Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Wednesday's Words for December 30, 2009


We finally have a couple of inches of snow on the ground. I know this only because I looked out the window just a while ago. Since I do a lot of driving all year round, I’ve been taking advantage of my beloved’s vacation and leaving the car keys on the hall table. There’s no reason for me to go outside if I’m not going to be driving somewhere.

I’m content to just look, because it looks very cold out there.

The holiday season is beginning to wind down, which means my beloved and I can enjoy a few days of peace and quiet, just the two of us. If you had a crystal ball and could look in on us, you’d wonder what the big deal is, since I spend most of my time in my office and he is well settled in his recliner, watching television, in the room behind me.

We don’t have to occupy the same room, or the same mental space, even, to enjoy the quiet of our togetherness. As I write this, David is watching a comedy of some sort. I can’t hear the television as he is thoughtfully wearing his wireless headphones. I can only hear his chuckles.

It makes me smile.

In a while I’m going to go in there, sit in my chair, and ask for a foot rub. It’s been a hard day of doing up all the dishes from the night before (there were 8 of us) and trying to get my mind back to work on my latest novel.

I’m afraid my mind wants a little bit more time off.

One of the things I love about this time of year is there is always left over food in the fridge, so I don’t have to cook every night. Although I love cooking, I appreciate the time off. We have ham and turkey, veggies and seafood salad. I didn’t go overboard on the sweets; I made my mother’s steamed carrot pudding, and this year just one batch of cookies.

I never told you what I bought my beloved for Christmas, but now that he’s opened the gifts, I can do so.

First a bit of background. We used to love to go to special events in our area, most notably the Canadian National Exhibition held every August, and the Royal Winter Fair (both events are usually held at the same place, on the C.N.E. grounds on the Lakeshore in Toronto). Of course, in those days it was a matter of going and looking only at all the neat things various vendors had on display. There was never any money to buy the different things we’d see and inevitably wish we could have. We were content, for the most part, to admire the different items or, in case of some pieces of clothing, ‘try them on’, and dream of “someday”.

Well, we happen to have in our area a saddlery shop, which I planned to visit ever since I found it. I have wanted for the last couple of years to buy my beloved two items from that long ago “someday” list. For Christmas, I did so. I warned him before he opened the boxes that I had given him, not something he needed, but something he wanted (at least I hoped he still did).

I’m so glad he loved my gifts. He is very happy to finally be the proud owner of a genuine Stetson, (fashioned from buffalo fur) and a Western Duster coat. They look really good on him, too.

If you’re wondering, I can tell you that his main gift to me was spa time. I love pedicures – oh, I could go without the polish on the toe nails it’s the massage and the paraffin treatments I love.

I did receive an item of modern technology, and this from my second daughter. I am now in possession of a Bluetooth.

Here in Ontario, there is a new law forbidding operation of a cell phone while driving except using a hands free device. That is what this Bluetooth is (even though mine is pink). I’ve been wearing it here at my keyboard. It’s so comfortable I nearly forget I have it on. Sometimes I have had my headset on while chatting on the cell phone so my hands are free to type. This Bluetooth is way more comfortable and the sound much clearer.

I did get a few laughs when I admired myself in the mirror wearing this device. Yes, I know it’s supposed to be for when I’m driving. But I have to tell you, I feel all Star-Trekkie wearing it. And it does have one other benefit.

Wearing it, I can talk to myself and no one will look at me twice.

I hope you all have a wonderful New Year. We’re not going out. If you do, please keep safe!

Love,
Morgan
Feed the flames of your passion…with a novel by Morgan Ashbury
http://www.bookstrand.com/authors/morganashbury

Sunday, December 27, 2009

Angelic Forecast ~ #69

Volcano’s Angelic Forecast for the New Year, 2010

This is the beginning of the end. The Aquarian Age asserts its dominance in this year of 2010, this year of THREE in numerology. A new demand for freedom and for communities based on beneficial cooperation will take over what has been, the old business and lifestyle models that no longer work.
This demand for freedom will take on the characteristics of water, appearing like a giant tidal wave or becoming a flashflood that will crash and smash through anything in its way.
The gentler aspects of water will also reign. A sweet rain that cleanses the body and spirit remains as an energetic possibility for everyone throughout the year.
The time has come for all of us to quench the thirst that lives inside of us. We crave a world that works for everyone. Not in the form of an iron fist that dictates how we live, what we do and we how do it. But, a world where we all live by our own generous natures, by offering our loving hearts to each other... and by connecting more deeply with our spiritual selves.
It is time to live in harmony with each other by singing our own individual songs and by joining in with the overall song of the community.
In this year of THREE, all forms of communication are highlighted in your personal world and in the outer world.
Take advantage of this precious energy. Clear up misunderstandings and say those things your heart would say. Also, discover all those ways that assist you in communicating, whether it’s using technology or speaking your poetic soul on a sheet of decorative paper.
Look for mighty roars coming from the world stage, roars of sound that sweep like barreling storm winds across the globe.
Truth and justice arrive like mighty roars of the Tiger, seeking to prevail above the dark forces that will also roar and bluster and seek to rule over us all.
This year, laughter will often be the best medicine. Encourage your own inner comedian/comedienne to emerge fully, or simply come out of the closet. Any good humor will be highly appreciated. As will good times.
So, let the good times roll... “and roll up, roll up for the magical mystery tour, step right this way. Roll up, roll up for the mystery tour” ~ as the Beatles would say.
In this year of 2010, remember, you don’t need an invitation for a celebration.

Angelic blessings from Volcano & Sedona
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

WHEN A GOOD ANGEL FALLS

Where angels fear to tread, 2012 Earth ~
Is a stranger on a superspeed motorcycle her savior from the brutal endtimes?


Blurb: Winter Solstice, December 21, 2012 – The end of the Mayan Calendar
What happens when a world weary, worn out incarnated angel, Sedona, who believes she is merely human has three choices after her old van breaks down? ...more


~~~ NOW IN PRINT ~~~ a former #1 on Siren-BookStrand’s bestseller list ~

Author Discovery by Lindsay Townsend, BookStrand author of FLAVIA’S SECRET, A SECRET TREASURE, BLUE GOLD, BRONZE LIGHTNING, SILK AND STEEL and HOLIDAY IN BOLOGNA ~
http://sirenbookstrand.blogspot.com/2008/08/author-discovery-savanna-kougars-when.html ~

WHEN A GOOD ANGEL FALLS ~ adventure fantasy erotic romance ~ available from BookStrand ~
http://www.bookstrand.com/authors/savannakougar/wagaf.asp ~ http://www.bookstrand.com/ ~
~~~

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

~ MAY ALL YOUR READING DREAMS COME TRUE ~


Kisses from Savanna Kougar...

~ Run on the Wild Side of Romance ~

Siren-BookStrand Author of ~

All Shades of Blue Paradise
[World of the Blue Pearl Moon, Book 1]

When a Good Angel Falls ~ In Print
[Winter Solstice 2012, Book 1]

Murder by Hair Spray in Gardenia, New Atlantis ~ In Print
[New Atlantis Trilogy, Book 1]

Her Insatiable Dark Heroes ~ In Print
[Chrontropolis, Book 1]

Stallion of Ash and Flame ~ released September 24th, 2009 ~

'Bronze Lightning' wins an award

A bit more good news to end the year!

My Bronze Lightning has won the main prize in Red Roses for Authors Christmas Awards.

Lindsay
http://www.lindsaytownsend.net

Friday, December 25, 2009

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!


I've been fighting the bah humbug blues this week, and I talk about it on my blog, Tales From the Snark Side: http://leslirichardson.blogspot.com


But I also had a great Christmas present this morning!! "Safe Harbor," my latest Tymber Dalton release from Siren, received five Delightful Divas from Dark Diva Review's Autumn!


Ms. Dalton writes a heart wrenching and warming tale. The emotional ups and downs keep you reading, wanting to see where things are going.

I wish you all a safe and happy holiday season, regardless of how you celebrate it. May your day be full of peace, joy, love, family, and friends.

Lesli. (aka Tymber Dalton)

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Angelic Forecast ~ #68

Due to computer problems this blog was delayed...

CONTINUED FROM THE PREVIOUS WEEK...

Inner Earth Detour ~ Rudolph, here I come...

“I see his nose!”
In the distance a soft red glow forms a tiny halo. I watch as the red glow rises upwards and sails toward us, becoming ever larger and brighter.
Finally, I see the outline of a reindeer. He runs on the air as if he races over the tundra, a magnificent stag with antlers that branch handsomely.
All a-tingle, I feel as though I could float above the cloud.
“Go ahead,” the Heavenly One encourages.
I know what he means. Yet, it seems impossible, even in this land of the possible as I’ve never known it. Still, a leap of faith seems to be called for. After all, it is the time of the Winter Solstice.
“Three years from Winter Solstice 2012,” the Cherub solemnly intones, having read my mind, again.
“2012,” I repeat. “You and Sedona have already lived it.”
“We have. We are living it now.”
“Yes.” I lean forward, wanting to leap. Rudolph circles toward us, so majestic my breath catches.
Fly,” the Heavenly One says. “Fly the way you’ve always wanted to.”
My eyelids shut briefly. As I open them, I shove off, willing myself to soar toward Rudolph.
At first, it feels as if I fall... a fall from grace, I think. Yet, a whirl of stars surround me and I’m floating. I stretch as if I really am flying, and the stars spiral faster.
Rudolph nears me, such a splendid reindeer creature, it’s difficult to know he’s real. With a wink of one big beautiful brown eye, he offers me his back.
Hop on. We’ll celebrate the new arrival of light.
Joy lives as an incredible force inside me. I alight on his warm, thickly furred back.
You don’t mean merely the lengthening of daylight, do you?
The love and caring of this time, this time of celebration All that is Good, now lives in the world all year round as a New Light.
~~~~~~

For the following week, during this time of the Winter Solstice and Christmas, your internal light comes forth in a new way. It is a time to celebrate Who You Are as Light in this world. It is time to celebrate and give the light and love only you can bring to others in your own special and unique way.
For all of us are stars and we whirl around each other in a constant dance that inspires, that uplifts, that is the true gift. We are the true gifts of this holiday season.
Light candles if you desire, as a symbol to bring in the new light. And smile, make merry. Your light will shine upon everyone.

Angelic blessings from Volcano & Sedona
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


WHEN A GOOD ANGEL FALLS

Where angels fear to tread, 2012 Earth ~
Is a stranger on a superspeed motorcycle her savior from the brutal endtimes?

Blurb: Winter Solstice, December 21, 2012 – The end of the Mayan Calendar
What happens when a world weary, worn out incarnated angel, Sedona, who believes she is merely human has three choices after her old van breaks down? ...more


~~~ NOW IN PRINT ~~~ a former #1 on Siren-BookStrand’s bestseller list ~

Author Discovery by Lindsay Townsend, BookStrand author of FLAVIA’S SECRET, A SECRET TREASURE, BLUE GOLD, BRONZE LIGHTNING and SILK AND STEEL ~
http://sirenbookstrand.blogspot.com/2008/08/author-discovery-savanna-kougars-when.html ~

WHEN A GOOD ANGEL FALLS ~ adventure fantasy erotic romance ~ available from BookStrand ~
http://www.bookstrand.com/authors/savannakougar/wagaf.asp ~ http://www.bookstrand.com/ ~
~~~

HAVE A SPLENDID HOLIDAY SEASON!

~ MAY ALL YOUR READING DREAMS COME TRUE ~


Kisses from Savanna Kougar...

~ Run on the Wild Side of Romance ~

Siren-BookStrand Author of ~

All Shades of Blue Paradise
[World of the Blue Pearl Moon, Book 1]

When a Good Angel Falls ~ In Print
[Winter Solstice 2012, Book 1]

Murder by Hair Spray in Gardenia, New Atlantis ~ In Print
[New Atlantis Trilogy, Book 1]

Her Insatiable Dark Heroes ~ In Print
[Chrontropolis, Book 1]

Stallion of Ash and Flame ~ released September 24th, 2009 ~

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Wednesday's words for Descember 23, 2009






We’ve been blessed in that the feared long lay-off my beloved was facing has turned into a two week shut-down. This pleases Mr. Ashbury because—aside from the obvious—he does love to have that time off between Christmas and New Year’s Day, and generally books it as vacation time. And since it is only for two weeks, he remains steadfast in his belief that he is on vacation, and thus is exempt from house-husband status and duties.

I’m not sure where he got this idea. It’s partly my fault, I suppose. During the year, since I no longer work outside the home, the only ‘household’ duties he has are putting out the trash and recently, since our machines are in the basement, putting loads in the washer. He does admit, quite happily, that he’s spoiled. And for the most part I don’t mind spoiling him. But then come the days around Christmas when he is home. With me. All day. Every day. For two long, winter weeks.

We’re only in day 6 so far. Just 6 days. Time seems to be moving a lot more slowly just lately, don’t you think?

We’ve had some interesting comments regarding our Christmas Yucca. It may amaze you somewhat that not all of these comments have been positive – and here I’m talking family members, only. My daughter looked at the tree, then gave her father a narrow-eyed stare, muttering something about not being able to scrub hard enough to get the red off his neck. Our friends all think it’s a great innovation. I do, too. Less to clean up January 4, and no furniture had to be re-arranged in the process.

Our two youngest grandchildren, the ones who helped us decorate the Yucca, were a bit concerned that Santa would be confused, that with the absence of an evergreen (or facsimile thereof) he might not leave us any presents on Christmas Eve. I explained that Santa had been giving us a miss for a number of years now. I’m not sure if the expression on their faces was pity for our missing out on Christmas booty, or censure because we obviously didn’t make the “nice” list and hadn’t for some time.

Our shopping is done, and aside from a bit of baking, I’m reasonably ready for the holiday. I wonder what it is about my nature, that every year Christmas seems to find me generally unprepared and scrambling at the last minute? You’d think I’d learn that it happens every December 25th. Maybe it’s that finely honed denial instinct of mine. I tend not to think about things that aren’t on the immediate horizon.

I keep promising myself that one of these years, I’m going to start my Christmas shopping and planning in March. Never happens, but it’s a comfort to tell myself that when I’m sitting exhausted from yet another trip to the mall in the last couple of weeks in December.

You know, the mall wouldn’t be such a bad place to visit if only there weren’t so many people there. I like the lights and the music. It’s the crowds I loathe. I really am surprised that no one has yet given me a t-shirt with the warning “Does not play well with others” emblazoned upon it. I like people. I do! Just not in crowds.

We’re having my daughter and her son here for dinner Christmas day, then going to my brother’s for a Boxing Day (day after Christmas) brunch. On Sunday we’ll have a bigger crowd here as we entertain the rest of the family.There will be good times, good food, and a few toasts raised to absent loved-ones.

May your Christmas be filled with joy and laughter, and may the magic of the season fill your hearts and warm your hearths with love.

Love,
Morgan
https://www.bookstrand.com/user/277084

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

The romance of far-away places

Bologna from the Torre degli Asinelli (photo by Calca from Wikimedia Commons)Many writers I know write about their own local areas and places. I love to write about far-away places. The pull and lure of the unknown always intrigues me. So I either write about the past - a different kind of far-off place where manners, customs, fashions are all different - or I write about distant lands.

I love Yorkshire as a place to live. It's where most of my family are. I love the landscape and the people. Yet, in my writing, I find I am most excited by the glamour of the different. For me, the grass over the other side of the fence really is greener!

Having studied European history, I tend to be drawn to the lands of the classical Greeks and Romans. The light and dry heat of Greece always amazes me and the wild-flowers and ruins and the fiercely passionate people all inspire me. Italy is a country I love for its culture, food, mix of ancient and modern and sense of family. Both places to me seem ripe for romance and adventure: their men folk are often impossibly handsome and open and engaging. Very appealing!

I wrote about the Greek island of Rhodes in my sweet romance, A Secret Treasure and about Italy and especially Italian bread and sweets in my newly published Holiday in Bologna (out today from Bookstrand). This Christmas we are having panettone as a cake, probably with soft Italian cheese. Delicious!

Do you read stories set in far away places? What inspires you in your fiction?

Lindsay
 
http://www.lindsaytownsend.net

Monday, December 21, 2009

5 Headstones for Sexual Healing for Three!


“Gracie McKeever’s novel Sexual Healing for Three is a masterpiece. The novel is wonderfully written. The reader is captured right from the beginning. The excitement maintains until the very end. The author makes you feel the emotions these characters experience. There are so many concepts and emotions cleverly laced together throughout the story. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and look forward to reading more pieces from this author.” 5 Headstones, Hannah for Bitten by Books. To read the full review, visit: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=14601

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Your new Mudflat fortune cookie -



12/21-12/27 PLANS OUTRUN RESULTS IN THIS TIME SLOT, WITH EVERYBODY PUSHING. MONDAY THRU WEDNESDAY, THOUGHTS OVERWHELM, BUT THURSDAY HELPS GET PLANS BACK TO BASICS. THE WEEKEND IS WAY MORE GROUNDED, EVEN CALM?


Mudflat paranormal series
by EPPIE winning author
Phoebe Matthews

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Short EXCERPT of THREE TO PLAY

I'm in such a great mood. Holidays going well. The reviews are coming in for THREE TO PLAY, and I am thrilled with them. To celebrate, I thought I'd share a short (lite-R rating) excerpt for you. Hope you enjoy.

-KRIS-

5 DELIGHTFUL DIVAS: "Three to Play is one hot read from start to finish, and it will not disappoint!" -- Amy, Dark Diva Reviews
(FULL REVIEW)

5 STARS: "...putting this baby down isn't an option!" --Brande, BookJunkie
(FULL REVIEW)

5 BLUE RIBBONS "It is decadent, sensual, and hot enough to start a fire!" --Natalie, Romance Junkies
(To Be Posted Soon) (RJ's Website)


[Menage Amour 117: Erotic Contemporary Mnage a Trois Romance, M/M/F, May-December, BDSM]

EXCERPT:
Clint stared at her with rich brown eyes. He knelt down and cupped her shoulder. “Is that what you really want, Beth?”

God no! “It might be best.”

His voice turned stern, commanding. “That’s not an answer. What do you want?”

Dustin continued to caress her stomach. With each gentle circle, his hand got closer and closer to... “Please. Tell us, Beth.”

She could hardly take a breath for the excitement zipping through her. The kissing had melted her like butter. And now, these sexy men demanded an answer.

What did she really want? For things to go back to the safe, the familiar? Turn back the clock a month earlier, before they’d arrived?

Yes and no. She did want them. But at what cost? This would lead nowhere. Self-doubt crept inside her and took a seat.

Dustin kissed her neck, jolting her from her thoughts. “Don’t be afraid.”

“I’m not.” Beth lied.

“Beth,” Dustin cajoled. “It’s all right. Clint and I will give you everything you need.”

“I’m nervous.”

Clint sat down next to her, kissed her neck, then whispered in her ear, “A little nervousness will add to your pleasure.”

Her gut turned several somersaults.

“Beth, you have nothing to fear with us.” Dustin leaned in and kissed her again. First, like an exuberant guest, then like an owner. Heavenly. Amazing. No one had ever kissed her like that before.

With Clint’s lips nipping at her neck while Dustin continued to penetrate her mouth, she shivered with delight. She most certainly would’ve slipped off the sofa if they hadn’t held her.

Dustin paused, his green eyes boring into her. “Clint and I are going to push you to beg for more.”

“Bragging, are we?”



Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Wednesday's Words for December 16, 2009


The Ashburys have a tree in their living room!

Yes, I can hear you all now. “Hello, Morgan, it’s Christmas time, and a lot of people have trees in their living rooms.”

Well, yes they do. But this tree in our living room is not a pine or spruce, real or manufactured. It’s a Yucca.

We never planned to have a Yucca tree in our living room. Yes, that’s right, not only is it a Yucca, it’s an accidental Yucca.

Several years ago, our second daughter gave us this nice little plant, it stood six inches tall in a nice little pot. She gave it to us, and said, “It doesn’t require much water.”

And she chuckled.

Here is where I admit to you yet another failing. While I have been known to grow beautiful and richly lush vegetable gardens, while my outdoor flowers have been seen to thrive, I am, generally speaking, dangerous to house plants.

It’s only a vile rumor that houseplants being delivered to me have been heard screaming in abject terror. Not true. But this failing of mine is no secret within the family—and now not much of one outside of it, either. Even David James, my now fifteen year old grandson recalls the time he gave me a potted violet for Mother’s Day when he was five. He handed it to me, then pulled it back at the last moment and said, “Grandma, this is very important. You. Have. To. Water. It.”

I forget about the houseplants, I admit it. But this plant that our second daughter gave us sat on top of the television, and it was rather nice to look at, and because my beloved watches television each night, he adopted this plant as his own.

He has watered it faithfully, once a week. About three or four years ago, unbeknownst to me, he began to feed it Miracle Gro.

The plant grew, and needed a bigger pot – and then, months later, a bigger pot still. It went from its perch on the television to one on a table to...well, let me be honest. The pot it now occupies sits on the floor, measures 28 inches in diameter, is 18 inches high and is, I fear, perhaps a bit small for our behemoth.
The plant itself is actually a tree—maybe two trees as it has two trunks—and positioned as it is in front of one of our living room windows, takes the place of a curtain as it takes up the entire window. And beyond, in truth. This thing stretches to the valance above the window which is, I believe, at a height of 8 feet.

We recently acquired two new recliners; we brought the electric fireplace down from upstairs and put that in front of the window in my office, and then closed off the upstairs since no one lives up there now and heating that space doubles out gas bill.

Are you beginning to see our dilemma? We have a nice artificial Christmas tree, plenty of decorations but nowhere, whatsoever, to put them.

So the Ashburys have a tree in their living room. It is a Yucca tree. And last night, with the help of a couple of my grandchildren, it was transformed into the Christmas Yucca.

Love,
Morgan
Feed the flames of your passion…with a novel by Morgan Ashbury
http://www.bookstrand.com/authors/morganashbury

Monday, December 14, 2009

Angelic Forecast ~ #67

Inner Earth Detour ~

Our comfy cloud floats high above a misty and mystical landscape.
“Would you like to meet Rudolph?” the Heavenly One asks, his tone festive, if not downright joyous.
“Rudolph...” I hesitate. “Rudolph, the red-nosed reindeer?” Everything child-like in me jumps for joy at the thought of meeting one of my Christmas favorites, Rudolph.
“The one and only. He’s quite the stag now.”
“Rudolph lives here, in Inner Earth?”
Suddenly we fly through the air, zooming so fast everything appears like a silvery tunnel. As we slow, I see mountains in the distance that appear to be made of snow. I can’t resist, looking over the edge of the cloud. We sail above a tundra, the majestic craggy white formations shadowed by deep grays and blues.
In moments, we angle downward and I wonder... where is the bitter cold? The frigid wind sweep barreling around us?
“Global warming?” I ask, my tongue stuck deep in my cheek.
The Cherub laughs heartily. “The usual Arctic weather doesn’t apply here.”

TO BE CONTINUED NEXT WEEK...
~~~~~~

From a recent Kougar Kisses blog ~

Glorious evening, my Holiday hopping Big Cats, okay, the Kougar couldn’t resist... she thought of the Beatle’s Magical Mystery Tour... one of those pop-into-the-mind things... “line up for the mystery tour” sang in her kitten mind... well maows to expand on this idea... roar about being on a magical mystery tour this past year... if only the magic had been more ‘good witch’ magical as opposed to the ‘bad witch’ magical... as in referring to the Wizard of Oz, where obviously the man behind the curtain reigned supreme, no matter how many times the curtain was pulled back by Toto... revealing him to one and all... yep, poor little Toto... gamely grabbing the curtain to expose all... whilst the majority of people still seem intent on anything but the truth behind the curtain... though, with Pluto in a position to keep dredging up the truth and all those nasty secrets... well, here’s another look at one of Volcano’s recent Angelic Forecasts ~

Angelic Forecast ~ #63

The forthcoming week will bring new challenges. With Saturn squaring Pluto, it’s now time to look at the cages you’ve put yourself in, and the cages you’ve been put in by the Dark Forces. Freedom is likely to become an even bigger battle cry as folks realize how they’ve been trapped by those in power, the ones who care nothing for humanity.
On a personal level, it’s not only time to bring your deepest secrets up to the light and view them with your own luminous being, it’s also time to bring forth abilities that will empower you and your life. Powerful abilities you’ve been unaware of will now surface.

So, what does this mean? It may not be a Holly Jolly Holiday time. Those ‘family secrets’ may come rising up like octopus tentacles for some. Plus, folks are going to be restless, looking for ways to break free of their cages, personal or imposed by society and the ever-increasing forces of tyranny. Yep, that old pressure cooker could blow.
On the bright bulb side, a new sense of personal power can emerge, one that will benefit everyone in the family. And those cages that have been holding you back, well, the door is unlocked now. Come on out and live your highest expression, your highest passion.
Indeed, the magical mystery tour of life worked both ways this past year... and for the new year, 2010, the Kougaress has a sense that it will be even more, the YEAR OF THE MAGICAL MYSTERY TOUR.

~~~

Roll up, roll up for the magical mystery tour, step right this way.
Roll up, roll up for the mystery tour.
Roll up, roll up for the mystery tour.
Roll up (AND) THAT'S AN INVITATION, roll up for the mystery tour.
Roll up TO MAKE A RESERVATION, roll up for the mystery tour.
The magical mystery tour is waiting to take you away,
Waiting to take you away.

Roll up, roll up for the mystery tour.
Roll up, roll up for the mystery tour.
Roll up GOT EVERYTHING YOU NEED, roll up for the mystery tour.
Roll up SATISFACTION GUARANTEED, roll up for the mystery tour.
The magical mystery tour is hoping to take you away,
Hoping to take you away.

A mystery trip.

The magical mystery tour.
Roll up, roll up for the mystery tour.
Roll up, roll up for the mystery tour.
Roll up (AND) THAT'S AN INVITATION, roll up for the mystery tour.
Roll up TO MAKE A RESERVATION, roll up for the mystery tour.
The magical mystery tour is coming to take you away,
Coming to take you away.
The magical mystery tour is dying to take you away,
Dying to take you away, take you today.

~~~~~~

For the forthcoming week, immerse yourself in all things merry as the holiday season encourages. Wherever you can bring a happy spirit to others, do so. If another brings the Christmas spirit to you, accept their gift. And laugh.
The important thing about this week is not to fall into the huge holes of deception that will be offered. There are likely to be some around who will practice more deceit than usual. This reflects the world stage where deception is the name of this week’s game. Even the truth that is spoken will be used as a way to deceive and gain ground against those of us who truly care about others and our blessed world.
Speak truth wherever you can. If you can’t, ignore the words and ways of deceit. Simply smile, and go about making merry. Tis the season. And the reason.


Angelic blessings from Volcano & Sedona
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


WHEN A GOOD ANGEL FALLS

Where angels fear to tread, 2012 Earth ~
Is a stranger on a superspeed motorcycle her savior from the brutal endtimes?


Blurb: Winter Solstice, December 21, 2012 – The end of the Mayan Calendar
What happens when a world weary, worn out incarnated angel, Sedona, who believes she is merely human has three choices after her old van breaks down? ...more


~~~ NOW IN PRINT ~~~ a former #1 on Siren-BookStrand’s bestseller list ~

Author Discovery by Lindsay Townsend, BookStrand author of FLAVIA’S SECRET, A SECRET TREASURE, BLUE GOLD, BRONZE LIGHTNING and SILK AND STEEL ~
http://sirenbookstrand.blogspot.com/2008/08/author-discovery-savanna-kougars-when.html ~

WHEN A GOOD ANGEL FALLS ~ adventure fantasy erotic romance ~ available from BookStrand ~
http://www.bookstrand.com/authors/savannakougar/wagaf.asp ~ http://www.bookstrand.com/ ~
~~~

HAVE A SPLENDID HOLIDAY SEASON!

~ MAY ALL YOUR READING DREAMS COME TRUE ~


Kisses from Savanna Kougar...

~ Run on the Wild Side of Romance ~

Siren-BookStrand Author of ~

All Shades of Blue Paradise
[World of the Blue Pearl Moon, Book 1]

When a Good Angel Falls ~ In Print
[Winter Solstice 2012, Book 1]

Murder by Hair Spray in Gardenia, New Atlantis ~ In Print
[New Atlantis Trilogy, Book 1]

Her Insatiable Dark Heroes ~ In Print
[Chrontropolis, Book 1]

Stallion of Ash and Flame ~ released September 24th, 2009 ~

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Christmas traditions and kissing!



Jeez, when you think about it, it's kind of wierd. We put poisonous parasitic plants up on the cieling and then kiss people under it, but kisses are good, right? So why stop a good thing?

Kissing has been going on under the mistletoe for ages, but have you got in on the action? In theory it sounds like fun. Staking out the area under a plant and waiting for your future victims--ahem...crushes to lock lips with.

It's a nice placed to set up a romance, and that thought is how a story can be born. Inspiration can strike anywhere, and that is when I will begin to research the inspiration so it can work for my future stories. Where did the strange cultural custom come from?

The answer lies in ancient Scandinavia. There it was recognized as the plant of peace. If enemies met in a forest beneath it, they would make a truce to not fight until the next day. The tradition of kissing under the mistletoe began with the Norse myth of Baldur, who died and was then resurrected. Frigga his mother at the birth of her son, made all the plants in the forest promise that they would not harm him. Loki who was also the God of mischief noticed she forgot the mistletoe plant. He tricked another God into killing Baldur by fashioning a spear tipped with mistletoe. Since Baldur was a God of vegetation, his death brought Winter to the world. Eventually he was brought back to life and his mother decreed the mistletoe plant sacred, ordering it to bring love rather than death into the world. So even now when two people pass under the mistletoe they will kiss to celebrate Baldur's resurrection.

Have you ever kissed under the mistletoe? Not me, but I've always wanted to.

Lots of love,
Missy Lyons
www.missylyons.com
Siren author of Cowboys Don't Dance

Friday, December 11, 2009

Your new Mudflat fortune cookie -


From the Mudflat fortuneteller: 12/14-12/20 MONDAY AND TUESDAY START A GOOD WEEK TO SOCIALIZE AND CLOSE DEALS. WEDNESDAY BRINGS NEW BEGINNINGS AND A SOLID FOOTING. THE WEEKEND? THINK CAREFULLY TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR CHOICES.

Mudflat series by EPPIE Award-Winning author PHOEBE MATTHEWS

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Wednesday's Words for December 9, 2009


I try to keep a good attitude about winter, I really do. The same could be said of Christmas. I love Christmas, the hope and the message of it. Not the commercialism, not the pressure to spend money. Jesus is the reason for the season. But some folks don’t get that. So I’m thinking of trying to start a new movement. I’ll call it Christmas: spend time, not money.

Winter is that six month period in Southern Ontario, Canada, from October the first to March the 31st. Now the powers that be would have us believe that winter is in fact only three months long, and is also, in fact, of equal duration as are the other alleged three seasons—spring, summer, and fall.

Good attitude notwithstanding, I know better. The cold usually arrives in the first week of October. Some people think they are fooling the rest of us when they proclaim the weather “crisp”, instead of “cold”. I’ve been told recently that when dealing with those who are seriously deluded, it’s best not to challenge the delusion. Enough said about “crisp”.

I understand and accept there are people whose livelihood depends on the snow falling each year. Not just those whose businesses revolve around winter, but the guy down the street who puts that snow plow on the front of his pickup truck in early October, with the hopes of making a few extra dollars for his family. I especially understand that farmers count on a good snow fall to help them in the spring, to make the ground richly moist so that their plantings prosper. I’m all for that.

I believe it is indicative of a good attitude that I accept these things, and the necessity for a winter season (although they seem to do well enough without it in Florida, but I digress). I don’t believe that I am obliged in any way, shape, or form, to like it.

I have always felt this way, although I have in the past proven myself more than capable of ignoring my distaste for the season. One year when my kids were small and we lived out in the country on a rather large piece of land that to this day I regret selling, I made them a skating rink. This making necessitated me going outside each afternoon for several weeks (I was not working at the time) and using my garden hose that was really quite long, to coat the designated area with a fine spray of water. I then of course had to bring that hose indoors, which meant rolling it slowly to ensure the water left in it dribbled on the ground and not on my floors.
When they would use the rink after school and on weekends, I often had to repair the ice by mixing up a “sludge” of snow and water to fill in the chips and cracks. Then of course, I would spray it again and again.

We still had a chunk of that ice in the field in May of that year.

I also, when the children were smaller, enjoyed that part of winter wherein the father of the brood would take all three of them tobogganing for an entire two hours, thus blessing me with that rare gift of quiet time. I did my part. When they came home, all rosy cheeks and runny noses, I would have hot cocoa waiting for them.

I suppose you’re wondering about the reason for this rant this far into the winter season. Well, it’s really quite simple. The weather has finally caught up with the calendar.

Until last weekend, the temperatures were mild enough that my winter coat could be left on the peg in favor of a heavy sweater, and my boots, though dusted off and ready, stood idly waiting.

But now it’s cold. And I awoke to snow on the ground. And I have therefore been reminded that I really, really don’t like winter.
Only sixteen weeks until spring.

Love,
Morgan
Gifts Galore and a Stellar Cast!
Christmas with Morgan Ashbury and Friends
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VyygFyEPqkI

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Love, Always, Promise

LOVE, ALWAYS, PROMISE

Wolf Creek Pack 5

Coming December 9th

Ethan Brown finds his mate, Jace Dominick, at the local bar. They go back to Ethan's place to cement their mating. The next day, Jace is missing. Ethan is beside himself, and when he finally finds Jace, the man swears his name is JD and he doesn't know Ethan.

Six weeks later, Jace is back. He's ready to have Ethan for his mate. Jace and Ethan try to make a go of things but that's hard to do when their insecurities get in the way. Jace feels guilty about what he did to Ethan and treats him like glass. Ethan thinks Jace is there out of guilt and he's afraid to ask for more. But when danger comes, can they overcome their personal issues to save each other?


Love, Always, Promise Story Excerpt

He'd found his mate, and been thoroughly claimed by him. Ethan's life would never be the same again. It would always be entwined with Jace's. Trying to suppress the giggle forming in his throat, Ethan rolled over to face his mate.
"Jace?" he called out when he found the bed empty. Where was his mate? Ethan rolled from the bed and ran to the bathroom, then the rest of the apartment. It was empty. There was no sign of Jace, not even any sign that he had been here.
Nothing said that Jace had ever been here except the ache in his ass and the slight sting in his neck. For a moment, Ethan wondered if he had dreamed it all. Did he want a mate so badly that he had imagined him?
The bite mark in his neck said no, but the empty apartment said maybe. Tears starting to form in his eyes, Ethan quickly pulled on his clothes. He ran to the living room to leave a note for Jace, just in case he came back, then left the apartment and headed back towards the bar where he had found him.
As he walked, a hundred different scenarios went through his head. Had Jace left the apartment and been hurt? What if he was lying in some ditch somewhere with no one to help him? What if he had gotten lost?
Maybe he left for another reason. Ethan knew how much he had enjoyed Jace's love making but maybe Jace hadn't felt the same. Ethan was horribly embarrassed that he had passed out before Jace had come. He wondered if Jace had even climaxed? Maybe that was the problem?
Maybe Jace had left him because he was horrible in bed. Ethan wasn't sure he would ever have an answer, especially if he couldn't find him. As he neared the bar, his eyes darted left and right, down every alleyway and into every passing car. He had to find his mate.
"Hey, Ethan, didn't expect to see you back here tonight," Tommy Nash, the bartender said as he saw Ethan walk in. "I thought you'd be occupied all night long with that handsome hunk you left with."
"Hey, Tommy, that man I left with, Jace? Have you seen him back in here?"
"Lose him already did you?" Tommy laughed.
"Please, Tommy, have you seen him?" Ethan asked as he gripped the wooden edge of the bar counter.
"No, man, sorry. I haven't seen him since you two left together," Tommy replied seriously, shaking his head.
Ethan nodded. "If he comes back in here, call me, okay?"
"Yeah, sure, Ethan."
Ethan waved then walked out. Where else could he check? Okay, maybe he should start with the hospitals. Jace could have been hurt or something, although, Ethan truly hoped that was not the case. He would just die if anything happened to his new mate.
It took Ethan less than ten minutes to get to the local hospital. Wolf Creek was not a large town. If you lived in-town, you could pretty much walked everywhere in a matter of minutes, which helped Ethan a lot, as he didn't own a car.
"Excuse me, ma'am, I need to know if a man has been brought into the emergency room," Ethan said to the older gray haired nurse behind the counter of the emergency room. "He's about six foot three, chestnut brown hair, green eyes. His name is Jace?"
The nurse shook her head as she looked at Ethan. "I'm sorry, young man, no ones been brought into the emergency room at all tonight."
Ethan let out a slow breath. Well, that was one worry off his mind. Unless Chase was hurt somewhere and hadn't been found. "Can I leave my number with you in case he comes in? He's new in town and I'm afraid he's been hurt or something."
The nurse gazed at Ethan for a moment. "Is he your mate?"
Ethan nodded, thankful that the woman knew about shifters. He knew she was human because of the way she smelled but she must have some close to her that was a werewolf. Their secret wasn't shared with everyone.
"Yes, we just found each other tonight. I fell asleep and when I woke up, he was gone. I'm worried that he got hurt or something, or maybe he got lost trying to find his way back to my apartment."
The nurse nodded, smiling over at Ethan as she handed him a piece of paper and a pen. "Congratulations. I remember what it was like when my sister found her mate. I don't think she let him get out of her sight for nearly a week."
Ethan quickly wrote his phone number down, then Jace's description before handing the paper back to the nurse. "I can't tell you how much I appreciate this."
"You just bring your young man back here to meet me when you find him. That will be thanks enough."
"Promise," Ethan replied with a smile.
As he turned away, the nurse stopped him. "Oh, hey, have you tried contacting Sheriff Joe? He might be able to keep an eye out for your young man, especially if he's lost. He's one of you, too. He'd understand."
Ethan turned back, shaking his head. "No, I didn't think of that, but thanks. I'll stop by and talk to Joe as soon as I check my apartment again."
"Good luck, Ethan," the nurse said as he turned and hurried out of the emergency room. Ethan gave her a little wave and headed back to his apartment. Okay, so Jace wasn't at the hospital or the bar. Where else could he be?
Ethan tried to look everywhere as he hurried back to his apartment. He didn't want to miss seeing Jace. He could be anywhere. Reaching his apartment, Ethan hurried up the stairs and ran into his apartment.
It was still empty. There was no sign that anyone had been here since he left. Ethan's shoulders slumped and tears filled his eyes. Where was he? Where was Jace? Why wasn't he here where he was supposed to be?
Ethan grabbed a small backpack and filled it with a couple of granola bars and some bottle water, a small blanket and an emergency kit. He grabbed his jacket and the backpack and made his way back out the door. He'd spend all night looking for Jace if he had to.



Stormy Glenn...Fanning Flames of Erotic Romance

Monday, December 7, 2009

Release Day! - "Safe Harbor"


I'm so excited! My latest Tymber Dalton book, "Safe Harbor," is now officially available at Siren-BookStrand! And it's already up to #16 on the 14-day bestseller list!


[Menage Amour 119: Erotic Ménage a Trois Romance, M/M/F, Contemporary, BDSM, Public Exhibition]

Clarisse seeks refuge from her abusive ex-boyfriend on the Dilly Dally, her uncle's old fishing trawler in Tarpon Springs, Florida. She doesn't expect to find Mac and Sully, the Dilly's sexy new owners, on board making love.

They're at first startled by her appearance, then outraged by the injuries her ex inflicted. They insist she stay with them, and with nowhere else to go, Clarisse agrees.

Both men find themselves falling for Clarisse, but she can't bring herself to completely trust Sully, a former cop, like her ex. She's shocked to discover the men aren't just lovers either, but full-time Master and slave in a BDSM relationship. As she learns more about their history and lifestyle, she uncovers her own hidden desires. When danger from her past returns, can Sully and Mac provide Clarisse a Safe Harbor?

---

"Safe Harbor" is a hot, steamy book that will warm you up even on the coldest nights! :) Don't forget to stop by my website for excerpts from my other books as well as a free read!


My other Siren-BookStrand releases as Tymber Dalton (such as my "Love Slave for Two" and "Triple Trouble" series) can be found at:


And you can find my other available Siren-BookStrand releases (such as "Cross Country Chaos") writing as Lesli Richardson:


And I'm on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/madmumbler

Thanks!
Lesli. (aka Tymber)

Angelic Forecast ~ #66

Volcano’s Angelic Forecast for Christmas 2009

Angelic Forecast ~

For this Christmas season, or this holiday season of 2009, your opportunity is to raise your love frequencies. What does this mean? Currently everything is in expansion. In the age of Aquarius it’s all about more love, more freedom and more true community with each other.
Now is the time to expand beyond your past boundaries. Now is the time to *love* bigger and better than ever before. Your heart is expanding with all the angelic vibrations being bestowed upon the Earth and her people.
Specifically, look for ways to act more loving, especially to all your loved ones, pets included. And, be open to receiving more love from others. Be gracious, smile and accept their loving regard. This will mean more to them than any other gift they could receive from you.
You’ll notice, more and more, a yearning to know and understand your own heart as it expands with love energies. If you focus on these sweet and powerful energies, it will connect you to others in new and exciting ways. That is the real magic of Christmas and the holiday season this year.
~~~~~~

The following week is one of highs and lows. Celebrate the holidays and the ‘highs’ however and whenever you can. And smile, a lot.
To enhance the highs in your personal life pay attention to those you love more than you ever have. Not only will you be rewarded by their expression of love for you, you will notice more of their precious soul. Also, you will discover new dimensions to your loved ones that have either escaped you in the past, or they have now brought forth in themselves.
This is a time, and a week, for discovery. While you focus on those you love, also look for new facets of yourself. These ‘facets’ are emerging, more and more in this arrival of the Aquarian Age.
Plus, purple is the color for this week. Every shade and tint of purple. Wherever purple is, there is a divine loving message for you. Simply allow the message to be present in your thoughts.

Angelic blessings from Volcano & Sedona
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


WHEN A GOOD ANGEL FALLS

Where angels fear to tread, 2012 Earth ~
Is a stranger on a superspeed motorcycle her savior from the brutal endtimes?


Blurb: Winter Solstice, December 21, 2012 – The end of the Mayan Calendar
What happens when a world weary, worn out incarnated angel, Sedona, who believes she is merely human has three choices after her old van breaks down? ...more


~~~ NOW IN PRINT ~~~ a former #1 on Siren-BookStrand’s bestseller list ~

Author Discovery by Lindsay Townsend, BookStrand author of FLAVIA’S SECRET, A SECRET TREASURE, BLUE GOLD, BRONZE LIGHTNING and SILK AND STEEL ~
http://sirenbookstrand.blogspot.com/2008/08/author-discovery-savanna-kougars-when.html ~

WHEN A GOOD ANGEL FALLS ~ adventure fantasy erotic romance ~ available from BookStrand ~
http://www.bookstrand.com/authors/savannakougar/wagaf.asp ~ http://www.bookstrand.com/ ~
~~~

HAVE A SPLENDID HOLIDAY SEASON!

~ MAY ALL YOUR READING DREAMS COME TRUE ~


Kisses from Savanna Kougar...

~ Run on the Wild Side of Romance ~

Siren-BookStrand Author of ~

All Shades of Blue Paradise
[World of the Blue Pearl Moon, Book 1]

When a Good Angel Falls ~ In Print
[Winter Solstice 2012, Book 1]

Murder by Hair Spray in Gardenia, New Atlantis ~ In Print
[New Atlantis Trilogy, Book 1]

Her Insatiable Dark Heroes ~ In Print
[Chrontropolis, Book 1]

Stallion of Ash and Flame ~ released September 24th, 2009 ~

~~~~~~

Saturday, December 5, 2009

Straight from Mudflat -

2010 EPPIE finalist

From the Prediction page: GREAT WEEKEND FOR NOISY ENTERTAINMENT. And I saw a great performance of White Christmas on stage, complete with lots of gorgeous and noisy songs, dances, etc. at Seattle's 5th Ave theater which has a new bright sign that is a copy of the original from 50 years ago! Very large noisy crowd in the streets to enjoy the lighting ceremony. Great way to get in the mood for the holidays.

For this week’s fortune cookie, check the Predictions page at Phoebe’s place.

Cover for 'Holiday in Bologna'

I've just had the cover for Holiday in Bologna, my sweet romance novella coming from Bookstrand in the spring.

I suggested a garden, and just look at all those roses! Thanks, Jinger!

Lindsay
http://www.lindsaytownsend.net

Friday, December 4, 2009

The Holidays came early for me!


I'm so excited! Today is the release of my second book, Believing Is Trusting! I've always enjoyed reading about the Greek gods and the mythology behind them. Imagining how they might act in our time period is what inspired these stories. I work in the wine industry so I have a paticular fondness for Bacchus. What a better challenge for him would be a single mom living a quiet life?

Hazel Cooke is a single mom, leading a quiet life working as a librarian. She doesn't think she'll ever find the right man, but then she meets Bacchus Krastos. Bach is gorgeous, charismatic and makes her feel like a true goddess. He's an ideal lover, but she worries their relationship won't be anything more.

Bach, Olympus' original party animal, has fallen hard for the shy librarian. He wants Hazel for a lifetime, but first he has to convince her that not only is he a god, but she can help him stop the Titans from wiping out the universe. She'll need to accompany him to a Bacchanalia, a sexual ritual in which Orpheus Dark, a powerful god and Bach's longtime friend, will endow Bach with his power with Hazel's help.

Will Hazel agree to join Bach and Orpheus at the Bacchanalia for a world of love and intense passion like she's never experienced before?


EXCERPT

Don't forget to sign up for my newsletter and be automatically entered into my draws. http://www.corinnedavies.com/contest.html

Thursday, December 3, 2009

EXCERPT - THREE TO PLAY


By: Kris Cook
Categories: EROTIC Romance Menage a Trois/Quatre May-December
Word Count: 37,014
Heat Level: SEXTREME

[Menage Amour 117: Erotic Contemporary Ménage a Trois Romance, M/M/F, May-December, BDSM]

EXCERPT / ADULT: R

Beth still buzzed from the uninhibited sex she’d enjoyed with Clint and Dustin. The afterglow took her to a dreamy state that she resisted leaving.

Where Clint had been demanding, Dustin had been adventurous. They’d shared her, been inside her. The night had been off-the-charts. Though they were different in their lovemaking styles, each reached her in ways she’d never felt before, and she wanted to explore that more.


Dustin’s body pressed against the full length of her back, arm wrapped around her waist. Though his slow breathing let her know he still slept, his hand seemed awake, gently massaging her breast, causing her body to charge up again.


Beth heard the door to her bathroom shut. Her gut tightened, evaporating her remaining dreaminess.


She opened her eyes. No Clint. A minute later, she heard the shower start.

Her heart pounded hard and fast. Had she made a mistake? Would they think she’d taken them to bed only to protect her job?

Shit. Wasn’t the proverbial morning after a bitch?


That wasn’t the reason. But why did she agree to have sex with them? Though multiple opportunities for bed partners had come to her since her divorce three years ago, she’d only had sex twice since then. Had she been so pent up that when Clint and Dustin offered to fuck her, she jumped at the chance?


She’d wanted them from the very first day, no matter that they would likely push her off the show. Something about their masculinity and self-assuredness called to her. Dustin’s innuendos heated her to a boil. And Clint? Something lived underneath all that willpower, something commanding she could respond to. But he hadn’t unleashed it yet. Why, she wasn’t sure, but his sudden rush to the shower just confused her more.


Beth tried to peel Dustin’s arm around her waist off without waking him. His breathing changed.


“Are you trying to get away?” Dustin growled and nipped at her neck.


Her ache came back with fervor.


“No. Should we wait for Clint?”


“Why? He’s the one who left.” His lips touched her ear, and he whispered, “Plus, he takes very long showers.”

His hands drifted to her nipples. He tweaked them lightly with his fingers.


“Beth, we’ll have time with him again.




Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Wednesday's Words for December 2, 2009


It just seems this year that Christmas is starting earlier than ever before. I think it might be a sign, on the part of the retailers, of desperation. I guess I really can’t blame them. They’re just trying to do what we’re all trying to do – make a living.

It’s going to be another tough Christmas for a lot of people. The Ashburys are not exempt from that, either. Commencing in two weeks, Mr. Ashbury will enjoy a month off work – his first “lay off” in nearly 30 years.

I’m glad we no longer have to worry about feeding kids or giving them a big Christmas. Years ago, when they were small, this happened a couple of times—unexpected sort time just before the holidays. I can recall simply sitting down and crying one time. We weren’t especially good with our money back then, which meant we didn’t exactly save up through the year for Christmas. More often than not we’d fall behind in December because we used bill money to get things for the kids.

Of course, our kids only remember full and happy Christmases. We always managed to do a good job of giving them a feast and lots of gifts, even if it meant we scrambled to get things done afterward. Likewise, we rarely had a New Years Eve out. All the money was for the little ones and really, that was ok with us.

This year is very different than those past times. For one, though we weren’t exactly prepared for this lay off, we have resources to draw on we didn’t have in the past. As well, our mortgage is done, so there’s one thing we don’t have to worry about. And unlike the times of our youth, we are content with less, so staying home reading or watching television is just fine by us.

We’d already decided that everyone was once more going to get gift cards from us for Christmas, as we really don’t know what everyone’s tastes are (some of our grandchildren are teenagers, and their tastes can change almost hourly). That money has already been budgeted. Oh, and I already got Mr. Ashbury’s gift. It’s even wrapped and in hiding, and he has no idea what it is!

I believe my beloved is actually looking forward to having some time off work, even if it is without pay. He should be able to collect some unemployment benefits, enough to cover the basics. I’m beyond fretting about such things anyway. I’ve learned to be content in good times and in lean times just the same, because they really are interchangeable. And as I am very fond of saying, nothing comes to stay; it comes to pass.

I know that I won’t be particularly sorry to not get up at 430 in the morning for the hour and fifteen minute round trip drive, and then another in the afternoon, for a whole month. I especially dislike driving in the winter, when roads can be icy and the “other driver” completely unpredictable. I’ll consider that aspect of this impending lay off to be a blessing.

My daughter has told her father that since he will be home doing nothing while I, on the other hand, will still be working, he should be in charge of domestic duties. That he should clean house and do laundry and cook dinner.

The last is really not a good idea, and ranks in likelihood of happening right up there with pigs flying.

I’m an old fashioned wife anyway; this means that while I would appreciate a bit of a hand – maybe he could vacuum or put on a few loads of laundry (since the machines are in the basement and stairs are really hard for me yet), for the most part, I will be happy to do as I have always done.

Mr. Ashbury has already said there are things around the house – minor repairs and a major cleaning out of the upstairs area where “the others” resided for so long—that he is looking forward to doing. And cheekiness aside, he did get my daughter’s point and acknowledged that I will still be hard at work and not at his beck and call.

I appreciate that acknowledgement. But if he forgets, I’ll simply tell him to go outside and play.

Love,
Morgan
Gifts Galore and a Stellar Cast!
Christmas with Morgan Ashbury and Friends
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VyygFyEPqkI

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Release Day for The Return by Jan Bowles

The Return Available Now

A Contemporary Romance by Jan Bowles


Heat Level - Steamy
Word Count - 50469

Find out how to buy here

The Return - a powerful story of emotional turmoil, love and
forgiveness.
Blurb:

Whilst on assignment in Iraq, English TV presenter and
journalist Robert Tremayne is captured by the Islamic Jihad, and held hostage.
His soul mate, Marielle, can barely come to terms with her loss. When she's told
he'll never return home, she's devastated, but tries to move on with her life.

Two years later Robert is discovered alive. Marielle is
overjoyed. But hasn't her life changed considerably in the intervening years?
Robert is not the man she used to know. His time in Iraq has
left him cold and detached. There is much to tell. They each want desperately to
return to the way things once were. Can they find a way to recapture their lost
love and be happy together again?
I have made a short video to go with The Return. It conveys
the turbulent and emotional time the couple face on their road to love once
more. Complete with a haunting soundtrack.
For more information on this roller-coaster of emotion CLICK HERE

Music supplied by http://www.freeplaymusic.com/