateful! Thanks Tammi.

I have never laughed so much and so hard at a group of characters as I do with Stephanie and crew. And now they're coming to the big screen - sweet!

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T04:00:00.000-05:00

May these ghosties find their way to your door this dark and spooky night!

Friday Retro...

2011-10-28T04:00:00.000-05:00

Really? Here I thought it was just for upset stomachs, and nap-time was for fatigue! ~wink~

Wednesday Word of the Day

2011-10-26T04:00:00.000-05:00

Anoesis \an-oh-EE-sis\, noun:

A state of mind consisting of pure sensation or emotion without cognitive content.

~Mmmm, otherwise known as - the perfect orgasm.~

Tuesday Trivia

2011-10-25T04:00:00.000-05:00

Question:

The name GEORGe mIchAel has the state GEORGIA hidden inside it, in order from left to right. Can you find the states hidden in each of the following?

1. MUSTACHE
2. MAX STEINER
3. GEORGE HARRISON
4. THAT'S THE WAY IT IS
5. INTERDENOMINATIONAL
6. JEAN-CLAUDE VAN DAMME
7. JUMP ON THE BANDWAGON

Are you getting them? Stuck on any? To early to be using the old noodle? ~smile~

Answer

1. Utah
2. Maine
3. Ohio
4. Hawaii
5. Indiana
6. Nevada
7. Montana

Friday Retro...

2011-10-21T11:41:00.000-05:00

Gorgeous picture! Great bathing suit and fabulous hat. Plus, how fun would it have been to take pictures with camera like that!

Tuesday Trivia

2011-10-18T04:00:00.000-05:00

Decapitate me and all becomes equal. Then truncate me and I become second. Cut me front and back and I become two less than I started.

What am I?

Think you know it?

Answer:

The word Seven.

seven
even (equal)
eve (2nd person, according to the Bible)
v (Roman numeral five; two less than seven)

~Gah, I had no idea, but how simple once I saw the answer.~

Friday Retro...

2011-10-14T09:36:00.000-05:00

Martha Washington's the old Nike!

"Check me, Milly, I have a pair of Martha Washington's."
"Oh, oh Laura, I'm..I'm just so..."
"Green with envy, yes I can see that. Drool Milly, drool."

LOL...

Wednesday Word of the Day

2011-10-12T04:00:00.000-05:00

Druthers \DRUHTH-erz\, noun:

One's own way, choice, or preference.

Druthers comes from a jocular American English formation of the phrase "I'd ruther" meaning "I'd rather."

~Huh. I had no idea that's where that word came from. :) ~

Friday Retro

2011-10-07T12:38:00.000-05:00

So, do you have your next story, ready to be written? muahahaha My grandmother had something similar and let me tell you, that baby was hard to type on. You had to have some major finger muscles to press the keys down...forget about words per minute!

Wednesday Word of the Day

2011-10-05T07:09:00.001-05:00

Bandersnatch \BAN-der-snach\, noun:

1. An imaginary wild animal of fierce disposition.
2. A person of uncouth or unconventional habits, attitudes, etc., especially one considered a menace, nuisance, or the like.

Bandersnatch was invented by Lewis Carroll in 1871 in his book Through the Looking Glass.

~Hmmm, if little girls could fall into rabbit holes and hatters could be mad, I wonder if the bandersnatch could change forms? He/she will if they visit the wonderful world of Talbot's Peak, a shapeshifting town found over at my group blog - Shapeshifter Seductions - stop on by and step into fun!~

Six Sentence Sunday...Hello Ranger

2011-10-02T04:57:00.000-05:00

Six from a flash that just might be turning into a story...

~~~

Thick brown hair, hazel but almost yellow eyes and curvesjust where he liked them had his mouth watering and made him wish he wasJefferson. And she was still standingafter that amazing drop from the tree limb, way up there. His head bent back and look to the limb inquestion, then back to the beauty who’d come down from it, still processing thehow of it, never mind the why…

“Hey listen, sorry about…” she started, waving her handsboth to the tree and herself though explaining nothing.

“What are you, ma’am?”

“Shit,” she whispered, crossing her arms across her breastsand taking away at least half of his confusion.

“Hello, Ranger, I’m screwed.”

Friday Retro

2011-09-30T09:13:00.001-05:00

LOL...I bet the Star Chief got a lot of mileage from this ad! A roomy backseat is one heck of a selling point.

Thursday Short Story Slam - Bubbles

2011-09-29T04:00:00.000-05:00

Bubbles. Dia cringed and slunk back to the communal dressingroom. Those damn soapy circles hadgotten her in more trouble through her lifetime, yet she could seem to get awayfrom them.

As a kid, more than one of her mother’s temporary friendshad given her a bottle of the liquid laughs. Usually it came with a quick shove and a terse “go out and play will ya.” What those winner friends seem to forget, orreally probably didn’t give a rat’s ass about, was that they lived inMinneapolis, MN and for more months out of the year than not, it was freakingcold.

Below zero cold. Inthe dead of winter the weather was not really conducive for a young girl to be runningaround outside, blowing bubbles. So hersolution was just to do them in her room. She’d sit on the older than her mattress and blow those soapy wondersinto the air; dreaming about a time that wouldn’t be so bad.

Dia watched her reflection in the beat up old mirror as she appliedmore mascara to her already dark lashes. God, those bubbles would piss her mom off something fierce. When she would finally totter her way intoDia’s room, stinking of cigarettes, booze, and sex, she would scream a bluestreak about the sticky, soap scum left on the battered up hardwoods.

Dia had learned to scrub floors by the age of six.

The squeak of the ancient door to her right drew her attentionaway from her face and to that of her best friend, Tika.

“You’re on in five, D. Don’t forget the non-skid shoes this time. I just don’t know how you dance on that wetfloor? The bubbles are cool and all, butdamn dangerous if ya ask me.”

Dia tuned out her friend, who would continue unimpeded ifshe wasn’t interrupted, and returned to doing her make-up. Yeah, sure, bubbles are cool.

Hell, maybe they were if you weren’t Dia’Mond Barkawetz. Yes, that was her real name. Whather mother had been thinking, she’d never know. The name was as much of a pain as the damn bubbles were in her life.

“D, honey, you’re almost on and your face is only half done.“ Tika stepped to her side and turnedthe chair away from the mirror. “Here,let me finish up for you. The lashesare, well, dark. Girl, did you forgetwhat you were doing? You’ve got to comeback to me now, ya hear? It’s just onemore night, D.”

“You always say that, Tika. Yet here we still are.” Dia looked up at her friend, who wasfranticly applying blush, shadow and lipstick in swift strokes.

“And I always mean it, D. Unfortunately, the economy is still not in our favor and our Prince hasyet to come…but he will, doll. He will.”

Dia could hear her music starting as Tika pulled her fromher seat and straightened the barely there top and bottom. She dragged her to the stage where a bucketof suds waited and the room out front was filling with bubbles. The suds were placed over each breast and thefront of her panties and she was pushed on stage right before the spot lighthit her. The smile went on, the sudscame off and she got to know the pole a whole lot better, but the entire timeshe stared up at those soapy wonders and dreamed about a time that wouldn’t beso bad.

~~~

Stop by Bluebell Books for more short story slams and more...

Wednesday Word of the Day

2011-09-28T07:43:00.001-05:00

Augury (au-gu-ry)

noun :: The art or practice of foretelling events; divination.

noun :: An omen; prediction; prognostication; indication of the future; presage.

~Hmmm, I once started a story about a lady wolf who practiced the art of augury...I need to find that again and see what else Branwen has to tell me for her story. :) Silly fact: I can't say the word divination without attaching a really bad English accent to it! LOL ~

Livin' With it Tuesday...

2011-09-27T14:16:00.000-05:00

So I spent much of Sunday playing with my blog. (Yes, Bree, it is addicting! ;) Now I'm forcing myself to stop, drop and live with it for awhile...you know, see if it's me.

I tried out a ton of different looks and backgrounds. Pictures, abstracts and colors galore graced these pages, but the black was too black, the gray was not black enough, the purple was distracting - the red was sexy, just not quite right and the white...well, no thanks.

So I finally tried the gold and it seem to fit, especially with the B/W picture I wanted to use. Of course, I still have to take my livin' with it time to know for sure, but so far so good. I think this might be the one that sticks...unless I fix the white part of the picture. LOL

I have a feeling I will be forever changing this baby! Change is good - right?

What about you out there...do you like to change your blogs with the changing of the seasons? As the urge grabs you or never, ever, ever!

Friday Retro...

2011-09-23T08:15:00.000-05:00

Someone needs to put the hanky down, grab herself the beer and tell bubba to have dinner on the table in 30 minutes or less...

LOL, yeah, I wouldn't have done well back then. ~wink~

Wednesday Word of the Day

2011-09-21T04:00:00.000-05:00

Pleonasm \PLEE-uh-naz-uhm\, noun:

1. The use of more words than are necessary to express an idea; as, "I saw it with my own eyes."
2. An instance or example of pleonasm.
3. A superfluous word or expression.

~Huh, so this is the name of my run-on sentence problem! LOL Yes, I find plenty of pleonasm's during editing - which I suppose it the point of that step. :) See, now when I come across a pleonasm I'll know the name of the thing rather than calling it a crappy sentence. ;)~

Tuesday Teaser

2011-09-20T08:30:00.000-05:00

Here's a fun tease for this Tuesday morning... I surprised myself by actually getting this one right! Woot!

Good Luck and have fun!

~~~~
Risen

I'm seven times seventy,
Plus a decade more.
This has all happened before.
Red and gold, I am no liar.
My nursery will be made
From my funeral pyre.

Who am I?
.
.
.
.
.
.

.
.
.
.
.

Want a hint?

I'm a mythical creature.
.
.
.
.
.

Answer:
The phoenix!

The phoenix, in mythology, is a fabulous bird that periodically regenerated itself, used in literature as a symbol of death and resurrection. According to legend, the phoenix lived in Arabia; when it reached the end of its life (500 years), it burned itself on a pyre of flames, and from the ashes a new phoenix arose. As a sacred symbol in Egyptian religion, the phoenix represented the sun, which dies each night and rises again each morning. According to Herodotus, the bird was red and golden and resembled an eagle.

Sunday Scribblings - Easy

2011-09-18T14:03:00.001-05:00

“Easy peasy, lemon squeezy,” Josie whispered as she dottedthe last “i” and crossed the final “t” on her application. College-bound some twenty years too late, butback she was going. No moreexcuses. Her daughter was eyinggraduate schools, her job was about to be flushed and the last date she’d beenon was with a man who’d spent the night canonizing his mother.

It was time to make some changes in her life.

Josie packed up her purse, grabbed the finished paperworkand tossed her empty Styrofoam coffee cup into the trash. Instead of requesting an application by mailor downloading one she’d gone to the school and filled it out there—reducingthe chances of chickening out.

One thing she hadn’t counted on was the overwhelming fear washingover her body as she stood in line at the registrar’s office. How could she do this? She thought, holdingthe packet of paper up in front of her. She was too old to immerse herself in college life. Her eyes darted to the dyed, pierced and tattooedyouth walking passed her—she could be each and every one of their mothers.

“All you have to do is turn it in to the lady at the desk,beautiful. It’s easy…” The hushed voice filled her head even as hislarge warm body surrounded her from behind—touching, yet not.

Find more at Sunday Scribblings

Friday Retro

2011-09-16T11:29:00.003-05:00

Well this is hardly subliminal. Oye, but the vintage ads. LOL

Stand Still if You Will, My Friends

2011-09-15T10:02:00.000-05:00

This picture prompt had me gulping...children's lit, not what I typically write. I did some silly stories when my Darling Diva was small, but that's it...

So here goes...attempting new things helps us grow as writers, right? ~wink~

~~~

“Stand still if you will, my friends

Just chill, just chill

Look at my bill, don’t race up the hill

Just chill, just chill.”

“First you, little B,

Then Thumper right after

Don’t look at the flash

Quack…I’m gettinga rash.”

“Donald, hey Donald…

look at me, look at me”

“Stop taunting me Chip

I’m busy, you see…”

“Just one quick shot,

Of little old me…”

“Go back to the forest, C

Just let me be…”

“Meanee, meanee,

Be-bo-beanee.

Pic-a-pec-a

Ne-no-neanee”

“All I wanted was a picture

Of my silly, silly face,

Why don’t you like me?

Donald, your grace.”

“I like you just fine,

Chip, Chip-o-roo…

Go stand next to B

I’ll take one of you too…”

As the group gathered close

“All smiles” called the host,

The blub flashed bright,

Sending the group skittering into mad flight.

~~~

Wednesday Word of the Day

2011-09-14T04:00:00.000-05:00

Aplomb \uh-PLOM\, noun:

Assurance of manner or of action; self-possession; confidence; coolness.

~Aplomb is from the French word meaning "perpendicularity, equilibrium, steadiness, assurance," from the Old French phrase a plomb, from a, "according to" (from Latin ad) + plomb, "lead weight" (from Latin plumbum, "lead").~

LOL...you know I wouldn't associate self-possession and lead weight. ~smile~

Tuesday Brain Teaser

2011-09-13T07:04:00.000-05:00

Mmm...too good of a picture not to use! ;)

I'm a ten-letter word, but when I am heard,
It is a surprise, but I'm half that size.

My first sound is found when half isn't around.
When a pair is amiss, the other is called this.

The second has one where normally two form a pair.
You will get the nod if you look in a pod.

Together, my fifth and third hold music that is heard.
A pair you are seeking, alphabetically speaking.

And the fourth sound, it will be found
If you look where I send, in the middle of end.

What word am I?

Hint??

There are five letters that sound just like a word of ten letters. The word
means fitness or appropriateness to the purpose at hand.

Answer:

Expediency (XPDNC)

The five letters, XPDNC, sound just like the ten-letter word expediency.

After a divorce (a couple is amiss), the former partner is called an ex (X).

Normally there are two peas in a pod, but here we just want one pea (P).

C and D are beside each other in the alphabet, and together hold music as a CD.

In the middle of END is the letter N.

Sounds of Silence

2011-09-11T12:17:00.000-05:00

Such a powerful and moving moment in this mornings memorial.

Short Story Slam - Love Divine

2011-09-08T05:00:00.000-05:00

The sails unfurled; yet I need.

The winds billow; he takes the lead.

Shall I see him again; will he return?

His touch upon my body, must I unlearn?

A piece of my heart is with him now

And ever shall it be, that is my vow.

Every ship I see on the great big blue

Reminds me of my time with you.

The days flow by, becoming weeks

The love in my heart springs from tiny leaks.

Months become years

My mind knows fears.

No longer in my youth, indeed

I now accept the truth, I’m freed.

I know pirate-mine,

Though painful, this forever love has been divine.

Read more Short Story Slams at Bluebell Books.

Wednesday Word of the Day

2011-09-07T05:00:00.000-05:00

darkle \DAHR-kuhl\, verb:

1. To grow dark, gloomy, etc.
2. To appear dark; show indistinctly.

Darkle is a back-formation from the obsolete darkling, "to be in the dark.

~Definitely a good word to use in a vamp story. :) ~

Tuesday Tickle

2011-09-06T08:59:00.000-05:00

Sooo....my tickle is two-fold today. First, it is Back to School!!! Yay, yay and rah, rah! Sure, I love having my Darling Diva home with me during the summer, it gives us a chance to rebond and talk about just anything and everything. We get to play games, watch movies and even discover new things that we each like...

Speaking of those new things, this is where my second tickle comes in...

So this summer, DD found a new singer whose songs she adores. She has even had me listening to this singer. And while I'm not on the adore side of the fence, I will say the songs are pretty darn good. Thanks DD for suggesting I give Selena Gomez a try.

Now, in turn, I introduced DD to a little old show I loved as a kid - The Dick Van Dyke show. Guess what, she likes it. She told her Gma it was her new favorite show. (Those words were part of my tickle) Last night. however, as she sat stressing about going back to school, she watched the episode where Rob lost his wife, Laura every time the insurance guy came over or called. And with the straightest face I've ever seen on DD, she looked at me and said... "Why doesn't he just call her on her cell phone?"

Now after I got done laughing and caught my breath, I was able to calmly explain that in the 60's cell phones weren't even a glimmer in their inventors eye...shoot, for all I know, the cell phone inventor may not even have been born yet!

I love when I hear my kiddo or any kiddo's these days say things like that. It reminds me of how much things have changed and how much more they will change. Change is good, but back to school is better, and the schools really need to keep on top of those history classes!

Have a Relaxing Weekend!

2011-09-03T10:27:00.000-05:00

Wednesday Word of the Day

2011-08-31T04:01:00.001-05:00

Proclitic \proh-KLIT-ik\, adjective:

(Of a word) closely connected in pronunciation with the following word and not having an independent accent.

~What a, huh? See this is why I like Wed Word, cause occasionally(cof...sometimes more than I like to admit) a word boggles my mind.

Like this one.

If someone asked me on the street if I was proclitic, well my first thought would be Hell's yes! I'm for sure not anti-clitic! LOL But of course this word has NOTHING to do with that, but yes, I go there. *wink*

So, needing a better definition of this word I checked out another source... Now it makes more sense.~

proclitic (prəʊˈklɪtɪk)

— adj
1.	a. relating to or denoting a monosyllabic word or form having no stress or accent and pronounced as a prefix of the following word, as in English 't for it in 'twas
	b. (in classical Greek) relating to or denoting a word that throws its accent onto the following word

Tuesday Temptation

2011-08-30T15:55:00.000-05:00

Definitely tempting!

Six Sentence Sunday - The Submission

2011-08-28T05:14:00.001-05:00

“Hell and damnation.” The pain in Trent’s head made him wonder if there were a fleet of tiny jackhammers rearranging his neural passages for shits and giggles.

“A-are you okay?”

So she hadn’t left as he’d expected. Her voice was soft and whispery, different from what he’d expected from someone with her strength and moxie to boot.

Were it not for the stars flickering and obscuring his vision, as well as the inability to stand and keep his stomach where it belonged, he would get up and paddle her ass for causing him such distress.

~Six from a WIP in my jaguar series.~

Stop by Six Sentence Sunday for more sixes.

Feeling It Friday!

2011-08-26T10:07:00.000-05:00

Sore feet and sunburned but boy did we have fun! Darling Diva found herself in possession of a free pass to our local water park for doing her summer reading, way to go Diva!

The wave pool was a hit for us all. Sitting in the shallows while the waves moved us in and out of the surf, walking out until each wave neared DD's face and riding the waves back in...if only we lived on a coast I think we'd all be learning to hang ten. ~smile~

After being battered around in the wave pool it was time for a bit of relaxation, aka The Lazy River. Another personal favorite of mine. Sun, tubes and water sprinklers make this water feature the perfect place to forage the imagination for story ideas and let some of life's stress just float away...

DD found a tube slide she just had to try and convinced her adorable Daddy to take her on it...after the first two times down, DD had the swing of things and no longer needed her security-daddy to hit the heights. Much to Dear Hubby's delight and dismay.

All in all it was a great time, sore feet and sunburns included!

Wednesday Word of the Day

2011-08-24T04:43:00.000-05:00

Holus-bolus \HOH-luhs-BOH-luhs\, verb:

To cleanse.

~Holus-bolus comes from a mock-Latin rhyming compound based on the phrase "whole bolus."~

Now doesn't this just sound like a magical word? Or, perhaps a potion made up of all kinds of funky-fun ingredients. lol Darling Diva and I have been watching a bit of Charmed this summer, I bet their kitchen would have just what we need to create one spanky holus-bolus for the soul! ~grin~

Tuesday Teaser

2011-08-23T07:58:00.000-05:00

My apologies to everyone who struggles with math as much as I do, but this was too fun to pass up!

Enjoy!

Q:
What is half of 8,
yet isn't 2 x 2,
0 also isn't
what I'm looking for from you.

Got it yet?
.
.
.
.
.
.

How about now? ~wink~

..........

And the answer is.....

3. If you cut 8 in half down the middle vertically.

Sunday Smiles

2011-08-21T21:39:00.000-05:00

~Huge Grins~

Look at what I found...

"I love books about magical beings and this one was no different...I was swept away in the beautiful adventure Ms. Shay took me on." 3 cups from Kimberly at Coffee Time Romance & More

Thank you, Kimberly! You've given me quite a smile.

Freaky Friday - Giant lobster

2011-08-19T09:54:00.002-05:00

Jennifer Vargas holds up a freakishly large lobster that was saved from the kitchen. (Wildlife Conservation So …

Giant lobster avoids becoming lunch and finds home on Coney Island | The New York City Local - Yahoo! News

Check out the size of that lobster, holy cow, er lobster. Seventy-five years of life in the wide open sea only to be caught in a trap to become someone's dinner. Good on ya, Jennifer for finding him/her a home!

Wednesday Word of the Day

2011-08-17T04:54:00.003-05:00

Love. - Passionate and tender devotion, attachment, devotedness, passion, infatuation, yearning, flame, rapture, enchantment, ardor, emotion, sentiment, fondness, tenderness, adoration, crush....

Just a few of the many descriptions of love; each and everyone of which, plus more, I feel for my Dear Husband.

Happy Anniversary, DH.

Thanks for the best 15 years I could ever have asked for! How are we going to top them in the next fifty or so?

Tuesday Temptation

2011-08-16T05:00:00.001-05:00

Oooh, lookie, lookie at what I got from the awesome Savanna Kougar, author of the newly released Kandy Apple and her Hellhounds.

I was thrilled, and touched, to receive such praise for my recent release, A Magical Return. Thank you, Savanna...I'm so glad Con and Emterra's love came through to you. ~smiles~

~~~

Author Discovery ~ A MAGICAL RETURN by Serena Shay

Before reading A MAGICAL RETURN, I was intrigued by the premise of this story, an unusual one for me despite my fascination with all things paranormal. Let me tell you, Serena Shay’s latest book powerfully delivers on its promise of ‘magic’, Latin included.

That said, the joy for me, as a reader, was in the relationship between Conleth and his ‘unbelieving’ woman, Emterra. Because, not only am I a sucker for true love, I have this deep yearning to ‘feel’ the intimate passions between a hero and his heroine.

Too often, I’ve found that deep connection missing. Not in Ms. Shay’s highly erotic love story.

Note here: the sexual pleasures explicitly titillate the senses, and is not to be missed.

Yes, Con and Em’s reunion is deliciously complicated by their witch Others. However, Ms. Shay gorgeously writes the impassioned nuances between her lovers in a way that allows us to experience their unique, one-on-one intimacy. And, I felt every delectable nuance. Thank you, Ms. Shay.

A Magical Return available at Liquid Silver Books, Amazon and All Romance eBooks.

Guess Where I Am Today?

2011-08-13T09:16:00.000-05:00

Many thanks going out to D. Renee Bagby for posting the first chapter of A Magical Return over at her blog, D. Renee Bagby Present's First Chapters

Come on over and take a peek! ~smiles~

Buys links:
Liquid Silver Books
Amazon
All Romance eBooks

Wednesday Word of the Day

2011-08-10T05:12:00.001-05:00

Aesopian \ee-SOH-pee-uhn\, adjective:

1. Conveying meaning by hint, euphemism, innuendo, or the like.
2. Pertaining to, or characteristic of Aesop or his fables.

Aesopian gets this general sense from its original meaning as a reference to the inferential nature of Aesop's fables.

~LOL, I bet this is something most people in a relationship do together...especially if they have young kids around!~

Tuesday Trivia

2011-08-09T11:12:00.000-05:00

Q: In Greek mythology, who was the goddess of the rainbow?

No peeking. ;)

Do you know it yet? How about a hint? Think flowers. ~smile~

A: Iris

Sunday Scribblings - Pleasure

2011-08-07T13:16:00.000-05:00

With eyes closed tight there was clarity in sound

Metered breaths; focus abound

A gentle touch to inflame the skin

A whispered word; no shame within

For pleasure was as pleasure is

A gift for all—to receive and give.

More Sunday Scribblings here.

Thursday Story Slam

2011-08-04T09:27:00.000-05:00

Image Credit: http://www.wordle.net/gallery?username=Morning

Create a story, a prose or a poem using at least 4 words from the Wordle given above. of course, you may apply all words provided in your entry, enjoy the challenge!caption

~~~

His life would have been far easier if he’d been trudging through mud-caked, bug infested jungles in search of drug kingpins or slave traders. His nerve would still be spot-on if he could be facing down the horned beast on safari or swilling coconut rimmed banana drinks on the beach with a barely clad lady, or two.

“What do you think, Uncle Trak—24 or 26? A or B cup?”

His face burned with the same intensity as his shoulders. How did women carry around all of these bags while still shopping and in some cases corralling two point five kids?

“Uncle Trak, are you going to pass out?”

Only if he was lucky. What had his monkey-assed brother been thinking to name him as guardian of an eleven-year-old, pre-teen emotional time bomb?

“Do you think color matters? Should it be pink or purple, oooh red and silk?”

Red silk at eleven? “I can hear the stripper music already,” He grumbled under his breath, while dodging his nieces questioning gaze.

“So…red, silk or pink and purple.” She held the undergarments up for he and the entire world to see, waiting impatiently for his answer, but all he could do is stare at the small piece of material he’d once love to see on and off a woman. Now though, he’d never be able to enjoy the sight without thinking of this horrible moment.

Freaking story of his life.

Trak sighed and gave up the hope that he would get through this without having to speak or be seen. In for a penny, in for pound. He thought about his mother’s tired old cliché and ground his teeth at how well it fit the situation.

“Don’t they have a plain white training bra at this place?” He looked around, praying no one had heard him talking bras.

“WHAT? I HAVE TO TRAIN THEM?” The shock on her face nearly turned him inside out. Had no one explained what was going on with her body…did this mean he would have to explain her period to her too? Oh shit, would he have to talk to her about sex, as well?

The store seemed much brighter than it had moments ago and the cold sweat washing over him left a sick feeling in his usually steel stomach. He couldn’t do this…he just couldn’t.

“Uncle Trak, will they learn to sit, stay or heal maybe?”

Sit, Stay…what? The tipped eyebrow told him he’d been had in a very large way. She’d been screwing with him much like his brother always had.

“You’re so easy, T,” she laughed, turning to pick the exact bra she needed. White, thank God! “By the way, you need to meet some new women. Not every red bra wearing woman is a stripper.”

Shit, eleven-year-olds had really good hearing.

~~~

Stop by Bluebell Books and join in on the Thrusday Story Slam.

Wednesday Word of the Day

2011-08-03T07:45:00.000-05:00

Mantic \MAN-tik\, adjective:

1. Of or pertaining to divination.
2. Having the power of divination.

~Shoot, these days, I wish I had the mantic sight!~

Sunday Scribblings - Standing Ovation

2011-07-31T19:48:00.001-05:00

The lights dimmed and my body went pliant,

As the whole house around me fell silent.

Anticipation filled the air as she started to pace,

Tall, lithe and the epitome of grace.

She was ethereal; soft like the wind.

Dressed in fabric as delicate as flutter-by wings,

Her feet were shod

In slipper-like things.

Soft steps,

Taken on the tips of her toes.

Her eyes distant,

Where she is, nobody knows.

She sits upon the polished bench,

Her hands raised some six inches high.

No music to distract her,

And I wonder why?

The pianoforte is large and softly shaped,

The keys pure ivory; peddles golden-plate.

Its tone so perfect, yet utterly forlorn,

I had to wonder at her future fate.

So magical was the melody,

I lost track of time.

Had she played for minutes or months,

The thought of her stopping was surely a crime.

Fingers flew,

Intensity grew

And suddenly I found

My feet on the ground.

I stood with the others,

Hands flying to and fro.

My heart grew larger; my smile so wide,

Her music brought me alive inside.

Stop by Sunday Scribblings for more takes on Standing Ovation

Wednesday Word of the Day

2011-07-27T05:14:00.001-05:00

Erubescent \er-oo-BES-uhnt\, adjective:
Becoming red or reddish; blushing.

Erubescent comes from the same Latin root as "ruby."

~Hmm, I can see lots of different sentences to use this word with. hehe~

Her full, pale cheeks glowed with an erubescent shade that matched the silk sheets to perfection. ~wink~

Tuesday Temptation - Kandy Apple and her Hellhounds

2011-07-26T14:13:00.000-05:00

Two sexy, gentlemen hellhounds and a sassy red-headed witch wing their way through time and dimensions living, loving and kicking bad guy butt. Zin, Zol and their Kandy Apple are sure to put a smile on your face and an itch in your shoe to dance the night away! Grab your copy now. :)

BUY NOW

Friday Fun

2011-07-22T14:02:00.000-05:00

How come my library doesn't do this??

Thanks to my Darling Diva for getting this stuck in my head today. ~wink~

Wednesday Word of the Day

2011-07-20T04:52:00.001-05:00

usufruct \YOO-zoo-fruhkt\, noun:
The right to use the property of another as long as it isn't damaged.

~Okay, I had to use this word today because, well, look at it. What a weird and wild word. It reminds me of something I'd hear on one of the shows my Darling Diva likes, Phineas and Ferb. LOL~

Monday Mission...

2011-07-18T16:08:00.000-05:00

To find more time to write this summer!

Who knows, maybe if I write it down and come back and look at this blog periodically I will reinforce, er guilt, myself into making it happen! LOL

Wednesday Word of the Day

2011-07-13T05:11:00.001-05:00

Trig \TRIG\, adjective:
1. Neat, trim, smart.
verb:
1. To make neat or trim.
noun:
1. A wedge or block used to prevent a wheel, cask, or the like, from rolling.
adjective:
1. In good physical condition; sound; well.

~Hmmm, yeah well, I don't think I'm going to successfully interject this word into a conversation without being stared at. Good thing I'm used to getting the eye...who should I use it on first? LOL "My, aren't you looking trig today."~

You Just Never Know...

2011-07-11T12:27:00.000-05:00

This was nearly my reality this weekend. Something as simple as rearranging the furniture left me with a crashed computer and an emotional waterfall of yuckiness.

The hubby and I decided it would be nice to try the living room with a different set-up, you know breathe some change into the same old and I have to say, I love the new layout. We made more room and removed some of the clutter. It rocks!

Unfortunately, there's always a victim - a broken vase, a dinged up chair or even blown light bulbs. How I wish it had been the light bulbs....

But alas, for some inexplicable reason, my computer decided that yesterday would be a fine day to crash. Gone are the music files, gone are the links I use readily in my research, gone are some of the ideas I had yet to save to my external hard drive, but saddest of all, gone are all of the pictures I'd been saving of my Darling Diva. ~hanging my head low~

There is a silver lining though. See, I still have my Darling Diva and a camera just waiting to be filled, I'm wiser now and will become the back-up queen, I did back-up most of my story ideas and the computer was at least recoverable back to its factory settings.

So I start again. :)

Have a lovely week, everyone! And don't forget to back-up those files!

Sunday Scribblings - Wood

2011-07-10T10:12:00.000-05:00

“The graceful pine provides a straight line,

The mighty oak, so fine to stroke.

Cedar, cedar your storage abilities make you a leader,

Hickory, dickory, dock you make a lovely grandfather clock.

Cherry, cherry the color of berries,

Mesquite so neat, your smell is oh so sweet.”

And so it went as the pony-tailed girl skipped along through her grandfather’s shop, singing her song to the wood that called to her so loudly. Each board spoke to her of what it should be—a jewelry box, a clock, a window frame or a sturdy door ready to protect.

One day, Kaily Rose would be old enough to shape the timber into its true form. Her wings would be large enough to deliver the gifts to their rightful owners, just as Pappy did. Until then, she would sing her songs of growth; of love, to the wood. She would prepare it for her hand and wait for Pappy to give her, her first tool.

My Mind Wanders...

Wednesday Word of the Day

Tuesday Tease...

Fabulous Friday Fun....

Tuesday De-Stressor...

Friday Retro...

Thursday Story Slam - The Lady in Red

Tuesday Temptation

Writing Erotica Steampunk by Christine D'AboFebruary 1-15th, 2012

Friday Retro... The 13th?

Wednesday Word of the Day

Tuesday Temptation - Shapeshifters

Friday Retro...

Wednesday Word of the Day

I Read How Many Books?

Happy New Year!

Friday Retro...

Wednesday Word of the Day

Merry Christmas

Friday Retro...

Wednesday's Words...

Tuesday Tease

Answer

Feeling Naughty?

Friday Retro...

Wednesday Word of the Day

Tuesday Temptation

Friday Retro...

Wednesday Word of the Day

Tuesday Temptation...

Sunday Scribblings - Joy

Friday Retro...

Wednesday Word of the Day

Tuesday Teaser

Answer

Friday Retro...

Happy Thanksgiving!

Wednesday Word of the Day

Tuesday Trivia - Thanksgiving Style

Friday Retro...

Wednesday Word of the Day

Tuesday Tunes...

Monday Muse...

TRR Yes! Party

Friday Retro...

Remembering The "Mighty Fitz"

Wednesday Word of the Day

Interview and Giveaway...

Friday Retro...

Wednesday Word of the Day

Tuesday Trailer...One for the Money

Happy Halloween!

Friday Retro...

Wednesday Word of the Day

Tuesday Trivia

Answer

Friday Retro...

Tuesday Trivia

Friday Retro...

Wednesday Word of the Day

Friday Retro

Wednesday Word of the Day

Six Sentence Sunday...Hello Ranger

Friday Retro

Thursday Short Story Slam - Bubbles

Wednesday Word of the Day

Livin' With it Tuesday...

Friday Retro...

Wednesday Word of the Day

Tuesday Teaser

Sunday Scribblings - Easy

Friday Retro

Stand Still if You Will, My Friends

Wednesday Word of the Day

Tuesday Brain Teaser

Sounds of Silence

Short Story Slam - Love Divine

Wednesday Word of the Day

Tuesday Tickle

Have a Relaxing Weekend!

Writing Erotica Steampunk by Christine D'Abo
February 1-15th, 2012