Monday, March 30, 2009

Which one of my books is this excerpt from?

WARNING...EXPLICIT CONTENT

She struggled briefly but she was no match for him. He easily forced her more deeply into the bed in an attack that quickly escalated into something sensual and profoundly explosive. Lost in the moment she ceased her struggling and began to kiss him back with an ardor that bordered on recklessness. Without thinking she opened her mouth beneath his, accepting his thrusting tongue against hers. Yet when she felt his hands at the buttons on her shirt she stiffened, suddenly frightened. She didn’t want him like this, not if he was making love to a ghost. Her fingers flew to his trying to keep him from undoing the buttons. She twisted her head in an effort to break the kiss but he followed her every move.

One by one the buttons gave way and then he was parting her shirt and curling his callused hand around her naked breast. His firm touch was like fire licking her skin, causing her to cry out against his mouth with pleasant surprise. She arched wildly with response, in spite of trying to halt his progress. Her hands moved over his naked shoulders, first pushing him away, then clutching him to her. She cried out in pleasure when his mouth abandoned hers to latch onto a hardened nipple.

Oh God! She writhed impatiently beneath him, lost in a vortex of spinning, dizzying emotions. She forgot about everything but the moment, arching her back in total abandon.

Oh! His hand moved between her thighs, causing an explosion of sensation that consumed her. The heat spiraling through her body pooled where his hand covered her. In the next instant his finger was flicking across the swelling bud of her arousal. She had to find a way resist but the feelings he roused were like none she’d experienced before. It wasn’t until she felt his hand move beneath her long johns and slip inside her panties that real panic set in. “No!” But it was too late. His finger slipped inside her. She bit down hard on her bottom lip, moaning with desire as her hunger was satisfied by that simple pleasure.

Sunday, March 29, 2009

Guess what...I found my kitties! A while back a new friend sent me three little home made kitties, cute as could be, and I put them on the kitchen counter. Next morning two of them were gone! Yep...apparently my real kitties took a liking to them and catnapped them:) As if they needed another toy!

This weekend hubby and I decided to flip the mattresses on my bed and I thought it would be a good time to also vacuum beneath the bed. And there they lay! Along with various socks, empty toilet rolls, a tube of glue, a pink nail file and tweezers that had disappeared months ago. Hubby was glad to get his tweezers back and I didn't mention the nail file because I'd accused him of losing it.

Saturday, March 28, 2009

Must be nice...

This is a picture of the Aron Spelling Manson up for grabs at a mere $150 million. It got me to thinking that if the person who can afford this estate has that kind of money, then what kind of money do they really have? What would I do if I had $150 million at my disposal?

Though the Manson is absolutely beautiful, I can't help but wonder, why would anyone need that kind of space and expense? Why do folks with money need bigger and better or more of everything? It makes a statement. I'm wealthy, I'm powerful, I've made it in life. Nothing wrong with that. They earned it.

But, if I had $150 million in my pocket, after sharing it with my family I'd buy a small log home on a hilltop somewhere, overlooking mountains and rivers and the untamed beauty untouched by man. Where I could look out a window and see deer grazing and bear pole dancing. Just me and mother nature soaking in the peace and quiet:)

I'm at an age where I'm simplifying my life and downsizing. Keeping it easy and manageable for me. Less stressful and less work.

What would you do with $150 million?

Friday, March 27, 2009

Meet Kate Hill

Kate Hill is a thirty-something vegetarian New Englander who likes heroes with a touch of something wicked and wild. Her short fiction and poetry have appeared in publications both on and off the Internet. When she's not working on her books, Kate enjoys reading, working out, and researching vampires and Viking history.

Kate Hill

Kate Hill Myspace

Thursday, March 26, 2009

My Eyes! My Eyes!

I live in a neighborhood where the men should not go around shirtless. I didn't even think they did that anymore. I mean, it's been a long time since I've seen a young well built hunk out in public without a shirt.

Well, today I did a double take, and not for the reasons you think. I was on my way home from work. And as I turned the corner to go down my street there he was. God love him he was walking across his yard. Bent over, a carpet of gray hair covering his back. Seventy plus if he was a day. He must have heard me coming because he stopped and turned slightly, and I got a good view of his front.

We exchanged waves and I continued on, trying to get that image out of my mind. None of us are perfect. I wouldn't go around in a swim suit showing off my cottage cheese thighs.

But I guess there comes a time in our lives that it just doesn't matter anymore. Know what I mean?

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Stress

With all that's been going on in the world lately I felt this was appropriate...

A lecturer when explaining stress management to an audience, raised a glass of water and asked 'How heavy is this glass of water?'

Answers called out ranged from 20g to 500g.

The lecturer replied, 'The absolute weight doesn't matter. It depends on how long you try to hold it. If I hold it for a minute, that's not a problem. If I hold it for an hour, I'll have an ache in my right arm. If I hold it for a day, you'll have to call an ambulance. In each case, it's the same weight, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes.'

He continued,
'And that's the way it is with stress management. If we carry our burdens all the time, sooner or later, as the burden becomes increasingly heavy, we won't be able to carry on. As with the glass of water, you have to put it down for a while and rest before holding it again. When we're refreshed, we can carry on with the burden.'

'So, before you return home tonight, put the burden of work down. Don't carry it home. You can pick it up tomorrow. Whatever burdens you're carrying now, Let them down for a moment if you can.'

So, my friends, put down anything that may be a burden to you right now. Don't pick it up again until after you've rested a while.

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Saturday, March 21, 2009

HERE IT IS FOLKS...

My beautiful new book cover and I love it! Molly is the same artist who designed "The Senator's Daughter" book cover. It's obvious she's very creative and envisions exactly what the author wants. And she manages to capture the storyline of the book perfectly. No complaints here, I'm smiling from ear to ear:)





LOL...got a good chuckle out of this picture. This can't be real! Beautiful woman, but her lips take away from that. In fact, all you focus on are those kissers.
Just had to add this one, too, after I saw it. You can tell they're fake but it got a chuckle out of me.

Busy Morning

I've already made home made waffles for breakfast, brownies and chicken and rice soup for dinner. What do most women do when they're in the kitchen cooking? Clean up as they go...right? What do most men not do when they're in the kitchen cooking? Clean up as they go...right? LOL

I phoned my dad this morning, too and we had a nice long conversation. So good to hear him sound like his old self these days. He'll never get over my mom's passing but at least he's with people his age who have taken him in and love him. They include him in everything they do and have a wonderful family. Not that he didn't have the option of moving in with me or my sister, but he needs to be around people all the time. He tried living with us but we're gone most of the day at work and after a while the loneliness was to much for him.

Now, still in my jammies, coffee at my side, I can sit back and enjoy a day of writing and sci-fi.
I hope y'all have a wonderful weekend!

Tootles!

Friday, March 20, 2009

I was watching Divorce Court today and one of the questions the judge asked the public to respond to is, "If your spouse isn't available for sexual relations is it okay to sleep with someone else?"

Isn't that a no brainer? I mean...NO! It isn't okay to sleep around. If you have a wedding ring on your finger, or are living with your soul mate, whom you love, no matter what the situation is, I'm a firm believer that you're loyal to that person. The last ten years of my first marriage were rotten but I never once strayed. In spite of that it was hard for me to give up that marriage because I was a firm believer that you finished what you started. After a while I just couldn't go on.

There's so much more to a relationship than sex. My soul mate and second hubby taught me that. In the beginning of our relationship I confused sex with love. I thought if we weren't doing it all the time than he didn't love me. Okay, I was a very naive woman of thirty-nine. Coming out of a twenty-four year marriage, I'd only ever been with my first husband. I had no idea what to expect in a relationship.

Now I know. I love my soul mate, even when I'm angry at him, disappointed or hate him. He taught me that loving someone means you're there for them. You look out for them. You share with them. The sex is nice, but if it goes for whatever reason, if your relationship with your significant other is strong and true, you'll be okay. You won't even miss the sex.

Okay, that was stretching it a bit but there's so much two people can do to keep the fires burning and satisfy the urge. Now dig out that bag in the back of your closet, clean up those toys and play! LOL

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Joyfully Reviewed Chat

Come by and chat with Writers and Readers of Distinctive Fiction Thursday night at the Joyfully Reviewed chat group. We'll be there from 6:00-9:00!

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

10 Worst Things You Can Say in the Workplace

I thought posting this was appropriate, considering today's economy and with so many losing their jobs lately. For those of us who still have our jobs, this is a good reminder that we should be thankful we're still working and perhaps watch how we act at work. The last thing you want to do is give your employer a reason to let you go. I mean...if you're not happy at work...


1. "That's not my job."

When you boil things down, everyone does things that "aren't their job." If everyone complained that a certain task wasn't in the offer they signed, the labor force would be in more trouble than it already is. If someone asks for your help, take it as a compliment. He or she obviously values your input or thinks your skills would be good fit for the task. Not only will it help earn good office karma (you never know when you'll need help from other colleagues), but it never looks good to only do the bare minimum. And no boss wants to hear those four words!

2. "I don't mind helping you with that."

(With a fake smile pasted on your face.)There's nothing worse than someone who offers to help and then complains about it later. If you take on a task with a smile but don't really want to do it, your help is as good as no help at all. When you work without enthusiasm, it's never your best effort. Plus, don't say you'll do something if you have no intention of actually completing the task or you'll earn a reputation as an unreliable person. Your colleagues are relying on you, so your decision not to follow through impacts their jobs, too.

3. "Don't tell anyone I said this, but ... "

Anytime you start a sentence with that phrase, you're asking for one thing: The recipient of your knowledge to, indeed, tell someone you said that. If it's really a secret, keep it to yourself. Whether you know someone in the office got pregnant by the mail guy or you found out what the boss makes, you're going to get credit for spreading the news. Plus, if a co-worker is gossiping with you, most likely he or she will gossip about you.

4. "I haven't gotten a raise, EVER."

Since most employers base salary increase on productivity (not longevity), asking for a raise based on how long you've been with the company or how long it's been since your last one will tell your boss only that you want more money -- not that you deserve it. Instead, prove the raise is merited.

5. "I'm so ... stressed out/busy/sick of working here."

Constant complaints about your workload, stress levels or the company will quickly make you the kind of person who never gets invited to lunch. If you don't agree with company policies and procedures, address it through official channels or move on.

6. "I have insert weird, gross or inappropriate medical condition here ."

Nobody cares about your aches and pains, the weird fungus on your foot, your infertility woes or the bad gas you got from eating Chinese food last night. To your employer, your constant medical issues make you seem like an expensive, high-risk employee. And to your co-workers, you seem like an attention-seeking hypochondriac.

7. "Whom did you vote for?" or "What religion are you?"

The old adage that you shouldn't discuss politics or religion is as true today as ever before. People have strong, passionate views on both topics and you may alienate a co-worker or be viewed negatively based on your views in a way that could impact your career.

8. "I got so trashed last night ..."

It's perfectly fine to have fun after work, but don't brag about your drunken escapades to your boss. The fact that you showed up for work despite still recovering from a massive hangover might be impressive, but it means nothing if you spend the day recounting your activities versus working. Not to mention, sharing that information makes you look unprofessional and unreliable.

9. "I don't have time for that."

In case you didn't realize, everybody's busy. If your boss asks you to do something, chances are it's not really an option. If your main concern is accomplishing the task on time, be honest and tell that to your boss. Mention how busy your schedule is but that you can accommodate the request if some other projects are rearranged. You'll show that you take each assignment seriously and only want to turn in your best work.

10. "I just bought a $1,000 watch for the boss."

While the spirit of keeping up with the Joneses is alive and well in the workplace, constantly sharing how much you spent on gifts, meals or outings will only have others annoyed. Not only will it seem like you're bragging, but you don't want others speculating on the lifestyle you're living -- or if you're living beyond your salary bracket.

Monday, March 16, 2009

I'm excited! We're working on the cover for "THE COWBOY WAY"! I think it's going to be the best one yet:) I'll post it as soon as it's finalized.

Saturday, March 14, 2009

A woman goes to her boyfriend's parents' house for Christmas dinner. This is to be her first time meeting the family and she is very nervous. They all sit down and begin eating a fine meal. The woman is beginning to feel a little discomfort, thanks to her nervousness and the broccoli casserole. The gas pains are almost making her eyes water. Left with no other choice, she decides to relieve herself a bit and lets out a dainty fart. It wasn't loud, but everyone at the table heard the poof.

Before she even had a chance to be embarrassed, her boyfriend's father looked over at the dog that had been snoozing under the woman's chair, and said in a rather stern voice, 'Skippy!'..

The woman thought, 'This is great!' and a big smile came across her face. A couple of minutes later, she was beginning to feel the pain again. This time, she didn't even hesitate. She let a much louder and longer rrrrrip.

The father again looked at the dog and yelled, 'Skippy!'

Once again the woman smiled and thought 'Yes!' A few minutes later the woman had to let another rip. This time she didn't even think about it. She let a fart rip that rivaled a train whistle blowing.

Once again, the father looked at the dog with disgust and yelled, 'Skippy, get away from her, before she shits on you!'

I'm ALL Alone...

I'm not complaining. I'm enjoying it! After running after my active, little granddaughter for two days I need the rest. And hubby is in Boca Raton for the weekend. They both left about the same time yesterday.

So guess what...it's sci-fi pajama day baby! No housework because I did it all last night, no over the shoulder bolder holder, no one around whining about sci-fi being on or asking me what's for breakfast. And speak of the devil, he just called me. They're getting ready to go to a St. Paddy's Day parade and hubby wanted to check in on me before they left. He's so sweet!


Hope ya'll have a great weekend!

Friday, March 13, 2009

Confucius say...

War does not Determine who is right, war determines who is Left.

Thursday, March 12, 2009

SENIOR DRESS CODE

Many of us over 50, WAY over 50, or on the way to 50 are quite confused about how we should present ourselves. We're unsure about the kind of image we are projecting and whether or not we are correct as we try to conform to current fashion.

In spite of what you may have seen on the streets, the following combinations DO NOT go together and should be avoided:

1. A nose ring and bifocals
2. Spiked hair and bald spots
3. A pierced tongue and dentures
4. Miniskirts and support hose
5. Ankle bracelets and corn pads
6. Speedo's and cellulite
7. A belly button ring and a gall bladder surgery scar
8. Unbuttoned disco shirts and a heart monitor
9. Midriff shirts and a midriff bulge
10. Pierced nipples that hang below the waist
11. Bikinis and liver spots.
12. Short shorts and varicose veins.
13. Inline skates and a walker..

And the ultimate 'Bad Taste' in fashion for the older folks...
14. Thongs and Depends.

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

I'm Free! I'm Free!

I got my books back! Well, two of them anyway. With one to go. My publisher finally updated her public notice page, even if she did put the wrong date down. Correct me if I'm wrong but it's March 10th, right? She put February 12th, but no matter. It's amazing how long the list is of authors who've requested their book rights back. I don't know if this is normal but you do have the option of keeping your books with the publisher.

Man, am I glad she didn't force me to get mean. I can you know. I can, too! LOL

Monday, March 9, 2009

Confucius say...
Man who scratch ass should not bite fingernails

Family

I ran into a stranger as he passed by, 'Oh excuse me please' was my reply. He said, 'Please excuse me too; I wasn't watching for you.' We were very polite, this stranger and I. We went on our way and we said goodbye.

But at home a different story is told, How we treat our loved ones, young and old. Later that day, cooking the evening meal, My son stood beside me very still. When I turned, I nearly knocked him down. 'Move out of the way,' I said with a frown. He walked away, his little heart broken. I didn't realize how harshly I'd spoken.

While I lay awake in bed, God's still small voice came to me and said, 'While dealing with a stranger, common courtesy you use, but the family you love, you seem to abuse. Go and look on the kitchen floor, You'll find some flowers there by the door. Those are the flowers he brought for you. He picked them himself: pink, yellow and blue. He stood very quietly not to spoil the surprise, you never saw the tears that filled his little eyes.'

By this time, I felt very small, And now my tears began to fall. I quietly went and knelt by his bed; 'Wake up, little one, wake up,' I said. 'Are these the flowers you picked for me?'

He smiled, 'I found 'em, out by the tree. I picked 'em because they're pretty like you. I knew you'd like 'em, especially the blue.'

I said, 'Son, I'm very sorry for the way I acted today; I shouldn't have yelled at you that way.'

He said, 'Oh, Mom, that's okay. I love you anyway.'

I said, 'Son, I love you too, and I do like the flowers, especially the blue.'

FAMILY
Are you aware that if we died tomorrow, the company that we are working for could easily replace us in a matter of days. But the family we left behind will feel the loss for the rest of their lives. And come to think of it, we pour ourselves more into work than into our own family, an unwise investment indeed, don't you think? So what is behind the story? Do you know what the word FAMILY means?

FAMILY = (F)ATHER (A)ND (M)OTHER (I) (L)OVE (Y)OU

Saturday, March 7, 2009

Fuel for the Body Matters

Probably most of you, the smart ones, already know this. But how many of you take better care of your cars than you do your own bodies? I'm talking about what you put into them. I was just thinking about this last night, while suffering stomach cramps.

Now, I'm not an idiot, but I will admit that sometimes the most obvious doesn't hit me until much later, after everyone else has already gotten it. Especially jokes:) It's not that I was eating junk last night. Dinner consisted of steamed shrimp and salad. The salad dressing I made with virgin olive oil. That's the culprit! I know olive oil is supposed to be good for you, but for some reason it doesn't sit well in my tummy. Add that to the piping hot cocktail sauce made with horseradish. No wonder I was miserable!

As I sat there suffering it came to me that I take better care of my car. I take it into the shop every three months for an oil change. Check the tires, washer fluid, replace any filters they recommend. Wash it. After all, I want it to last me a while. I paid it off and I'd like to keep it at least a couple more years.

How come we don't think the same way about what we put inside our bodies? Don't we want to last a little while longer? I say we because I know there's others out there who've never given it a thought. Well, I thought about it last night!

I began to wonder why I'm tired and sluggish all the time. Well...duh! Wake up and smell the coffee, Debbie! So today when hubby suggested fried potatoes with the ham steak I've set out I reminded him how awful we feel after eating fried food. So, a baked potato will replace it.

Friday, March 6, 2009

Jezebel

Okay, if any of you have feline friends and have had this experience please help! You know I've posted about Jezebel playing in the water dish and then coming to bed all wet, right? Well, the little rat has begun to swipe at the water until the water dish is empty and the carpet and floor soaked! I'm continually filling the water dish.

I don't want to chase her away when I see her at the water dish because I don't want to make her afraid to get a drink when she wants one. But...how am I going to break her of this habit? Any suggestions?

Meet Ellen Ashe

About the Author

I grew up in an old house that whispered late at night. To experience the inexplicable as a child was far from mysterious. The creak of a rocking chair when none existed, the latch on a door moving without a hand, the shadow of a deceased pet sitting in the window - all of it was terrifying to me as a child. Yet at the same time it was house filled with family, and celebration, and reunion and love. Most of that has quieted now. Still, I can understand when I look back on those times, how beautiful the mysterious was. The paranormal intertwines with the love, neither of which can be seen, measured, nor truly defined. And only now do I realize what indelible impact both has made on who I am today.

I remember all the history classes I took at Acadia University, the medieval period being one of my favorites. Living and working in England for several years was like a dream come true - visiting estates and castles and museums - a glimpse into the minds of those who lived so long ago. It's easy to chuckle at their superstitions, knowing what we do now, having come so far in science and medicine and technology. Mystery is good. Romance is even better. Might you agree?

Find out what's new.
I have a new print release.
"Love Not Forgotten"

Kirkland Hall is haunted. Kate Daniels, part inheritor to the estate, knows nothing of its history- that a bloody scene four hundred years ago between rival clans saw two lovers separated by murder- and that these tortured spirits had spent the centuries searching for each other. Nor does she know anything about the dark and moody ‘caretaker’, Alex MacTavish.

The trip to Scotland was meant to be a holiday before selling her share of the estate back to its rightful owner. No sooner had Kate arrived however, when she felt as though the house was not only whispering its welcome, but pleading for her help. A phantom horseman rides the moors, a ghostly fire sweeps through the corridor, a woman’s desperate screams- echoes of a brutal past- reaching through the mists of time. And as her relationship with Alex begins to deepen, Kate discovers that fate has had a hand in bringing them together- the name Daniels is interlinked with the violent history of betrayal and murder. So too, is the name MacTavish.

Together the haunted lovers must reach beyond an evil that lurks in the estate’s underground crypt, destroy its malicious hold on not only the Clansman’s past but their own future.

Absolute XPress

Thursday, March 5, 2009

Your Blog is Fabulous Award!

I have received this award from Linda H at Reading Is So Much Fun .

Thank you Linda for the lovely reward. Now it is my turn to share this award but here are the rules first.

Rules are: Write 5 things that I am addicted to and then nominate 5 other blogs to pass this award on to!

Five things that I am addicted to:

1: McDonald's hazelnut iced coffee. I limit myself to one large drink a week:) Hey, I make it last all day!

2: Good chocolate. I love chocolate with almonds. White chocolate, milk chocolate and of course dark chocolate.

3: Sci-fi Saturday! Need I say more?

4: Sweet tea and good coffee. Barnie's Santa's White Christmas coffee is my favorite.

5: Pedicures. I treat myself to one every three weeks.

Five Great Blogs I Nominate For This Award:

Cheryl's Book Nook
Linda LaRoque
Angela Cameron
Sherrill Quinn
Paidra's Pen

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

I'm very disappointed right now. Why can't people do the right thing? Especially when you follow the rules and do what they request of you? I don't like bashing people or businesses but if this situation continues much longer I will be forced to take legal action.

I'm talking about getting the book rights back to two of my novels where the contracts have expired. In my mind they're my books and I can do what I want with them. But until the publisher acknowledges in writing and in a public notice that the rights revert back to me, I can't do anything with my books.

Three months I've been waiting patiently for that acknowledgement. I sent them a certified letter, which was required of me, in advance of my contract ending. I know they received the letter because they had to sign for it. So when the time came and I emailed them a reminder I was met with nothing but silence and finally excuses. Their last excuse? It was tax time and the 4th quarter of paying royalties and they were too busy.

Okay, that seemed like a valid reason why they hadn't updated their public notice section so I was willing to give them a little more time. But do you know they didn't waste any time in removing my books from their website? Now you tell me, was that right?

Tonight I sent them my last request. I was proud of myself for being professional but I'm telling you my friends, if they don't revert the rights back to me by the end of March the next letter they receive will be from my lawyer. I don't want to go that route but enough is enough.

Am I wrong?

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Mr. Tech Man

That's what my hubby is calling himself these days. He thinks after a crash course in computer lessons and a half hour of my time every evening he's now an expert. LOL I laugh when watching him because he does the same things I did when I was first learning. I've heard him swear several times, "I'm running out of the pad!"

He's so funny. He wants to know everything. He's not content to learn how to do it. He wants to understand how he can do it. Since a lot of it takes place in cybor space somewhere after you hit the send button, try and explain that! "Where does it go? How does it get there?" That's what's driving me crazy.

I can't tell you how many times he's cried, "Don't leave me!" When he's in the middle of learning something new and I made a small move that leads him to believe I'm leaving. Half the problem is he's learning on an ancient computer, by today's standards. And he isn't exactly the most patient man in the world.

It's like teaching an old dog new tricks!

Sunday, March 1, 2009

Whipped Cream Chat Winner

Congratulations Judy! You win an autographed copy of "IT'S ALL IN THE JEANS". Please email me with your address so I can get it in the mail to you.

I had a great chat on Saturday and want to thank all of you who took time out of your busy lives to spend some time with me. Take care:)