Sandra Cox's Blog, page 297

Valentine's Contest Coming Soon

Can you believe it's almost the end of January? February is right around the corner which means its almost Valentine's Day. Here's an upcoming contest.

Sweet Blog Award

Susanne Knight nominated me for the Irresistibly Sweet Blogger Award. Doesn't that picture kick start your sweet tooth? Thanks, Susanne. Susanne writes romance with a twist. She has published thirty books to date. She's an Eppie winner, seven-time Eppie finalist and two time Dream Realm finalist. Susanne writes in a variety of genres. Want to know more? You can finder her at http://romancewritingwithatwist.blogspot.com.

Now....I'm to nominate ten bloggers and tell you seven unknown things about myself. Hmm, what haven't I already told you?
Anyway, here's my nominees:
Sherry Silver: http://sherryink.blogspot.com//
Mona Risk: http://monarisk.blogspot.com/
Sherry Gloag: http://sherrygloagtheheartofromance.blogspot.com/
Hywela Lyn: http://www.hywelalyn.blogspot.com/
Robin Lee Courtright: http://rhobinlee.wordpress.com/
Hippie Chicks http://hippiechicks68.blogspot.com/
Beth Trissel: http://bethtrissel.wordpress.com/
Jennifer Shirk: http://jennifershirk.blogspot.com
Jeanette Marie: http://www.jmariebooks.com/blog?



* * *

1. My son got me the first three seasons of Remington Steele for my birthday
2. I have an eighteen year old cat
3. My favorite ice cream is Chocolate Turtle
4. I've been taking kickboxing lessons for a year
5. My favorite group is Celtic Thunder
6. My favorite pizza is pineapple, green pepper and onion
7. My favorite brand of chocolate is Fannie May

On The Rim of Love Book Tour

With us today is Marie Astor. She's going to give ski tips to beginner.

Welcome, Marie.

HI Sandra, thank you for inviting me to your blog to talk about my contemporary romance novel, On the Rim of Love.

So, what are my beginning ski tips? I could go on for pages talking about how to learn to make the perfect turn, but I would rather start with the most important part, which is confidence. When it comes to skiing learning is never finished – there will always be tougher terrain that you have not yet tried or unexpected snow conditions that you have not yet experienced. But if you have confidence in yourself as a skier, you will be able to face any of the curveballs that the mountain will throw at you.

Now, by confidence I do not mean cockiness – in fact, being confident means being able to assess your skills and being able to say: 'no, I'm not skilled enough to ski this slope yet, but I'm going to learn', or 'I'm happy at the level where I'm – that's just too much of a snow pie for me.' I have been skiing for seven years – the first day I stood on skies and stared down a bunny slope was one of the scariest days of my life, but it was also one of the most exciting ones. Today I ski blues and an occasional black, and while there is some terrain that I will never dare to try – it is simply too difficult for me, I have to say that gaining the confidence to ski has given me greater confidence in myself as a person.

In On the Rim of Love Maggie starts to question her relationship with her fiancé, Jeffrey, when she meets a charismatic big-mountain skier, Taylor. Maggie is a fairly good skier, but she has never tried off-piste skiing and is both excited and scared to experience it. While Jeffrey thinks that open mountain terrain is no place for a girl, Taylor believes otherwise and offers Maggie to guide her through the intimidating off-piste territory. As Maggie learns to navigate what she thought was impossible terrain, she gains confidence in other aspects of her life and finds the courage to follow her heart. I hope that you'll j

Blurb:

Maggie Robin has been dating the irresistibly good-looking, successful Jeffrey Preston for two years. B ut when Jeffrey proposes marriage a week after Maggie's college graduation, she is no longer sure if she wants to marry a workaholic TV producer.
Her doubts culminate when during a ski trip to British Columbia, Maggie meets Taylor Denton, a handsome, free-spirited big mountain skier who is the complete opposite of Jeffrey. It does not take Maggie long to realize that she has fallen in love with Taylor and she decides to break off her engagement with Jeffrey. But just when she thinks she has found the love of her life, an ill-fated misunderstanding tears Maggie and Taylor apart.
A week later, Maggie is told that Taylor has died in a tragic ski accident; yet, her heart refuses to believe in Taylor's death. When Maggie returns to Taylor's native town, she learns that Taylor is indeed alive, but has been seriously injured. Resolved to bring her lover back to life Maggie stands by Taylor's side, convincing him to embrace life again.

Excerpt:
The bulletin board was filled with countless notices and announcements, but the one that drew Maggie's attention was a picture of a skier flying down an endless expanse of snow. Taylor Denton having another great day on the mountain, said the caption next to the picture. Maggie stared at the photo, as though she were frozen still. The skier in the photo was wearing helmet and goggles, but the same confident grin shone on his face, the same golden ponytail flew down his shoulders, and the same neon jacket covered his back.
Now, she had a name to connect with the face, and, suddenly, Maggie realized the true reason why she had been so nervous about coming to the Owl Lodge.
"I'm Taylor, Taylor Denton." The younger man stepped forward without waiting for Jeffrey's introduction.
I already know that, Maggie thought. For a moment, she was rendered speechless as her gaze remained glued to the dazzling green of Taylor's eyes: there was something in his open, fearless gaze that unnerved her. "Very nice to meet you, Taylor," Maggie struggled to keep her voice leveled as she shook Taylor's hand – his hand was warm, and his grip had just the right amount of pressure. He held her hand in his for a moment longer than necessary, or it might have been just her imagination, but the electrifying sensation she felt at the touch of Taylor's hand filled her with guilt anyway: her fiancé was standing right there, and she had no business having these kinds of thoughts about some daredevil skier she had just met.

About the author:
Marie Astor is a die-hard romantic who wholeheartedly believes in true love, which is why she writes in the contemporary romance genre.
Marie is th e author of contemporary romance novels, On the Rim of Love, Lucky Charm, and a short story collection, A Chance Encounter and Other Stories.
In addition to being a writer, Marie is an avid hiker, an excellent swimmer, a good skier, and a capable badminton player. Currently, Marie is working on her next novel - stay tuned for details!
If you would like to receive updates about book releases and events, please visit Marie's website at: www.marieastor.com or visit Marie at her Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/marieastorwrites. Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Rim-Love-Contemporary-Romance-ebook/dp/B005TOWI7K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1320616758&sr=8-1
Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/on-the-rim-of-love-marie-astor/1107065056?ean=2940013215627&itm=1&usri=on2bthe2brim2bof2blove

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/marieastor

Giveaway:
Marie will be awarding a custom made jewelry set (necklace and earrings) to one randomly chosen commenter

Tour dates:
http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2011/11/virtual-book-tour-on-rim-of-love-by.html

The Raspy, Blues Singing Burmese

Its Cats' Day at Night Writers. I'm posting on The Raspy, Blues Singing Burmese. If you're owned by a cat or you're an animal person, please stop by and say 'hey'. I'd love to visit with you.

Gel Nails

I've always had stubby nails. The poor things have never understood the word grow.
On the rare occasions that I've gotten manicures they've chipped within a couple of days. Between the chips and the breakage, it just wasn't incentive to wear polish or frequent nail salons.
Then I was introduced to gels. I've tried it and I like it.
For those that aren't familiar with it, basically gel is a hard polish that lasts for two to three weeks and doesn't chip. My goal is to stretch the two to three weeks into four. To this end, I get clear polish instead of color. I just can't justify getting my nails done more than once a month. I'm currently at two weeks-four days and counting.
My nails have finally started to grow. Its weird to actually have them clicking against a keyboard.
The verdict is still out in many peoples' mind on how safe gel nails are. Why?
For one thing, gel requires drying under a UV lamp.
There can also be health concerns if salons use cheap gel products that aren't stringently controlled for quality and the manufacturer uses dangerous chemicals.
Or if the salon mixes gels and acrylics.
Some salons pass off fake gel manicures as the real thing. If you've had a gel manicure it will be clear and shiny not cloudy.
Your skin should never be cut or abraded during the process so chemicals can't seep into it.
The bottom line: If you are thinking of trying gel go to a reputable salon.
Have you gotten gel nails? If so has the experience been a positive or negative one? If not, would you get them?

My Favorite Movie Quotes

Periodically you'll hear a movie quote that 'catches'. Here are a few of my favorites:

'You don't have to wear a patch on your arm to have honor'~*~A Few Good Men

'Here's looking at you kid.'~*~ Casablanca

'We'll always have Paris' ~*~ Casablanca

'I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship' ~*~ Casablanca

'Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn.' ~*~ Gone With The Wind

'Go ahead, make my day'~*~ Sudden Impact

'You talkin to me'~*~ Taxi Driver

'Toto, I've got a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore' ~*~ Wizard of Oz

'You're going to need a bigger boat' ~*~ Jaws

'Houston we've got a problem' ~*~ Apollo 13

'There's no crying in baseball' ~*~A League of Their Own

'I'm going to fight for you till your heart stops beating'~Eclipse

What's your favorites?

Sky

Isn't the sky gorgeous? I was letting the dog out at daybreak the other day, saw the beautiful reds and blues and thought, "Oh, wow!" I ran upstairs, got my camera then went outside in my jammies and house slippers and started snapping before the colors disappeared.

Who'd A Thought?

Of all the things I have to iron, I never expected it to be my wrist wraps (for kickboxing). Due to the sweat factor--oops in the writing world women don't sweat they perspire--anyway I digress. Due to the whatever factor, I wash my wrist wraps every week. I used to just throw them in the machine till they started getting caught in the agitator. Now I throw them in a travel pillowcase along with my ankle wraps. Yes my feet sweat, err perspire, too. Unfortunately, when I pull them out of the dryer the wraps are balled into an unholy mess. So I now have to iron them. To use an Amarandaism, its downright pukeable.

Upcoming Valentine's Event

Congrats to April. Thanks for entering.

Baby Boomer Quiz

I've posted this before, but its fun. If you have time give it ago.

BABY BOOMER GAME

MEMORY TEST!
(Have a paper and pencil handy to record your answers. Your mind isn't as sharp as it once was!)
(Who says???) (It's just gotten older, that's all.)

This is NOT a pushover test. It's a Baby Boomer era test!

There are 20 questions. Average score is 12.

This one will be difficult for the younger set. (DUDE!)

Have fun, and no peeking!

Good luck, youngsters,

1. What builds strong bodies 12 ways?
A. Flintstones vitamins
B. The Buttmaster
C. Spaghetti
D. Wonder Bread
E. Orange Juice
F. Milk
G. Cod Liver Oil

2. Before he was Muhammed Ali, he was...
A. Sugar Ray Robinson
B. Roy Orbison
C. Gene Autry
D. Rudolph Valentino
E. Fabian
F. Mickey Mantle
G. Cassius Clay

3. Pogo, the comic strip character said, 'We have met the enemy and...
A. It's you
B. He is us
C. It's the Grinch
D. He wasn't home
E. He's really me and you
F. We quit
G. He surrendered

4. Good night, David...
A. Good night, Chet
B. Sleep well
C. Good night, Irene
D. Good night, Gracie
E. See you later, alligator
F. Until tomorrow
G. Good night, Steve

5. You'll wonder where the yellow went...
A. When you use Tide
B. When you lose your crayons
C. When you clean your tub
D. If you paint the room blue
E. If you buy a soft water tank
F. When you use Lady Clairol
G. When you brush your teeth with Pepsodent

6. Before he was the Skipper's Little Buddy, Bob Denver was Dobie's friend...
A. Stuart Whitman
B Randolph Scott
C. Steve Reeves
D. Maynard G. Krebs
E. Corky B. Dork
F. Dave the Whale
G. Zippy Zo

7. Liar, liar...
A. You're a liar
B. Your nose is growing
C. Pants on fire
D. Join the choir
E. Jump up higher
F. On the wire
G. I'm telling Mom

8. Meanwhile, back in Metropolis, Superman fights never ending battle for truth, justice and...
A. Wheaties
B. Lois Lane
C. TV rating
D. World peace
E. Red tights
F. The American way
G. News headlines

9. Hey kids! What time is it?
A. It's time for Yogi Bear
B. It's time to do your homework
C. It's Howdy Doody Time
D. It's time for Romper Room
E. It's bedtime
F. The Mighty Mouse Hour
G. Scooby Doo Time

10. Lions and tigers and bears...
A. Yikes
B. Oh, no
C. Gee whiz
D. I'm scared
E. Oh my
F. Help! Help!
G. Let's run

11. Bob Dylan advised us never to trust anyone...
A. Over 40
B. Wearing a uniform
C. Carrying a briefcase
D. Over 30
E. You don't know
F. Who says, 'Trust me'
G. Who eats tofu

12. NFL quarterback who appeared in a television commercial wearing women's stockings...
A. Troy Aikman
B. Kenny Stabler
C. Joe Namath
D. Roger Staubach
E. Joe Montana
F. Steve Young
G. John Elway

13. Brylcream...
A. Smear it on
B. You'll smell great
C. Tame that cowlick
D. Grease ball heaven
E. It's a dream
F. We're your team
G. A little dab'll do ya


14. I found my thrill...
A. In Blueberry muffins
B. With my man, Bill
C. Down at the mill
D. Over the window sill
E. With thyme and dill
F. Too late to enjoy
G. On Blueberry Hill

15. Before Robin Williams, Peter Pan was played by...
A. Clark Gable
B. Mary Martin
C. Doris Day
D. Errol Flynn
E. Sally Fields
F. Jim Carrey
G. Jay Leno

16. Name the Beatles...
A. John, Steve, George, Ringo
B. John, Paul, George, Roscoe
C. John, Paul, Stacey, Ringo
D. Jay, Paul, George, Ringo
E. Lewis, Peter, George, Ringo
F. Jason, Betty, Skipper, Hazel
G. John, Paul, George, Ringo

17. I wonder, wonder, who…
A. Who ate the leftovers?
B. Who did the laundry?
C. Was it you?
D. Who wrote the book of love?
E. Who I am?
F. Passed the test?
G. Knocked on the door?

18. I'm strong to the finish...
A. Cause I eats my broccoli
B. Cause I eats me spinach
C. Cause I lift weights
D. Cause I'm the hero
E. And don't you forget it
F. Cause Olive Oyl loves me
G. To outlast Bluto

19. When it's least expected, you're elected, you're the star today…
A. Smile, you're on Candid Camera
B. Smile, you're on Star Search
C. Smile, you won the lottery
D. Smile, we're watching you
E. Smile, the world sees you
F. Smile, you're a hit
G. Smile, you're on TV

20. What do M & M's do?
A. Make your tummy happy!
B. Melt in your mouth, not in your pocket
C. Make you fat
D. Melt your heart
E. Make you popular
F. Melt in your mouth, not in your hand
G. Come in colors

Below are the right answers:
1. D - Wonder Bread
2. G - Cassius Clay
3. B - He Is us
4. A - Good night, Chet
5. G - When you brush your teeth with Pepsodent
6. D - Maynard G. Krebs
7. C - Pants on fire
8. F - The American Way
9. C - It's Howdy Doody Time
10. E - Oh my
11. D - Over 30
12. C - Joe Namath
13. G - A little dab'll do ya
14. G - On Blueberry Hill
15. B - Mary Martin
16. G - John, Paul, George, Ringo
17. D - Who wrote the book of Love
18. B - Cause I eats me spinach
19. A - Smile, you're on Candid Camera
20. F - Melt in your mouth not in your hand

I got 19. Okay I've taken it before so it doesn't really count.

Want to share your score?