Tory Richards's Blog, page 202

I'm getting a new assistant at work! I know I shouldn't r...

I'm getting a new assistant at work! I know I shouldn't rejoice, but the young woman I inherited when I got there has been a thorn in my side from day one. We butt heads, to say it mildly. She thought things should be done her way, I thought things should be done my way. With tons more experience, and being the boss, it usually went my way. Not to say I can't bend or give in at times. If she proved her case I had no problem with that.

She was the kind of assistant that rarely backed me up. Especially when I called team meetings. It was as if she would purposely say something that would put me on the spot. I tried explaining to her that it was okay not to agree with a decision I'd made, but that I would appreciate her support in front of the group. Maybe I was expecting too much. Maybe I was wrong.

She's being moved to a different department, and I promoted another woman on the team that already has management skills and experience in her past. She was ecstatic! I think it will be best for all around.

Next Party Up!

Head on over if you want to have some fun. Plenty of chances to win some fabulous prizes. I happen to be one of the sponsors!
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HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

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SOME OF THESE POOR DOGS ACTUALLY LOOK EMBARRASSED!

Why Parents Drink

The boss wondered why one of his most valued employees was absent but had not phoned in sick. So he dialed the employee's home phone number and was greeted with a child's whisper. ' Hello ? ' 'Is your daddy home?' ' Yes, he's out in the garden ,' whispered the small voice. 'May I talk with him?' The child whispered, ' No .' ; So the boss asked, 'Well, is your Mommy there?' ' Yes, she's out in the garden too '& The boss asked; 'May I talk with her?' Again the small voice whispered, ' No .' Hoping there was somebody with whom he could leave a message, the boss asked, 'Is anybody else there?' ' Yes ,' whispered the child, ' a policeman . ' Wondering what a cop would be doing at his employee's home, the boss asked, 'May I speak with the policeman?' ' No, he's busy , ' whispered the child. 'Busy doing what?' ' Talking to Daddy and Mommy and the police dog men. ' Growing more worried as he heard a loud noise in the background, the boss asked, 'What is that noise?' ' It's a helicopter ' answered the whispering voice. 'What is going on there?' demanded the boss, now truly apprehensive. ' The search team just landed a helicopter ' 'A search team?' said the boss. 'What are they searching for?' Still whispering, the young voice replied with a muffled giggle.... ' ME '

Monday Man Candies for Halloween

Yes, I know I'm a day early but it's to make up for not posting last Monday. I doubt any of you will complain:)

What better way to celebrate Halloween then with 3 hunks who aren't afraid to dress up in a costume. First we have the Sexy Cowboy Costume. I bet he has spurs on, too:)


Next we have the Spartan Gladiator! Looks a little dangerous, doesn't he?
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And lastly we have the Moon Shine Costume. For the guy with a tight budget. LOL...I just made myself chuckle:)

BLOG HOP

This could very well be the event of the year folks! Four hundred and twenty-three (423) prizes are being offered up by four hundred and twenty-three (423) blogs. The link list can be found on the I'm a Reader, not a Writer Blog. So head on over, start at the top, work your way down and keep your fingers crossed. This blog hop runs for 8 days and you could possibly win more than once. Each blog host will have their own giveaway rules. Mine is below.

My mom and I used to get together every once in a while for a special meal that no one else in the family liked. What was it?
Choices: Beef liver and onionsBlood sausage and onionsVenison stewRabbitBeef tongue and cabbage
Every one who guesses correctly will have their name put into a drawing for a download of one of my books, their choice.
GOOD LUCK!!!



Good morning all! I'm hosting another Goddess Fish Tour a...

Good morning all! I'm hosting another Goddess Fish Tour and this time we have Vanessa Devereaux with us. Please welcome her and leave a comment because as you an see at the end of this post, there be a prize to be had:)


Author Bio-
Bestselling author Vanessa Devereaux was born in London, England but now resides in the US. She writes erotic romances and erotica. A freelance writer during the day, her work has appeared in both US and UK magazines. When she's not writing, she can be found pursuing some of her hobbies which include cooking, gardening, photography and biking. Prior to a writing career she worked in PR and was a book publicist for three years. Then Came You is Vanessa's first title published with Total-E-Bound. Her other titles include, Mistaken Identity, The Man Next Door, Who's The Boss and her Regency Trilogy, Brazen Ladies including What the Lady Wants, Caught in the Act and Double Her Pleasure, and the contemporary erotic romance, One Night With You. Her next release will be Forbidden which will be released in 2012 with Total E Bound.
Links- http://www.vanessadevereaux.com and http://www.twitter.com/vandevereaux

Sometimes being given a topic or choice of topics for a blog is tough. This time it was easy: "How do you get out of writer's block".
I'm not sure if I had writer's block or what happened to me but I didn't write any fiction (other than some short stories) for a decade. It was after my father passed away. He'd been ill for sometime and then was diagnosed with cancer. The last nine months of his life were very traumatic. He suffered from depression and I slowly spent less time writing and more time with him.
I had many attempts to get back on track after his passing but every time I sat down to write I'd look at a blank page or screen for hours and nothing would happen. Believing it was grief and would pass I attempted to get some sample chapters written so I'd at least have something to prove I was still a writer. I thought a request for a full manuscript might even be the kick in the butt I needed. However, when a couple of editors did ask to see the rest of the stories I couldn't produce a single page and finally gave up. At this point I really believed that my writing days were behind me. Since then I've produced more work in three years than I had prior to my writer's block. So how did I finally get back on track and what advice can I give to you? Here are my five tips-
Tip #1- No matter what, write. Even if it's one word, don't go a day without writing. I used to think okay, I don't feel like writing today but I probably will tomorrow so no big deal if nothing gets done today. It never happens the following day either so don't kid yourself. Even if just means sitting on the couch while you're watching TV and making notes for future stories, do something writing related each day.
Tip #2-set a routine and don't break it. Before my ten year dry spell I'd write any time of the day and had no problem with stopping and starting a story. However, I discovered I couldn't do that any more and therefore needed a schedule. Make an appointment with yourself every day. It could be when you first get up in the morning or maybe you have to wake up an hour earlier but make it a daily habit. I used to like watching cooking shows on the Food Network in the evening but decided I needed to give that up so that time could be just for writing and nothing else. You might need to make some sacrifices but if you want to be a writer or achieve your goal that's what you have to do
Tip #3-reward yourself. Just like anything else you've got to give yourself something in return for sticking with your goal. For me, the chocoholic, it was a bar of chocolate at the end of the week. It could be renting a DVD every weekend or even going to see a movie every month.
Tip #4-write in the same place…remember the old Batman series, tune in same time, same channel? Same goes for writing. I have a spot on the couch where I sit with my laptop. I know when I'm there and the laptop is turned on, it's writing time and nothing else gets down. The phone doesn't even get answered.
Tip #5-Listen to some music. I used to play CDs from my collection but discovered after my ten year writing drought that was too distracting because I'd start listening to the lyrics. Now it's New Age and world music and some relaxation CDs thrown in. Find what music inspires you and have it playing softly in the background.
I hope your writer's block never lasts a decade but should you find yourself looking at a blank screen follow these tips and I can assure you if they worked for me, there can work for you too.

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Connor O'Riordan had his heart set on Gillian Matthews the first day she stepped onto his ranch but the only problem was she had a boyfriend. He'd made her promise that if the two of them ever broke up she'd tell him. Gillian is a woman of her word and when Connor finds out she's now available he'll do anything to woo and romance the lady of his dreams. The best way to start…invite her to spend Thanksgiving at his ranch.
 
The author is giving away the winner's choice of one of her backlisted eBooks! The more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here: http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2011/08/virtual-book-tour-then-came-you-by.html
Good luck!

AROUND THE WORLD WITH VIRGINIA CAMPBELL

''A Flavorful Adventure Awaits!"      

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For my first epicurean expedition, I could not have chosen a more culturally complex and diverse destination than the continent of Africa, which is really a "world within a world". The indigenous foods of each of the numerous regions have been blended through time with the input of the many colonizers to the vast lands of Africa. With over 50 countries, and many hundreds of millions of people, Africa can not be summed up with a few words. It is the second largest continent, surrounded on all sides by water, and it comprises one-fifth of our world's landmass.

 Some of the produce raised includes: peanuts, coffee, tea, sugarcane, bananas, oranges, grapes, pineapples, olives, coconut oil, tomatoes, and cacao. They also raise the following crops: corn, wheat, rice, millet, sorghum, cassava, plantains, sweet potatoes, potatoes, onions, barley, dry beans and watermelon. African food recipes are as varied as the thousands of tribes and cultures found in this amazing continent. A visit to a local food market will astound and delight true foodies with the variety and unique flavors of the many offerings.



No trip to the market would be complete without the traditional hand-woven market baskets. The making of these baskets is a skill passed down from generation to generation. The baskets are also exported as a Fair Trade item to benefit the economy in lower income areas which produce the baskets.

 

Traditionally, the various cuisines of Africa use a combination of locally available fruits, vegetables, grains, milk, and meat products. Most African foods are based on common foodstuffs like: cassava, yam, rice, beans, maize, sorghum, groundnut, coconut, plantain, millet, melons, seafood, poultry, beef, goat meat, bush meat, palm oil, potatoes, lentil, beans, cowpeas, vegetables, vegetable oils, and a wide selection of tantalizing of spices and chilies. You will also find influences from other countries such as France, Portugal, Great Britain, Arabia, North America, and many more. Popular exports from Africa include richly sweet honeys, varietal teas such as Red Rooibos, darkly delicious Ghanaian cocoa and chocolates, South African wines, tangy exotic fruits, and the flavor and heat of spices and chilies.
Have you ever been to Africa or thought about visiting there? What are some of the exotic foods and locations you long to experience? What are your most memorable food and travel adventures? I'd love to hear your thoughts, so please share!


Moroccan Lemon Cake 4 eggs1 1/2 cups sugar1/2 cup vegetable oil2 cups flour4 teaspoons baking powder1/2 teaspoon salt1/2 cup milk2 tablespoons fresh lemon juicezest from 1 or 2 lemons1 teaspoon vanilla
Preheat your oven to 350° F (180° C). Grease and flour a small bundt or tube pan. Zest and juice your lemon. With an electric mixer or by hand, beat together the eggs and sugar until thick. Gradually beat in the oil. Stir in the flour, baking powder and salt, and then the milk. Beat until smooth, and then mix in the lemon juice, zest and vanilla. Pour the batter into your prepared pan, and bake for about 40 minutes, or until the cake tests done. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 7 to 10 minutes. Loosen the cake from the sides of the pan with a spatula, and turn out the cake onto a rack to finish cooling.

 
  Jollof Rice500 g (1 lb) lean beef or chickenSalt and ground white pepper, to tasteVegetable oil for frying1L (1-3/4 pt) stock or water with 3 crushed stock cubes3 large onions, finely chopped4 cloves garlic, peeled and finely chopped
2-3 chillies (hot peppers), finely chopped4 large tomatoes, blanched, peeled and blended or mashed45 g (3 tablespoons) tomato paste250 g (8 oz) each of assorted chopped vegetables, e.g. carrots, green beans, mushrooms and capsicums (sweet or bell peppers)500 g (1 lb) long-grain rice
Lettuce, parsley or fresh coriander (cilantro) and hard-boiled eggs to garnish
Cut meat or chicken into 5 cm (2 in) cubes or small pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cover and allow to stand for 1-2 hours. Heat oil in fry-pan and fry the meat or chicken pieces until brown. Remove meat from oil and add to the stock in a large, heavy-based saucepan. Simmer on low heat until meat begins to soften, then remove from heat. Drain excess oil from fry pan leaving enough oil to fry onions, garlic and chillies (hot peppers) until golden. Add tomatoes, tomato paste, half the combined vegetables and 250 mL (8 fl oz) of stock from the meat mixture. Stir well, adjust seasoning and simmer on low heat for 5-7 minutes. Add this vegetable sauce to the meat mixture in the saucepan and simmer gently. Finally, stir in the uncooked, long-grain rice. Adjust the seasoning again, cover and simmer slowly on low heat for about 15 minutes. Arrange the remaining vegetables on top of the rice and continue to simmer until the rice absorbs all the stock, softens and cooks, and the meat is tender. It may be necessary to sprinkle additional water mix to help the rice cook. If so use small amounts at a time of approximately 250 mL (8 fl oz) lightly salted water. Serve hot, garnished with chopped lettuce, parsley or fresh coriander (cilantro) and hard-boiled eggs.

 
Banana Fritters 1½ cups all-purpose flour4 or 5 medium-sized ripe bananas
3 eggs1 cup milk6 Tbsp sugarvegetable oil, as needed for deep-frying
confectioners sugar
Stir the flour and sugar together, in a deep mixing bowl. Beat in the eggs one at a time with a wire whisk. Whisking constantly, add the milk approximately 1/3 cup at a time. Continue to beat until the batter is smooth and elastic enough to stretch like a ribbon from the beater when the beater is lifted out of the bowl. Peel the bananas, chop or slice them coarsely, and place them in a shallow bowl. Mash the bananas to a smooth purée, using the tines of a table fork. Stir the purée into the batter and allow the mixture to rest at room temperature for approximately 30 minutes before frying. Pour oil into a deep fryer or large, heavy saucepan to a depth of 2-3 ". Heat the oil until it shimmers with the heat. For each fritter, ladle approximately ¼ cup of the banana batter into the hot oil. Deep-fry 2 or 3 banana fritters at a time, taking care to leave enough space between them to allow them to spread into 4 " rounds or oblongs. Turning once or twice with a slotted spoon, fry for approximately 3 minutes or until the fritters are a rich golden color on all sides. As they brown, transfer the banana fritters to paper towels and allow them to drain. While the fritters are still warm, sprinkle lightly with confectioners' sugar and serve immediately.
 
 
Spicy African Yam Soup 1 teaspoon vegetable oil1 small onion, chopped1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced 1 clove garlic, minced4 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme1/2 teaspoon ground cumin1 cup chunky salsa
1 (15.5 ounce) can garbanzo beans, drained
1 cup diced zucchini1/2 cup cooked rice2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
Heat the oil in a stockpot over medium heat. Saute onion, sweet potato, and garlic until onion is soft. Turn down heat if necessary to prevent burning. Stir in the chicken broth, thyme and cumin. Bring to a boil, cover and simmer for about 15 minutes. Stir in salsa, garbanzo beans and zucchini. Simmer until tender, about 15 minutes. Stir in the cooked rice and peanut butter until the peanut butter has dissolved.


"Traveler's Treat" Hot Chocolate 1 pint whole milk1 (6 to 8 oz) dark chocolate bar, finely chopped 1 tablespoon honey3 tablespoons brown sugarpinch of ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon real vanilla extract2 tablespoons dark rum   Pour the milk into a small saucepan then add the chocolate. Over low heat, stir gently just until the chocolate melts. Stir in the honey and brown sugar until smooth. Add in the cinnamon and vanilla, stirring until mixed. Remove from heat and stir in the rum. Makes two large mugs of awesome hot chocolate for two lucky travelers. 

This book has been out for a while but how thrilled and e...

This book has been out for a while but how thrilled and exciting it was to receive a new review for it. Rated 5 Ravens and a Recommended Read by Lena, at Blackraven's Reviews! Below are some of the comments that really stood out for me:)




Chase Saunders is sex on a stick, plain and simple.

There is only one word for Tory Richards' The Cowboy Way and that is WOW. Ms. Richards, from the beginning you had this reviewer hooked with a man like Chase. Brooding, dark and handsome, this cowboy tells it like it his. He wants Lacey and he makes his intentions known, so all I can say is WOW.

Once again Tory Richards knows how to create a story that will linger in your head days after you've read the story.  I highly recommend The Cowboy Way and keep up the awesome work Ms. Richards.

There's nothing we can't build if there's a demand for it...

There's nothing we can't build if there's a demand for it. I'm sure there are lots of people who can afford a $3 million dollar luxury camper. But if you had that kind of money, would you want to drive somewhere? And as campers go, what happened to roughing it out in the wilderness? Sleeping beneath the stars, or in a tent, and peeing behind a tree?

Don't get me wrong. I wouldn't turn this down if someone offered me one. I don't like roughing it and a hike along a well marked trail is about as far as I will go.