Sunday, July 31, 2005

Has Anyone Ever Asked These Questions??




I was visiting a Romance discussion group and during one of my answers came this thought:

A common vehicle of description in romance books lately refers to the "taste of the heroine's skin".

Ever read:
Tasted: like Fine Cream
Dew kissed roses
Honey
Spicey
heaven
chocolate covered cherries

I ask you....when did we become "flavored"?
Sweat is salty. I've never heard of these, have you? She tasted as good as : Salty Honey? Chocolate covered Plums? As tart as Sauerkraut? As sharp as Cheddar Cheese? As elastic/pliable as Bubblicious? As smooth as Cottage Cheese? As juicey as a Georgia Peach??

What do you remember as the worst food comparison in a romance????

Seriously though,

Who came up with these descriptives? Why do they work?
Why do authors of Romance Books continue to use them?
What value to they provide? (obviously not nutritional value *grin*)

Next question: If you agree with their use...why?
AND, WHAT FLAVOR WOULD YOU WANT TO BE?????


For me, well, I guess the flavor I'd want to be is the favorite flavor of the intended "taster" ..... isn't that what a good romance heroine should say?

What do YOU say???

Friday, July 29, 2005

One thing leads to another






Just when I thought my TBR pile couldn't get much bigger, I went to the library and in their little bookcase was a title by Linda Lael Miller called Shotgun Bride. I've read some of Ms. Miller's works, some I like, and some I don't. So I checked the back...hmmm..sounds interesting. They have these on sale for an easy on the purse price so I bought it. Am I glad I did !!.....and.. not so glad...(?) ...how can it be both? With a "read-a-holic" its good that I enjoyed the read and am glad that I bought it BUT, not-- because...it is the SECOND book in the series following 3 & 1/2 brothers and how they find their HEA in the late 1800's Old West. Now, I know, I know....I said that I didn't read Western romances...but if the author has a successful rep in other genres...I have to give her a chance, right?
*sigh*
I'm hooked.
So I go on a search to see if there are others in the series. Sure enough, there are 2 besides the first title I skipped. Now I HAVE to read them. When an author is successful in getting you to care about a fictional family, you feel compelled to follow through. I guess you could equate it with those SOAP Operas on TV. I've never been able to get into them. That's a good thing as far as I'm concerned. But that's another topic for another day.
So, I have to ask. Has anyone ever read this particular series? If so , what did YOU think?
Now, I'll be adding these to my TBR pile.





Those McKettrick's are a wild bunch of men. I can't wait to find out what kind of women can tame them!


I've read some of the vampire stories that Linda has done.
But for a change, I like these books better. Is that weird or what?????


Anyway, that's all the chat for today.
If you have any of her's you think I should read that I may have missed., , let me know. My TBR is not as tall as me......yet *grin*

Thursday, July 28, 2005

I have a frog in my throat!

I was cruising the cyber sphere and I found this great site that has the funniest jokes. Since I was on a frog kick before, I thought I would continue the irritation.

BUT First,

While I'm typing this, I'm listening to the BeeGees. Remember them? I was amazed at something I learned about them. My first recollection of the Brothers Gibb was their contribution to the craze generated by 'Saturday Night Fever" during the disco era. I had no idea that they were popular WAY before that. Can you believe that when their first song became a hit, "The New York Mining Disaster" I was 3 years old!!!!!! And since then, they've topped the charts in five successive decades. That blew me away! They actually had beautiful compositions. Strange to think that, huh? Then they did DISCO. Who knew?

OK, enough of being on the retro-train:
For all you froggie lovers:

















(S21 & S356) From: FrankRoesc on 98-12-30 and From: JBCARY1 on 11/25/2003 ( I left this in just in case I'm supposed to honor the funny-creator)

Frog Wants a Bank Loan

A frog goes into a bank and hops up on the desk of the loan officer.
"Hi," he croaks. "What's your name?" The loan officer says, "My name is Paddy Wack. May I help you?"
"Yeah," says the frog. "I'd like to borrow some money."
The loan officer finds this a little odd, but gets out a form. "Okay, what's your name?" The frog replies, "Kermit Jagger." "Really?" says the loan officer. "Any relation to Mick Jagger?" "Yeah, he's my dad."

"Hmm," says the loan officer. "Do you have any collateral?" The frog hands over a pink ceramic elephant and asks, "Will this do?"
The loan officer says, "Um, I'm not sure. Let me go check with the bank manager." "Oh, tell him I said hi," adds the frog. "He knows me."

The loan officer goes back to the manager and says, "Excuse me, sir, but there's a frog out there named Kermit Jagger who wants to borrow some money. All he has for collateral is this pink elephant thing; I'm not even sure what it is other than a knickknack."

The manager says, "gee that's from the 17th century, it's worth tons of money". He walks over to Patty and says "Thats no knick-knake Patty Whac give the frog a loan. His old man's a Rolling Stone."

.
(You're singing it, aren't ya?) Are we still friends? *grin*

The last word on the subject of Frogs:

Subj: Talking Frog Was Once A Prince (S167 & S343b) From: RFSlick on 4/11/00 and From: DoctorDebt on 8/28/2003 (do I really have to have this stuff????)

Fairy Tale for the woman of the 21st Century.
Once upon a time, in a land far away, a beautiful, independent, self-assured princess happened upon a frog as she sat contemplating ecological issues on the shores of an unpolluted pond in a verdant meadow near her castle.

The frog hopped into the princess's lap and said: Elegant Lady, I was once a handsome prince, until an evil witch cast a spell upon me.

One kiss from you, however, and I will turn back into the dapper, young prince that I am and then, my sweet, we can marry and setup housekeeping in yon castle with my mother, where you can prepare my meals, clean my clothes, bear my children, and forever feel grateful and happy doing so.

That night, as the princess dined sumptuously on a repast of lightly sauteed frog legs seasoned in a white wine and onion cream sauce, she chuckled to herself and thought:

"I don't fucking think so."
The end......
Badumbump!

I am currently reading the biography of Bela Legosi...remember him from Dracula? Did you know that he could sing 0pera and appeared in quite a few productions in his native Hungary??
I think that is so neat. He was an amazing man, really! I'll share the juicey tidbits with you if you'd like.
That's all for today, folks.
Ribbit!

Tuesday, July 26, 2005

Special Today: Book/Joke Value Meal


Hello Again!
It's been a few days. I've been absolutely captivated by a wonderful book that I just finished reading. I simply couldn't put it down.

If you are fan of Vampire romances, or author's Lynsay Sands, Katie MacAllister, Christine Feehan or Laurell K. Hamilton, then this book should appeal to you. How To Marry A Millionaire Vampire by Kerrelyn Sparks. This authors quirky humor is a unique voice and lends itself to a wonderful world where vampires have a few new toys in their bag of tricks. The romance between the two main characters is HOT and yummy. Her world building is such that you know there are more books coming...and you end up looking forward to them. I know I do. I already emailed the author. You should check out her website it's adorable! http://kerrelynsparks.com/index.html
There's even an excerpt to read. With every book , there's always the hard fact of the "but" factor. I mostly liked the female lead, Shanna Whelan. I mean she puts up with a lot of shocks to her system and all, but I think she was written with a few too many tear scenes. Most worked actually...but there were a few spots where I just felt, less tears and more ... something stiffer, more - I don't know... reaction with action... Fortunately there were not too many of THOSE moments., so the story doesn't lose it's momentum. I LOVE the fact that she's a dentist and if you have been reading my blog for awhile, you know that I once had an idea of an
"Evil dentist who preys on Vampires" and I questioned what would happen to the vampire without his teeth. Guess what???? This book solves the riddle....Boy was I surprised to see that in there!!!! I liked this book a lot, I recommend it for an Awesome summer read and I hope you check it out.


NOW, Time to excercise your smile muscle again. This was sent via email to me by another good friend who knows that smiling is a "favorite thing".
Enjoy!!!


Example of Senior Dress Code violation.... If anyone knows this lady PLEASE forward this to her....... (keep scrolling after picture).







...................... SENIOR DRESS CODE

Many of us "Old Folks" (those over 60, WAY over 60, or hovering near 60) 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 fashions. Despite 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. Bikinis and liver spots

11. Short shorts and varicose veins

12. Inline skates and a walker

And last, but not least . my personal favorite:

13. Thongs and Depends

Please keep these basic guidelines foremost in your mind when you shop.

Friday, July 22, 2005

Feeling Blue? Try "feeling" GREEN!

After yesterday's sad news about James Doohan, I thought a little pick-me-up was in order.
I checked back in my email cache and found this little gem. I hope that if you have a need to smile, you'll find that need met when you scroll down. Enjoy!




If you have a little green ball in your right hand and a little green ball in your left hand...







What do you have???







KERMIT'S FULL ATTENTION !!!!!!!!





Hope this brightens your day today !!








Wednesday, July 20, 2005

A Scotty Ode


I saw the saddest news ... for me anyway. The notice that another piece of my childhood has passed onto "That Journey into the New Fontier"

I speak of James Doohan, "Scotty" of the Original Star Trek fame.



He was 85 years old. I've watched him in Star Trek since I was 10 years old.

Where did the time go??

Date of birth (location)
3 March 1920Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Date of death (details)
20 July 2005Redmond, Washington, USA. (pneumonia and Alzheimer's disease)


Hard to believe that we'll not be able to say to him, "Beam me up, Scotty!" any longer.



And so, we say goodbye to a friend.

Referring to one of my favorite scense with Scotty,

"May you find great Scotch aplenty"

I imagine ....... For his last journey, He looked up and said with his characteristic charming grin ......" It's me, Scotty! Beam me up!"

And he was.

Monday, July 18, 2005

Pass the Word/ Remain Safe

HI!
I just was visiting an author from Out Of The Blogosphere.
You've heard of the crime of identity theft?
Well, someone is taking another path on the same road.
Scary.
Please check out the link and become informed.

www.knightagency.blogspot.com/

Writers and Wannabe Writers need to stand together against this.
Thanks.

Sunday, July 17, 2005

Eyes Crossed from Book Overload

Can you still read when your eyes cross because you just can't stop?????

Oh, I've been a Baaaad girl. So far, I've downloaded 9, count them, 9 ebooks and it was easier than I ever imagined. My very first is one I've hankered after for about 6 months. New computer = new options. Ever hear of Jaid Black? Well, once you read her, you don't forget.


My first ebook was the Empress' New Clothes.
From there, I had to get the other 7 stories related to the
Trek Mi Q'an universe. This was my first exposure to Erotica.
I liked it! And if you say "Oh, I'd NEVER read that!", well,
that's your choice, but don't knock it if you haven't tried it.
I think Ms. Black exhibits a wonderful talent for story telling, world building and sensual exploration. I mean, what relationship between man and woman in the real world only happens behind one closed door? Picture the three monkeys with their hands on their heads covering eyes, ears and mouth. Some in the industry seem to take that stance. For them, it means "See no sex, Hear no sex, Speak no sex" ..... um, reality check folks. Romance in cultures around the world differ from American romance. Some story lines that others on our planet take in stride, would probably shock the curls off an American and some that that WE think are shocking are....well, normal and quite possibly ....unexceptional...... Romance is a beautiful concept and I'm glad we have authors who explore all aspects and believe in it enough to share those dreams with us. I'm a reader...and I appreciate their efforts.





Another ebook I just read, Today in fact is Never a Sunset by
Annalee Blysse.
http://www.annaleeblysse.com/
I believe it just came out today. I've already downloaded and read it. It is a short romance story with a hunky vampire as the male lead. I enjoyed the story and the chemistry between Michael and Victrina. I only wish it were longer because I really got into the story. Check it out!










These two, by Lucy Monroe I also read. I admit that when I first started reading Harlequins, I loved those Greeks. But as young as I was, I noticed that they always seemed way too mean to be a loving Alpha. Got kinda stressfull.














I really, REALLY liked
Lucy Monroe's version of not
only the Rich Greek Alpha Male, but the female lead too. She is no longer the weak, young, gullible TSTL heroine(?) of old. Am I ever grateful for that! Harlequins sure have come a long way!!! Let the choir sing! Thanks Lucy....


Last but not least is Adventures of an Ice Princess by Liz Maverick.
This was a fun story. Not what I expected due to the line on the mid left .. "She'd go to the ends of the earth to find love."
I thought the glimpse of Arctic living was a novel idea for a story and the three female characters worked well with and off each other. I think Liz's sense of humor is a riot and enjoy not only her books but her blog too. With that said..I must be frank. (really? I thought I was Michele....) I am of the mind set that requires a HEA. This book does not give me the one I was expecting. True, no one wants to be nor should they expect to write a "predictable". Freshness should be embraced and encouraged, but sometimes it jangles a reader when they are stuck in the "Great Romance Expectation." rut. That describes me, I guess. After reading all those other books prior that were chock full of HEA's , spice and great romantic titillation, Liz's book threw me for a loop! You just never know with Liz Maverick. Guess that's what makes her so good.

P.S. I am adding this in edit mode: Just took a look at Liz's blog. I wrote about this and her answer made a world of sense. Seems the "line" I referred to is called a "tag line"...(I love learning new things) and it was originally supposed to say, "When life hands you lemons, make frozen lemonade". No mention about true love at all!!!! That makes me feel so much better AND it was SO nice of her to answer. I told you I liked her blog! *goofy grin* Now that all is back in balance in the literary universe, I can end my day on a satisfied note. THANKS LIZ!!!

Friday, July 15, 2005

The Final Countdown - LOL

It has been a lot fun sharing pictures with you these past few blogs. I'm almost sad to see it end...... but end it must, as all good things do.

Before the big finale ... I'd like to make a comment about ebooks. Before my computer up and sizzled into oblivion, I would visit Ellora's Cave and read the first chapters on the Trek Mi Q'an series. Oh, how I wanted to visit those worlds that Jaid Black created. I had to be content with being teased..... and if you've ever read any(posted 1st chapters), you know Tease is with a capital T.

Now that I have a NEW computer with new everything ... I also have a NEW addiction. Ebooks. Yes, I downloaded 6 of Jaid Blacks Trek Mi Q'an books and I couldn't be happier....... OK, I could be ... like if I had my OWN warrior .... but that not being the case, I have to say the wait was worth it. I wrote ( Gosh! seems like ages ago when I first started blogging) that I was looking into purchasing an ereader. I've decided until the price goes down and the screens a tad bigger, reading them on a computer is just fine. Originally I cringed at the thought that I couldn't curl up with a pillow and a book on the bed. Worried that I'd feel bereft if I couldn't take a book with me to pass the time in waiting rooms for whatever appointment I had. Feeling cheated when I couldn't hide anymore from the tykes in the bathroom with said "good book" for a mental break at a trying moment... Ever do that??? I was curious as to how it would feel on the ol' eyeballs and you know, it is not that bad. I'm not sure if it has something to do with a 17" monitor or the large print, but I've been enjoying myself so much the past 2 days, (I've read 4 of the books already!!!) that it wasn't until today that I remembered I needed to post the last of the 13 REASONS NOT TO DRINK - ESPECIALLY WITH FRIENDS!!!

To paraphrase something on her site: When Reading Jaid Black, you Forget to go Back!!!! HaHa..... but I'm here now to take up the slack and That's a Fact Jack!!! (ok, ok, enoughs' enough..*giggle*)

Without further blabbing and ado: SMILE !!!!





Y'know, there's relaxed and then there's the art of Oblivious .
















Man's best friend???
I think he should stick to plastic blow-up dolls, don't you? OUCH!








How many bottles can you count in this picture???

Did you notice the lonely coffee cup?

Enough said !!!



















The Best Reason NOT to Drink-You wind up as the
BUTT of many a joke.


THE END folks!!!!!

Tuesday, July 12, 2005

More Reasons NOT to Drink!!!!

I promised more of those pictures that support the advice DO NOT DRINK, EVEN WITH FRIENDS...... and as you saw from yesterday......Definitely not with friends.....WooHoo!

Ready to excercise your smile muscles again?







I'd like to know....How did they get him up there to begin with??!!!! How long did he have to stay there until they got him down??? And I really , really hope he didn't have too many bottles of beer before being caught like a fly rolled into a big, big roll of fly paper......Oy..is that the sprinkler system turning on..........? *giggle*







See the guy reading the book in the upper left? What is he doing? Could it be intermission? Is he waiting for the star attraction to finally wake up???? He looks like a Halloween toilet paper party gone bad.
























This one is going to have really, REALLY clear sinuses when woken up...ya think?
I don't think the ol' nose is gonna work for awhile....how about you?



I forsee a lot of bumps and bruises when this Sleeping Beauty wakes up. Ouch!












So, far I'm convinced that drinking to the point of senselessness is NOT the way to go. Tune in to the next blog where I hope I've saved the best for last. If these haven't convinced you to tame your imbibing temptations.....you ain't seen NOTHING yet!!!
Same blog time, same blog channel...*snicker*

Monday, July 11, 2005

Food for Smiles and Reading

*Whew!!*
The last blog was a challenge to the brain. Haven't written anything like that in years! So, as a counter point to that exercise, I'd like to flex the smile muscles then the reading muscle....

A good friend sent this to me. It was titled: 13 REASONS YOU DON'T WANT TO DRINK ---EVEN WITH FRIENDS!!

I'm not going to show you All 13 today.....I'll spread the smiles out...As you view these I ask you

A) Would you ever considering doing this to a friend of YOURS?

B) If so, how drunk do you think you'd have to be to do it?

c) To the victim, have you ever gotten THIS drunk for this to be possible to
happen to you????


Are you ready???











































Ok, folks....hope you have some happy smile muscles now.

The reading muscle will now engage.....

Thanks to Janie for the recommended read, "Do You Believe?" by Ann Lawrence. This was
an awesome, well written spooky, creepy and spicey mystery romance. I pass the recommendation onto you. When you read it, I hope that you like it too.



This is Rose Early and her partner in love and sleuthing is Vic Drummond.
Some one is missing, strange apparitions are being seen and the romance seems out of control at times. The question? Whose control is it under????






The next eagerly awaited story I read and finished this AM is "Sins of the Night" by Sherrilyn Kenyon. I've been eagerly looking forward to this one for awhile. I am VERY pleased with this. My only complaint is that the hottie pictured on the front is printed on an easily scratched cover. By the time I got the book home, he nose and eye was scratched from being inside the shopping bag. His lips are still kiss-some though...*sigh*.. Who Is This Male Model????!!!!
Anyway....so many of my Dark Hunter questions were answered in this book but many new ones were raised. I enjoyed the relationship between Danger and Alexion and I was so happy for Simi in this story. Acheron seemed to became a more well rounded character here. A new interest for me from this story comes from Savitar. I hope Sherrilyn writes about him. He just sounds ripe for a romance.....*wink*
Since I have a scratched Alexion, I'm so glad I can paste him unharmed here......







(heaves heavy sigh) "oh" to have a Dark Hunter of my own.....*grin*




I hope you enjoyed flexing your smile and reading muscles today.
Until next time!

Saturday, July 09, 2005

Paranormal musings-please comment!!!!


It's always a treat to feel like one has discovered something new all by one's self. I rely on the OOTB for many "heads-up" on new books coming out, but recently, I found the cutest paranormal romance story. Great summer reading for anyone who likes their vampires stories alight with romance and humor.

I speak of The Remarkable Miss Frankenstein by Minda Webber. The title alone grabbed my eye. Although, to be honest, MY book doesn't have the cute little bat guy on it. That would have caught my eye too.

The short of the story is that Claire Frankenstein (YES, Those Frankensteins!) has an obession with obtaining a prestigious Scientist of the Decade Award. To do that, she must prove her theory - that Vampires and Werewolves DO exist. That is when the fun begins! One of her competitors for the prize is none other than Dr. Jekyll! Guess what HE is working on...*grin* AND you get to find out what truly became of the original Frankenstein's monster. Up for the challenge? Read the story and let me know what you think!!!

I was visiting a really nice blog last night that belonged to Annalee Blysse. She had a really cool story regarding the paranormal and it got me to thinking......oooh, bad I know LOL.

I ask YOU, the reader:

Have you ever, even for 2 minutes, somewhere, some time in your life, experienced a paranormal moment????????

It might be Deja Vu, ghost-like phenomenon, or knowing what someone was going to say before they said it, BUT it had to freak you out! I mean, paranormal shouldn't make you feel complacent, it should put goose bumps on your arms, raise the hairs on the back of your neck, shake you out of your comfort zone.....that type of experience.

I will share my story, but PLEASE bear with me. At this point I wish I was a bonified author so I could write the words to turn your bones to frozen jello as mine were when it happened.
Specifics are hard to remember from when I was 9 yrs old. My memory has narrowed the focus down to "the moment when IT happened", but I'll try.

There used to be an old neighborhood school that, due to children being bussed to larger schools in the city, was shut down, boarded and abandoned to the elements and teenaged vandals. It became a place where the older kids challenged the younger by daring them to enter through the broken ground level windows in the basement of the building. The glass had all been knocked out years before. It was always blackest black down there with an eerie, shiveringly cold breeze that seemed to "puff" out at you when you walked by the sill.

Eventually, as I knew it must, it was my day to be "challenged". I had walked by the black holes of the basement numerous times on my way to the swing sets. The windows were easy to ignore. You just didn't look as you went by and on a hot summer's day, the chilled air actually felt good. On that day however, the air seemed to change; still cold but nowhere near the word "refreshing". As I walked toward the rectangle of black, those "puffs" I'd mentioned seemed to pause. It could be said that the building had held its' breath; for what, I couldn't fathom.

With a group of 4 other kids around me, urging me on, I slowly walked towards the chosen window. To say I was feeling nervous was an understatement. I was so petrified, I should have been a fossil. Soon, much too soon, I was standing at the window, looking down into the complete blackness that was inside. The kids behind me were getting antsy, seemed my progress was too slow for them... like that was a surprise? Geez!

Gulping for breath, I squatted down and leaned into the sill. Yup, the cold air was there but seemed a tad colder. Sure was black. Does black have depth? It felt like it. I leaned forward, further, scanning but seeing nothing . At that point, I couldn't see the window frame around me, as I was leaning too far in. Shifting my eyes back up towards the ceiling it happened. Air, super chilled air puffed out at me and there, suspended in mid- air, surrounded by dark nothingness was one single, bloodshot emerald green eye. It was looking directly at me.

A 9 yr old girls' screech is a high pitched and grating affront on ears and it scared the crap out of the kids behind me, including the "older challengers". I pushed myself away forcefully from the window and was incapable of nothing but gibberish and gasping breaths. Of course, after the initial fright, the kids rushed to the window expecting to see something ultra-cool.

Nothing. Nothing was there for them to see. The kids all turned to look at me. What did I see? "A green eye?" I said. Their reaction; " Oh, yeah, riiight, sure you did." What a disappointment it was for them. And I have to say, maybe for me too. Why? Because after all these years, I sometimes wonder, what did I REALLY see? What could something like that have been? If someone, even one kid, had seen it for a split second, a nano-second even, what decisions or paths would I have made and/or chosen different in my life because of that event?

A year later, the wrecking crews came. Within one day, with old alumni and neighborhood families watching high upon the hill, a school that had been standing for more that 50 years was gone in a grey cloud of dust and rubble.

Such is progress and the story of my possible encounter with the paranormal.

Please reader, what do you think??? Did I qualify for a paranormal moment?????

Thursday, July 07, 2005

I went to the Vermont RenFest

Fourth of July Weekend was a great adventure for me as I went to my very first Renaissance Festival in Vermont. I've been hearing about how much fun they were, and I was thrilled to find one so close to home . I promised to share some pictures that I took and here they are!!!!!








This is Ulric. Our Knight we were cheering on. He is charging with sword drawn towards his opponent- the cursed Irish Knight-Paddy *grin*
Loved the jokes they threw back and forth..example...Ulric called him a 'Crabby Paddy" hahahaha!





Paddy knocked Ulric off his horse, and he was Down!! Gustaf, Ulric's second, takes up the sword to defend his knight against Paddy's second. How exciting! Unfortunately, we were on the losing side. Although Ulric was handsome, Paddy- the Irish Knight was the better fighter.






Oh, how we laughed at this. The Great UnWashed!! They were a trio of story tellers who warped the fairy tales that we know and love with halarious results. Pictured here, they were piling mud onto her head to serve as a hat. Watch out though! Sit in the first to third rows and the mud gets you. How do I know? I watched in awe as the guy on the right did a backflip into the mud. When he hit, DUCK!!! INCOMING!!!! But you know I didn't.....splat....Kids, do they ever grow up??? *LOL*





Ah, the juggler extraordinaire ! Here, he is pictured balancing on the ball right before he instructed the gentlelad and gentleladies to throw the lit torches his way. He juggled with aplomb all 3 flaming sticks and never missed a beat. He was amazing. Earlier, he also "ate" flames. When asked how they tasted? "Like chicken.........really, really BURNT chicken!".....too funny!





Ah, here is our flamboyant swordsman. He demonstrated the use of a very LONG sword that was used against Pikes in warfare. What a great show. It was called, The Good, The Bad and the Ugly...guess which one he was! *giggle* There were 3 guys but this is the best picture I was able to get. *sigh*, one of the other noblemen was such a cutie, too.
I'm glad this one sort of came out though, his hat is priceless!










I tried to pick the pictures that captured the fun of the events we went to. I should have taken more of the wenches and other people garbed in all their finery. I was a little overwhelmed. I can't wait to go back next year!!!
I also would like to mention that I tried 2 new foods. One, a Pizza Pretzel- very yummy surprise when you bit into it. Second, authentic Scottish Meat Pies - very different than anything I've ever tasted.
I want to take this moment to publicly thank author Rebecca York for her assistance. She is not only a wonderful romance author, but an author of cook books as well. I wrote to her for help in searching out a recipe for Scottish Meat Pies and she came through!!!! I am so excited! I hope to attempt this new recipe very soon.
Thanks Rebecca!!!!!!!

And, Thank YOU, for visiting my blog today. Toodles!

Tuesday, July 05, 2005

Computer VS My First RenFest

HI!
This was an interesting holiday weekend, the start of which I could have done without. First, my lovely computer decided to say "goodbye" after 6 1 /2 years of faithful service this past Friday. I had just finished writing on my LJ when I heard "sizzle POP!" and all went dark......and stayed that way. The worst of the loss were my over 300+ family photos. *groan* I had them all on an ol' Win 98 and had no way of saving them. *sigh* NOW, after an emergency scramble to purchase a new computer system, I have a CD/DVD burner, but what good is that now? Great for the future, squat for the past. It really put me in the doldrums.

A question for you: Do you remember what were the most exasperating and what were the most thrilling aspects of your new computer system when you upgraded? What did you upgrade from??
My input: was Windows 98 and now Windows XP - whoopee!
I am thrilled with the different games and options for word processing but exasperated that the phone can't be connected directly to the computer anymore , there's no microphone built in and the icons are teeny weeny. (the last, I should be able to change ....I hope....)


Good News does come eventually. I went to my first ever RenFest in Vermont!!! OMGosh, it was awesome! I enjoyed so many sights, sounds and indeed, smells. (although the 'outhouse" smells I could have passed on...*gasp*!) I appreciated the hunky jousters, archers and battle ax throwers. I spoke with some lovely wenches and oogled the agile swordsmen, soaked up the lore of the sword in battle and laughed at the antics of grown adults playing in mud as The Great UnWashed....watch out for the first 3 rows people! ; when they do backwards or forward flips, you get to wear mud...I know.....it got me *grin*. I even tried a new food, always a favorite thing, Scottish Meat Pie.... it was not like anything I've ever tasted before. Before purchasing it, I asked the "wench" if it was anything like French Meat Pie , and she replied with the most adorable Irish/Scottish (?) accent " I don't know, I've never had French meat pie but if you be liking beef, I'd be thinking you will like this." *ooh, so cute!" Anyway, I think I could get used to it and I wish I knew the ingredients. I like to attempt new recipes.

I took lots of pictures, but since this is a new computer with a whole world of different programs, I've got a lot of experimenting to do before I can share them with you. NOW, I know what "Sonic" is.... AND SPIDER Solataire.....I remember when I first starting blogging and visiting the OOTB, Spider Solataire was discussed....I am looking forward to a new addiction *giggle*.

Other than that, it was a calm holiday weekend. Hope yours was a fine one and not as expensive.....at least not unplanned expensive. Planned is always good *smile*

Oh, thanks so much to everyone who offerred titles of books to read. I'm currently 1/2 way through the Givenchy Code by Julie Kenner and I picked up Heart Choice by Robin D. Owens and Hot and Heavy by Sandra Hill. Lastly, I picked up a new book by I think a first time published author....The Remarkable Miss Frankenstein by Minda Webber. The title alone gave me pause to pick it up and check it out. With a promo stating that fans of Lynsay Sands and Katie MacAlister would like this book AND I DO like both authors, I had to give it a go. Of course, anything with romance , Vampires and humor are a draw for me..as you well know from some of my older posts. I'll let you know my impressions of this book once I've read it.

Thanks so much for stopping by. Happy July!!!

Friday, July 01, 2005

Here's your Smile for Today

A slightly new take on an old one......


They were together in the House.

Just the two of them.


It was a cold, dark, stormy night.
The storm had come quickly



and each time the thunder boomed he watched her jump.

She looked across the room and admired his strong appearance...and

wished that he would take her in his arms, comfort her and protect her

from the storm.


She wanted that...more than anything.

Suddenly, with a pop, the power went out... She screamed...

He raced to the sofa where she was cowering.

He didn't hesitate to pull her into his arms.

He knew this was a forbidden union and

expected her to pull back.

He was surprised when she didn't resist but instead clung to him.
*
*
*
The storm raged on...as did their growing passion

And there came a moment when each knew that they had to be together.

They knew it was wrong...

Their families would never understand... So consumed were

they in their passion that they heard no opening

of doors...just the faint click of a camera......

*

*


>>>

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Hope you smiled today. Isn't this a wonderful way to start your weekend???

I'm still working on pictures, so bear with me while I play for a few days. Toodles!

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