Denise Jeffries, author

Samsons and Delilah, excerpt

2012-02-18T18:53:00.000-08:00

“Did you get it!” Several of the council members demanded all at once. Her gaze traveled along the row of chairs facing her. Each face peppered with excitement. She’d made no waste of time to get to the council chamber. Maybe thirty minutes had passed since she’d ridded the planet of the creature.
“What, no how are you? Are you hurt?” Delilah dragged her battered body into the council chamber, trying to ignore the pain rippling through her flesh. With each step and she swore her bones rattled. She braced her body against the pain slamming through her body and attempted to ignore the trembling of her muscles and the dizziness that threatened to knock her on her ass.
“Are they safe?” Said the Counselor Excelsior.
“No, damn it. They are not safe.” Her gaze trailed across each face starring at her. “They traveled through before I could destroy them.”
“Then the decisions made.” The high councilor’s voice bellowed. “You will…” he stood, walked over to where she stood and glared down into her eyes. “You will find them by what ever means necessary and destroy them.”
“Don’t you mean bring them back?”
Shaking his head, “They are too dangerous. Destruction is the only--”
“So be it.” Turning, Delilah limped to the door.
“For the goddesses sake, get yourself checked out and healed first.”
***
Standing naked in front of the medical scanner was not her idea of foreplay. She turned her body so all surfaces were scanned before stepping into her designated cubby. Poked and prodded, scanned, wrapped and rubbed, she didn’t know how much more of this she could take. Time was of the essence. With each second they detained her from her task, the farther the crystal got and the colder its trail grew.
Everything had been programmed into the transport portal. Her cover was in place and language chips were imbedded into her cerebral cortex. The general location of the Cerulean Crystal was planet Earth, circa 2012. She only hoped the gate was right this time. The previous times she spaced walked through the portal and entered earth’s atmosphere the gate had been off by twenty-four hours. The first time, Kennedy was already dead and the second, she propelled through on September twelfth not eleventh and the Al-quadians had already succeeded in their threat and thousands of humans had been killed. Disgusted and beaten because she felt the failure was hers for not getting to the planet on time, she’d vowed to never return to earth, now knowing that was a threat she was unable to keep.
Readying herself, she stepped up to the gate and waited. Glancing over her shoulders at the centurions standing behind the protective glass, she closed her eyes, tightened her fist around the protective crystalline sapphire dangling around her neck and sucked in a breath and waited for the pain to be over. It hurt for a second before it stole her breath and not once has she landed on her feet.
The gravitational pull of the portal itched along her skin, reminiscent of a thousand kunzite bugs crawling along her arms. Shivering, she tired to relax her arms and knees. Stiffening up would not make her landing easier.
The air dissipated around her head, grew hot, burning her lungs. Before she could object she was propelled through. Damn, she hated her job.
***
“What the hell happened here?” Jordan Samsons stood over the corpse of what he thought was a body. It was hard to tell since it appeared to be turned inside out. Blood. Gore. Death. That was his job. He’d been a homicide cop for as long as he cared to remember, but never had he seen anything like this. Stepping to the side when the assistant medical examiner tossed his lunch, Jordan shook his head and turned away from the mass of flesh contaminating the alley.
He stepped over to his car, leaned his body against the side door and pulled his cell from his pocket when it started to ring. “Talk.” His voice came out hard and cold. Listening to the voice on the other end, he allowed the frown tugging at his lips to surface. “No.” He listened further, swallowing pass the disgust churning in his gut. Not from the death he’d just played witness to, but to the request of his supervisor to come in to the station house to meet his new partner.
“Can’t.” He added. “I’ve got a possible murder on my hands.” Possible my ass. No way could this happen to a body by accident. “Alright! Give me an hour to wrap up here.” He slammed the phone shut before the caller said anything more. Damn.
A partner.
Whose cheap idea was it to give him a partner? He hated partners. He hated having someone tag along with him. He hated having to answer questions, hated having to give explanations and worse yet, he hated having to baby sit. He’d been a loner for almost ten years and he planned on keeping it that way. Forget what his captain said about some police exchange program they were participating in with another country. The last thing he needed was some, stupid ass bloke who could barely speak English hanging on to his pants legs, trying to figure out why our security is better than theirs.
Fuck.

Happy New Year!

2012-01-09T03:51:00.000-08:00

What a fantastic year we had, wouldn't you say? Even with the bittersweet I am so blessed to know have. It's hard to believe 2011 has come and gone in the blink of an eye. I thought I'd take a moment and reflect on the things we've done together this past year.
I had several books released and I certainly hope you have purchased them. If not, don't delay. I have it on good authority that they are really good. I believe you will enjoy them. Now lets see,
February 2011 Sleeping Beauty was released and by my alter ego, Alexis Ke released Midnight Indulgences and the Scorpion Queen. I spent a week in April at the annual Romance Slam Jam conferance in Baltimore, Maryland. I always love going to Slam. I have found over my writing career it is one of the best conferances I attend on a regular basis. From the meet and greets to the work shops to the banquets it is the best. Also this past year, my book Masquerade was a finalist for an Emma Award for book of the year and best romantic suspense.
I have tried to network and have as much fun as humanly possible with the many book clubs and my readers. I can't thank you enough for the multitude of support you have shown me over the years. I am so blessed to have you. I also attended the Authors After Dark con that took place in Philadelphia this past August. Wow, what fun we had. Also August was a sad time for readers and writers when we lost our sister Leslie Esdaile Banks to cancer. She is deeply missed. In August my alter ego also released The Shadow Box and Invisible Love which was a part of the anthology 'What White Boyz Desire.'
Oh, I almost forgot. In June my book Crown and Glory was released. It is in memory of my bestest best girl friend who died of breast cancer in 2008. She inspired this book whose heroine is a breast cancer survivor. I am donating all author proceeds from the sale of this book to the fight against breast cancer. I hope you will help the fight and purchase this book. In November, I also lost another dear treasure. My aunt, died of pancreatic cancer. There will always be a special place in my heart for her but I know she's up there in heaven chillin with my mom.
I have several projects in store for 2012.

Thanksgiving according to Denise

2011-11-22T22:15:00.000-08:00

This year's Thanksgiving is looking to be both exciting and bittersweet. My previously planned 4 person dinner has turned into a wonderfully blessed 20 some odd people. I'm so excited to have family here. You see, our family's matriarc is ill, so family members are coming in from MI, NJ, TN, and GA to fellowship and visit with her. We have a lot to be thankful for and on many occasions we forget to say the words. So here you go, I thank God for my family and friends. I decided to share with you my menu for the day. Wow, I can't wait.
Appetizers:
Hot artichoke spinach dip and veggie tray with dip
Dinner:
Turkey and dressing with gravy
Ham
Pot Roast with carrots
Candied yams
Potatoe Salad
Stringbeans
Greens
Mac and cheese
Squash casserole
Home made cranberry sauce
Rolls and cornbread
Dessert:
Sweet potatoe pie
7-up pound cake
Apple pie
Now the interesting thing, I had surgery on my wrist two weeks ago and has limited use of it at present time. LOL. Again, thank God for family. Every family is bringing something. Yeah! Now take a minute and give thanks for we never know when we won't be able to. And if you like, stop on by. After all, you are family!

Rocking Turkey Dressing

2011-11-15T19:28:00.000-08:00

Denise’s Rocking Turkey Dressing

INGREDIENTS

½ Bag Pepperidge Farm seasoned corn bread dressing
½ bag Pepperidge Farm seasoned bread dressing
1 tube Jimmy Dean Sage sausage
1 stick margarine
3-4 stalks of celery, washed and chopped
1 large onion, chopped
1&1/2 apples, cored and chopped (red delicious or other)
1 c walnuts, chopped
1 cup water (approximate)
Salt
Pepper
Poultry seasoning
Garlic powder

1. Crumble and cook sausage until done, set aside. (Make sure you break the sausage up into tiny pieces)
2. Melt margarine over low heat in large sauce pan, add onions and celery and sauté until tender or as us cooks say, translucent. Add apples, walnuts and sausage. Turn off heat.
3. In separate bowl toss together the two dressing mixes. Add sausage/margarine mixture. Toss until combined. Add a couple shakes of pepper, poultry seasoning, garlic powder and salt. (Not too much. The bread is already seasoned and less is more)
4. Drizzle water 1/3 cup at a time and mix. You only need a little water to bind. If you add too much it will be too wet once it combines with the juice from the turkey. (and yes, we are stuffing the turkey, no self respecting cook wouldn't)
5. Spoon into turkey (don’t forget that strange hole at the butt) but don’t over stuff or pack too tightly. There will be enough left over for an extra pan. You are going to need it. It’s just that good.
Now enjoy the best dang dressing in the whole wide world.

How it all began:
I married my husband 13 years ago. The first Thanksgiving after we tied the knot, my husband keep telling me how good his mother's dressing was. She made corn bread dressing. I didn't know anything about corn bread dressing because my mother was famous for her bread dressing. I remember sitting at the kitchen counter breaking up the loafs of bread into the large bowl. I fought the urge to tell my hubby to stuff it because I wasn't his mother and actually called her for the recipe. Well, just like my mother she didn't use recipes. No self respecting cook from the old school did. At least that's what my mother told me. I tried to make her dressing the best I could, really I did. It was okay but 'not his momma's'. The next year we traveled to Chattanooga, TN for the holidays and I got a chance to taste that famous dressing. Oh my God! It was beyond good and I knew immediately, I would never be able to emulate it, so why even try. The next holiday, I decided to experiment and I combined what I thought was the best of two worlds, my mother's bread dressing with my mother in law's corn bread. I then tossed in my own flavor because neither of them used the sausage and apples and walnuts. Well, damn, I had a hit. People were scrapping the poor turkey's carcus for the last bit of dressing and fussing when it was all gone. So there you have it. Denise's Rocking Turkey Dressing! Enjoy!

Crown and Glory

2011-11-14T16:13:00.001-08:00

My book, Crown and Glory is now available as an e-book from Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble. This book was inspired by my best girl friend, Pindi who died from breast cancer in 2008. She was 39. The story tells of a breast cancer survivor trying to get her life back after a double mastectomy. Also, all proceeds from this book go towards the fight against breast cancer. Will you help and buy a book? Tell your friends and tell your friends to tell their friends. Forward this email to eveyone you know. Women and men alike are stricken by breast cancer every day. 1 in 8 women are diagnosed with breast cancer. We need to stomp it out. Just think, one book, one step closer to finding the cure.

Blurb:

There are three things Charlice Darrett wants... life, hair and to be left alone. The last thing she needs is interference from a man she doesn't know, however, he's stirring emotions in her she thought were no longer within her reach. Tyree Crawford wants only one thing... Charlice. Will he be able to convince her there is more to life than hair? As emotions collide, and doubts escalate, who will win?

An amazing journey!

2011-10-28T17:45:00.000-07:00

Dearest family and friends,

I'm doing it again. Please support me as I take an amazing journey in the fight to end breast cancer! The Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure® is a 60-mile walk over the course of three days. In 2008, my bestest best girlfriend died from breast cancer. She was diagnosed when she had her preliminary mammogram at age 37. This is such a horrible disease. It affects so many people. Women and men are diagnosed each year. If you have a mother, sister, aunt, niece, daughter, father, son, brother, nephew, cousin or grandparent then you understand the importance of stomping out this disease. Won't you help? Won't you take a step with me towards the fight against breast cancer? If its for no other reason than this, everyone deserves a lifetime. Don't delay, donate today! there are several ways you can help me reach my goal.

1.Go to my home page at the Susan G Komen 3 Day for the Cure website and donate there.

http://www.the3day.org/site/TR/2011/General?px=4730646&pg=personal&fr_id=1772

2.Mail in your donation using the Donation form available on my participate page

3.Join my ‘Mile High Club’, ask me how.

No matter how you donate or how much it will count towards the fight against breast cancer.

Thanks
Denise

Chaos

2011-10-15T20:12:00.000-07:00

Oh wow! My mind is boggled at the time that passed since my last blog entry. I'm not sure what happend. No, that's not true. I am fully aware of what happened. Life happened and because my life has been so crazy over the past months, I've renamed it chaos. So, when you hear me talking about chaos, I'm talking about my life. Lets see, where should I start. Work, family, writing, family, work, writing. Okay, maybe not so much of the writing. I haven't gotten too much of the writing done. I really need to get back on the boat before my readers toss me into the deep end of the ocean. LOL. Naw, I don't think they'll do that. I have wonderful readers and author friends who are very supportive and totally understandable when chaos gets in the way. I did attend Author's After Dark in August in Philadelphia, PA. Totally awesome and I can't wait to go to New Orleans next year. Romance Slam Jam will be hosted by Little Rock, AK in 2011. Can't wait to go there as well. This year was in Baltimore, MD, my old stomping ground. Such memories. I love visiting places I haven't been to before. So Little Rock, here I come. I've been to New Orleans but it was back in the 80's. I know, such a long time. I can't wait. My hubby, Leon, even said he'd like to join me. Now that will be a treat. I've had some really great things happen lately as well as the stressful stuff. Alexis Ke's newest release, Invisible Love hit the e-book circuit this week and should be in print very quickly. Its in the 'What White Boyz Desire' anthology with Bridget Midway, Yvette Hines, Aliyah Burk and Kelley Nyrae. Also Alexis has another book release scheduled for November 1 with Red Sage. The Shadow Box. Both are IR erotic romances and totally hot. I'm hoping to stay on this trail and keep up the writing. Hopefully, I can keep chaos at bay and get it done.

A Hurricanes ah comin!

2011-08-26T17:42:00.000-07:00

What a week, what a week! First we had an earth quake registering 5.8. A first of this magnatude in the state of Virginia since the 1800s. We have had smaller tremors but most people don't remember them. Who would? And now we have the storm of the century bearing down on us and the entire east coast is in a freazy. I'm guessing a 700 mile wide catagory 2-3 hurricane, who they've so nicely named Irene, could make you nervous. Shoot, I'm nervous. Irene is coming up from the south while another storm front is coming down from the north. Put all of that in a pot and what do you get when two storms collade with one carrying cool air and the other carrying warm. You got it, the perfect storm. The only problem, we are so not prepared for this. And I don't think we ever will be. Which takes me to my next thought. Conspiracy theory. Now don't get me wrong. Mother Nature has been very pissed at the world this year. From earth quakes to heat waves with 120 plus temperatures to brush fires bellowing smoke across multiple states to dust storms to floods. What's a person to do? Now there is the perfect storm heading your way. Batteries-yes. Non parishable food-yes. water-yes. Flash lights-yes. Cars filled with gas-yes. Did I miss anything. Oh yeah, my bottle of wine. Hey, somethings gotta keep me happy when the power goes out. Could Mother Nature be dealing with the secret leaders of the conspiracy theorist to make us spend money. The store shelves are empty. The pumps have dried up. Yes, I think Mother Nature made a deal with someone and we are paying the price. Hopefully she will repay us for kicking up the economy by leaving us alone.

Remembering Leslie (LA Banks)

2011-08-07T15:07:00.000-07:00

As I stand in front of my book shelf and stare at the multitude of books catching dust, I pause and run my fingers across a few of the many books I have by LA Banks. From her Rivers of the Soul 1991 were she signed it 'sisters of the soul' to her Vampire Huntress series to her cop books. Each book, just like Leslie has a special place in my heart.
I remember when we first met. It was my very first Romance Slam Jam conferance in Raliegh-Durham NC. I was traveling with Felicia Mason who'd hipped me onto the conferance and was wondering through the hotel meeting and greeting readers and fellow authors.
She walked up to me, introduced herself and asked me about myself. After my tiny bip blurb she grabbed me, hugged me and convinced me that selling one book or 10k was fantastic when we are doing something we love. She told me to keep on writing and to never stop. A multitude of knowledge went into those words.
Leslie is one of the most prolific authors I know, always paving the way for the person walking with her and always paying it forward.
Even though we talked more via email than phone, it was a treat if you could actually get her on the phone, each time was special. From just catching up to seeking info on poisons. I remember calling her in the distant past, fussing, when Damali grew fangs. She laughed and only said, sista, finish the book, to earlier in the year telling her I was gonna be in Philly for the Author's After Dark Con in August, hoping she'd come out. She will be with me in my heart and soul forever.
Leslie Esdaile Bank aka LA Banks aka Leslie Banks will be forever loved, forever remembered, forever missed.

Making Lemonade

2011-07-10T16:37:00.000-07:00

I keep chanting to myself that old saying, when life gives you lemons make lemonade. I'm making a large five gallon jug right now. Don't get me wrong. My cup will always be half full but right about now, my cup is so tired I think me could cry. LOL. Now seriously, how often do we run, run, and run some more and when we stop we can't rest because the mind continues to run and filter in all of the things you should be doing instead of resting. Between family drauma and work, I'm threatening to get in my car, head west and don't look back. I'm gonna stop by the local police station and let them know, when I'm reported missing, I am not missing, I know exactly where I'm at. So how is that for planning. If I could multiply myself and hire an assistant that would help. I've got a family reunion coming up and guess who's playing hostess. That's right, ME! No biggie. Its probably the least of my worries. Maybe I won't feed them. Yeah right. On the other hand, if I don't get caught up at work I might have to change my address to my place of employment. I've got a tee shirt that says, 'Contents Under Pressure,' I wonder how long I can wear it before someone makes me take it off. Oh well, I digress. I'm gonna keep on plugging, popping tylenol and hugging my sleep pillow when I can. Hopefully the lemonade won't last too long.

Writings da' Bomb!

2011-06-12T07:28:00.000-07:00

Don't you hate it when a good thing has to come to an end. I spent this weekend, Thursday through Sunday at the Chesapeake Romance Writer's Spring Retreat. What a fantastic experience. This isn't my first retreat with them but it certainly has been my most productive. While the attendance was down from the previous years it was still a huge success. Eleven of us, writers converged on Chanco on the James in Spring Grove, Virginia (in the forest) on Thursday afternoon. We lodged in the Watson Lodge, a huge eight bedroom house, three levels with eight bedrooms. Sleeps 20 people. A wonderful set up with no television, no phones and very and I do mean very limited cell and internet reception. Each writer came with different backgrounds, different concepts and different goals. We even had an aspiring ten year old join us this year who turned out to be very determined in getting the job done. She come with goal of writing 20 pages and completed the weekend with a total of 35. Wow. there were goals of perfecting the query letter and pitch with someone who was headed to the Romance Writer's National Conferance in two weeks and she had editor and agent appointments, someone else had the goal of finishing the edits to her latest work, another had the goal of writing something, anything. She'd just gotten back into the writing groove and was looking for some inspiration. I had the goal of getting started on a new story that came to me as I was selling my books at the West Orange street fair in New Jersey, this past Memorial day weekend. I wanted ot make a good dent in it. The dent went out the window. I totalled that baby. I finished the story! It's a novella and it topped out at 110 pages, but wow! Happy dance time. Everyone got what they came for this weekend. The writing atmosphere was so intense and every one met their goals. We topped off with 1,128 pages completed collectively by the 11 people who attended. How's that for butt in chair and hands on key board!

Yeah for June!

2011-06-05T15:14:00.001-07:00

Whew! I am glad the month of May is over and done. What a stressful month. From bathroom explosions and plumming issues to hubby having a car accident and totaling his car. We all just thank God he was not injured. He misses his car, his baby. Material as it is, he'll get another one soon. I've been hitting the street fair and craft show circuit and loving every minute of it. A few weeks ago I was in Chesterfield Virginia at the Chesterfield Public Library Author and Craft show and then Langley Air Force Base for their spring bazaar. At both I sold some books and got some new friends and readers. What more can an author ask for. Memorial Day weekend I spent time in New Jersey at the West Orange street fair. Had a blast. Sales were good and met a man passing by who stopped to chat and talk about my books. I've dubbed him Italianlicious. Because he was just that. He has inspired a story out of my alter ego Alexis Ke. Got started on it today. Already ten pages down in a couple of hours. I love it when stories come to me like that. She's gonna have fun. I also found out today that 'The Shadow Box', another Alexis story will be released in November at Red Sage. Well, I guess, if I put all of the stress, good and bad in one hat, maybe May wasn't so bad after all.

Reservations for Two

2011-05-08T17:21:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day to everyone and what a fantabulous day I had. It started off with me sleeping in until 12 noon. If the phone hadn't rang I probably would have slept longer. My husband asked me several times this past week what I wanted for a present. I think I surprised us both by saying nothing really came to mind. Go figure. Is this what happens as we get more wiser. Nothing comes to mind. Geez, I could have at least asked for a gift card of something, but really, I didn't want anything. I got a new printer this week and its a beauty. It scans, faxes, prints single and double sided, you can send it a picture from your camera and it will print it out from afar and you can even send emails to it.
I think it does everything except write the books. Darn. Leon (that's my hubby) he set it up and had it going in no time at all. I think that is present enough. I got calls from both sons,one in ATL and the other in Charleston and grandson from NY today. So there you have it. I have a husband, two sons and a grandson who love me. Today that was present enough.
Hubby and I did go out to dinner. It was fantabulous.We ventured over to Virginia Beach to the Sonoma Wine Bar and Bistro and had a wonderful dinner. The atomosphere in the restaurant was a mix between eclectic and romantic with the muted colors and ambiance. We started off with appetizers and a flight of wine. For those of you not familiar with flights, its a sampling of 3-4 different wines. Our flight had three different wines in it. All were great and it was called the Bodacious Blend.
Leon chose the trout stuffed with crab and I had a fantastic breast of duck. It rested upon a bed of couscous and brocholini and had the most delectable bing cherry sauce I've ever had. Even though we were stuffed we had to finish the meal with deserts to go. The Turtle Parfait... OMG, I don't know if I can put words to it. With each bite all I could do was moan and shake my head. Um, um, um. What a wonderful way to spend Mother's Day
I'm certainly hoping eveyone had as grand a day as I did. You can't ask for much more, now can we.

Life as I know it

2011-05-04T06:33:00.000-07:00

Had a wonderful time at the Romance Slam Jam conferance in Baltimore this past week. Met new friends, reconnected with old. Ate some great crab cakes. Even heard one person say, "there is too much crab in the crab cake." Who knew? Can there really be too much crab. I think not. While I didn't win the EMMA award for Best Suspense or Book of the Year, I must say it is an honor to be nominated. Congrats to all of the winners this year. There are so many wonderful books out there. Will we ever have the time to read them all. Again, I think not. Even after Slam, I found myself at home in the Christopher Newport Universary Library on Monday doing one last read through of my manuscript I pitched to Grand Central and an agent at Slam. Both asked for the full. That's great. Of course it sends the hebbie-gebbies from my toes to my head. But off it will go. Fingers crossed that it will pique the interest and get me a contract. Now on to more homely thoughts. Just when its time to go back to work my bathroom, my one and only bathroom in the house goes alien on me and explodes. I knew the funny noise coming from the toilet was way too strange. Especially since no one was in the bathroom messing with it. It proved it by backing up and causing all kinds of problems. Now I have to wait for a plummer to grace my addie with his/her presence. Totally too much fun. I know my fellow co-workers aren't going to believe it. I'm not sure if I would either. Oh well, what's a girl to do. Sit and wait, sit and wait. Is't that what we do. Sit and wait. After all, it is what it is.

Romance Slam Jam

2011-04-30T11:07:00.000-07:00

Wow, taking a brief breather in my hotel room at the moment. RSJ has been nothing but fabulous. Reader sessions, workshops, networking, catching up, trip to the Inner Harbor in Baltimore and now getting ready to go to the mega book signing. The welcome reception was a blast. Everyone including myself in 60s-70s garb, including me in a way too big afro and toting a long stem cig. (cause I remember, momma smoked in the sixties, LOL). Last night we had a pajama party and tonight is the EMMA awards banquet where my book Masquerade is up for two awards. Fingers crossed and good luck to everyone. There are so many talented authors here I an honored to be nominated. Gotta go sign some books but I'll be back.

Wonderful Day

2011-04-24T17:34:00.000-07:00

What a wonderful day. Fantastic weather. Sun shining. Dinner out wity my number one man and then sitting in front yard in swing chair with him, holding hands and talking about everything from the weather, to mortages to mosquitoes. Man, I couldn't ask for anything more. Hope everyone had a just as fantastic Resurrection Day as we had. Blessing to all!

Romance Slam Jam

2011-04-23T14:45:00.000-07:00

“The Romance Slam Jam grew out of an early desire to recognize, and pay respect to OUR authors, and to celebrate their craft with their avid fans.”

Emma Rodgers, Ashira Tosihwe and Francis Ray gave birth to the ROMANCE SLAM JAM in 1995 in Dallas, Texas, to demonstrate what Nikki Giovanni describes as “The Power, Passion and Pain of Black Love.” (quoted from www.romanceslamjam.org)

On April 27 hundreds of readers and authors (me included) will merge on Baltimore, Maryland for 4 days for fellowship and fun. This is one of the best reader-writer conferences ever. Its not too big and its not too small. It was the Romance Slam Jam conference where I realized there is a whole lot more to writing romance than I ever imagined. I remember the one I attended like it was yesterday. Raleigh-Durham, NC. My first book 'A Walk in the Rain,' had just been released maybe two months before I hit the road with Felicia Mason. I'm not sure if I was more afraid of the fact that I was going to this conference or that the Felicia Mason had invited me to join her on the road trip. It was Felicia's book, Body and Soul that tossed me into the world of African American romance and the desire to write a book. Wow. What a time of my life.

Now, even though the years have ticked by, and I have about 14 titles to my writing credit, my writing has evolved into something wonderful and the readers are as fantastic as ever, I will never stop going to the Romance Slam Jam. My hats off to the readers and authors who paved the way for us. My heartfelt thanks and gratitude.

Watch out Baltimore. Here we come!

Hum drum, me

2011-04-09T00:20:00.000-07:00

Well, what is an author to do. I'm not sure which is worse when it comes to getting the job done. That ever present fatigue from having to carry on several lives. The wife, the home maker, the full time job keeper, the author, the nurse, the case manager or this ever present numbness and even more so the inability to get a full nights sleep. I'm thinking of all of the things that are throw at an author, it is the deterents to getting the acutal writing done that has the most effect. What good is it if you can get all of the other facets under control if you can't write for crap because you fingers and hands are numb from the bilateral carpol tunnel that you no doubt got from all of the writing. It really burns my goat when I can't sleep because of the cervical neck issue but I think, no biggie, I'll get up and write and then can't do it because the hands don't want to participate. It's really hard to type when you can't feel the keys and the tiny needle tinging is dancing along your fingers. What's an author to do?

Sists's Thoughts from Coast to Coast

2011-03-27T09:37:00.000-07:00

I spent a wonderful evening yesterday on a teleconference with the book club Sista's Thoughts from Coast to Coast. Also known as STCC. They chose my book, Masquerade, as their March Selection and asked if I would phone in a be a part of their phone conference discussion. What a wonderful group. They merged on the phone from as far as California and as close to me as Maryland and all points in between. They asked very intriguing questions about my characters and the thoughts behind the book. They, like others have posed the same question, will there be a sequel to Masquerade? Hum, inquiring minds want to know. Well, the one thing I can say, since this isn't the first time I've heard this question there is a great possibility that there just might be something stewing on the back burner. Some of their members were new to my books and some were not. They were intrigued and thoroughly enjoyed the book and I hope they will continue to follow my career and stay in touch. I certainly will follow them. Thanks STCC for a wonderful evening!

Relaxation

2011-03-25T17:26:00.001-07:00

Sometimes I think we relax entirely too much, and other times not enough. But I'm always wondering. Would we be caught with our pants down if we didn't relax as much as we do? Would the next guy be able to get the better hand if we weren't relaxing. Geez, what's a person to do. I'm a grand proponent of working hard so that we can play hard but sometimes you just gotten kick the shoes off, push the recliner back and pick up a book, maybe even two. After all, isn't the old saying, all work and no play make for a very tiring life true????? Hey, where's my book and glass of pepsi?

Great WINE

2011-03-21T18:48:00.000-07:00

There are few things better than a good glass of wine except one thing. A great book club. And I have met just that. W.I.N.E. Women In Natural Essence is a wonderfully read group of women. They are so versed in conversation, friendship, sisterhood and love. Not just the love I get everytime they invite me to spend time with them but also the love I feel from them for books (good or bad), the author's and each other. I had the pleasure this past Saturday to spend an afternoon with them. It doesn't matter if it's dinner, lunch or just a snack, if they call me I am going. Each time, I get to sit back and listen to them discuss and disect the book they have chosen for the month. They aren't afraid to tell it like they see it. I think, that's what drew me to them a few years ago when they first invited me to their monthly meeting after they chose one of my books as their selection. If the book didn't work for them they said it and they also told me what they would like to see in the future with my characters. They actually helped me decide on a story I'd been thinking about. Women In Natural Essence is the finest wine around. Thanks for being you!

Book Release Midnight Indulgences

2011-03-13T15:06:00.001-07:00

Okay, I've procrastinated long enough today. I was suppose to edit and do some writing. Instead I checked emails and watched television. Knowing I've got another book coming out with Tease in just a few days I figured I had better at least send you an excerpt. Its from my alter ego, Alexis Ke. Yes, she's done it again. This story was inspired by a dear friend of mine. One day we were playing adult truth or dare and I asked her where is the craziest place she'd ever done it. She told me in the post op holding area area at the hospital where we worked. Lordy have mercy. I was so shocked. Its always the quiet ones who shock you, right. Well, she met her husband at the hospital. He worked in the security department and she was one of the nursing supervisers. I can't give you her name cause she swore me to secrecy when I told her she gave me a book idea. And yes her face did pale when what I was saying sunk in. LOL. Where, here's an excerpt from the book Midnight Indulgences, due out with Tease Publishing on March 15. I just know you will enjoy.

MIDNIGHT INDULGENCES
by Alexis Ke

EXCERPT

Fredrick Simms, head of security at City General leaned into the surveillance monitor and ran his fingers across the cold screen. The static prickled his fingers and the edges of a smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. Beads of sweat popped out on his neck and trickled down his back. Just like yesterday and the day before that, something about Lucia Waters always drew his attention. He welcomed the chance to work the night shift. When he did, he made it a point to be in the surveillance room at the beginning of Lucia’s shift, just so he could get a glimpse of her. Maybe it was the way she walked or the clothes she wore. Regardless of the hospital policy about skirt length and cleavage, she made it a point to show her legs almost every day.
He slid his tongue across his top lip, slow. Tonight her skirt stopped just above her knees. It sashayed with every sway of her hips, and her blouse dipped into her cleavage just right. If she shifted the wrong way or twisted her body he wondered if her bosoms would spill from her blouse. He wanted to be the one there to capture them if they did. When she moved, her ample bosom bounced with each step and her long curvaceous legs seemed to go on forever. God, he loved a woman with thick thighs and voluptuous breasts.
Closing his eyes, Fredrick envisioned them wrapped around his body, pulling him closer as hips rhythmically pumped, the length of his shaft embedded in her, deep. He licked his lips. His body shivered as the sudden tingling sensation entered his groin. Only in your dreams man, only in your dreams.
Most of his encounters with Lucia had been in passing. He met her almost a year ago. They’d talked, might even have laughed, he couldn’t remember exactly what had happened. He asked her out once. She said yes and then changed her answer to no, something about not getting involved with co-workers and hospital policy.
Hospital policy my ass. He watched her walk across the parking lot. A soft breeze caught her skirt and lifted it just enough to kiss and cool her heat. She scrambled to push it back down. Fredrick wished, just once, he was the wind, caressing her hot center, teasing her flesh.
Something’s got to give. He too was tired of the humdrum life, and too old to be playing games. He’d turned thirty-eight just over a month ago and it was time for a change. Relationships had failed him. Fredrick was tired of stuck-up girls pretending to be women mistaking his sensitivities for weaknesses and his good looks for confused sexuality. Soft spoken, but not soft, he refused to go another day without making this woman know he meant business. He wanted to knead his fingers into the flesh of her ass as his mouth suckled the large peaked nipples he knew she had to have. He wanted to hear her call his name, loud, passionate and desperate with need. He wanted to feel her heat pulsate around his rock hard cock as he slid in and out of her wet core. He wanted…
Damn, he wasn’t sure what he wanted when it came to Lucia Waters and the dreams she filled at night when he slept, if he slept. Yes. He wanted her.
He glanced at his watch, pushed back from the desk and walked toward the door of the security office. Fredrick knew her routine to a T. It took her precisely seven minutes to walk from the parking lot to the employee elevator. That is, if no one stopped her to talk. He even paid attention to when and how she made rounds, just so he could be in some of the same places at the same time that he knew she would be. Thinking about it, he could be classified as a stalker.
He shook his head, Nope, just a man in lust and afraid to say it. But, that was going to change and change soon.
The high tech hospital was a blessing with almost every aspect of its interior under surveillance. Only a few choice places were private. He knew where they were too and by morning, so would she. With one last glance at the screen, he pulled the door shut behind him and walked towards the service elevator.

The entry door to the elevator slid open as Fredrick turned the corner. His timing was right on the money. There she was, leaning against the side panel. God, she looked good. The sight of her made his heart leap into his throat. His groin muscles swelled against the fabric of his pants and pulsed with the blood coursing through his veins.
“Looks like you need some help.” Fredrick stepped into the elevator, his voice low and charismatic. He wished he could get into her head and find out what her thoughts were. Fredrick wondered what she thought about when she didn’t answer, but stared at him instead. “Are you here all night?”
“Oh, I’m sorry.” Lucia looked up into his eyes. “What did you say?”
“Asleep already and it’s not even midnight.” He awarded her with what he knew was one of his brilliant smiles.
Lucia shook her head. “Funny,” she murmured under her breath. “Real funny.”
Silence filled the space surrounding them and he watched her through veiled eyelids. What was she thinking about that caused her breathing to take on that slow sexy rhythm? Was she thinking about the weather? The job? Him?

Just wanting a whiff of the sexy man sharing her elevator, Lucia took a long deliberate breath. If she did it subtly enough, he wouldn’t notice. Her body recognized him the first day she saw him. Lucia couldn’t remember who started at the hospital first, but she knew each time she saw him all she wanted was to rip his clothes off and take him. It didn’t matter where, the hallway, the café, or the lobby. Shucks, Lucia would do him right here in the elevator if it didn’t mean instant termination once they were caught wrapped around each other with his cock imbedded deep in her dripping wet punany. She shivered inwardly and tried not to show what was going through her mind.
Lucia stared into space and inhaled another breath. Why did this man have to get on this elevator? Damn. She’d been hoping to avoid him tonight at all costs. He occupied her mind constantly, at home, in the shower, at work, even driving her car or shopping. On more than one occasion his imaginary hand replaced hers and took her to places she’d never been with other men. Well, at least he did in her dreams. Real life was another story. Damn him and her heart.
When Lucia saw him she felt her chest and inner thighs tighten. The butterflies fluttering in the pit of her stomach made her knees wobble. And why did he have to smell so good, a woodsy herbal scent that wouldn’t smell as delicious on any other man? It only complimented his cappuccino skin and his clean-shaven head.
As always, he was dressed neat in business casual: slacks, dress shirt, jacket and depending on the time of day, a tie. Lucia liked it best when he wore a jacket. It covered his beautiful tight ass and drew attention to his long legs and made her think of ways she could sneak her fingers under the back flap and cup those hardened globes.
Lucia squeezed her pelvic muscles tight and tried unsuccessfully to stave the feelings building between her thighs. She wanted to turn and speak to him, but her lips wouldn’t move. Every time she opened her mouth the only thing she could do was suck in much-needed air. Each breath she took was hot, just like her female center.
Why is he touching me, Lucia thought when she realized his long, smooth, strong fingers where running along the length of her arm.
“Excuse me, this is my floor.” Fredrick commented, as his hand stroked her skin again.
“I’m sorry.” Lucia stepped to the side so he could exit.
Leaning into her ear he whispered, “What ever that perfume is you’re wearing, it’s da’ bomb.” He stepped out, turned to the left and disappeared.
Lucia leaned out of the elevator and watched him move away, his stride long and powerful. She wondered if his legs could balance her in mid air or would he need to support her against the wall. The elevator doors slid shut and she was alone.
Had he meant what he said? Her knees shook and she fell against the wall of the elevator.
The elevator passed her floor before she had the strength to push herself from the wall and press the button that would get her to her office.

The Scorpion Queen

2011-02-28T16:42:00.000-08:00

SCORPION QUEEN EXCERPT By. Alexis Ke

“You look weary, my Queen.”
“Yes. That I am.” Scorpathia shrugged her war gear up her arms, wincing when heavy metal scraped across already bruised flesh. The wound from the battle two nights before was slow to heal, something unusual for her.
Horatio, her first in command and advisor, grasped her shoulders as only a familiar could do. “Why must you do this tonight? No one is expecting you to do this.”
She slowly rolled her eyes at Horatio’s comment. “Then all the more reason to do it, wouldn’t you say?” She asked, her expression condescending. She’d never cared for people telling her what to do, but he was her father’s advisor and the father before him so she had no choice.
“You can not fight every battle.”
Her voice raised an octave but held very little punch. “If my people shall battle then so shall I.” Yes, her body screamed for rest, food, drink and lustful urgings but until she secured peace upon her land, she’d not find any.
The weariness was so strong it shrouded her body and mind. She wanted to lay down her sword and let the enemy behead her, perhaps the only way to find peace, rest. But what would become of her people, her land? She was their only hope. All the others before her had perished. To back down meant the Enemy would win.
Walking toward the open balcony, she stepped to the ledge. People, her people, scurried below, readying. Heaviness like nothing before weighed her chest, pushing air from her lungs, constricting her throat. Death was upon them and it was hers. The reality of the battle was forged into her bones. If her death meant peace, so be it. This she knew and understood. She would not grieve over it. Let it be done.
“We leave at half past high moon.” She stormed out of her chamber in search of nourishment and rest, of which, she suspected she’d find neither.
Three hours passed before Scorpathia followed members of her court to the outside of the castle. The moons brightened the night, illuminating the forest. Beyond the safety of their shields lay danger. Danger many never faced. The ones who did, never lived to speak of it. Scorpathia inhaled a deep breath, filling her lungs with the scent of the forest and dirt and air. The freshness of the earlier rain filled her mind and released the tension twisting her gut.
“We will make this swift.” Atop her great stallion, she pressed her way through the line of warriors crowding the road leading from the castle. “And deadly.” She turned and stared at the walls of the castle, lifted her hand and waved it above her head.
“Hoo-rah!” Their battle cry rang above her head and the treetops as their swords pierced the air above them.
The trees thickened and cloaked the castle. Her magic was as deadly as the witches haunting the forest, as powerful as the best sorcerer, and as strong. No one could enter without her permission. The castle evaporated into the darkness, disappearing from their sight. Nodding acceptance of the masquerade she dug heels into the hind legs of her horse and galloped into the forest, swallowed by the night.
With stealth, they moved through the brush, overturning any obstacle in their way. She didn’t as much as see her enemy as smell them. Their forces were massive compared to hers, a pithy group of weary warriors. But she didn’t care. She’d fought with less, and if she survived this night, she’d fight again. She stilled, tilted her head and captured their presence. The stench fluttered through the air like putrid waste and wafted to her brain. Lupii?
Arrows whistled pass her ear, barely missing her head by an inch. Unscathed, she pulled her weapon, circled it above her head and charged. Her nemesis didn’t know what hit it. One swift swing and the head of her attacker rolled to the ground then disintegrated. The remains floated through the air and coated her arms.
Battle broke out on all sides. There were hundreds of them. An enemy she’d never seen before. Their skin resembled rawhide, with appendages that should have been arms and legs but weren’t. Not in her people’s sense of the word. They had no faces, making it easier to kill them. No face, no sentiment. They rode atop massive beasts she recognized from the Protector’s mumblings behind her. Lupii men and Lycaon beast reminded her of wolfine.
Something screamed but she didn’t recognize the language. Why would these creatures dare to threaten her and what was hers? Did they not know what she was? Who she was? This was the land of Scorpii, atop the Scorpathian Mountains. Renewed strength tightened her fist around her sword when the battle cry of her people rose above the moans of the faceless.
Her body was bathed in blood, glistening in the moonlight like paint on her skin-pearleen white paint, iridescent in the glow of the moon. Scorpathia, moving quickly through the trees on bare feet took down three more. Her body covered now with the dust of their flesh as it fragmented into thin air.
“Take that you Osarian hog,” her first in command bellowed as she withdrew his sword from an enemy’s chest.
Swinging again but missing, she dived for cover when the rowdy beast the nemesis was riding leaped into the air in an attempt to trample her. Hitting the dirt with a thud, she rolled and came to her feet in one quick jerk. She didn’t dare take her gaze off the beast, but she’d lost hold of her weapon. She could conjure enough power to get rid of him, but that would take concentration. Concentration she didn’t have. Any diversion would mean sudden death on her part, and the energy drain she’d have to endure would jeopardize the shields she placed around her land. There was too much at stake.
She turned, moved toward the protection of the trees, her eyes scanning the ground for her sword.
“Behind you!”
Scorpathia grunted, pivoted and the glint of the moons vibrated off the jeweled handle. She ran, leaped over a fallen tree, rolled and grabbed her sword in one snatch. Coming to her feet, she planted the sword into the beast’s underbelly as it reared. Its cry permeating the air rattled her bones, almost stopping her charge. Lifting her sword above her head once again, she paused.
“Kill it! Don’t hesitate or it will be too late.”
Circling the sword, she beheaded another and another and another, yet they continued to come as if rising from the ground. Her body was laden with fatigue. The blood saturating her skin was not hers. Scorpathia wiped a hand across her face, removing sweat and grit and other things from her eyes. She didn’t see the Lupii’s beast until it was too late. His sword blocked the moon’s rays as he brought it down to her head. There was only one thing to do… run.
But Scorpathia didn’t run well. She considered it a sign of weakness but she never had. She straightened and waited for death, knowing it would be swift and painless. This was promised to her. She would not close her eyes either.
Her father’s words whispered in her ears. “Face death like you face each day. Head on. Praise the gods of Nodeirf and beg for swiftness.” This is what her father and her father’s fathers had done. She would do the same.
“Hoo-rah!” Tightening her fist around the hilt of her sword and standing in a fighting stance, she waited. “Hoo-rah!”
The four-legged beast reared meters above her head. One stomp and it would be over. A shrill screech tore from its throat before it fell backward and into the dirt. The rider, another faceless man pulled back on the animal. Now she could see his face. His eyes, his mouth, all contorted in the light, changing as an arrow pierced the place between his eyes. Pain wrenched every pore as his head exploded into a million pieces.
Scorpathia, startled for a second, then spun in a tight circle in search of the warrior who saved her life. She’d award him later, but no one was near. She primed her vision and ears to see anything, hear anything. Only silence greeted her.
“There. Beyond the trees.”
Scorpathia’s gaze tracked the direction the Protector indicated. In the thickest of the trees, atop the most massive stallion she’d ever seen, was him. Yet, when she blinked to refocus, he was gone. Had he been an aberration, there one minute, gone the next, a mist in the night?
Who are you?
No answer. She didn’t expect one.
The night’s battle raged on.
Scorpathia’s sword grew heavy. Her muscles tensed and spasmed when she raised it to fight, yet she pressed on. The sound of hooves, a multitude of hooves, ascended upon her. Spinning around, she faced off yet again.
Will it ever stop?
“Beware of what you ask, Lillian,” the protector said.
Scorpathia grimaced at the name she hated. She had no given name but for the Scorpion Queen. Many called her Scorpathia. Others called her Lillian after her mother, but she was no Lillian. Her mother was frail and weak, loved by all and feared by few. Such a demeaning existence. Now, Scorpathia was feared by all and loved by few. The way it was meant to be.
“Your reinforcement is approaching. Wait for it.”
Screams permeated the night just as two more headless bodies fell at her feet. A black stallion leaped over her head without a rider. Heat pressed at her back accompanied by the feel of hot metal in her shoulder. Going down to one knee, she’d ignore the pain ripping through her.
“Stay down!” He bellowed, grabbing her and pressing her behind him, her back to his front.
“The hell I will.” She fought his grip, pivoted and stood back to back with the stranger.
She hadn’t had time to assess him the way she needed, but two things were certain, he wasn’t one of her warriors and he had a face.
“Who are you?” She gritted between swings of her sword.
“The man who just saved your life.”
“I don’t need a savior.”
“Then my eyes have failed me.” They pivoted and changed positions. “From my vantage point, you were in need of assistance.”
“I would have handled it in my own way.”
“Your way would have gotten you killed.” He swung and struck down another beast.
“I’ve died a hundred times.” She went onto one knee and struck the underbelly of another animal. “It doesn’t seem to last.”
Unshaken, he continued to strike, to kill. “Why are the Lupii here?
Scorpathia didn’t answer, only swung her sword and beheaded another. Death’s dust thickened on her body, scorched her lungs and contaminated her mind.
“What do you possess that would warrant this attack?” He grunted as he pivoted, changing position with her in one swift move.
She was emotionless, yet her energy vibrated and faltered all the same. As tired as she was, a renewed strength prickled her skin, charged her nerve endings. Could it be from this stranger, a familiar she’d seen in her dreams? Was he someone whose name she’d called upon in her dreams? They’d never found her before. But, he did. What did he posses that demanded this journey? What power?
Seconds stretched into minutes and minutes into hours before they stood alone in the thickened brush of the forest. Her warriors scurried about, searching for survivors and the dead.
Gasping heavily, Scorpathia lowered next to a tree and glared into the face of the man she’d just fought with side by side. She tried and failed to ignore the exasperated huff from the Protector when she pressed her back against the cool wood of a Roanokian tree.
Silence, you evil Cyberian slug. I need only a minute, Scorpathia mind-linked with the Protector one last time. Her strength weakened with each breath and telepathy took too much from her.
She dragged the back of her hand across her eyes, removing sweat, dirt and blood then stared into the stranger’s face, capturing his gaze. Recognition simmered below the surface. She blinked and stared harder. She sent another swipe across her eyes, removing fatigue. He assessed his surroundings.
It is he.
She nodded slowly.
“What do you possess that would necessitate this attack?” he asked as he faced her. His eyes were dark, curious.
He towered over her, his broad shoulders glistening with sweat, his eyes as black as onx, the finest of set opaletts, watching her every move. His legs stood toned and muscled as she remembered from her dreams. Scorpathia closed her eyes, sucked in a ragged breath and let it out slowly in an attempt to reduce the heartbeat, pounding in her chest. She wasn’t sure if it raced from battle or him.
She opened her eyes and settled her gaze on his face. “Everything we are warrants an attack.”

A day in the life

2011-02-26T16:49:00.000-08:00

Mimosas, cheese cake, books and friends equal a wonderfully blessed book signing day. There's nothing like starting the day with SEVAA at the Pembroke Mall book fair in Virginia Beach Virginia and then ending it at Iris' Art Studio in Poquoson, Virginia. Pembroke Mall was great. Terrific foot traffic. I only wish I could have stayed longer. Two hours just wasn't enough time. When I got to Iris' I was greeted with warm hugs and well wishes. The studio was set up with chairs scattered about. A table was set to the side with delectable morsels of food. Really, really grand homemade cheese cake, real home made biscuits with ham, and raspberry tarts to name a few. There was a pitcher of my favorite all time beverage. Mimosas. And hey, I can't forget the wine and sparkling cider. The crowd, while not really large in number was hugh in warm and friendship. We laughed. I read excepts from Masquerade and we talked about writing, publishing and the muse and how it plays a part in our stories and getting the job done. If anyone asked me if I could change anything about today, I would have to say no, it was perfect. Thanks SEVAA and Iris for helping me get my name out there. See you again, real soon.

Sleeping Beauty

2011-02-17T15:03:00.000-08:00

Sleeping Beauty
EXCERPT

“Demetri, you shouldn’t have awakened her.” Father Kenny swiveled in the chair as he tugged at the starched white Episcopalian collar that was too tight around his neck. His expression flat and voice as calm as always as he relaxed his body against the leather and intertwined his fingers together at the nape of his neck.
Captain Demetrius Perry looked past him to the clock on the far wall. His eyes unreadable and mystical, gave nothing away. He glanced at Father Kenny through a veiled darkness none of the pack understood. Didn’t want to.
“It was time.”
“What if she’s not?”
“She is.”
“And if she refuses?”
He didn’t want to think of the implication of her refusing. He glared at Father Kenny but looked past him. “Then I die.

Captain Demetrius Perry of Fire Station Two-Two, closed his eyes, sucked in a deep breath and let it out on a rush of air. His heartbeat escalating in his chest and pressing against his ribs sent once forbidden sensations surging through his body. He didn’t like the feelings surging through his body. If Stormy Knight made him feel this way and she was a door away, what would happen when she was in front of him?
He’d seen Stormy numerous times, too many to count. She pulled him to her with such strength he had to have her. Have her near him. Become a part of him and vice versa. Demetrius had been in her dreams, her thoughts. He knew more about her than he wished. Private things no one should have been privy too, but somehow she came to him in his sleep, sharing dreams, desires, passions, and lust. Shivering inward, he tucked his feelings and unfamiliar emotions back down to where they wouldn’t reach up and grab at his gut.
Pushing up from the over sized desk, Demetrius walked to the far wall and threw back the heavy curtains hiding the window. Father Kenny’s hand flung up to shield his eyes from the bright sunlight suddenly illuminating the room; an uncomfortable frown twisted his face.
Demetrius thought about Father Kenny’s words for a moment. He’s been right on more than one occasion in the past, but not this time. Kenny, the historian of the wolf. His comrade. Priest. Friend. He was the first person Demetrius met when he joined the force and would probably be the last he saw. Kenny had spent years, almost a decade teaching, and guiding his pack. Sheltering them through the many storms their minds went through and their hearts. When they couldn’t confide in anyone else they confided in Father Kenny.
The captain spoke over his shoulder, “She’s here.”
“And, you know this how?” Father Kenny straightened his back, looked from the captain to the closed door of the office and back to the captain.
Demetrius turned his head toward the cleric, placed his index finger alongside his nose and tapped it slowly.
“Ah yes,” Father Kenny pushed up from the chair and strode over to the opposite side of the room. “The proverbial beacon. How stupid of me to forget.”
The loud repetitious rap on the door signaled her arrival.
“One day your senses are going to fool you and I’m going to be there to make witness.”
“Captain Demetrius,” the door slid open. “Firefighter Knight,” Firefighter Parker announced. The door opened the remainder of the way and two people entered.
Knight strode in with confidence, dropping her duffle at her feet with a thud. The other man backed out of the room and pulled the door shut behind him.
She stood at attention, gaze locked, body stiff, arms straight at her side, “Firefighter Knight reporting for duty, Sir.”
Her nervousness danced along Demetrius’ skin sending flutters of anticipation through his stomach. He wanted to smile at her strength, stubbornness, but didn’t.
“At ease, Knight. There’s no room for formalities in this fire station.”
She relaxed her legs a fraction and clasped her hands together behind her back.
“Lighten up and take a seat.” He bore his gaze into her… testing, but she refused to look away. “I’d rather stand, sir.” Her shoulders loosened and she let out a quiet breath.
Captain Demetrius Perry’s expression stilled and his gaze cut from her to Father Kenny. Pulling a file out of the drawer, he opened it and began to read its contents. A minute passed before he closed it, then looked up and caught her gaze.
“Extensive. You are an excellent firefighter, but you could be better if--”
“Captain, may I speak freely.” Knight cut him off.
“As free as you want. Like I said there are no formalities here.” He settled back into the soft leather of the chair.
“I don’t understand what I did to get transferred . . .here.” She took a step toward the seat facing the desk. “Am I being reprimanded?” She folded her body into the chair and clasped her hands together in her lap.
He let out a heady laugh. “Punished, is that what you think? This is the best damn fire station in the state,” slapping his open hand on the desk. The sound loud and sharp sliced through the air. “We are the toughest, meanest, bad assesses around. There’s a waiting list to come here.”
Unfolding his body from behind the desk, he took a few steps toward her and spoke into her ear. “I requested your transfer. You have talents that were being wasted at the other station. You used to be a hot shot until they stuck you over at one-oh-one. Put those crap ideas of desk jobs and research out of your head. Don’t you get tired of everyone going about his or her day doing everything that is asked? Not asking any questions. Everything by the book.”
Her body tensed and her energy stood the hairs on the back of his neck and arms. Her scent, wild and tamed, fresh and old tightened his gut. He felt his eyes grow from chocolate brown to black then red almost instantly. Demetrius turned his head, as he sucked in a lung full of air and held it there until her scent singed his lungs. He straightened his back and blew it out in one long slow puff.
“Isn’t that how it is supposed to be? By the book.” She glanced in his direction. “I’ve never been rebellious.” She mumbled, her voice low and unsteady. It almost cracked.
“Yeah, sure, by the book and it drives you out of your mind, doesn’t it? How often does your skin itch for excitement?” He asked a question he didn’t expect her to answer. “Your talent has been wasted for the last time.”
“I don’t understand.”
“You will.” He rotated his neck, rounded his shoulders and stepped to the door. He pulled it open. “Parker!”
The same man who walked her into the office materialized.
“Show Stormy. . .” a subtle laugh rumbled from his throat, “Stormy Knight where she bunks and get her stored away.”
“Right away, Captain.” Parker grabbed her duffle from the floor and held the door open.
Knight seized her bag from his hand, “I don’t need you to carry my gear,” her voice firm. She paused at the door, turned and faced the captain. “Nothing to laugh at, sir, family name. But if you ask me, a curse.”
More than you know.
Demetrius’ skin had begun to boil as soon as Stormy walked into his office. It itched from inside out making him want to tear it away from his bones to scratch it. If he hadn’t been alpha he’d have had no control over the pull and would have changed at that very instant. No woman and he meant no woman had ever had that effect on him. Only the alpha to his alpha could pull the beast from him.
Stormy was his.
She disappeared behind the closed door. Father Kenny stepped out of the shadows, walked over to the chair and sat down. “She’s a tough one, not like the others.”
“This is what I was telling you. They weren’t … alpha.”
“You’re going to have to be careful. Take it easy. Slow.”
The Captain arched an eyebrow and shot him a confused look. Father Kenny placed his index finger under his eye and tugged on the lower lid. Good. Kenny hadn’t noticed the firmness stretching against the fabric of his pants. Heat flooded his body when Stormy entered the office. Demetrius felt his flesh rise as soon as a whiff of her scent fractured his shields in one quick stab and settled into his brain. He’d wanted to take her right then and there. Push everyone out of his office and lay her across his desk. Her strength was going to be trouble.
Demetrius drew in a deep breath, held it for a brief second and let it out slowly. “She has power.” He rubbed his temples. “Her aura stood the hairs on my arms.” He unconsciously stroked his hand down its length.
Father Kenny leaned in and lowered his voice. “Are you sure?”
“The dream torments her. It’s strong.” He closed his eyes and inhaled a lung full of air and captured the subtle scent that was Stormy.
“How much time do we have?”
“Eight full moons, maybe less.” The remnants of energy pricked its way down his back. A subtle frown he didn’t let hit his eyes tugged at the corners of his mouth. He didn’t like the way it settled in the pit of his stomach and twitched the muscles in his thighs and groin. He closed his eyes to consider the possibilities. “What do you think?”
Father Kenny laughed. It was light, almost a chuckle. “Like you said … it was time.”

W.I.N.E.

2011-01-29T18:49:00.001-08:00

W.I.N.E. Women In Natural Essence Book Club.
I spent the evening with WINE today. They had chosen my book, Masquerade as their January selection and asked me to attend their meeting. We met at the Terra Restaurant in Hampton, Va at the Peninsula Town Center (my new favorite place. We ate and yes, drank wine. What a wonderful group of women they are. I'm not just saying that because they loved my book either. They are honest, down to earth and real. They each took a turn discussing the book, what they liked, didn't like, who they liked the best and who they didn't. On numerous occasions a comment would open to a flourish of questions, comments and ponderings. Totally cool in my book. They also asked about up coming books and wanted to know when the sequel to Masquerade would be out. Now that was interesting. I've been thinking about a sequel but the sequel wasn't talking to me. It is now. These wonderful women tossed idea after idea at me. They told me what they would love to see and and not see. Their ideas were so profound I had to pull out paper and start taking notes. Now how is that for productive gatherings. Here are some of the things they said about Masquerade. "I could have read a sequal immediately."I was reading something else and kept going back to Masquerade," "The characters are real." "I give it an strong 10," "Elijah never let Samantha's hardness stop him. I liked that," "Elijah was sure of himself, knows what he wants but also had a humble side." Thanks WINE. Keep up the wonderful work ladies and I will keep you posted on my progress.

Remembering Friends

2011-01-29T18:31:00.000-08:00

What a wonderful day. There's nothing better than old friends gathering around a table and talking about the good times we had together. Back in December I received a card from a friend I used to work with when I first graduated nursing school. Yes, I've known her just that long. She was getting the crew back together. hehehe. We all worked together on the PCU (Progressive Cardiac Unit) at Riverside Medical Center in Newport News when my professional nursing career started back in 1985. Yikes, that's a long time ago. Some of us made it to the lunch, some didn't. I hadn't seen a couple of these friends since I got married 12 years ago and there were a couple I hadn't seen since I left the hospital in 1990. We talked, we laughed and we remembered the ones no longer with us. (we miss you Sylvia) Geez, Hazel, Evelyn, Shirley, Mary Ann, Alice, Rena, Reva, our boss lady Judy and myself made up the motly crew today. Now, instead of brand new nurses, green and ready to change the world we are seasoned with adult children, grand children and marrages still going strong, some not and missing spouses taken from us. We all got a kick out of Mary Ann giving some of the others a strange look as they talked about hot flashes and the dreaded menopause. I told her to sit by me cause I'm not there yet. LOL. One thing we all agreed upon, we really need to get together more often.

Book Trailer

2011-01-26T18:46:00.000-08:00

I have a new book trailer. Check it out on YouTube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?V=V-mPV7D-RjE

Hum, its time

2011-01-23T17:49:00.000-08:00

You know its time to stop writing for the night when your husband comes out and ask you, "how's your husband." Now I must confess I thought he was asking about himself. After all, who wouldn't. So I respond with the approprate, "you are fine." Why did he start laughing and say, "not me, him," and pointed to the lap top. Aw come on now. When a writer is in the writing mode, everything pales around them. At least it does for me. But hey, I cooked dinner today which was saying a lot. I don't get much of that in these days. But who can blame me. I work Monday thru Friday 8-4pm. Its only the two of us so why cook when there are so many restaurants and food joints along the way home. But I cooked tonight so that should get me an A+. I baked pork chops. I made, and mind you, from scratch, mac and cheese and I cooked peas. He likes peas so I cooked them for him. And mind you, I didn't even burn the food this time like I did the other day when I was writing. I put some poor chicken in the oven. That poor chicken didn't know what hit it. When I pulled it out I tried to convince myself it was blackened chicken. He didn't buy it. But anyway, today I got some good work done. I wrote. I answered emails. I checked and read my yahoo group posts and I wrote some more. And there was a good dinner to finish it off. I guess I better stop writing here and go check on my other hubby.

Sleeping Beauty

2011-01-15T20:22:00.000-08:00

Everyone looked familiar. Everyone looked like strangers. Stormy woke up every night with a scream torn from her throat, blood covering her body and raw flesh under the nails. She soon realized, she was not in Kansas anymore. The nightmare was back.

Conspiracy…
Unbeknownst to her, at the first full moon after her thirtieth birthday the curse would manifest itself. The curse that says, if she can embrace her beast, she can break the curse. One problem, the concept that she is Lycan has been kept from her all of her life.

Betrayal…
Alpha Demetrius Perry, fire Captain to stations two-two, whose gentle eyes and soft smile only slightly masks the strength of his resolve is anything but what he says he is… a friend.

Destiny…
Secrets abound, how will Demetrius awaken his Sleeping Beauty and guide her to her place as Alpha female and queen to his king when he’s not sure if he wants the curse broken.
How deep will her love run? Can his love for her destroy the resolve she has sworn to uphold? As their worlds collide, who will survive?

EXCERPT
“Demetri, you shouldn’t have awakened her.” Father Kenny swiveled in the chair as he tugged at the starched white Episcopalian collar that was too tight around his neck.
His expression flat and voice as calm as always as he relaxed his body against the leather and intertwined his fingers together at the nape of his neck.
Captain Demetrius Perry looked past him to the clock on the far wall. His eyes unreadable and mystical, gave nothing away. He glanced at Father Kenny through a veiled darkness none of the pack understood. Didn’t want to.
“It was time.”
“What if she’s not?”
“She is.”
“And if she refuses?”
He didn’t want to think of the implication of her refusing. He glared at Father Kenny but looked past him. “Then I die."

Captain Demetrius Perry of Fire Station Two-Two, closed his eyes, sucked in a deep breath and let it out on a rush of air. His heartbeat escalating in his chest and pressing against his ribs sent once forbidden sensations surging through his body. He didn’t like the feelings surging through his body. If Stormy Knight made him feel this way and she was a door away, what would happen when she was in front of him?

He’d seen Stormy numerous times, too many to count. She pulled him to her with such strength he had to have her. Have her near him. Become a part of him and vice versa. Demetrius had been in her dreams, her thoughts. He knew more about her than he wished. Private things no one should have been privy too, but somehow she came to him in his sleep, sharing dreams, desires, passions, and lust. Shivering inward, he tucked his feelings and unfamiliar emotions back down to where they wouldn’t reach up and grab at his gut.

Pushing up from the over sized desk, Demetrius walked to the far wall and threw back the heavy curtains hiding the window. Father Kenny’s hand flung up to shield his eyes from the bright sunlight suddenly illuminating the room; an uncomfortable frown twisted his face.

Demetrius thought about Father Kenny’s words for a moment. He’s been right on more than one occasion in the past, but not this time. Kenny, the historian of the wolf. His comrade. Priest. Friend. He was the first person Demetrius met when he joined the force and would probably be the last he saw. Kenny had spent years, almost a decade teaching, and guiding his pack. Sheltering them through the many storms their minds went through and their hearts. When they couldn’t confide in anyone else they confided in Father Kenny.

The captain spoke over his shoulder, “She’s here.”
“And, you know this how?” Father Kenny straightened his back, looked from the captain to the closed door of the office and back to the captain.
Demetrius turned his head toward the cleric, placed his index finger alongside his nose and tapped it slowly.
“Ah yes,” Father Kenny pushed up from the chair and strode over to the opposite side of the room. “The proverbial beacon. How stupid of me to forget.”
The loud repetitious rap on the door signaled her arrival.
“One day your senses are going to fool you and I’m going to be there to make witness.”
“Captain Demetrius,” the door slid open. “Firefighter Knight,” Firefighter Parker announced.
The door opened the remainder of the way and two people entered.
Knight strode in with confidence, dropping her duffle at her feet with a thud. The other man backed out of the room and pulled the door shut behind him.
She stood at attention, gaze locked, body stiff, arms straight at her side, “Firefighter Knight reporting for duty, Sir.”
Her nervousness danced along Demetrius’ skin sending flutters of anticipation through his stomach. He wanted to smile at her strength, stubbornness, but didn’t.
“At ease, Knight. There’s no room for formalities in this fire station.”
She relaxed her legs a fraction and clasped her hands together behind her back.
“Lighten up and take a seat.” He bore his gaze into her… testing, but she refused to look away. “I’d rather stand, sir.” Her shoulders loosened and she let out a quiet breath.
Captain Demetrius Perry’s expression stilled and his gaze cut from her to Father Kenny. Pulling a file out of the drawer, he opened it and began to read its contents. A minute passed before he closed it, then looked up and caught her gaze.
“Extensive. You are an excellent firefighter, but you could be better if--”
“Captain, may I speak freely.” Knight cut him off.
“As free as you want. Like I said there are no formalities here.” He settled back into the soft leather of the chair.
“I don’t understand what I did to get transferred . . .here.” She took a step toward the seat facing the desk. “Am I being reprimanded?” She folded her body into the chair and clasped her hands together in her lap.
He let out a heady laugh. “Punished, is that what you think? This is the best damn fire station in the state,” slapping his open hand on the desk. The sound loud and sharp sliced through the air. “We are the toughest, meanest, bad assesses around. There’s a waiting list to come here.”
Unfolding his body from behind the desk, he took a few steps toward her and spoke into her ear. “I requested your transfer. You have talents that were being wasted at the other station. You used to be a hot shot until they stuck you over at one-oh-one. Put those crap ideas of desk jobs and research out of your head. Don’t you get tired of everyone going about his or her day doing everything that is asked? Not asking any questions. Everything by the book.”
Her body tensed and her energy stood the hairs on the back of his neck and arms. Her scent, wild and tamed, fresh and old tightened his gut. He felt his eyes grow from chocolate brown to black then red almost instantly. Demetrius turned his head, as he sucked in a lung full of air and held it there until her scent singed his lungs. He straightened his back and blew it out in one long slow puff.
“Isn’t that how it is supposed to be? By the book.” She glanced in his direction. “I’ve never been rebellious.” She mumbled, her voice low and unsteady. It almost cracked.
“Yeah, sure, by the book and it drives you out of your mind, doesn’t it? How often does your skin itch for excitement?” He asked a question he didn’t expect her to answer. “Your talent has been wasted for the last time.”
“I don’t understand.”
“You will.” He rotated his neck, rounded his shoulders and stepped to the door. He pulled it open. “Parker!”
The same man who walked her into the office materialized.
“Show Stormy. . .” a subtle laugh rumbled from his throat, “Stormy Knight where she bunks and get her stored away.”
“Right away, Captain.” Parker grabbed her duffle from the floor and held the door open.
Knight seized her bag from his hand, “I don’t need you to carry my gear,” her voice firm. She paused at the door, turned and faced the captain. “Nothing to laugh at, sir, family name. But if you ask me, a curse.”
More than you know.
Demetrius’ skin had begun to boil as soon as Stormy walked into his office. It itched from inside out making him want to tear it away from his bones to scratch it. If he hadn’t been alpha he’d have had no control over the pull and would have changed at that very instant. No woman and he meant no woman had ever had that effect on him. Only the alpha to his alpha could pull the beast from him.
Stormy was his.
She disappeared behind the closed door. Father Kenny stepped out of the shadows, walked over to the chair and sat down. “She’s a tough one, not like the others.”
“This is what I was telling you. They weren’t … alpha.”
“You’re going to have to be careful. Take it easy. Slow.”
The Captain arched an eyebrow and shot him a confused look. Father Kenny placed his index finger under his eye and tugged on the lower lid. Good. Kenny hadn’t noticed the firmness stretching against the fabric of his pants. Heat flooded his body when Stormy entered the office. Demetrius felt his flesh rise as soon as a whiff of her scent fractured his shields in one quick stab and settled into his brain. He’d wanted to take her right then and there. Push everyone out of his office and lay her across his desk. Her strength was going to be trouble.
Demetrius drew in a deep breath, held it for a brief second and let it out slowly. “She has power.” He rubbed his temples. “Her aura stood the hairs on my arms.” He unconsciously stroked his hand down its length.
Father Kenny leaned in and lowered his voice. “Are you sure?”
“The dream torments her. It’s strong.” He closed his eyes and inhaled a lung full of air and captured the subtle scent that was Stormy.
“How much time do we have?”
“Eight full moons, maybe less.” The remnants of energy pricked its way down his back. A subtle frown he didn’t let hit his eyes tugged at the corners of his mouth. He didn’t like the way it settled in the pit of his stomach and twitched the muscles in his thighs and groin. He closed his eyes to consider the possibilities. “What do you think?”
Father Kenny laughed. It was light, almost a chuckle. “Like you said … it was time.”

Emma Awards

2011-01-15T20:18:00.000-08:00

I am honored to be a finalist for an Emma Award. My book, Masquerade, is a finalist for Best Suspense and Book of the Year. Wow! I can't wait until I get to Romance Slam Jam. It is going to be a blast as readers and authors converge on Baltimore Maryland for what I know will be a fantastic Slam Jam. It will be a time to meet new friends and catch up with old. Good luck to all Emma Finalist. See you soon.

Happy New Year

2011-01-04T14:19:00.000-08:00

Oh my goodness!!! the holiday season has come and gone. I was reminded today that I hadn't blogged in a bit so I figured I'd better get on it. But what can I say, life does that sometimes. My Christmas holiday was turned upside down and twisted right and left. First I had Grinchella on my back and she was hard to shake. I wasn't entirely sure why I felt so down. Usually the holidays find me bubbly and cheerful. I think it was because we really didn't decorate the house much at all. Our plans were to go to Chattanooga, TN and spend Christmas with hubby's sister. So why put up all of the lights and dazzle if you aren't going to be here... right? Well, the trip got canceled due to some unexpected car repairs and husband admitted he wasn't feeling well. The car we can deal with but the last thing you want is to end up sick in a foreign country. Opps, I did say Chattanooga. So now everything is toppled over. Did that mean I had to cook dinner. Darn. I tried the lets do something different and go out to dinner. He actually went for it. Too bad not a single restaurant was going to be open. I think it was a trick. The holiday turned out to be rather nice. My sister and I was summoned to the old neighborhood for a little get together on Christmas eve. Wow, that was fun. The old neighborhood looked the same. Are we really the only ones who changed, moved away. I think so. Our old house was still there, the elementry school and local corner store. Just thinking about it now almost brings nostalgic tears to my eyes. We had a good childhood. Yes we did. But what about the future. What does the new year bring? I stopped making resolutions a long time ago but I would like to put a few personal betterment ideas out there. I've got to get back into the exercise mode. I did really good last year when I was training for the 60 mile walk. I walked 6 days a week to train. I'm gonna get back in that mode. I've got to get back into the major author mode as well. Promo, write, promo and write some more. So it's out there for all to see and hear. I'M GONNA DO IT. What do you have on your agenda for 2011. Lets do it together.

Grinchella

2010-12-18T18:47:00.000-08:00

Deep down I do believe that Santa Claus is not a menace to society as stated by the lawyers on Miracle on 34th St. But why am I in such a funk. I've watched Christmas show after Christmas show hoping to get in the mood. I've played the holiday CDs and watched the twinkling lights. But today has really gotten to me. I made the mistake of going to the mall. My intentions were there. Really they were. I wasn't even going for myself. Old Navy was having a sale and the scarves were only $1.00. So I had this thought. I was going to get fifty scarves and take them to the local homeless shelter. I knew it wasn't going to ever be enough but it was something. Of course they were all out. But what got me the most was the people. I didn't hear people laughing. I didn't see people smiling, just hustling and bustling and shoving. They wouldn't even let me out of the dang parking lot of the store. People blocking the entrance and not giving an inch. Geez. Can we like back it up a notch and have a do over. I've got to get out of this funk. My house isn't decorated the way it normally is. There are no Christmas smells of cookies and cake baking. There are no lights blinking and other than seeing Kyle from Living Single singing on a commercial for Marshalls and TJ Maxx I haven't gotten many laughs. And I broke a finger nail.

Battle of the Sexes

2010-12-15T18:50:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure when it happened but it did. There has been a mixture of Invasion of the Body Snatchers, The Matrix and the Twilaght Zone. Over and over again the past couple of days I've encountered people who I had no idea what sex they were. Now, I don't mean sexual orientation, I mean, sex as in male-female, pe-we vs va-JJ. Twice today, once yesterday and I'm sue its happened before because if it hadn't it wouldn't have piqued my interest. People are beginning to look the same. There were no bumps on the chest to yell 'I'm a female.' There were not enough curves or they weren't flat enough to say 'I'm a guy,' either. The clothes are the same, jeans, basic shirts and jackets. No makeup, no facial expressions, no facial hair. The hair style was unisex as well and at least once the person spoke and the voice was flat and so monotone I honestly couldn't tell you. I'm married so I'm not looking, but how does one know who to approach and not get smacked or punched? What happens if you approach someone thinking you might be interested in them yet lo and behold its someone of the same sex and that was not what you were looking for. What do you do? Do you just say, "oh my bad," and call it a day. I don't know how this is going to affect my people watching and character sketches. I gather so much from just looking at people this is throwing me off. I'm afraid to ask, 'who are you and what pea pod did you hatch from but it may have to come to that.

Relationships

2010-12-05T16:08:00.000-08:00

I've been hearing and reading a lot lately about relationships and what makes them work and how people can attach such qualifications onto what they want that they are blocking something good. I would have to agree. Now don't get me wrong. I recently read a question on FB that asked which would the woman prefer, a man who's good with his hands and can fix everything in the house, the car, the plumbing etc or a man who is good in bed. Why can't we have both. What's wrong with wanting a man who will be just as good in both places but even better and I think most would agree or I at least hope so, I believe we want a man who will treat us as equals not property. A man who will treat our hearts like his soul, charish it like platinum and gold. After all, who wants CZ when we can have diamonds. And it goes both ways, your king to my queen, right. We are not trying to wear the pants just because we might make more money. If your partner makes 60k and you make 49 doesn't that equate out to 109. It did where i went to school. Sometimes we forget the basics of happiness. I'm not sure if love conquers all but it certainly puts a dent in it, wouldn't you say. We recently had this same conversation at work because one of the nurses made the statement that she didn't like dark skinned black men. She couldn't tell us why. I told her to watch what she asked for, the light skinned man can be just as ugly as the next. I remember once, way back when I was single and had just broken up with someone after two and a half years. I prayed for an attentive man, because the one I'd had was more interested in sports and his buddies than with me. What I got was a stalker want-a-be. Another girlfriend only wanted a tall man. After all she was six feet tall. She ended up in a wheelchair. Now every man is taller. So, what I'm saying is, and I mean men and woman, we've got to stop putting labels on everything and look for the good, look beyond what you have on the must have list. That person might not be the tallest, the thinnest, the longest or best hair, but I bet if that person is who you are supposed to have it will be the best thing you've ever had. And hey, wouldn't you say if a man is good with his hands outside of the bedroom, he'd certainly be good with them inside the bedroom. We can only hope.

telemarketeers

2010-12-05T11:45:00.000-08:00

Why is it so hard for businesses like Sears to not call my house on a Sunday after noon. Now today is the third Sunday in a row that these people have called my house to ask if we want to extend the warrenty on the washer and TV we purchased. What I would like to extend is my foot into a not so pleasant place but given its Sunday, I'm gonna be good. Now it would be one thing if I hadn't already told them three weeks ago to not call me on Sunday. But Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday have gone by and not a single phone call. Sunday again and here they go, ringing my house, desturbing my relaxing time. If I wanted to do business today, I'd be on the computer writing, editing or doing that dang synopsis I've been seriously procrastinating with. Maybe that's it. Sears thinks if it calls it will get me in the work mode and I'd do some. I don't think so. Thats just not gonna work today.

Happy Thanksgiving

2010-11-24T22:24:00.000-08:00

7-Up Pound Cake

10 oz. 7-Up soda

2 sticks margarine

1/2 cup shortening

3 cups flour

3 cups sugar

5 eggs

2 teaspoon vanilla (or 1 tsp vanilla and 1 tsp lemon)

Cream sugar, margarine, shortening together. Add eggs one at a time. Beat. Then add flour, vanilla (lemon). Add 7-Up soda. Beat. Pour in greased and lightly floured cake pan. Round cake pan or Bundt pan works best. Bake at 325 degrees for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until done. Turn out of pan immediately, cool and enjoy.

It just wouldn't be right if I didn't tell you my story behind this wonderful cake. I developed the joy of cooking when I was very young. My father James Henry Phillips gave me this sacred recipe when I was maybe 16 years old. I charished it for a very long time. Its famous and a favorite amoung my family. Well, my father died in 1985 and a few years later I lost the recipe. I had no idea where it dissappeared to. So, I started calling Phillips family members, only to be told that no one had the recipe. I searched from the oldest of members to the youngest. I was heart broken to find out my father had never shared this recipe with anyone except me and now it was lost. For ten years we didn't have this cake. I was heartbroken and then one night at work as my coworkers and I were sitting around the nurse's station we were talking about the holidays and cooking and cakes and I told them this same story, the story of the lost cake recipe. One of the nurses said the cake sounded like a cake her grandmother in West Virginia baked sometimes. She called her grandmother the next day and low and behold it was the same cake. She sent me the recipe and I've held it close to my heart every day. However, one thing I'm doing differently than what my father did, I'm not keeping it a secret. I want the whole world to know what a wonderfully delicious pound cake this makes. Enjoy!!!

Help wanted.

2010-11-20T17:35:00.000-08:00

This is why some people should not be put is certain jobs. Some people should stay in non customer service positions and some people should definitely NOT be given certain jobs that come with a small amount of power over other peoples lives or livelihood. These new TSA/home land security checkups are getting out of hand. Don't get me wrong, I am all for keeping me/us/mine safe. I don't mind the long lines. That's why I always get to the airport early. I don't mind taking my shoes off. I don't mind unloading my carryons. I don't even mind strange people going through my suitcase, as long as they put my stuff back in my suitcase and not in their pockets, and I don't even mind the full body scan. Hell, what are they gonna see. My skeleton and an intestine full of poop. But come on now. What happened to training the TSA employees. As a registered nurse, I've been trained to be mindful, compassionate and watchful. I'd like to think I can spot a vengeful old lady to a gang leader. I can tell you what's right and wrong. And my Lord and parents taught me compassion and respect toward one another. But to read that a TSA agent told a breast cancer woman that she needed to remove her breast prostesis at the pat down and in another TSA incident a bladder cancer man was left in his own urine after TSA compromised his urostomy bag is a bit much. Why are people being humiliated in public because TSA does not have the training or education or compassion or anything to say, (here's a thought) "we will need for you to come with us to a room where a gender appropiate agent will need to inspect your prostetic device. Go figure. I think some of these people are enjoying their jobs just a little too much. My answer to them, a triple H enema. For those of you not familiar, think High, Hot, and Hell of a Lot. Do you get my drift.

Really???

2010-11-15T16:26:00.001-08:00

Has chivalry really gone to the way side. Has the role really reversed. Yesterday, my hubby and I took a trip to JCP for a little shopping. Hey, I had three coupons and you can't let a good coupon go to waste. Any how, I'm searching for my husband and remembered he told me if I couldn't find him he would most likely be in the car. Well, I went out to the parking lot to check the car and he wasn't there. I decided to go back into the store and there was a man who had just loaded some merchandise into the trunk of his car. He was heading back to the store as well. He approached the door ahead of me, but when he reached the door, he stood there and waited for me to open the door for him. Really. Really. Not even on a cold and rainy day in the dead of winter. Now, don't get me wrong. It would have been one thing if his hands were full or if he was challanged in some way, such as no hands or blind and that's pretty much my limit on opening the door for a man, but why would he think it was okay to do that. It is so, not okay. Not yesterday, not today and definitely not tomorrow. I don't care what anyone told you. SO NOT OKAY. And in case you're wondering, I opened the door a crack only wide enough for me, slid in and pulled it shut behind me.

Woo hoo

2010-11-06T19:49:00.000-07:00

What's a girl to do? Its been a couple of few days since I've been able to blog, but I have a great explanation. Deadlines, deadlines, deadlines. I've been pulling my hair out trying to get the project done. There is so much on my plate, but it's a good fullness Like the kind you get after eating Thanksgiving dinner. Even though you know you should stop, take a breath, you still want a piece of pie. I wouldn't have it any other way.
I acturally went to the library today with good friends Felicia Mason and Cathy Welch. Got a good three hours in with the editing. We closed out the library and I was still in the writing mode so I came home, set up writing space at the dining room table (office still very distracting for some reason) and I got to writing. I found the perfect recipe. Lap top, glasses of wine. Yes I said, glasses. And R&B artist Jaheim on the Ipod speaker.
Between the mellow wine and his voice crooning me I finished the book. Woo Hoo!!! 7 hours later and the last edit was done. Now off to my beta reader and then the editor. Can I get a moment of silence please. At least a couple of seconds before I have to go to the next project. Red Sage edits are sitting in computer waiting for me and then edits from Sleeping Beauty with Parker Publishing. Did I say I was busy?

Something on my mind.

2010-10-21T16:23:00.000-07:00

I know this is one of my pet peeves and everytime it happens I say I'm gonna work on my mood, but dang, do I have to. I'm at work. I do that. I go to work. I work and then I go home. I spend a lot of time on the phone communcating with people and setting up care for patients. Why is it, when some people call and leave messages, they talk as if they are speedy gonzalous and ramble through their name and number. Today I received a very important phone call from some one I'd been trying to reach but didn't have the correct number. The woman finally calls me. She leaves her name and number on my voice mail. However, she talked so fast I barely got her name and forget about the number to call her back. that was wasted. I only got the first two numbers. Oddly enough, she was so fast, I couldn't even get it on rewind. Again, dang. Is it me. Why not talk a little slower and hey, try repeating your name and number for a change. It sure would make my day go better. Maybe that's it. My day isn't supposed to go smooth.

Buy a book, stop a crook

2010-10-16T19:13:00.000-07:00

Spent the day in Waynesboro, VA at the Bookem Book Festival. Mark Kearney has done a great job orginazing the festival. I don't even want to think about the amount of work that goes into it. I think this was my fifth time attending. The festival benefits literacy, hence the line, buy a book, stop a crook. If we can teach the children to read, just maybe we can help them stay out of the jail system. Each author attending donates part of our proceeds to literacy. To keep a child out of jail, I'd donate it all. Its a great day. A lot of author networking, workshops, panel discussions, author talks and an abundance of students from the area who volunteer. I can think of a million things a teenage could be doing on Saturday but they spent it with us.

I went to a Bookem in Charleston, SC a couple of years ago. They haven't had another one there since. I hope they do. I had a blast. This year in Waynesboro, there wasn't a lot of foot traffic. I don't know why. The weather was great, but it happens. I only sold three books. but hey, it goes like that sometimes. Once there were a lot of public in and I sold a lot of books, another time, none, another time, medium sales. But no matter how it rolls, I'll still be there. after all, buy a book, stop a crook.

3 Days 60 Miles 1 Goal

2010-10-12T16:53:00.000-07:00

And they came out in massess. There were young people. Older people. People my age. Some could have been my siblings or my parents or even my grand parents. There were men and woman. One man walked the miles on a prosthetic leg. A woman was 36 weeks pregnant. But they came and we walked.

And boy, was it a walk! I did it. I finally did it! I participated in the Susan G. Komen 3 Day Walk for Breast Cancer this past weekend. It was awespiring, it was painful, it was humbling, it was exhausting, it was WOW. And did I say painful.

We set out from the National Stadium in Washington D.C. and walked through D.C., through Georgetown, through Chevy Chase Maryland to Bethesda Maryland. When did D.C. and the outlying towns get so hilly. For the life of me I don't remember them and I've spent a many day and night in D.C and Bethesda. Hey, I used to work at Bethesday Naval. Now granted, I always arrived by car but I would have remembered the mountains of Georgetown and Bethesda.

Friday's walk was tiring but we survived all 20.4 miles of it. I met some really great people immediately upon arriving in D.C. Linda from NY who is a 10 year breast cancer survivor and Heather from Miami. Both had done this walk before. Lavell showed up later and for the life of me I can't remember where she was from. I'd like to say Maryland by way of New England, US by way of England, UK but I could be wrong. Being this was my first 3 day walk they took me under their wings and we suffered, um I meant walked together.

At the end of the route on Friday we were bused to Germantown, MD. Upon arrival to camp I immediately set out to find my place in tent city. For some reason, I decided to partake in the entire 3 day experience and camp with the rest of the nuts, um I meant walkers. I told myself it was an adventure. Now for those who know me, know, I DON'T CAMP. My idea of camping is going to a hotel that doesn't have cable. LOL. But I'm gonna do it for the cause. I grabbed my duffle and sleeping bag and tent. Yes, I said tent. I now had the task of putting up my own tent. This was going to be fun. NOT. Again, I DO NOT CAMP. I dropped my stuff in the empty spot that belonged to me and starred down at it. Now what. How does a non camper put up a pink pup tent. I decided to make an announcement to the people I saw near by. I sorta yelled, "How does one put up a tent if one has never put one up!" What great people. Immediately four people stopped what they were doing and came to my rescue. They helped me get my tent up. No, that's not correct. They put my tent up for me. I stood there like a deer caught in the head lights and held a pole and flash light.

Okay, it was looking up. My tent was up and secure. I unrolled the airmattress and connected the pump and got it inflated and in place in the small two person tent. My tent mate had yet to arrive. I sat my things up for the am since we had to get up before the sun to hit the route for day two. I went to the dinner tent and had dinner, which I might say was wonderful. Steak, tender enough to cut with a plastic knife, potatoes, green beans and apple pie. Yum. After dinner I hit the showers. They had 18 wheelers out fitted with shower stalls. Nice and hot too. I headed to my tent via flash light because now it was 10pm and the lights went out at 9pm. Did I say I didn't camp. It's dark, I'm scared. But hey, I chanted, 'adventure, adventure, adventrue.' but it didn't stop there. I zippered myself into the tent. that way the monsters wouldn't get me. Yeah, right. As soon as I went to lay down on the sleeping bag which was on top of the air mattress my body went straight to the ground. Where the hell did my air go?

I found out the next day, when its cold the air dissepates in the mattresses. I will never understand this. It was locked in tight. There were no holes. Go where. Out of space. Is it magic? what? This is why I never did well in physics. It just doesn't make sense. What am I going to do? It's too late to turn on the pump for the air mattress, so I decide to sleep in the sleeping bag on the ground. Thank God the tent had a vinyl flooring or I would have been in the meal tent on top of a table.

As soon as I doze off I am awakened by a horrific growl. It grumbled, mumbled and spat. I just knew the monsters had come out of the forest to get me. My eyes sprang open and I yelled in my mind, "What's that?" My eyes scanned the darkness and only when it happened again, that I realized someone was snoring. Okay, I can deal with snoring. But then it happened again and again I am jolted from sleep. I had to put my earphones in and turn on the IPod for some music. that's what I needed. Nora Jones lulled me to sleep only to be yanked out of it again with a thigh cramp. Thigh cramps are bad enough when I'm at home and I have to jump out of bed, pound on my thigh muscle, jump around and ice it. How is a girl to do that when you are zippered into a sleeping bag and even if you could get out, you can't stand up. Pup tent means exactly how it sounds. There's enough room for a puppy. Geez, Saturday morning couldn't come fast enough.

Saturday we treked 23 miles through Germantown and Gaithersburg, Maryland. More hills. What happened to the flat lands. Are there any walks in Kansas or Missouri. I've spent a lot of time in Maryland in the past but had never been to Germantown or Gaithersburg. What wonderful scenerie. Before I left camp that am I met another new friend, Desi. she's a one year breast cancer survivor and she has spunk. When her family opposed her doing this walk she stood her ground. My hat goes off to every survivor that took a step this past weekend. They gave me strength.

I had a plan as I stood at the foot of yet another hill. I was gonna make it. And I did. I crawled back into camp at 6:30 that evening. I'm gonna conquer this camping thing. I ate another great dinner. Grabbed my shower. Rubbed down in the analgestic cream I grabbed from the medical tent. Re-inflated the air mattress and made calls to home and friends to check in and check out. I took my medication to include my dear friend Mr. Vicodin and put the earphones in the ears and turned on the music. I was off to lala land in no time. No nightmarish sounds, grunts, growls. No muscle cramps and my body was suspended above the ground. Yeah!

Even though the night temps dropped to 45 degrees each night I can thank my friend Helen for the sleeping bag. I would have been in trouble with the blanket I was taking. Thank God some of my friends know what they are doing when it comes to this camping out gig. I certainly didn't. When I told my friend Yvette the next morning that I slept good Saturday night she commented that happens when you are exhausted. I told her that's what happens when you take vicodin. hehehe.

Sunday was a breeze compared to the other two days. We only needed to walk the remander of the miles on Sunday. A piece of cake. I crossed the finish line Sunday afternoon to see my husband, sister and grand nephew standing there cheering me on. I was told I didn't look like someone who'd just walked 60 miles. Maybe it was because of the broad grin spliting my face or the bounce in my step. I'm not sure but I certainly felt like some one who'd walked 60 miles. My feet hurt, my toes and ankles are swollen. Luckily I didn't get a blister until around mile 40ish. Some people got them early. My hips were very angry at me. I was suprised my knees didn't bother me... yet and my back didn't hurt.

I was humbled by the amount of people who came out to cheer up on. People stood on corners, in their drive ways and leaned out of windows to say thanks for walking. Restaurants posted signs of thanks and telling us there was water inside and clean bathrooms. What a dream. I really missed my bathroom. After spending three days with nothing but port a potties I so much wanted to feel my cushie toilet set against my cushie ass. One should not have to hover to pee. It's just not right. But it was for a good cause. It was all for a good cause. The blisters. The sore and aching muscles. The grinding bones. It was for a wonderful cause and I feel like I walked in a 60 mile walk a thon. Oh yeah, I did and will do it again. I think, next year I'll work in the medical tent. LOL. No hills.

Susan G. Komen 3 Day walk for the cure

2010-10-08T02:02:00.000-07:00

And let the walking begin. I'm in DC. The 3 day 60 mile walk is under way. Waiting for the shuttle to talk us from the hotel to the starting point. I'm pumped, well rested and thoroughly greased. I learned a new trick from a marathon runner. Slather vasoline on the feet heavily and you won't get blisters. It works and afterwards your feet are baby soft. Now that's a great trick. I've already met some really great people. Linda from Coopersville and Heather from Miami. Immediately they greeted me and a friendship developed. There is so much comoradarie and smiles here it warms the soul. Its wonderful to see so many people come together to save the ta-tas. Sometimes I can't believe I'm doing this, 60 miles, three days and I'm sleeping in a tent. But I AM! this is for Pindi. My bestest girl who was taken from us in 2008 at 39 years young. Breast cancer was her murderer. So, lets FIGHT LIKE A GIRL AND SAVE THE TA-TAS.

Girls weekend the beginning

2010-10-01T17:48:00.000-07:00

I'm in our nation's capital this weekend with the girl friends for our annual girlfriend's weekend. NO hubbies, no children. no work. But my question to you is, why is it that people see people with suitcases and immediately think we are tourist who just fell off the turnup truck. My girlfriends and I decided to catch the train up to D.C. Got a wonderful room at the Residence Inn on E street. Fantastic!

Well, we leave Union Station to grab a cab. No biggie. The hotel is 2 miles away. This is not going to be a problem. Well, maybe not to some people. The cab driver didn't even get out of the cab. He popped the trunk and we tossed out bags in. On arrival to the hotel the meter said, $5.75 and there was an extra fee of $1.50/extra person. So where I went to school that comes to $8.75. There were two extras.

The cab driver says $11.75. Okay, on what planet. Again, where I went to school that just didn't compute. So just to make sure I'm not mistaken I re-read the notice in the window that pretained to extra fees. We did have extra people, check. Waiting-- no. Bad weather--no. National emergency--no. I had to ask how he came up with the numbers and he tells me for the luggage.

What luggage I ask. He says the over sized luggage. Again, what over sized luggage? We each had a carry on. You know the type. The carry on size that fits into the over head compartment of the plane. Oh! that over sized luggage. Well, I think not.

Now my two girl friends are counting out money and trying to figure out a tip. Again, NOT!!!
I nicely (hehehe) redirected him to the sign hanging in his own cab and reminded him that he didn't even see our luggage so he had not idea what it looked like. Upon remembering this he jumps out, lifts it out of the trunk and says, "umm, humm, okay, that'll be 8.75." Oh, yeah, damn skippy okay. I was about to bring out the East Orange NJ that's imbedded way deep in me. And she really isn't as nice as the Virginia Denise.

My girl friend still asked, what should we tip. My only tip to him was to remember not everyone carrying a suitcase is a tourist. Oh, I forgot, he didn't know I used to live in the beltway and even when I didn't, D.C. was my old stomping ground. But even if it wasn't, why you gonna try to rob a tourist. Shame on him.

Where did the time go?

2010-09-28T18:06:00.000-07:00

Oh my God!

It's almost October and time. Time for the Susan G. Komen 3 day walk for the cure. That's 60 miles I'll be walking to help fight breast cancer. The closer I get to the date the more nervous I become. And, the more body aches and pains I encounter. Why is it that each time I say the words 60 miles or walk or Susan or even October I get a pain. Opps, there goes another one. This time its in my butt. Yesterday it was my knee, the day before that my hip and the day before that my right foot. What's up with that.

I know its all psychological but hey, I got to get it together. I'm catching the train to D.C. the day before because the walk starts at 0630 in the am on Friday. My hubby is driving up that Saturday to cheer me on and be at the finish line on Sunday. Isn't he sweet.

I'm not going to think about the comment he made that he could get some great photo shots for his photography home work. Nooo, he's coming up for me and only me. Yeah that's it.

And to make me more nervous, I'm camping out with all of the other Komen people. Camp Komen is what they call it. Camping, did I say camping. Yes, as in tent, outside, under the stars. Yikes. Don't you know my idea of camping is staying at a hotel that doesn't have cable. Do pink pup tents have floors?

It's going to be a great experience. I know this. I'm getting more and more excited each day. Ow, just got a sharp pain in the left foot.

Oh well, I will have lots of meds with me for the aches and pains. I'm packing my TENS unit for electrical stem just in case and did I say muscle relaxants.

I will be thinking about everyone I know. The friends who I'm walking for and especially the friends and family who are sleeping in their memory foam beds, reading books with electricity and watching television. I've got the better deal. Great stories, wonderful commeradarie, laughter and fighting for the cure. Who could ask for anything more?

Well, what's a girl to do?

2010-09-20T19:44:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm not really sleep recupped from the Authora After Dark con but I decided I really needed to get out there and do some walking. The Susan G. Komen 3 Day Walk for the Cure will be here in 3 weeks. Yikes! Where did the time go?

My sister and I set out on a five mile hike today at one of the local parks. It's a beautiful trail through the trees with a winding trial and bridges over the lakes. It turned into a power walk/run. That's what happens when you notice the sun is quickly going down, you are in the middle of this nature trail and if you don't kick it up a notch it will be pitch dark or at least dark enough that your imagination will definitely run rampant on you.

I had already started envisioning what type of serial killer or paranormal alien was lurking behind the trees. It didn't help that each time we passed a strange looking tree my sister made sure she noted what type of prehistoric creature it reminded her of or a second didn't go by when she didn't say, "so, what would you do if it got suddenly dark." She acturally thought we would sleep in the middle of the trail and wait for sunlight. Oh sure, like that was going to happen. Everyone knows my idea of camping is staying at a hotel that doesn't have cable. I asked her what were we supposed to do when one monster was charging from the trees.

I told her the only reason I'm camping at the Komen camp during the walk is because there will be another thousand people for the monster to think about eating. Her response to make my head swim, "What would you do if you woke up and noticed everyone in the camp had disappeared. Thanks sis. I needed that.

She mentioned something about running. The idea of running, sounded good but that wasn't a garentee the monsters wouldn't get me. Now the thought of tripping her, pointing and yelling, TAKE HER, she's leaner!!! sounds really good. Oh, did I think that out loud? My bad. Well, we made it out alive thank goodness. After all, I do have my 60 mile walk coming up.

Speaking of that walk. I had a minor surgical procedure on my left great toe last month. The doc promised me it would be like new before the walk. It better be. Actually, its feeling pretty good. When I went back for my followup appointment he said my toe healed like a 20 somethng toe. Cool. Now can someone please tell my 20 something toe to talk to the rest of my 49+1 body, because right now, this very second, my left hip hurts like the dickins. My left knee is throbbing. There is pain in the right shoulder, right elbow and upper mid back. The left hand hurts and neck. Hey, my right knee isn't hurting. I guess its saving itself for tomorrow.

You can look for me on television when the walk starts. The local DC news caster will announce "woman laughing hysterically hits the dirt" or even better, "bites the dust."

Adults After Dark Conferance

2010-09-17T18:40:00.000-07:00

Relaxing for a minute between events in my hotel room. It's my first time at this conferance and I must say, it is a blast. I'm meeting some really great readers. You can never have too many readers. The hostesses are wonderful. Can't thank Jacquelyn Frank and Stella Price enough for putting on such a wonderful event. The other attending authors are fantastic as well. My only problem, however, is which dessert to eat at the many meals that have served us. I also sat on two panels today. Writing series and writing IR (interacial) romance. I didn't win a door prize at the dinner tonight. That's okay. I'm quite sure my guardian angel is saving my major win for that Ipod touch and Nook e reader that they are raffling off on Saturday. Well, it's time to head back out, meet more people and have more fun. There will be no sleeping tonight.

sTOp thE MAdneSs

2010-09-08T17:46:00.000-07:00

Okay, maybe its me. I'm on the way home from work today. Even got off a little early. I'm sitting at a corner waiting for the green light and just looking about. If you know me you know I love to watch things, especially people. Well, see what happened was.... I'm sitting in my car. The tunes are sweet coming out of the speaker and I look out the front window at a woman and yes I mean woman, who's crossing the street in front of me. She looks to be at least 18. I know people can look a whole lot older than they are but I know she wasn't a toddler or even (and this is stretching it) a pre-teen. Why, will someone, anyone tell me, why is this woman sucking her thumb as she's walking up the street. At first I thought I was mistaken so I took a longer, closer look. YES!!! her thumb was tucked so far into her mouth she could have bitten it off if startled. I know times are hard right now, and everyone is stressed but come on. Help me out here. Talk to her. Let her know this is not good. I can't stop you from doing this in the confides of your own home but while walking up the street one must keep thumb out of mouth. Chew gun. Suck on a lolly pop. Pick your nose. But absolutely no thumb sucking on public streets. Especially if you are able to cross the street without your mommy holding your hand.

Back to work again

2010-09-05T18:33:00.000-07:00

First week back to work after vacation and yes, it was still there. The in box was still full and the undone work was still undone. One day, I'm gonna go on vacation and when I get back someone, my fairy desk angels, the house keeping staff, anybody, will have kept the inbox clean and everything that came to my desk will be completed and sent to the next level. Yeah right, like that's gonna happen. It does do a body and mind good, though when people do the happy dance when you return. It can also be very frightening. Oh well, at least I was missed.

Vacation, Everyone should take one.

2010-08-30T19:04:00.001-07:00

Just got back from a wonderful vacation with hubby and some great family. Yeah for people who want to just do it. My husband and I have decided to stop visiting the same places and people when vacationing but to now go to places we have never been. Seattle bound and then on to our Alaska cruise with a stop in Victoria BC. Seattle is the bomb and a must see. Two days was not enough. Now I know why my friends say they could live there. I think I can too. The camera could not capture the brillance of Alaska. Green forest and snow capped mountains. I can't explain what a glacier looks like without botching it up. The best way would be to say a raging river that froze in time that reflects a strangly bewildering blue color. I think I regressed back to being a 10 year old when we went whale watching in Juneau. Nothing like seeing a whale and it wasn't on the nature channel. Totally cool. While the girls had tea at the Empress in Victoria the guys went pub hopping, claiming they needed to check out Canadian beer and ale. What ever! Everyone had a marvelous time and there were no complaints, even when I climbed the rock climbing wall and didn't ring the bell. I didn't want to show the others up. hehehe. I do believe everyone should take vacations. Don't let the economy stop you. Hey, we are going to be broke anyway. We might as well have some great memories tucked away in our heart and head to go along with it. Next stop Italy and Greece, 2012. Come go with.

Partly cloudy with a 100 % chance of fun.

2010-08-20T11:09:00.000-07:00

And we are off. There's nothing like a five and one half hour ride to the west coast. At 9pm we are wondering why we are so tired. Well after much thought, I guess so. Our bodies and minds are still on eastern time. It's actually midnight and hey, we were up at 4am. Finally got to see the Space Needle and Pike Place Market, Salmon swiming upstream for the most dewildering reason to me and snow capped mountains rising up from nowhere. Wow. I can't wait for the rest of the trip.

When did it happen?

2010-08-18T11:00:00.000-07:00

When did my husband and I become one of my patients. Inquiring minds want to know. As we finalize the last details of our upcoming vacation we find out from his pulmanologist that because of the high altitudes we are traveling to he may need portable oxygen as a stand by. Okay not a problem. I'm a case manager at a hospital in real life when I'm not writing. I know how to handle this. Two days later and its in the bag, signed, sealed and delivered. I then hurt my toe and have to have minor surgery on the great toe. Now I'm hobbling (is that a word) on a hurt toe. We are closing the suitcases and wondering if the medication bags are okay. So now we have a respiratory impaired hubby, a post op surgery toe wife and two bags of every day meds. When did this happen?

Could it get any better than this?

2010-08-14T17:49:00.000-07:00

What wonderful weather today. I don't think it hit 88 degrees. A wonderful breeze and lots of sun. Could it get any better. I spent the day totally procrastinating. And boy there's lots I should have been doing. Packing for vacation. Writing. Finishing deadline papers for publisher and oh, did I say finishing papers for editor. But you see what happened was... The sun was shining. The bugs weren't biting and the heat had gone by-by. My nursing school alumni had their annual picnic today as well. It had been maybe five years since I attended so I had to go. After all, the weather was great. Ran in to some really old friends. Nooo, I didn't say old as in age, although we are all much older than we were when I graduated nursing school 25 years ago, but old as in boy are we old. LOL. Children of friends who were barely married and childless now have children graduating college or married with children of their own, whats a girld to do. After I had drinks with girl friends and then sat in swing chair in front yard with hubby once I got home. It was a really, really good day. I know, I should be doing those things afore mentioned but some times when there is a break in the hustle and bustle and the heat index that had wavered above 100 degrees for the past several weeks finally cools down you gotta do what you gotta do.

Tigers worse tourney

2010-08-08T17:48:00.000-07:00

Everytime I read a news article or hear a television blurb about how poorly Tiger Woods is doing in his golfing comeback, the movie, The Color Purple, comes to mind. When Celie had had enough and Mister had wronged her one last time she told him (with hand up and crooked fingers pointing straight at his face in the most frightening way), "Everything you done to me gone come back on you. Until you do right by me everything you do gone fail." Not to get into Tiger's business, because I do believe America spends entirely too much time in other people's business and bedrooms, however, I wonder, has Tiger done right by his wife and children. Inquiring minds want to know.

Proscrastination

2010-08-03T17:46:00.000-07:00

For some reason, I've been glued to the recliner for the past couple of days. Not exactly sure why. I've been working very hard these past couple of weeks trying to stay in the groove of writing. I've been mentally editing my latest work in progress in my mind. I know, I know. Working it out in the brain does not get it to the paper, but sometimes you got to sleep on it, mull it over and figure out some of the kinks before you can spit it out. That's what I've been doing. I've also gotten some great ideas to work on to tighten it up. So why is my butt still plastered in the chair. Not exactly sure myself. I'm hoping, really, really hoping, it's just a weather thing. It has been kind of hot lately. Hit 107 the other day with a heat index of 118. Oh, it just hit me. It's not the weather, it's this dang computer and the internet. Oh well, I guess I will fight that battle and click it off, but then what?

Go me!

2010-07-24T19:15:00.000-07:00

No one can really describe the feeling that goes through a writers mind and spirit when you finish a manuscript. There is a heady mix of joy, elation but also fear and butterflies. It was long over due. I finally finished my work in progress, Lost in the Dark, book three of my St. Agnes Series. I've been working on this one for over two years. I had to stop in mid keystroke in 2009 for a neck injury with pain and muscle spasms so bad I couldn't think, sleep or sit for longer than a few minutes at a time. So forget about writing. Neck injury in stasis and I got back to the book in June of this year with a lot to do. I've been a writing fool. Got a great jump start at the Chesapeake Romance Writers Annual Writer's Retreat. I finally finished it tonight. Now to let it simmer for a couple of weeks and then on to the first draft edits. Yeah for me!!! Now we will just pray that the thousands of words written are action packed, exciting, passionate and not gobblygoop. Now that would be a kicker.

It's a bugs life... or death?

2010-07-23T17:55:00.000-07:00

Okay, this may be because I'm tired or not. I'm just not sure any more. My question today and I'm dying to know the answer. When a bug hits the windshield of a moving car, does that bug say 'oh crap' right before the collision? Is there pain with the impact or is it sudden death and too quick to know what happened? While I was driving home today a big beattle bug (I think it was a beattle) hit the windshield. It didn't splat all of its guts on the window like so many do but he rolled up and over. How do I know it was a guy bug. Only a guy would smash his face into a moving glass. Woman are too vain to mess up our pretty face. I wondered what did it see right before the big hit and did he say 'what the hell', or was it not paying attention and didn't see it coming? How much pain was involved? Do bugs have pain receptors and if they do, what do they do for pain relief? Oh, I know, fly head on into a car.

It's a family affair

2010-07-18T06:20:00.000-07:00

People everywhere. Food! Food! Food! Great weather too. What a fantastic weekend. Cousin Sean even did a fire work display Saturday night. Too bad I'll have to get back in my car and drive the 13 hour road trip back to Virginia today. Oh well, gotta do it. The one thing missing, thoug, I've only written one sentence since Thursday. I will have to do double time next week. And check out the cake Samm and Sarah made for the occasion. Way cool!

Road Trip

2010-07-15T22:44:00.000-07:00

Heading to Michigan for family reunion. Yeah! Family! Gotta love them, right. Cousin Sean and wife Samm are hosting this year. Should be great because this is their first reunion as host and most of the clan haven't had a chance to get to their home in Michigan. Hopefully the 13 hour car drive won't kill me. Who knows, I might get a story out of it.

It's my birthday

2010-07-11T10:27:00.000-07:00

It's my birthday, it's my birthday. I'm sitting here at the dining room table, just finished eating a little someum, someum and cleaning the kitchen. Then I checked out the photos I took last night at my 49+1 birthday celebration. I called my own impromptu birthday celebration the night before the actual big day. Friends and family are great. I called and they came. Tweny five wonderful peps cramed into our little home. We stood, we sat on the floor, we mingled. There were people in the living room, the dining room and of course the kitchen. Food was eaten, wine was consumed and laughter rang out throughout the rooms. What a great way to bring in the new year. 49+1 is looking grand! I might even do some writing today and then again, I might not. It's my day to do as I please, right. Haven't decided yet.

Happy Birthday

2010-07-06T15:46:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to chime in and wish the US of A a belated birthday. I hope everyone had a wonderfully safe one. I spent my forth at home chilling. My sister said I didn't do anything all day. I beg to differ. I did a lot. I went from the bed to the recliner in the living room. It takes a lot of energy and muscle to pull that little lever on the side of the chair to life my feet up. And, what if I needed something to eat, drink or had to go to the loo. Up and down the lever must go. I could have pulled a muscle. Geez. All jokes aside, I got a lot of writing done. My third instillation to my St. Agnes series, Lost in the Dark, is moving right along. Hopefully I will be finished with first draft soon and then on to the next project. What ever that is.

What's in a number????

2010-07-01T18:35:00.001-07:00

Okay, so I'm sitting at a friend's house last Saturday talking to a mutual friend. I'll call her Cheryl. Well, this is after I'd done one of my training walks of 17 miles, but I thought I'd recovered quite nicely. I'd bathed, napped, dressed and even combed my hair and put on make up before leaving the home. And I had on a brand spanking new dress. I'm feeling pretty good. Especially since in two weeks I'll be turning 49+1 (and if you say it we will no longer be friends). So why does a man who's sitting across the room from us ask me if I my friend Cheryl is my daughter. She's 49 +oh never mind.

Now don't get me wrong. Cheryl looks no where her age. Talk about good genes and she holds the wild card. She could pass for her daughter's sister, but hey. . . me... her mother. Even if she was 40 what does that make me, 49 +20.

The wonderful complimentary man couldn't see the err of his ways even after all of the other men in the room told him he should know what to say and what not. He told me I looked good. Well sure, I guess so for a 70 year old.

And just when I thought I was looking good. Dang, Maybe I shouldn't have done the training walk.

Sweating for a cure

2010-06-27T19:26:00.001-07:00

I logged in a 17 mile walk yesterday as I train myself for the Susan G. Komen 3 Day Walk for the Cure in October. I woke up at 0530 and was out the house at 0600. I immediately starting pumping the pavement. Nap sack, water, snacks and Ipod on back. I've mapped out a nice little, or should I say, long walk from my house to a park, around the park and then back home. 18.5 miles if I do it all.

5 bottles of water, 2 bottles of juice, one banana, a sandwich, a handful of carrots and two protein bars later and I could taste the cool air conditioning of my home. I was less than one half mile from home when I realized, damn its hot. Wasn't that the reason I left so early. To get home before it got hot. I guess Mother Nature had other plans.

I could see the street light on the corner that lead to my home, but my heart was beating fast and the sweat was pouring off. I might have been dizzy but I'm not entirely sure. All I kept thinking is no way was I going to have to call my hasband because of a little heat stroke or dehydration. After all, don't I fuss with him every weekend when he wants to go out side and work in the yard in the heat of day. No way was I calling him. The EMTs might, but Iwasn't. Un un, no way and you can't make me either.

I'm a nurse, I know what to do. I found a nice patch of shade, stood there for a few minutes to settle the racing heartbeat drunk some water that was warm but wet and then I gaged my distance. Two blocks up the drug store then three short blocks home. Corner meant drug store. Drug store meant drink cooler. Drink cooler meant Gatorade. Gatorade mean not EMTs. So what's that four degrees of seperation. Told ya I was smart.

I cooled myself in the blessed ac of the drug store and guzzled half of the Gatorade before setting out on the last three block trek to home. I drunk the rest as I walked. Low and behold, hubby's standing in front yard starring at me.

He says, "It's hot out, itsn't it."
No shit sherlock. But hey, I'm walking in the Susan G. Komen 3 day walk for the cure. That's 60 miles, 3 days and I'm stomping out breast cancer, one sweat drop at a time. If you'd like to follow my progress or donate you can do so at www.3dayforthecure.org. I'm the one passed out in the Rite aide with a Gatorade in one hand and a soaked napkin in the other.

What a week

2010-06-25T20:05:00.000-07:00

What a week, what a week, what a week! Okay, enough of that. I don't want to talk about work any more. But boy, what a week. However, on a better note, I wrote every day this week and that's a great thing. Book three of my St. Agnes series is coming right along. Lost in the Dark. I'm loving it. And I know you will too. Can't wait until I'm finished. Got the beginnng and the end but its that darn middle that's missing. For the love of me I have no idea where it goes. But it's okay. It's creeping in at a nice pace.

Oh, I almost forgot. I'm hitting the pavement at Oh light thirty in the morning to do a training walk. I'm getting in shape for the Susan G. Komen 3 Day Walk for the cure. 3 days, 60 miles and I'm doing it all. Come October, I will not hit the ground and I will not need the rescure wagon. I'm doing 60 miles. Yeah!!! My goal is to raise 3k as well. Tomorrow I'm doing one of my training walks. Walking 18.5 miles. Did it a couple/three weeks ago and boy were my knees and hips angry with me. but its okay, that's what pain meds and bengay are for. I should have taken out some stock on them.

Guest Blogging

2010-06-19T20:54:00.000-07:00

What a wonderful way to start the week. I will be guest blogging on Author, Karen Nutts blog on Monday, June 21, all day. there will be excerpts, contest and great fun. Hope everone will stop by and drop a comment or question. I can't wait. Don't you just love Mondays. LOL.
http://KMNbooks.blogspot.com

How much is too much.

2010-06-18T15:03:00.000-07:00

At what point do we say, we are doing too much. You have the full time job that keeps the lights on (that's if you aren't one of the lucky ones whose writing actually keeps food onthe table and the water running) and then you have the writing job. That's a full time job too. Its just the full time job that sits beside the other one. Then you have the hubby and family job and someone mentioned the other day something foolish like house work. My theory, why make the bed if you are going to just get back in it. Same goes for cleaning the dishes. What's all the fuss about? Why clean them if you are going to mess them up again. Isn't that what paper plates and take out are for? Trust me, if I could come up with a paper pan that didn't go up in flames I would. I find we have too much on our plates. Now if we can find a way to clear some of this ugly stuff off and keep the other stuff. Stuff like appointments for meeting friends at Starbucks to write, hanging at the pool with a good book and oh yeah, sleeping we'd be all right. What's on your plate?

Retreat

2010-06-13T20:11:00.000-07:00

Wow! What a wonderful weekend. Returned home this afternoon from a weekend Writer's retreat today. There were twelve wonderful attendees with twelve wonderful brains. Not as many as past years but just as much energy. Nothing like writers collectively getting together to write, brainstorm and have fun. We were up early and up late. Collectively we wrote 534 pages. I finished a first draft manuscript for the book I'd been working on for the pass couple of months. Now on to other projects while it cools before the second look. Usually takes about three drafts before I'm ready to have critique partners go at it. Boy what a project. I reopened book three of my St. Agnes series. I had to put it aside 2008-9 when my neck got jacked up and I couldn't write. Well, guess what. I'mmmm backkkkk! Book three is a blast. Lots of action and mystery and of course romance. For those who haven't caught up, nows the time to get Whispers in the Dark and Visions in the Dark. Book 1 &2 respectively.

Nothing can stop the writer

2010-06-09T15:20:00.000-07:00

Well... at least not mentally. The headache is gone. It receded sometime during my sleeping hours last night. Thank God. Now I'm heading out the door to meet more writers at the local B&N. The only thing that's stopping us tonight is they now close at 10pm. Pooh! That cuts an hour off of what we normally do. I guess they noticed we were having too much fun. . . Um, I meant writing.

Three for Three

2010-06-08T15:36:00.000-07:00

I've had a spliting headache all day. So bad I can't see straight, but what am I doing. Writing on my blog. LOL, is this a blog bug or what. I hope all of my friends are proud. I'm gearing up for the Chesapeake romance writers annual writer's retreat coming up this weekend. My goal is to finish the ms I'm working on and then concentrate on another I started and had to stop because of neck injury. I will get it done, I will get it done, I will get it done!

Monday morning blues

2010-06-07T15:32:00.000-07:00

Well, it's Monday. It's not the weekend. And, oh, did I say it was Monday. Mondays wouldn't be so bad if they weren't... Monday. Not only did it start out with a bang, I got to work to find out a co-worker and friend had lost her 4 year old grandson to drowning over the weekend. It really makes you wonder and be thankful for being alive. I can't even begin to imagine what her family is going through. I can only pray that they find strength in each other and the lord. His name was Jackson. I think I'm gonna have to use that name in a book. Just because. Hopefully Tuesday will be better. You think.

Face book

2010-06-06T20:21:00.000-07:00

Okay, so maybe it's the rain. New blog, face book and all is one day. WOW. I'm on a roll. So, I did it. Well, I think I did it. I'm on face book. Now don't say I didn't warn you. When I finally got on myspace it seemed like the very next day everyone went to fb. I'm hoping this isn't the case. We will see.

Day one!

2010-06-06T16:42:00.000-07:00

Okay, I folded. I'm going to give it a go and try this again. Hopefully, because my mind is fluttering with things it wants to do and accomplish this year, my blog will be a success. Don't get me wrong. I've got so much going on in my writing word what better way to keep in touch with you. I hope you will enjoy. I promised myself this weekend I would do nothing but stuff to get the book promos going. I've worked on my new website. Now if I can just figure out the last bit I'll be done and it can get posted to the web. I've worked on contact list and my monthly newsletter. Now for the blog. Lets see how this goes. It should be fun... right.