Ginger Simpson's Blog, page 58

"Being Compared To Danielle Steel is better than Chocolate...at least today," says Ginger Simpson

I'm so exited.  First I got a terrific deal on 3 months of advertising on Goodbooks.  My foray into the self-pubbed world will be featured on the Amazon U.K. site.  Check it out. http://www.goodebooks.net/UKavail.html 

Then to top my day, I got this wonderful review on The Well .




TITLE:   The Well                                                             AUTHOR:  Ginger Simpson DATE: 5/6/2015REVIEWER:  Carol Langstroth
REVIEW:Carol Langstroth
Mind Fog Reviews




:

OMG....MERCURY IS IN RETROGRADE!!!

blog.thespiritualcatalyst.comAfter having a horrible day and hearing the statement "Mercury is in Retrograde," I kiddingly blamed all my problems on Mercury, not having a clue about the event. I decided to Google the term, and found this page, which I have blog-jacked here to alert you that you should beware until mid-June.  I've never been keen on Astrology, but I'm thinking I might have to do a little more research.


Mercury Retrograde and What it Means for YouYou may have heard friends say, "Oh, no - Mercury is about to retrograde again!" If you don't know astrology, you may have wondered what they were talking about. Of all planetary aspects, this one seems to garner the most attention from readers, and it certainly generates the most mail.The reason for their interest is clear - this phenomenon is one of the few that affects everyone in a fairly uniform way, and its effects are always obvious. Once you begin to pay attention to how events in your life change during these phases, you will soon see how important it is to take note of them.Keeping track of Mercury retrograde periods can allow you to increase your productivity and avoid at least some of the frustration they can bring about. Let's look closely at Mercury retrograde and what it means to you.The Periods When Mercury Will Retrograde from 2015 to 20202015
January 21 - February 11, 2015 in air Aquarius
May 18 - June 11, 2015 in air Gemini
September 17 - October 9, 2015 in air Libra2016
January 5 - January 25, 2016 starts in Aquarius, ends in earth Capricorn
April 28 - May 22, 2016 in earth sign Taurus
August 30 - September 22, 2016 in earth sign Virgo
December 19 2016 - January 8, 2017 in earth Capricorn to late degree fire Sagittarius2017
December 19, 2016 to January 8, 2017 earth Capricorn, ends in late fire Sagittarius
April 9 - May 3, 2017 earth sign Taurus, ends in late degree fire Aries
August 12 - September 5, 2017 fire sign Leo - early earth Virgo, ends in late degree fire Leo
December 3 - December 22, 2017 in fire Sagittarius2018
March 22 - April 15, 2018 in fire sign Aries
July 26 - August 18, 2018 in fire sign Leo
November 16 - December 6, 2018 in fire Sagittarius, ends in late degree water Scorpio2019
March 5 - 28, 2019 in water Pisces
July 7 - 31, 2019 starts in fire Leo, ends in water Cancer
October 31 - November 20, 2019 in water Scorpio2020
February 18 - March 9, 2020 in water Pisces, ends in late air Aquarius
June 17 - July 12, 2020 in water Cancer
October 13 - November 3, 2020 in water Scorpio, ending in late air LibraDoes Mercury Really Move Backward?Mercury doesn't actually move backward. If you do a bit of stargazing, you will see that Mercury appears to move backward, just as the ancient astrologers perceived thousands of years ago. After a while - in Mercury's case, a three-and-a-half-week period - the planet will reverse itself and move "forward" again.Because Mercury is the planet situated closest to the Sun, its orbit is much shorter than Earth's. About three or four times a year, Mercury speeds past Earth, and that is when we experience a Mercury retrograde period. If you were in a car and another car passed you, you could tell it was going faster than you. But if it slowed down and you then passed it, it would appear that that car was actually going backward. Then when the other car speeds up and passes you again, it kicks up all of the dust in the road. As Mercury speeds by, it is like a train flying past, creating a powerful, turbulent gust of "wind" in its wake. The turbulence and disruption Mercury creates when it retrogrades can affect what we feel on Earth in our everyday lives.In astrology, we always believe the following rule is true: "As above, so too below." By that we mean there is a fractal relationship between the orbits in the heavens and human activity down here on Earth. This idea pervades all of astrology and is a very good concept to keep in mind.Areas of Life Mercury RulesMercury rules all types of communication, including listening, speaking, learning, reading, editing, researching, negotiating, selling, and buying. Mercury also rules all formal contracts and agreements, as well as important documents such as book manuscripts or term papers, agreements, deeds, contracts, leases, wills, and so forth.Included under this planet's domain are all types of code, including computer codes, as well as transportation, shipping, and travel. When this planet retrogrades, these areas tend to get scrambled or spin out of control.Why does this happen? When a planet retrogrades, astrologically it is in a resting or sleeping state. Therefore, while Mercury naps, the activities that it governs don't have the benefit of a well-functioning, wide-awake planet to supervise them. Expect a certain degree of pandemonium to ensue!What You Should - and Should Not - Do During a Mercury Retrograde PhaseDon't make any important moves when Mercury is retrograde. Nothing will be settled successfully for the future during these periods anyway - you will find it nearly impossible to nail down a plan. During a retrograde period, it is hard to get decisions from others. Even if a decision is made, it will be subject to change, either just after Mercury turns to direct motion or much later.Mercury retrograde periods would not be good times to do anything involving communications, such as launch a magazine, website, or an advertising or publicity campaign.These phases are also considered poor times to launch any new endeavors, even if they are not related to the communications industries.Similarly, a retrograde period is not a good time to sign any contracts or even to shake hands on any new agreements. Do not close on a house during this time nor sign a lease. Verbal agreements are considered the same as written ones. The environment will be quite fluid and changeable, no matter what you are told or what you think.It's not that the people you are dealing with are necessarily duplicitous. It's just that nobody can fully predict what conditions will be like later. If you start a new job, it won't necessarily be the position you thought it was when you accepted it. If you are a manager, you will have difficulty choosing the right candidate for the job, so, if you can, hold off hiring anyone. If you buy a house, problems could crop up later that were completely unanticipated.Do Not Have Plastic Surgery or Other Elective Surgery When Mercury, Venus, and Mars Are RetrogradeOf course, if you have an emergency, you must have surgery. At other times in life, we do have a choice about when to schedule an operation or procedure. In those cases, such as having plastic surgery, it is best to avoid Mercury retrograde periods. These are periods where mistakes are more prone to happen than at other times, or when judgment is off. Your surgeon is under the same conditions as you, so I would suggest waiting.I would also strongly suggest that you avoid plastic surgery when Venus retrogrades, because Venus rules beauty, and the whole purpose of the surgery is to improve your looks.Mars rules the whole area of surgery, so you would ideally want Mars to be in the best possible form, too. It is said not to have an operation on the part of the body that the sign Mars is moving through rules. For example, if Mars happens to be in Capricorn, it would not be the best time for a knee operation because Capricorn rules the knees. It is said that Mars will increase pain and swelling. A full moon at the time of the surgery will increase bleeding. We do the best we can.Again, let me reiterate, if you have an emergency, don't worry about any of these rules - have your surgery. I had to have very serious surgery, triggered by a new moon solar eclipse, on the wrong part of the body (because Mars was in the sign ruling the part of the body that was being affected by the surgery). Admittedly, it was a tough surgery, but it was highly successful. If you need surgery, have it!Mars Will RetrogradeApril 17, 2016 to June 29, 2016 in fire-sign Sagittarius
June 26 to August 27, 2018 in air-sign Aquarius to late degrees of earth-sign Capricorn
September 9 to November 13, 2020 in fire-sign AriesVenus Will RetrogradeJuly 25 to September 6, 2015 in earth Virgo to fire Leo
March 4 to April 15, 2017 in fire Aries to late degree water Pisces
October 5 to November 16, 2018 from water Scorpio to late degree air-sign Libra
May 13 to June 25, 2020 in air-sign GeminiWhat Other Specific Things Should You Watch Out For?Since Mercury rules the mail and the conveyance of information, be extra careful when sending important documents. If you send faxes, be sure to call the people at the other end to let them know your documents are waiting for them. Otherwise, they may never see it. If you work in an office and have to photocopy an important document, be sure to retrieve the original. Be equally careful about whom you send email to - you don't want to send a private email to the wrong person or have a sensitive email forwarded to others.Your client may suddenly change direction on a project you have been working on and give you new instructions, which may require you to discard some of the work you did. Miscommunications abound, so during these periods keep summarizing what you think the other person has just told you. Go the extra mile - you will be glad you did!Mercury retrograde periods are notorious for causing computers to crash and for machines, appliances, and other electronic devices to show signs of wear, requiring urgent repair. Backup your computer in advance of any Mercury retrograde period. If you had planned to install new software on your personal computer (or, if you work in IT, on your network), wait until the retrograde period is over to do so. Weird things happen during these periods. For example, you may suddenly discover that you were sold a defective hard drive, even though it may never have given you problems in the past, at least not until you created that vital document and your whole system went down.Mercury also rules trade and commerce, so don't buy or sell anything expensive during its retrograde phases. Often you will find that the item you want is out of stock. If you do buy something expensive, such as a car, computer, or jewelry, for example, you may regret your purchase later. If you are buying or selling a house, expect problems, errors, delays, and setbacks to arise. The only times you can buy something expensive during a retrograde period are if you are returning something you already bought.Computers, high tech items, appliances, automobiles, and other machines and electronics are highly susceptible to Mercury in a retrograde period. Mercury rules moving parts, so that can be one reason. Yet, other things happen. You buy an air conditioner and 30 days later discover it has gone on sale for much less than what you paid. Or you by an expensive smartphone during a retrograde only to drop it (and crack its screen) or lose it soon afterward. It really does pay to wait to buy electronics.In years past, Mercury always seemed to retrograde during the holiday shopping season. For example, in 2011, Mercury was retrograde from "Black Friday" (where retailers go into the black because everyone loves to shop on the Friday after Thanksgiving, November 25) until the end of the day on December 13.If you are driving any significant distance during a period where Mercury is retrograde, bring extra maps (or make sure your GPS is up to date), make sure you have enough gas, and verify that you have the correct address and clear driving instructions. If your car is making strange sounds, have it inspected before you leave; you don't want a problem to emerge when you are on the road. If you are flying, check with your airline to make sure your flight is going to take off on time. Have your luggage well marked so that it won't get lost or sent to the wrong airport, and bring your iPod and a good book to the airport, as there could be lots of delays.Some people do not travel when Mercury is retrograde, and perhaps that might be wise if your trip is business-oriented. However, if you are returning to see a former client you've worked with in the past, traveling during the retrograde is fine. Sales people know that business is always most likely from former clients. If you are in sales, earmark all your former clients for special attention during these phases.You can take a trip for pleasure during these periods. Actually, this could be a perfect time to go, for you get away from it all, and everyone back at the office will "feel" the retrograde - they will miss your quick problem-solving ability and advice while you are away! During a retrograde phase, you might want to travel to a place from your childhood that you loved but haven't seen in a long time. It could be lots of fun because going back to places you knew is favored.Forgetfulness can be a problem during these phases. You are more likely to leave your airline ticket or passport on your desk rather than put it in your pocket; leave your cell phone, sunglasses, or gloves in the back seat of a cab; or lock yourself out of your car or house. I always advise that you tape your business card on the back of your computer or smartphone case, and slip your card into your case holding your eyeglasses in case one of these treasures is lost.I also suggest that if you buy a gift card for someone, you photocopy the card's serial number so that if you or your recipient loses the card, you can get it replaced quickly by the retailer. (Of course, keep your receipt stapled to the photocopy. Some retailers can give you a gift receipt with the serial number on the receipt, so you don't have to go through the trouble of having the card photocopied. Even so, keep a copy in your records too, for your recipient may lose everything!) Tell your recipient that you are taking precautions, in case they do lose your gift and are too shy to tell you that they did! Often there is a comedy of errors surrounding Mercury retrograde!While we are on the topic of photocopying important documents, photocopy your passport and give your family members a copy, too. If you ever should lose your passport, you will have a copy to show the passport office, and it will make things much easier for you! Do that today, while you are thinking of it!Romance tends to go haywire, too, during Mercury retrograde periods. Couples tend to create miscommunications that in turn can cause a domino effect of errors. Try not to jump to conclusions, and keep striving for clarity. Your sweetheart or spouse could also have a sudden change of mind. For example, if your boyfriend or girlfriend says, "I want to break up," he or she could say later, "No, let's not! I didn't really mean it!" That's because people aren't always thinking straight during these phases. Mercury retrograde is notorious for creating confusion.Keep in mind that Mercury retrogrades in three different signs of the zodiac during the year. If it retrogrades in your sign, delays and frustrations will become even more pronounced than usual. In this case, try to be even more vigilant and double-check proposals, ideas, creative efforts, and other plans to root out flaws or incorrect assumptions. Always go the extra mile to find errors during a retrograde. These periods demand a slow and deliberate approach.A Handy Truth About Mercury Retrograde: Things Are In Flux, But You Don't Know They Are - YetWhen Mercury retrogrades, think of it as an instant signal that the wind is changing direction. Something is in flux up on the road ahead, but the problem is, everything looks the same and unchanging. What makes these periods so difficult is that you cannot see yet that they are about to change, often radically.Let's say you take a new position while Mercury is retrograde. After you start, the company starts extreme cost-cutting procedures, and you suddenly discover you will lose some of the people who report to you. On top of that, your title changes - not in a way you like. In this typical example, you had no idea these procedures were being planned, and had you known, you would have never taken the job. Things like this happen all the time when Mercury is out of phase. Do not take a job when Mercury is retrograde, and don't start one during a retrograde, either.A Key to the Solution to Any Mercury Retrograde Problem Lies in the Element Mercury is Found In: Fire, Earth, Air, or WaterEach year, Mercury will favor one element over another. In 2012, Mercury will retrograde in fire signs, so that tells us we need to apply completely new, visionary, and innovative solutions to the problem that comes up. Fire signs are highly creative and also brave and pioneering - don't be shy about suggesting a very unusual solution. Fire signs also think on a big, broad scale, so you should think that way when attacking the problem, too.If Mercury retrogrades in an earth sign, be very practical about finding a solution, and strictly adhere to limits of time or budget. Money often plays a big part of both the problem and the answer when Mercury is retrograde. You would probably do best by not suggesting a blue-sky idea, which would have worked with Mercury in a fire sign.If Mercury retrogrades in an air sign, lots of discussion will need to take place, as air signs are highly communicative. Talk to a lot of people and poll their responses. Do a great deal of research, too. Air signs are analytical and modern - you may hear of a solution that is so new, you may not even have known it was possible. Use the answer that seems best for you after going through this process, and make sure you are objective and not emotional in choosing your answer.If Mercury retrogrades in a water sign, use your intuition. Research can be driven by the way questions are asked, so if your research says to go a certain way, but your intuition tells you to reject the research, follow your gut. Intellect can only get us so far; often our emotional intelligence is more accurate. If Mercury retrogrades in a water sign, it's an instant signal to start listening to that small voice within.What If You Can't Put Off a Decision Until a Later Date?What if you can't wait a few weeks? In that case, you may have to proceed anyway. Do so knowing that the conditions around the situation will probably change, so plan to be flexible. For example, if you are looking at a great apartment, you may have to sign the lease or risk losing it. However, before you do, ask lots of questions.If you are buying a house, hire a top engineer to check it out, or get two engineers' opinions. Be ready for something to come up. Do all you can to extend the process: Say your lawyer is out of town or in court. Say you will be in Paris during that time!My own daughter re-signed her lease during the retrograde (she's Aries, and as a typical Aries, Diana doesn't like to hear about rules). Four months later, the landlord sold the building, and Diana was forced to move immediately. A year later, my little Aries bought a computer during the retrograde. ("It's a Mac, what could possibly go wrong?") Nothing went wrong, except her judgment. She later said she regrets not getting the more expensive model with a much bigger screen. She finally sold her new Mac laptop to a friend, bought a Mac desktop with the big screen she needed, and is happy now.Are There Any Exceptions to the Rule: "Don't Plan Big Actions During a Retrograde"? Yes!Indeed, despite what I have just said, there are situations where you can move forward, gingerly, during Mercury retrograde. The main time you can is if you are going back to the past, either to correct something or do more with a person you know and admire.If your editor gives you an assignment that was put on the back burner a year ago, and it has jumped to life again, proceed!Here is another example: Let's say you are out of work and looking for a new job. Your old boss (whom you enjoyed working with on a previous job) invites you to join the company he is at now, as a member of the team. In this case, you will be going back to a former professional relationship that you actually started a long time ago, and this is simply an ongoing situation. In this case, you CAN take the job.Readers ask, "Well, I started interviewing for a new job before the retrograde, but the offer for the new job was made after Mercury retrograde. Technically, I knew the interviewer for a few weeks before the retrograde, so can't I take the job?" Actually no. In this case, you have had no real history with this interviewer or company. Sorry, this does not apply. However, if you are desperate and badly need to find a job, take it, but realize it will not be a long-term solution. You may be out looking again soon, possibly because you don't like anything about that new job. That may be fine with you, for at least you will have income for a short time, which is better than no income at all. Also, it is said to be easier to find a new job after you have one, so in that sense, it may be helpful to take a short-term, stopgap job.What if you gave a bid on a house you loved and wanted but that was rejected. Can you go back and put in a new bid on that same house during the retrograde, even months later (assuming the house is not yet sold)? Yes. In this case, you have a history with the house, the people who live there, and your broker. This would actually be a good time to "redo" your bid and send it in again. When it comes to exceptions, if you have a history with the person or situation, you can proceed carefully during the Mercury retrograde period.What If You Were Born Under Mercury Retrograde?It has been said by some astrologers that people who were born under Mercury retrograde are immune from much of the mayhem of this phase, but I do not agree that this is true. (I was born while Mercury was in retrograde, and I always find these periods quite difficult, perhaps because I work in Mercury-ruled publishing!)You can find out if you were born under these phases by checking your natal horoscope wheel. The planet Mercury's symbol will have a small "R" under it on the horoscope wheel.People born under this phase are said to have philosophical and reflective natures that help them think through complex concepts quite creatively. Never worry about having a baby during one of these retrograde periods - it is always a good time to have a child!Mercury's Impending Shadow PeriodAs Mercury approaches its "switch point" (the day it actually turns retrograde), it will progress along a path that it will later retrace in the sky over the next few weeks. The two- or three-week period prior to Mercury retrograde is called the "impending shadow period." If you initiate anything important during that shadow period - that is, in the time before Mercury begins to retrograde - you still may encounter problems.If you have a choice whether to sign papers or initiate an action prior to Mercury retrograde or just after it is finished retrograding, there is no question that I suggest you wait and act afterward. Try to secure a little breathing space (a few days or even better, two weeks) from the date Mercury goes direct, for safety. It doesn't pay to rush to do things before Mercury retrogrades. Waiting is always the wiser option.Here is another vital point to keep in mind: Mercury is more powerful on the onset and finish dates of its retrograde. I call them the "bookend" dates of the retrograde, and static and dust seem to fill the air more noticeably than any other time.The presidential election date of 2000 (when President Bush was declared the winner) was on a day when Mercury was due to turn direct. This is a good example of the problems that can occur just as the planet is turning forward or backward. In that case, it was weeks until the winner of the election was chosen.This point deserves reiteration: Always allow two days, minimum, after Mercury moves ahead to normal direct speed before you start initiating projects or making big purchases. The more time you can allow after this planet goes direct, the better. If you can wait two weeks, all the better.Is Mercury Retrograde All Bad? Not at All!Although these Mercury retrograde periods can be frustrating, they are often useful too, for they allow us to reassess, revisit, readdress, redo, and redesign our plans. Sometimes we rush along in life without fully considering our basic assumptions or actions. Mercury retrograde allows us to stop, look, listen, and redirect our energies more productively. Mercury also helps us find closure to certain situations.Reconnecting with old pals and relatives is very common during retrograde periods, and that can be one of the most positive and fun sides of this planet's retrograde orbit. If you hear from an old friend or colleague during Mercury retrograde, I feel there is a potent reason for it. It seems to me that there is something that the two of you are meant to do or plan together.We can all benefit from taking a closer look at situations with greater depth, which happens when Mercury retrogrades. Mercury retrograde periods are like walking through glue, so they do tend to make us slow down, which at times can be a blessing.Here are some examples of ways Mercury retrograde can help you:Perhaps you have been working on a project that seems to have gone down the wrong path. When Mercury retrogrades, it could become evident that the project needs to be altered slightly or redirected. Even if you did not get your way originally, if you argue your case persuasively, things might go your way now.You stall on accepting a job offer, and lo and behold, a better one comes your way in the meantime.You refrain from buying a certain big-ticket item, and within a few weeks, the coveted item goes on sale and you will be glad you waited.If a meeting is postponed or cancelled, you have more time to gather additional information that probably will come in quite handy.If you are in sales, go back to old customers and clients. You may do better by asking for more business from people who have always trusted you than by trying to extend your reach into new sales territory. Former customers like being contacted, and under Mercury retrograde, you will have the time to do so.Missing objects are likely to be found. That beautiful bracelet wasn't lost after all - it was on your bookshelf, behind your favorite book!What Else Should You Do During Mercury Retrograde Periods?It would be a great time to reorganize your files or closets. Pack up clothes you haven't worn in a while and give them to charity. Polish your shoes and decide which ones need repair, and while you are at it, decide which appliances need to be taken in for repair as well. Oddly, as busy as we are, during these phases we always seem to find more time to get things done. When you clean your closets, you will find treasures you thought you lost or had completely forgotten about, always a bonus of going through things you have not seen in a while.Mercury rules anything that begins with "re": redo, reassess, repair, repeat, redesign, or revisit. It's always human nature to want to hear that new opportunities are coming our way, but we really do need to focus on the quality of our work and improve it to the best it can be. Often this is a better use of our time than continually chasing the newest idea. Mercury retrograde allows you to be thorough and to perfect your performance.Don't assume everything goes wrong during Mercury retrograde - sometimes things work in your favor. If you are self-employed and turned down an assignment because the price the client was willing to pay was too low, this same client may come back after the retrograde (after he sees many others turning down his offer) - and you get the project after all, at the right price. People reconsider their stance when Mercury is retrograde, and in some cases, conditions turn out to be more favorable to you than they might have been before.As you can see, Mercury retrograde is not all bad - you can count on it!

Friday Freebits with Ginger Simpson #frifreebits

Walt opened the bank door and followed Aunt May to a large mahogany desk where a rather stern-looking man sat.  Deep furrow in his brow indicated he didn't smile very often, and the nameplate in front of him read Harvey Palmer, President.
Palmer?  Cecile Palmeer...were they related?  The question zipped though his mind, but the man's measuring look over the top of his glasses told Walt it wasn't the appropriate time to make small talk, so he didn't ask.
"Good morning, Mr. Palmer," Aunt May said in a very authoriative voice.  "This is my newphew, Walt Williams, and we're here to see about a loan.
Harvey Palmeer offered her a chair and reached over his large desk and shook Walt's hand.  Walt took a seat next to his aunt.
"As you know, Mr. Palmer," Aunt May said, "I own the boarding house in her town.  The reventue provides me with a very comfortable, yet not extravagant lifestyle. "  She pulled a ledger from her handbag and opened it.  "This should offer proof of my income and continuing profits."
He briefly glanced at the figures and flashed a smug smile. “It’s just too bad your boarding house is in… well shall we say, a less then desirable part of town. Word has it that some of the people you cater to have questionable backgrounds.”
She locked gazes with him. “Look, Mr. Palmer, you may not approve of the manner in which I support myself, but as a businessman, you have to admit that loaning me money would be a sound investment.”  She looked at Walt and patted his hand. “My nephew has his heart set on buying a piece of land, and I’m ready and willing to mortgage my boarding house to get the money he needs.”
Walt felt a pang of guilt for putting his aunt under such unpleasant scrutiny on his behalf. “Well, I don’t know exactly how much I can loan you,” Harvey Palmer countered. “Like I said, location of the collateral property is important.”
“Mr. Palmer, where my boarding house is situated has nothing to do with its worth. It’s the only one in town, and I have proven it’s a solid investment. I expect you to put aside your prejudice and act wisely by granting my request.”
Harvey Palmer steepled his fingers below his chin. “I fear if I loan money on your establishment, I’m going to be overrun with similar requests. I’m sure you understand my predicament.”

***
Just a note.  Cecile Palmer is the banker's daughter and has met and is quite smitten with Walt, and he with her.  This is just the beginning, and Walt wants desperately to whisk Cecile away to the new "ranch" he's trying to buy.  Will Harvey Palmer help him realize a dream, or has Walt just met his nightmare?
Destiny's Bride is available on my Amazon page.

Throwback Thursday ~ Secrets and Lies by Jamie Hill

I'm resurrecting one of my older titles for Throwback Thursday, but rather than my standard excerpt I'm giving you a juicy moment from the middle. If you haven't read it, I hope you'll check it out here:
http://amzn.com/B005ZF5AXC

Natalie was irritable and sleeping all the time. The first week of January, she barely wanted to get out of bed. It wasn't until she started throwing up in the mornings that it occurred to Alex what the problem might be. He left her alone for a few minutes while he went to the store, and when he returned he slapped a small box on the nightstand next to her bed. "What is that?" she asked groggily. "An early pregnancy test. Read the instructions and take it." Try as he might, he knew his tone was not pleasant. Natalie appeared surprised. "Why would I…we said we were going to wait…" she looked at him. "Oh my God." He felt his eyes brim with tears. "Just take it, please. I have to know. We have to know." She sat up and looked at the box. "Oh, Alex, no. It can't be. I can't be!" He picked up the box and thrust it at her. "Go find out." She opened the package and read the instructions. "It says to use first morning urine." "We're not waiting until morning. Do it now." She looked at him with wide, frightened eyes. "Please," he added carefully. She nodded and took the test into the bathroom, emerging a few minutes later. "Five minutes." "Okay." He nodded and paced the room. "It never occurred to me," she said sullenly, and sat on the edge of the bed. He looked at her incredulously. "Didn't the doctor talk to you about the possibility?" She shrugged. "She asked me if I was on birth control and I said yes." He knelt in front of her. "Natalie, you're not. Remember, we talked about this? Pills, diaphragms, whatevers…those are you being on birth control. Condoms are mebeing on birth control." He balled his hands into fists. "I told you to talk to your doctor about getting you on something, dammit!" "So you're saying this is my fault?" "I never said that." He willed himself to calm down. Okay, maybe I said it in a roundabout kind of way. But I didn't mean it. He looked at the clock. "It's been five minutes." She stood up silently and he followed her to the bathroom. She picked up the test stick. "Plus sign means yes, minus means no." She looked at it. She studied it. She handed it to him, and he studied it. "It looks like a freaking blue minus sign on top of a pink plus sign." "I thought so, too." He tossed the stick on the counter. "So much for that fifteen dollars. We know exactly what we knew ten minutes ago. Nothing." She rubbed her hands over her arms. "I don't think you're angry about the fifteen dollars." He walked out of the bathroom and sat on the edge of the bed. "Gotta start somewhere." "You're angry that I might be pregnant?" She faced him. "You're not?"
--------------------------
Find all my titles at my publisher's website, Books We Love:  http://bookswelove.net/authors/hill-jamie/ 
Thanks for stopping by!
 

A Page Straight From Ginger Simpson #apagestraightfrom

Beaches byGinger Simpson
This book is rated for adult reading only
Katie Franklins shredded a paper napkin and tossed the remnants on the kitchen table.  Her best friend, Irene sat across from her and let Katie rant. She needed a good listener right now.  The mess she’d made on the table reminded her of her life—in bits and pieces. Staring into the cup of coffee in front of her, she shook her head at her reflection. “I’m a married woman.  I have to end this affair!” The words replayed in her mind until she wanted to tear her hair out. Her shoulders sagged but she looked at Irene, seeking an answer. “How did I get into such a predicament? Falling in love with one man while still married to another? Honestly? My body’s sensual needs must have possessed my subconscious mind and made me commit this sinful deed.  What do I do?” Male attention was the magnet that drew her to Joey, and now she couldn’t imagine life without him. At twenty-eight, attracting a twenty-five-year-old flattered her.  His smile, his broad shoulders…everything about him stirred passion she hadn’tfelt in ages. She never intended to fall into bed with him; the attraction was just too much.  Being near him blurred her reasoning.Irene, like a trained counselor, offered no solution, instead let Katie work through her own issues. “Joey makes me feel sensuous and alive…so unlike the relationship between me and Rick. With Joey, I discovered my lost confidence and found desire again. But is it real?  Seven years ago Rick looked at me with the same accepting love in his eyes. How did our marriage go so wrong?  She flashed back to earlier days…when Rick’s touch ignited a fire within her soul.  “You know, Irene, there was a time when I actually waited for Rick to come home…wanting to taste his kisses and feel his hands on my body, but something happened after Brandon was born.  The passion just dwindled away.” Wasn’t having a child supposed to bring people closer together…make them a family? A baby sure hadn’t worked any magic in their home. In fact, her pregnancy ended any intimacy she and Rick shared.  Oh, they still had sex, but other than physical release, they shared nothing with one another. Katie lowered her head into her palms and heaved a sigh.“Maybe if I’d lost the baby weight sooner, I never would have gone with you to Beaches.  What if…oh Hell, no matter what scenario I apply to my predicament, nothing changes.  Should a few extra pounds matter if you truly love someone?” Katie closed her eyes and shuddered, the frustration becoming more than she could bear. “Why can’t Rick see I’m the same person I’ve always been. Even when I was heavier, I had the same heart, feelings and needs… I didn’t really change, but he did.  His endless cruel puns got to me…turned our marriage sour and made me doubt my feeling for him.  He drove me right into Joey’s arms…didn’t he?”Irene shrugged.Katie took a sip of cold coffee and then released a loud breath.  “It’s taken me several months, but now I’m back to what I weighed before I got pregnant.  What I don’t understand is Rick’s sudden renewed interest in me.”  She fisted her hands and pounded on the table, sloshing her decaf over the cup’s side. “How can I forget all the terrible things he said or forgive how degraded he made me feel? Am I wrong to hold on to the hurt?”Irene picked up her cup and blew away the steam.  Her gaze focused on Katie.  “Do you blame me?”“No…” She shook her head.  “No way.  You didn’t hold a gun to my head and make me go with you. We just happened to be in Beaches the same night Joey was there.  That’s not your fault.  Still, I can’t stop fantasizing about him, but do I even have the right?” Tension pounded in her temples. She never expected things to become so confusing. Was it fate or luck that drew her to her lover? Was he just a passing fancy or was he the reason to end her marriage? Katie rose from the table and poured her remaining coffee down the sink.  She used what was left of the napkin to mop up her spill then threw the wadded paper into the garbage. Katie sucked her bottom lip between her teeth and stared out the window over the sink. The gray clouds scudding by defined her mood. “No matter how I look at things, I’m still married and what I’m doing is wrong. Even if Rick’s touch leaves me cold, and his sexual innuendos do nothing to entice me, he’s still my husband.  You know, I actually dread his coming home from work, and especially, bedtime. He won’t take no for an answer no matter how much I protest.”
  Tears she’d successfully restrained all morning trickled down her cheeks like the rain pinging against the windowpane. One way or another, she needed to make a decision, and soon.

"Being Compared To Danelle Steel is better than Chocolate...at least today," says Ginger Simpson

I'm so exited.  First I got a terrific deal on 3 months of advertising on Goodbooks.  My foray into the self-pubbed world will be featured on the Amazon U.K. site.  Check it out. http://www.goodebooks.net/UKavail.html 

Then to top my day, I got this wonderful review on The Well .



TITLE:   The Well                                                             AUTHOR:  Ginger Simpson DATE: 5/6/2015REVIEWER:  Carol Langstroth
REVIEW:Carol Langstroth
Mind Fog Reviews




:

Anything You Want...You Got It

When I'm working on a manuscript the characters, settings and situations are always running through my mind. Some of my most genius creative moments have come to me while brushing my teeth, LOL
Driving to the day job I listen to the radio and sometimes a song will strike my fancy as 'fitting' the story I'm working on. Last week while driving I heard Roy Orbison's You Got It (anything you want, you got it...) and it totally fit the story I'm currently writing. One of the main characters has expressed love to the other, who is hesitant to commit at this point in life. But the first character is insistent to the point of offering, "Anything you want...you got it." The song is now on my current writing playlist.
The list changes every couple of months and currently includes Michael Buble's Haven't Met You Yet and It's a Beautiful Day . A new addition is Phillip Phillips' Home and Gone, Gone, Gone . If you haven't heard these, check them out on YouTube.
While I was there watching Roy Orbison of course I was invited to check out similar titles and had to stop and watch a collection of hits by The Traveling Wilburys, (Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Tom Petty Jeff Lynne, and Roy Orbison.) Those guys were great. I wish they'd done more together.
I also loved the combo of Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson and Waylon Jennings singing The Highwayman . I don't know if they did other songs, but that one was a classic.
Music influences my writing every day. My tastes are eclectic and constantly changing. You can usually find something by Billy Joel on my playlist, and Cher. Oh, and Keith Urban. Geez, the list goes on and on. I love to listen to music especially when writing, and walking. For my walks I need lively tunes like Pharrell's Happy . (Anything to keep me smiling, motivated, and walking!)
 Have a Happy week!

Sunday Snippets from Ginger Simpson #sundaysnips

A slight, salty taste lingered in her mouth as she shuddered from the cold and questioned her higher power.  What should she do now? Only an idiot would’ve run out into such weather, and with very little on, to boot. Chilled to the bone, she had nowhere to go but home. On leaden legs, she trudged toward her house. When she opened the front door, the room was dark…no trace of him.  Had he gone to bed?Katie hurried to the bathroom, trying not to leave a water trail. She shrugged out of her soggy gown and towel-dried her hair, all the while contemplating whether or not to sleep on the sofa.Why should she be uncomfortable?  She stared through red eyes at her image in the mirror, fluffed her damp locks and lifted her chin.  No way was she giving him the satisfaction of driving her out of her own comfy, king-sized bed.She tiptoed into the bedroom, noting an outline beneath the covers that verified her assumption. He faced away from her. Sliding between the sheets, she made very little movement, fearing she’d wake him. Not wanting him to touch her, she stayed well to her side of the mattress. Despite her attempts to avoid another confrontation, he rolled over.
“Wanna do it?” His voice sliced the silence.
This book is rated for adult reading only!
All my books are available on my Amazon page!
Now hop on over to the following participants and glimpse their entries today:
http://www.jamiehill.biz (Jamie Hill)http://triciamg.blogspot.com (Tricia McGill)http://medievalnovels.blogspot.com (Vijaya Schartz)http://connievines.blogspot.com (Connie Vines)

No Friday Freebits Today from Ginger

Rather than post six paragraphs from one of my books, I'm going to take a different approach and actually blog..about, gasp, Politics.

Is anyone else but me worried about the direction our nation is headed?  I was born and raised in a democratic home, by a legacy of democratic voters, but it took me many adult years to realize I needed to pay attention to elections and assume responsibility forelected officials for whom I voted.  I'm no longer affiliated with either party because I choose to vote a person rather than a symbol.

Our current president was not my choice, but I'm pretty sure those who follow my facebook know that. I regret that differing opinions has cost me friendship, but I consider that a lack of maturity and not really being a friend.  My decision against Obama had nothing to do with race or party rather qualifications, and I believe his lack of them has led us to this point.  Besides, my beliefs were validated when his own wife, at his innaguration,declared to finally be proud to be an American.  For some of us, it was a sad day.  She'd never been proud before and this was our first lady?????

One big fear is despite his appearance as a charitable leader, those to whom Obama has granted immunity are mostly those unlikely to be able to support themselves, thus increasing the overwhelming number of people on welfare.  I'm all for being a helpful person, and I do believe in paying it forward, but I resent having to support those who abuse the system, are employable, but choose to let the tax payers support them...and when did I become the birth control police?

My greatest fear is that the party to which my family belonged for years somehow believes the criteria for a great president is to have a vagina.  I believe in equality, and the time may well come for a female to step into the oval office as the POTUS, but I also believe that now, when our country is at a crossroads with Muslim territories who have no respect for women, is NOT the time.  Hilary Clinton would certainly not be a good role model and example, in my opinion, because of her reputation for dishonesty, lack of leadership and the questionnable acts that follow her and her husband.
Lying Harry Reid Crying John Boehner
A large part of this country's dilemma is the division of our nation by two major parties.  Family legacy or loyalty dictates that voters choose which side of the line to stand on and on which topics they vote.  Ignorance of government affairs on both sides often result in sending the same stale politicans back to congress and the outcome never results in new and invigorating ideas. Our whole system needs to be overhauled, and terms of days past ignored when considering new and improving ideas.  Some would equate a unified single party system with a "Hitleristic" attitude.  Sometimes, change in a different direction, with a more positive attitude can result in positive outcomes.  Don't we owe it to ourselves to try something different.  If you don't know something is broken, you can't fix it, but when you know the government is in need of an overhaul and you continue to expect positive outcomes, won't you always be disappointed?   Let's fix America...all we need is someone we can respect and who has a history of success.  I'm sure we can find someone....somewhere.  :)

BTW, these are my own opinions, and I own them.

If you're interested in the author and not the aspiring politician, Ginger Simpson, please visit my Amazon page.

Mother's Day ~ Movie Quote Trivia Answers

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

1) Easy

"It's not like my mother is a maniac or a raving thing. She just goes a little mad sometimes. We all go a little mad sometimes. Haven't you?" 

Answer: Anthony Perkins played Norman Bates in 1960's Alfred Hitchcock film, Psycho.



2) Medium

"First you told me he was gonna be retarded, then you told me he was gonna be blind AND deaf. If I'd dug his grave every time one of you geniuses told me he was gonna die, I'd be eating f 'n' chop suey in China by now."

Answer: Cher played Rusty Dennis, mother of Rocky Dennis, played by Eric Stoltz, in 1985's Mask. (Based on a true story.)

Sam Elliott also starred in the film, and I'm posting a picture of him just because I can. :D






3) Movie Buff

"Why are you hiding back there? You don't have to hide from me - I'm Peg Boggs, your local Avon representative and I'm as harmless as cherry pie... "


Answer: Dianne Wiest played Peggy Boggs in Tim Burton's 1990 film, Edward Scissorhands. Johnny Depp starred in the title role, and the movie was Vincent Price's last movie ever.


Thanks for playing along!