Ginger Simpson's Blog, page 52

Character Interview with Grace Cummings (AKA Dancing Fawn) from White Heart, Lakota Spirit by Ginger Simpson #historical #romance

cover by Dawne DominiqueToday, my guest is Grace Cummings, here to tell us how she survived being captured by a war party:


Just for clarification, HOST will indicate the interviewer’s questions below: HOST :   It must have been a very traumatic ordeal for you.  Can you tell us about it.

GRACE:   It was horrid. (She shudders) I still hear my mother's screams in my head.  I…

HOST:   Do you need a moment to compose yourself?

GRACE:   No, I'm fine.  (Deep breath)  It was 1874. My family had moved around a lot because my father, bless his departed soul, was a restless man.   It was hard for a girl my age to make friends, not living in one place for very long, and just when Ma, Kevin and I thought we might settle down, General George Armstrong Custer made an announcement about gold being discovered in the Black Hills of Lakota territory.  That's all it took!  Pa loaded everything back into our Conestoga and insisted this was his chance to strike it big.

HOST :  Why didn't you mother put her foot down?

GRACE:   You have to understand that back then, women were expected to know their place.  Ma pretty much did as Pa said.  Besides, he promised her that when he hit the mother lode, he would buy us a new house; new furniture and we'd never have to move again.

HOST:   I can see how that might have sounded pretty enticing.

GRACE :  It was.  We all had visions of putting down permanent roots, so being out on the plains, cooking over a campfire again and roughing it for a just a little longer was worth it if Pa and my brother, Kevin, found gold.

HOST:   Tell us more about your experience, please.

GRACE:   Okay.   We had made camp at the base of the Black Hills, near a sparse stand of trees.  There was a small stream nearby, so water was plentiful.  Ma and I slept on a pallet of blankets in the wagon, while Pa and Kev slept in a makeshift tent.  We had just finished breakfast one morning and were laughing and talking before Pa and Kev went off to the mine, when I happened to spy some riders on the horizon. It soon became clear from the whooping and hollering that they were being attacked by Indians.

HOST:   Oh my goodness, what did you do?

GRACE:   Pa immediately yelled for Ma and I to get back in the wagon, and he and Kev grabbed their rifles and crawled underneath.  I hunkered down behind the tailgate, waiting for Ma, but she never came.  I was so scared, hearing the sound of gunfire and those blood-curdling war cries, I covered my ears, but it didn't help.  When I got the courage to peek outside, I saw the Indians circling our wagon and Ma running in the opposite direction.  I think she was trying to draw them away from me.  I didn't realize it at the time, but Pa and Kevin were already dead.  They were easy pickings with no real shelter.

HOST:   How awful.

GRACE:   You have no idea!  (Stopping to bite her knuckle, then staring straight ahead). They…they shot my ma down in cold blood right before my eyes.

HOST :  Oh you poor thing.  What did you do then?

GRACE:   (Dabbing at eyes with hanky) I curled myself into a ball and prayedit was all just a bad dream, and that I'd wake up.   When I didn't hear anything for a while, I found the courage to rise to my knees and peer over the tailgate again.  I almost had heart failure when I came face-to-face with the ugliest sight I'd ever seen.

HOST:     Oh my gosh, I have goose bumps. What was it?

GRACE:   It was the person I later learned was Black Crow.  His face was painted with bright yellow lightning bolts, and he had a scar that ran from ear-to-ear.  He pulled me out of the wagon, barking orders in a strange language, and threw me to the ground.  I thought my heart was going to pound its way right through my chemise. (Holds hand against chest)

HOST:   Lord, what was going through your head?

GRACE :  I was certain he was going to kill me, too.  I think he might have had it not been for one of his friends.  The one, called Little Elk, stepped in and calmed Black Crow down.  Still, it was an awful thing to go through, wondering if I was going to live or die.  I might have been better off being shot like Ma.  Black Crow tethered my arms together and dragged me along behind his horse, like I was nothing more than an animal.   I struggled to keep up all the way to their  village.

HOST:   How far was it?

GRACE :  (Holding out her wrists).  I'm not sure, but it seem a far piece. You can still see the scars where the rawhide bit into my skin.  I didn't have time to get my shoes on, so my feet were pretty raw, too.  I'm used to walking beside the wagon every day, but being dragged is quite different.  The torture went on forever.

HOST:   What happened when you got to the village?

GRACE:   I was so tired I could barely stand, but I dared not drop to the ground when the whole village stood in a circle around me, staring and laughing.  I thought for sure I was about to meet my maker, but something very surprising happened.

HOST:   Don't stop now!

GRACE:   A beautiful green-eyed woman walked into the midst of things and protected me.  She spoke their language and dressed in their clothing, but it was evident from her flaming red hair that she was white.  If it hadn't been for her I would never have survived to tell this story, that and the fact that Black Crow's mother despised having a white woman share her home.  (Grace chuckles half-heartedly.)

HOST:   So...What happened?

GRACE :  After only one night in her tepee, Black Crow handed me over to Little Elk. He, at least treated me with kindness, allowing Green Eyes to help me bathe and wash my hair.  I was still scared, but not nearly as much.  Pa always said I was headstrong, and it almost got me into  trouble when Little Elk gave me a new name.  (Sitting up straighter, squaring shoulders)

HOST:   Oh gosh, we're almost out of time and I hate to make you stop.  Can you give us a brief summary, and quickly?

GRACE:   Although there is so much more to tell, I'll just say white soldiers raided the camp and I hid along with everyone else. I was dressed like an Indian so....  *smile*  Unless you want to invite me back for another visit, I guess you'll just have to read the book to find out what happens.  (Holds out a copy)

HOST:   Is this for me? How nice, and it's autographed.  Grace Cummings, thank you so much for spending time with us and sharing your captivating story. I'd like to remind our readers that  White Heart, Lakota Spirit  by Ginger Simpson is offered at http://www.eternalpress.biz and on Amazon, available in both print and download.  There's more to story, and if you're like me, you want to know how things turned out.  Happy reading!

Win an eReader in Books We Love's Fall Contest

Books We Love Fall Extravaganza


To celebrate the Season
BWL is giving away your choice of an eBook Reader:Kindle Paperwhite, Nook Easy Touch, or Kobo Touch  plus one dozen BWL eBooks to fill your reader.
     
Find the entry form here: http://bookswelove.net/books-we-love-contests/
      

Sunday Snippets from Shortcomings by Ginger Simpson #sundaysnips #ya

Cover Art by Michelle Lee

I apologize for missing last week, but I was away from home. This week's snippet is from my YA - Shortcomings.  As authors usually admit, there is a little of us in every book we publish.  I had to draw on my own heartache and feelings of non-acceptance...especially when my father was out of work and how I felt wearing clothing from a second-hand shop.  I was so afraid someone would recognize something I wore, I wanted to hide in a closet.  I love the message this book delivers, and I hope you will too.  "Our shortcomings don't define us unless we let them."

Snippet:

“Hey, gimpy, wanna race.” Amidst a gathering of her groupies, pep squad captain, Sally Rogers, yelled at Cindy Johnson from across the street. Sally fanned her shoulder-length auburn hair back from her face and stood with one hand on her curvy hip. “If you win, maybe I’ll buy you something newto wear.” Her taunting tone ate at Cindy, but she refused to respond. Sagging against the tree at the bottom of the hill leading home, she wished she could sprint the distance to escape the piercing stares and haunting laughter. Seventeen years ago, she’d been born with one leg noticeably shorter than the other, and every day brought new heartache. Tears burned the back of her eyes. She gazed down through blurred eyes at the sweater she wore—the one her mother bought last week at the used clothing store. It was clean and hole-free. How could Sally have known? But then most of Cindy’s wardrobe was previously worn by someone else. Sally might have even owned the cardigan at one time. The thought made Cindy shiver. With four younger siblings and only one income, the family struggled. There was never enough money for new clothes, and people like Sally Rogers, the vindictive, nasty types, always noticed and felt inclined to tell the world. When the crowd on the opposite corner dispersed, Cindy gave her aching forearm a rest by swapping her books from one side to the other and began the tiresome trek uphill. She couldn’t have jammed one more thing into her already-full backpack.  What had she been thinking when she checked out extra romance novels from the library?Her distinct walk drew too many stares, and she grew tired of them, but there was nothing she could do to stop them.  People’s curiosity often came across as rude, as did their blunt questions. She clenched her teeth at the years that lay ahead with no relief in sight.

This and all my books are available on my Amazon page.

Now, hop on over to my Snippet counterparts and see what they're sharing:

http://authorjamiehill.blogspot.com/  (Jamie Hill)
http://triciamg.blogspot.com (Tricia McGill)
http://medievalnovels.blogspot.com (Vijaya Schartz)
http://connievines.blogspot.com (Connie Vines)
http://yesterrdayrevisitedhere.blogspot.com/ (Juliet Waldron)

Casting Your Characters - Hero pick for Ellie's Legacy

I'm borrowing part of Michelle Lee's Blog...cover artist for Books We Love and the talent behind my beautiful covers for that publisher.  Michelle asked those of us who wanted to participate to find a picture of the perfect star to play a hero in our book.  I'm sharing with Michelle's permission:
First up on the Red Carpet - we have Tyler Bishop. Blake Shelton
Character Name:  Tyler Bishop  Book:  Ellie's LegacyAuthor: Ginger Simpson
About Tyler: Handsome and rugged, Tyler is totally bamboozled by Ellie.  One minute she's a flirt, the next minute she acts like she's angry with him.  Although he wants to please her father and show he can be the best foreman ever, Ty's being there seems to be a burr under Ellie's saddle and he's really attracted to her...just not sure if the feelings are mutual.  He tries looking out for her best interest, but that just makes her think he's bossy.  No matter what he does, he's damned.
Ginger's Casting Pick: "I pick handsome country western singer, Blake Shelton to play the role.  He's definitely a good ol' boy with the looks, charm, and definitely the witt to try to do battle with Ellie."
Tyler's Shining Moment: 
It appeared as though Ellie had turned into a full-grown woman overnight, kind of like the newborn foals in the spring. One minute they were awkward and gangly and the next they had filled out and turned into something spirited and beautiful.
Oh, Ellie wasn’t a horse, but she did have spirit, and she certainly was a beauty. The thought of all those curves in the right places and the memory of her luscious lips awakened a distinct part of his body. He tugged at the crotch of his trousers and moved back to the mirror to put on his tie.If luck was on his side, in a few hours he’d be holding her in his arms, and maybe on the way home, he’d steal another kiss or two.
With that in mind, Ty went outside, stopping at the flowerbed next to the porch. It was only fitting he give his lady something special, but only a few late bloomers remained. Luckily one stood out among the wilted. Carefully, Ty plucked a pale pink rose to give to Ellie in celebration of the occasion.
BLURB:  Tomboy, Ellie Fountain is determined to stop the conniving neighbors from their plot to take her father’s land. She’s an only child, Fountainhead is her legacy. The handsome ranch foreman, Tyler Bishop, is a burr under her saddle and a barrier to her future. Her pa treats him like the son he never had, and Ellie is jealous. She’s out to prove she’s as good as any man at ranching… but her biggest threat may not be the polecats that are killing the cattle and taking potshots at her….it might be her heart. 

If you need a ready made cover or even a banner or two, make sure and check out Michelle Lee's talent:

Casting Your Characters - Heroine choice for Sarah's Heart and Passion

I'm borrowing part of a blog done by Michelle Lee, the person who designed my beautiful covers for Books We Love.  She asked us to identify who we thought would be perfect to play the part of our hero and heroines.  Today is the ladies day and I'll introduce you to my choice to play my heroine:
Heading towards us now is Sarah Collins. Nicole Kidman
Character Name: Sarah CollinsBook(s) Featuring the Character: Sarah's Heart and Sarah's PassionAuthor: Ginger Simpson
About Sarah: Sarah is brave, passionate, but she detests people who judge others.  She's a beauty, but doesn't flaunt it, and she loves Wolf like she's loved no other even though he's a half-breed.
Ginger's Casting Pick: "I pick Nicole Kidman because she looks the part and I've seen her in many roles and she so adaptive.  I think she'd make a wonderful Sarah."
Book Blurb:  Sarah Collins set her sights for California and a new beginning, but never imagines a war party's attack on the wagon train she joins. A sole survivor, Sarah must find her way back to civilization, and a man of half-blood happens along at just the right time and becomes her hero...or is the whole scenario only a dream driven by all the romance novels she reads as an editor?

Sarah wakes, her cheeks damp with tears. Like a dust devil in a dying windstorm, all traces of her handsome rescuer vanish with a farewell kiss and the annoying blast of an alarm clock...until he appears at her door as a new neighbor. Will Sarah find a way to win the love she tried so hard to capture in her dream without being declared insane, or will the sexy woman living an apartment away beat Sarah at her own game? A Shining Moment for Sarah:  
Stopping at the table where Sarah stood, the woman fingered an array of ribbons.Sarah smiled at her. “Good morning. I couldn’t help but overhear your mention of anupcoming social….”
The matron peered down her angular nose. “Yes, it’s a yearly affair, but…” Her cold,gaze raked over Sarah’s attire. “Surely you aren’t inquiring for yourself. It’s usually onlyattended by those able to dress for the occasion.”
Sarah gasped at the woman’s rudeness, but wasn’t about to let it pass. Cocking her head,hands on her hips, Sarah drew up to her full height. “Oh, then there’s no worry. My mothertaught me to dress myself when I was quite young. She also taught me not to be rude to myelders, so I’ll overlook the fact that you’re a snobbish old biddy.” Surprised by her own outburst,Sarah stared at the woman with wide eyes, waiting for a response. None came.
With mouth agape, the older woman huffed out of the store. Sarah went back to perusingthe dresses and heard Clarence chuckling behind the counter. She giggled, too, pleased that she’dstood up for herself. People who judged others by their appearance deserved the same disrespect.
If you are looking for ready made covers or breathtaking banners, make sure to check our Michelle Lee's designs:

Movie Quote Trivia ~ Back To School Edition ~ Answers

Thanks to everyone who stopped by to check out Movie Quote Trivia on Monday. Here are the answers:

1) Easy

"Fat, drunk and stupid is no way to go through life, son."

John Vernon played Dean Vernon Wormer in the 1978 movie, Animal House.

 
2) Medium

(A pizza has just been delivered to class) 
Teacher: "Am I hallucinating here? Just what in the hell do you think you're doing?" 
Student: "Learning about Cuba, and having some food." 
Ray Walston played teacher Mr. Hand in 1982's Fast Times at Ridgemont High. Sean Penn played stoner student Jeff Spicoli.




3) Movie Buff


"The key to faking out the parents is the clammy hands. It's a good non-specific symptom; I'm a big believer in it. A lot of people will tell you that a good phony fever is a dead lock, but, uh... you get a nervous mother, you could wind up in a doctor's office. That's worse than school. You fake a stomach cramp, and when you're bent over, moaning and wailing, you lick your palms. It's a little childish and stupid, but then, so is high school." 
Matthew Broderick played Ferris Bueller in 1986's Ferris Bueller's Day Off. 
 

Thanks for playing along. Now everyone line up for recess!

Character Interview with Ellie from Ellie's Legacy

Cover by Michelle LeeSometime in the recent past, we heard from Tyler Bishop, Ellie's Hero.  Today, we are going to hear from her perspective:


Interview with  Roselle (Ellie) from Ellie’s Legacy:

Our special guest this evening is Miss Roselle Fountain, the heroine from author, Ginger Simpson’s western historical, Ellie’s Legacy.  Welcome, Roselle. 
RF – *Fidgeting* Oh please call me Ellie.  I’ve never much identified with such a flowery name.  You probably can’t tell by the way I’m dressed today, but I’ve always been somewhat of a tomboy.
HOST - *Laughing*.  So I’ve heard.  You look very nice in your flowered print—very much the lady.
RF – That’s Pa’s doing.  He insisted that if I was going to make an appearance, I needed to dress like a lady.  I’d much rather be wearing britches and boots. *Tugs at the neckline of her dress*.  These things are too danged uncomfortable at times.
HOST – So, Ellie, tell the readers a little about the novel in which you headline.
RF – *Grins* Well, I can’t give away too much.  Ginger would skin me alive, but I’m sure she won’t mind me telling you that it’s got a little romance, a lot of western, and even more feistiness than her last historical romance.  It all starts when Pa hires Tyler Bishop as the ranch foreman.  I kinda figured Pa always wanted a son, and Ty proves me right. Their relationship gets me pretty riled up.  I have a bad temper at times… I think it comes from this red hair.  *pulls a strand of hair forward and smiles*.
HOST – So, besides your being jealous of Ty, is there any adventure involved.
RF – Oh, you bet.  *Squares herself in her chair*.  The polecats that live on the neighboring ranch are aiming to get Fountainhead away from Pa.  Dude Bryant and his twin boys are meaner than snakes… well at least Dude and Jason are.  Joshua comes across as quiet and a follower.  But, *balls hands into fists* I’ll be danged if they’re gonna get my legacy.  I actually bought a gun and taught myself to shoot it. 
HOST – A gun?  What do you plan to do with it?
RF – Protect Fountainhead of course.  I’m aim to show Pa he don’t need Tyler Bishop around when he has me.  I just wish that Ty wasn’t so dang good lookin’.
HOST – I haven’t heard you mention your mother.  How does she feel about you owning a gun?
RF - *Lowers her eyes*.  My ma died when I was very young.  I suppose that’s why I took up with the ranch hands and spend so much time workin’ outdoors.  *Raises a steely gaze*.  But, now that Ty’s in the picture, Pa wants me to spend more time in the house doing womanly things.
HOST – Would that be such a bad thing?
RF – Of course it would.  I don’t much care for cookin’ and cleanin’.  We have Cook for that.  I’d much rather brand a cow as fry one.
HOST – So what about the romance part of the story?
RF – *Chews her bottom lip for a moment* I can’t tell you much more than I accompany Ty to a dance, but as usual, he gets my dander up there, too.  What happens from then on, you’ll have to find out for yourself.  I may look young and naïve, but I’m not silly enough to give away the whole story.  Miz Ginger is counting on sales to help pay for a trip to something called an RT Conference next year.  I wouldn’t want to let her down.
HOST – I certainly wouldn’t want you to do that either.  You’ve given us enough of a teaser to stir some interest.  Hopefully we’ll see you on a best seller’s list somewhere.
RF – That would be right nice.  It just may happen cause remember, I have a gun.  *Slaps hip and fakes a draw*.
HOST -  Well, here’s hoping you don’t have to use it.  *laughs*.  Thank you so much, Ellie for being with us today.  And good luck in the future.
RF – Oh, yeah.  I almost forgot to tell you that where you can get your own copy of Ellie’s Legacy. You can find them on something called Internet at, *reaches in pocket and pulls out a slip of paper; reads it. “Miz Ginger’s author page is at http://www.amazon.com/author/gingersimpsonand all her books are listed there.”
HOST – Thanks again.
My sincere thanks to Books We Love for giving my previous publications a second chance and for believing in my talent.

Movie Quote Trivia ~ Back To School Edition

Time for another game of Movie Quote Trivia. This one is celebrating Back To School! I'll give you three quotes, ones I consider easy, medium, and Movie Buff! Can you name the movie and better yet, the character who said the lines? Try not to cheat!
1) Easy


"Fat, drunk and stupid is no way to go through life, son."

2) Medium

(A pizza has just been delivered to class) 
Teacher: "Am I hallucinating here? Just what in the hell do you think you're doing?" 
Student: "Learning about Cuba, and having some food." 

3) Movie Buff


"The key to faking out the parents is the clammy hands. It's a good non-specific symptom; I'm a big believer in it. A lot of people will tell you that a good phony fever is a dead lock, but, uh... you get a nervous mother, you could wind up in a doctor's office. That's worse than school. You fake a stomach cramp, and when you're bent over, moaning and wailing, you lick your palms. It's a little childish and stupid, but then, so is high school."


Good luck! I'll post the answers Thursday. Thanks for playing along!

Character Interview with Sarah Collins (Elder) from Sarah's Heart & Passion and coming soon....Sarah's Soul.

Since I gave you a peek at my WIP during Sunday's Snippets this past week, now I'm going to let Sarah give you the backstory to the predecessor of Sarah's Soul.

Interview with Sarah Collins – Sarah’s Heart and Sarah’s Passion Now Combined.
HOST: "Today our guest is Sarah Collins, the heroine in Ginger Simpson's novel, Sarah's Heart and  Passion, which is a combination of two previously pubbed books...Sarah's Heart and Sarah's Passion. . Sarah, it's very nice to have you with us."

Sarah: "Thank you. I'm actually glad to be anywhere after the harrowing journey I had."

HOST: "Oh, do tell us about it. Our reader's love historical romance novels."

Sarah: "Ginger's latest book isn't a romance per se. It falls more along the lines of an'Americana or Contemporary Time-Travel.' There's a romantic faction involved and it's peppered with historical facts, but it's really more about me and my struggles--trying to overcome the hatred and prejudice that existed in the old west."

HOST: "Unfortunately, we still have those problems even today."

Sarah: "That's very true. The roots of unkindness run very deep, and often for no real reason. I got a very good dose of unfounded hatred in Sarah’s Heart ."

HOST: "How so?"

Sarah: "Let me start from the beginning. *cups her chin and sighs*. My parents both died from Typhoid fever and I had no relatives left in Hannibal. Let's just say the banker wasn't at all helpful, and tried to barter to make me his wife in order to save Papa's land. I decided living with him wasn't worth that much, so I sold everything in the barn and a large part of what was in the house. I kept only what I thought I'd need to make a new start. I used the money from the sales to buy a wagon and team then joined a train set for California."

HOST: "Wow, brave for a single woman. Traveling such a long way, much less handling a team, couldn't be an easy feat."

Sarah: "I guess I should have mentioned I found a very nice man to be my driver, but only because I didn't know anything about handling a team. Actually, I gave very little thought to danger; I was more excited about seeing a new place and letting go of bad memories."

HOST: "Tell us more, please."

Sarah: "The wagon master and the other folks traveling with him seemed very nice. I felt safe traveling with the group, and I quickly became fond of Molly. We spent lots of time together, walking alongside the train and talking about our futures. We had such great plans and I never suspected *pauses and wipes a tear*...."

HOST: "Suspected what?"  *leans forward*

Sarah: "T-that Indians would attack the train and kill everyone. I don't know how I survived." *lowers gaze to the floor*.

HOST: "I see this is very painful for you. Don't feel you have to continue."

Sarah: "Oh, I'm  all right. I'm very lucky to be here. I tried to save Molly, but I didn't have enough medical knowledge or even tools. Losing her  friendship was bad enough, but then I realized I was truly  alone in the middle of nowhere and with no idea what to do."

HOST: "Oh, my gosh, what did you do?"

Sarah:" Luckily, I kept my wits about me. I realized going back the way we came made more sense than heading in an unknown direction. The big problem: The Indians took all our livestock and food."

HOST: "How in the world did you survive without anything to eat?"

Sarah:  "Ma taught me a lot about roots, berries and such. I had no doubt I could find plenty to eat, and eventually, water. I filled what canteens I found, took just enough extra clothing to keep me warm at night, then set off. I had to leave in case the Indians came back again. Dealing with the coyotes and buzzards was already more than I could handle."

HOST: "Sooooo, did you travel all the way back to where the train started?"

Sarah: "Ginger will have my head if I give away too much of the story. Let me just say that after everything else I'd been through, I got bit by a gol-darned rattlesnake. I thought for sure I was a goner, but a very handsome, and I hate to use this term, 'half-breed', saved me. You'd think I would have been overcome with glee, but I was eaten up with guilt because I realized he was the same person I'd left for dead when I tried to steal his horse. It's a long story, but you'll have to read Sarah’s Heart & Passion  to find out more."

HOST: "For sure, I'm going toread it. I can't stand being left hanging like that, but I understand you can't share more. Can you just give us a hint what happened after he saved you?"

Sarah: "One more little tidbit and that's it. Wolf...that's his Indian name...promised to take me to Independence and introduce me to a friend of his. That's where I ended up. Wolf, too. Now, that's absolutely all I'm going to divulge." *giggles*

HOST: "Well, I won't press for more. I do thank you for being here and taking time to share a little about your journey. I can't wait to read Sarah's Heart & Passion .

Sarah: It's available with all Miz Ginger’s books at Amazon on her author’s page.  It’s a dang long address if you ask me…oh and the books are in print too. *Pulls paper from pocket*  I had to write it down.  *gazes at and reads from paper* http://www.amazon.com/author/gingersimpson
"Oh, and I I do have to warn you, a few people didn’t get the need for the ending of Sarah’s Heart so Miz Ginger wrote Sarah’s Passion to tie everything into a neat little bow for those who have to have that happily-ever-after.  I was shocked when Miz Ginger took me on a continuation of my journey.  I couldn’t believe how many people use books an escape and even though they expect all the history to be factual, they often overlook the most obvious of things.  Isn’t that a hoot?"

HOST: "Now you have me hooked for sure. I'll be looking for your story…or should I say stories. Thanks again, Sarah, and I can't wait until Ginger finishes Sarah's Soul.  I'll be ready for it."

54 Birthday Spankings...by Jamie 'Let's Get This Over With' Hill

Well that got your attention! But I haven't gotten a birthday spanking since I was in single digits, and that 'one to grow on' can stop any day now. 



I've been psyching myself up for my birthday because it's been such a hectic and busy summer. I've had many things happening on all fronts. I've been through manic mood swings varying from intensely happy to severely depressed and thought maybe I could nudge my way back to some semblance of normal by easing out of summer with a big birthday blow-out. Of course, the week hasn't gone as planned.
I can't blame that on my birthday, it's just life. And things will turn out okay, they always do. I simply have to relinquish control of the things I cannot change, much like the serenity prayer used by many twelve-step programs.

“God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.”
*Sigh* So far, 54 feels pretty much the same as 53. My family and friends have been great, I've been treated to breakfast, lunch and dinner already this week. I have absolutely nothing to complain about. Yet it's hard to squelch the tiny rumblings of dissatisfaction deep in my belly. 
I'm not sticking to my diet. I haven't been getting much writing done. The summer has come and almost gone, and I've made no progress. I'm stuck in the same spot I was at the end of May. 
It's hard to know when to be tougher on myself, and when to cut myself some slack. I know it's been a crazy busy summer. I know I'll get back on my eating program here shortly, without much damage done. I know my writing deadlines are my own, self-imposed schedules. I'm not in trouble. It's okay. It's all gonna be just fine. 
Deep down inside I know that. I just need to remember it.
Somebody smack me. One to grow on oughta do it. 




Have a great rest of the week.