Opinions

Prince Joe, Forever Blue and Educating Harvard by Suzanne Brockmann are worth reading and are guaranteed to hook you on Suzanne's writing if you've never read her before.
Now I'm on the search for more.

Speed Dating by Nancy Warren is one of those NASCAR inspired romance books by Harlequin. Have to say, it was cute and worth reading in a relaxing bubble bath. Someone just needs to find a way to keep the water warm for more than 20 minutes!

I just got my notification from the Romantic Times E-zine I subscribed to last month.
Happy News/Disappointed News.

The American Title III contest winner isn't Kim Howe, the author that I had highlighted in my blog back in January.

The lucky lady who won is Jenny Gardiner, whose SLEEPING WITH WARD CLEVER had that unusual romantic finale; the one that had wry humor and wit coloring the scene. It wasn't my personal style or expectation, but clearly many were intrigued by the unexpected twist and I acknowledge its cleverness.

She popped in on my comments way back (February) and explained why she chose what she did. She hinted that the other romance scenes that she had to choose from were critical to the story and would have given too much away.
Here's me saying, Congratulations to Jenny Gardiner! Looks like we're going to be able to read all about it when Sleeping With Ward Clever gets published.

AND for Kim Howe, the author who graciously allowed me to highlight her on this blog: Congratulations for making it all the way to the very last contest! I hope to read
One Shot, Two Kills at some point because after reading all your excerpts, you have me hooked! For me, your characters, plot and potential crisis vehicles are reminiscent of Susanne Brockmann's Navy SEALs and that constitutes a must read. All the best to you !!

Thanks to my smallest, I've learned that the Madagascar Tomato Frog is on the endangered Species list due to deforestation and the illegal pet trade.
You've heard about the rain forests being destroyed that way in South America and Africa, but on the island of Madagascar? They have flora and fauna that appear no where else in the world. Why isn't more being done?
Frogs are considered the world's litmus test of a stable ecology and environmnent. Shouldn't we be protecting them with stronger measures?

BTW - I read that they should be referred to with a different adjective than Madagascar - like,
Malagasy Tomato Frog, NOT Madagascan. Guess they're sensitive about that.

It is sunny today but breezy! We have sustained winds of 24 MPH but the wind so far has gusted up to 34 MPH. That would dry my hair in a hurry! LOL

Has anyone heard that Jaid Black has a new Trek offering? NOT Star Trek folks, LOL!
No, her erotic romance series based in another galaxy. I'm STILL waiting for Death's HEA!
She's been keeping us fans dangling for a few years.
I am hoping for a great climax soon.
*gg*

Herpetorium Freak

I promised a WARNING when I posted such a thing


This was Five Feet from my back door. I grossed out a couple of my blog buddies with this ... and I didn't know I would. I was just so excited to share. Now I know better. I'll warn you guys first.


It is at Least Two feet, perhaps a few inches over. Amazingly pretty, don't you think?


A
B
C
F
F
G
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J
Y

Amended post:
Thanks, Emma, for pointing out I never I.D.'d my guest.

This is a regular, friendly (if you leave him alone) non-poisonous Garter Snake. (Info LINK)


Oh, they'll strike if provoked, and they move like lightning, but they are fun to have around. At the end of last summer, one got into our house and my DH had to corral it and herd it back outside using a broom. LOL
That was fun to watch. *grin*
Oh! And remember to Click on the picture to get the FULL effect of its eyes and scales. This pic is shrunk to about 35% of the original size. Great for wallpaper... but not for me. It's marking ARE pretty, just not soothing or relaxing. You know what I mean?

End of amended post.

However:
I also realize that seeing this exclusivly when you are trying to comment while you can't get away from the thing might give you the heebie jeebies ....


So, allow me to post another safe picture for your commenting relief.

May I please present to you,


SEAWEED the Seagull. So named by my youngest. He stayed still while I snapped his pic on our ocean view porch four feet away from us. Isn't he CUTE? Or she...
can't really tell with a gull ....


See how close we were to the water?

WE LOVED our place.

Oh and guess what? Seagulls like Potato bread. *gg*

We squished them into little bread balls so we could throw them better.

I have a short video I shot with my little camera showing the gulls fighting over the morsels.

Man, are they noisey!!

Eye Spy

I took this when we were on the salt marsh nature walk.

This makes a GREAT wallpaper!

BUT, when I loaded it onto my large screen at work, guess what I saw?

Look at the big picture and look at the person with the white shirt.

Tell me what YOU see!!

LOL

This ain't ol' Sponge Bob

Here's a tale without a tail.

A sponge that bobbed but wasn't Bob.

An item porous but FAR from amorous.

I really wished someone had warned me, told me, and made sure I paid attention. Sponges are not made equal. After the Nor'Easter I guess a lot of surf and turf got tossed. One of the effects were these greyish floaty things bobbing in the water, moving with a gentle sway from the incoming tide in tide pools left behind earlier in the day.

Some were as big as eight inches across and two inches thick. Intriguing 'creatures', wouldn't you say?

Look at this critter. Doesn't it look like a cross between a rock and a slab of brains??

This shot was taken while the natural wonder was still under water. I couldn't believe how clear it came out. Cool, eh ?

The one thing that will always remain memorable about seeing and touching a sponge in its natural habitat can only be done in the form of a question.

What do Mer-people wipe their asses with in the ocean?

These sea sponges!!!!

Honest to Betsy, people, that is exactly what this sucker smelled like ... human shit. GROSS!!!!!

It took two scented wipes to get the smell off of my fingers!! I've smelled rotting seaweed, decomposing fish and stagnant water, but this takes offensive to a whole new level.

I don't think I'll EVER forget this experience.

Zipping in to say HI

Yep, I'm back .

Started off cold. Ended up warm. Warmest as we were leaving. Figures.

LOVE the new place we stayed. What an illusion, like we were over the water, on a boat. Even through the walls and windows closed, the crash of the surf could be heard all night long.

Lovely.

This is the lighthouse at Nausett Beach. Taken the day we were coming home. Pretty yes? Wait until you see what else I saw there and the story I'll tell about it ... well, I'm going to be imparting words of wisdom. I wished I'd known or someone had told me before I TOUCHED it.

Ack!

TTFN

Hiatus Time again

All's quiet on the Eastern Front - East Coast that is.

Yep, I'm heading offline for a few days. I thought I'd give you a heads up.

Just a few things to share while I'm serving crickets noise here.

I was talking to DH. He said a phrase. The Polish Count.

I realized that "Count" can be interpreted THREE ways! So the phrase is saying three different things.

No wonder our language is such a bear to learn.

BTW - Can YOU name the three difference? Hmmmmm?

Making a Baby

The Smiths were unable to conceive children and decided to use a surrogate father to start their family.
On the day the proxy father was to arrive, Mr. Smith kissed his wife goodbye and said,
"Well, I'm off now The man should be here soon."

Half an hour later, just by chance, a door-to-door baby photographer

happened to ring the doorbell, hoping to make a sale.

Good morning, Ma'am", he said, "I've come to...''

Oh, no need to explain,"

Mrs. Smith cut in, embarrassed, "I've been expecting you."

"Have you really?" said the photographer.

"Well, that's good. Did you know babies are my specialty?"

"Well that's what my husband and I had hoped.

Please come in and have a seat"

After a moment she asked, blushing, "Well, where do we start?"

"Leave everything to me. I usually try two in the bathtub, one on

the couch, and perhaps a couple on the bed. And sometimes the living
room floor is fun. You can really spread out there."

"Bathtub, living room floor? No wonder it didn't work out for Harry and me!"

"Well, Ma'am, none of us can guarantee a good one every time. But if we try several different positions and I shoot from six or seven

angles, I'm sure you'll be pleased with the results."

"My, that's a lot!" gasped Mrs. Smith.

"Ma'am, in my line of work a man has to take his time. I'd love to

be in and out in five minutes, but I'm sure you'd be disappointed

with that."

"Don't I know it," said Mrs. Smith quietly.

The photographer opened his briefcase and pulled out a portfolio

of his baby pictures.

"This was done on the top of a bus," he said.

"Oh my God!" Mrs. Smith exclaimed, grasping at her throat.

"And these twins turned out exceptionally well - when you consider

their mother was so difficult to work with."

"She was difficult?" asked Mrs. Smith.

"Yes, I'm afraid so I finally had to take her to the park to get

the job done right.

People were crowding around four and five deep toget a good look"

"Four and five deep?" said Mrs. Smith, her eyes wide with amazement.

"Yes", the photographer replied.

"And for more than three hours,too.

The mother was constantly squealing and yelling - I could hardly

concentrate, and when darkness approached I had to rush my shots.

Finally, when the squirrels began nibbling on my equipment, I just

had to pack it all in."

Mrs. Smith leaned forward.

"Do you mean they actually chewed on your, uh...equipment?"

"It's true, Ma'am, yes..

Well, if you're ready, I'll set-up my tripod and we can get to work right away."

"Tripod?"

"Oh yes, Ma'am.

I need to use a tripod to rest my Canon on. It's

much too big to be held in the hand very long."

Mrs. Smith fainted.

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

Well, that's all folks , for a bit anyway. I promise to take some pictures and share them with you when I get back. I just hope we don't get rained out! TTFN!

Edit: Pic's wouldn't post this last night.

Posting this so when you visit, you'll

be inspired to smile.

I can only HOPE to catch a pic as fun as this.

*giggle*

Photographer was good! I had to add this one too... Seems the perfect pose for a perfect "G'day mate. Enjoy the walk-a-bout"

**waggles brows**

What do You think He's saying?

Thanks for stopping by. Maybe one of these is worth viewing more than once? *gg*

Behave while I'm gone.

Or not.

*grin*

Book Bang

It's raining, it's pouring, when you read it's never boring.

How not bored was I? I'll list them for you but,

How would a cat rate a book?

Let's see

... Meow= Good- romantic, more please, LOL

... Purr = spicy/juicy, great - wow-romantic-demand MORE

... Hiss = boo-hiss! let down, had potential, had more off than on moments
... Cat antics = subtext - details
... Grrr = bury book in used kitty litter

In Blackhawk's Bed by Barbara McCauley - Meow

At the Spaniard's Convenience by Margaret Mayo - Hiss

Shockingly Sensual by Lori Wilde - Purr/Meow

Kitty Takes a Holiday by Carrie Vaughn - MEOW/purr ( or should I say "woof", *giggle* )

The Greek's Virgin by Trish Morey - Kitty stretch with tail flick.

When She Was Bad by Cara Summers - Purr

The Accidental Mrs. MacKenzie by Bonnie K. Winn - Meow

Stolen By The Sheikh by Trish Morey - Meow with tail flick

From Out Of The Blue by Nadia Nichols - MEOW/rub, rub, curl

Bustin' by Minda Webber - MEOW/PURR/Pounce - let's play!

His Wedding-Night Heir by Sara Craven - Hiss

The Greek's Bridal Bargain by Melanie Milburne - Hiss

Well, that's all from Cat Critic Corner. *giggle*

Play with you next time!

Back to Fluff with a Bang

I'm driving along on the highway at 65 miles an hour (the speed limit), minding my own business, when outta nowhere there's this big crack in my windshield!!

I swerved right,

and then left,

and it was still right there!!

*

*

*

THAT'S JUST WRONG!!!!!

There just ain't NO words for this!

Sure there is : Giggle! Snicker! Good Grief! Quick, hide the kids eyes!

Thank one of my best friends for emailing this eye shocker to me. LOL!

I Doubt Didymus' Doubt

See my headline up above? It says that this is a place where I share things near and dear to me.
You’ve seen most of my input, mostly fluffy and offbeat, sometimes serious but not usually to the point of controversial.

Guess I feel like tweaking that a bit. So fair warning - I’m going to be talking religion. So for some visitors, that means “boring” or “red flag” and you‘ll be clicking out faster than you can blink.
That’s OK.

That’s why I’m giving you the head’s up before you go any further into this post.

Catch you next time.

The Scripture readings today were from John 20:1-29.

Remember Doubting Thomas?

How Jesus came into a well locked room to appear before the disciples but Thomas was the only one missing? When the others proclaimed that they had seen the Lord, how he said he wouldn’t believe them unless HE was able to put his fingers into the wounds ?

This story is always used to teach about what makes our faith so special; to believe even when there is no physical, tangible proof.

As I was sitting there listening, I had a thought zing through my brain. A very human and fallible thought.
What if Thomas’ reaction wasn’t so much of disbelief, but of hurt? An envy and hurt that he disguised with words of cynical bravado?
“Oh yeah, tell me another one. I’ll believe that when I see it.”

No one will ever know what he was really thinking - but what if?

What if his feelings were hurt? Tormented by jealousy that the other disciples got to see something, some one, that Thomas was aching to see, yearning to experience? What if he felt left out?
Maybe shut out? Denied?

How crushing!

What would be a human’s response - someone like you and me?

Would we perhaps hide our true feelings with a “Yeah, right” attitude and express disbelief to cover how much we DO believe? Would we suffer the tortured feeling of being on the outside looking in with no hope of one last glance at God who walked as man on Earth? Would our souls cry out at the lost opportunity?

That’s how I see Thomas. I doubt his disbelief. I do not doubt his love for Jesus and his yearning to see him one last time.

I think he issued words of challenge because he still hoped.
Hoped that Jesus would hear and understand and give him the gift of one last chance to be in His presence.

And God loved his disciples to do just that. Even one we now refer to as Doubting Thomas.

And Thomas a/k/a Didymus, has the distinction of presenting our Lord the opportunity to teach us through him that:

“ Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed."

How truly special is Thomas!

IMHO

Is a Rainbow worth a Migraine?

It is when the pictures actually come out showing the prism effect.

Took me awhile to download it into the computer to see how it came out.

Wasn't there a great book by Susan Grant about time travel beyond a rainbow? Very romantic story if I remember.

Unfortunately, I didn't have such a thrilling result. Me and Bucket Buddy walked around for hours while my migraine induced nausea kept me company.

My family is pretty happy though and that counts for something. OK, so it's not a true rainbow, more like a giant prism in the sky, but the refracted colors can be seen and it is what got my little one's so excited that they came in screaming "Rainbow! Rainbow! We see a rainbow, come here! Come on!"

So here's the proof.

Click on the picture if you want the BIG view as it took a LONG time to load.

If you don't want to click, here's a slightly bigger pic for instant gratification.

Sort of looks like a ribbon tying tight and bunching up the clouds, like you would with corn stalks or paper flowers. Isn't Mother Nature creative?

Random notes

Can't have the same thing all the time staring at you in blogland.

Can't top those pictures, though.

Let me tell you about work. My computer fried. Three people and two computers. Ever play musical chairs? In this game, I'm always the loser. As soon as someone vacates their chair, I have to slip in and do my work and slither back out.

Annoying. Doable, but annoying.

The most irritating is lunch time. I eat at my desk. I love to eat at my desk.

Why?

Because they have DSL!!!

I can zoom through the blogosphere with the greatest of ease.Things load in seconds whereas at home it takes minutes...sometimes as long as three minutes!!!

So, now I don't have a computer and I have a BAD habit of reading while eating. .. do you do that too??

Anyway ... what do I do in the meantime?

Read. A book. I don't bring any from home, so I scrounge around.

What books are there to read in a lawyer's office?

Legal books, what else?

Yesterday, I grabbed a Legal Dictionary and found myself enjoying it.

So, today I did the same thing.

I learned:

You know that phrase, " Them thar words is "Fightin' Words, boy!!" ?

Fighting Words - a real legal term

Speech that is not protected by the First Admendment to the United States Constitution because it is likely to cause violence by the person to whom the words are spoken.

How come we don't see that used as a defense anywhere? It has great potential. I guess yelling 'Fire' in a crowded place falls under that category ... sort of.

Tons of people spout and get on their soap boxes about their pet peeves and they extravagantly express (read - abuse) their freedoms of speech. Sometimes it seems that there's no stopping them, no matter how inflamed and self-righteous they get or who they hurt.

Well .... insulting me or mine is FIGHTING WORDS ... so if I beat the crap outta you, because you enticed me to violence, will I get off because your words aren't defensible if they can be proved as "fighting words"??

I guess that depends on how badly I beat the crap outta you and what you do to retaliate.

See, If I respond to your FIGHTING WORDS and attack you, YOU then bear the brunt of proving said violence against you when you do violence against ME because you will then have to defend yourself with FLEE TO THE WALL Doctrine.

What the heck is that?

The principle that a person must try every reasonable way of escape before killing the attacker.

So, in trying to "escape my violence", you .... I'm ... Oops, that means I'm dead. Eek.

Well, how in the hell do you prove your innocence then? What about mine???? I can't talk anymore!!!

Damned, infernal Fighting Words ....

Spring!

This was Last Thursday. Our elevation was enough to grace our lands with marshmallow snow. It coated the trees in glorious late spring dressings of white.

Isn't the water pretty? This is not too far from me. If I want, I could see this everyday throughout the different seasons. I just never stopped to take a pic before.

A tall spire graces the corner of my house,

thrust up between the oak and birch.

On fronds of pine

and cone unseen,

find marshmallow snows on a tentative perch

Bright golden sprouts of spring
A sense of hope
upon me bring.


Focus on my Crocus
and you will see,
a harginger of Spring
a herald of Mother Nature's magic,
and a new season's king.

Happy Easter!

A quiet blog

Have you noticed?
I've been quiet.
ENNUI?
Perhaps.

I've been reading though.

I DID find an answer to my previous question. He DOES get his own story ... a novella, but at least it's something after putting up with those Cynster Sisters. LOL

Oh, what have I been reading these past four days? Fluff. Pure fluff.

Heiress for Hire by Erin McCarthy

No Strings Attached by Alison Kent

Storming Paradise by Mary McBride

The Billionaire Boss's Forbidden Mistress by Miranda Lee

For Pleasure ... or Marriage? by Julia James

The Greek's Chosen Wife by Lynne Graham

The Playboy Boss's Chosen Bride (NK on cover, Woot!) by Emma Darcy

The Spanish Billionaire's Mistress by Susan Stephens

Savage Arrow by Cassie Edwards (NK on cover, double Woot!)
*************sssssssss
SOMEBODY ;-) sent me Kisses to Go by Irene Peterson ... so that's on my TBR pile...next up. Sounds cute!

Oh! Remember I said I was going to see THE MIKADO?
I did.
Fun! Very fun and I DID recognize the music from Foul Play with Chevy Chase and Goldie Hawn. LOVE that movie, a real LOL film.
Even DH laughed so you know it had to be good.
A guy laughing at an opera?
Yep, had to be good.

It snowed today! It was Beauuutiful this AM. Now? All gone. Emphemeral beauty thy name is Snow.
**********************************(())__+)&^%^^*%$#@@
Did you see the previews for what looks like a cute movie called SPYMATE?
It's a about a James Bond type Monkey!! *giggle*..
What will they think of next?

Hey, have a great weekend!

A question of character

Great title, yes?

Nothing so dramatic a topic as you might think.

I have a question for any fervent Stephanie Lauren reader.
I'm reading her Bar Cynster series. I've been reading it on and off for a few months now.

My question - DOES REGGIE CARMARTHEN HAVE HIS OWN STORY???

He seems like the perfect foil, the "standy-by-you" kind of guy, the friend, the one no one takes seriously, the one that's a man but people have forgotten or no longer see him in such a light.
He's the kind of guy that begs for notice, the quiet one. Still waters run deep they say.
Has Laurie said?

Heads up! Jill's Guest Blogging with Bailey on 3/30!

Hey all! Thanks so very much for the great feedback on my interview with Jill Shalvis!! Hope you had as fun a time reading it as I had doing it!

Just wanted to let you know that Jill is Guest Blogging on Bailey's site today and the contest to win her new book Smart and Sexy in ON!

Keep your fingers crossed for Bailey as she's under a TORNADO watch for the next 2 days. That is one disruption we all hope Bailey will be able to avoid !

BAILEY

I have to say this. I love my town. Where else can I go 750 ft and see both a motorcycle pulled over by a cop, the dark haired rider standing on the side of the road with his head thrown back in disgust , looking for deliverance from above AND a horse crossing the road; its rider sitting straight and tall wearing a beaten up brown leather duster and a well-worn cowboy hat with a pheasant feather stuck in it?

Two kinds of bad boys... shiver me timbers!

Smart and Sexy says it all

I promised you, my blog readers, a special and exciting treat. This is one WIP that was a thrill to work on.

May I present, the one, the only, writer extraordinaire, …

Author, JILL SHALVIS!!!!

M: Jill, I can’t thank you enough for giving me this opportunity to not only ask you all the questions that have percolated in my head since first being introduced to your works by Bailey, but to spread the word about your exciting new novel, Smart and Sexy, coming out April 1st by Brava/Kensington Publishing.

J: I just found out SMART AND SEXY has hit the stores, as a matter of fact. I can’t wait to see it on the shelves...

M: For my regular readers here, I have to say that I was struck by the heroine’s first name. Did you name her after our Bailey? **VBG**

J: Actually, I had that book outlined and proposed way before I met Bailey, so no, unfortunately ...

M: In Smart and Sexy I am curious as to the names you picked. Did they have any special meaning for you? The name Noah Fisher has me sensing hidden levels of meaning. It's a strong name.

J: Just loved the name ... No deep meaning other than that.

M: Were your characters inspired or patterned after anyone we know in "famous" circles or do they represent your internal ideal? Has anyone from your youth provided a role model that you've used in your stories? Good (or bad)? If so, do we see that influence in Smart and Sexy?

*

J: I try really hard not to model my characters after real people. I like to make ‘em up from scratch! That way I don’t have to run into anyone at a holiday party for example, and have them want to hurt me.

M: LOL! The title, Smart and Sexy - what does it refer to? Is it that Noah is Sexy and Bailey is Smart? Do both represent Bailey? Or does it refer to both of them?

J: The title is the brainchild of my wonderful Brava editor Kate Duffy. She’s a goddess at titles ... But I’d like to think Smart And Sexy refers to both of them.

M: I have a confession to make about Noah Fisher. I liked him, a lot. There was something touchable about him. I found it endearing when Bailey labeled him "Superman" even when he was only doing what came natural to him. Noah is a regular Joe who happens to have a bit of know-how. Not major Jedi Master type stuff, but enough to be real and you let us readers see his vulnerabilities, which he works through. Your sense of humor was warm and generous when you wrote about his feelings for Bailey. I enjoyed the romance more because of it. Why did you choose to give Noah the vulnerabilities that you did? Can something like that ever be plotted out or did his character just "speak" to you?

J : To me, a character isn’t real unless there are flaws and vulnerabilities. I try to plot them out ahead of time but sometimes they just come to me after I’ve gotten to know their stories better. I didn’t really “get” Noah until about halfway, and then I went back and layered some of those things in.

M: I get a kick out of their business name, Sky High. Can you tell me why you picked that title?

J: Other than the fact that both Noah and Bailey join the Sky High club, literally, in this book?

M: Men and women of strong character appear in all of your books that I've read. We find them strong in emotion (tortured hero, Griffin, in White Heat was intense) , in passion and integrity. In spite of the foibles of human nature, the growth that they experience in their relationship as well as individuals during their romantic journey makes them stronger people. It’s a very healthy outlook. It must be a challenge to live, never mind write yet you make it look easy. I suspect it's quite a creative process to make it fresh and entertaining every time. What is your secret? What is your preferred activity for "refreshing the well"?

J: No secret. I refresh the well by making sure to live life, experience every day stuff. It keeps my mind sharp, hopefully.

M: You have a wonderful sense of humor and I must say, a sense of the ridiculous. What inspired you to chose Bailey’s method of … high jacking?

J: Well I figured Bailey had to be a little bit like me, meaning she would not have had a gun, nor known how to get one. So she ... Improvised. I do that a lot. Not hijack sexy pilots, but improvise.

M: Are we going to read about Brody and Maddy anytime soon? What about hunky Shayne?

J: Shayne’s story comes out in December and is called STRONG AND SEXY. Brody’s and Maddie’s story is scheduled for next June, I believe ...

M: I have been really curious about something lately; what is the draw of button-fly jeans? Zippered jeans are much faster for ... you know, aren't they? Noah wears button fly jeans ... any particular reason?

J: Personal preference. I just think button fly Levi’s are sexy.

M: During the process of writing Smart and Sexy, what was the zaniest or most obtuse inspiration?

J: Probably the hijacking scene ...

M: Really? What was so zany about the Hijacking scene? Did you chuckle as you were writing it? Was it one of those scenes that practically wrote itself? I personally thought it was fun and deliciously quirky, but why that and not the "get away golf carts" instead?

J: First of all, this book did practically write itself. Some books are gifts like that, and this was one of them. Secondly, if I don’t crack myself up when I’m writing, then I know I haven’t gotten the humor right. There are definitely days where it’s easier than others, but the humor is very important to me. I tried to make the hijacking scene, the get away golf cart scene, the makeshift dressing room scene all as funny as possible, and a bunch of other scenes that I’ve forgotten by now because I’m in the middle of a different story altogether, LOL, and trying to make THAT story funny as I write this ...

M: If someone is just discovering your books, and wants to read beyond Smart and Sexy, where should they start? Which book or series of books captures the synopsis of your romantic dream? Yeah, I know, HOW can you possibly pick one of a few out of the amazing number you've done? *wink*

J: Are you asking my favorite? After SMART AND SEXY, probably GET A CLUE, SEEING RED, or HER SEXIEST MISTAKE ...

M: Here's a good question: Why pilots and planes? . You have quite a theme going; bush pilots, private planes and the people who fly them, male and female. The subject of planes seems to be a passion for you. How far will you go? What other aspects of planes and/or pilots haven't you gotten to yet that you are itching to write about?

J: Right now, it’s the three pilots for my Brava editor. Next year I’m also writing two more firefighters for my Harlequin editor. After that, something new!

M: Oh, yes, you sure know your way around heroic firefighters. White Heat and Seeing Red come to mind as favorites. But you've written about pilots in quite a few of your stories and it never ceases to amaze me how you zero in on the unique way it fits with your characters. Have you ever thought of writing about the hurricane spotters? Or a female Coast Guard helicopter pilot? You said you might try something new ... as in, a pilot of a spaceship? Come on, Jill. tease us with a tiny hint, *VBG*

J: Well I just finished an attitude ridden French doctor for my Lost meets Survivor meets Gilligan’s Island story THE TROUBLE WITH PARADISE, 10/07 ...

M: Has an experience in your life lit the fire of flying in your blood? Have you personally flown a plane, you know, had the controls? If not, is it a goal that you will someday? I have no way of knowing but I think it must be like driving a car at NASCAR - a passion - intense and focused as well as a sense of freedom. How is it that you capture that so well?

J: Haven’t personally flown a plane, but I’ve been on lots and lots, small, big, and everything in between. I do love being in the air ... But mostly I wrote these three pilots because I thought it was a sexy occupation that would make fun adventurous romances.

M: Speaking of themes and inspiration, in your latest book, Smart and Sexy, ON SHELVES NOW - we are once again flying with you into adventure and romance. Even the cover of Smart and Sexy shows Noah and Bailey in the seat of a plane. Speaking of covers, how much influence do you or can you have about the covers of your books? In any event, it seems like you combined both passions well in this book, Jill. I Loved it!

J: I have no control over covers, few authors do!

M: I had no idea. You mean, the hunky models on covers are always a pleasant surprise? How about the quotes (or are they taglines?)?
Do you have input there or are they surprises too? Can you remember a quote ever giving you the "warm and fuzzies"?

J: Yes, the nice covers are always a surprise. The not so nice covers are a big bummer, but I’ve been very lucky lately ... Knock on wood!! When another author has a quote on the cover of an author’s book, it’s just called a quote. And since all the quotes I’ve received were from authors whom I greatly admire, they were each a great thrill.

M: Jill, thank you so much for taking the time to share your insights with me and my readers about your new book and the inspirations that went into writing it. On behalf of my blog buddies and myself, we wish you continued success in your writing career. Can’t wait for Shayne’s and Maddie and Brody’s stories!

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Hey Blog buddies, don't take only my word that this is a great book, check out these reviews from two savvy readers:

BAILEY

BRANDY

And the excitement doesn't end with this interview; it's just beginning!

Mark your calanders!

On March 30th, Smart and Sexy's author, Jill Shalvis, will be guest blogging on

Bailey's site.

Here's the link: The Long and Writing Road.

Be sure to check it out.

Psst!

Rumor has it that there might be a contest where a lucky reader can win their own copy of Jill's new book! *wink*

Did we tweak your interest with those other titles? Want the scoop?

Here's a link to her website - JILL

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*WHEW!* This is the most exciting blog I've done yet. Hope y'all had fun!

And thanks for visiting everyone!

A Jan and Dean Moment

A blast from the past

Remember the Jan and Dean song, Little Old Lady from Pasadena?

I passed one of her petite gray haired relatives yesterday. She was driving a compact car whose back window was strewn and decorated with cute and cuddly stuffed kittens (with bows mind you), a lamb and a puppy or two.

No, I didn't have any trouble passing her. She had already been pulled over by a state trooper for SPEEDING .

LOL

Go, Granny, Go!

EEK!

You will NEVER believe this!

I overheard my youngest saying proudly to my DH,

"I can spell a naughty word."

"Oh?"

Pride strengthened his young voice.

"Yep. S.H.I.T."

This mom's response. "EEEEKK!!!!"

My DH's? " LOLOLOL"

Typical.

Snark the Shark

That was me today, A Snarky Shark.
I impressed the hell out of my boss.
Made her smile.

Oh, yea, curious kitty has claws.

We were to have an online seminar today. Turns out the poop in the fan in the office and it was not doable. I was asked to reschedule. Not a problem, I say.
Well, not for me making the call, but it was for the snooty asswipe who was on the other side of the line.
Sense a bit of hostility? You bet.

"Of course we can reschedule the seminar, however you lose credit and you will be charged for the next one."
Excuse me?
(See, when you update to this exhorbitantly expensive accounting program, they graciously offer two free "teaching" seminars.)
I asked '"Why?"
"Oh, well there was a tech set aside for this event, without 24 hours notice, they're locked in."

(Excuse me again, but all they do is sit on their well padded chairs and talk to us for 50 minutes, perhaps even take over our computer to zip at mach speeds "showing" us important short cuts while never answering our initial questions - like the first session)

I asked, " There is no recourse?"
"No"

Inflexible toady. That's when the strangest feeling took over me and my face heated.

"Do you mean to tell me that if someone gets sick, that there is no flexiblity? HOW can we give you 24 hours notice. People don't plan on getting sick. It happens. No notice. Don't you people take that into account?"

He replied. " Oh, well, is this person necessary to the session?"

"YES." ( I said a few other things to the lad)

"Oh. Please hold, I'll get back to you." (imagine the sound of sucking lemons)

The short of it is - we got credit.

It's not like they have to GO anywhere, or do anything creative like juggle knives while debugging a computer. Sheesh!

So I got on a high horse and rode the bucking bronco.

They make enough money, why do they feel the need to deprive us of something that, with good and willing PR and customer service, would enhance the word of mouth about their product?

As it is .... my word of mouth is full of sharp snarky shark teeth.
CHOMP!