It’s amazing how quickly life returns to normal, isn’t it? Everyone’s back at work or school now, most of the television series have returned to new episodes, and politics is the word of the day on the Sunday morning talking heads.
I have to confess I don’t follow American politics as closely as I used to. Heck, I don’t follow Canadian politics, either. Maybe my inner curmudgeon is not only no longer inner but aggressively outspoken. It just seems to me that everyone can talk the talk, but no one can walk the walk.
I’d much rather read a book—or write one. Or spend time with the newest members of my family.
I don’t know if I mentioned it, but my daughter got herself a new pet a few months ago—not another cat, surprisingly, but a dog.
Well, it’s advertised as being a dog, but I call it a puppy-cat. It’s a Chihuahua, and her name is Bella.
She got the puppy when it was just 9 weeks old. Because of the breed, and because we live in Ontario, Canada, of course the dog needs to have a wardrobe.
She has sweaters, and coats. My daughter tried to get it to wear little booties, but frankly, that just wasn’t happening. In October, Bella had a Halloween costume. Yes, she went around dressed up to look like a green caterpillar.
My daughter is devoted to this animal, and the dog adores her right back. That’s probably the major difference between the two major species of domestic pets.
Dogs—even ones who come disguised as puppy cats—tend to be more affectionate toward and more dependent upon humans than cats are. I’ve always said the major difference is that dogs have masters, while cats have staff.
One good thing about my daughter having a puppy is, she won’t let it wander free the way the cats have, so I won’t soon get a new boarder here. The down side of that is, there have been a few times over the last couple of months when my husband and I have been asked to “puppy sit”.
When she asks, I always tell her to ask her father. My position is logical. I was the one who did all the child care and housekeeping while holding an outside job. Any grandchild entertaining—be it a human, feline or canine grandchild—is up to him.
He sometimes grumbles, but then I look and see he has the puppy-cat on his lap, sound asleep.
The only problem my daughter had with the new family member is that her puppy tended to demand all of her attention—very much like a little child. On her days off, she found it difficult to get anything done as Bella wanted to play all the time.
I thought the solution to this would come with time and patience and training. My daughter, however, had another idea. She decided that what the puppy really needed was a baby sister.
If Bella, by virtue of her size is a puppy-cat, then Ivy, the new Chihuahua most definitely qualifies as a puppy-rat. Don’t worry, my daughter takes very good care of them both, and Bella seems delighted to have a baby sister. Jenny laughs, of course, at the names I have given the two canines.
As you might imagine, when it comes to my daughter, the apple didn’t fall far from the tree. I have been given a new title in the family, too.
Apparently, I am now Grandma-puppy.
For anyone who’s interested, I’ve posted a picture of Bella the puppy-cat on my blog. The address is below.
Love,
Morgan
JUST 2 MORE DAYS!!! AVAILABLE FRIDAY JANUARY 13TH
LOVE UNDER TWO NAVY SEALS http://www.bookstrand.com/morgan-ashbury
http://wednesdayswordsbymorgan.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Wednesday's Words for January 11, 2012
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
The Snow Bride. Lindsay Townsend. New Excerpt
Excerpt.
Elfrida stopped, struck again by the strangeness of the place. No birds sang here, no animals lingered, and the sun cast misshapen shadows. She flinched, a picture forming in her mind of a small wooden watchtower with a single blue door. The wings and bones of ravens were pinned to the timbers of the tower.
"Things are very wrong here, very amiss." She seized her own strongest amulet for protection and tore it over her head. "Please, wear this for me."
He submitted as she slung it quickly around his neck but then was off again, striding forward. He crested part of the hillside and instantly dropped to his hands and knees, motioning to her to do the same.
"Look." He pointed to the wooden watchtower on the hilltop, surrounded by oak trees and mistletoe. "That was once a hunting tower for our Norman lords, I warrant, and with a blue door besides." He chuckled, his eyes and face alight with victory. "And there she goes, our washerwoman." Speaking, he gathered himself to leap forward and snatch the laundress before or as she reached the tower.
"Magnus! What do we do with her?"
"Why fret?" He waved off her question, seeming amazed by it. "You worry overmuch. We must get on, finish here, and get back. Even those Denzil guard lads will get suspicious in time, so we cannot linger."
"But can you not feel it?" She had felt this expectant, tense, terrible sense once before, in the woods close to her home, on the night Magnus had snatched her. "Something is very close, coming fast." Something terrible.
"All the better!" he bawled. Before she could stop him, he launched himself and rushed over the hilltop in a flurry of limbs, legs, and a lethal, sparkling-edged knife. The gray bundle he had jammed into the crook of his other arm, hefting it as if it was a missile.
Trying to keep pace, Elfrida received a face and mouthful of snow. "Dangerous!" she cried, unable to reach him to slow him down even a little.
"Ha!"
"Please—" Even as her sense of wrongness trickled a chill of ice down the length of her spine, Elfrida found herself speaking to empty air. Magnus was charging ahead, lunging into the unknown, impossible to stop.
Yelling, Elfrida chased after him.
More details here:
http://www.bookstrand.com/the-snow-bride
Best wishes, Lindsay Townsend
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Angelic Forecast ~ #175
"Mmm," he rumbles in that great lion way of his. "My Sh’raka, we were considered to be un-destined lovers. And before you ask, our genetics were considered to be incompatible, as in becoming forever mates."
"Forever mates," I whisper. Tingles race up and down my spine, sparkly feeling tingles.
When a wildness enters me, I offer my lips to his.
Our kiss rivals any such passion viewed on a movie screen, and I sing inside with sheer romantic fierceness. That's the only way I'm able to describe it.
In the midst of our lips parting from each other, I feel a familiar angelic vibe.
"The Heavenly One," I whisper as I look upward.
Volcano floats above our feast table, a gentle smile lighting his features. Wonder fills me, yet so does concern. Has he arrived to return me to Earth after all? I trembled inside at that thought.
"A report, oh grand one?" Dhuroth inquires, then straightens his posture so he views the Cherub more easily.
"Yes, a report, Mars Lion Man. I must speak quickly. The Angelic Realm, our Temporal Division, is closing down the frequencies allowing for dimensional travel to Earth and Mars. There has been a breach by inter-dimensional dark force entities. The breach must be repaired."
"Between Mars and Earth, the stargates?" Dhuroth asks, his tone ferociously serious.
"They must remain open. The soulless ones on Earth will attempt to use the stargates to advance their evil regime."
"Ah, so, I understand your warning." Dhuroth nods regally, and the Heavenly One vanishes fast.
TO BE CONTINUED...
~~~~~~
ANGELIC FORECAST ~
Watch for the 'revolutionary visionaries' this week. They will make a strong appearance via the alternative media. THOSE who cherish freedom are on the rise, and an upcoming force to be reckoned with. This is worldwide.
On a personal level, you may notice the need for freedom wells up inside you, and concerns several areas of your life. Also, the people you know who are least likely to have concerned themselves with the vigilance required to keep a free society, may suddenly be ignited with the idea of 'let freedom ring'. This is partly because it is now their time to AWAKEN.
The following week begins a new dynamic on Earth. This is a spiritual counterbalance to the smoke-and-mirror tactics of the soulless ones. As it currently exits in the realm of the what has been called the Akashic Records, the great fountain of TRUTH will be bubbling up, surfacing in ways that reveal the true herstory/history of humanity.
Sad for many on our beloved planet, evil becomes a sledgehammer this week. This will play out in several ways, some of them on the world stage, and some unseen and therefore unreported. This will 'also' involve the catastrophic foreclosure situation brought about, on purpose, by the bankster gangsters of Wall Street fame.
With the drums of war being beat to raise the dead or get the attention of the zombified, know that *currently* this is a bait and switch trick of the military industrial complex. While war is still on the main menu of 'those' who despise humanity, the pieces on their chess board have changed. This is because a new enemy has risen with a greater weapons' capability.
Space, both celestial events and exploration ventures taking place in outer space, will continue to be a major focus of many during the year, 2012. All the lies that have been told to the public about the nature of the solar system and our galaxy, will begin to unravel at a rapid rate. At the same time, UFO activity will only increase.
As the so-called mainstream media continues to shoot its credibility in the foot each and everyday, those who have resisted the AWAKENING will now come onboard, albeit many will do so reluctantly -- growling and grumbling like bears disturbed during their winter hibernation.
At this time, firearms will come under fierce attack by *those on the dark side* who want to disarm the innocent. There are terrible scenarios, already arranged, that are designed to enrage the populace and make weapons look like the problem. This will be an ongoing 'psy-ops' as it's called.
In regards to daily life, this week and the next three weeks will be an opportune time to start new projects, the ones you've been putting off, but really want to accomplish. Go for it!
Trendwise, It's a Wild and Wooly Year Ahead! The year 2012 is a FIVE year in numerology. Look for drama, non-stop action, adventure, periods of chaos, and lots of parties. Yes, it's time to keep the party hat on and get your groove on this year. For some of us that will be rediscovering Disco. FIVE is also the year of the detective. That means more people will be ferreting out the truth, and looking behind the scenes.
Remember music is a balm to the soul. Music also ignites your deepest passions. It is the universal language of the Aquarian Age. Speak, or sing, it to your loved ones.
Angelic blessings from Volcano & Sedona
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Warning!!! The global elite [New World Order] does not want *you* to read this book. See ~ Powerful Dreams at my Kougar Kisses blog.
WHEN A GOOD ANGEL FALLS
~~~ Where angels fear to tread, 2012 Earth ~~~
World weary and worn out, the incarnated angel, Sedona, who believes she is merely human, has three choices after her old van breaks down.
Let the Nazerazzi squad of the North American Union capture her and force her into a FEMA concentration camp.
Walk out into the Arizona night desert, let the wildlife have a good meal with the hope her death will be quick.
Or does she dare trust the mysterious stranger suddenly before her?
Handsome as sin and all in black, he emerges out of the darkness.
Sedona wonders if the stranger on a superspeed motorcycle is her savior from the brutal endtimes.
Or, is he a roving cult member of the New World Order, hunting his next blood sacrifice?
***
It’s only a few days before Winter Solstice, December 21, 2012 ~ The end of the Mayan Calendar.
Sent from heaven to help Sedona save humanity, Zerr Dann knows the Divine is playing its last card on Earth.
He also knows Sedona is about to find out Christmas miracles still exist.
[Angelic Fantasy Erotic Romance]
~~~~~~
~~~ EBOOK & IN PRINT ~~~ a former #1 on Siren-BookStrand’s bestseller list
Author Discovery by BookStrand author, Lindsay Townsend ~
~~~
~ HAVE A MAGICKAL NEW YEAR ~
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 ~ In Print
Branded by the Texans ~ IN PRINT ~ A Siren-BookStrand Bestseller!
[Three Star Republic]
Kandy Apple and Her Hellhounds ~ What happens when two of Hades’ most mission-accomplished Hellhounds find just the right witch for Halloween? ~ Ebook and In Print.
Santa Baby, Several Stars Away ~ Now available at BOOKSTRAND in ebook format.
Thursday, January 5, 2012
'The Snow Bride' - two lovely reviews!
Read Chapter One
Read Reviews:
The Celtic Rose
Ms. Townsend's tale of these two lonely people joining forces to track him to his lair is non-stop, rich and lyrical. Her voice is distinctive, her writing style a delight, and the ending is both satisfying and promising in that a sequel would be possible. 4 Celtic Roses.
Sizzling Hot Book Reviews
The Snow Bride is and entertaining medieval love story, one of my favorite kinds. I enjoyed that Magnus is willing to woo Elfrida by treating her as an equal, no matter how hard it is for him to do. They have their ups and downs as they learn each other, leading to confusion and doubt on occasion. Both are well rounded, sometimes stubborn and proud characters, and willing to give and take to work together to rescue Elfrida’s sister. I enjoyed the glimpses of life at a noble’s castle, the look at the peasant’s and villages life styles. The banter between Magnus and Elfrida was entertaining, as was the growing love between The Snow Bride and Magnus. 4 Hearts.
Buy the ebook:
Bookstrand
Lindsay Townsend
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Wednesday's Words for January 4, 2012
Here we all are, full of good food, good drink, and too many sweets. We love the holiday season, but we also love to return to our regular routines.
At least, I do.
I’m not at all ashamed to admit that I am a creature of habit, one who quite happily entrenches herself in the minutiae of day-to-day living.
I function best when I have a schedule, when I know what I’m supposed to be doing on any given day, at any given time.
I have a good friend who says I should be more spontaneous. My response is always, “I’ll put it on my schedule.”
My beloved returned to work yesterday after taking his traditional week off between Christmas and New Years. Here is where I hang my head in shame and admit to all and sundry that I’m really glad he’s back at work.
Because, you see, while he had the week off from doing anything, I only had the week off from driving him to work. No small thing, I loved having my sleep uninterrupted for 11 straight days. I appreciated that, I really did.
But otherwise those eleven days didn’t feel like any kind of vacation time to me. I find it very difficult to stick to a one-person-in-the-house-routine when there’s someone else there with me.
He came home from work yesterday exhausted, of course. I’d warned him he would. At our ages bad habits form in about an eighth of the time good ones do; his body had gotten used to spending the day in the comfort of his lounge chair—or stretched out on the sofa—or in bed having a nap—and it therefore complained bitterly about going back to work.
There’s something to be said about being a body in motion that stays in motion. Whereas he was whipped by yesterday’s return to routine, I was energized (well, except for the driving part).
Did you make any New Year’s resolutions? I didn’t. I don’t believe in setting myself up for failure. This year, I simply took some time to think ahead to the kind of year I want to have. Just as each evening my prayer is for me to be just a bit better the next day in each area of my life from the day before, so I hope this New Year is just a bit better than the one just passed.
For me, better no longer has anything to do with finances. I’ve lived long enough that I understand good times come, and they go...but they usually come around again. My beloved says the economy is cyclical, down in years ending in an 8 and up in years ending in a 2.
No, better for me means that I do better. As a writer, it means that my words are clearer, more evocative, more creative; as a wife that I am more attuned to the moods and needs of my husband, more patient and less demanding; as a mother that I pay attention to the very fine line between helping and enabling, and am freer with kind words and hugs; as a granny, that I make sure the freezer is always full of popsicles and ice cream, and the cupboards overflow with cookies and that I listen and again am freer with kind words and hugs.
I can’t change anyone but me. So rather than focus on how I am treated by others, I instead choose to focus on how I behave, myself.
Because, you see, I have learned that it’s only my attitudes and my efforts that directly fill my ‘happiness’ tank.
Love,
Morgan
http://wednesdayswordsbymorgan.blogspot.com/
Available January 13th the next episode in the Lusty, Texas Saga
Love Under Two Navy SEALs
http://www.bookstrand.com/cara-covington
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Happy New Year, and news!
At least I'm finally getting back into the swing of writing. My newest release, "Contractual Obligation," came out yesterday and is already on Siren's bestseller list (# 17 as of right now). And I submitted the prequel to my Triple Trouble series, "Fire and Ice," and it was accepted (tentative April release for now). Woot! It will pick up exactly where "Steam" leaves off and covers the time gap between "Steam" and "Trouble Comes in Three." I also have three other releases coming soon in early 2012 from Siren, the first two books in my Brimstone vampire series (revised and expanded), and a shape-shifter collection called "Doggy Tales 1" (yes, more in the works for that series, too).
For those of you who didn't know, I also have four releases with Siren under different names: Lesli Richardson, Macy Largo, and Tessa Monroe. You can find all those books also linked on my Tymber Dalton Siren-BookStrand page at:
http://www.bookstrand.com/tymber-dalton
What am I working on now? Books 4-6 in my Triple Trouble series, the next two books in my Love Slave for Two series, and more. If you want to be stay tuned for the latest information, make sure to join my newsletter group (announcement only), my Facebook page, Twitter feed, Google +, and you can subscribe to get email updates to my blog, too. :)
http://tymberdalton.com
http://twitter.com/madmumbler
http://facebook.com/tymberdalton
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TymberDalton_updates/
https://plus.google.com/118382222849341409443/
I just wanted to add one more note, that I really appreciate all of you, my readers, for your support and patience with me. The notes you've sent me have been wonderful and really helped my mood. I also want to publicly say how much I appreciate Siren-BookStrand as my publisher. They truly are a great company to write for, and if you are a newbie writer, don't hesitate to submit to them. They have been so supportive over the past year, understanding with my personal issues, and I can't begin to express the depths of my appreciation to them.
Here's to hoping that 2012 is a fantastic year for us all!
((HUG))
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Angelic Forecast for the New Year, 2012 & Weekly Forecast #174
With a naughty gleam in his eyes, Dhuroth dips his finger in the magical concoction and presents me with his thickly covered forefinger. I give him a naughty teasing look of my own, then leisurely wrap my mouth around his finger.
I fully savor the goodness of the pineapple dish as I languidly use my mouth and tongue to suck it off.
"Food always tastes superior this way." His tone is a low sexy roar.
"You taste superior this way," I say once I've relished and swallowed the lovely food. My gaze feels as if it sears into his.
"My turn," he velvety growls.
I burn. Not just burn, no, I smolder with passion as I dip my finger in the creamy concoction.
Feeling scorched inside, I offer my finger to Dhuroth. His gaze, hot and bold with his passion, stays on mine while he gradually parts his lips. He engulfs my forefinger, and sensually slides his mouth. Then, his tongue slowly swirls, and I melt with the force of my growing desire.
"My lion man," I murmur.
Once he has fed from my finger, his tongue tip touches my fingerpad. He licks several times, the sensation scratchy and downright sexy. "Talk about knowing how to seduce me," I croon softly.
"How do you think I convinced you to be mine so long ago?" His purring tone is a seductive and teasing.
"Do you mean to say, I didn't chase you down, or use my feminine allure to encourage your pursuit?"
My words as I speak them seem so natural to me. Yet, I cannot conceive that I could say them to a man on Earth. Not in the current-day culture, anyway.
"Mmm," he rumbles in that great lion way of his. "My Sh’raka, we were considered to be un-destined lovers. And before you ask, our genetics were considered to be incompatible, as in becoming forever mates."
"Forever mates," I whisper. Tingles race up and down my spine, sparkly feeling tingles.
When a wildness enters me, I offer my lips to his.
TO BE CONTINUED...
~~~~~~
ANGELIC FORECAST ~
The Rise of the New Renaissance ~ From this point forward in the year 2012, those who value their humanity will bring forth every manner of artistic and creative endeavor. For these people it will become about the art of living life. They will use technology, and the rapid advancements, as their servant.
Instead of becoming addicted and enslaved as the soulless ones intend, the renaissance renegades will become the rulers of Aquarian Age technologies. This will be in direct opposition to the cyborg lifestyle, which will be advertised as the only savior of humankind.
This week, and the next several weeks, will see major changes in the world economy on several fronts. Also, as more of humanity realizes that many banks are no longer good caretakers of their money, they will pursue other ways of doing business. At this time, there is an underground economy now taking 'good' root. However, it will only be accessible by those in the community who are trusted.
This year, as the sword of TRUTH becomes swifter and heavier, more horrendous acts of corruption and treason will be revealed. As well, those who perpetrate evil against others will be exposed as never before. Thus, those of us who walk the Good path will become more and more valued, and sought after. This will be a slow process, however.
At the year's midpoint, those who are both warrior and the peacemaker will ascend as a major force on the world scene. For, now is the time to harmonize the ability to fight with the ability to bring about peace. Remember, there can be no peace without true warriors, and a true warrior cannot exist unless there is a peaceful society to defend.
On a personal level this week, focus on economic matters, and take action where wisdom and common sense dictate. Take inventory and decide what is most needed and required for your household. Since the price of food is likely to rise rapidly in the coming months -- also to prepare for winter storms and the storms of life, lay in good supplies.
2012 will be the Year of the Sun. That is, solar activity will be wild and varied and also extremely intense at times. This will result in quickly changing weather patterns that develop into superstorms. The whip-lashing force of the sun will also trigger major land changes
Trendwise, because superstorms in weather, in the economy, and in society will be occurring, any service or product that helps humanity will be in demand.
Remember, All Beloved Ones, this is also the Year of Miracles, the most extraordinary and enchanting miracles. All of them just for you, and your loved ones.
Angelic blessings from Volcano & Sedona
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Warning!!! The global elite [New World Order] does not want *you* to read this book. See ~ Powerful Dreams at my Kougar Kisses blog.
WHEN A GOOD ANGEL FALLS
~~~ Where angels fear to tread, 2012 Earth ~~~
World weary and worn out, the incarnated angel, Sedona, who believes she is merely human, has three choices after her old van breaks down.
Let the Nazerazzi squad of the North American Union capture her and force her into a FEMA concentration camp.
Walk out into the Arizona night desert, let the wildlife have a good meal with the hope her death will be quick.
Or does she dare trust the mysterious stranger suddenly before her?
Handsome as sin and all in black, he emerges out of the darkness.
Sedona wonders if the stranger on a superspeed motorcycle is her savior from the brutal endtimes.
Or, is he a roving cult member of the New World Order, hunting his next blood sacrifice?
***
It’s only a few days before Winter Solstice, December 21, 2012 ~ The end of the Mayan Calendar.
Sent from heaven to help Sedona save humanity, Zerr Dann knows the Divine is playing its last card on Earth.
He also knows Sedona is about to find out Christmas miracles still exist.
[Angelic Fantasy Erotic Romance]
~~~~~~
~~~ EBOOK & IN PRINT ~~~ a former #1 on Siren-BookStrand’s bestseller list
Author Discovery by BookStrand author, Lindsay Townsend.
~~~
~ HAVE A MAGICKAL NEW YEAR ~
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 ~ In Print
Branded by the Texans ~ IN PRINT ~ A Siren-BookStrand Bestseller!
[Three Star Republic]
Kandy Apple and Her Hellhounds ~ ~ What happens when two of Hades’ most mission-accomplished Hellhounds find just the right witch for Halloween? ~ Ebook and In Print.
Santa Baby, Several Stars Away ~ Now available at BOOKSTRAND in ebook format.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Happy New Years from Missy Lyons
Happy New Year's everyone!
It's time to end the year 2011, whether we are ready or not--and I am ready!! I am finding myself looking back over the year and evaluating what I did well and what didn't work. I think 2011 kicked my butt and then turned around and did it again. My husband lost his eye this year and my babygirl underwent a her first surgery. My priorities changed and I began to deal with what was most important to me--family. I stopped writing for the first half of the year and then took it up again in Summer and Fall and I think my word count for the year ended up being around 80,000 words. Not bad for putting my writing on a back burner. It's been quite a ride. Now I can't wait for this year to end so I can take the reins back to my life and get this horse and pony show started. lol In 2012 I already have two releases scheduled and plans to use my time more wisely. I have a few friends that have already written down a list of the books they plan to write. Me? I'm not so organized, but I will be writing and my sequel to the Stud Service Series is at the top of the list. What are your plans for the New Year? Lots of love to you all and I hope all your hopes and dreams come true for 2012! Happy New Years! Missy Lyons www.missylyons.com Tonight I plan to break out the bubbly and celebrate until I can't party anymore and then I'll be sleeping it off tomorrow just like this guy. lol Enjoy your New Year's y'all!
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Wednesday's Words for December 28, 2011
Ah, the New Year! It’s a time when everything can be new again.
The countdown to 2012 has begun. Everywhere you look there are those entertaining end-of-year lists. Didn’t someone come out with a list of the 10 best and the 10 worst lists of the year?
I think if they haven’t, they really should.
It is poignant as the year draws to a close to take some time to look back on the last twelve months. A lot has happened in the world this year, some of it awe-inspiring, and some of it heartbreaking.
There’s so much news available to us now, and so many news entities competing for advertising dollars and audiences, that we can feel constantly battered by that ‘breaking news’ intro music the media outlets like to play.
Do you remember when you might go more than a couple of months without once hearing that on your television? And if you did hear it, then something really important had occurred. You might be in the kitchen, busy doing dishes or making dinner. That music would play and you’d rush into the living room, to find what had happened.
Over the last couple of decades there’s been so much media hype over incidents of every level of import that I believe we’ve become seriously desensitized to the entire concept of ‘breaking’ news.
Do you take a few moments at year’s end to contemplate the events in your own life over the past twelve months? I don’t as a rule, at least not formally. Of course, I can’t always stop my thoughts from wandering back. Sometimes my mind wants to just dance again to the music, and sometimes it needs to scan the battlefield just one more time in hopes of finding just one more memento left behind to cling to.
Despite my propensity for list making in other areas of my life, I don’t make end of year lists. Maybe I should. Perhaps it would serve me well to recall my 10 best moments, and my 10 worst. I’m not sure how honest I could be in this exercise, however. I still tend to push away that which is unpleasant while trying to focus instead on the positive.
Maybe it would be more to the point if I simply took some time to set 5 personal goals for the coming year. Sure, 10 would be more ambitious, but I personally feel that 5 is a more manageable number for me.
One thing I do need to do is set a few goals that have nothing to do with my career. Writing is my passion, of course. But there’s a very real danger that I can let it consume me. I don’t want to miss any special moments in my life, or the lives of my family, because I was too centered on finding just the right word or, hell, even just the next word.
I have long range goals, of course. I do tend to call them dreams, even though they generally are eminently achievable.
I believe that no matter how old you are, you have to have a dream, something that you’re working toward. You need to have a purpose, a reason to get up each morning.
I know the year ahead will have a few notable milestones for me. I have just this month signed my 25th contract with Siren-Bookstrand, and that book, under my other penname of Cara Covington, will be out, likely in the spring; and in July of this year, my beloved and I will celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary. [And they said it wouldn’t last!]
One more milestone has to do with Wednesday’s Words. I’m going to be posting my essay in only a couple of Yahoo loops come the New Year. I’m blessed and honoured to have my humble words hosted by others as well: writer, editor, TV host and speaker Cynthia MacGregor hosts my essay as “Morgan’s Column” in her EZine, “ EZine Does It” which can be found here: http://oaboa.pair.com/cynthiam/cynthia2011/index.html; and author Brenda Williamson hosts me as a guest blogger on her blog, “An Eclectic Author” at http://aneclecticauthor.blogspot.com/ .
My essay will continue to appear on the Siren-Bookstrand Blog, and of course, on my own blog, Wednesday’s Words by Morgan Ashbury. The link for that is below.
I wish you all a very happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year. May 2012 be the best year, ever!
Love,
Morgan
http://www.bookstrand.com/morgan-ashbury
http://wednesdayswordsbymorgan.blogspot.com/
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Warm up your New Year - 'The Snow Bride' is out today!
Elfrida, spirited, caring and beautiful, is also alone. She is the witch of the woods and no man dares to ask for her hand in marriage until a beast comes stalking brides and steals away her sister. Desperate, the lovely Elfrida offers herself as a sacrifice, as bridal bait, and she is seized by a man with fearful scars. Is he the beast?
In the depths of a frozen midwinter, in the heart of the woodland, Sir Magnus, battle-hardened knight of the Crusades, searches ceaselessly for three missing brides, pitting his wits and weapons against a nameless stalker of the snowy forest. Disfigured and hideously scarred, Magnus has finished with love, he thinks, until he rescues a fourth 'bride', the beautiful, red-haired Elfrida, whose innocent touch ignites in him a fierce passion that satisfies his deepest yearnings and darkest desires.
Now out at Bookstrand Publishing 2011
15% discount until January 3! Order here.
Read Chapter One
Here is another new excerpt to tempt you:
She smiled, and he could see her smile. “Magnus.” She stroked his hair. In this kind semi-dark, oily blackness, he could feel whole again, and then, as she skimmed herself on top of him, he recognized that she made him whole. They could be in bright summer sun in an Eastern pleasure garden and he would feel needed, handsome, desired.
She truly wanted him, he thought in wonder, as she undid his tunic and fumbled with his belt, whispering, “Let me, let me, you are so big, my lovely troll...”
She kissed him on his mouth, jaw, chin, throat, and chest, light, swift embraces that poured heat and honey into him. Her hands trailed up his arms and legs, down his flanks and across his belly.
She was shy and bold together. “Do I do right?” she whispered, and he nodded and caressed her in return, delighting in her sleek, lithe shape, though all too soon, she lifted his hand away.
“Do I do right?” she asked again. “Only, I have not, not...” she paused as if seeking words, and he understood at once.
His bold, shy, loving little witch was a virgin.
And she chose me.
The brutish part of him wanted to holler her name to the rafters and make her his at once, but Elfrida needed more than that, far more. Her first time, he thought tenderly, shaken out of any doubts of her wanting him by her own brave, sweet admission.
“Never fret, my sweet, we shall do well together.” He slowed his caresses, wanting her to delight in them and to take only pleasure, never pain or fear, from their union.
“You are too sweet in your favors,” she breathed as he touched her. “You make me forget and stop—Magnus!”
She shuddered above him as he lightly tongued her breasts, her head falling back as she surrendered to the moment.
His desire was strong, but he told himself to forget it. He knew Denzil was out there in the hall, prying and spying, even if he had a girl of his own, but told himself to forget that, too.
Love Elfrida as she deserves to be loved.
Feeling took the place of thought. He gathered his witch-lass close and turned her to her side, shielding her from greedy eyes with his own rough body.
He nuzzled her breasts and settled her in the crook of his arm, running his fingers slowly down the smooth links of her spine. He heard her swallow and felt about for his flagon, offering it to her.
She gulped a draft and spluttered thanks in her own dialect, her voice strangled into a gasp as he dripped the mead onto her nipples and tenderly licked it off her. She raked at her clothes and his, endearingly clumsy in her need, slipping her hands into the revealed gaps in his tunic and braies to touch and caress him. By the single torchlight he saw her eyes, wide with looking—she could not see enough of him. And she kissed his arms and legs, once even his peg leg, and flicked her hair teasingly across his loins, too diffident to caress him intimately, without invitation.
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Angelic Forecast ~ #173
I do as my lion man says, and the intermingling scents remind me of an essential oil mixture... anise, cinnamon, ginger, clove. "Is that coconut?" I ask hopefully.
"Only similar to coconut... but taste." Dhuroth dips out a bite with his finger and offers it as if this is the custom between us.
I wonder if it was, once upon an ancient time.
"Yes," he answers, reading my mind. "Taste with the tip of your tongue first, as you did then, my Sh’raka."
There is tenderness, eagerness and smoky lust in his voice. Ever so slowly, I move, then extend my tongue, pressing the point against his fingerpad.
I am amazed at how potent the flavors are, and take the tiny taste inside my mouth. Exotic spices, pineapple and a creaminess similar to coconut milk dissolve then explode...and I am floating in food heaven.
Immediately, Dhuroth offers me the rest, and I slip my mouth over his finger sucking off the fabulous deliciousness. And... not to mention, the bold feel of my lion's man finger is arousal itself.
With a naughty gleam in his eyes, Dhuroth dips his finger in the magical concoction and presents me with his thickly covered forefinger. I give him a naughty teasing look of my own, then leisurely wrap my mouth around his finger.
I fully savor the goodness of the pineapple dish as I languidly use my mouth and tongue to suck it off.
"Food always tastes superior this way." His tone is a low sexy roar.
"You taste superior this way," I say once I've relished and swallowed the lovely food. My gaze feels as if it sears into his.
"My turn," he velvety growls.
TO BE CONTINUED...
~~~~~~
ANGELIC FORECAST ~
Let the Year of Miracles and Mayhem Begin ~ From Winter Solstice 2011 to Winter Solstice 2012, divine miracles and mass mayhem will occur across the globe on a larger scale than ever before.
The following week will be a mini foreshadowing of not only what will likely occur on the world stage, but also a foreshadowing of the upcoming year for you personally. This knowledge is powerful, and gives you the opportunity to plan, and make a course change if necessary.
Many in the year 2012 will be making course changes in their lives from small to a major shift in direction on a greater scale than has occurred for the last fifty years. Also, starting this week, there will be a population shift away from metropolitan areas. This will only increase in the following months for several reasons. However, the Land is calling people to return.
During this week, you will receive blessings from unexpected sources. Be grateful regardless of how they show up, or from where, or from whom. For, they have been sent by the Divine. And they are gifts to you.
This week it is important to take inventory of your relationships. Who in your family, and which of your friends, truly believes in you? Knowing this will be absolutely crucial as life unfolds in the new year. As well, you will know where to devote your emotional energy, and the love of your heart.
As was said last week, now is the *time of the human heart*. While this Heart Awakening surges worldwide, the soulless ones plan for all-out war. Their unconscionable manipulations toward bringing humanity into this dark and unnecessary time of war will continue at a dizzying pace. It should be known, 'they' will use any and all of their psychopathic cunning and their ill-gotten fortunes to bring more conflict about, while blaming others who are blameless.
Only a real stand for freedom by humanity, and for all that is Good, will halt the dark side from enslaving us all with war. Only resistance will stop the completion of their tyranny.
The continued downfall of the economy has been created for this purpose, as well. For, the evil ones plan to use their octopus-tentacle economy to keep everyone down -- to keep all of us begging for solutions.
Once again, the dynamic forces of the coming week are complex, and there will be several twists and turns, all of them manufactured for public consumption. However, as more and more people 'see' behind the curtain, there will be huge backlash after huge backlash, as was spoken about in the previous forecast.
Trendwise, this week is about reflection. Even though, there will be the usual preparations for the New Year and for celebrating, the real underlying force will be taking a serious look at what has been. This is extremely important for soul growth, and to move into a brighter future.
Another trend is 'make your soul rich with romance and relationships'. As money 'very' gradually becomes less and less important in our culture, and loses its grip on much of humanity during the Aquarian Age, the richness of human experience will be in your relationships, and in how you romance your life -- how you romance others and those you love.
Take time to rejoice. Take time to be prepared. For, the magic, mystery and mayhem of 2012 is nigh.
Angelic blessings from Volcano & Sedona
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Warning!!! The global elite [New World Order] does not want *you* to read this book. See ~ Powerful Dreams at my Kougar Kisses blog.
WHEN A GOOD ANGEL FALLS
~~~ Where angels fear to tread, 2012 Earth ~~~
World weary and worn out, the incarnated angel, Sedona, who believes she is merely human, has three choices after her old van breaks down.
Let the Nazerazzi squad of the North American Union capture her and force her into a FEMA concentration camp.
Walk out into the Arizona night desert, let the wildlife have a good meal with the hope her death will be quick.
Or does she dare trust the mysterious stranger suddenly before her?
Handsome as sin and all in black, he emerges out of the darkness.
Sedona wonders if the stranger on a superspeed motorcycle is her savior from the brutal endtimes.
Or, is he a roving cult member of the New World Order, hunting his next blood sacrifice?
***
It’s only a few days before Winter Solstice, December 21, 2012 ~ The end of the Mayan Calendar.
Sent from heaven to help Sedona save humanity, Zerr Dann knows the Divine is playing its last card on Earth.
He also knows Sedona is about to find out Christmas miracles still exist.
[Angelic Fantasy Erotic Romance]
~~~~~~
~~~ EBOOK & IN PRINT ~~~ a former #1 on Siren-BookStrand’s bestseller list
Author Discovery by BookStrand author, Lindsay Townsend.
~~~
~ HAVE A MAGICKAL NEW YEAR ~
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 ~ In Print
Branded by the Texans ~ IN PRINT ~ A Siren-BookStrand Bestseller!
[Three Star Republic]
Kandy Apple and Her Hellhounds ~ What happens when two of Hades’ most mission-accomplished Hellhounds find just the right witch for Halloween? ~ Ebook and In Print.
Santa Baby, Several Stars Away ~ Now available at BOOKSTRAND in ebook format.
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Wednesday's Words for December 21, 2011
This time of year can be the brightest of times, or the darkest of times, depending mostly on the people in our lives, and how we choose to see things.
For those lucky enough to be surrounded by family and friends, Christmas and Hanukkah can be filled with love and laughter, fun and food. Yes, it’s a hassle going shopping at the mall, or trying to find the best roast or turkey at the supermarket. A good parking spot can be difficult to find, and sometimes one has to deal with others whose patience has deserted them. When we’re running low on that commodity ourselves, it doesn’t take much for us to lose it.
But generally, with all the rushing around and money spent, nerves frayed and the air around us sometimes turning blue, in the end we decide it’s all been worth it. When we’re in the midst of the celebrations, surrounded by the warmth of loved ones, when we share fellowship, we know that these are the moments that build memories and the ones that led up to them, those noisy, bothersome hassles, are nothing in comparison, and soon forgotten.
But for those who are alone or lonely, those who are dealing with very lean finances, and those who are grieving the loss of loved ones, this time of year can be excruciatingly painful. For those whose hearts have been shattered, whose souls have been battered, it’s hard to be surrounded by the joyousness of the season, when songs and scents remind us of happier days, and those lost to us forever.
I think that life is like an empty vessel that is filled with a varying combination circumstance and attitude. Things happen beyond our control and it is left to us to deal with those occurrences, however we can, for better or for worse.
Traditions help, I think. Yes, they can be reminders of what has been lost, but they can also bring us closer, for just a moment, to those now gone, both people and times. Whatever our traditions may be, whether it is the sharing a particular meal, or the lighting a particular candle, an orange in the toe of a stocking, or a certain movie watched on television, in those moments, what was and what is are joined in the spirit of that tradition. Past and present become one, a chain unbroken reaching through the generations.
In our household we observed various small traditions, some that I enjoyed as a child, and some that my beloved cherished in his youth. These we passed on to our children, who in turn have passed them on to theirs.
There is comfort to be found in family traditions. We need these touchstones, even more as the world around us becomes increasingly hectic. As I get older, the world does seem to move faster. It’s harder to keep up. How wonderful, then, that some things don’t change.
This isn’t, of course, only a Christian truth. I think it’s a human truth. I think that no matter one’s faith, there is a need within us to have something we can look to, to hang on to, that is permanent, and in its own way, sacred.
Life may be spanned by decades, but it is lived a moment at a time. Memories are made in these special moments; memories are precious, and memories last.
I wish everyone every good thing during this Holiday Season. May you have peace and joy, love and laughter. Whether you’re celebrating Christmas, or Hanukkah, or Kwanzaa, I hope the traditions you create and the ones you perpetuate bring you happiness and joy.
One of my family’s favorite traditions is a steamed pudding that my mother made each Christmas, and that I now make as well. If you’re interested, you can find the recipe on my Wednesday’s Words blog, url below. What makes this pudding special is that the only fat it in comes from 1/3 of a cup of milk!
Love,
Morgan
http://www.bookstrand.com/morgan-ashbury
http://wednesdayswordsbymorgan.blogspot.com/
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Angelic Forecast ~ #172
Yet, an instant later apprehensiveness steals inside me. And, strangely, I also feel 'new' inside. My past melts away.
Closer...closer, our mouths come... and I want him to initiate our kiss.
His lips capture mine, a soft possession. Still, I am moved by the sheer power emanating from him... a power that I know is mine because he would protect me with no thought for himself. It's all there in his kiss. His kiss cherishing and taking mine.
Softer than I could have imagined it, Dhuroth brushes my mouth with his, then parts our lips. As he gradually lifts his head our gazes merge, and there is an indistinguishable feeling at first... then a connection between our souls that seems like it's lasted forever.
"Dhuroth," I breathe out.
"My woman." My lion man's finger strokes the length of my arm, sensual, loving... and somehow it feels like a lovely eroticism. "We have centuries to make up for," he purrs, low and deep-throated.
"You feel so real... yet all of this is so surreal," I say.
"Yes, it would seem so." With a sudden grin, he leans away from me. "I have a dish you will like, I am certain."
"What is it?" I ask in a teasing manner. Never have I felt safer. I also realize I feel free to be myself... almost.
"Pineapple Mars Style is one ingredient."
"Mmmm, I love pineapple."
With his languid powerful grace, Dhuroth reaches for an oddly shaped dish. The bowl is hexagonal yet deep in the center. Setting the dish between us, he lifts the lid. Sweet tangy aromas steam around us.
"Lots of spices, I say," trying to identify them.
"Indeed, my beloved. Inhale deeply. It will enhance the taste."
I do as my lion man says, and the intermingling scents remind me of an essential oil mixture... anise, cinnamon, ginger, clove. "Is that coconut?" I ask hopefully.
"Only similar to coconut... but taste." Dhuroth dips out a bite with his finger and offers it as if this is the custom between us.
I wonder if it was, once upon an ancient time.
TO BE CONTINUED...
~~~~~~
ANGELIC FORECAST ~
During this week of the Winter Solstice, then the Christmas celebration, there will be miraculous events that will be obvious to many. This will occur in your personal life and on the world stage. Keep your eyes and your soul wide open. You will not be disappointed.
The following week is also extremely complex in all of its dynamics. At this time, freedom lives as a never ceasing burn inside the soul. However, those on the dark side will use every dirty trick to stop true liberty for humanity. Also, every manner of subterfuge is in play to conceal the Light, especially the 'new' light frequencies now raining down on us directly from the angelic realm.
Once again, the failing economy will be used to pummel everyone into compliance, into what some label as the new world order. Desperation has taken over these soulless ones at this point. The mass AWAKENING on Earth threatens to throw off their yoke of economic tyranny forever, and they are scrambling.
As well, a battle still rages in the ranks of the bankster gangsters, and this, in the long run, will accelerate their downfall. In the meantime, they will use the 'might makes right' tactic to gain their ends, and keep their ill-gotten gains. This means using military might, and the might of advanced technologies most don't know exist.
With miracles on the rise, there will be an attempt to coopt the divinely miraculous. Given that holo technology is real, and in use now, this technology will be used to create false miracles -- to lead us all astray. Only discernment from your intuition, your spiritual center, will reveal the truth.
As more of humanity realizes the importance of TRUTH, they will seek it out, and there will be backlash after backlash against those who have used a trillion lies to ruin so many lives.
From now until the end of the year, and likely beyond, home is where the heart is, and wherever those who need a home can find to live. The 'whole' way housing has been in this country will change dramatically, and in unexpected ways. Also, being on the land will become all-important in the near future.
Trendwise, this week is about spirituality, and whatever that means to you, and your loved ones. For, the time of the human heart is here. With the rise of the Aquarian Age, everything you are, everything you think and feel, will now intensify, magnified by the new cosmic energies. *YOU* will be ramped up by one hundred percent.
Take moments to cherish the miracles in your life. Take even longer moments to cherish your loved ones.
Angelic blessings from Volcano & Sedona
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Warning!!! The global elite [New World Order] does not want *you* to read this book. See ~ Powerful Dreams at my Kougar Kisses blog.
WHEN A GOOD ANGEL FALLS
~~~ Where angels fear to tread, 2012 Earth ~~~
World weary and worn out, the incarnated angel, Sedona, who believes she is merely human, has three choices after her old van breaks down.
Let the Nazerazzi squad of the North American Union capture her and force her into a FEMA concentration camp.
Walk out into the Arizona night desert, let the wildlife have a good meal with the hope her death will be quick.
Or does she dare trust the mysterious stranger suddenly before her?
Handsome as sin and all in black, he emerges out of the darkness.
Sedona wonders if the stranger on a superspeed motorcycle is her savior from the brutal endtimes.
Or, is he a roving cult member of the New World Order, hunting his next blood sacrifice?
***
It’s only a few days before Winter Solstice, December 21, 2012 ~ The end of the Mayan Calendar.
Sent from heaven to help Sedona save humanity, Zerr Dann knows the Divine is playing its last card on Earth.
He also knows Sedona is about to find out Christmas miracles still exist.
[Angelic Fantasy Erotic Romance]
~~~~~~
~~~ EBOOK & IN PRINT ~~~ a former #1 on Siren-BookStrand’s bestseller list
Author Discovery by BookStrand author, Lindsay Townsend.
~~~
~ HAVE A MAGICKAL WINTER SOLSTICE & CHRISTMAS ~
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 ~ In Print
Branded by the Texans ~ IN PRINT ~ A Siren-BookStrand Bestseller!
[Three Star Republic]
Kandy Apple and Her Hellhounds ~ My latest release ~ bookstrand.com/kandy-apple-and-her-hellhounds ~ What happens when two of Hades’ most mission-accomplished Hellhounds find just the right witch for Halloween? ~ Ebook and In Print.
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Warm up your winter: 'The Snow Bride'
Elfrida, spirited, caring and beautiful, is also alone. She is the witch of the woods and no man dares to ask for her hand in marriage until a beast comes stalking brides and steals away her sister. Desperate, the lovely Elfrida offers herself as a sacrifice, as bridal bait, and she is seized by a man with fearful scars. Is he the beast?
In the depths of a frozen midwinter, in the heart of the woodland, Sir Magnus, battle-hardened knight of the Crusades, searches ceaselessly for three missing brides, pitting his wits and weapons against a nameless stalker of the snowy forest. Disfigured and hideously scarred, Magnus has finished with love, he thinks, until he rescues a fourth 'bride', the beautiful, red-haired Elfrida, whose innocent touch ignites in him a fierce passion that satisfies his deepest yearnings and darkest desires.
Coming Dec 27th from Bookstrand Publishing 2011
15% discount until January 3! Pre-order here.
Read Chapter One
Here is another excerpt to tempt you:
Magnus was worried. The fire he had made should have brought his people. It was an old signal, well-known between them. His men should have reached the village by now—that had been the arrangement. They were bringing traps and provisions in covered wagons, and hunting dogs and horses. He had been impatient to start his pursuit of the Forest Grendel and so rode ahead, returning with the messenger until that final stretch when the man turned off to his home. He had ridden on alone, finding the wayside shrine.
But from then, all had gone awry. Instead of the monster, he had found an ailing witch, and the snowstorm had lost him more tracks and time.
Magnus shook his head, turning indulgent eyes to the small, still figure on the rough pallet. At least the little witch had slept through the night and day, snug and safe, and he had been able to make her a litter from woven branches. He would give his fire signal a little longer and then return Elfrida to her village. There he might find someone who could translate between them.
Perhaps she did have power, for even as he looked at her, she sat up, the hood of her cloak falling away, and stared at him in return. She said something, then repeated it, and he drew in a great gulp of cold air in sheer astonishment, then laughed.
“I know what you said!” He wanted to kiss her, spots and all.
He burst into a clumsy canter, dragging his peg leg a little and almost tumbling onto her bed. She caught him by the shoulders and tried to steady him but collapsed under his weight.
They finished in an untidy heap on the pallet, with Elfrida hissing by his ear, “Why have you done such a foolish thing as to burn all our fuel?”
He rolled off her, knocked snow off his front and beard, and said in return, “How did you know I would know the old speech, the old English?”
“I dream true, and I dreamed this.” She was blushing, though not, he realized quickly, from shyness.
“Why burn so wildly?” she burst out, clearly furious. “You have wasted it! All that good wood gone to ash!”
“My men know my sign and will come now the storm has gone.” He had not expected thanks or soft words, but he was not about to be scolded by this red-haired nag.
“That is your plan, Sir Magnus? To burn half the forest to alert your troops?”
“A wiser plan than yours, madam, setting yourself as bait. Or had your village left you hanging there, perhaps to nag the beast to death?”
Her face turned as scarlet as the fire. “So says any witless fool! ’Tis too easy a charge men make against women, any woman who thinks and acts for herself. And no man orders me!”
Magnus swallowed the snort of laughter filling up his throat. He doubted she saw any amusement in their finally being able to speak to each other only to quarrel. Had she been a man or a lad, he would have knocked her into the snow, then offered a drink of mead, but such rough fellowship was beyond him here.
“And how would you have fought off any knave, or worse, that found you?” he asked patiently. “You did not succeed with me.”
“There are better ways to vanquish a male than brute force. I knew what I was about!”
“Truly? You were biding your time? And the pox makes you alluring?”
“Says master gargoyle! My spots will pass!”
“Or did you plan to scatter a few herbs, perhaps?”
He thought he heard her clash her teeth together. “I did not plan my sickness, and I do not share my secrets! Had you not snatched me away, had you not interfered, I would know where the monster lives. I would have found my sister! I would be with her!” Her voice hitched, and a look of pain and dread crossed her face. “We would be together. Whatever happens, I would be with her.”
“This was Christina?”
“Is Christina, not was, never was! I know she lives!”
Magnus merely nodded, his temper cooling rapidly as he marked how her color had changed and her body shook. A desperate trap to recover a much-loved sister excused everything, to his way of thinking.
She called you a gargoyle! This piqued his vanity and pride.
But she does not think you the monster, Magnus reminded himself in a dazzled, shocked wonder, embracing that knowledge like a lover.
Lindsay Townsend
http://www.lindsaytownsend.net
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Wednesday's Words for December 14, 2011
This past Saturday the Ashburys perpetuated their newest Christmas tradition, now three years old: grandmother-granddaughter cookie baking day.
My youngest granddaughter, the one I help care for on a regular basis, loves to bake. 11 is an interesting age for a girl, don’t you think? Half child, half adolescent, 11 is a time for sometimes forgetful/clumsy/emotional moments, and sometimes amazingly adult and insightful ones.
At least I have found it to be so with Emma.
One moment she’s bemoaning the fact that not getting her way is just not fair [stamp foot here]; the next, she’s using her fork as a pointer at the dinner table when she tells my beloved, “Remember, Grandpa, happy wife—happy life.”
Emma’s mother isn’t a baker, and so she comes to me and her other grandmother, for the chance to indulge her culinary creative side.
I happen to know that I don’t let her do as much as her other grandmother does—she informed of this on Saturday—but then she admitted that her other grandmother makes cakes, not cookies that have to be rolled out.
I am immune to the efforts of children to apply guilt.
I rolled out the dough – and this year I cheated and bought pre-made sugar cookie dough – and she cut them, put them on the tray, and then collected the cooled cookies for decorating.
We have fun, and I try and teach her how to do things “the old fashioned way” [read, by hand]. It’s a good time to talk about anything under the sun. Mostly, she talks and I listen. I like to think that when she’s a granny, she’ll look back on these times with a smile.
I made the icing for the cookies but she did the rest, with icing and sprinkles and a pretty good job she did, too.
We ended up with a few dozen sugar and gingerbread cookies, all of which she took home with her. I did promise that she could help me in a couple of weeks when it’s time to make my mother’s steamed Christmas pudding.
She and her brother love this traditional dessert almost as much as their father did. He was a crafty one, coming to me at the beginning of November every year, a solemn look on his face. “I’m worried that you may have forgotten how to make it,” he would say. “So I think you should practice by making one now. We’re all willing to be your test subjects. After all, you wouldn’t want to serve a flawed pudding to guests.”
After such a creative plea, of course I had to make an extra dessert ahead of Christmas. And yes, it did get a two-thumbs-up.
Keeping in mind Emma’s complaint—that I don’t let her do as much—I think I’ll get her to grate the carrots and potatoes for the pudding. She won’t mind doing the work, she never does when we’re baking. She’s just a typical 11 year old, anxious to get to the part where she gets to eat her creations.
Of course, in the case of the sugar cookies, Emma can see no reason to wait for the whole baking/decorating process. She spent a good deal of time begging for little bits of raw cookie dough to eat.
That, I’ve been informed by the child in question, she gets from her mother’s side of the family.
With the permission of the parents, I have posted a family photo on my blog. This was taken last month when we went out to celebrate the November birthdays [they have them the same day] of my beloved and our second daughter. This, of course, is only half of my family. My son and his brood live in another city. I’ll try to nab a pic of all of us with them on Christmas Eve. My Wednesday’s Words blog url is listed below.
Love,
Morgan
http://www.bookstrand.com/morgan-ashbury
http://wednesdayswordsbymorgan.blogspot.com/
