Tilly Greene's Hot Thoughts

It's Burns Night and that means it's time to address the haggis!

2012-01-25T06:30:00.001-05:00

Originally posted January 25 2010

1.
Fair fa' your honest, sonsie face,
Great chieftain o' the puddin-race!
Aboon them a' ye tak your place,
Painch, tripe, or thairm:
Weel are ye wordy of a grace
As lang's my arm.

2.
The groaning trencher there ye fill,
Your hudies like a distant hill,
Your pin wad help to mend a mill
In time o' need,
While thro' your pores the dews distil
Like amber bead.

3.
His knife see rustic Labour dight,
An' cut ye up wi' ready slight,
Trenching your gushing entrails bright,
Like onie ditch;
And then, O what a glorious sight,
Warm-reeking, rich!

4.
Then horn for horn, they stretch an' strive:
Deil tak the hindmost, on they drive,
Till a' their weel-swall'd kytes belyve
Are bent like drums;
Then auld Guidman, maist like to rive,
'Bethankit!' hums.

5.
Is there that owre his French ragout,
Or olio that wad staw a sow,
Or fricassee wad mak her spew
Wi perfect scunner,
Looks down wi' sneering, scornfu' view
On sic a dinner?

6.
Poor devil! see him owre his trash,
As fecl;ess as a wither'd rash,
His spindle shank a guid whip-lash,
His nieve a nit;
Tho' bluidy flood or field to dash,
O how unfit.

7.
But mark the Rustic, haggis-fed,
The trembling earth resounds his tread,
Clap in his walie nieve a blade,
He'll make it whistle;
An' legs, an' arms, an' heads will sned
Like taps o' thrissle.

8.
Ye pow'rs, wha mak mankind your care,
And dish them out their bill o' fare,
Auld Scotland wants nae skinking ware,
That jaups in luggies;
But if ye wish her gratfu' prayer,
Gie her a Haggis!

What? Oh, you need the English translation? Not a problem, That and more can be found at the Robert Burns World Federation.

Sláinte.

It's almost time to heat up your reads

2012-01-24T06:30:00.040-05:00

Be prepared to feel the heat as you help when the Share the Love Blog Bash starts February 1st and will be held on Lisabet Sarai's Beyond Romance blog! I'll be up on the 21st, but there will be one fabulous author after another sharing the love.

By the way, there's a Kindle Fire from Coming Together creator Alessia Brio and an ebook of the winner's choice from me to be won amonst other things!

Told you was going to get hot...keep your eyes peeled for more details :-)

3 Must See, Do and Try in Munich are ...

2012-01-21T06:30:00.000-05:00

... the Munchner Christkindlmarkt.

The month of December Munich is full of markets. They're in the city center with lights and carolers, smaller squares and in parks. What they have in common is plenty of stalls that sell glühwein [warm mulled wine], sausages, sweets and a plethora of beautifully handmade items. I bought a scarf and a couple of pewter ornaments, but there were so many interesting items available it made a night of shopping, eating and drinking an event for family and friends to share together.

Something I noticed and enjoyed about this large city was that even though it was a bustling time, people were genuinely happy, full of the holiday spirit. The beer halls are always a meeting place and this was no different. Tables are often shared and makes for a great experience. Not being a big eater I thought would mean restaurants would not be all that fun, but I was so wrong.

... Rischart is a must visit cafe.

It was snowing lightful and I fancied sitting down for a hot chocolate. This place is on Marienplatz, overlooking the active center and an incredible offering of sweets. One I wasn't so sure of that the cutie loved was called hausgemachter kaiserschmarrn and we shared a plate. He was right, ryummy!

It's a pancake cut up, a few raisins and powered sugar sprinkled over the top, and an apple sauce dipping sauce. Oh yes, this was a treat and a half!

... Marsyas at the Glyptothek.

I had no time to look into the museums in Munich before we left and to be honest didn't think I'd get a chance to go in any, but I did, and he was truly stunning. There are not that many sculptures of this particular mythological character still around and many are in bad shape, but this was wonderful in his incompleteness.

There's no doubt I'll be visiting Munich again and I look forward to finding more gems.

3 Must See, Do and Try in Amsterdam are ...

2012-01-20T06:30:00.067-05:00

... the Bloemenmarkt.

Flowers, copious amounts of flowers and while it wouldn't be easy to bring any back with you, it is a sight to behold and smell. Each stall is a boat moored on the canal and the sidewalk belongs to the shopper. There are stores and cafes opposite so this stretch is bustling with activity.

Now, we were there in November and there was only one stall with flowers, the rest held bulbs and stuff for the holidays, but the scent of that one stall was incredible. It was truly beautiful.

Amsterdam is another city for walking, watch out for the bicylists - the tourist riders, the locals work magic on two wheels. On one such walk we found a few wonderful places to eat and found

... De Bakkerswinkel [in Zuid]

Yum, omg, yum!

There's a kitty in the front window, bikes on the sidewalk and we were hungry. It's a bakery, tea room, place you don't want to leave. Some tables are for a few people, but we sat at the big one that sat in the center back with about 10 other people. Met a lovely local family and the dad gave me a wonderful hint about stirring my hot chocolate*. I had a croque monsuier which was lovely, the bread was divine but this wasn't a surprise it being a bakery and then we shared a scone with cream and lemon marmalade. Oh man, I must go there again - it's just my kind of place.

... Old Woman [or The Prophetess Anna] by Rembrandt is one of many, many pieces of art that must be seen.

We went to both the Rijks Museum and the Van Gogh Museum. The latter was my favorite for the entire trip, mainly because it was a surprise - a surprise for me, probably not for others. That said, this is the painting that held me transfixed.

There are big paintings surrounding her that demanded more attention, but she quietly goes on reading. The fabric of her headress and coat are incredibly renderd. I appreciate Rembrandts work even more after seeing her, interesting that didn't happen when I came upon the oh so important The Night Watch.

Amsterdam may be the Las Vegas of Europe, but there is much more to it than drinking, smoking and red light district. I can't wait to go back again and explore more and revisit what I've seen this time and enjoyed.

*=Look for the hot chocolate taste test I made through this entire trip in February!

3 Must See, Do and Try in Venice are ...

2012-01-19T06:30:00.064-05:00

... the Peggy Guggenheim Collection.

While there is a great intro to the collection via the canal but it isn't available and so access is on land. Trust me when I say this entrance gives no hint of the treasures you'll find inside.

Inside is a home with fabulous art, sculptures and paintings alike, and they are just right there. I have to say this wasn't someplace I was chomping at the bit to see and, since going, have totally changed my mind. Maybe it was the garden area with sculptures here and there, maybe it was the idea of a hidden gem people couldn't find and crossed off their list of must see's, and maybe it was the incredible art [Duchamp, Picasso, Magritte are just a few] I found there and hadn't expected to find. Actually I think it was Peggy Guggenheim herself and her mindset to help artists survive during the war - I liked that, a lot.

While I fell in love with and would enjoy sharing the Silver Bedhead by Alexander Calder, a wall piece that was literally Guggenheim's headboard, it's another piece at the Guggenheim that is a must see and that is ...

... The Angel of the City by Marino Marini.

No, he isn't just about the penis, he's so much more than that, hence the pics below.

I opened the doors and saw The Angels back and was immediately drawn to the view - it is absolutely stunning. I walked down the steep steps to take it all in and looked to the side and, hello hard-on! It was funny how many people were taking pics of this and yes, I did as well. As I was waiting for people to get out of the shot, another person also waiting filled me in on what makes this sculpture even more spectacular - his penis unscrews. Yes, it is removeable! Apparently when the nuns were set to float by, they would remove the penis so as not to upset or offend. Totally Peggy Guggenheim was a great lady!

... while the vaporetto was good to ride, walking definitely offered the best view of Venitian life. It was so easy to get lost and that was all right, the adventure of discovery was fulfilling. Yes, St Marks Square is wonderful, but to be honest, it was the back streets that I loved. I want to come back to Venice again and see what I missed by making a left instead of right, or the other way around.

3 Must See, Do and Try in Florence are ...

2012-01-17T06:30:00.005-05:00

... the Museo di San Marco.

This was a monastary and now acts as a convent and museum. There was so much to learn about the life of a monk and the broader religious happenings back in the 15th C. It was all so political.

Anyway, the building itself is really not much to look at from the outside, but inside is a wealth of subtle beauty. We'd be walking down a hallway, go into a room, and it was massive and the next beyond small. Best way to put it, we never knew what we'd find and that includes when we moved into the museum part.

The museum was on an upper floor and it was the living quarters of the monks. Not horribly exciting, right? So very wrong. Each room possessed a fresco by the artist known as Fra Angelico, who also happened to be a friar who lived in San Marco when it was first built. I was not a fan of his work before this visit and now I have a new appreciation for his work.

Now, while we went in the fall and not the best time for gardens, I imagine the inner courtyards are stunning so I'll have to go back again.

Thank you to The Pilgrim Project for the beautiful picture of the Cloisters above, it does the site justice.

... David by Michelangelo 16th C.

Let me clarify that by saying while I absolutely enjoyed seeing this large sculpture in person at the Accademia Gallery and being able to walk all the way around it, I preferred the copy amongst other statues in its original location on the Piazza della Signoria.

One of my favorite our haunts was on this piazza, two turns away from our hotel. We'd sit there at the end of the day, sipping whatever we fancied that day - often it was a chianti - and relax, take in the sites and sounds of Florence. A few steps to the right is the Uffizi, which had 2 sculptures of Marsyas. They sat on opposing sides of a corner that I was not expecting to see - what a joy - and now one of my all time favorite museums to visit, ever. Yeah, it's that kind of great, but this copy of David caught and held my attention, go figure.

Pictures were forbidden in the gallery, as they were in most of the museums throughout Italy, but here is the real David on Wikipedia. He is rather spectacular and his toes, they're huge!

... the Ponte Vecchio, actually, it's the walking, shopping and socializing that made Florence a truly magnificent city to visit. They haven't wiped away their history which makes every step and turn interesting. There were so many piazzas to visit, each with a different feel and they own set of shops and cafes. They varied in size so it was easy to pick what suited the mood.

We stayed in the historic center where it was mainly pedestrian only and cobbled. Despite this being where the tourists flock to see the sights, it actually didn't feel crowded. There were a variety of markets and stalls, gelato shops - a true treat for the eyes, and all conducted at a fabulous pace of life for a city.

Maybe it was going in November that made this trip not all that crowded and therefore easy to enjoy walking around.

Yes, I'll absolutely be visiting Florence again.

3 Must See, Do and Try in Rome are ...

2012-01-16T06:30:00.028-05:00

... the Pantheon!

Yes, the Colosseum, Vatican, all the unique little piazza's and so much more were all wonderful places to visit, but the Pantheon stopped me in my tracks.

The proud, strong yet wonderfully quiet presence of historical architecture built in 118-125AD is located on the small Piazza della Rotunda. There's a fountain in front and I was eager to walk between the columns that still stood before going into the Rotunda with its magnificent coffer ceiling.

Space is very limited in this piazza, but the mood was great. There were two restaraunts with outdoor sitting, perfect place to sit back and enjoy the view. It looked like the other buildings higher floors that overlooked the Pantheon were residences - how wonderful would that be to live there.

Inside was dark and spare of sculptures, but that was okay, the ceiling was where the magic was for me. Reminded me why I love reading the ancient texts and enjoying the art.

My pictures of the Pantheon didn't turn out so I borrowed the external shot from Virgin Media and the one to the left from Italy Guides.

... the Belvedere Torso [1C BC] in the Vatican Museum.

Powerful. That's the word that comes to mind when I walked up to this glorious figure.

He sits in the middle and center of the Room of the Muses floor with his back facing the entrance [he's missing his backside and there's a bit of a lion skin draping down the pedestal] and there's no hint of what you'll find on the other side.

I'm not someone who takes the crotch shot on purpose, but in my defense, I was so surprised he didn't have a fig leaf covering his bits and pieces, I clicked!

The Vatican Museum was full of incredible pieces, including one of Marsyas, and had gorgeous outdoor space to explore, but if asked what my favorite museum was in Rome, it would be the Galleria Borghese. If you ever go to this wonderful city, definitely visit both of these institutions.

... the Grottee del Teatro di Pompeo.

A first stop on the day we arrived was a smallish restaurant tucked in a nook off of the bustling Corso Vittorio in the Centro Storico section and, even though their time to serve lunch was over, they still cooked for us. We shared a bottle of their wine and prepared to see Rome. After all the meals we shared throughout Italy, I think this one was my favorite and, unfortunately, I don't remember what it was called but I know it was some sort of gnocchi with spinach and cheese and a light sauce dribbled over the top. Yeah, yum!

Anyway, I don't do this often but it was very handy to do so, here's a tip for someone who plans to see this large city and doesn't want to drive - no way was I going to do that! We bought a ticket for the hop-on hop-off buses and used it like a taxi! It was a great way to see the all the sights and not have to deal with trains or taxis.

I am in the Spotlight at That's What I'm Talking About!

2012-01-16T06:00:00.002-05:00

Today I'm in the spolight as an Authors After Dark 2012 [registration is still open] author over on That's What I'm Talking About.

Come on over, read what I reveal under the hot lights, ask a question or comment and you could win a copy of Missing in Paradise!

Ready to take a trip?

2012-01-15T06:30:00.002-05:00

This past November through December I traveled and amongst all the trips, two were to places I'd never been before. The weather was great, seasonal without much moist stuff. The timing also made it possible to experience more of these places than if we'd been there in peak tourist time and that made a big difference. Anyway, I thought I'd share some of my favorite parts - you never know, they might show up in a book sometime.

So, next week I'll take you to Rome, Florence, Venice, Amsterdam and Munich - all without having to pack, deal with airports or airplanes.

Books, eBooks, Gift Certificates and More, Oh My!

2012-01-14T06:30:00.001-05:00

Massive Book Giveaway time, and I mean massive!

I'm giving away a copy of Konnichiwa Cowboy and also a gift certificate to All Romance.

All you need to do to enter is go to The Romance Studio and sign up - that's it...so easy...but you have to do it by January 31st, so go!

Go Now!

Enter and you might win, nice!

17-20 of the Strangest Sex Laws

2012-01-13T06:00:00.001-05:00

An interesting list I found on Are The Most who shared 20 Strangest Sex Laws and I'll be sharing the rest of the list throughout the week.

Does this mean #18 was done? Might have try that one in a story, although I won't have it located in Newcastle, Wyoming. If I ever visited there, they might have changed the law to include writing such a scene. Then again, I'm all about bucking the system :-)

Click for bigger image - it's worth it to read these laws.

13-16 of the Strangest Sex Laws

2012-01-12T06:00:00.001-05:00

An interesting list I found on Are The Most who shared 20 Strangest Sex Laws and I'll be sharing the rest of the list throughout the week.

#13 makes me think the costume isn't really all that necessary for a Nevada legislator to resemble a penis - just saying, and #15 is down right thoughtful.

Click for bigger image - it's worth it to read these laws.

10-12 of the Strangest Sex Laws

2012-01-11T06:00:00.002-05:00

An interesting list I found on Are The Most who shared 20 Strangest Sex Laws and I'll be sharing the rest of the list throughout the week.

If these three weren't so absolutely ridiculous, they'd be even funnier.

Click for bigger image - it's worth it to read these laws.

7-9 of the Strangest Sex Laws

2012-01-10T06:00:00.002-05:00

An interesting list I found on Are The Most who shared 20 Strangest Sex Laws and I'll be sharing the rest of the list throughout the week.

I'd like to know how #8 works, seriously.

Click for bigger image - it's worth it to read these laws.

1-6 of the Strangest Sex Laws

2012-01-09T06:00:00.002-05:00

An interesting list I found on Are The Most who shared 20 Strangest Sex Laws and I'll be sharing the rest of the list throughout the week. Click for bigger image - it's worth it to read these laws.

I found #3 more than wrong and #5 plain old worrying.

Click for bigger image - it's worth it to read these laws.

Authors After Dark 2012 Reading Challenge

2012-01-08T06:00:00.006-05:00

This August I'll be going to New Orleans for the 4th annual Authors After Dark Readers Convention. I've been to them all and each year it gets even more exciting than the last. Besides all that, I've never been to NOLA and am looking forward to spending a little extra time taking in the city. By the way, I heard through the twitter-vine that it's almost full so if you're thinking of going, best get signed up.

In the meantime, Midnyte Reader, a fellow attendee, came up with a readers challenge and I wanted to do it. I shall read the following books for this fab challenge:

Branded Sanctuary by Joey Hill [bought]
A Rush of Wings by Adrian Phoenix
Power Play by Eliza Gayle
Destined Mate by Katie Reus [bought]
How to Dance with a Duke by Manda Collins
Battle of the Network Zombies by Mark Henry

Hopefully I'll be able to add more as time goes on, but this is a list I know I can do - watch here for the reviews [something I never do].

Hey, whether you're going to this event or not, join the challenge - you can do that anytime through the year as it is running from January 1 - December 31.

Here comes 2012...

2011-12-31T06:30:00.000-05:00

and enjoy the adventure a new year offers!

Final Movie Thoughts

2011-12-30T06:30:00.000-05:00

I love movies but this year I haven't had time to see that many and shall be haunting Netflix and Amazon to watch them.

That said, with what's out right now, I'd like to see War Horse [although I'd prefer to see the Broadway show especially to see the incredibly beautiful portrayal of the horses], Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows and The Artist [love love love Jean Dujardin from the French OSS 117 parody movies].

Fashion Favorite

2011-12-29T06:30:00.001-05:00

Back in October I posted a freaky good or bad fashion thought and it's still on my mind - and it's changed!

I've said it before and I'll say it again, I love Christian Louboutin shoes. The man designs spectacular heels that complete an ensemble and the bright red sole is wickedly divine and belongs to him and him alone.

The Paw Heel is rather cool and fun, and I'd wear them in a heartbeat.

A Favorite Hump Day Reflection [NSFW]

2011-12-28T06:30:00.002-05:00

Tony Ward by Dimitris Theocharis
as posted at Homotography

I have enjoyed sharing a variety of hump day hotties for a few years now and I admit it, Tony Ward is one of my favorites and he was also the second to last one I posted in 2011 with this wicked cowboy.

Nice!

By the way, did you notice the tattoo on his left bicep? It's a geisha and this pic was posted in celebration of the Konnichiwa Cowboy release - yeah, a cowboy and a geisha...double cool!

End of Year eBook Talk

2011-12-27T06:00:00.002-05:00

Traveling for almost 2 months straight, I've read many many books, actually, more specifically ebooks - they're easier when on the move. So, here are a few of the details of what I enjoyed.

First and foremost, I shopped until I dropped at All Romance. They've kept me in ebooks with fabulous specials - loved the 50% back in ebucks offer - and the buy 10 and get 1 free. Thank you and I look forward to the new year bringing even more fabulous ebooks to the ARe cyber shelves.

I follow a few simple things when I pick out ebooks to read. I don't shop from bestseller lists, pick up the first 3 in a series and then I search by category. After that I'll see if authors I've enjoyed before have anything out that sounds interesting. This simple strategy keeps me in great reads. Three new to me authors I picked ebooks from and truly enjoyed were Georgia Fox and The Craftsman, Mia Watts with The Policeman's Balls and Cherise Sinclair and the Masters of the Shadowlands series - yes, bought the first three and picked up the last two in another round. Unfortunately, I didn't do as well with the authors I've enjoyed before.

The other ebook news I have is actually ebook reader news: I found one I truly enjoy! Finally! Kindle Fire may not be only an ebook reader, but it is the tablet/reader that works for me in a variety of ways. I like the size, display and price, most definitely the price!

Yes, my ebook reading world is most happy this year :-)

An Apropos Naughty Thought for Monday

2011-12-26T06:30:00.002-05:00

Reposted from February 23 2009

Will you save more or less with a humping piggy bank?

Ho! Ho! Ho!

2011-12-25T06:30:00.000-05:00

christmas hunk pics on Sodahead

Merry Christmas to all and to all a well lit and colorful holiday!

Last Day of the Perfect Gift is a Book Event/Contest

2011-12-24T06:30:00.126-05:00

It's the day before Christmas and you have one last pressie to get and you're out of ideas - what do you get?

A BOOK or 3!

If I think someone would enjoy a particular book and it happens to be in a series, I'll make the first 3 or entire trilogy the gift. Off the top of my head, a few I've done this with are:

Stephanie Plum by Janet Evanovich
Dexter by David Lindsay
Millennium Trilogy by Steig Larsson
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Now, why do I mention series on the day before the big day when there's no time to go out and get any of these much less the first three?

EBOOKS!

That's the answer for today, actually, any day :-)

When you make the purchase, click the "gift" option and set the time and day you'd like them delivered to the persons device. Or, if there's a book/ebook coming soon that you know they'd love, you can purchase it before it's official release, print out a copy of the cover and wrap that up in a creative and fun way - and don't gorget to include the date to expect it so they know it's coming.

Speaking of coming...I know, so naughty :-)...I write erotic romances, remember?

Anyway, I was referring to the Branded series. Ride 'em is the first in the series and, last month the second, Konnichiwa Cowboy, was released and Giddy-up is coming soon, so here's your chance to get your hot cowboy fix.

Konnichiwa Cowboy by Tilly Greene
Branded Book 2
Contemporary/Light Western Erotica + D/s and Multicultural

One of Matt Wilson's earliest sexual fantasies growing up on a ranch in Montana came from his history books. His stroke material involved the mysterious women from far away who wore silky robes, had stark white faces, elaborate hair, and the sexiest painted lips he'd ever seen. He wanted a lady with that red mouth to satisfy his needs, not his hand. As he grew older and his sexual identity was established, Matt never forgot that original fantasy, but it changed to reflect how he wanted that same woman on her knees, eager to submit and serve his pleasure.

A business trip to Japan opens the door to his satisfying the long held fantasy, only there's a slight hiccup called Sakura Nakamura. Sakura is smart, funny and gorgeous, everything he wants in a woman, but can’t have, not if he wants to do business with her father. Unfortunately, he forgot to tell her that and everything changes after one night.

Is it a geisha or infatuated workmate who fulfills the visiting cowboy's fantasy?

Branded Series
Ride 'em
Konnichiwa Cowboy
Giddy-up - coming soon

Tilly Greene
Scorching romances full of twists, turns and ties.
www.tillygreene.com

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This is the last entry, so, REMEMBER to Comment and/or ask questions and you'll be entered into The Perfect Gift is a Book contest for a one of a kind prize. Unfortunately, this contest is open to US residents only.

A name will be pulled and announced on January 1st, so make sure your email addy is working and keep your eyes peeled - the prize is a bag from Italy filled with goodies picked up by me specifically for this contest whilst traveling through Amsterdam, NYC, San Francisco, Munich and England! Yes, it was great fun :-)

Tilly Greene and the Perfect Gift is a Book

2011-12-23T06:30:00.088-05:00

Art and fashion are two things that give me great pleasure, especially when the artist puts them together and produces pieces that are outside a traditional form. This year two books came out that explore this unique mixture and I think are perfect to inspire that creative person you know and need to get a gift for them.

Pulp Fashion by Isabelle de Borchgrave is an artist who took well-known older paintings by masters and brought the fashion to life in paper and Savage Beauty shows the fashion by the late Alexander McQueen that was considered art. Both of these are the books from shows that were recently in museums and do a wonderful job of putting the reader close to being there in front of the pieces.

It's all about embracing and celebrating an individuals imagination. By the way, I've dabbled in the reimagining a classic before. They are currently 5 stories in the Mythological Messes Redux series. I twist and turn Greek myths and characters until they have a more substantial storyline than ancient authors gave them. The latest is:

Tied Up For Love by Tilly Greene
Paranormal Erotic Romance + Bondage

2011 AAD Book Award in BDSM short story nominee

Filla is a nymph used to the raucous ways of a Dionysian festival and allows a handsome newcomer, Marsyas, to strip her down for a passionate interlude while tied to a tree. After time spent alone, together, she knows little about him beyond the physical. However, her feelings for him are growing until he brings her back for the next festival, and suddenly she's not sure of anything.

Love is found in the most unlikely places, but will it last?

Buy from All Romance and Amazon

Mythological Messes Redux Series
Hephaestus Lays Down the Law
Together Again?
Double Punch
Cyra's Cyclopes
Tied Up For Love

Tilly Greene
Scorching romances full of twists, turns and ties.
www.tillygreene.com

Facebook│Twitter│Hot Thoughts Blog│ARe Cafe

REMEMBER
Commenting and/or asking questions on an author or blogger’s blog for the day will enter you into The Perfect Gift is a Book contest for a one of a kind prize. Unfortunately, this contest is open to US residents only.