Tina Gayle's Blog, page 74

Bah Humbug, It’s the Holidays

That doesn't mean you have to stress it. Yes, you may want to get together with family and friends. But yeah, these people know you. If you don't have the house in perfect order will they notice or even care?

No, they came to spend time with you and have a good time.

So don't decorate ever corner of the house, spend a little less time cooking, buy gift cards instead of picking out a sweater for everyone. In other words, relax and enjoy the people around you. They are what is important.

If you feel you must do these things, do them with someone you like make it fun and share the chore.

Over the years, my husband and I have decided that we can still enjoy the holiday even if there is no tree.

This year we have a beautiful poinsettia sitting in the middle of the dining room table. I love it and it will last longer than a tree.

All so with the gift cards I give people can get more on the after christmas sales.

So slow down and enjoy the season. Forget the stress and take some time to refect on how truly lucky you are to have some many special people in your life.

Hope you have a wonderful holiday season and thank you for reading my blog...you are special to me.

Tina 

Happy Holidays.
 
 
 
 
 
 

Getting the Word Out - New Release by Anita Philmar

A spy that prefers to work alone, Nick Royster’s assignment is turned upside down when his superiors sends him a personal companion. Not appreciating the need to watch someone else’s back, he attends a dinner of Salsar’s inner group. Only to learn, he has to sacrifice Rane to get the information he needs to end the war.
Rane knows the important of winning. Her family slaughtered by Salsar, this is her homeland and she plans to do whatever it takes to win her peoples’ freedom.
With everything on the line, can these two have any future together or does love and war equal heartache? 
 Excerpt
 A knock slam through Nick’s unit and woke him from a sensual dream, one where a soft, willing woman lay over him. He opened his eyes and stared at the golden-red lock of hair in his line of vision. A small hand pressed against the center of his chest and a naked body slid away from his.“Nick, someone is at the door.” Rane soft voice broke through the appealing remnants of his fantasy with reality. “I can’t answer it, because my clothes haven’t arrived yet.”   He shifted his weight to the edge of the bed while she moved to other side next to the wall. “No problem, I’ll get it.”The banging noise started again.“Hold on, I’m coming.” He retrieved his pants from the floor and stepped into them.“I’ll wait here,” Rane said before he strolled out of the room. He’d didn’t look back for fear of changing his mind about leaving. The chance of him getting any more time to satisfy his sexual cravings today were dwindling down to nil. The mine production schedule took precedent over his personal life. After pressing the device to unhook the lock, Nick pulled open the door. Vince stood on the threshold, grinning. A large chest sat at his feet. “Glad to see you can still walk.” Vince glanced around and peeked into Nick’s unit. “So where’s your companion?”“In bed,” Nick grumbled and pushed the door almost close.“Wait, I have your companion’s clothes here.” Vince pointed to the oversize metal trunk at his feet. “And a note from Salzar.”“All right.” Nick opened the door and held it while Vince shoved the strongbox into his apartment. “Put it over there.” Nick pointed to the space in front of the couch. Vince did his bidding then straightened and glanced around expectantly. “Aren’t you going to introduce me to your lady friend?”  “Not a chance. Now give me Salzar’s note and get the hell out.” Nick held out a hand and waited with his other hand on the door to close behind his manager’s ass.Vince grinned and pulled an envelope from his pocket. “Can’t say that I blame you, but I couldn’t resist asking.” He passed Nick the note and walked through the door. “And by the way, you don’t need to worry about the mine. I’ve got everything under control.” “Good.” Nick slammed the door and tore into Salzar’s note.
Purchase at https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/261636
http://www.amazon.com/Naked-Rebel-ebook/dp/B00AHKJB0I/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1354669649&sr=1-3&keywords=Naked+Rebel

Also Tina, I have a free read on smashword if you're readers would like to download it. https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/256801

 Thanks, Anita. Best of luck with your new release. I'm sure everyone will enjoy it.

Have a great day everyone,

Tina

Tina Gayle's Tidings of All Sorts of Stuff

If you been reading my blog - then you know today I'm announcing the winner of my Prepper contest.  Whether you enter my contest or not it is always good to be prepared follow along the prepper trail and win more items from romance author getting ready for Dec. 21.

My winner is Tracy D. She wins a $5.00 amazon gift cert. and copies of my ebooks Birth and Revive.


Here are some stops coming up in the next week.

DEC

4: Malia Mallory -- Food Storage http://abcsoferotica.wordpress.com
5: Sky Purington--Maple syrup (December) www.skypuringtonwrites.blogspot.com
6: Mona Karel--Gardening in inhospitable places http://mona-karel.com/blog/
7: Barb Mazzuca -- Coins/jewelry as cash on hand (needs Thurs/Fri post in December) http://www.barbaramazzuca.blogspot.com
8: Anne Marie Novark--Bees (December) http://justwritewithannemarienovark.blogspot.com
9: Skhye's Sunday Weekly Summary http://blog.skhyemoncrief.com [image error]

Inspiration

“Success is going from failure to failure without a loss of enthusiasm.”

Sir Winston Churchill

Hope you have an awesome week,

Tina

May not be a Preppers - But Being Prepared Never Hurts

Welcome to the Bug-in -- Romance Blog Hop.

If you have watched the show Prepper - then you know there are a number of important areas to be concern - Water, Security, Shelter, Food.

Now, it is great to have a gas oven and electricity to heat up your food, but what happens when these things go away?

Like I wrote in Nov. 26 blog, first you need to know how to build a fire.


Then you have to know how to cook over an open flame. It's not the same as using your stove top

You do not have a knob to turn down the heat.

Instead, you'll want a fire just for cooking. Start it early so the fire has a chance to burn down. This way you have hot coal that can be used for heating your food. It is also advisable to have an additional fire so that you can take coals from it and continue cooking your meal in the small cook area.

Remember, how many different pieces of equipment you use in your kitchen? You will need these same utensils outside. Mitts, pans, spoons, spices, water, etc. Have these things available so you are not constantly looking for items to use. 

Once you have set up your outside kitchen, then you can get started. After the flames go down on your cook fire, you should have plenty of hot coals available. Place a sturdy grill grate over the coals, making sure this is held in place and won't tip over.

If you are simple warming up a can of soup, pour it into your cooking pot, and set the pot on the grill.

The reason, I used this example is because most can food has a longer shelve life - Make sure to have several can openers available.

Also some things you might not have thought about is a coal bucket and a coal shovel to carry the coals from one fire to the other.

Most recipes can be motified so that you can cook them on an open fire -- except maybe those microwave quickies that we've all learned to love.

The main thing to remember is to check what you're cook often so it doesn't burn.

[image error] Unless of course you are cooking with a dutch oven, then you need to watch the time and keep the coals hot around the pot.

I know this is not as much detail as you might want so I encourage you to look on the internet for more information and try out your skills at camp cooking. You may discover that you enjoy the challenge.

I am giving away $5.00 amazon gift card so you can get whatever supplies you may need and copy of my ebooks- Revive and Birth. I am hoping you'll have a chance to read them before the end of the world as we know it. I plan to announce the winner and send out the prizes on Dec. 3 so make sure to leave a comment to be included in the drawing.

Read the first chapter of an of my books at http://www.tinagayle.net/mybookpg.html

The Bug-in With Romance Blog Hop continues tomorrow (12/02/2012) with Skhye's Sunday Weekly Summary http://blog.skhyemoncrief.com

Tina Gayle's Author Tip

 Blogging on other sites can help people learn about you and your books With all the bloggers out there, people are always looking for someone to write a blog for them. But why do this?
• It's a great way to get your name out there and be introduced to new readers.

• You can do interviews, post info about your book, write special blogs, talk about what makes you different than other writers.

• It is however important to meet their deadlines and if you can’t let them know as soon as you can.  Here's two sites you might want to check out  Try blogging for Savvy Authors - If you're interested in scheduling a date please contact : sharon@savvyauthors.comLong and Short Review allow author to blog for free. http://www.longandshortreviews.com/ads.htm We offer a guest blog spot each Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The only requirement is that you blog about something besides straight book promo. The LASR: All Genre blog is here The LASR: Erotic Romance blog is here Click here to request a guest blogging spot - Please specify which genre you write in    Best of luck,

Tina

Tina's Everyday Tidings

Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday weekend.

My husband and I played golf and put together a puzzle. My boys didn't make it home so all was quiet.

On my picture page, I have golf courses pictures of when we were out in Palm Springs  http://www.tinagayle.net/picture.html


What I'm really lacking this week is inspiration so I thought I'd share one of my favorite inspirational quotes.


"Persistence prevails when all else fails."




Also, don't forget about the bug-in event. There are a number of prizes being given away and a lot of things that you might need to know.

Here are the next few stops

November
27: Genella DeGrey --(needs early position) T-paper (A REALLY good thing to buy while people are shopping elsewhere!) http://genelladegrey.wordpress.com/2012/11/26/the-end-of-the-world-as-we-know-it-or-tp-a-really-good-thing-to-buy-while-people-are-shopping-elsewhere/
28: Holly Roberts-- the BDSM emergency 48-hour pack. All the things you can use for sex, torture, and also survival; i.e. The multi-purpose Bug-out bag! http://clubeldiablo.blogspot.com
29: D'Elen McClain-- Self-defense http://fangchronicles.wordpress.com
30: AnnaKathryn Lanier -- Cooking with canned/dried food http://annakathrynlanier.blogspot.com

Have a super sparkly day,

Tina

Getting Ready to Bug-IN Event Announcement

<!-- #yiv1553264295 .yiv1553264295hmmessage P { margin:0px;padding:0px;} #yiv1553264295 body.yiv1553264295hmmessage { font-size:10pt;font-family:Tahoma;} </style><br /><div dir="ltr">It's almost the end of the world. Winter Solstice is right around the corner. Are you ready to survive and thrive? </div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><div dir="ltr">Welcome to the BUG-IN WITH ROMANCE BLOG EVENT!</div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><div dir="ltr">We're a group of mostly romance authors that are worried about general fox-hole morale when the shit hits the fan. So you've got your bug-out bags packed, your medicine stocked up, your 2 weeks of food stuff hidden in the air-space behind the dry wall in your home (just in case the government shows up to confiscate your horde of food), you've stored away some candles and extra batteries, and you're ready to go. Well, what about Mom's sanity? What about those almost twenty year old daughters hooked on romance novels? What about...How are you planning to while away the boredom in your little safe place? We've got you covered. Win some romance novels and tick off your preparedness checklist with us as we countdown to THE END OF THE WORLD AS WE KNOW IT. </div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><div dir="ltr">Each author will be giving away a paperback copy of her book, a book about her Bug-In subject, or one of her favorite reads. So, stick around to enter to win each day. The blog event is a true blog hop in the sense that it begins with one blog post and moves on each day to another participating author's blog. Each day the hostess will post the link to the next day's blog post and contest. All you do is start today, here, and pop over to the next blog tomorrow.</div><div dir="ltr"> </div><div dir="ltr">And don't forget to pop over tomorrow to learn some interesting survival info and enter to win a prize!</div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Sheree Coleman--bug-out bags </span><a href="http://cheri-spincycletexas.blogspot...." rel="nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #0068cf; cursor: pointer; font-family: "times new roman", "new york", times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 20px;" target="_blank">http://cheri-spincycletexas.blogspot.... </div><div dir="ltr"><br /> </div><div dir="ltr">I'll see you all back here on my day Dec. 1 when I'm talking about camp cooking.</div><div dir="ltr"> </div><div class="separator" dir="ltr" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://officeimg.vo.msecnd.net/en-us/..." imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://officeimg.vo.msecnd.net/en-us/..." /></a></div><div dir="ltr"> </div><div dir="ltr"> </div><div dir="ltr">But first I thought I better cover the more basic idea of building a fire. </div><div dir="ltr"> </div><div dir="ltr">Some of us may not have prepared by having a camp stove or a solor oven. We might be stuck cooking over a open fire. In that case the most important think to have on hand is matches.</div><div dir="ltr"> </div><div dir="ltr"><strong>Matches </strong>- I personal prefer the long wooden kitchen matches. Best to get your box now before the rush so stock up today.</div><div dir="ltr"> </div><div dir="ltr">How to build a fire. </div><div dir="ltr"> </div><div dir="ltr">First, you will need to collect several things,</div><ol dir="ltr"><li>rocks - these will be used to lay out around the perimeter of the fire. This will keep the fire from spreading.</li><li>wood - both large and small pieces. (wood should be as dry as possible.)</li><li>kindling - leaves, small twigs, scrap of paper, pinestraw.</li><li>bucket of water.</li></ol><div dir="ltr">Next decide where you want to build the fire - at least ten feet away from tents, overhanging limbs, other flamable items.</div><div dir="ltr"> </div><div dir="ltr"><ul><li>Clear an area on the ground where you want to build the fire about a two foot circle.</li><li>Mark the perimeter with the rocks you have collected. (for fire control also have a bucket of water ready.)</li><li>Lay down a layer of dry kindling in the center.</li><li>Stack small sticks in a tee-pee pattern around the kindling allow air to flow into the fire.</li><li>Light the kindling with match.</li><li>Keep add increasing larger sticks and wood to the fire until it grows to the desired strengh.</li><li>An be sure to extinquish complete when you are done.</li></ul></div><br />Now, you have a fire you are one step closer to cooking on an open fire.<br /><br />See back here on my bug-in blog day Dec. 1.<br /><br />Tina<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com...' alt='' /></div>

Tina's Special Gift to Say Thanks

I have had so much help from different writers since I have decided to become a writer.

Today I'd like to give back.

Now until Saturday - Nov. 24 you can download my book "I Wrote My First Story - Now What?" free from https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/158663

just use the promo code of FP43x
when you check out.


Here are some of my chapter headings.

Where are you in the Process?
Fork in the Road
The Traditional Route
Self-publishing
Website
Blog
Blogging on other sites
Other Social Media Sites
Review Sites
Writer’s Organizations
Conferences
Entering Contest
Promotion
Hosting a Contest
Newsletter
Free Reads
Videos
Book signing
Email setup a signature line
Buying ads
Read other books and leave reviews.I wish you all the luck in the coming holiday season.

Thanks for reading my blog and I hope you have a wonderful Turkey day.

Tina
www.tinagayle.net
 

Always Thankful Even on a Bad Day

We all have those days that nothing goes right, but we can still be thankful for all the wonderful things in our life.

So I'd thought I'd share a few things to brighten your day if things aren't going exactly great.



Love to read Will Roger to brighten my day. Here are a few of his quotes.

"Everyone is ignorant, only in different subjects."

"Nothing you can't spell will ever work."

"People are getting smarter nowadays; they are letting lawyers, instead of their conscience, be their guide."

"No man is great if he thinks he is."

"I guess truth can hurt you worse in an election than about anything that can happen to you."

Or

Hey, what is the saying about lemons. I like to make Lemon Curd.
Really good on scones. [image error]

6 Tbs unsalted butter--softened at room temperature
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs
2 large egg yolks
2/3 cup fresh lemon juice
1 tsp. grated lemon zest

Beat butter and sugar with an electric mixer about 2 minutes. Slowly add the eggs and yolks. Beat for 1 minute. Mix in the lemon juice. The mixture will look curdled, but don't worry...

In a medium, heavy-based saucepan, cook the mixture over low heat until it looks smooth. (The curdled appearance disappears as the butter melts) Increase the heat to medium and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens. Be patient, this takes about 15 minutes. When you dip a spoon into the mixture and draw your finger (careful, it's hot) down the middle of the back of the spoon it will leave a path. Or, if you're like me and cook with a thermometer, it will read 170 degrees. DO NOT let the mixture boil.

Remove from heat and stirr in the zest. Transfer to a bowl and press plastic wrap on the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Chill in refrigerator. The curd will continue to thicken as it cools.

Covered tightly this will keep in the fridge for a week and about 2 months in the freezer.

Also, I'm thankful for you. If not for you, no one would read my blog...so thanks for being you.

Hope your day improves and life treats you better,

Tina

Mating Rituals - Rules of The Ball #Excerpt

 
“All right, ladies, please line up for the final event of the evening–The Ladies Parade,” a voice boomed from the speakers. “Give your partner a smile and a curtsy, and then ascend the stairs to the stage area.”
“Right,” Marohka reasoned, “like I need any man.”
Harold, the father presenter, liked to follow the old habit of bowing to one’s partner. The custom to him added romance and grandeur to the evening. She could’ve told him differently, but with him being an old stick from a bygone era and a hopeless romantic, he wouldn’t have listened.
“Now, gentlemen, here are the rules. Although, you might know them, I’ll restate them again so no problems will occur because you forgot what you’re supposed to do.” Harold paused a moment and scanned the crowd. “So listen carefully.”
Marohka and the other girls started up both sides of the twin staircases. Harold stood at the top of the landing, dressed in his usual green plaid suit. His cheeks colored with his excitement.
“Each one of these lovely ladies will be carrying a small placard with a number printed on it.” Harold showed them a sample card. “The number is not how many mates she desires.” The crowd broke into the expected laughter. Harold grinned.
She wished her sign displayed a zero. Even one man was more than she needed. All evening, she’d avoided them. If a man approached, she offered him a rude comment and walked away to prove her lack of interest in catching a mate.
“If you’re attracted to a certain lady and want to meet her in the mating arena, take note of her number. If you write down the wrong number, you’ll be matched with a different girl, which would result in an unwelcome surprise.” Harold released a small cough of humor.
“You can choose three women. In the end, however, you’ll only be mated with one.”
A good-natured roar of disappointment exploded from the men in the hall. Marohka rolled her eyes at the typical male response.
Harold sighed. “Sorry, boys, that’s the rule. The Council of Elders will determine which girl on your list will become your mate. Then it’s up to you to pass the next challenges. The first duel is at three sharp in the battling arena. Be sure to check the schedule. If you miss your fight time, you’ll be out of the running and will have to wait until next year.”
Turning to the girls standing beside him, Harold added. “Ladies, don’t worry. An escort will be sent to your room to make sure you arrive on time.”
As the oldest unmated girl, Marohka stood at the front of the line. Her future suspended on the edge of success. She’d led the other girls down the red carpet, along the edge of the dance floor, through the ballroom, and then back up the twin staircase on the other side of the room many times. She drew in a deep breath, preparing for her final steps to freedom.
Harold glanced at her and nodded. “At the top of the list from the Taunton family is our special princess, Marohka. A smart girl, she’ll offer any man a stimulating adventure, where life will never be boring. She works hard and . . .”
Stepping forward, she cut off Harold’s words by moving off the stage and out of the spotlight. She detested the Royal Presenter selling her to these men. With her job of finding qualtrilium and keeping her father’s company afloat, she had all the challenges she needed in life.
Lustralia’s law might require Royal girls to be present at the charade. But with this being her final year of mandatory attendance, victory stood in sight. All she had to do was navigate the man-infested waters between here and the staircase on the other side of the room. Freedom waited.
She reached the bottom of the staircase. Her path led her past a legion of men. From tall, dark, and handsome to fair-haired wonders, an array of eligible men lined her route. Dressed in fine, silk coats and tight fitted pants, they represented hundreds of Royal families across the great land. All showed excellent breeding and genteel manners. Any one of them would make a good mate to the girls behind her, but none tempted her to lose her freedom.
Staring straight ahead, she avoided eye contact with every man she passed. Moving along the edge of the dance floor, she wove her way back and forth across the assigned path. Her steps, jerky and clumsy, she hid her natural smooth gait. No man, in his right mind, craved an ungraceful wife. At least, she hoped not.
With the stairs a few steps ahead, she tasted victory and allowed herself a sigh of relief. “Thank goodness.”
A masculine voice in front of her chuckled. “It’s not over yet, princess.” Read the first chapter at http://www.tinagayle.net/mrchapter.html or Purchase at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005Q0CGCO/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=tingay-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B005Q0CGCO  Have a wonderful weekend, Tina