Sunday, January 29, 2006

An adventure into the mundane

All the hopes, planning and optimism in the world simply cannot change the course of reality.
Went to visit the coastline of the state of Rhode Island, camera charged and ready. Eyes alight with anticipation as to what I'd see, capture and share on my blog.
Fate is laughing.
Doubled over in glee.
Clinking overflowing goblets of Merlot with Bacchus between snickers and snorts.
Tricked by the shining sun, above average temperatures and dry roads.
All is not what imagination contemplated.
Route 1, usually a "scenic" road, was, for lack of a better term, weird.
We were sent on loops and rambling U-roads that took us to see, homes. Americana at its most normal and unhistoric. The ocean, vistas of harbors, inlets and oceaniana were missing.
Honestly, that wasn't the weird part. What WAS strange, was the fact that the "town" we were looking for, was never located. No matter how much back tracking and different roads we took. We never found it. Maps were useless.
Route signs disappeared.
We ended up 4 towns over before we realized we were following a whole different route.
We turned around and went back.
Going backwards provided us with the signs and routes that we should have seen going Forwards, but didn't exist.
We ended up brain fried and stopped at a Holiday Express Inn. Very nice. Actually, the nicest part of the whole trip besides the sun and temperature.
We could walk to Chili's where we ate supper. Delicious!!
We could walk to church this morning. The novelty of walking to the places we needed to get to from our motel was quite the treat.
Leaving this morning, we found Rt 114 North. Ah! THIS was what we were looking for. Places of historic significance. True, if you like the arts and crafts, little shops filled with little gifts and high prices, then this trip might have been a success for you.
This time, we were able catch glimpses of ocean! Yes! and covered boats, Yes! and finally, Finally, something to take pictures of to share with you.

I don't believe I have to say a word. This was truly worth a photographic memory being taken.
What do you think??? BTW - Remember, click on the picture to get the "bigger pic" so you can see all the writing......










































































































Some of these sentiments, truly touch the heart. I know they did mine.

Friday, January 27, 2006

Cryogenics - A thought or maybe a question


I was visiting one of my favorite haunts and I came across Markoos' post about
Cryonauts . Please check it out so you know from whence I speak.



Now that you have, maybe you saw my question to him. I'll repeat it here because, seriously, I have my doubts of such a scheme.
********************
"After being re-animated, I wouldn't want to be looked at like a freak from a zoo.
To be studied and prodded and gawked at should the "re-animation" work.
In 100 years, who's to say whatever government is in force would let him have all his money anyway? Or that money, as we know it, still exists?
The future is as scary as it is exciting.

Has anyone ever thought of how society will treat these re-animated people? Would they be seen 'as people'?" Will they still have their rights and priveledges under our constitution?

These are my Questions.

In Susan Grant's, Legend of Banzai Maguire , it's based on a female heroine who was cryogenically frozen and thawed 170 years later.
It's a great theory that captures the imagination of science fiction lovers and writers the world over.

Its reality is another thing altogether.


I can't imagine using a freezer for a coffin.














The facilities do look very intricate and scientific. However, how secure and reasonable are the expectations for success?


I don't mean for re-animation. They haven't gotten cloning right..and when it comes to humans, I really don't want to go on THAT soap box.

I refer to the basic things, like frost build-up, freezer burn and power flectuations, you know, not expecting all the back-ups to work all the time, every time.

Do you have any thoughts about this?

Has a writer written a sci-fi horror story yet about a successful re-animation that wasn't a "happy ever after"? If not, someone should.

Truly, it would be a horror for me. Human nature being what it is.

Give me natural. The circle of life that's been written and lived out since time immemorial. Let a higher power decide on re-incarnation - not man. (Whoa, that's a little deep for my usual posts, yes?)

Money is not a motivator for me like that guy in Markoos' post. What good is money if you're not "a person" anymore?

Thursday, January 26, 2006

Warmth - a matter of positive thought


I'm fairly positive that these pics I took do not invoke feelings of warmth.

If you are a winterbunny, then snowmen, snowballs, snowforts, sledding and snow angels are thoughts triggered by these sights.


My facetious and curious question for today:







If you had to cuddle inside an igloo with a few good books to while away the time until said snowstorm ceased to blow, what book would you chose?

Which book have you read that could generate enough warmth as to forget the raging, swirling, and driving wind and snow that battered and buffeted your enclosure? A book that would make you forget the passage of time.

For me, I would choose Everlastin' by Mickee Madden, , Knight of a Trillion Stars by Dara Joy and Incubus Dreams by Laurell K. Hamilton.

Of the 600+ books I've read since November 2004, I admit that choosing only 3 books was very difficult. However, all three kept me turning the pages, had me forgetting about where I was and how much time had truly passed as I was drawn into the author's world.
I can only surmise that an author would find this gratifying.

It's cold out there folks.
Are you game?

Tuesday, January 24, 2006

Antique humor

While browsing through a book that compiled the anecdotes of Americana from 1939 until 1965, I was struck by the cliches on how woman were treated, and the gulf that exists today in what people consider funny.

I'd like to share a few:

" I often think you can tell people's character by their gardens."
"I do, too. There's Miss Richlove, who is as mercenary as she can be, and the prominent plants in her gardens are moneywort and marigold.


"You say you saw a lot of her this summer?
"Yes, I met her a number of times down at the bathing beach"

Bride --"What do you give your husband when the dinner does not suit him?"
Mrs. Oldwed--" His coat and hat."

Man --"The husband ought to have a voice in the furnishing of the home,' says a woman writer.'"
Brother -- "Oh, but he does -- the invoice."

"Does the baby look like his father?"
"Oh, no. My husband would be furious!"

"How many times must I tell you, Willie, that one must keep his eyes closed during prayer."
"Yes Momma. How do you know I don't ?"

Professor of Political Economy --"Who's the Speaker of the House?"

Student-- "Mother."

Definition of a Diet:

The best way to lose weight is to develop an orthodox belief in some religion that doesn't allow any fun. --Gregory Nunn

Courtship:

The days just prior to marriage are like a snappy introduction to a tedious book. --Wilson Mizner

Democracy:

Democracy becomes a government of bullies tempered by editors. --Emmerson

Fame:

If you would not be forgotten as soon as you are dead, either write things worth reading or do things worth writing. --Franklin

Fashion:

Fashion is the most powerful force in creation. It rules the women, who rule the men, who rule the world. ---19th century Americana.

Sex:

The thing that takes up the least amount of time and causes the most amount of trouble is sex. ---John Barrymore.

And with that last blurb , I'll end this thought provoking post with:

Looks like it's not only us that has trouble caused by sex....*giggle*

Truthfully, anyone in 1939 through 1965 could not possibly have imagined that airports would be fodder for future risque humor.

My, how times have changed.

I hope your day provides you reasons to smile ....even better, a laugh or two.

Bye!

Saturday, January 21, 2006

I've thought of a question I haven't asked yet

My question for you is this.

What new discoveries have you made while reading a book that you have now incorporated into your life??

I must clarify. The book(s) was/were not read with the intent to learn anything. Whatever you learned came from reading for fun.

Me first.

1) Zydeco music. Came from Sandra Hill's Cajun Men series. I looked it up, rented a video about it's history and now I have a collection of my favorites. Being from the North, Zydeco is not known widely.

2) Wine. I am not a drinker. Never was. Well, except when I worked at a bank. They were wild people and I discovered a bit of wildness inside me too, but that's another story. In quite a few books, Merlot was mentioned. Meant nothing to me. Then comes a graduation party where wine was served and everyone was expected to order a glass (it was included, we had our choice) for the toast to the graduate. What do you order when you know nothing? Romance Books to the rescue. " Do you have Merlot?"
" Yes, what kind?"
"HUH?" (they didn't specify that in the romance books) Me, frantically reading my choices ..Aha! what would a heroine do? Pick the most expensive...should be the best. Right? Yes, indeed. Turns out it was yummy. Now ," I'll have Merlot please." where ever I go.
(Don't ask me what "kind" I decided on. For some reason, I don't remember....)


3) Rennaisance Festivals. I had never gone to one. Didn't know what they were about and why they were so great. Along comes, A Hard Days Knight by Katie MacAllister. I learned about jousting, the Wenches Guild, corsets and I wanted to experience the event myself. Hence my trip to Vermont last year and my post on this blog about it. I had a GREAT time, and if it wasn't for the book, I don't think it ever would have been a blip on my radar. Now I look forward to attending further events!

So, those are my examples. I would love to hear yours.
Come and play!

OH, and so you don't think this post is way too boring,
I've included a picture of how you should see yourself when you look in the mirror.



Have a great weekend!!!

Friday, January 20, 2006

Laugh with me or at me

May I share a Milestone that I've reached in my life as of this past Wednesday?

I sent this already to my friends and family. I received absolutely NO sympathy. In fact, I received mostly "Join the Club!" "Welcome to R.E.A.L. Life!" "Welcome to my world" and "You've got to be kidding, I've had those for years!" (this , from my LITTLE sister !)



I've reached a milestone in my life.

I found my FIRST gray hair.

Just thought you'd like to laugh with me.
Ha ha......**pout**
Sincerely,
Michele




I believe this moment needs to be addressed with all it sombre and serious ramifications. Create a diversion!!!

While she was "flying" down the road yesterday (10 miles over the limit), a woman passed over a bridge only to find a cop with a radar gun on the other side lying in wait. The cop pulled her over, walked up to the car, and with that classic patronizing smirk we all know and love, asked,
"What's your hurry?"
To which she replied, "I'm late for work."
"Oh yeah," said the cop, "what do you do?"
"I'm a rectum stretcher," she responded.

The cop stammered, "A what? A rectum stretcher? And just what does a rectum stretcher do?"
"Well," she said, "I start by inserting one finger, then work my way up to two fingers, then three, then four, then with my whole hand in. I work from side to side until I can get both hands in, and then I slowly but surely stretch, until it's about 6 feet wide."

"And just what the hell do you do with a 6 foot asshole?" he asked.

"You give him a radar gun and park him behind a bridge..."

Traffic Ticket $95.00
Court Costs. $45.00

The Look on Cop's Face.

PRICELESS

Now some "dated" jokes about Love, Courtship and other odds and sundry:
*****
"What's wrong Henry?" asked his wife.
"My razor," boomed the voice in the bathroom. "It doesn't cut at all!"
Don't be silly. Your beard can't be tougher than linoleum."
*******
"Does your wife really obey you?"
"Sometimes." When I say, 'Go ahead and never mind me,' she always does."
********

He says " You are always wishing for what you haven't got."
She says "Well, what else can one wish for?"

**************

Hubby- "The bank has returned that check."
Wifey -"Isn't that splendid! What can we buy with it this time?"

******************
MOM- "What did your father say when he saw his broken pipe?"
Kid - "Shall I leave out the swear-words, Mom?"
Mom - "Certainly!"
Kid - Then I don't think he said anything."

***************

Lawyer - "Well, if you want my honest opinion --"
Client -"NO,no. I want your professional advice."
**********
The great difference between learning to drive a car and to play golf is that in one case youhit everything, and in the other you hit nothing.
*******************
"Yes, my husband's laid up, a victim of football."
"But I didn't know he even played the game."
"He doesn't . He sprained his larynx at the match last Saturday."
******************
On a note of truth::
Samuel Johnson is quoted as saying, "Abuse is often of service. There is nothing so dangerous to an author a silence. "
******************
Quote from Oliver Wendell Holmes:
"What a blessed thing it is that nature, when she invented, manufactured and patented her authors, contrived to make critics out of the chips that were left!! "
*************
Actor - A man who tries to be everthing but himself.
Experience - The name men give to their mistakes.
Public Speaking - The art of diluting a two-minute idea with a two hour vocabulary.


And finally:
It was once remarked to Lord Chesterfield that man is the only creature endowed with the power of laughter.
"True," said the peer, "and you may add, perhaps, that he is the only creature that deserves to be laughed at."

'nuf said.

Hopefully, something distracted you from my new color hue.
Have a great day!!

Wednesday, January 18, 2006

Unleash the Night and the joy of reading

Before I revv my engines and talk about what I've read, I want to first thank all those who left comments on the post "I've found a new author!", I can't believe I never went back and replied!!! **bangs head on keyboard**. I've rectified that oversight. Thank you for your comments folks! Including the author of whom I wrote. ...Isn't that Cool???? **psst, and NO I didn't miss her. She just commented today and that's what clued me in about my gaff.**

OK, Let's get the synapses firing folks.....

Reading romance books.
Where do I find the time?
Darned if I know.
But I do. Especially for "Sherrilyn Kenyon's latest Dark Hunter book, Unleash the Night.
Well, this one isn't about the yummy Dark Hunters, but another from their world.
Wren Tigarian... I fell in love with the excerpt on Sherrilyn's website months ago. January seemed like it was never going to get here.
Then ,


2006 !! And books are coming out this year that are going to be awesome.


I was not disappointed in this book. I've read some people didn't take to it because it did not feature the Dark Hunters. That wasn't a problem for me. I think this expanding world is akin to our own. We have circular relationships, why not in the literary world too? We do meet again, Savitar and we get another peek at Nick, who I miss terribly. I loved his human character and I'm looking forward to his journey towards being a Dark Hunter. But I digress...like that's not easy to do? **grin**
I enjoyed their meeting and growth of the relationship between Marguerite D'Aubert Goudeau and Wren. I did not like the fact that I wasn't paying attention to some very cleverly written clues and had I done so, the ending wouldn't have caught me as a complete surprise. I guess I was a little distracted by Wren *wink*. This is a book worth the eye time.



Ever since recanting that "I don't read Regencies", I'm picking up steam in that genre.
Eloisa James' Much Ado About You
was a delightful read. Long, but delightful.
It is the first in a series of 4 sisters, of which, Tess, who is the eldest, gets to marry first.
Her intended, in a round about way, ends up being Lucius Felton. Love the name "Lucius".
Anyway...although I enjoyed this story, the premise for one of the sisters, Imogen...I can't get excited about . Reading this book was like listening to a harp being played and out of no where a wrong string was plucked. As much as I liked this one.. I don't feel a deep abiding urge to rush out for the rest. However, I may be in the minority in that. **shrug** Que sera, sera.

The next one on my reading notch is The Fairy Tale Bride by Kelly McClymer. The title and the back cover blurb was very intriguing so I thought I'd take a chance on this. Never heard of the author before.

As much as there were some truly inspired moments and some high points, it didn't keep my interest. It just seemed to me that the Hero's hang-up wasn't that big of a deal, yet it was all consuming in this. Maybe I just don't get the social complexities of the period, but I'm glad I found this one in the library.

I continued with the Regency kick and read :

To Kiss a Spy by Jane Feather.
Now THIS one...this story I got into. It was fun and exciting. The heroine , Lady Pen Bryanston,
is sassy, clever and far from dull. The hero, Owen D'Arcy is quite the spy-for the times.. all set amongst the royal courst and their intrigue. There's a follow up to this one and I'm strongly in favor of continued the literary journey this author has set up.



Going forwards in contempory time, I read one of my favorite haunts: Harlequin Intrigues. This one was called,

Undercover Encounter by Rebecca York.


I'm never disappointed in Rebecca's writing and this is no exception. Gritty, intense, suspenseful, the ONLY complaint that I can think of was that there really wasn't a lot of time spent on the romance per se. This was a Good Guys vs. the Bad Guys and the good guys don't bat 100 in this one. Of course, that sets you up to read the next book. Can you see me resisting...much? *giggle*

The last, but not least is a book regarding my absolute favorite genre.
Can you guess?
Vampires!! What else? This time, it takes place in Medieval times with a Knight returning from the Crusades. He is beset upon by vampires and turned.
He gets my vote for a well written tortured hero.
My Demon's Kiss by Lucy Blue is a quick, involving, entertaining read. IMHO.



His name is Simon and our Heroine's name is Isabel. She's well written and strong - again, for the time period. I was so glad the author never had us get stuck in the "oh, should I or shouldn't I, but I want to,,...oh no that 's not proper...*gasp* faint " kind of scenarios... Those just make my eyes cross.

What's great about this story is that this is the first book in a series. And I WANT to read more! She did a great job in setting up the background and secondary subplot which, I suspect, will take center stage in a future story.

If Vampires, Medieval times, Knights, quests and good relationships between characters are some of your reading criteria, then, you just might like reading this story... If you don't, please keep your fangs to yourself...

LOL

Happy reading to you!!!!

Tuesday, January 17, 2006

An Unlikely Hero

Ah! My favorite thing to do.
Share.
Look back in time with fond memories.

Today, I would like to touch base on a character that is an unlikely hero.

He didn't work for the law, except his own.
He didn't follow the law, unless it suited him.
He didn't live in the stratosphere of society, but they needed him.
He didn't own the past, but he respected it and what it could do for him.

He did love a good scam.
He did enjoy beautiful things.
He did find a way to make the past profit in the present.
He did have loyalty to his friends, even though some drove him nuts.

He was Lovejoy.
Most times a legitimate antiques dealer, sometimes shyster.
Lovejoy rescued damsels in distress, whether made from flesh or marble, he loved them all.
But the marble ladies (and other various artifacts) paid his bills.
Lovejoy, where his knowledge of antiquities rivaled MacGyver's tech and chemical skills.
And they both had hair styles resembling a mullet.
And I LOVED his leather jacket....

Oh, those were the days.

He is played by Ian McShane.
Do you remember? Allow me to jog your memory with some photos .....





What a cutie.....

















His Lovejoy persona was fun, irreverant, clever, witty and quite the anti-hero. He wasn't all good, had his rough edges and wasn't above twisting the truth, the law, and sometimes people to reach the ending sought. He was quite loveable actually.

Now, Ian has gone onto other roles. He has the "Dark Look" down well. It shivers me timbers looking at him. He's aging, as we all do. Some older actors choose to go after comedic roles after years of playing " the heavy". (Leslie Nelson, Lloyd Bridges)
Ian can do both, but these next pictures kind of show that he can do "Dark" very convincingly. What do you think?




In this one, I think is from an HBO series... perhaps you know.
My point here, is that he is SCARY lookin'.
The ultimate "DARK" looking character.
He sems to be saying "Do NOT mess with me. I know where you live ..."

Ian McShane....talented actor.

Sunday, January 15, 2006

Remember I said I didn't like Beavis and Butthead?

I still don't , however, I will not stand in the way of admitting that Beavis and Butthead have contributed to many forms of Americana humor. There's another word for it, but it escapes me at this writing.
Vernacular, Maybe?
If you know it, please jog my memory.

Back to B & B. I also have stated in the past that I try not to do political comments here. There are some awesome blogs that cover that nicely.

After saying this , I must remind you that there are loop holes in just about every law on this earth; from laws of language, to laws of society and , well, laws of law.
I believe this picture below empasses both topics that I steer away from, but was too good not to embrace with a full Cheshire Cat Grin in place:



Looking at this, can you blame me?

I can't believe I am posting this, but

darn! Someone was awfully clever.

If they love B & B and politics, then

they've married the two in a way

that even I can't help but appreciate.

I'm not too sure how the two gentlemen

would REALLY feel about this, but I'd

like to think they also have a fun sense

of humor.

Since I'm a fan of Bill andTed's Excellent Adventure .... And Benny Hill ... heheheh!! I guess I'm twisted enough to enjoy this...

If you are having a bad day. Realize that you are not alone. There are class acts out there who share your pain. Some are even , and it may surprise you, quite eloquent in their displeasure of their circumstance:




See?

There are other times you must make a decision. How to handle this emotional speed bump in your life is a serious concern. Thankfully, options ARE open to you. Choices abound.




















Some are WAY more important than others.

Remember, when life's challenges make you feel cornered and stuck , exercise your options!!




And when all else fails and you feel like "spitting in the wind',
don't do that...its yucky as all get out.

Just take a deep breath and "think" the word...I'm a nice girl so I don't "say" it ..... loud anyway.

THIS!!!!













Have a great day!!

Thursday, January 12, 2006

Links that will make you mad or glad

OK, I hope not mad, really.
But, I haven't surfed for awhile and I missed some wonderful posts. I luurve Markoos...sshh don't tell 'im. He's my secret blog vice.

I realize that it can be easy to overwhelm with too many links.
So, just visit a couple of times and click at random. Can't hurt. Right?

First, I've yet to see this anywhere else in the blogosphere and it was WAY too big for my little blog. A link is just the right size. I think it's geared to Men being a mean, nasty evil Warlord and 100 things he'd do, but really, why Can't a Woman be an Evil Warlord???? I think we have the capacity to do serious
kick-butt nasty stuff. True we are supposed to be nuturers, but hey, gotta have a little fun, right? Find out the rules of being an EVIL WARLORD

To continue in this nasty vein... this may be too shocking and horrifying to cat lovers the world over! Don' t Look!!!!

Remember Conan the Barbarian and how wonderfully yummy Arnold was back then?
Time is a dangerous task master.... Conan just isn't the same hunky Barbarian like he used to be. If you still want to have your fantasies ... Don't LOOK!!!

Back to cats, if you LOVE your cats and feel that winter and decreased light affects not only you , their owner, but your furry friends too, that this product is THE ULTIMATE gift for your depressed kitty ....View the CURE!

For the ultimate Gross out...well, I'm sorry but Hairy Man Pits just don't do it for me... However, give the guy his due. He's Very Brave to have a pit like THIS


Ok, I guess that kind of was the topping on the cake you wouldn't want to eat after viewing the last link. So My question.... If he shaves..does that count as a Brazilian ??? Or does only waxing count????

The Blog awaits your answer ....

Talking Jibber Jabber today


Have you ever wanted to get out of something and hope that a way is found to accomplish that? Have you ever gotten out of what you wanted to escape from and then you cry because you got it? Not cry Happy, mind you, but sad? Sounds like I'm being contrary. Yes, indeed. That's me. Contrary.
I got voted out and a friend of mine who was sure that she'd not get in and was sure that there were others on the board that hated her, well, she got in. I called and congratulated her last night. She was shocked and was willing to decline the nomination in favor of me. I told her 'Absolutely NOT!, you got in fair and square! Hell, I didn't even vote for myself, I voted for YOU!"
"Why the Hell didn't you vote for yourself?!" (She's believes in speaking her mind )
*shrug* -( ever notice shrugs don't translate well over the phone?)
"I was in a tie for third place. I voted for myself then, but it didn't help."
She huffs and said "Guess what, girl, you are NOT giving up the presidency then. You are going to be on the council come hell or high water if I have anything to say about it!"
"But I don't want to serve a fourth term!"
"Tough shit." ( like I said, no question about what she means.)

Do you know anyone who can strong-arm you and twist it behind your back over the PHONE??That's my friend.
*sigh* Seems like I'm looking at a fourth term. Presidents serve ex-oficcio (sp) on the council. Unless one of the other two nominees back out of the confirmation proceedings. Then, I'm the next runner up to be on the council.
Then, Bye-Bye presidency and hello council.
*Bangs head*..looks like tears were a LITTLE premature. Could be the situation will turn into the ol' cliche, From the frying pain, into the fire".
Only time will tell.


I have such loving friends..*grin* Meanwhile..click the link to see how I feel.
**Bangs head** Again. Well, not really, but what else could I say to get you to look???
I mean....being a girl I do have .....um...OK, forget that thought!!!

Monday, January 09, 2006

I discovered a new author!!!!

I've been visiting Katie Mac's site for almost a year now. Amazing, isn't it?
On GNT's a/k/a Good News Tuesdays, many people come to share. Some are lovely and sentimental, others are practical and many are funny. One was an author that finally has made it!
She's had quite a few stories sell all at once. Isn't that wonderful?
Not that I wasn't happy to read about it, but I never thought I'd go any farther than just sending a "Congratulations" comment and go my merry way.

This time, something caught my eye, tickled my interest and drew me to investigate further. This particualr story is an e-book from a publisher I'd never heard of: Whisky Creek Press. Have to say ...I think I'm putting in my personal FAV's file along with Ellora's Cave and NCP.

It's called Private Dancer and the author is Ann Corey. Anyone ever read her stories? If they are like the one I just read, I'm hooked.

Even the cover was hot.

Its got a great tortured hero who is a vampire (of course *grin*) and a wonderful story journey that takes us to the heroine's HEA.
Oh, did I meantion that some of the scenes are hot?

*sigh*, Ann really satisfied my "romance meter" with this one.
If E-books, vampires, hot romance and a satisfying HEA are your criteria for inspiring you r interest, than this one delivers....

If I sound like a Ad, sorry. Its just when I read something from someone for the first time and it 's a good experience, I don't think keeping it to myself is healthy.
Why?
Because the one thing I like to do with books that I've read is to share them and having a dialog about what was great and what was the best and what wasn't is one of....My Favorite Things!!!

Saturday, January 07, 2006

What would 2006 be without a book blog?

It's time to share my favorite thing again...books I've recently read.

And a strange fact I found researching one of which I'm about to share with you.

I've heard that many people read books by Nora Roberts. I claimed that I wasn't one. I've had to take that back. My Mom was cleaning her attic and found a box of romance books I had stashed away. One of the old 1989 Silhouette Intimate Moments paperbacks ended back up in my hands.
Gabriel's Angel. Really nice cover. Imagine my surprise when I looked it up at Amazon.com!!!
It's in HARDBACK now!! And with a different cover!! I tried my scanner to see if I can show you Then and Now.....


This is the book I have.


Does the woman look Preggers? Cuz she is...


This is the book now being sold!!

Amazing difference yes?

And you know what? The story endures. It is still a good read. It doesn't feel "dated" as some books do.

So, Have you read it?
And, which cover do you prefer?



The Night Before Christmas. This was laying in the bargain stack at my library. I spied Dara Joy and Sandra Hill's names and it was a MUST HAVE!!!
I was not disappointed. Between Dara's story and Sandra's, I was busting a gut laughing ... laughing out load as to embarass myself in the company of my family.

In Naughty or Nice, Sandra Hills portayal of a body guard smitten with a woman who is willing to rob a porno shop to help give orphans a merry Christmas is a riot. The line where he realizes that he wants to marry her cuz it was instant love, I quote his thoughts...."Yep. That's what I'll do. I love you, let's tie the knot, wild sex, wedding. Or maybe I could reverse the order. Oh Yeah! Wild sex, I love you , wild sex, let's tie the knot, wild sex, wedding, wild sex. Whatever. "

ROTFLMAO!!! If you haven't read this ... you are missing out on some great entertainment!

Dara's is called, Santa Reads Romance. Imagine an author who is stuck in a cabin with a hunky guy and the only thing he has to read are hot, spicy romance books. Come on ....what do YOU think is going to happen??? When he practices speaking in a "husky murmer" like in the books....the laughs start. Gosh I love reading Dara's humor.

Mistress by Amanda Quick, AKA Jayne Ann Krentz

You know what? I have quoted myself stating that I do not read regency romance. *sigh*

If I admit to loving Amanda Quick, then I guess I can not say that anymore, right?

I'm such a goof.

This book was fun! Her early works always are.

How can you not like:

"He wanted to please her. He was desperate to please her. He had to please her."

How romantic!!!!

The next one is by another favorite of mine and a really nice lady to blog with to boot! I'm talking about Lucy Monroe and her book 3 Brides for 3 Bad Boys.



Three brothers who couldn't be more different,:Rand, Carter and Colton and the stories of the women who brought love into their lives. The stories are warm, funny, sensitive and, of course, romantic. The last one, Colton, I'd wish was a little bit longer. It seemed that we didn't really get to know him. There wasn't enough time to connect with his character. However, that is my only complaint about this book. Overall, it's worth the eye time.

Lastly is - The Medici Lover by Anne Mather - 1977

When I was reading Harlequin Presents by the dozens...sometimes 3 a day this was one that, for some unknown reason, was kept. Gosh, it is SO typical for the times! Really. Mucho Macho Italian Rich Guy, young working-class girl, he's married, his wife is a two-timing B*@* and his "younger" cousin wants her AND the young woman. Dilemma, Dilemma .... the only saving grace is that the young woman, Suzanne, isn't such a wimp, which was unusual writing at that time. I really enjoyed the guy's name too, Mazzaro. I've never seen that name before or since , Have You????

I found reference to this book, but no pictures were avaliable, so here's my scanner to the rescue!!

The problem I have with the cover is that the bikini in the book is supposed to be WHITE!!!

I think white was too much for the censors. She looks kind of "pouty" doesn't she? Good thing she wasn't like that in the book, I would have thrown it across the room!!

So, that's the update of my books for this year so far.

Hope I didn't bore you too much. But sharing my books are My Favorite Things!!!!

Thursday, January 05, 2006

The power of two women

Heads -up folks!!!!!
Judson has his first post of 2006!!!!!

Robin and I have been coordinating our efforts to get Judson to share his innumerable insights with us and the blogosphere. I'm pleased to report SUCCESS!!! So, feel free to visit! Click here


Just so there's more to read, I'll post this:

The Best Investment ever.

On their wedding night, the young bride approached her new husband and
asked for $20.00 for their first lovemaking encounter.
In his highly aroused state, her husband readily agreed.




This scenario was repeated each time they made love, for more than 30 years, with him thinking


that it was a cute way for her to afford new clothes and other
incidentals that she needed.

Arriving home around noon one day, she was surprised to find her husband
in a very drunken state.




During the next few minutes, he explained that his employer was going
through a process of corporate downsizing, and he had been let go.
It was unlikely that, at the age of 59, he'd be able to find another
position that paid anywhere near
what he'd been earning, and therefore, they were financially ruined.

Calmly, his wife handed him a bank book which showed more than thirty
years of steady deposits and interest totaling nearly $1 million.

Then she showed him certificates of deposits issued by the bank which
were worth over $2 million, and informed him that they were one of the largest depositors in the bank.
She explained that for the more than three decades she had "charged"
for sex, these holdings had multiplied and these were the results of her savings and investments.
Faced with evidence of cash and investments worth over $3 million, her
husband was so a stounded he could barely speak, but finally he found his voice and blurted out,



"If I'd had any idea what you were doing, I would have given you all my
business!"


Disclaimer: In no way do I implicate G.W. in this..but the facial expression that I found when I googled was priceless and he captured the look I imagined for this joke so well. I couldn't help but post this. He's perfect!

Sharing my latest email fun

Sometimes I hear from her, sometimes not.
When I do, she floods me with all kinds of email jokes and inspirational messages.
Some are easy to share, some are too hot for public viewing and some are those detestable chain emails that I refuse to perpetuate. But If you've visited me for awhile, you know how I feel about those. If not,.. Click on My Opinion

If you've seen these before, I'm not surprised. The good ones DO get around. If not... oh, goody!

Litte Mary Margaret:


Little Mary Margaret was not the best student in Catholic School.
Usually she slept through the class.
One day her teacher, a Nun, called on her while she was sleeping.

"Tell me Mary Margaret, who created the universe?"

When Mary Margaret didn't stir, little Johnny who was her friend sitting behind her, took his pencil and jabbed her in the rear.

"God Almighty!" shouted Mary Margaret.

The Nun said, "Very good" and continued teaching her class.
A little later the nun asked Mary Margaret, Who is our Lord and savior?"
But she didn't stir from her slumber. Once again, little Johnny came to
her rescue and stuck Mary Margaret in the butt.

"Jesus Christ!" shouted Mary Margaret

The Nun once again said, "Very good,"

and Mary Margaret fell back asleep.The Nun asked her a third question ...
"What did Eve say to Adam after she had her twenty-third child?"

Again, Johnny came to the rescue.
This time Mary Margaret jumped up
and shouted:

'If you stick that damn thing in me one more time, I'll break it in half!"



The Nun fainted.



Bobbitt Family Update: (You remember what She's famous for, right?)

In a recent Channel 4 news broadcast, it was announced that Lorena Bobbitt's sister ,Louella, was arrested for an alleged attempt to perform the same act on her husband as her famous sister had done several years ago.

Sources reveal the sister was not as accurate as Lorena. She allegedly missed the target and stabbed her husband in the upper thigh causing severe muscle and tendon damage.

The husband is reported to be in serious, but stable condition, and Louella has been charged with .............





A Misdewiener!

This last one isn't one I received from my friend. I was Googling for picutres to enhance this post and came upon this. It may not be extrememly funny, however, I thought it clever.
I also had the thought race through my mind , that if a drunk driver saw THIS in his mirror, he'd pop his Heini(kin) and swear off drinking!! Or maybe he'd just swear. Either way......









Whether my post leaves you thoughtful,
smiling or
fearing for my sanity,

Have a wonderful Thursday!!!

I Tried a Book Out of My Comfort Zone

Sometimes, reading out of my comfort zone is ... well, uncomfortable. The blurb of the book sounded rather interesting. The Fate of Mercy ...