Cat's place for writing

Summertime, Summertime, etc.

2011-04-21T19:50:00.000-04:00

I know its not quite summer in the rest of the world but here in sunny Florida it was 87 degrees by 10:30 in the morning. I know its only April and Easter is just around the bend but it's been summer here for almost a month now. I took the kids to the beach today and I don't think any of us made it back without sunburn. Of course we were there during the most direct part of the day. lol.

After saying all that, I was wondering about everyone else's story. Have you had a day that started out as an average good day and then everyone ends up hurt in the end?

Some eye candy...Yummy!!!

2011-04-21T19:48:00.000-04:00

Writer's Wellness

2011-02-05T19:06:00.000-05:00

Sorry, ladies, I haven't meant to be AWOL. However, I promise to make it up to you with a terrific interview with the author of Writer's Wellness.

Welcome to Cat's Place, Joy!

Hello, Cat. I’m honored to be your guest today. My new non-fiction book is actually a second edition, a revision of Writer Wellness, A Writer’s Path to Health and Creativity which first came out in 2003. It’s been updated and is now available in print and as an e-book from Who Dares Wins Publishing.

I wrote Writer Wellness in response to the many writers who wanted to know my “secret” to publishing articles and poems, raising a family, and working part-time as a teacher. I took a look at my daily life by keeping track of it for a while and noticed several habits. Those habits included regular journal writing, habitual exercise, meditation, proper nutrition, and playing around with different forms of arts and crafts that enabled me to stay on a creative edge all the time. I recognized the process kept me in a state of creativity and helped me completely avoid writer’s block. I’ll never forget hearing young adult author Phyllis Reynolds Naylor say she had so many ideas in her head all the time she didn’t have time for writer’s block she had writer’s diarrhea. That’s how I feel. Like I’m constantly running with ideas. I put Writer Wellness together for others to adapt to their own lives and careers, and the result was a book and workshops.

Cat- Why did you become a writer? Was it a dream of yours since you were younger or did the desire to write happen later in your life?

Joy- Writing has always come naturally to me. From the age of ten I wrote poems, stories, plays, and articles for school and a neighborhood newspaper I put together in the fifth grade. I wrote then and now because it is some kind of compulsion that can only be relieved by writing. I HAVE to write.

C- What do you love about being an author? Is there anything you dislike?

J.H.- Being a published author has been my dream since I was a young child. I’ve published over 500 trade journal articles and newspaper columns since college. Writing is what I do that brings me the closest to putting my hands on my real truth—who I really am. The only thing I dislike about being an author is the difficulty making a living with it.

C- How do you balance your personal and writing time?

J.H.- When my daughters were young, and responsibilities piled higher and higher, I learned to do a little something on everything every day. I didn’t have the luxury of large chunks of uninterrupted time to work on a project until it was done no matter what. But babies are a big what and their needs took priority. The girls are in college now but I still do a little something on a long list of things every day and I’m very productive with that process.

The other thing that provides balance for me is staying healthy. I’m addicted to exercise and I like the challenge of cooking and baking with alternative products like spelt in place of white flour. Exercise and nutrition.

C.- How do you write?

J.H.- I write in some form or another constantly. The voices in my head are a steady stream of comments, questions, and ideas that force me to keep pad and pen everywhere. I journal almost every day and sometimes twice a day. Because I have paper and pen handy, when I find myself waiting, I write. I write when I’m eating lunch at a restaurant by myself. I consider my blogs writing and I do a lot of them. These activities keep my writing muscle in shape and in a perpetual state of readiness to then work on the books and articles I have in the hopper.

C- What would you want readers to take away from your books?

J.H.- I want readers of Writer Wellness to take away the idea that writing is a natural process but to be something more than someone who scribbles poems on the back of an envelope it takes a plan and perseverance. The plan found in my book is adaptable to anyone’s needs who really, really wants to pursue a writing career. Because the plan includes a little bit of everything (journaling, exercise, relaxation, nutrition, and creative play) every day in whatever amounts your life allows at the time. The process sustained me during the years that other parents set aside their writing plans and it continues to support me as I grow as an author.

C- Do you have any advice for beginning writers in regards to writing a book?

J.H.- Please set your ego aside and get responsible assistance in the form of a critique partner, writing courses, and professional editors who teach as well as edit. Almost nothing I write goes before the public without several drafts and major projects always get passed by a friendly but knowledgeable writer to see things I missed. This makes the writing communal and always much stronger. And I am constantly learning as a writer because I don’t take it personally when someone offers constructive criticism. I’m writing for readers. I WANT to know how it’s received, and a good critique will help me understand how to connect better with readers.

C.- Where can readers go on the net to find more on your books and anything else?

J.H.- I am thrilled when readers connect with me. My blog is the best place to do that.
www.writerwellness.wordpress.com
Book sales are available just about everywhere, but for the best service I recommend visiting my publisher Who Dares Wins Publishing.
www.whodareswinspublishing.com

Joy E. Held
Writer Wellness, A Writer’s Path to Health and Creativity
2011
www.writerwellness.wordpress.com
www.writerwellness.com

Who Dares Wins Publishing
www.whodareswinspublishing.com

Thank you so much for joining us today, Joy. And I'm sure I speak for all of us when I say I look forward to reading Writer's Wellness.

Cat

Premiering New Author: Kathy Lane

2010-08-24T15:33:00.000-04:00

Hello, friends,
I have another terrific interview for you. This time from a brand new author Kathy Lane. Her first book is called BloodSworn: Bound By Magic published by The Wild Rose Press. My friend Pixie introduced Kathy on her blog, so this is some more about this promising writer.

Here is the link to Pixie's interview- http://pixiesaratoga.blogspot.com/2010/08/new-author-spotlight.html#comments

-Cat- What genre(s) do you write? Why do you write the stories that you write?

-Kathy Lane- Fantasy and paranormal are what I read most, so that’s what I started out writing. The stories are for pure entertainment and escapism, for the reader as well as myself. But paranormal isn’t all I want to write. I have a story on the back burner that’s a romantic suspense called Sniper Shots, which has already finaled in two contests. I’m looking forward to finishing it when I’m through with the Bloodsworn series. I also have a historical/paranormal called Night Stalkers that takes place in Regency England. So many stores and so little time. *SIGH*

-Cat- Do you tend to base your characters on real people or are they totally from your imagination?

-K.L.- The Hero and Heroine are definitely from my imagination. I do have a tendency to place people I know into secondary character positions.

-Cat- Out of all the characters that you've written, who is your favorite and why?

-K.L.- My heroine, Avera St. John, in Bloodsworn. Yes, she has her flaws. She’s defensive, has far too much curiosity for her own good, and tends to be bossy. One might even call her bitchy. But she’s strong. She’s taken whatever life has thrown at her and refused to break. Only Devlin and Bracca understand that her hard-ass attitude is her shield. It’s part of what enables her to accept all the crazy things that fly at her in Bound by Magic.

-Cat- What would you want readers to take away from your books?

-K.L.- My books ain’t deep. There are certain elements such as redemption, trust, and the acceptance of one’s fate, but there’s no great philosophical secrets woven into them, at least not on purpose. The only thing I hope a reader gains is a sense of enjoyment and the desire to read more…even if that more isn’t mine.

-Cat- Tell us about the latest release. Is it part of a series? Does it stand alone? What inspired you to write it?

-K.L.- Bloodsworn: Bound by Magic, is book one in a trilogy. It actually started out as a single book, but as I said, I’m a pantser, and by the time I was finished, it was almost 200,000 words. Not until I began trying to market it did I understand no publisher in their right mind buys a book this size from a first-time author. So I took the first part of the story and made it into book one. Believe me, it wasn’t easy. I had to toss out some scenes and expound on a few points, not to mention coming up with a completely different ending so it can stand alone. As for the inspiration, that credit definitely goes to C.L. Wilson’s Tairen Soul series. Those who have read her books may not see a lot of similarities, but the idea of a heroine being protected by not only the hero, but a group of sexy warriors devoted to her, was the springboard to Bloodsworn.

-Cat- Wow, Kathy, thank you so much for sharing with us. I look forward to talking more with you soon.

Don't forget to look for Kathy Lane's BloodSworn: Bound By Magic coming to Wild Rose Press in September.

Love,

Cat

Cat's Return

2010-08-15T07:28:00.000-04:00

Hello, friends, long time no see. Sorry it has been so long since I last shared with ya'll. Promise I'll try and make it up to you.

You know how life can get away from you like a wild stallion? Well that is what my life has been feeliing like for the past few months. Between my oldest getting ready for her senior year of high school and my third child getting ready for fifth grade, plus each one of the four wanting to do a sport, I have been running ragged. And of course that doesn't count the additions to my family, my cousin and his cat. So my three bedroom house is bursting at the seams with my own two cats, dog and two goldfish. lol.

So on that note here is some delectable eye candy to satisfy your sweet tooths and hopefully earn back some of your love. :)

Love bunches,

Cat

Part 2: Virginia Henley Interview

2010-06-16T21:08:00.000-04:00

Here is part II of an Interview with Virginia Henley.

Cat- Do you have any advice for beginning writers in regards to writing a book?

Virginia Henley- Yes. When I started there were no networks to help you get started. Today you should belong to RWA, Romance Writers of America, and join a local chapter in your area. You will learn the craft, but more importantly, the business end of a writing career. Then you should have a subscription to Romantic Times. Both have a yearly conference where a beginning writer can meet other writers, publishers, editors, agents, booksellers, librarians and distributors. Romance writers are very generous and will answer any question a beginner has.

Cat- Tell us about the latest release. Is it part of a series? Does it stand alone? What inspired you to write it?

V.H. - THE IRISH DUKE is the second book in a series that began with THE DECADENT DUKE. Regency is probably the favorite period of readers, and I wanted to show what the REAL nobility was like in Regency times. All my books stand alone, and you do not need to read THE DECADENT DUKE to read and enjoy THE IRISH DUKE. It is simply about the next generation. The third and final book in the series will be THE DARK EARL and it's about the next generation set in the Victorian era.

This month the mass-market release of my anthology story in LORDS OF DESIRE is released. The trade-size came out last year. My short story is a time travel that goes back one hundred years from Victorian times to the bawdy Georgina era, when smuggling was rampant near Bodiam Castle on the River Rother.

Cat- What do you love about writing? Hate about it?

V.H. - I love doing the research and trying to make it authentic. I love creating characters. I create the strongest male I can think of, then create a female who is a match for him, or more than a match! I hate that I have to work weekends when my chapter isn't finished. Also, publishing is a brutal business that will break your heart, destroy your confidence, and eat your soul. I usually have a nervous breakdown with each book. Then I get over myself.

Cat- Do you ever get up at 3 a.m. just to write?

V.H.- Never. I am not driven.

Cat- Where can readers go on the net to find more on your books and anything else?

V.H. - My website is www.virginiahenley.com. But recently I Googled myself and was amazed at the information they had. They did get the number of books written wrong. I believe they said 18 when in actuality I have written 26 and 4 short stories.

To Be Continued... http://romanticheartsandsexytarts.blogspot.com

Immortal Love Affair (cont)

2010-03-14T17:00:00.000-04:00

Corey nearly swallowed her tongue. Had she really just invited a total stranger to come home with her? Sure he just helped her daughter through what could have been a serious injury, and yes he was uber hot, but what else did she really know about him? He could be a serial killer for all she knew.

Looking into his soft gray eyes she knew he would never hurt her or her children. There was a gentleness that showed through. Yet she could feel the power emanating off him, letting her know he could protect anyone that meant anything to him.

"For coffee. If you're interested dinner, too?" Whatever nerve she had deserted her under his quiet regard. "Please say something so I don't feel like a total idiot."

"I'd love to." Such a simple statement and her knees threatened to give out.

Smiling as if she had won the lottery, she almost forgot what she had offered. "Oh, great. That's great. Isn't that great, Alli?"

"Sure, Mom. Whatever. Are we ready to go yet?" chimed in her little ray of sunshine.

Looking around Corey realized the rest of the players had left leaving a few stragglers milling around but not much more.

"Absolutely. You can follow us if you're ready." Corey tried hiding the excitement she felt, she hadn't met a man who intriqued her in a very long time and she didn't want to let this opportunity pass her by. Life was too short.

"I'm right behind you." Langdon stepped aside to allow her to pass. Corey scooped up the soccer gear and led the way.

Now what? Once she got him home what was she going to do with him? Images of naked limbs entwined amidst soft sheets brought instant heat to her cheeks. Thank god he couldn't read her mind. A soft chuckle from behind her interrupted her thoughts. Could he? She picked up the pace to her silver compact, clicking her keyless entry to pop the trunk as she got closer.

Could she go through with this? What power did he have over her? She didn't do things like this!

Valentine's Day

2010-02-14T07:00:00.000-05:00

'I sometimes think that never blows so red

The Rose as where some buried Caesar bled;

That every Hyacinth the Garden wears

Dropt in its Lap from some once lovely Head.'

I know not everyone is into poetry but I really liked this one by Omar Khayyam and his Poems of the Passionate East. Of course this is a translation so I'm sure some of the passion has been lost. Or at least some of its original passion, being that it was translated by an English poet during the Victorian era.

So I want to wish everyone a Happy Valentine's Day. Make sure to love the one your with.

Immortal Love Affair (pt 3)

2010-02-03T15:24:00.000-05:00

Corey knelt beside her daughter, a small still hand nestled in hers. The next few minutes passed in slow motion. Time seemed to progress as if they moved through quick sand. Langdon's hands moved across Alison's leg, straightening it from its unnatural resting place. Corey was acutely aware of every motion around her. All noises surrounding them were mumbled and unintelligible. Even the breeze that had cooled her moved eerily across her skin like a snake's underbelly.

Corey dragged her head up to look at Langdon and found she couldn't. There was an unearthly glow around him, bright enough she had to look away for fear of burning her retina. Tears burned her eyes as she looked back at her daughter. Who was this man? What was he?

Just as quickly as reality paused, it started again.

"There we go. Just a sprain." replied Langdon as if nothing supernatural had occured.

Corey looked around at the others surrounding them. She must have been imagining things. Shock! That must be it. How else could you explain the way everyone acted as if nothing happened? She must be losing her mind. Shaking her head, she smiled at her overactive imagination.

"Are you sure she's okay?" she asked even as Alison pushed herself to sitting.

"I'm okay, Mom, geesh." She pushed against her mothers arm intent on proving her independance. Although she favored her left leg, she managed to maintain her upright position. Corey stood with her intent on helping her to the bench.

Corey settled her onto the bench so she could watch the rest of the game. She watched Alison sipping from her water bottle, her left leg propped on the bench with an ice pack laying haphazardly across it, forgotten.

"What did you to?" Corey whispered to her silent companion. His intense gaze tickled her spine, the tiny hairs on her neck rustling in anticipation.

"I healed her leg. No one is the wiser."

Corey was grateful he didn't try to play dumb. She knew what she had seen even if she didn't understand it. But there was no way she was going to ignore it any longer. Something about Langdon spoke to her on an elemental level. She wasn't afraid although she knew she should be. Everything she had seen so far painted a picture of an amazing being far beyond anyone she had ever known.

"What amazes me," He continued. "Is that you were aware of the healing. Most mortals are so self-consumed that their brains accept everything they see as reality, even if their souls cry out the discrepency."

Corey turned to face him, her voice low. "Come home with me." She blurted.

Immortal Love Affair (cont)

2010-01-12T09:00:00.000-05:00

Corey relaxed, releasing his hand. She reluctantly returned her gaze to the game proceeding before her. She was vaguely aware of the motion of the children and the noise around her. The man beside her still maintained his hold on her concentration. She couldn’t piece together what just happened. The natural distrust she felt around anybody, had evaporated after a few simple words. The feel of his skin against hers made her ache in a way she had never felt before. More intense. It didn’t seem real as if she fallen through the looking glass and found herself in some alternate reality.

“Mom, where’s my water bottle?” A small voice piped up, muffled by the canvas of her equipment bag.

Corey shook herself realizing that some how it was half time and the kids had stopped playing for a moment.

“Oh, here you go, Alli.” Corey reached around the over sized hot pink bag to grab the matching water bottle. Handing it to her daughter she tried hiding her confusion. “Are you having fun? You’re doing great out there.”

“Yeah, it’s okay. Can we get ice cream on the way home?” She asked with casual indifference. It was as if a switch had been flipped and she was detached from the activity she would be returning to in a few minutes.

“We’ll see, honey.” A shrill whistle interrupted her break and Allison set her drink aside. Without a backward glance she ran out on the field and back into the fray.

Corey tried concentrating on the game. Her small daughter stealing the ball, running across the grass, her thin legs pumping. But she couldn't ignore the tingling along her spine. He was staring at her.

"Do you make it a habit to stare at women at soccer games?" she asked her back still turned to him. There was something different about this man.

"Not really. I guess I am more of a people watcher." Came his soft reply. The tiny hairs on the back of her neck lifted causing her to shiver.

A scream yanked her attention back to the field. "Oh, mygod." Corey sprinted to the crowd surrounding the prone figure of her daughter lying on the ground. "What happened? Baby, are you okay?"

Corey dropped beside her daughter, her hands hovering over her body as if she could heal her just by will alone. Alison's left leg was bent at an unnatural angle, her face pale and clammy.

"Let me help." Langdon's warm breath caressed her ear. Her shoulders relaxed as she moved aside for him to kneel beside her daughter.

"Are you a doctor?" She asked, dazed.

"I am many things." came his cryptic reply.

Immortal Love Affair

2010-01-05T12:00:00.000-05:00

The warm sun felt good against her wind chilled face as she watched her daughter sprint across the kelly green soccer field. Corey Francis stood transfixed, watching Alison enthusiastically take off after the flying ball. Her slender leg slid between the uncoordinated youths fighting for the ball, effectively stealing it and passing it to her teammate.

"Woohoo, Alli! Good job." She called, pumping her arm above her head. Corey was amazed her daughter played so fiercely. The shrill whistle paused the game signalling the goal scored.

"She's good." commented a quiet voice beside her.

Corey turned expecting another team parent and met a pair of cool gray eyes assessing her. Her initial appraisal was way off base, they weren't cool at all. Combining the light gray eyes with the dark eyebrows and long eyelashes framing his slightly slanted eyes, she felt herself drowning in their warmth.

Heat flooded her cheeks as she realized she was staring dumbly at this stranger. She jerked her attention back to the game.

"Thank you." she murmurred. 'Brilliant, now he thinks your a moron.' Belatedly, she realized she ahd never seen him before. He must be a father from the other team, she concluded. "Uhm, which one is yours?" she asked tentatively. Something about this stranger captivated her. She peeked at him from the corner of her eye, only to discover he was watching her and not the field.

"Which what?" he asked as if stirred from his own thoughts. "Oh, I don't have any children."

"Then why are you watching kids you don't know?" she asked her mother's warning system finally kicking in. Who in their right mind would spend a beautiful, albeit chilly Saturday, watching a bunch of strange children mangle a sport?

"I find their innocence refreshing. It's nice to see what we once were and what we can be again." he replied cryptically. He smiled showing even white teeth. His skin an unseasonable beige but lacked that orangey color to be from a tanning bed. He stood maybe five foot eight to her five-two, his shoulders broad like a swimmers, covered by a gray Tampa Bay Buccaneers sweatshirt, gave him a comfortable feel.

"You're not some pervert are you? Because if you are you may as well leave right now." She warned. Corey didn't get the feeling that he was nefarious but one couldn't be too careful. After all, wasn't Ted Bundy supposed to be charming and normal looking?

Her companion laughed, softly, the corners of his eyes crinkling with humor. "You are a wonder." He held his hand out. "I'm Langdon Collins."

She grasped his hand in a firm shake. She was only being polite after all, right? As soon as she felt his smooth, warm skin against hers all her worries evaporated. She smiled warmly. "Corey Francis."

"Nice to meet you, Corey Francis."

To be continued....

Happy New Year!!

2010-01-04T13:05:00.001-05:00

Welcome to 2010, my friends. Of course I had to ring in the new year with a totally droolworthy hottie.*wipes mouth discreetly before soaking her keyboard*.

Now down to business.

First, I'd like to kick off the new year to invite you all to see my newest excerpt to the Neverending Story. The Bubble Horde shows a more active involvement of Kallyn and her new powers. So join me and the other contributing authors at http://Judahraine.blogspot.com.

Second, as we all know January is the time to plan for the coming year. It is also for making a new start. My blog has only been active for a few months so this will be my opportunity to plan for a full year. So here is my new years resolution- I will post a chapter a week of a 'secret story'. I will also continue my articles on 'This day in history' and don't worry 'Eye candy' will still flourish.

So stay tuned to see what will come out of my 'sleeve' next. *wink*

Twelve Days of Christmas

2009-12-23T16:14:00.000-05:00

On the eleventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me...a "hot" day in nature;

a scintillating swim;

Some intense one on one lessons *wink*; A scrumptious pair of leather pants *sigh*; A glimpse of what was under his kilt *naughty wink*; liason under the tree; a wonderfully submissive roll play; A long night ride; a sexy, romantic evening; two piercing eyes; and a satisfying roll in the hay.

Twelve Days of Christmas

2009-12-20T12:29:00.000-05:00

On the eighth day of Christmas my true love gave to me...A scrumptious pair of leather pants *sigh*; A glimpse of what was under his kilt *naughty wink*; liason under the tree; a wonderfully submissive roll play; A long night ride; a sexy, romantic evening; two piercing eyes; and a satisfying roll in the hay.

Twelve Days of Christmas

2009-12-19T22:26:00.000-05:00

On the seventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me... A glimpse of what was under his kilt *naughty wink*; liason under the tree; a wonderfully submissive roll play; A long night ride; a sexy, romantic evening; two piercing eyes; and a satisfying roll in the hay.

Twelve Days of Christmas

2009-12-18T12:41:00.000-05:00

On the sixth day of Christmas my true love gave to me...a liason under the tree; a wonderfully submissive roll play; A long night ride; a sexy, romantic evening; two piercing eyes; and a satisfying roll in the hay.

Twelve Days of Christmas

2009-12-17T13:40:00.000-05:00

On the fifth day of Christmas my true love gave to me... a wonderfully submissive roll play *Oh My!*; A long night ride *mmmeow!*; A sexy, romantic evening, two piercing blue eyes; and a satisfying roll in the hay!

Twelve Days of Christmas

2009-12-16T19:35:00.001-05:00

On the fourth day of Christmas my true love gave to me...A long night ride *mmmeow*; a sexy, romantic evening; two piercing eyes that can look into my soul; and a satisfying roll in the hay.

Twelve Days of Christmas

2009-12-15T14:00:00.000-05:00

On the third day of Christmas my true love gave to me...a sexy, romantic evening,

two piercing eyes that could look to my soul. And a satisfying roll in the hay.

Twelve Days of Christmas

2009-12-14T20:56:00.000-05:00

On the second day of Christmas my true love gave to me...two piercing eyes that could look to my soul. And a satisfying roll in the hay.

The Twelve Days of Christmas

2009-12-13T09:00:00.000-05:00

Well ladies I thought I would do my own twelve days of Christmas. Lets see what I can come up with shall we?

So on the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me- A satisfying roll in the Hay!

December 12

2009-12-12T20:07:00.000-05:00

The victories of good over evil and light over darkness are celebrated annually at sunset on this date (approximately) with the Zoroastrian fire festival of Sada.
In Mexico, the annual Our Lady of Guadalupe religious festival takes place on this day. It is a sacred day to the goddesses Coatlique, Tonantzin,and the Black Madonna.

On this day in history-

1098 – First Crusade: Massacre of Ma'arrat al-Numan – Crusaders breach the town's walls and massacre about 20,000 inhabitants. After finding themselves with insufficient food, they resort to cannibalism. *ewww. gross*

1787 – Pennsylvania becomes the second state to ratify the United States Constitution five days after Delaware.

1870 – Joseph H. Rainey of South Carolina becomes the first black U.S. congressman.

1950 – Paula Ackerman, the first woman appointed to perform rabbinical functions in the United States, leads the congregation in her first services.

Romance By Catherine: Interview with editor Frances Sevilla from The Wild Rose Press

2009-12-07T18:49:00.000-05:00

Romance By Catherine: Interview with editor Frances Sevilla from The Wild Rose Press

Check out this great interview with an editor from Wild Rose Press!

December 7

2009-12-07T17:42:00.000-05:00

Let us not forget that on this date in 1941 the Imperial Japanese Navy attacked the U.S. Pacific fleet and its defending Army and Marine forces in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. And this massacre was the catalyst that propelled the U.S. involvement in World War II.

Here is something I didn't know, that also on this date in 1917 the United States declared war on Austria-Hungry in World War I.

Also on a lighter note- Today in 1930 the first television commercial was televised in America on CBS, on W1XAV in Boston, MA.

Today was also the day in 1787 Delaware became the first state to radify the Constitution.

Today in 1999, The Recording Industry Association of America filed a lawsuit against Napster alleging copywright infringement.

On this date in ancient Greece, an annual rite called the Haloia of Demeter was performed. According to mythology, each year the goddess Demeter wanders the earth in search of her stolen daughter Persephone. The goddess' sorrow brings Winter to the world and all trees and flowers cease to bloom; however, Spring returns when Persephone is allowed to temporarily leave the darkness of the Underworld and Demeter once again rejoices.

So let's all take a moment and remember all those men and women killed in battle. Let us also thank the RIAA for their forward motions, in a battle all its own, on piracy because it wasn't until after this that piracy was taken seriously for artists of all kinds.

December 4

2009-12-04T13:43:00.000-05:00

Boy this month is already beginning to fly. I swear just yesterday it was the first.

Here is a little info about today-

On this date in ancient Rome, the goddess Minerva was honored with an annual festival. Minerva (the Roman counterpart of the Greek Athena) is a goddess of battle and also a patroness of the arts and wisdom.
In West Africa, this day is sacred to the Yoruban god Chango. He is a god of lightning bolts, and the son of the deities Yemaya and Orungan.

Today in the year 1110 during the First Crusade, crusader defeated Sidon. *Wow that was along time ago.* Sidon was a great Mediterranean commercial empire. Homer praised the skill of its craftsmen in producing glass and purple dyes. Glass manufacturing, Sidon's most important enterprise in the Phoenician era, was conducted on a vast scale, and the production of purple dye was almost as important. The small shell of the Murex trunculus was broken in order to extract the pigment that was so rare it became the mark of royalty.

In 1259 King Louis IX of France and King Henry III of England agreed to the treaty of Paris which King Henry renounced his claim to French controlled land in exchange for King Louis no longer supporting English rebels. *Ahh politics. Ain't life grand? Nice to see how things never change.*

Now I know that so much more happened on this date through history. However, I didn't want anyone to too much history in one sitting. lol.

So here is a break from the learning. You deserve it. This is Nir. Isn't he intensely delicious?