Mary Quast's Blog, page 6
January 27, 2024
The Leak - a poem of a writer losing her mind
*This video was originally recorded in 2011
January 26, 2024
Tasty Teaser from Hawk's Honor (draft)
Chapter 1
“Corporal Hawke!”
Zipping his rucksackclosed he slung it over his shoulder and stood. His Team Leader approached fromacross the moonlit yard while men in full battle rattle moved at a brisk pacearound her. The Captain displayed the epitome of what every female marine should be…confidant,capable, with grace and style and a military bearing unmatched. Nevertheless,a female officer in special ops, much like shifters, in all reality didn’texist.
Native American shifters in MARSOC (MarineSpecial Operations Command) with security clearance such as his could selectthe battalion they wished to serve with. Hungry for adventure, he chose one ofthe riskiest regions and fell into a team who lost one of their Critical SkillsOperators in battle. So deep in secrecy, only upper brass and the CIA knew of thegroup called Spirit Walkers containing several shifters. They went into areaswhere the enemy had weeks to prepare, booby-trap, and plant enough explosivesto eliminate a city block. Together with their fearless leaders, they outsmartedtheir opponent and completed whatever mission needed to be done.
Sure, they lost a few to pay the price of war,but what blew his mind were the “routine” tasks completed without a singlebullet fired. The teams moved like specters across landscapes and through villages.Night missions often included quietly capturing or killing insurgents andrecovering maps. Day assignments centeredon collecting intelligence used to save American and allies asses. Accomplishwithout leaving any trace. Convinced spirits, ghosts, demons or their ownnegligence were at work, the enemy never discovered the truth.
Close friendships developedduring savage urban battles and intelligent tactical maneuvers. Over the lastsix and a half months brotherhoods were forged and interesting people met, butthe one walking in his direction captivated him. Capt. Andrea “Andy” Nelsonwore her shoulder-length blonde hair pulled tight in a bun exposing a naturallybeautiful face. She took the typical dominant male bullshit from the guys instride, often putting them on their asses with a well said verbal jab or one ofher many martial arts moves. At any given time, she could flash an icy glarecapable of breaking even the most hardened soldiers. Born and raised by acareer Marine with two brothers also in the Corps, a beast of a Marine held herown against anyone.
Some of the guys in theunit found her intimidating. Stories about her brothers and father were oftenrecounted during card games, but her experience on the battlefield made men payattention. Her strategy of well planned and executed operations as well as hercalm voice of reason earned their respect and kept them in line. True to thelife of a Marine, she pushed everyone to give more than a hundred percent andcontinue onto the next order. Always faithful, always forward wastheir motto. She lived it.
He would readily give hislife for her, not only because of her reputation and being a fellow Marine buthe saw her as something more. Shortly after being assigned to the unit, hisanimal spirit declared her as a mate. Other than personal relationships beingprohibited between ranks, she had a fiancé back in the states. A giantinvisible OFF-LIMITS sign hung over her head like a cloud but his critterdidn’t give a damn. Every day became a clash fight with the beast and his heartas he fell in love with her, but he continued to maintain complete control. Beinghonor bound to the corps he never acted on his emotions. To do so could getsomeone killed. Instead, he vowed to always protect her the same way he wouldhis brothers in arms and keep his secret from ever being exposed.
“Capt. Nelson.” He gave aquick snap salute.
“Screw the formalities,Hawke.” She stopped next to him and accepted his pistol from the low legholster for a quick inspection. “This is your last operation. You’ve beenkicking a lot of ass around here; you deserve a break. As soon as it’s done yourteam heads back to base then home. I don’t know about you, but I’m lookingforward sleeping somewhere I don’t have to check for spiders and can fuckingeat chocolate chip cookies whenever I want.”
“Hey, I warned you about Dawg’sand my stealth missions to confiscate any boxes from home a marine doesn’tshare.” Rolling his shoulders, he gave alow chuckle when her jaw twitched. “Yeah, yeah…I know. Never take a woman’schocolate. Lesson learned, Nelson.”
“Damned straight. Out ofall the shifters, I get stuck with a lock picking bird and a chocoholic wolf.”A rare smile flashed but quickly disappeared. “The next team coming is minustheir captain for three months and brass chose me to fill in for him. Youasswipes better have fun tipping back beers while I’m trapped in this hell holea little longer.”
“How ‘bout I send you anice heart-shaped box of chocolate from home?” He made a mental note to sendsomething as a joke.
“Fuck you.” She snorted.
His cock twitched at thesight of his Glock 19 in her capable hands. A woman who knew her way around firearmslit his wick. Being the only daughter of a Master Gunnery Sergeant, she knewmore than most. Hell, she was probably born with a gun in her hand.
“Are you sure you don’twant me to strap this to your bird?”
“Packing heat slows medown.” He shook his head. “I can shift in and out of clothes faster without thebaggage. A simple in and out is my plan.”
“But we all know shit happens.” She flashedhim a sideways glance. “What about the night vision gear?”
“Nope. I have myearpiece. Dawg will talk me through.” He lowered his voice to prove his point. “No extra equipment. It’s my call.”
Carefully shadowing hisgaze, he took in her appearance. Her 5-foot 5-inch frame looked far from femininein her baggy cammies and boots. A loose camo jacket exposed the drab olive-greent-shirt underneath. He imagined her dogtags tucked neatly between her breasts. He could easily lose his mind if itfollowed the direction of his eyes. Focusshithead, you’ve got a job to do.
“Dawg and Skeeter are inposition on the hill to watch from above. You have two four-man fireteams whowill have your back; you’ll see them at nine and two as you fly in. They willgo in for a sweep after the first detonation. Remember the doors are heavilyguarded or booby-trapped.”
“Fun facts alreadyplanted.” he tapped his skull. “I found everything during the last couplenights of sneaking in to set the explosives. I know every inch of thestructure.”
“Fine, then all you haveto do is fly in through the northeast window, ignite and get the hell out.” Sheslapped the gun into his open palm. “Are you ready?”
“My people believe the hawk is a messenger.” Tuckinghis gun into the sack a snarl escaped his lips. “And tonight, I will deliverone final message to these bastards. Fuck, it’ll light up like the fourth ofJuly.” He glanced in the direction he would be flying, lifted his hand andsplayed his fingers imitating a firework blast. “Boom!”
“I think you enjoy beinga Crusher too much. You could make a career of it.”
“Hey, what can I say?” Heshrugged. “I like to blow shit up.”
“For the record, I don’t like sending a Marineunarmed.” She shook her head, obviously unhappy with his decision not to carry.“You will be covered until you pass over the courtyard wall. Hustle your featheredass back to collect your pack and join the Chief and me.”
“We’ve been over this amillion times already. I’m good.” He handed the sack to her then lifted M4rifle from its sling across his chest. “I’ll be back before you have a chanceto miss me.”
A shadow passed over herface as she accepted his equipment. Usually, she wished him well then threw awise crack his way before he shifted for a mission, this time her eyes lookedat the ground. The action disconcerted him. Wanting to get away from thenegative vibe, he stepped back.
“Hey, I just wanted to sayit’s been a privilege serving with you.” The timber of her voice stopped himfrom walking away. “When I was a kid, my dad told some crazy bedtime storiesabout his days with shifter Marines. He made them sound like fantasy, but Iknew they were true. I always believed in shifters. Over the years, I’ve servedwith many and commanded a few. But you…you’re different.” Her voice grew tenderand she touched his forearm. Heat spread up his arm rousing his spirit. “It’sbeen an amazing experience seeing you transform and do all the things you do.”
“Aw, come on, Nelson; don’tgo all soft on me.” He fought the urge to pull her into his arms and kiss thelines of stress off her face. His honor beat down the pleading of his spirit.“I’m gonna start thinking you’re a girl or something.”
“Seriously, Hawke, I justneeded to say it. I think you are a brave and honorable man. There are manylike you.” She skimmed her hand down his arm to give his fist a squeeze. “Ijust have a feeling…I don’t know.” Shaking her head, she blinked then capturedhis gaze. “I just wanted you to know in case I don’t see you again.”
“Get rid of that vibe orwhatever it is…don’t be placing bad juju on me.” He waved his hands around. “Everythingis going to be okay. You’ve got the best team and this is a piece of cake.” Somethingsure had her spooked. Dipping his head close to hers, he whispered. “Thanks,Andy. Coming from you means a lot, but you’re distracting me and you know how Iam superstitious about keeping my routine before rolling out. You’ll knock meoff my game.”
“Sorry.” A faint rosecolored her checks, something he’d never seen. She shook her head and thefamiliar stern battle face quickly replaced the softness. “Let’s see some kickass fireworks, marine!”
“That’s better.” Helaughed, ripped off his t-shirt and flung it over her shoulder. “Here comes theboom!”
“Oh and another thing…” She jabbed a finger athis chest. “Make sure your feathered ass comes back, dill weed.”
“Ooorah! I will. I alwaysdo. On my honor.” He crossed his heart and winked at her before shifting intohis hawk form and heading off to his target.
Sneezes & Orgasms
Did you know... a change in temperature can make you sneeze?But then again, sometimes we seem to sneeze for no reason.
DID YOU KNOW...
Sneezes, along with orgasms,are the only physiological responses that cannot be voluntarily stopped oncethey have started.
January 23, 2024
Tasty Tuesday - Hot Cocoa
This year I wanted to create a homemade powder recipe instead of relying on store bought hot cocoa mixes. After trial and error, (and wonderful friends who volunteered to taste samples). I found one that was perfect.
Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix2 cups powdered sugar1 cup cocoa (Dutch-processed is preferred for those who like dark chocolate and making mocha. Most preferred using 1/2 Dark and 1/2 regular)2 1/2 cups or 15oz powdered non-dairy creamer (use a flavored one for fun)1tsp ground chia1tsp salt2tsp cornstarch
Blend with whisk in large bowl. Store in a cute jar or sealed plastic bag.
Place 3 scoops of mix in a mug then add hot water or hot milk. Stir.
For an "adult beverage" add a shot of cherry liquor or peppermint schnapps.
Place 1 scoop in a mug then add coffee to make a mocha.
ENJOY!!!
January 20, 2024
SEX AND COFFEE
A new study from The Netherlands suggests thathaving sex anddrinking coffee can temporarily raise your risks of stroke or brain aneurysm. Why? Aneurysms are theresult of the wall of an artery weakening, bulging, and, worst case- bursting.Seems a raise in blood pressure is the root cause. The advice: if you’ve had ananeurysm, avoid caffeine, and keep your sex low key.
BUT……
Sex is good for your heart, cutting your risk of heartattack and stroke in half when performed three times a week. Your also bodyburns off approximately 200 calories per “work out” thus helping with weightissues.
Coffee is good for your heart and head, if it’s blackand drank in moderation that is. Only 2 calories per serving is a great way toget a jolt of energy in the morning. It’s also rich in antioxidants, andimproves focus and concentration.
SO THE LESSON HERE IS….
DON’T DRINK COFFEE AND HAVE SEX.
January 19, 2024
#FlirtyFriday - Tantalizing Mouth
The mouth is perhaps the sexiest part of the body. It is always visible but constantlychanging. Please enjoy these quotes Ifound for this week's Flirty Friday.
Smile... it's the second best thing to do with yourlips.- Anonymous
Kissing is like drinking salted water: you drink andyour thirst increases.- Chinese Proverb
Kissing is a means of getting two people so closetogether that they can't see anything wrong with each other. -Rene Yasenek
Any man who can drive safely while kissing a prettygirl is simply not giving the kiss the attention it deserves. - AlbertEinstein
To me, there is no greater act of courage than beingthe one who kisses first.- Janeane Garofalo
Stolen kisses are always sweetest. - Leigh Hunt
In love, there is always one who kisses and one whooffers the cheek. - French Proverb
I hope your day is as radiant as your smile.
I get the best feeling in the world when you say "Hi" orsmile at me, because I know that even for a second that I've crossed your mind.
Did the sun just come out or did you just smile at me?
January 18, 2024
Tea Tag Time
The Yogi Tea Tag says, "Travel in grace knowing that you are protected by love."
January 17, 2024
New Metal Shows True Creativity
I love music. Like many writers I have playlists for each book. When I'm in the writing cave, I love to listen to new music and new artists.
I found music from a new band out of Ohio. Chemical Empire is impressive and there is definitely talent there.
The first time I heard Desire to Hate, my jaw hit the floor and I immediately listened to it several more times before sharing it with my music loving nephew. His head bobbed then his eyes flew open and he shouted, "This is the shit!" Which is his way of saying it was F-ing awesome.
I love the layers of the intro, the guitar-work is amazing. I'm not one big on unclean vocals but accepting how artists are using them. In Desire to Hate, the sound and placement of such were perfect. I love the unpretentious, refreshing approach of letting the music carry the song. The clean vocals were excellent, his control on point. However, I feel he has a wider range hidden in there and look forward to future work. The flow of vocals with the music is incredible. Chemical Empire shows lack of fear to explore a depth of atmosphere with a stupendous delivery. I totally dig the lyrics, inspiring one to be true to oneself.
Desire to Hate is going onto a playlist and Chemical Empire has gained a few new fans in my crew.
The emotionally charged Suffocating is Chemical Empire's second release. Guitars dominate this piece while rhythmic percussion pull the piece together, showcasing the level of talent. The intro is quite long but is a perfect lead in with the haunting sound easing the listener into the meat of the song. Musically, a lot is happening but is well developed, busy but not cluttered. The timing of each drive pulls the listener in. The vocals wrap around the listener and one will actually begin breathing in time with the words and rhythm. Crazy! The tune ends suddenly with a drift, referencing the haunting of the intro. Well done and worth a listen.
Suffocating will definitely work it's way onto a playlist...perhaps, first chapter of Hawk's Honor. I have a scene in mind for Painted Soul as I rework the book.
Chemical Empire has struck a chord with me in the sense the band seems to be true to their artistic and creative souls. The authenticity of expression is obvious in the way a thought or emotions is expressed through the music. Every note, every word, every pitch and sound made has a purpose and it moves me. Music from this new artist has filled my creative mind, filling it with images, emotion and story ideas. My mind is blown, leaving endless words flowing into my stories as a result. (Perhaps this will be the band who may be interested in collaborating with me for my Dark Soul project of creating a soundtrack for a book. #FutureWork.)
Support creative artists. Please visit Chemical Empire's social media, write a comment, and share.
https://www.facebook.com/chemicalempi...
Another new Chemical Empire release, Cold Wave, is expected to drop Jan. 19. Stay tuned!
January 16, 2024
Tasty Tuesday - Cook up Some Fun
Break up the work week with a romantic meal. Don't have time? You have to eat, right?
Grab a bottle of wine and push your honey into the kitchen. Be a little silly and wear matching aprons. Then get cooking. Get a little messy. Have fun.
Working together while cooking fosters a sense of togetherness, reinforces the idea of the two of you being a team.
Share a bit of wine while cutting veggies and talking about the day or whatever. Maybe share three things you like about each other. Be sure to add sexy glances and sweet touches.
If kids are underfoot, keep things PG-13. However, it is healthy for children to see their parents working together and flirting with each other. Feel free to include them or shoe them out of the kitchen with the idea of you preparing the meal and they can set the table.
The collaborative effort will result in a delectable meal and perhaps a little foreplay.
January 15, 2024
Ask the Author: Strangest Google Search
What is thestrangest thing you’ve Googled while working on a story?
Penis Tattoos
I love throwing curves to my characters and surprises to my readers so while reworking the previously published Soul Series, I came up with an idea to give one of the heroes a very unique tat. I'm not telling which fella, readers will have to wait to find out. For those who've read the books, I'd love to see some guesses.
Who is getting a special tattoo?Puzzola, Erick, Michael, or maybe Duncan?
