BOUNTY

2011-12-04T23:54:00.000-08:00

Wishing Everyone A Merry Christmas
And Joyous New Year!

2011-11-20T21:14:00.000-08:00

'Tis The Season...

Have A Happy Thanksgiving.

THE HELP

2011-08-20T22:49:00.000-07:00

You know when they say, "It made me laugh and cry" well this movie, The Help was like that for me. There was so much joy and love and sorrow I had to place my hand on my emotional heart to calm it down. This also left me with a lot to think about.

The setting is in Jackson, Mississippi at the dawn of the Civil Rights movement. With a narrow focus on the lives of an unseeming relationship of three extraordinary women. Aibileen and her best friend Minny both African-American maids working in white households. And Skeeter a recent graduate, wanting to inerview them after an initiative is passed by her intolerant friend Hilly. An initiative to have all helps use separate bathrooms from their employer.

Each of these women's lives were intricately woven with the plot which was easily understood. I loved Aibileen's quiet wisdom, Minny's sass, Skeeter's optimism and Hilly..well, what would this story be without mean ignorance. I didn't want this movie to end, but all good things do. It's well worth seeing, so grab your girlfriends and go.

COSMOPOLITAN...FOR RESEARCH?

2011-08-20T21:33:00.000-07:00

I've just read through Cosmopolitan, aka Cosmo and what a refresher that was. It was outrageously fun- brow raising- and as always honest. The last time I read this magazine was 10 years ago, I thought I had outgrown the relationship and sex advice or the beauty and fashion tips. Boy, was I wrong. I picked it up at store because I wanted ideas for further character development -for my book if you don't know this about me yet- so, I glanced through. As it turns out this months issue was a major goldmine. There were many Q and A's that were targeted towards a mans point-of- view that had me nodding. And relationship issues with enough complexities that it would make an excellent book itself. I'm not trying to promote Cosmo (god knows they don't need me), but for others out there looking for ideas or research don't overlook lifestyle magazines such as this one.

CRAZY STUPID LOVE

2011-07-31T22:55:00.000-07:00

This is the kind of movie you tilt your head and say Aawww. It's an adorable, romantic and spontaneously funny flick. It has a wonderful ensemble even the perceived bad guy was endearing. The movie opens up with that of a wife asking her husband of twenty-five years for a divorce. Cal played by Steve Carell is the miserable yet lovable leading man dealing with the agony of divorce. Adventure ensues once he gets a drastic makeover by smooth talking playboy Jacob (Ryan Gosling). Suave Jacob is also changed in the process; falling for Hannah. This Casanova fells for the plan Jane- which was a stretch- albeit the charmingly original back-at-his-place scene, sold me.

A big theme in this movie was soul-mates, so there were times this film narrowly brushed certain cliches by embracing that. However, this movie has a lot of heart and this cast delivered an amazing real life and touching performance. It is worth seeing.

Inner Monologue

2011-07-06T18:39:00.000-07:00

God, today was just another dewy, soupy and just plain icky day. Ahg, feeling hot and sluggish, the fan I have is a total joke -a joke it's having on me-blowing hot air. My AC sounds like a 1980's generator and could potentially puncture my ear drums. So, my choices are heat exhaustion or deafness? I can't stop thinking about two recent deaths and all the what if's that comes along with hindsight. I can't sit comfortably because mother nature, the nusiance that she can be has come a callin'.
I'd like nothing more to have my first manuscript completed, by none other then the book fairies. However, what I want more then anything now is to sleep on a bed of clouds a million miles away.

RWA 2011: Literacy Signing

2011-06-29T19:06:00.000-07:00

*Pictures below

I attended the Romance Writers of America literacy signing yesterday in New York. And let me tell you, it was incredible. Granted the line was out the wazoo getting in and never mind my feet were throbbing. Soon enough all of that was forgotten. I get in the ballroom and there's a sea of mostly women, either standing on lines or walking around long aisles of tables clutching their books and tote bags -undoudtedly full of more books. Many of whom are taking pictures with their favorite authors or talking enthusatically with them. I was no different once I was there. FYI I was told 400 authors attended this conference which was and still is mind boggling. I quickly integrated myself into the crowd and followed the names on the tables alphabetically.

I met Brenda Jackson first, what a generous woman, not only did I leave her table with an autograph and picture but I also got a cute bag! Then Eloisa James, who was so gracious and sweet. After some crowd navagation I met Suzanne Brockmann, she was one of the few I had my eyes on from the beginning. I have to admit it felt as though I was meeting an old friend. And couldn't help but talk on and on about the characters as though they were real. When ever I read a book, I'm utterly and completely drawn into that world. Before long I was at Roxanne St. Claire's table, who was an oh-so-ever sweetheart, she took the time out to take up to five pictures until it came out right. Thanks a bunch! And on and on like this it went when I met these extraordinary authors. I only wish there was twenty or thiry more of me to read each and everyone one of their work.

Brenda Jackson

Eloisa James

Roxanne St. Clarie

Evening Out -Beer Tasting

2011-06-26T22:14:00.000-07:00

Beer tasting anyone? Well, this evening I had the pleasure of doing just that at a small and trendy restaurant called Dandelion, in Philadelpha. I've never done anything quite like it before, beer in small shot glasses, we - meaning the group of twenty who attended- were served six course sample dishes.

All the samples were new to me. The first course was a British Cheese Board, with a variety of cheeses, now I wish I'd taken notes because out all the cheeses all I remembered was the goat one, and it was good. It was followed with a light beer, called Franziskaner Hefeweizen (yeah, it's a mouth full). The next course was Gazpacho, a cold tomatoe soup -yum, followed by a slightly darker brew called Yards IPA. The third course we had Crab Toasties, it was more like melted cheese on toast, I didn't get it? But I didn't hated either. Followed by -you guessed it another brew, called Well's Bombardier. One think I learned was that the darker the brew the more potent the taste. I must confess my tastebuds were reeling from the insult, however I was a soldier and drank without cringing. Then we had Fish Cakes, one of the least fanciest course we had, it was a stuffed ball of fish served with tarter sauce and a foreign thousand island sauce. The beer that accompanied it was called Victory Summer Love, it was similar in taste to the first light beer I sampled. The fifth course was Chicken and Duck Liver Parfait, which was surprisingly delicious, it looked a lot like peanut butter with raisin a on top. Paired with a smooth Scottish ale called Cock O' the Walk (like that huh). And my favorite part dessert, we had Chocolate Graham Pudding and it was the BOMB! It was so good I had two. The beer that went with this one was sweet literaly with a name like Young's Double Stout Milk/Sweet Stout how could I not, it was chocolate beer.

There was more to this outing then the beer and food. I met some incredible people. The whole point of this was to converge, meet and mingle with new people and I wasn't disappointed. I was engaged in conversation with everyone at our table, I wasn't bored which was one of my biggest conerns. I felt as though I were in an episode of Sex and the City, I was chatting with incredibly beautiful and suscessful women and men. I loved every moment of this. And I look forward to our next get together.

The hero that makes my heart pitter-patter

2011-06-07T16:39:00.000-07:00

I came across Roxanne St. Claire's blog today and she asked a question that I have been giving more and more thought to lately, so here is my honest answer (with humor).

QUESTION:
Here’s my question with an obvious plea for inspiration: What is it about certain heroes that makes them unforgettable? Why do some jump off the page and rip out our hearts and take complete ownership of our soul? Who are your favorite heroes and why?

ANSWER:
He’s not just a hero, he’s a superhero. He embodies what superheroes usually are: tall, dark, and handsome (which can be optional). With a persona that’s larger then life: mysterious, powerful, fearless, with a dash of bruteness or wittiness. Oh, and let’s not forget his arsenal of wealth. However, despite all of that the hero doesn’t captivate me until I see his vulonerability. His loss of control when he’s around the heroine. And when he harnesses his awesome superhero abilities (as listed above), to protect her, please her and win her. Yes, that is when I fall in love with him.

Since, we’re on the Linda Howard bandwagon, one of her many heroes that I happen to love is Diaz from Cry No More. He’s the strong and really silent type, and when he loves his woman he doesn’t say it, he just her tampons when she needs it, does her laundry and makes sweet, sweet love to her, for her sake (sigh).

Suzanne Brockmann on SEALs and the Troubleshooters

2011-05-27T20:08:00.000-07:00

HOT PURSUIT by Suzanne Brockmann

2011-05-27T17:13:00.000-07:00

Book Review

Released in 2009 - In paperback

Anyone whose a fan of Suzanne Brockmann is aware of her series of extraordinary group of Navy SEAL’s and their equally compelling heroines. Each of her books consists of multiple storylines, all of which are intertwined in the plot. This story is no different, this time you have ex FBI agent Alyssa Locke leading Troubleshooters, an elite group of former and current Navy SEAL’s, their assignment is a simple one; protect a newly elected Assemblywoman from a "potential" threat. In the mean time Navy Seal Dan Gillman is asked to guard chief of staff Jenn. The intimacy is instant but Dan is hiding a medical problem. The situation quickly turns for the worst when the threat turns to murder. And the killer known as the dentist, is after none other then Alyssa Locke.

Brockmann excels when it comes to the inner workings of the alpha males of Navy SEAL’s . And there is no other ensemble I love, love more then Sam and Alyssa, they are the ultimate power couple. Gone Too Far, written in 2003, was their official story. In this one Sam is a former Navy SEAL, working at Troubleshooter under his wife, Alyssa Locke, now a mother of 10 month old (Ashton). Really? Where does she come up with this stuff, it’s great! The stories are page turners, with nonstop action and humor to boot. I’m always on the edge of my seat, I never know what to expect. My recommendation is BUY IT !

NICK OF TIME by Tim Downs

2011-05-17T12:54:00.000-07:00

BOOK REVIEW

Dr. Nick Polchak, Prof. Of Entomology at North Carolina State is a genius, a man who understands bugs more than people. He is engaged to be married in less then a week to an equally eccentric woman, dog trainer Alena Savard. Premarital discord ensues when Nick finds it necessary to help a colleague on an cold case requirng his forensic expertise. Nick arrives in Pennsylvania only to find his friend murdered and makes it his mission to find out why? With Nick missing and a wedding date looming, what is a fiancée to do but to track him down with her pack of dogs. This case only deepens when nothing is what it seems, leaving you wondering if Nick and Alena will make it to the alter and whose the murderer?

I’ve just read probably one of the most wittiest novels in a long time. I couldn’t put the book down, Nick is the ultimate character you love to hate. He's funny, brilliant and at the same time rude and egotistical. The ending was an unexpected twist which worked wonderfully with the story. Kudos to Tim Downs, I highly recommend this book.

**Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Mother's Day confession: How I really feel about you mom

2011-05-08T14:37:00.000-07:00

Let me tell you a secret (alright maybe a not so secret, secret). Growing up I couldn't stand my mom (sorry mom but it's true and I"m sure you knew). We had nothing in common, she was totally old school, not a very affectionate type either. It was do your chores, do this, do that. And boy was mom ever quick to punish. Spare the rod, spoil the child type of stuff. I tried to convince myself that I was switched at birth, however the family resemblance thing couldn't be written off.
Then on day, I can't quite put my hands on when, I just knew I was in my early twenties when I realized my mom and I were becoming friends. She wanted my opinion on things. We cracked jokes, talked about men and enjoyed each others company. I vilified her earlier but that was through the eyes of an adolescent. She was always tough with me growing up, but always fair. I always had a home cooked meal when I came home, clothes were always clean. She let me go on sleepovers and encouraged my interests, be it athletics or hobbies. These are things I didn't appreciate so long ago, things I'm now acknowledging. Marie, you're such a remarkable woman and I wouldn't trade you for the world. Thanks, mom.

Love you always,
Your Daughter

WIN A FREE BOOK BY CHERRY ADAIR

2011-05-06T17:44:00.000-07:00

THE HUSH "CALL ME" BOOK SWEEPSTAKES

GOOD LUCK!

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW:
http://www.simonandschuster.com/sweepstakes/the-hush-call-me-book-sweepstakes?custd=567177&mcd=efs&view_pc_site=1

Yep, I came to the decision to write romance

2011-05-05T21:02:00.000-07:00

I had it in my head almost two years to write a story. Why, you ask? Well, an article online offered a cash prize. I seriously gave it a go because I was confident I could win. I figured if anyone could spin words it was me. Problem was and still is, is my procrastination issues. Don't get me wrong it's not like I did nothing, I did a fair amount of research, but then I stopped. When I finally got around to writing I realized that I didn't want to write that story, I wanted to write about something else. It was earlier this year that I found my true calling. I wanted to write contemporary romance. It surprised me when I had this epiphany. I'm lying, truth is I've hand an insatiable appetite for reading romance, mystery, horror and crime novels since middle school. I've lived in my head more then I care to admit. Writing came effortlessly, this was meant to be. Since then I've been making a point to write, if not everyday and every other day. It's been working. And it's been a blessing (and that's not a word I through out every often). Writing and reading and a ton of research is fun but it's also hard work. I'm okay with that. By the end of the year I should have a complete manuscript and after that heaven willing I'll get this sucker published!

Writer’s Digest - How to Craft Compelling Characters

2011-04-12T22:40:00.000-07:00

Writer’s Digest - How to Craft Compelling Characters

Romantic: Quote of the Day

2011-03-20T21:23:00.000-07:00

"No, he chooses love, he chooses you. The reading is clear; you marry your true love. You have happiness. The card here, intimacy, sex...you will not be left wanting."

- (Fortune teller) from the tv show Roswell

DUVALIER'S RETURN TO HAITI

2011-01-20T20:09:00.000-08:00

The Haitian community has been buzzing in response to the unexpected return of Jean-Claude Duvalier to Haiti last Sunday, January 16, 2011. The question the masses want to know is why he's returned? When this question was posed to Duvalier's attorney he responded that this was Duvalier's country and if he wants to live here, no one has the right to tell him to leave. While many Haitians are condemning him others welcome him as a savior. Everyone has a take on this and here is mine:

Ayisyen nou renmen baton anpil? I’m amazed when I hear people think that Duvalier can “rebuild Haiti” really? He never did anything of significance when he was in Haiti. He robbed it and applied a reign of terror to those who may or may not be against him. Jean-Claude was just sitting lovely in his Palace collecting financial aid from the US when he laxed on human rights violations. Now, he's back and apologizes to no one, willing to fight all charges for his past crimes. "Bay kou bliye, pote mak sonje." -The giver of the blow forgets, the carrier of the mark remembers. If you want a government who gives no rights then you don’t need Duvalier, just elect any thug off the streets and Haiti will be back to what it was 30 years ago. Let’s not take steps back but expect a better future for Haiti.
If you want more information http://www.radiosoleil.com/ is a good source of Haitian news.

EAGLES MIRACLE

2010-12-19T16:09:00.000-08:00

The Eagles beat the Giants 38 - 31. This game today was nothing short of a miracle, the Eagles literally gained 28 points in 7 mintues! This was suppose to be an improbable win. From the beginning the Eagles offense was shot. The Giants had Vick on lock down. And then in the 4th quarter from behind, a 65-yard touchdown by Celek, then by Vick. Then a Maclin 13-yard touchdown to tie the game. Yes, it happened that fast! And the punt return not to be missed...DeSean Jackson runs it 65-yards -running out the clock-for the win! My mind is still reeling from this. And I've lost my voice from all the yelling. http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/index.html

A Dream Within A Dream: By Edgar Allan Poe

2010-12-15T21:04:00.000-08:00

Take this kiss upon the brow!
And, in parting from you now,
Thus much let me avow--
You are not wrong, who deem
That my days have been a dream;
Yet if hope has flown away
In a night, or in a day,
In a vision, or in none,
Is it therefore the less gone?
All that we see or seem
Is but a dream within a dream.

I stand amid the roar
Of a surf-tormented shore,
And I hold within my hand
Grains of the golden sand--
How few! yet how they creep
Through my fingers to the deep,
While I weep--while I weep!
O God! can I not grasp
Them with a tighter clasp?
O God! can I not save
One from the pitiless wave?
Is all that we see or seem
But a dream within a dream?

MY NEPHEW'S GHOST ENCOUNTER

2010-11-17T08:11:00.000-08:00

I had a recent conversation with my 7 year old nephew and he said something rather unexpected. He said he saw a ghost at home. Now, Isaiah is a rather quite, sweet and precocious kind of kid. He enjoys video games, cartoons and playing with his little bother. He's not at all the type to make things up. Naturally, I asked him a few questions about his ghost encounter. On the day in question he had been playing hide and seek with his brother and friends from next door. He was hidden in the kitchen, in semi-darkness, while the kids were upstairs. He comes out of his hiding spot only to see a young white guy with brown hair, wearing a red shirt and blue jeans. According to him the ghost looked friendly. He was as solid as you or me. Then I asked the all important question, were you at all scared? He said he wasn't. The ghost just walked by him and didn't say anything.
I was definitely intrigued and freaked out a bit. My nephew believed what he saw, he was very specific with details all the while every calm. If he could be nonchalant about it, why couldn't I? So, I told him the only thing that came to mind: call me if you see the ghost again. As compelling a witness as Isaiah is, he's still a child with a child's overactive imagination. It's possible he could've dreamed the guy up the night before now in the dark coupled with the excitement of the game he imagined he saw "him". I know it's probably a stretch. it's either that or accept that my nephew is a conduit to spirits. To be clear unless I see it myself, I'll always be on the fence.
What's your take on this?

HIT & RUN

2010-11-12T09:18:00.000-08:00

Ladies and Gentlemen,
I've been in a slump these last two weeks. My car was wrecked by a hit and run driver, on Halloween no less. What was shocking to me was the that the officer who arrived on the scene wasn't surprised, apparently he get lots of calls on Sunday morning from car owners with damaged cars. Drunk drivers are the culprits. And the chances of finding the SOB responsible for this next to never. Now, here I am paying for a rental car out of pocket. This isn't fair. I wrote a letter to City Hall about this, but never sent it, short of more police presence I didn't see how things would be any different. I'm live in the city with a larger population so it's unavoidable. Look how the mess with my girl...

RESURRECTION IN MAY: By Lisa Samson

2010-07-28T14:45:00.000-07:00

This novel centers on a young woman named May who through the course of a brutal attack, returns home both broken and scarred. May is taken in and cared for by a wonderful farmer named Claudius. He becomes a father figure and a friend, teaching her self reliance among other things. Years later we find May is still isolating herself from the world on the farm. Until an unexpected friendship with an old flame gradually changes her. His circumstance becomes the key to her "resurrection".

I enjoyed this novel it was poignant and vivid. I found myself teary eyed during May's ordeal and hungry for those rich home cookin' meals. I adored many of the characters who were instrumental in May's life. Ressurrection is a beautifully written story of faith without being preachy. The only blotch was the repetitive background stories and routines, they were unnecessary. Beyond that I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone.

I recieved this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program.

I'm A Super Hero

2010-07-22T18:54:00.000-07:00

I've always wanted to be a hero, the kind you see in comic books. Smart, gorgeous, a gun sporting, flying badass. I've thought about having an obscure ability called statistical visuals. With this ability upon site I would be able to select the best outcome in any situation be it in a game of chess or against sword wielding samurai's. In a way I was able to get my wish, you see I went to www.artcorner.net and I described exactly what I wanted. When I first laid eyes on my alter ego "Whiz" I was amazed and couldn't stop giggling. The whole thing was surreal and I loved it! I've got an incredible back story for "Whiz" that I'll be sharing with all of you in the future. If you've ever had that fantasy or if you're just curious go to www.artcorner.net you won't be disappointed.

BOUNTY

THE HELP

COSMOPOLITAN...FOR RESEARCH?

CRAZY STUPID LOVE

Inner Monologue

RWA 2011: Literacy Signing

Evening Out -Beer Tasting

The hero that makes my heart pitter-patter

Suzanne Brockmann on SEALs and the Troubleshooters

HOT PURSUIT by Suzanne Brockmann

NICK OF TIME by Tim Downs

Mother's Day confession: How I really feel about you mom

WIN A FREE BOOK BY CHERRY ADAIR

Yep, I came to the decision to write romance

Writer’s Digest - How to Craft Compelling Characters

Romantic: Quote of the Day

DUVALIER'S RETURN TO HAITI

POPULAR NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS

EAGLES MIRACLE

A Dream Within A Dream: By Edgar Allan Poe

MY NEPHEW'S GHOST ENCOUNTER

HIT & RUN

RESURRECTION IN MAY: By Lisa Samson

I'm A Super Hero