Live life to the fullest. It's the only one we get

Sgt Damon's Art: New Painting 2/13/12

2012-02-13T16:15:00.000-08:00

Sgt Damon's Art: New Painting 2/13/12: "Full Moon Return" 24"x36" oil on canvas Not Yet For Sale Every year the VA holds a national art compe...

Excerpt: "The Good, Bad and Downright Sinful" Hell to Pay Series - Chapter One

2012-01-06T07:16:00.000-08:00

Springville, Iowa 1871

Through the blinding wind ripping an icy cold through him, Holt “Axel” Ryder could barely make out the sliver of light coming through a single slat of a cabin window. Like a glinting star it gave hope. He turned catching the barrel of Boone’s rifle come over his left shoulder and move a few steps ahead of him until it shoved between Clayton Miles’ shoulder blades. The barrel nudged again in gesture to get moving. Axel drifted a wary look back at Boone mounted sure-footed on his horse while in order to steady Clayton, he grabbed his upper arm. Hands numbed and confined by shackles held him momentarily until better collected. Contrary to his worry for the kid, Axel immediately prodded Clayton to keep moving. It would be in both their interest to do so. He, for one, knew what would happen. He realized there was something more than their current circumstances of hunger and freezing in which they needed to worry. Plus, much like Clayton, he felt incapable of taking another step. As for the unrelenting cold, every intense shiver caused incisive, painful cramping to the fatiguing strength.

The thin, haggard overcoats, issued to prisoners prior to leaving any penitentiary in Iowa, was currently in the possession of Rufus Boone, a good ol’ boy and man of a few choice words, worthy of his character. He made it plain that holding the coats in promise would likely deter any thoughts of fleeing, and rightfully so, since at the moment any irrationality was the farthest from either mind. Axel, again, no differently than Clayton, merely sought shelter from the storm and following that, a blazing hearth to warm by.

The storm’s front had come upon them much like a skittish jackrabbit eluding a half- starved coyote. Clayton Cottrell--his younger and a not-so-bright lad--knew as well as Axel, and had seen the predicting signs. Clayton warned the Boone in no uncertain terms; and any soak, Boone included in his lighter binge of drink that day, should’ve seen it coming. Being footsure and mouthy merely riled Boone all the more during his cantankerous stupors. Thus a kerchief was fixed around Clayton’s mouth’s figuring it would shut him up for a while until Boone could sober up and dissect what was admonished. Now, Boone was a day late and dollar short. Axel had known better than to advice Boone of anything--drunk or sober--since only hours earlier he’d experienced Boone’s soused lack of tolerance on his hide. Too many years experience along with plenty years of anguish and shared bloodshed learned Axel his lessons well and that made him smart enough to shut up when told while Clayton being too naive, and too pudden-headed to understand it all.

Their shivering intensified as they continued toiling their steps through the mounting snow while Boone rode a fine gelding paid from hefty wages of any Federal Marshal. It was a job that many desired even with the probable dangers that came with it. Hands gloved with thick leather gripped the ‘macate’ reins with confidence while the biting cold of metal on his own wrists chafed and burned, hastening numbness all the way to the bone. Clayton slowed in front having a rough go of keeping up with Axels’ more determined steps pressing behind. He couldn’t let Clayton stop in that walk onward. If he did that would be the end to them both. Axel wasn’t intending on dying like this. Not in the cold, not frozen and buried knee-deep in snow because of some sniveling kid who couldn’t handle the uttermost conditions. Axel had no doubt seen and survived worse conditions. He wasn’t going to succumb and have it end like this. If he was going to die, he’d rather swing beneath a magnificent oak tree, ended by a taut noose from a carried-out vengeance which had now settled deep inside him. In his final breath, a warm breeze would blow similar to the gentle, consoling of a woman’s soft fingertips gently brushing his cheek.

Too often, he’d seen it all in a dream as though he was standing there looking on and then by a silent, yet relentless reminder; sprung fully awakened. Moments tick by in utter terror and confusion, induced only by a backlash of his doings—drawn in by his own hatred and an insurrection and division caused by political upheaval and economic conditions. He’d force himself in a moment of supplication—lastly to be forgiven in that final moment since no one would likely shed a tear or pray for his soul in what he’s done. But still, there was a hope when buried that it would be on a cheery, warm hillside with an over-abundance of wildflowers, veiling in beauty to the ugliness of a life preceded. It was a life not worthy of rest alongside a once loving wife. Only then would Axel be able to rest without any kind of damnation from other folk, and worse himself.

His thoughts were broken when the front quarter of the Boone’s horse lurched forward and forced him back several steps. He moved aside while taking a dazed look up at Boone as though his reactions were delayed and thoughts dispersed. From the horse, Boone reached down in a swift yank of Clayton’s shirt collar and jerked him backwards against Axel’s chest. Responsively, Axel caught the near topple that almost knocked them both back into the snow.

Clayton peered up through sagging eyelids.

Axel dismissed the pitiful sight of a kid, nearly too exhausted and beaten to even go on. As though sickened by the weakness, Axel’s hands clutched Clayton’s stiff, about frozen shirt and jerked him on his feet. Clayton winced when Axel proceeded to pull him up against him. He released a growl of disgust and a glower as though fed-up with his weaker spirit to go on while not being sure what to do with him next. He glimpsed up at the Marshal for a reaction or perhaps prompting with it. The pistol drew out of Boone’s holster and the gun sight set in Axel’s direction telling him exactly what to do. Stand down and do what was told.

Axel’s delay from his slower thinking finally had him realizing the threat above and ducked with his arms over his face.

Instantly, Axel thrust Clayton back in a sort of wordless revolt to the unending burden of the younger kid and the deliberating notion of doing him in as being more humane than the future ordeal that only would bring torment. Clayton fell back along the snowy ground while Axel cursed at his thoughtless cruelty that was no different than Boone’s. The horse’s front legs stirred, rearing slightly causing Axel to move away as it neared Clayton still on the ground. Axel braced his hands against the rear quarter of Boone’s horse just in case it acted out in temperament constituted by its thrashing front legs and high-pitched neigh.

“Get up. Clayton!” Boone commanded words that were barely audible through the relentless surging wind. “Keep it moving or I’ll kill you and leave your dead carcass where you lie.” The pistol aimed at Clayton sprawled along the snow before it flagged back to Axel who seemed to be unaffected and benumbed by the grim exchange. However as a few moments ticked by, Axel bent over as if in some expected obligation and heaved Clayton back onto his feet.

With a lingering look at Boone and his high-fluent show in the saddle, Axel then steadied Clayton once more with a stalwart grip of his upper arm. The end of the Winchester shoved Axel’s shoulder blade in a gesture to get Clayton moving again. Keeping both hands clutched together from the elements, Axel poked the edges of cold irons into Clayton’s back to do so.

In laboring step, Clayton’s hands bunched near his escaping breath and the kerchief aimed to shut him up. Axel knew Clayton’s breathing had to be difficult and might easily kill him especially with his throat being slightly exposed. He swallowed feeling a comparable distress, and slight empathy, but appreciative in having the smarts to keep quiet when he did, so he too wasn’t gagged in the same manner. Younger had its faults. Axel’s rebellious and audacious nature was the hardest hurdle to leap over the years, especially after it was all he’d come to know. Now all he wanted to do was go home or be hung for the inevitable payback to the moments leading to this.

The cabin came closer into view. With hands tucked close to their bodies, both prisoners forged ahead with Boone’s wary watch just over their shoulders. Their heads pressed down in an echoing and admonished murmurs of a resolve to just stay alive. Warmth would await them soon.

Subtle smoke from a chimney mingled with the fierce gusts of swirling wind. Around the cabin, they mixed and danced like deviled spirits in some sort of titillating coupling, but it wouldn’t matter what evil was there…since all three of them knew of the only evil heading toward the cabin and inevitably it would destroy that one glimmer of hope.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

2011-12-15T14:44:00.000-08:00

Captured: America in Color from 1939-1943 – Nostalgia at its best!

2011-12-15T14:41:00.000-08:00

http://blogs.denverpost.com/captured/2010/07/26/captured-america-in-color-from-1939-1943/2363/#.TujK3VbTg08.blogger

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-23T09:04:00.000-08:00

Alternative_Read's Giveaway for Nov 16th - Winner Announcement!

2011-11-18T07:55:00.000-08:00

Congrats to Sena and Carol!
And 'thanks' for all who entered the:

Breaking out! #GIVEAWAY :

Amazon GiftCertificates (2x$6.99)

Breaking out! #GIVEAWAY : Amazon Gift Certificates (2x$6.99) Just leave a comment to enter!

2011-11-16T06:52:00.000-08:00

Thanks to all who left a comment for the free "Breaking Out Giveway". It makes me realize how important readers and loyal fans are and how they make a difference. Pleased with turnout! God Bless All who participated!

Breaking out! #GIVEAWAY : Amazon Gift Certificates (2x$6.99) Just leave a comment to enter!

2011-11-15T09:16:00.000-08:00

Last day with a chance to win!!!

Breaking out! #GIVEAWAY : Amazon Gift Certificates (2x$6.99) Just leave a comment to enter!

2011-10-21T11:53:00.000-07:00

Posted by Alternative-Read.com reviewer: Sassy Brit

۞۞۞۞GIVEAWAY۞۞۞۞

To enter this Amazon GIFT CERTIFICATE giveaway just leave a comment!

2 x $6.99 Amazon Gift Vouchers up for grabs! (2 winners)

Ends midNight Wed 16th November 2011

Find us both on Twitter tweeting about it! @Sassy_Brit and @Carol Gambill

۞۞۞۞GIVEAWAY۞۞۞۞

Excerpt from “Far From Over” Chapter Twenty-Four

2011-10-21T10:50:00.000-07:00

Excerpt from “Far From Over” chapter twenty-four:

“Turn around?” he repeated dumbfounded. Was she joking?

“I mean, you presently can’t remember much, so why not change the way you believe yourself to be? Kinda like wiping a slate clean.”

He scoffed at her simplistic thinking in yet another attempt to make his life straight and on the narrow. But what did he believe himself to be exactly? Angry, insensitive, or plain fed-up with life? His vision scanned the lavishness of the rustic but ornate cabin filled with expensive décor. What would she even know about pain, suffering or doing without?

“You’re doing it again,” she added, eyeing him with a passionate scorn.

His eyes squinted and a brow rose. “What?” he asked innocently.

“Looking at me like I’m stupid,” she replied frowning.

“Alright. I’m gonna give it to you straight. You believe with your goody-goody mentality that a person ingrained with something all their lives can suddenly change it? Wipe it away?”

She got up with a shrug, leaving him to think about it.

“Well, I don’t think anyone can simply wipe away a past.” He watched her walk across the room and into the kitchen. The light went on and several minutes later, she came back with a cup in her hand.

“It’s just that—a past. Who says that someone has to live it forever?”

“And you know how that’s done, huh?” He stared at the cup that was held out in offer for him to take.

“Drink this, it will relax you. Chamomile tea…”

He gazed up surprised at her thoughtfulness in such a simple gesture. He reached up for it and mumbled, ‘thanks’.

“I don’t have all the answers, Mr. Pessimist. I’m just saying to build that bridge you have to actually step on it and then gradually move across,” she said as she sat down on the couch next to him.

He forced himself not to move from where he was. “Wow, that seems easy enough. Why didn’t I think of that?” he mentioned irritably. “…Mr. Pessimist, huh? If we’re into name calling now, I would prefer ‘sweetheart’…Oh, that’s right I don’t know you well enough...”

“Don’t be so cynical.”

He thought of a thousand other comebacks but for some reason he held them in as he gazed at her softened silhouette from the dim lighting in the room.

“All I’m saying is there is more in front of you than what’s behind you. You start over that bridge and before you know it, you’ve made it to the other side.”

He smirked. “And when I get over there, what then? What will there be exactly?” He knew what would be there—nothing. Already he could sense the manifesting signs of emptiness deep inside the pit of his stomach.

“Maybe something, but then again, there might be nothing at all. Reach out. You’ll never know what you’ll find.”

Restless, his spine squirmed against the back of the couch. His posture straightened along the cushion. He didn’t want to talk of goodness and things that would all of a sudden become bright and cheery, especially when his hope had already seen nothing but pitch-black.

“When someone goes through a great deal of struggles, they become wiser. The strong only become stronger; a better person from it.”

Damn, I must be perfect, he thought as he focused on her face.

“You’re doing it again,” she stated impatiently.

Boy survives drop from 3rd floor of burning building

2011-10-17T14:00:00.000-07:00

Boy survives drop from 3rd floor of burning building

"Thankfully he landed in my arms and that's a good feeling,’ Boston firefighter says"

Florida Veteran's Network (FL Vet-Net): FW: Booster Club Fishing Fundraiser (Sat 22 Oct)

2011-10-17T12:08:00.000-07:00

Florida Veteran's Network (FL Vet-Net): FW: Booster Club Fishing Fundraiser (Sat 22 Oct): Rescue Team, Are you looking for a fun way to support the Booster Club and help us raise funds?? On Saturday 22 Oct, the Booster Club i...

Florida Veteran's Network (FL Vet-Net): VFW Post 2093 2nd Annual Homes for Our Troops Fund...

2011-10-17T12:07:00.000-07:00

Florida Veteran's Network (FL Vet-Net): VFW Post 2093 2nd Annual Homes for Our Troops Fund...: About a year ago the good folks from VFW Post 2093 in Orlando put together a very nice and successful fundraiser for the Homes for Our Tro...

Florida Veteran's Network (FL Vet-Net): Patrick AFB Manatee Cove Marina group raises $10,0...

2011-10-10T19:36:00.000-07:00

Florida Veteran's Network (FL Vet-Net): Patrick AFB Manatee Cove Marina group raises $10,0...: If you haven’t heard or have had the chance to go out to the Patrick AFB Manatee Cove Marina lately then you have been missing a lot of f...

New sale sites for the Breaking Out Series

2011-10-10T18:41:00.000-07:00

Excited to announce the "Breaking Out Series" on Amazon.fr....

http://www.amazon.fr/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?__mk_fr_FR=%C5M%C5Z%D5%D1&url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=carol+gambill&x=0&y=0

And for those of you in the United Kingdom, check out Amazon.uk

http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=carol+gambill&x=0&y=0

9 things you didn’t know about the life of Steve Jobs

2011-10-07T03:42:00.000-07:00

http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/technology-blog/8-things-didn-t-know-life-steve-jobs-172130955.html

Runner carries injured foe half mile to help in middle of race

2011-09-23T06:28:00.000-07:00

http://rivals.yahoo.com/highschool/blog/prep_rally/post/Runner-carries-injured-foe-half-mile-to-help-in-?urn=highschool-wp6171

Andy Whitfield's Unofficial Fan Site: Note from Moderator of Andy Whitfield's Unofficial...

2011-09-13T20:15:00.000-07:00

Andy Whitfield's Unofficial Fan Site: Note from Moderator of Andy Whitfield's Unofficial...: Andy Whitfield, a man who touched many hearts with inspiration of his fight, on and off-screen. His onscreen role as Spartacus gave us a gl...

'Far From Over' Breaking Out Series, Book Four

2011-08-30T08:23:00.000-07:00

Music by: Oleg Servok

Song: First Thing

Album: Epoch Symbol
http://olegserkov.com/

"Far From Over"
Breaking Out Series, Book Four

Released: August 11, 2001

http://carolgambill.com

Heroes of the Stage Country Serving Country - A book highlighting Country music artist

2011-08-29T16:55:00.000-07:00

Heroes of the Stage Country Serving Country - A book highlighting Country music artist who have served in the United States Military and the impact it had on their personal lives, careers and their music. Including brief backgrounds with pictures and interviews of various artist.

There is something about Country Music that captures the heart and soul of America. There is also something else that seems to go hand in hand with Country Music and that is a love for our Country and for the men and women who serve in the military. This book only covers those artists who are living today but certainly recognizes those artists who have been called home to their Creator and will be honored in the TAPS section of this book. If for some reason I overlooked an artist I do apologize and I certainly appreciate their service and their contribution to Country music.

Over the years there has it seems a slew of patriotic or military typed songs performed by Country Artists. It may surprise you to find out though of all the Country Artists the ones who actually served and wore this nation’s uniform really are. I know I was when I first was inspired to write this book. It truly was an inspirational and rewarding journey though as I did my research for this book and found out who they were. I hope you the reader feels the same way after reading HEROES OF THE STAGE. Some of them you will already have known about and some may come as a complete surprise to you. Some are more famous and well known than others, but all of them served this Nation for all of us and deserve our sincere thanks as well as our respect. As you come acquainted with these Artists who served you might just become a new fan or a fan all over again.

Purchase Link for my Editor's Latest Poetry Book

2011-08-29T10:23:00.000-07:00

If you love great poetry, deep and meaningful, check out "The Distance Between: Poems by Julie Valin" The Distance Between reflects a woman balancing her own wild and reckless heart with the responsibilities of marriage and motherhood. It is both the drawing together and the completely falling apart; the slow dancing in the kitchen and the slamming of the doors. To write lines about the one you love such as "and what we have/isn't called sex anymore" and balance it with the simplicity of "Coltrane on the stereo/red wine and mac and cheese/and a quiet bliss" takes raw guts, which Julie has plenty of, as she opens the window to these joyous and painful truths.

"Far From Over" Buy Link From Amazon

2011-08-29T04:25:00.000-07:00

From a friend....

2011-08-25T13:16:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone!

I have not spoken to some of you in a while so I will explain a little of what is going on.

Almost 2 years ago I met the man of my dreams, Luis Puertas. He was a Specialist in the Army, stationed in Iraq, and was left a double amputee in Sept. of 2006 from an EFP accident while on patrol.

When we met he told me of this amazing organization, Homes For Our Troops, that builds completely handicap accessible homes for severely wounded soldiers, like himself. Well, HFOT is now building him... Us a home. A beautiful home where we can raise a family and finally live comfortably. They are in the process of laying the foundation and are getting ready for the "Building Brigade" which will take place the 16th, 17th and 18th of September. We are in need of your donated time and supplies which is why I am writing.

Some of you may not be able to attended but it would be greatly appreciated if you could spread the word. Below is an email from Russ Gambill and his wife Carol, HFOT volunteers, who have been an amazing support through this whole journey. Please read the following information for more details on the building brigade. Russ has also included some contacts if you have any questions or you can always contact me directly. Thank you so much and I hope to see you all soon. (Note: if you would like to see that email please email me, Carol@carolgambill.com and I will gladly get it out to you)

HFOT video about Luis.

http://www.homesforourtroops.org/site/PageServer?pagename=LuisPuertas

Thank you,

Amber and Luis

ascahelo@yahoo.com

Author Spotlight & Giveaway: Far From Home by Carol Gambill

2011-08-16T12:03:00.000-07:00

Below is from BlackRaven's Erotic Cafe. To enter, go to: http://theblackraveneroticcafe.com/?p=10259

Good afternoon everyone,

I’m really excited because Carol Gambill is graciously providing one (1) lucky winner one (1) lucky winner with a copy of her new release Far From Home the fourth book in the Breaking Out series. The covers are delicious and the summary has definitely piqued my curiosity.

In order to be entered, all you have to do is leave a comment telling me which book intrigues you. Easy-Peasy! You can access Carol’s site by CLICKING HERE.

Now for the rest of the rules…
1. Must be or become a Google Friend Connect (GFC) follower of The Cafe
2. Must answer the question
3. Must leave your name and email address in case you win
4. Must have fun

Of course this is an overnight contest; therefore, you have until 6:00 PM (CST) on Thursday evening to leave a response in the comments section. The lucky winner will be selected using the True Random Number Generator from RANDOM.ORG.

Good Luck Everyone!

Winner anounced!

2011-08-11T08:44:00.000-07:00

In celebration of my newest release, "Far From Over", I will be hosting a raffle drawing for a handmade U.S. flag afghan (valued $300 if not more). Unfortunately, postage will be the responsibility of the winner but I can tell you it would be well worth it. So don't forget to email me at Carol@carolgambill.com for the drawing to be held on August 11, 2011 and good luck!

August 11th, Announcing the Winner of the US flag, handmade afghan:

Tina of Orlando, Florida

Congrats and thanks for all who have made up those ninety-plus entries!