Sunday Stealing: The Tell Me About Yourself Meme

1. When is your birthday? January 5th

2. Where were you born? Holguin, Cuba

3. Where do you live now? Green Cove Springs, Florida

4. What is your heritage? I was born Hispanic but my heart is All American.

5. Tell us about a weakness. My weakness and obsession is reading. I love books and have a very hard time controlling my shopping impulse.

6. What's a goal that you'd like to achieve? I lost 30lbs this year but gained back 10. My goal for 2010 will be to get back to healthy eating and lose those 10lbs and hopefully another 10 after that.

7. What is the most overused internet phrase? LOL

8. What was your first thought this morning? Damn, I forgot to turn off my alarm clock last night.

9. When do you usually go to bed? Usually between 12:30 and 1:30 AM.

10. Do you smoke? If not, did you ever? I quit smoking about 5 years ago.

11. Do you like your current relationship status? Yes, otherwise it wouldn't have lasted 23 years.

12. Do you (or did you) get along with your parents? I've always gotten along really well with my Dad. My relationship with my Mom however has always been complicated. I know she loves me and I love her but we do so much better now that we live six hours apart. Phone calls and the occasional visit keep our relationship loving and calm.

13. How often do you drink alcohol? Not too much lately.

14. Have you ever tried drugs (that weren't prescribed)? All I'm saying is that I was a teenager in the late 70s.

15. Have you ever gone skinny dipping? If yes, do tell. Hahahaha, no!

16. If given the choice, how would you like to die? In my sleep when I'm a very old and happy woman.

17. What did you want to be when you grew up? A doctor and a mother. I was lucky to achieve the most important one of the two.

18. Have you ever been dumped? I don't think it counts if we weren't really 'together'. It was mainly wishful thinking on my part while he thought we were just friends. Teenage love, what can you say?

19. What's on your pizza? Lots of cheese and maybe some Italian sausage. And if there's cheese in the crust I've reached pizza heaven.

20. Have you ever shoplifted? Nope.

The Muppets: Bohemian Rhapsody

My favorite song since I was a teenager has been Bohemian Rhapsody. Over the years I've had tons of songs that I've loved but none has ever managed to replace Freddy Mercury's fabulous voice and lyrics as my fav.

While checking out YouTube today I found a video of the Muppets singing Bohemian Rhapsody. I thought I'd post it along with the original. Enjoy!!

Giving Thanks... it's not just about the turkey

It's hard to believe it's Thanksgiving Day already. In a few short weeks the year will be over. It's scary how fast time is going by now. I remember back when I was much younger that time used to drag by. It seemed to take forever for summer vacations and Christmas to arrive and now it feels like I've barely taken down the decorations and it's time to put them back up.

I was listening to the radio on my way home from work this evening and the DJ was talking about what the real meaning of Thanksgiving should be. She was saying how easy it is to forget just how much there is to be thankful for in our lives. And it's true. Instead of always focusing on what's wrong or what we don't have, we should be giving thanks for all the great things in our lives. So in no particular order (except for the first one is the most important) here's a list of some of the things I'm grateful for.

My family.

Thanks J for these 23+ years we've spent together. We've had our ups and downs but through it all we've managed to keep our love alive. Thanks to my kids for the honor and pleasure of being your Mom. It's been wonderful watching you grow from babies to teens and now to adults. I'm proud of you all and love you very much. Thanks to Alex and Emma, you've brought such happiness to me with your sweet smiles and unconditional love. When you come running to me calling out "Nana" I get such a feeling of rightness that no matter what problems I'm going through you guys lift my spirits and bring a smile to my face. I love you all very much.

I'm grateful to live in this wonderful country. I'm grateful for the freedom to be able to speak my mind and not be worried that someone is going to try and hurt me, throw me in jail or worse for my opinions. I'm grateful for the things that I usually don't even think about but which are total luxuries for others. For my wonderful home with running water, A/C and heat, indoor plumbing, refrigerators and cupboards stocked with food, phone, cable and internet connections and the car in my garage.

I'm thankful that when we get sick we're able to go to the doctors or the hospital, we can buy medicines and get needed therapies. I'm grateful for my stressful job and the benefits it provides.

I'm grateful for my extended family and for my friends.

I'm grateful Sony made such a great electronic gadget as the PRS505 reader and for all of the great authors whose books I read on it. Thank you for your continued help in feeding my reading addiction!! Also thanks to Dell for my great computer and Comcast, even though sometimes I complain about you thanks for getting me online.

I'm thankful for each and every day that I get up healthy, able to work, play with my grandkids, be with my loved ones and read read read!!!!

Those of my friends who will be celebrating Thanksgiving today I wish you a very happy day full of good food, great company and much love. My friends in locations not celebrating today I hope you have a great day as well. And since you won't be having turkey and pie I'll share a couple of cookies with you. Enjoy!!

New Books Available Now

The Defense Rests
Vivien Dean
buy it at Amber Allure

Blurb
Book three in the Wranglers series

They started out on opposite sides of the conference table. Now, lovers Sam Kimball and Derek Rossi find themselves assigned to the same case, for the first time since they started sleeping together. There’s only one problem...Derek doesn’t want to take the case.

Derek’s frustration has both men lashing out at each other. Somehow, they have to find a way to resolve their differences before the situation destroys what they have...

Uncorked
Andrew Grey
buy it at Dreamspinner Press

Blurb
Bobby Bielecki is heading home from art school to help run the family wine store so his adopted father and partner can take a vacation. While filling in, Bobby will have to deal with his once-best friend and lost love, Kenny, who pushed him away from their burgeoning relationship, encouraging him follow his dreams and realize his artistic talents.

Despite the tension between them, Bobby and Kenny decide to put their differences aside and work together to figure out what happened to a case of expensive wine. Their investigation leads them to a young runaway and people from Bobby's past, and dealing with them reminds Bobby and Kenny of how close they once were. But despite their growing feelings, Bobby is afraid Kenny will do what he’s done before and push Bobby away for his own good.

Need You Tonight
Katrina Strauss
buy it at Loose Id

Blurb
Book four in the Blue Ruin series

Blue’s summer is heating up in more ways than one. When he befriends Dusty Sterling, he sees the opportunity to give his master Derek their first true threesome. But first, Blue must meet a requirement issued by Derek.

Derek is content with Blue as his exclusive lover, but when offered the chance to bring the beautiful Dusty into their bedroom, Derek's definitely tempted. He agrees to Blue’s idea under one condition—it’s Blue who must seduce Dusty.

Blind since birth, Dusty is proud, independent, and knows what—and who—he wants. In need of temporary shelter, he accepts an offer to stay with Derek and Blue. The fact that he finds them both attractive doesn’t hurt, but Dusty must let his hosts in on a secret—his unique and sometimes frightening way of “seeing.”

When Dusty’s nightmares reflect a pair of real-life murders, Blue uses his connections with the police to bring Dusty in on the case. The friends grow closer both in and out of the bedroom, but their bond will truly be tested by the evil that lurks in plain sight.

Family Unit
Z.A. Maxfield
buy it at Loose Id

Blurb
A retired marine, Logan is methodical and conservative. Richard is a liberal pacifist who is pathologically afraid of guns. Yet the minute Logan sets eyes on Richard, his heart turns over like an old car engine and it isn't long before his motor is revved and Richard is in the driver's seat—even if it seems like each man is driving a different car.

Richard Hunter is parenting his grandson, and the kid—Nick—has had it rough. Richard vows nothing will stop him from creating a loving and stable home. Not even a tempting, red-hot relationship with a very attractive man. However, when Richard looks into Logan’s blue eyes it’s tough to stay focused.

It’s never easy to become a family, what with a temperamental eight-year-old, disapproving outsiders, and outright extortion attempts. But when push comes to shove, both Logan and Richard are committed family men who want to make a loving home for a little boy who needs them.

Blood Prince
Stormy Glenn
buy it at Siren Publishing

Blurb
Book four in the Wolf Creek Pack series

To uphold peace between werewolves and vampires, Devlin Morgan, a werewolf, must return the body of a deceased vampire princess to her coven. When he arrives he discovers Prince Zacarius Ivinovav, the ruling prince and brother of the dead vampire princess.

The attraction between the two men is instant, but their love is forbidden. Vampires and werewolves have been enemies for nearly 500 years, ever since the Great War. But Devlin and Zacarius are unable to fight their desire for each other and eventually give in.

They're torn by their emotions, but they'll have to work things out in time to save Zacarius from a violent stranger. Can they ever be together, or will the animosity between werewolves and vampires lead to the end of their mating?

Piece of My Heart... You know you got it (waaaaahhh)

I love this song and this performance by Joss Stone and Melissa Etheridge is simply awesome. One of my favorite all time live performances. This took place back in January of 2006 when Melissa was recovering from cancer and I was blown away by her strength during her illness as well as her voice during this performance.



Here's the original by the great Janis Joplin. While it's not my favorite by her, that's Bobby McGee, it's still a nice song. I actually prefer Joss and Melissa's version better but it's cool to see the original performance.



(Come on…)
Didn't I make you feel like you were the only man, well yeah,
An' didn't I give you nearly everything that a woman possibly can ?
Honey, you know I did!
And each time I tell myself that I, well I think I've had enough,
But I'm gonna show you, baby, that a woman can be tough.

I want you to come on, come on, come on, come on and take it,
Take another little piece of my heart now, baby, (break a..)
Break another little bit of my heart now, darling, yeah. (have a..)
Hey! Have another little piece of my heart now, baby, yeah.
You know you got it if it makes you feel good,
Oh yes indeed.

You're out on the streets looking good, and baby,
Deep down in your heart I guess you know that it ain't right,
Never never never never never never never hear me when I cry at night.
Baby, I cry all the time!
And each time I tell myself that I, well I can't stand the pain,
But when you hold me in your arms, I'll sing it once again.

I'll say come on, come on, come on, come on, yeah take it!
Take another little piece of my heart now, baby. (break a..)
Break another little bit of my heart now, darling, yeah, (come on…)
Have another little piece of my heart now, baby, yeah.
Well, You know you got it, child, if it makes you feel good

I need you to come on, come on, come on, come on and take it,
Take another little piece of my heart now, baby. (break a…)
Break another little bit of my heart, darling, yeah. (have a)
Have another little piece of my heart now, baby,
You know you got it (waaaaahhh)
Take a…Take another little piece of my heart now, baby. (break a…)
Break another little bit of my heart, and darling, yeah yeah (have a)
Have another little piece of my heart now, baby,
You know you got it, child, if it makes you feel good

The joys of being a woman...

Originally posted at Bits & Pieces

Sunday Stealing: The Party Mummy Meme

1. Name someone with the same birthday as you. Marilyn Manson, also Diane Keaton, Pamela Sue Martin and Robert Duvall

2. Where was your first kiss? Sitting on the stairs at St Brendan's School

3. Have you ever hit someone of the opposite sex? If yes, why? Not since I was a child and fighting with my cousin

4. Have you ever sung in front of a large number of people? When? Nope

5. What's the first thing you notice about your preferred sex? Eyes and/or smile

6. What really turns you off? I can't stand racist/bigoted people

7. What is your biggest mistake? Not finishing college

8. Have you ever hurt yourself on purpose? No

9. Say something totally random about yourself. I'm currently addicted to Welch's Fruit Snacks

10. Has anyone ever said you looked like a celebrity? Not that I recall

11. Do you still watch kiddie movies or TV shows? With my 6 & 3 year old grandkids

12. Are you comfortable with your height? At my age I better be as I'm not going to grow any more

13. What is the most romantic thing someone of the preferred sex has done for you? Love notes my hubby used to write me before we were married that he would leave as a surprise for me to find, sometimes in my car or my purse or my desk at work

14. When do you know it's love? When everything seems better because they are with you, when you think of the future and see that person in it

15. What's something that really annoys you? Being late and rudeness, hate them both

A Report from Winter by Wayne Courtois

A Report from Winter
Wayne Courtois
buy it at Amazon.com

Blurb
A Report from Winter is a death-in-the-family story, a love story, and a meditation on the meaning of ''winter''--as a season and as a metaphor for family relationships.

It's January 1998, and southern Maine is recovering from one of the worst ice storms in history. Into this unforgiving environment comes the author, flying home from Kansas City after a ten-year absence. His mother, Jennie, is dying of cancer. Though receiving excellent care in a nursing home, she has lost the ability to communicate. Needing support, Wayne makes an SOS call to Ralph, his longtime partner. Ralph boards a plane to Portland for his first exposure to a Maine winter, and to Wayne's family as well, including a feisty aunt and an emotionally distant brother. The contrast between a nurturing gay relationship and dysfunctional family bonds is as sharp as the wind sweeping in from the sea.

Stubbornly unsentimental, A Report from Winter weaves childhood memories of winter with the harsh realities of living in a family where there's not enough love to go around. The memoir is a tribute to hard-won relationships built on mutual trust and understanding, defying an uncaring world.

Review

This wonderfully written memoir tells the story of the author's journey back home to be at the bedside of his dying mother. It's January 1998 and Wayne Courtois is back in Maine after a ten year absence during which he has had only minimal contact with his family. Having grown up in an emotionally closed off family with barely any love or attention shown by his parents or older brother Wayne has dealt with mental health issues, including a suicide attempt in his twenties, that apparently with the help of his partner of nine years, Ralph, he's been able to deal and live with.

While the main focus of the story is his mother and dealing with her impending death the author also shares a few memorable parts of his earlier life. In particular is the recollection of a winter storm that strands the family at his aunt's house and how they all, his mother, father, brother, aunt and himself, dealt with their time together. Those scenes, spread throughout parts of the book, help to show the pattern of their family life. An unhappy and often angry mother, a distant father and a brother who never wanted to connect with his younger sibling, not even over their shared sexual orientation.

In contrast are the times when Wayne thinks about Ralph and their live together. The author shares glimpses of their loving relationship, especially the story of their first date and his reactions afterward, and so when he is having difficulties dealing with his emotions we know it's perfectly natural for him to turn to Ralph. When Ralph assures him, "We are one" during a phone call before he arrives in Maine, it highlights Ralph's support and their love and also helps to show the difference between his disappointing and dysfunctional familial relationships and the happiness he's found with Ralph.

While this emotional story deals with loss and regret the author manages to paint a vivid and multi-layered picture that also shows love and hope. This is not a 'feel good' 'happily ever after' story rather it's an honest and unflinching account of the author's life and his relationships with the people it in.

Wayne Courtois' writing style is wonderfully descriptive and engaging. I've never been to Maine or experienced a winter storm yet was able to picture both clearly from reading his words. The nostalgic feeling of returning to the town where he grew up and finding the small and not so small ways in which it's changed and the attention to detail the author takes with his stunning descriptions of the cold, harsh winter help to create a truly memorable story.

Rich in detail and emotion this is a very well written, gripping and honest look at the author's life and while the circumstances are sad the book leaves the reader with a feeling that Wayne has come through the dark and is finally emerging into the light. While there was no quick fix in the author's relationships with his family, after all this is real life not fiction, there is nevertheless a feeling of some closure being achieved and a sense that Wayne and Ralph's bond actually grew stronger as the author realized that when someone truly loves you they will be there for you when you need them.

I very rarely read non-fiction, much less memoirs, as I prefer the escape from the everyday that romantic fiction offers but I'm very happy to have read A Report from Winter. It's a story that may not appeal to everyone but I highly recommend that you give it a try. I truly think anyone who reads this story will in some way or another truly appreciate having done so.

Cookies and music... a little help to get thru the day

Oh Blessed Wednesday, how I love thee!!

Not sure how but I finally made it through my work week (Sat thru Wed) and have my two days off to look forward to. I've had the cold from hell for the last two weeks and while I thought by now I'd be better I'm still coughing and wishing I could get a sinus and throat transplant. I miss the days when I was able to beat off a cold with a couple of vitamin Cs and some Tylenol. This past year I've noticed my immune system seems to have gone on vacation and forgotten to come back and that totally sucks!

On top of feeling so sick is the stress of Thanksgiving. A lovely holiday, one of my favorites actually, but as sick and run down as I've been feeling the thought of it is making me a bit cranky. My parents are driving up from Miami and while I love and miss them I'm not looking forward to having my mom up here for 10 days. She'll be here from next Wednesday till about the 5th or so of December and that's a very long time. That sounds so bad but as much as I love her we've never managed to go more than a bit of time without getting on each others nerves. Our relationship has actually gotten much better in the past few years and I know it won't be all bad. Maybe I'm just being a whiny baby about the whole thing, and yes, even at my age I can still be whiny. Hopefully the visit will go smoothly and everyone will be happy.

So since I've been feeling all blah lately I thought I'd try and cheer myself up with some music and cookies. I've always liked the song Come Undone by Duran Duran but had never seen the video until a few months ago. I really like all the different elements throughout and it's one of my favorites on YouTube.



Seeing as I'm still feeling sick I'd love to spend all day in bed but with all the things I always have to take care of on my days off I won't be able to. What I can do is look at these tempting guys in bed and fantasize over them. Yum!!

New Books Available Now

My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys
Lynn Lorenz
buy it at Amber Allure

Blurb
Simon has to dress in drag for a party and doesn’t have a clue what to wear. When the man in the costume shop helps him select an Indian princess dress, complete with braids, Simon’s unaware that he isn’t a salesman, but another guest looking for a costume, too.

Charles has decided to fulfill a childhood dream and be a cowboy, if only for a night. One look at the handsome Asian man searching through the racks of evening gowns gives Charles an idea, and working quickly, he puts his plan in motion. Now, he’s got an Indian maiden to join him in his fantasy.

But can a desperado capture the princess’s heart? In this classic childhood battle, who will win?

Admit One
Jenna Hilary Sinclair
buy it at Dreamspinner Press

Blurb
When high school teacher Tom Smith meets Kevin Bannerman at a gay club, he violates his own rule: one-night stands only. But when the weekend is over, he walks away, reminding himself that he lives a deeply closeted life for painful, compelling reasons. He keeps his secrets, his heart, and the cause of his crippled arm to himself, but almost immediately he bitterly regrets leaving Kevin.

Months later, while Tom serves as reluctant assistant director for his school’s production of Rent, he fears that the show’s same-sex love angle will somehow out him. Protests against the play begin, one of the student actors is harassed, and during a parents’ meeting, Tom encounters Kevin again. This time Tom can’t fight the attraction between them, and he and Kevin begin a tentative relationship. Within Rent’s message of acceptance and support, and as local churches oppose the play, Tom struggles to find the strength to admit one man into his heart.

The Posers
D. J. Manly
buy it at eXtasy Books

Blurb
The Posers is a series of two separate stories about love at first sight and playing roles.

In ‘Jackie’, Jackson agrees to help his best friend get through a family holiday by posing as his girlfriend, and then meets the man on his dreams.

In “Mercy” a former porn star agrees to help someone make their ex jealous by posing as someone’s boyfriend and finds he’s the odd man out.

Both Jackie, and Mercy discover that true love accepts nothing less than the truth, and honesty begins with oneself.

Old Poison
Josh Lanyon
buy it at Loose Id

Blurb
sequel to Dangerous Ground

Special Agents for the Department of Diplomatic Security, Taylor MacAllister and Will Brandt have been partners and best friends for three years, but everything changed during a weeklong camping trip. Now Taylor and Will are trying to see if true love is in the cards or if it's just sex. Really, really good sex, granted!

But when Taylor receives a cobra bottled in rice wine for the birthday he nearly didn't live to see, Will fears that something in Taylor's past—something Taylor won't talk about—is going to put an end to their chance of a future romance. Or any future at all.

She's Got Balls
Mia Watts
buy it at Resplendence Publishing

Blurb
What do you do with a 'wife' who is more than you can handle?

When the FBI and local law enforcement team up for a mutually beneficial crime-stopping partnership, Rookie Agent Chris Tarpington and Detective Vin Pilk team up to prototype the new alliance. How better to bust a ring of drug dealing suburban house wives than to go undercover-way undercover, as a married couple?

Though Chris reluctantly gets in touch with his feminine side, he quickly finds ways of making his sexy partner squirm. And Vin is definitely squirming, but will he run away from his faux wife, or right into 'her' arms?

One thing is for sure: as the investigation heats up, 'inter-agency cooperation' will take on a whole new meaning...

Arm Candy
Carol Lynne
buy it at Total-E-Bound

Blurb
Book fourteen in the Cattle Valley Series

Asa Montgomery is a hard man to figure out. He's got millions of dollars in the bank, a host of men vying for his bed and he's still miserable.

When a tragedy leaves him broken and battered, Asa quickly finds out who his real friends are. Left alone with only his household staff to nurse him back to health, Asa realizes he wants more than just a pretty man to adorn his bedroom.

Mario Benta was fooled by a rich man in the past. They may say you're the only one for them, but what they really mean is, you're the only one until something younger and sexier comes along.

Despite Mario's growing attraction to Asa, he'll be damned if he'll allow himself to be another man's arm candy.

When Asa sets out to change Mario's mind, he'll discover it takes more than money to gain the heart of the ex-Army Ranger.