Brenda Whiteside's Blog, page 73
March 15, 2017
A Sneeze, a Glug of Vinegar, and the Creeks A Risin'
TRIPPIN' THURSDAY
THE RV LIFE
Is anyone else sneezing? I have a bout in the morning and again in the evening...even while on
Tallest trees are Ash, related to Olive treesallergy medication. Arizona Ash is the offender. They line the banks of Tonto Creek behind the RV Ranch and are the first to bloom out. To help with allergy attacks, the best advice I received years ago is to take a shower at night before bedtime. Pollen collected on your body during the day will be washed away and it should help with morning allergies too. That said, I don't always do that. I did last night and this morning was not so bad.
Major incident a few weeks ago. One of our neighbors fell and broke her femur. She's seventy-two. After all these weeks, she's still in the rehab facility. It's been one of those seasons here on the Ranch. There's been very few weeks we've all been here at the same time. The counted on Happy Hour every evening of the last couple of years is a rarity. There have been ATV accidents, gone to watch the grandkids times for several of us, operations, a bug that made the rounds, and pig hunting trips.
Tonto Creek is running fullLake Roosevelt is currently rising at three inches a day. It's higher
Same spot last Septthan we've ever seen it. It's at 65% full. I haven't been out on it. FDW has a couple of times, but it's still pretty murky because of the water running into it, stirring things up. Take a look at these two Tonto Creek photos. Six months ago, Sadi and Papa pretended to fish. Now, Sadi wouldn't be able to keep her head above water.
Do you buy organic? I've bought a few things organic for many years, such as peaches. I read many years ago about the "Dirty Dozen" of fruits and vegetables that absorb pesticides and are bad for us over time. After three years of raising and eating our own fruits and vegetables organically, I don't want to go back. FDW gives me a hard time. I insist we save money on our food bill, but I also insist on many organic products. Hard to do both. My drop dead list is peaches, apples, dark greens, tomatoes, onions, and potatoes. I just won't buy if I can't get organic. Be careful out there with packaged foods. Read your labels. Natural might not mean much and certain pre-packaged foods only need to be a percentage organic to get the label. Me, I stay away from prepackaged foods anyway. They cost more than making it yourself. I did tell FDW I'll draw the line at buying organic bamboo sheets. He wasn't impressed.
Spring in the desert-out of the rocksVinegar. Here's my tip for versatility. White vinegar can be used as a cleaner in place of expensive cleaners. I use it on outdoor stuff mostly. I tried it on the shower and can't handle the smell. The glass and tile really didn't get that clean with it either. Organic, raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar is a great alternative to antacid treatments. FDW was experiencing side affects from the meds the doc told him to take. Now, he takes a slug of the vinegar (way cheaper, way more effective) and has his stomach under control.
Happy almost Spring. This little blooming cactus is the size of my palm. She sprang right out of the rocks.
THE RV LIFE
Is anyone else sneezing? I have a bout in the morning and again in the evening...even while on
Tallest trees are Ash, related to Olive treesallergy medication. Arizona Ash is the offender. They line the banks of Tonto Creek behind the RV Ranch and are the first to bloom out. To help with allergy attacks, the best advice I received years ago is to take a shower at night before bedtime. Pollen collected on your body during the day will be washed away and it should help with morning allergies too. That said, I don't always do that. I did last night and this morning was not so bad.Major incident a few weeks ago. One of our neighbors fell and broke her femur. She's seventy-two. After all these weeks, she's still in the rehab facility. It's been one of those seasons here on the Ranch. There's been very few weeks we've all been here at the same time. The counted on Happy Hour every evening of the last couple of years is a rarity. There have been ATV accidents, gone to watch the grandkids times for several of us, operations, a bug that made the rounds, and pig hunting trips.
Tonto Creek is running fullLake Roosevelt is currently rising at three inches a day. It's higher
Same spot last Septthan we've ever seen it. It's at 65% full. I haven't been out on it. FDW has a couple of times, but it's still pretty murky because of the water running into it, stirring things up. Take a look at these two Tonto Creek photos. Six months ago, Sadi and Papa pretended to fish. Now, Sadi wouldn't be able to keep her head above water.Do you buy organic? I've bought a few things organic for many years, such as peaches. I read many years ago about the "Dirty Dozen" of fruits and vegetables that absorb pesticides and are bad for us over time. After three years of raising and eating our own fruits and vegetables organically, I don't want to go back. FDW gives me a hard time. I insist we save money on our food bill, but I also insist on many organic products. Hard to do both. My drop dead list is peaches, apples, dark greens, tomatoes, onions, and potatoes. I just won't buy if I can't get organic. Be careful out there with packaged foods. Read your labels. Natural might not mean much and certain pre-packaged foods only need to be a percentage organic to get the label. Me, I stay away from prepackaged foods anyway. They cost more than making it yourself. I did tell FDW I'll draw the line at buying organic bamboo sheets. He wasn't impressed.
Spring in the desert-out of the rocksVinegar. Here's my tip for versatility. White vinegar can be used as a cleaner in place of expensive cleaners. I use it on outdoor stuff mostly. I tried it on the shower and can't handle the smell. The glass and tile really didn't get that clean with it either. Organic, raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar is a great alternative to antacid treatments. FDW was experiencing side affects from the meds the doc told him to take. Now, he takes a slug of the vinegar (way cheaper, way more effective) and has his stomach under control.Happy almost Spring. This little blooming cactus is the size of my palm. She sprang right out of the rocks.
March 13, 2017
ARMCHAIR TRAVELLING by Luanna Stewart
MUSE MONDAY I love traveling of all kinds. Please welcome my guest, Luanna, for a little traveling talk. And be sure to read to the end to be eligible for a hand knitted wash cloth and soap. Cool!
Thank you, Brenda, for inviting me to visit with your readers.
A mysterious letter and an enchanted keepsake promise to lead Miranda to her heart's desire. Or does her heart secretly yearn for more than a sexy earl?
I’ve always been an armchair traveller. One of the reasons I love reading is for the chance to escape to another land. From thrillers set in the crowded streets of London, to cosy mysteries in a quaint Cotswold village, I enjoy the setting descriptions as much as I do the plot. Romance novels offer a similar travel experience whether it’s a contemporary or an historical.
When writing my own stories I try to deliver that same sense of place to my readers. My contemporary stories take place in towns and villages with which I’m at least familiar if not actually where I live. Sure, I might change a street name here or a store location there but the basic feel of the place remains true because I’ve walked that street and I’ve visited that store.
Writing an historical romance with the same sense of place is a little trickier since I’ve yet to purchase a time travel machine. And that’s where maps and research come into play. I love Google Maps and can play on that site for hours. The best parts for me are the Earth view and the zoom feature. My historical stories are set in Victorian England in the early 1880’s. Once I determined I wanted to place my latest release, If Wishes Were Earls, in Cornwall, I pulled up Google Maps and started roaming. When I found a likely location I furthered my research by zooming in to discover if the basic structure of the area – roads, rivers, forests, etc. – would fit my story. Keep in mind that I write fiction so I can be forgiven if I add a manor house that has never existed in the area. To further check historical accuracy I log onto the National Library of Scotland website which has a vast online collection of historical maps. This allows me to verify that yes, there was a bridge over that river in the year my story takes place. And yes, the rail service did extend only as far as a nearby town, thus necessitating the hiring of a cart and driver.
Until I can afford my own time travel machine, maps, current and historical, allow me to walk along with my characters.
Do you enjoy armchair travelling? Do you have a favourite location you’ve experienced through reading a novel?
One commenter will receive a hand-knitted (by me) washcloth and a bar of handcrafted soap. (USA and Canada only.)
If Wishes Were EarlsWhen a mysterious note directs Miss Miranda Large to a tiny village in Cornwall to find her heart's desire, she has no choice but to go. An enchanted keepsake heightens her curiosity. A snowstorm forces her to accept the hospitality of a sullen, albeit sexy and handsome, earl and Miranda's wish doesn't seem so out of reach. Edward Penhallion, the 12th Earl of Claverlock, is not in the mood to start his search for a new wife. He wants to be left alone with his books and his dreams of revenge. But the arrival of a headstrong, sharp-tongued spinster forces him to play the charming host. Not a difficult task, given her intelligence and beauty. Suddenly, he’s not terribly eager for her to leave. But as the snow falls and the winds blow, Edward discovers there’s more to Miranda than a lively wit and a lovely face. And Miranda wonders if the trappings of wealth are enough for true happiness. Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N0QJSHA/
Nook: http://bit.ly/2ifWvXO
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/if-wishes-were-earls-2
iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/if-wishes-were-earls/id1184695145?mt=11&ign-mpt=uo%3D4
All other retailers: https://www.draft2digital.com/book/209375
Luanna Stewart has been creating adventures for her imaginary friends since childhood. As soon as she discovered her grandmother's stash of romance novels, all plots had to lead to a happily-ever-after. Born and raised in Nova Scotia, Luanna now lives in Maine with her dear husband, two college boys, and two cats. When she's not torturing her heroes and heroines, she’s in her kitchen baking something delicious.
Writing under the pen name Grace Hood, she has two novellas published with The Wild Rose Press.
Website: http://www.luannastewart.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Luanna_Stewart Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Luanna.Stewart.nau Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/luannastewart/ Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14104212.Luanna_Stewart Amazon Author Page: amazon.com/author/luanna_stewart
March 8, 2017
DESIRE, DECEIT, AND THE DOCTOR by Kryssie Fortune
MUSE MONDAY Please enjoy my guest today, Kryssie Fortune!
Thanks Brenda for letting me drop by and talk about Adam Montgomery, hero of my latest release, Desire, Deceit and the Doctor. Adam does lots of things well, but he’s got a wicked temper.
Back in his teens, Adam Montgomery believed his long-term girlfriend had betrayed him by sleeping with another man. His temper got the better of him, and he embarrassed her in a very public break-up at their senior prom. The next day, Adam fled his home town rather than face her. Thoughts of Mandy and what-might-have-been have haunted him for years.
Adam trained as a doctor, but he did it in another state. Studies finished, he enlisted in the army as a medical officer. While serving in the Middle East, Adam and a group of his fellow medics went to give aid to a newly liberated village. A sniper opened fire. He pinned all the doctors but Adam and his commanding officer in a foxhole. The first shot killed the young soldier assigned as their military escort. The other doctors needed first aid, badly.
Adam’s fury grew by the second. He grabbed his medical equipment and raced to the foxhole. Finally, first aid rendered, he grabbed the dead soldier’s rifle, took a bead on where the sniper had hidden and waited. And waited.
Eventually, the sniper stuck up his head to admire his handiwork. Adam fired. The sniper fell from the rooftop, the blood flowing from his head wound staining the building’s white walls.
A noise made Adam turn. Two insurgents ran at him, rifles cocked. Adam’s temper kicked in. No thought. Just instinct and training. He never felt the bullet tear through his shoulder. He fired two shots and the insurgents died. That’s when he realized he’d been wounded. He doesn’t tell people about it, especially since he’s been nominated for the Medal of Honor.
Now Adam’s home in Westhorpe Ridge, and he needs a bride to inherit the fortune his great-aunt left him. He’s horrified when he discovers Mandy Devlin—his former high school sweetheart and her ten-year-old son have come home too. She’s a single mom who adores her son, but after she betrayed him all those years ago, she’s the last woman Adam would ever marry.
After Adam Montgomery walked away and left her pregnant, dare Mandy trust him with her heart again? Blurb
Twelve years ago, Mandy Devlin moved away from her friends and family--under threat. If she returned in the next ten years or told anyone who fathered her baby, her boyfriend’s great-aunt would bankrupt her family. She’s a single mom who dreams of her lost love and a good spanking. When she’s finally free to return to Westhorpe Ridge, the last person she expects to see is Adam—the man she loved and lost so long ago.
Dr. Adam Montgomery doesn’t know he has a son. Thanks to his great-aunt’s will, he has nine months to find a bride or he loses Montgomery Hall and the fifteen million dollars she left him. Although he seduces Mandy on his first night home, he still believes she betrayed him twelve years ago. No way would he marry a woman like her.
As Valentine’s Day looms, someone tries to kill Mandy. Is Adam trying to get rid of her? Or can Mandy trust him to protect them?
Buy Desire, Deceit, and the Doctor
Publisher http://bit.ly/2kTGqp5
Amazon.com http://amzn.to/2kJbtmK
Amazon.co.uk http://amzn.to/2lPNv9N
Kobo http://bit.ly/2kH27b8
Kryssie Fortune Social Media
Website http://kryssiefortune.wixsite.com/kryssie
Blog http://kryssiefortune.blogspot.co.uk/
Twitter https://twitter.com/KryssieFortune
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/KryssiesFortune
Pinterest http://bit.ly/1OGFnjc
Goodreads http://bit.ly/2kxqabJ
Amazon Author Page http://amzn.to/2hA0ZVO
About Kryssie Fortune
Kryssie Fortune writes the sort of hot sexy books she loves to read. If she can sneak a dragon into her paranormal books she will. Her paranormal heroes are muscular werewolves, arrogant Fae or BDSM loving dragons.
Kryssie likes her contemporary heroes ex-military and dominant. Her heroines are kick ass females who can hold their own against whatever life - or Kryssie - throws at them.
Kryssie's pet hates are unhappy endings, and a series that ends on a cliff hanger.
Her books are all stand alone, even when they’re part of a series. Plot always comes before sex, but when her heroines and heroes get together, the sex is explosive and explicit.
March 6, 2017
OF MEN AND BULLSHIT
MUSE MONDAY
In 2009, I signed my first contract for a full length novel. The Wild Rose Press took a chance on me, and it's been a great partnership with them ever since. Although Sleeping with the Lights On was the first book I published, it was the second book I wrote. Six books and years later, The Wild Rose Press did publish my first book written, Post-War Dreams. I'll tell that story on another day.
Me and my inspiration, my sisterSleeping with the Lights On started as a short story and a whim. My sister was in between marriages and moaning about the dating game. We got to talking about her experiences. I sat down at the computer and started a chronological chart on the many men she'd met. I say many. It seemed many to me. I was married at the ripe old age of eighteen and managed to stay married to the same man. She'd not been so lucky.
My working title was Of Men and Bullshit. After she went home, I started my story which morphed into the book that became Sleeping with the Lights On. A disclaimer here: there are some
The real-life Carsonimaginary characters in the book and certainly a few made up events. But the three main characters are based on real life people, personalities, and locations. I had a lot of fun writing this romantic contemporary lighthearted suspense.
Amazon Buy Link
In 2009, I signed my first contract for a full length novel. The Wild Rose Press took a chance on me, and it's been a great partnership with them ever since. Although Sleeping with the Lights On was the first book I published, it was the second book I wrote. Six books and years later, The Wild Rose Press did publish my first book written, Post-War Dreams. I'll tell that story on another day.
Me and my inspiration, my sisterSleeping with the Lights On started as a short story and a whim. My sister was in between marriages and moaning about the dating game. We got to talking about her experiences. I sat down at the computer and started a chronological chart on the many men she'd met. I say many. It seemed many to me. I was married at the ripe old age of eighteen and managed to stay married to the same man. She'd not been so lucky.My working title was Of Men and Bullshit. After she went home, I started my story which morphed into the book that became Sleeping with the Lights On. A disclaimer here: there are some
The real-life Carsonimaginary characters in the book and certainly a few made up events. But the three main characters are based on real life people, personalities, and locations. I had a lot of fun writing this romantic contemporary lighthearted suspense.
Amazon Buy LinkMarch 2, 2017
Who Stole February?
TRIPPIN' THURSDAY THE RV LIFE
What happened to February? I opened my email this morning to find a message from a friend on Facebook asking where and how I am. Then, when I looked back to see I haven’t posted a Trippin’ Thursday entry since mid-January, it occurred to me that I’ve been pretty much absent in the social media playhouse. RV problems, doctor visits, birthdays, visits to our son and my mom, writing events, photo shoots, and numerous other projects totally filled my days and nights. And keep in mind, every trip to Mom or our son or the doctor is over four hours, round trip.
My last entry whined about our fifth wheel problems. Major things like a broken heater have been fixed, but some cosmetic problems are still not completed. I really want to whine about that snafu. The dealer ordered in the wood and other parts, called us, and we headed out. It took most of a day for us to ready for the trip to Prescott. Only after we left the unit on their lot did they discover the manufacturer sent the wrong wood. The kitchen island is still not fixed. We’ll have to take it to Prescott again in a couple of months. My anger was tempered by spending three days with son and family. Sadi wanted us to spend four weeks. I went to her gymnastics class and to her Little
Sadi on far leftLearners class. So much fun. In February, I made three trips to the Indian Medical Center—two trips for me and one for Mom. Strictly preventative. We also celebrated our son’s birthday. He is not a birthday celebrator kind of guy. Too bad. I consider that date the best of my life, and I’m going to celebrate it no matter what!
Updated author photoWe sold our Cancun time share in February. It’s a mixed bag of emotions on that transaction. We’ve had some great times on the beaches of Cancun and wandering the streets in the old city. But we haven’t gone there in a few years so it was time to let it go. I did a radio talk show gig with two writer friends in Prescott. That was fun. In a week or so it will be archived. I’ll post the link if you’re interested.
Now on to March!
February 27, 2017
Good Things Come In Small Packages By Elizabeth Harmon
MUSE MONDAY So happy to welcome Elizabeth Harmon to Muse Monday.
My latest release, Heating It Up: A Red Hot Russians Novella, actually began as a homework project.
After publishing three full-length novels in my Red Hot Russians contemporary romance series, I was eager to try writing something shorter. Last January, I took YA author Catherine Chant’s online workshop, Writing A Romantic Novella and decided to try a concept I’d had in mind for a while; a warm-hearted small town romance set in an unlikely place: Antarctica.Since my full-length novels clock in at a hefty 95,000 words, writing a 30,000 word novella should have been a piece of cake…right?Not quite.While novellas have fully developed plots and characters, with goals, motivation and conflicts, they differ from novels in several important ways. Time lines are compressed, casts are smaller and there’s not a lot of room for lavish description.As a writer who loves slow-burn romance, I’m used to having my couples take months to fall in love. Heating It Up’s Nora and Alexei have less than a week. Realistically, Nora’s grief over her fiance’s death wouldn’t heal instantly. The solution was to put her loss two years in the past, rather than the recent event I’d originally imagined. While she hasn’t yet moved on, a part of her is ready to. Meeting Alexei gives her a reason to take the first step.Resisting the urge to over-populate Amity Bay was a challenge too, since big casts of quirky townspeople are one of the things I love about small-town romance. But with so many characters running around, it’s hard to keep track of the players without a roster sheet, not to mention that Nora and Alexei risked getting lost in the crowd.I solved this problem by having Alexei and Nora trapped by a snowstorm during the story’s opening chapters. It’s not until they return to town mid-book, that we’re introduced to some of the folks who call Amity Bay home. Setting the story at the start of an Antarctic winter, when stations typically operate with just a skeleton crew, also meant I could keep my cast smaller, and it allowed me to add a bit of the “ticking clock” plot device—which works well in novellas.And since I loved my Antarctic setting, the final challenge was to resist cramming in every fascinating fact I learned about this vast and beautiful place. My awesome editor Lauren Plude was a great help in determining what to keep in, and when it was best to let readers fill in the details for themselves.What I didn’t expect was that the mysterious, isolated setting would take on some fanciful elements, inspired in part by the magic realism used to portray Alaska in the 1990s TV series, Northern Exposure. Series creator Joshua Brand said the show was more about what Alaska represented, than what it actually was. I loved bringing a few touches of that same other-worldliness to Amity Bay.Taming my sprawling approach to storytelling was one of the most challenging things I’ve done as a writer. I hope readers enjoy the result—and their trip to Amity Bay, Antarctica. Blurb:
In HEATING IT UP, a heart-warming novel of mistaken identity and forced proximity, widow Nora Bradford and Russian adventurer Alexei Zaikov must work together to save their small Antarctic town from being shut down—but will the truth about Nora’s role in Amity Bay’s demise, doom their romance? Excerpt:A woman? Dread prickled inside Alexei’s clothes. "Hello?" His voice echoed in the emptiness.He started up the stairs, every sense alert. Who was she? How did she get here? Most of all, why would a woman hide out alone in an empty building during an Antarctic winter?The second-floor landing opened into a library. In the middle of the room, was a worktable, covered with drawings. Stunned, he picked up a drawing of a luminous green iceberg that looked more like trapped emeralds, than ancient plankton and sea plants which were the real cause. Again, came a startling thought of Quinn’s secretary Nora, with the ethereal green eyes.From behind, a floorboard creaked.He spun around; coming face to face with someone he'd never expected to see again. Her once-ruby lips were pale and taut, but there was no mistaking those eyes."Put it down. Now."Buy Links:Amazon:https://www.amazon.com/Heating-Up-Red-Russians-Novella-ebook/dp/B01NBI008PBarnes and Noblehttp://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/heating-it-up-elizabeth-harmon/1125305385?an=2940153876726
Kobohttps://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/heating-it-up-a-red-hot-russians-novellaApple ITunes Bookshttps://itunes.apple.com/us/book/heating-it-up-red-hot-russians/id1185123438?mt=11Smashwordshttps://www.smashwords.com/books/view/684794
Bio:Contemporary romance author Elizabeth Harmon loves to read and write romances with a dash of different. She is the author of the Red Hot Russians sports romance series. Her debut novel Pairing Off is a 2016 RITA® Award Finalist. www.romancewriter-girl.com
February 24, 2017
Embrace the Fear—Take the Risk By Author Stacy Gold
FEARLESS FRIDAY
Please welcome Stacy Gold as my guest today!
At the age of 19, I drove from Georgia to Colorado with my dog, $500 dollars in my pocket, and the promise of a job as a whitewater raft guide. That winter, I decide to ski-bum in Breckenridge—and I didn’t even know how to ski.People often called me brave, but I never felt brave. They touted my fearlessness, but damn was I scared. Didn’t matter though.I did what I believed I needed to do at the time, and the consequences of not taking the leap always seemed much worse than the alternative. Even when everything didn’t work out perfectly, in hindsight, I’ve always been glad I took the risk—fears be damned.Since then I’ve made a habit of pushing my comfort zone. I’ve moved seventeen times and lived in nine states and two countries. Changed careers a few times. Traveled solo in Europe and Mexico. Kayaked class V rapids. Been helicopter dropped in to a hut in the middle-of-nowhere to backcountry ski for a week in total solitude with a handful of friends.Probably the riskiest, scariest thing I’ve ever done—given my family history—was marrying the love of my life because it was important to him, even though I was against the institution of marriage. Almost seventeen years later, I don’t regret it one bit.Every single time I’ve done something crazy or risky or out of my comfort zone, I’ve felt a mix of fear and excitement and joy and trepidation. The unknown is always scary, and there’s nothing more unknown than your own future.The thing is, fear is healthy. Fear is human. Fear is, ideally, what keeps me from killing myself by doing something stupid. That doesn’t mean fear rules me.Amazing things come to those who are willing to take calculated risks. Who push through the fear and move forward anyway.Luckily, moving through fear gets easier with practice. I should know… I’m practically a pro nowadays.I’ve learned to embrace the risks. I’ve come to relish doing the “crazy” thing (including becoming a romance author). Because life has proven to me time and again that it’s worth it.Fear is not a giant stop sign in the road of my life. It’s a warning flag to carefully consider the risks and how I can mitigate them before proceeding. And the older I get, the more I delight in pushing the boundaries of my comfort zone.Case in point—A year and a half ago, my hubby was offered a new job in Colorado. We sat in a restaurant in Boulder the weekend this company flew us out, discussing whether or not he should take the position. If he did, we’d be selling our house, leaving our friends, and uprooting our lives after fifteen wonderful years in Seattle for…The great unknown.Hubby, with fear in his eyes: “Is this crazy?”Me, with a lunatic grin: “Absolutely. But we should do it anyway.”So, we did. It‘s been totally worth it, and we have zero regrets. Were we fearless? Hell, no. Did it matter? Not one bit.I believe deeply in the words of the late, great, Hunter S Thompson:“Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming "Wow! What a Ride!”When fear threatens to paralyze me, I ask myself these simple questions…1) What is the best thing that can happen, and what are the chances?2) What is the worst thing that can happen, and what are the chances?3) Is the potential risk worth the potential reward?4) What happens if I do nothing?5) Am I okay with that?That last question gets me moving pretty much every time.Have you ever done something that made other people think you were fearless when you weren’t? What was it, and why did you do it despite the fear? How did it turn out? I’d love to read your stories in the comments below. Enjoy this Excerpt from Just Friends My eyes followed the curve of his lips. They weren’t thin, and they weren’t full either. But they had a kissable shape that begged me to trace their subtle contours with the tip of my tongue. To nip. To explore and taste.Not that it would ever happen. Not again. I had proof of that.We’d kissed once, on a drunken night years ago, right after he’d split with his long-term girlfriend. It started out toe-curling, but ended when he pulled away and made it clear he wasn’t attracted to me. At least, not in the way I was attracted to him. Mortified, I pretended it was the alcohol and vowed never to let him know how much I wanted him.A good vow to remember. Especially now, when I needed a friend more than anything else. Definitely more than I needed a romantic distraction. “It’s great to see you.” His words, and his smile, flowed over me like liquid caramel.“You too.” The connection between us buzzed in me like high-tension power lines. Same as always. So powerful I couldn’t understand how, or why, he didn’t feel it too.Our noses were inches apart. I tasted his breath, minty and sweet, and licked my lips in anticipation of a kiss I knew would never come. Some habits die hard. I was determined to choke this one until it gave up the ghost.
About the AuthorStacy Gold is a compulsive tea drinker, outdoor sports junkie and lover of good (and bad) puns.Two years ago she gave up her day job as Communications Director of a nonprofit mountain biking organization to write sassy, steamy, contemporary romance novels. Her stories are packed with strong, independent women, and the men who can’t resist them, finding love and adventure in the great outdoors. When Stacy’s not busy reading or writing, you can find her dancing, laughing or playing hard in the mountains with her wonderful hubby and happy dog.
Her short, steamy, contemporary ski romance “Just Friends” is available for pre-order now. Release date March 3rd, 2017. http://stacygold.com/booksEnter to Win a $25 REI Gift Card and be the First to Know About Stacy’s Contests, Freebies & New Releases by Joining the Gold Club!http://stacygold.com/goldclub AMAZON AUTHOR PAGEhttp://www.amazon.com/author/stacygold
Please welcome Stacy Gold as my guest today!
At the age of 19, I drove from Georgia to Colorado with my dog, $500 dollars in my pocket, and the promise of a job as a whitewater raft guide. That winter, I decide to ski-bum in Breckenridge—and I didn’t even know how to ski.People often called me brave, but I never felt brave. They touted my fearlessness, but damn was I scared. Didn’t matter though.I did what I believed I needed to do at the time, and the consequences of not taking the leap always seemed much worse than the alternative. Even when everything didn’t work out perfectly, in hindsight, I’ve always been glad I took the risk—fears be damned.Since then I’ve made a habit of pushing my comfort zone. I’ve moved seventeen times and lived in nine states and two countries. Changed careers a few times. Traveled solo in Europe and Mexico. Kayaked class V rapids. Been helicopter dropped in to a hut in the middle-of-nowhere to backcountry ski for a week in total solitude with a handful of friends.Probably the riskiest, scariest thing I’ve ever done—given my family history—was marrying the love of my life because it was important to him, even though I was against the institution of marriage. Almost seventeen years later, I don’t regret it one bit.Every single time I’ve done something crazy or risky or out of my comfort zone, I’ve felt a mix of fear and excitement and joy and trepidation. The unknown is always scary, and there’s nothing more unknown than your own future.The thing is, fear is healthy. Fear is human. Fear is, ideally, what keeps me from killing myself by doing something stupid. That doesn’t mean fear rules me.Amazing things come to those who are willing to take calculated risks. Who push through the fear and move forward anyway.Luckily, moving through fear gets easier with practice. I should know… I’m practically a pro nowadays.I’ve learned to embrace the risks. I’ve come to relish doing the “crazy” thing (including becoming a romance author). Because life has proven to me time and again that it’s worth it.Fear is not a giant stop sign in the road of my life. It’s a warning flag to carefully consider the risks and how I can mitigate them before proceeding. And the older I get, the more I delight in pushing the boundaries of my comfort zone.Case in point—A year and a half ago, my hubby was offered a new job in Colorado. We sat in a restaurant in Boulder the weekend this company flew us out, discussing whether or not he should take the position. If he did, we’d be selling our house, leaving our friends, and uprooting our lives after fifteen wonderful years in Seattle for…The great unknown.Hubby, with fear in his eyes: “Is this crazy?”Me, with a lunatic grin: “Absolutely. But we should do it anyway.”So, we did. It‘s been totally worth it, and we have zero regrets. Were we fearless? Hell, no. Did it matter? Not one bit.I believe deeply in the words of the late, great, Hunter S Thompson:“Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming "Wow! What a Ride!”When fear threatens to paralyze me, I ask myself these simple questions…1) What is the best thing that can happen, and what are the chances?2) What is the worst thing that can happen, and what are the chances?3) Is the potential risk worth the potential reward?4) What happens if I do nothing?5) Am I okay with that?That last question gets me moving pretty much every time.Have you ever done something that made other people think you were fearless when you weren’t? What was it, and why did you do it despite the fear? How did it turn out? I’d love to read your stories in the comments below. Enjoy this Excerpt from Just Friends My eyes followed the curve of his lips. They weren’t thin, and they weren’t full either. But they had a kissable shape that begged me to trace their subtle contours with the tip of my tongue. To nip. To explore and taste.Not that it would ever happen. Not again. I had proof of that.We’d kissed once, on a drunken night years ago, right after he’d split with his long-term girlfriend. It started out toe-curling, but ended when he pulled away and made it clear he wasn’t attracted to me. At least, not in the way I was attracted to him. Mortified, I pretended it was the alcohol and vowed never to let him know how much I wanted him.A good vow to remember. Especially now, when I needed a friend more than anything else. Definitely more than I needed a romantic distraction. “It’s great to see you.” His words, and his smile, flowed over me like liquid caramel.“You too.” The connection between us buzzed in me like high-tension power lines. Same as always. So powerful I couldn’t understand how, or why, he didn’t feel it too.Our noses were inches apart. I tasted his breath, minty and sweet, and licked my lips in anticipation of a kiss I knew would never come. Some habits die hard. I was determined to choke this one until it gave up the ghost.About the AuthorStacy Gold is a compulsive tea drinker, outdoor sports junkie and lover of good (and bad) puns.Two years ago she gave up her day job as Communications Director of a nonprofit mountain biking organization to write sassy, steamy, contemporary romance novels. Her stories are packed with strong, independent women, and the men who can’t resist them, finding love and adventure in the great outdoors. When Stacy’s not busy reading or writing, you can find her dancing, laughing or playing hard in the mountains with her wonderful hubby and happy dog.
Her short, steamy, contemporary ski romance “Just Friends” is available for pre-order now. Release date March 3rd, 2017. http://stacygold.com/booksEnter to Win a $25 REI Gift Card and be the First to Know About Stacy’s Contests, Freebies & New Releases by Joining the Gold Club!http://stacygold.com/goldclub AMAZON AUTHOR PAGEhttp://www.amazon.com/author/stacygold
February 20, 2017
Romance and Indian Tacos! by Dena Garson
WICKED WEDNESDAY My guest for Wicked Wednesday has a wicked recipe for you. Don't forget to read to the end and enter her Rafflecopter. Welcome Dena Garson to Discover Yourself.
My latest release, When Ash Remains, is a Native American (historical) paranormal romance. I researched a variety of topics as I wrote –clothing worn by various tribes, horse tackle used around the time period I had in mind, and even just every day family life. Living in the heart of the Cherokee nation makes some of that easier. I belong to the Choctaw Nation but I work for one of the Cherokee Nation companies, so I’m surrounded by Cherokee citizens in my daily life.One of the things I’ve come to look forward to at company functions, and sometimes local festivals, are Indian tacos. If you’ve never had a handmade one, you are missing out. The basis for the taco is fry bread. The bread is topped with ground beef and/or beans, as well as the usual taco fixings – lettuce, tomato, cheese, and sometimes salsa. I’ve been told the process for making them is handed down through the family. Here’s one recipe for making the fry bread.
Fry Bread ingredients:
· 2 cups flour· 1/2 tsp. baking powder· 1/2 tsp. salt· 1/2 cups instant dry milk· 1/2 cup water· 2 cups shortening
Mix the flour, baking powder, salt, powdered milk, and water in a bowl. You only want to work the mixture long enough to form a doughball. (HINT: if you overwork the dough it will become tough)
Heat/melt the shortening until flakes of flour bubbles when dropped into it.
While you wait for the shortening to get hot you can roll out the pieces you want to fry. Take a palm-sized ball of dough, roll it into a smooth ball, then flatten it into a disk. It can be any size you prefer.
Once the shortening is hot, add the dough disks one (or two, depending on size) at a time (just don't let them touch while cooking). Let each disk cook until brown. Turn the piece over with tongs and cook other side until it is brown also. HINT: Watch carefully as you cook as they will burn faster than you expect!
Take the bread out of the shortening and allow them to cool and drain.
HINT: Some people use a brown paper bag with sheets of paper towels in the bottom to help drain the grease.
Recipe makes about 6 servings.
I hope you will check out Kajika and Ayoka’s story. Here’s the blurb for When Ash Remains:
A warrior with a mission
There isn’t a buffalo or deer that Kajika cannot take down. So when his cousin is slaughtered he relishes the chance to track down the killer. The trail leads him to a woman with gifts he has trouble believing in. Despite their differences he cannot fight his instinct to protect her from all threats – even those he cannot see. That drive even rivals his desire to explore every inch of her body.
A woman with a destiny
Knowing the spirits will protect her, Ahyoka allows the handsome warrior to take her to be questioned by his chief about the unexplained deaths in their village. He may not believe in her abilities but he is one of the few who doesn’t treat her like something to be feared or shunned. He awakens feelings that make her yearn for things she thought she’d never have. Her biggest fear is that once he learns the full extent of her gifts he will reject her like most of her tribe did.
A killer twisted by hurt and anger
Kajika and Ahyoka must work together to find the one responsible for the string of deaths in and around their villages. Faith, trust, and even a little bit of love will be needed to defeat the killer and right the wrongs committed in the pursuit of power and revenge.
Buy Links:
Amazon - http://amzn.to/2lwpSH8
B&N – http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1125772994
Kobo – https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/when-ash-remains
iBooks - https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1205227715
To celebrate my new release I’m doing a few giveaways. You can enter the drawings by hoping over to Rafflecopter at: https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/cbc5e7ff7/
February 8, 2017
MIX WICKED POLITICIAN AND RUGGED ROCK STAR
WICKED WEDNESDAY
Wicked politician, crooked FBI agent, ruggedly handsome rock star, and a pixie of a woman juggling it all. You HAVE to love the premise!
No party named, honest. So dive in and get embroiled in Love and Murder.
THE POWER OF LOVE AND MURDERFor thirteen years, Penny Sparks has managed to hide from the political powers who murdered her family. When she unwittingly exposes her true identity, not only is she marked for death, but the people closest to her risk meeting the same fate.
Jake Winters is out of rehab and coming to grips with his demons. When he meets his sister’s roommate, Jake believes Penny might be that someone who can help him find life after rock star status…until her secrets blow up his world.
With a government agent turned hit man closing in on her, Penny and Jake race to expose the presidential contender behind the murders of her family. Even if they win the race with death, the murder that stands between them could end their hope for a new life.
You'll love this kind of wicked...two villains in one story: the kind you like to hate and the kind you hate to like.
“Jianna Ricci has surfaced.”A smile flitted across the senator’s face. “Aren’twe lucky the FBI never closes a case?”“That depends on which side of the fence youcrouch.”The politician threw a sneer into the air. “Where isshe?”“Flagstaff.”“Ha!” This time, the senator smiled broadly.“Fate’s been working in my favor lately, Elams.Thursday, I’m scheduled to appear at partyheadquarters in lovely downtown Flagstaff. An organizedcrime hit can happen anywhere, can’t it? An up close and personal reason why the Coconino county voters need me.” Vince closed his eyes to the sun and the joy on the politician’s face. “I’m wondering what’s the point of this meeting.” Westingly’s voice went from joyful to low and menacing. “If you were hoping for a different game plan, perhaps something more creative in dealing with this matter, I’m afraid you’ll be disappointed. Your order stands.” Creative? Game?“She hasn’t made a move in thirteen years. It’s highly unlikely—”“Hardly your decision. I’m not asking for input.” He adjusted his glasses and clasped his hands behind his back. “It would seem the crime syndicate that wiped out her family has finally caught up with her. Let’s see…today is Saturday. I’d say the paper should have the story by midweek.”
I hope you'll click on one of the links to buy, and enjoy the read!!AMAZONTHE WILD ROSE PRESSBARNES AND NOBLEKOBO
Wicked politician, crooked FBI agent, ruggedly handsome rock star, and a pixie of a woman juggling it all. You HAVE to love the premise!
No party named, honest. So dive in and get embroiled in Love and Murder.
THE POWER OF LOVE AND MURDERFor thirteen years, Penny Sparks has managed to hide from the political powers who murdered her family. When she unwittingly exposes her true identity, not only is she marked for death, but the people closest to her risk meeting the same fate. Jake Winters is out of rehab and coming to grips with his demons. When he meets his sister’s roommate, Jake believes Penny might be that someone who can help him find life after rock star status…until her secrets blow up his world.
With a government agent turned hit man closing in on her, Penny and Jake race to expose the presidential contender behind the murders of her family. Even if they win the race with death, the murder that stands between them could end their hope for a new life.
You'll love this kind of wicked...two villains in one story: the kind you like to hate and the kind you hate to like.
“Jianna Ricci has surfaced.”A smile flitted across the senator’s face. “Aren’twe lucky the FBI never closes a case?”“That depends on which side of the fence youcrouch.”The politician threw a sneer into the air. “Where isshe?”“Flagstaff.”“Ha!” This time, the senator smiled broadly.“Fate’s been working in my favor lately, Elams.Thursday, I’m scheduled to appear at partyheadquarters in lovely downtown Flagstaff. An organizedcrime hit can happen anywhere, can’t it? An up close and personal reason why the Coconino county voters need me.” Vince closed his eyes to the sun and the joy on the politician’s face. “I’m wondering what’s the point of this meeting.” Westingly’s voice went from joyful to low and menacing. “If you were hoping for a different game plan, perhaps something more creative in dealing with this matter, I’m afraid you’ll be disappointed. Your order stands.” Creative? Game?“She hasn’t made a move in thirteen years. It’s highly unlikely—”“Hardly your decision. I’m not asking for input.” He adjusted his glasses and clasped his hands behind his back. “It would seem the crime syndicate that wiped out her family has finally caught up with her. Let’s see…today is Saturday. I’d say the paper should have the story by midweek.”
I hope you'll click on one of the links to buy, and enjoy the read!!AMAZONTHE WILD ROSE PRESSBARNES AND NOBLEKOBO
January 23, 2017
#NETGALLEY #BOOKGOODIES for Readers
MUSE MONDAY
Penny Sparks has secrets that can ruin a presidential contender, got her family murdered…and mark her as the next hit.
Hey Readers, do you know what NetGalley is? How about Book Goodies. You really need to know. Great resources for you to find new books by new authors or new books from your favorite authors at a deal.
NetGalley is a site where you can apply to receive free eBooks. You need to join but it's really easy. Then you can request books for free. All that is expected of you is that you will post a review. What a service you will be doing for an author and it's a win-win for you. I currently have my latest book, The Power of Love and Murder, listed on NetGalley. Give it a look:
https://s2.netgalley.com/catalog/book/105696
Book Goodies is a site to find great books, bargains, and freebies. I am also on Book Goodies right now with an interview and all the links for The Power of Love and Murder. See it here:
https://bookgoodies.com/the-power-of-love-and-murder-by-brenda-whiteside/
If you haven't yet read The Power of Love and Murder, I hope you will. The reviews so far have been fantastic.
For thirteen years, Penny Sparks has managed to hide from the political powers who murdered her family. When she unwittingly exposes her true identity, not only is she marked for death, but the people closest to her risk meeting the same fate.
Jake Winters is out of rehab and coming to grips with his demons. When he meets his sister’s roommate, Jake believes Penny might be that someone who can help him find life after rock star status…until her secrets blow up his world.
With a government agent turned hit man closing in on her, Penny and Jake race to expose the presidential contender behind the murders of her family. Even if they win the race with death, the murder that stands between them could end their hope for a new life.
Penny Sparks has secrets that can ruin a presidential contender, got her family murdered…and mark her as the next hit.
Hey Readers, do you know what NetGalley is? How about Book Goodies. You really need to know. Great resources for you to find new books by new authors or new books from your favorite authors at a deal.
NetGalley is a site where you can apply to receive free eBooks. You need to join but it's really easy. Then you can request books for free. All that is expected of you is that you will post a review. What a service you will be doing for an author and it's a win-win for you. I currently have my latest book, The Power of Love and Murder, listed on NetGalley. Give it a look:
https://s2.netgalley.com/catalog/book/105696
Book Goodies is a site to find great books, bargains, and freebies. I am also on Book Goodies right now with an interview and all the links for The Power of Love and Murder. See it here:
https://bookgoodies.com/the-power-of-love-and-murder-by-brenda-whiteside/
If you haven't yet read The Power of Love and Murder, I hope you will. The reviews so far have been fantastic.
For thirteen years, Penny Sparks has managed to hide from the political powers who murdered her family. When she unwittingly exposes her true identity, not only is she marked for death, but the people closest to her risk meeting the same fate.
Jake Winters is out of rehab and coming to grips with his demons. When he meets his sister’s roommate, Jake believes Penny might be that someone who can help him find life after rock star status…until her secrets blow up his world.
With a government agent turned hit man closing in on her, Penny and Jake race to expose the presidential contender behind the murders of her family. Even if they win the race with death, the murder that stands between them could end their hope for a new life.
