Christmas Memories

Hi Readers,

Do you have a favorite Christmas memory?

I posed this question to my Street Team earlier tonight.

I absolutely love Christmas and I shared with my group one of my favorite memories from when I was a kid but there are so many more like the time when my mom and I went Christmas Caroling through a volunteer group at our church.  It was wonderful.  There was nothing professional or organized about it.  Just a group of kind volunteers who wanted to spread Christmas cheer.  We followed each other, driving our individual cars to several homes and even to a local shelter to sing our hearts out.  Whether we were out of tune or not, no one cared and the smiles we received for our efforts lit up each home, each facility.

My best memory of that beautiful day was the last home we headed to.  It belonged to a man who was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s disease.  I remember entering his bedroom and seeing him lying in bed.  We waited as the nurse propped him up on his pillow and he watched us, all huddled in one corner of the room.  It was the first time I had ever met anyone with a debilitating disease and I was humbled by the experience.  After we sung several songs, so out of tune and uncoordinated the angels must’ve blushed, the nurse looked over at us in the silence and said he was smiling.  It almost brings tears to my eyes, once again, while I am writing this.  He has since passed but I truly hope we were able to bring a little bit of peace, a little bit of joy in his life amidst his final battle.

My mom and I tried to volunteer the following year and hoped for the same enjoyment but sadly, the church replaced the random acts of kindness from good people wanting to sing Christmas carols with the professional church choir and it was not the same.

However, I hold this memory of that special day and that precious man in my heart and that is the spirit of Christmas.  Of giving, of loving, and of spreading joy and comfort to those around us.

I truly hope you are surrounded by such love and joy and miracles, too, for each one of you deserves a lifetime of happiness.  This is what I wish for you.  Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas, my friends.  Be safe and enjoy the rest of the year.

My-favorite-Christmas-memory

These are my favorite things…

Happy-Holidays-snowmanHi Readers,

The Holidays.  Just saying that, how does it make you feel?  Stressed?  Joyful?  Maybe a little of both or in between?  For me, I am sad the Holidays are almost over.  It is frightful to know we are on the last day of November when Halloween seemed to occur just yesterday!  However, I am determined to make the best of the rest of the year and I hope you are too.  These are a few of my favorite things at this time of year.

  1.  No more excuses.  Time to spend with the family and days off too.  Don’t you love it?  Not only do you get days off to spend time with family and friends but you get paid for the days too.  Now if you work in retail or other types of businesses where you have to work the holidays, I apologize because this can be a bummer.  I have a co-worker who worked in retail last year and was scheduled to work on Thanksgiving (for black Friday sales).  She will never forget how sad she felt having to work when her family was enjoying time together around the dinner table with relatives she hadn’t seen in quite a long while.
  2. Lot of sales!  I looove shopping throughout the year but items can add up and get expensive real quick.  However, at this time of year just about everything you can think of is on sale at some point.  You just have to watch the ads or check out the stores to catch them.
  3. Bright, twinkly lights.  Who doesn’t love beautiful lights?  Especially when you don’t have to pay for the electricity.  I love driving around with my hubby viewing beautiful displays of animated snowmen, merry Santa Clauses and cute reindeer.  It’s fun and it’s free.  What’s not to love?
  4. A different feeling in the air.  People are generally happier.  They open doors for you and are a bit kinder than they might’ve been the rest of the year.  Sometimes you might even receive a surprise like your favorite beverage paid for before your car hits the drive through window.
  5. An excuse to eat sweets with less guilt.  Yes, I have a sweet tooth.  In fact, I think I might have two or three instead of one.  Hahaha.  This time of year, you can feel a bit less guilty indulging in your favorite dishes though that’s not an excuse to gorge and overdo it!  But your doctor’s Rx is more lenient at this time and he says “treat yourself because you are special.”  You deserve it.  (wink)

These are just a few of the lovely things I enjoy this time of year.  What are yours?

I sincerely wish you Happy Holidays!  May they be merry and bright and filled with much love and laughter.  Till our next chat, take care and be safe throughout this holiday season!

 

Leave a Review, win free swag

Hi there.

Time to celebrate the upcoming New Year- 2016!!

So, who likes free stuff?

Starting today and throughout the month of January, for every 5 book reviews I get for either Nightfall or Jasper on Amazon, I will choose one random reviewer to receive free swag as a thanks.

Currently, I have 10 reviews for Nightfall and 3 for Jasper. Let’s shoot for 20 or more each book! We can do this!! And each book reviewer will be entered into my contest.

** Please note, once your review posts, I reserve the right to copy your review onto other sites such as: Goodreads, Luminosity Publishing, or others. **

– –Share this post with your friends to increase chances for reviews to be posted and your opportunity to win. Swag is chosen at random and at my whim and can include a free signed book from moi or possibly a free Amazon gift card for you. More swag will be added soon with the possibility of gifting you with books from some of my favorite authors. —-

Get started to win all kinds of goodies!! And good luck.

Amazon links to my books are:
and

 

Top Erotica- Fave New Authors for 2015

What a fast year!  In three more days, we will be saying goo-bye to 2015.

As our minds wander and drift over the best and worst moments of our year and what we could’ve done better, some of us will make plans to make the upcoming year different, creating countless lists in our head, on paper or even on our phone or tablets of:   how, when and what to keep us on track.

Well, I’m one of them.

I’ve recently done quite a bit of reflecting myself.  2015 has been a different, challenging year for me.  Quite a lot has happened that was unpreventable but forced me to adapt; however, several other experiences I’ve cherished, such as:  meeting new authors, reaching new readers in fun Author Takeover events and attempting new connections.

As a full time employee, part time writer, wife, and caretaker of my newly widowed dad, it is hard to find time to do much else but I do like to read a book or two when I get the chance.  I have read several that, sadly, turned out to be less than I hoped:  countless errors in grammar, spelling, typos, you name it- it had it.  One self-published book in particular was the worst I ever came across.  The concept was great but I couldn’t believe my eyes when I tried, and I mean really tried, to read the pages of the worst writing I ever encountered in my life.  I was loathe to harm the author and write a review that would discredit her, when I personally understand how necessary favored reviews are needed (a challenge I still face to this very day) and coveted.

However, I have found several authors during the year who were new for me and great ones to keep on the lookout for future books.  These authors all bring something different ‘to the table.’  Not all of them are Erotica authors; nevertheless, their books are worth checking out.  So, to the new authors I’ve listed here today, thank you for your excellent work and your creative imaginations that took me away for a short while and entertained me.  Here are some of my favorites for 2015, listed in the order I read them:

1- Heartstrings by Nova LaMason.   Erotica, Gay Romance.  The story revolves around three men, all with different musical talents at a prestigious school for musical prodigies.  This was a well-written, wonderfully crafted love story which entertained me from the first page and I highly recommend it.

2-Panda Date by Lea Lacey.  BBW, PNR Shifter Romance.  Okay…I have to say the concept of a Panda shifter intrigued me and that’s why I bought the book.  It was a neat, fun read until the very end where it came to a fast, hurried conclusion and ended too soon.   However, because of the clever idea of a panda shifter and because I love Panda Bears, I have to include this unique book in my list.

3- Cazadora (Dakota del Toro Book One) by Julia DeBarrioz.  PNR, Urban Fantasy.  This book was a happy surprise.  The author’s excellent writing, good use of humor and descriptive details pulled the reader into the story alongside the heroine, Dakota.  The captivating interplay between Dakota and Diego just added to the intrigue of this book.  Another highly recommended read!

4- Saved by the Dragon by Vivienne Savage.  PNR Shifter Romance.  What an amazing read!  First of all, I chose this book because I love dragons and the idea of dragon shifters- whew- don’t get me started.  However, I fell in love with the characters Chloe and Saul.  Saul rescues Chloe when she is stuck out in the middle of nowhere, transports her back to his lair (his cave) and finds her different and intriguing, to the point that he marks her as his mate.  But that doesn’t mean he’ll force his love on her- no- she must love him on her own.  Sadly, the love story ended too fast for me but it wasn’t rushed or hurried and it followed a steady pace until the end.  Swoon.  I highly recommend this book for all dragon shifter lovers!

5- Her Stepbrother’s Secret Desires by Terry Towers.  New Adult & College, Coming of Age, Erotic Romance.  Okay this is a little beyond what I normally read; however, there was a cop in this story and that peaked my interest.  This story started as a slight turn-off with Ryker (what a great name for a cop!) man-whore ways (that’s exactly how the author describes him).  However, Chloe, his step-sister and secret admirer doesn’t have a chance with him until she moves to start college and Ryker offers his spare bedroom as room and board.  That’s where things get really heated because they both find each other attractive but don’t want to acknowledge it because of the taboo nature of being step-siblings.  Anyway, I won’t spoil the story anymore but it was a hot read and I definitely recommend it.

 

 

Enjoying the Holidays when you’re under the weather

Hello all.  I hope that you are safe, doing well and are surrounded by love.  I haven’t posted in a while because I’ve been down with a sinus infection but am still trying to enjoy this fast-moving Holiday season as much as I can.  I hope you are too.  It will be 2016 before you know it.

The Holiday season is upon us and yes, it’s much better and easier to enjoy the Holidays when you are feeling well, at your best, have had the eight+  hours of sleep your Family Doctor advised you to get, but when you are sicker than a dog and the weeks pass by with you cooped up like a hermit in your house, what are you to do to get the most out of the remainder of the season when you want to bury yourself underneath layers of comforters instead of bursting into song.  Possibly these 5 tips might help.

  1. Watch Holiday Movies- they have been on since before Thanksgiving, if you haven’t seen one, turn the TV on now, grab a box of tissues, your favorite fleece blanket and park yourself on your couch for the next few hours and let someone else entertain you.
  2. Ask, cajole, or even bribe a friend to take you ‘Christmas light looking.’  Marveling at Christmas lights around the neighborhood is a tradition of sorts during this time of year.  Don’t let the season pass you by without your chance to view the houses you adore.  Your friend can drive you around with the windows up as you stare in fascination at the sparkly, cheery glow of lights and decorations you didn’t have to put up, yourself.
  3.   If you can, donate to a special charity or one that is close to your heart.  The act of giving is what the season is all about and it might even help you heal faster.  Most agencies accept donations online so all you have to do is ‘fire up’ the computer and choose a charity.  It’s as simple as clicking a few buttons on your keyboard plus it will give you a warm, fuzzy feeling in your heart, even between coughing fits, that you helped to make this word a better place for someone else.
  4. Let someone else cook.  If you are up to it, you can plan the meal but let someone else do the cooking, baking and setting up while you relax on your couch with a hot beverage.  Now is not the time to try to do things on your own, it is a time for letting others take care of you.  So if they offer, accept the gift and sit back down, put your feet up and rest.
  5. Celebrate with good friends.  Even if you can’t get together for the actual event or day, spend a little time with those you love and celebrate on a separate day just between you and your friends.  It’s true that love heals and it’s also good for your spirit.  Good-natured laughter improves your mood, the healing process and strengthens bonds.  Don’t let the Holidays go by without experiencing the love of those around you.

Wishing you and yours a happy, safe, cozy Holiday Season.

Of these 5 I am Thankful

So, it’s that time of year again when families gather together around a Turkey and challenge themselves to eat in one sitting more food than they’ve had in an entire day.  But, it is also the time of year when we start thinking about life- those little things we are grateful for that when combined together makes life fun, joyful and worth getting up in the morning.  Those small things that add to our life and that, without, we would miss very much.

The general rule is to be thankful every day but if we can’t do this, let’s consider writing a list, whether on paper or in our own mind of those things we can’t do without that we are happy for.  Here’s my top 5:

  1. I am thankful for family.  This year, we are minus one.  It is the first year we will spend the Holidays without my mom, my best friend, and the one woman who always gave me full support no matter what was happening around us.  I miss her dearly.  Our family has carried on without this shining star and struggles to remain strong.  I am happy that I still have my dad and can care for him as he survives day to day through the inevitable ills and arthritis that accompany the aging process.  My dad and I were never close but, somehow, over the years I have learned to appreciate him and love him.
  2. I am thankful for my supportive husband.  Whoever said it- “A good man is hard to find” was right.  I am so glad my husband chooses every day to stay by my side and live the rest of his life with little ol’ me.  He is your “typical” male in many respects- not one to express his feelings- but I must say he surprised me with his staunch support as we went through the recent deaths of my mom and my beautiful dog (the last of two we had).  I’ve learned with age and experience, the value of having a partner who shares your same values and ideals and I must say, I couldn’t have asked for a better one to stand by my side.
  3. I am thankful for my work.  I am fortunate in that I have two jobs- one full-time that provides me with health, life and dental insurance and supports my other job:  my career, my true passion and calling- writing.  I am thankful I can pay the bills and live my life the way I want to.  Money provides a certain freedom to do, get, experience as you want and I am so thankful I am able to enjoy this freedom and make the most of it, in the ways that I wish.
  4. I am thankful I have a home of my very own.  My home may not be a several-storied mansion, filled with worldly antiques worth a fortune but it is ours- our own little retreat when life gets stressful.  The peaceful, corner lot of our bungalow is perfect sized for two people who don’t like cleaning endless hours of the day.  We love our home.  That we were granted a 2nd chance at owning one is incredible.  The fact that this home is larger than our previous one was just an added bonus.
  5. I am thankful for you.  Like every writer, I am thankful for my readers.  I’m not sure if I’ll ever be able to turn my hobby of writing into a career though I’d like to, but in the meantime, I am thankful and grateful that I am able to speak to people all over the world through my blogs and my books.  Wonderful people I may never meet but wish the best for, always.  You read my blogs, my FB insights, my endless advertisements, my moody rants and you interact and participate with me and I love it!   If it weren’t for you, my lovely readers, there’d be no reason to write, so here’s a big Thank You to you!

 

 

Just a quick Thank You

Happy Veterans’ Day.

I am checking in with just a quick, short message to all the Veterans out there, active or retired.  I want to Thank You for your service and for my freedom.  As a female, I have watched documentaries and heard horror stories on how women are treated all over the world because their freedom and rights are limited or non-existent and it’s times like this that I am so thankful to be an American citizen and grateful to wonderful men and women like you who fight so that I may enjoy my freedom to do what ever I want and whatever I like every single day.

Thank you- because if it weren’t for dedicated, courageous men and women like you, our country would be very different.

Enjoy your day.  My wish for you is that you always be protected, loved, supported, and be blessed with everything you need.

Housewarming party- 10/10/2015 and Advice for hosting a future party

Thanks to all who attended my Housewarming party this past Saturday.  It was really fun!

Planning for a party can get crazy!  That’s why it’s good to stay as organized as possible if you are the only one tasked with doing the planning and preparation.

To help you out with planning your next party, I will give you some examples of what I did to make our party a success.  I planned the party two weeks out, first making a list of attendees and sent the invites in the best format for them to receive it, depending on their preferences.  I sent the invites by: text, handed it in person or mailed it.

Next, I searched online for platters to order through a local supermarket, intending to buy the platters until I found out how much each one was.  Printing out pictures of particular platters I wanted at my party, I made a list of all the meats, fruits, cheeses, types of cheeses (block cheese, cubed, slices) I needed in order to copy and make the platters myself to save some $$.  (Always take into account food preferences for guests; for instance if you have friends who are vegetarian, so that they may also have food to enjoy).

Thirdly, I made a list of drinks to have at the party and other items to have on hand like: ice, flatware, napkins, plates, disposable coasters.  I saved $$ and bought these extra but needed items at a local dollar store.  Saving $ any way you can will help you with stretching your budget in other areas that you may want to splurge on.

Fourth, I ordered a specialty cake specifically with a Housewarming party theme and I ordered one platter of sandwiches.  For me, the investment in purchasing the sandwiches instead of painstakingly making each one was worth the extra time and energy I saved.

Lastly, I searched online for Housewarming party ideas and I decided to include favors for the guests.  As each guest left, they took a gift bag filled with a few goodies to thank them for helping us celebrate.

On the day of the party, we vacuumed the house, cleaned mirrors, staged the bedroom, went room to room checking to see how each would look for our guests, swept out the front veranda to the home, tidied up the yard, put fresh water in the birdbaths for attendees who wanted to venture outside, and brought in extra seating for guests so all would have a place to sit in either of the rooms they ventured into.  (Having background music playing can also create a warm, comfortable feeling for your guests- this is especially wonderful during the holidays.  Try to pick easy listening, instrumental music.  It’s soothing and likely won’t interfere with conversation and merriment).

A yard sign out by our mailbox to help guests find our home was the very last item- this can be added to balloons tied to a mailbox to make your home stand out even more.

This is all hard work but it’s worth it in the end so that you and your guests have an enjoyable time.  Good luck with yours!

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Gaylord Palms Hotel “Ice” show

Hello all!  This posting is long overdue and I apologize for that.  My computer received some nasty bot ware/malware which has, sadly, rendered it completely useless.  This is the first time I’ve been able to actually upload a few photos (onto a different computer).

I want to share with you pictures from the Ice show we attended at the Gaylord Palms Hotel in Kissimmee, FL last month.  The Ice show is held once a year from the day after Thanksgiving until approximately New Years Day.  I’d advise getting a Groupon or Living Social coupon (if available) as prices run over $20 per person for the event.  We were able to get a Living Social coupon for a fair deal but had no warning of the $18 parking fee!  Thank goodness they take credit cards for the parking fee.  If you’ve never been to this event, I’d advise paying the $18- it’s well worth the price for the adventure.  Also, with the Living Social coupon, you can run straight through to the waiting line and not have to wait for tickets or for “will call.”  It was easy and painless.

They will outfit you with a light parka (which actually works pretty well against the chilly 9 degree temperature inside the exhibit); however, I recommend wearing additional:  mittens,  knit cap, and especially a scarf (which will be good to cover parts of your face when the cold gets a bit overwhelming).

“Ice” should be seen at least once by everyone who loves beautiful art because that’s what these ice sculpture are- works of art in all types of color.  Though I’d been to the Ice show once before, this year the theme was ‘The Nutcracker’ and I was happy for the opportunity to attend again.  After “Ice”, you can browse through the gift store or the cafeteria and there’s even a “Santa’s workshop” for the kids.  It’s a really fun event I highly recommend.

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New Year’s Resoloutions

Recently, a friend of mine passed away.  He was only 55 years old and in a span of one week he entered the first of two hospitals and died in the second one.  It’s funny how sometimes you don’t really know how much a person meant to you until they are gone.  This man, Ray, was more my husband’s friend, I considered, but his death has impacted me too.

I find myself remembering things or seeing things that remind me of Ray.  The other day my husband and I commented on how we were going to invite him and his wife back to Tarpon Springs, FL for a fun day at an arcade museum we just heard about there.  I was looking forward to watching Ray’s face light up as he played video games alongside my husband.  Sadly, that will never be but it’s a valuable lesson to all of us to not hold back, not wait for a better time to do things.  Act now while you can.  Love those around you, share your love with family and friends, do little acts of love and support and let nothing hold you back for you never know what tomorrow may bring.

So with the coming of the New Year, 2015, forget the dieting, forget the ‘life altering’ plastic surgery and other non-essential trivia.  Let’s remember what’s really important:  family and friends and being of service to others while we are still here.  Let’s resolve to spend every minute we can with those who are most important to us, to laugh, cheerily and heartily, with every opportunity we get, to cherish every moment as a gift, a treasure we may never be able to reclaim and to love openly, sharing our generous heart with those who love us back.

Let’s not let anything keep us from living, loving, sharing, and enjoying life.  It is what we make of it so let’s make every day special and joyful in some way.

Cheers to you and be safe during this coming New Year.

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