Julia London's Blog, page 46
January 31, 2012
Go Giants!
Today, sisters, we're talking football. And not just any football. Not the European football, the average Sunday American football, the backlot pick-up-game football. No, this is the Big Dog. This is the Game. This is the pinnacle of the American football experience.
Superbowl Sunday.
For those non-American sisters, let me take a moment to educate you on the lunacy that is Superbowl Sunday. Former friends will become bitter rivals. A massive smorgasbord of way-so-unhealthy food is consumed during the approximately twenty-four hour period that encompasses the pre-pre-game show, the pre-game show, the post-game show, the post-post game show, and then, you know, the actual game itself.
This year, it's the Pats vs. the Giants. That's, those liver-lillied-fashionista, Tom-Ford loving, frou-frou hair cutting Patriots from New England. Why New England instead of say… Boston?? Possibly because Bah-stun is a tiny, piss-ant stump of a town with a population of four, and oh, sure, they might have Hah-vahd, and MIT, and a few other *minor* institutions of higher learning, but I know the truth. The Patriots are facing a revolutionary tromping not seen since 1776.
And against the Patriots are the might Giants from New York. You know, New York, the name of a place so big, that the football team actually encompasses two states: New Jersey and New York. I predict the Giants will win this game, because I'm rooting for the Giants. Now, some Cowboy fans might not be happy with the Giants, because there were those games when the Giants killed the Cowboys play-off chances (not any chances they deserved by the way, because this year, the Cowboys were crap). However, how can anyone want the Pats to win? I mean, come on!
So, on Sunday, I will be rooted in my recliner, dining on nachos, queso, beer-o, wings-o, and pica de guyo, because it is the day o'food. I will be watching the Giants beat the ever-living, ever-living, ever-snow-shoveling, ever-weird-talking daylights out of the Patriots, and God help me if the Giants lose.
What about youse guys? Will you be watching? Best part, the game, the company, the commercials or the food? Who is going to win? And predictions on the score, ladies. Step right up and place your bets, and although we're not putting together a pool, all comments are going into the Kindle-Fire pool, so comment and comment often!!
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January 30, 2012
Jeans and Beans
It was a fun-filled weekend here at Casa D'Alessandro–and I have the photos to prove it. Things started off with a bang with my neighborhood's Jeans and Beans night–a county/Western themed party which included a chili cook-off and a dessert contest. My DH signed up to enter the chili contest, so I decided to enter a dessert. I asked one of my neighbors if she'd like to enter with me–she said yes, and this was the result: barnyard cake pops. We made sheriff's badges, pigs, and chickens.
I figured my DH would enter the turkey chili we usually make, so I bought three pounds of ground turkey. I figured wrong. He wanted to try a new recipe he'd found for white chicken chili. I added chicken to my shopping list–but I still had those three pounds of ground turkey, so I figured what the heck? I'd make the turkey chili and enter it. And guess what? My turkey chili won first place! I was really surprised because I thought the DH's white chicken chili was excellent–we'll definitely make it again. The DH was very happy for me–especially since my prize was a bottle of Merlot–his favorite wine 
I guess it's good there isn't a horse under that saddle since neither of us knows how to ride!
Our cake pops didn't win a prize, but the cake that won deserved first place–it was delicious. The DH and I led the line dancing and we all had a blast doing the Boot Scootin' Boogie and all our other favorites. Good food, lots of laughs, great friends, dancing–doesn't get any better than that.
Better watch yourself, pardner--there's a new sheriff in town
Then on Sunday I shared a lovely dinner with my son. We ate at an English pub in his college town. We had chips smothered in blue cheese and bacon, then burgers and fries. All of which I'm sure were fat-free. Yup, that's my story and I'm sticking to it. Then we went to the movies and saw One For the Money which we both enoyed a lot. I especially wanted to see the movie with my son because he and I went to a Janet Evanovich book signing when High Five came out. The Boy was about nine years old at the time and we had a great time chatting with Ms. Evanovich.
It was a lovely weekend–and I hope yours was lovely as well.
So tell me–what's going on with you? What have you been doing? Got any exciting plans coming up? Did you watch the SAG awards? Seen any good movies lately or read any good books? How about that epic Australian Open final (I felt so bad for Rafael!)!
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Touch Me
Pleasing a man is something former mistress Genevieve Ralston does very well. But after her lover callously dumps her, she's definitely off men…until she meets Simon! He's brooding. Sexy. And she can't keep her hands off him…
But Simon Cooperstone, Viscount Kilburn, is a spy. His mission: retrieve a mysterious letter in Genevieve's possession. Intent on seducing her secrets from her, he forgets to guard one thing: his heart.
Each stroke of Genevieve's talented fingers unleashes his deepest desires. Too late, he realizes that while he may be a master of the art of seduction, he's no match for a sensual mistress…
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January 27, 2012
AT THE MOVIES/WEEKEND PLANS
I agree with Sherri's post earlier this week that the most important thing about the Oscars (to me, anyway) is what everyone will wear. Still, there are movies up for awards and I guess I should give them a bit of attention in between oogling the gowns. Nine films are nominated for Best Picture. I've only seen one of them–The Help. So–that gets my vote. And frees me up to get back to the gowns
I live in a small town, which, for a small town, has a really nice movie theatre. It has 8 screens, good food, and a concierge level where you can get drinks. Pretty swanky. BUT–apparently movies don't stay in this theatre for very long. Case in point–on December 27th the DH and I headed there to see the movie New Year's Eve. And it was no longer playing. WHAT?!? It wasn't even New Year's Eve yet and it was gone from our swanky theatre. So now I guess we'll watch it when it comes out on DVD–probably in July. Yippee.
There's a new movie opening today–One For the Money, based on the first Stephanie Plum book by Janet Evanovich. I've seen the trailer and the commercials. Katherine Heigl plays Stephanie, Debbie Reynolds is Grandma Mazur, I've never heard of the dude playing Joe Morelli, and the oh-so-hot Daniel Sunjata from the show Rescue Me is Ranger. It looks fun and I'd like to see this flick to see how the book translated to the screen.
On Saturday the DH and I are attending our neighborhood's Jeans and Beans country/Western party. There's a chili cook-off (the DH is entering), a dessert cook-off (I'm entering) as well as line dancing (led by me and the DH) and square dancing. Yee-haw! Do-si-do your partner then promenade her home!
Me and the DH at last year's country/Western party. Yee-haw!
On Sunday we'll rest. Or maybe try to catch one of the other nine films up for the Oscar. Or yeah, maybe we'll rest
What are y'all doing this weekend? Share your thoughts on some the Oscar films you've seen (or are you like me and have only seen one?). Are you planning to see One For the Money? Did anyone see New Year's Eve–or did it leave your local theatre before the ball dropped?
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January 26, 2012
Demons and Kindles and Tech Stuff, Oh My!
Yesterday, I shared a buncha covers on my blog for incoming Demon Hunting Soccer Mom books (I hope you guys go take a look! The post is here!)
I'm super excited to be diving into the world of indie/ePublishing, and as I told some commenters to the blog and Facebook page, one of the things that is so exhilarating about the experience is knowing that I can take Kate and the story in directions that might have been frowned upon or denied me in traditional publishing. Such as, for example, a collection of short stories (the cover to the left is for a short story, actually, and I have a cover on my site for an upcoming anthology) or a spin off YA series for Allie.
Considering we're giving away a Kindle Fire here, I figured the general topic of eReaders and techie stuff was fair game.
So I'm curious – what's your favorite thing about eReaders? Least favorite? Have you got a favorite techie device? It doesn't have to do with reading. Mine would have to be my phone, but it covers soooo many other things–I just like having what I need (email, Kindle, maps, calculator, Netflix) right there at my fingertips. And, yeah, even a kitchen appliance is a techie thing, at least for purposes of this convo, so if you're much more excited about your Cuisinart than your iPhone, tell us why! We'd love to hear…and remember to leave your comment for a chance to win the Kindle Fire! (Even if you love your Cuisinart, think of the recipe books you could download…..)
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January 25, 2012
Oscar's Leading Ladies
Oscar nominations came out yesterday morning. The main question: What will they wear?
Best Actress Nominations:
Glenn Close, "Albert Nobbs"
Viola Davis, "The Help"
Rooney Mara, "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo"
Meryl Streep, "The Iron Lady"
Michelle Williams, "My Week With Marilyn"
What, no Charlize Theron? Reese Witherspoon? Sandra Bullock? We know they would all look fabulous.
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Charlize at the Golden Globes, snubbed by the Academy for her role in Young Adult
Alas… Let's take a look at what our nominees have worn and try to guess how they might go for the big show.
Glenn Close and Meryl Streep in the Best actress category? That hasn't happened since… 1988, when Streep was nominated for Best Actress for her portrayal of Lindy Chamberlain in A Cry in the Dark and Close was nominated- and won- for Best Actress for her role as the Marquise de Marteuil in Dangerous Liaisons (love that movie! well done!).
Glenn Close:
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Glenn Close in 1984, at the Academy Awards.
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Glenn Close, Golden Globes 2012
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Glenn in Albert Nobbs
Glenn was ultra-feminine in Victorian inspired lace back in the 80s, and she cuts a classic silhouette in black in 2012 at the Golden Globes. For the Oscars, considering her decidedly masculine role, I think she should go for girly glamour, with an understated elegance, and maybe… gold? Can't you see her in gold?
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Like what Diane Lane wore to the Golden Globes- this would be great on Glenn, no?
Or maybe a color. Peach? Purple?
Meryl Streep:
Meryl seems to be a bit challenged at award shows. Someone who looks so great on film in her movies should be able to pull off a stunning awards show look, no?
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Meryl at the Emmy Awards, 2004
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Meryl at the Golden Globes 2012. Annie, get your gun!
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And force Meryl to call Helen Mirren's stylist. This would work on Meryl!
Between Glenn and Meryl, it could be a real diva showdown! But considering they both prefer to let their work speak louder than their personal appearance, I don't think we'll see much to excite us from them. So it's up to the others.
Viola Davis:
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Check out Viola, Amy Adams, and yes, even Meryl, all looking fantastic at a previous Academy Awards.
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Huh, now check out Viola at the Golden Globes, 2012. Meh.
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Maybe she should try something wild, for her, like Nicole Kidman's Globes dress?
Or she could call her costar in The Help for some Help-- Octavia looked great at the Globes.
Rooney Mara:
Rooney seems to be taking her role a little too seriously. She played a badass, yes, but that doesn't mean she has to go severe at awards shows. She's almost always in black.
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Safe, severe, boring.
She could also look to The Help ladies for help. Like Emma Stone!
Or she could try a pop of color.
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Wow, I think this (on Mireille Enos) would look great on Rooney Mara!
Michelle Williams:
Michelle might be our best hope for best dressed. She has looked amazing, and she has looked matronly, and sometimes, surprisingly odd. But I'm hoping for amazing.
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In her memorable yellow Vera Wang, with Heath Ledger (aww).
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And not her best, at last year's Golden Globes.
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At this year's Golden Globes... maybe she's always better at the Oscars.
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She might try something like Jessica Alba's lavender Gucci from the 2012 Golden Globes, flowery fun young, and a pretty color.
Who will win (ahem, Meryl Streep), who cares? It's all about the gowns, right? Who do you think will be the best dressed of our nominees? Or overall? Worst dressed?
And don't forget, we're giving a Kindle Fire to one lucky commenter on Valentine's Day. Will you be our Valentine? Keep commenting, and good luck!
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January 23, 2012
Downton Abby
I am completely and totally in love with Downton Abby. I discovered series 1 in December, through a recommendation of a woman I met in a cooking class. And immediately went home and glommed all seven episodes. It was amazing. And I was in love. I actually counted the days until the premiere of the second series, jealous (as always actually) of people living in England because they'd already seen it and even had a Christmas Downton Abby special.
According to Mark Berman and the New York Times (in separate reporting) Downton Abby is a bringing some of PBS's highest ratings. People are watching the show in record numbers. Even having 'theme' inspired viewing parties. I haven't gone that far. But I can't remember the last time I was so distraught when a television program ended for the evening. SEVEN long days before another episode. And because it's British TV, there aren't that many episodes to begin with.
What is it about period pieces that are so appealing. I absolutely love them. Not every single one, and interestingly not every single period. But if it's English you can most likely count me in. (In
fact, now that I think on it, I also love English comedies, As Time Goes By, To the Manor Born, Good Neighbors…but that's another post). I count the BBC versions of Jane Austen's novels as some of the very best. And I recently watched Cranford and Return to Cranford, with Judy Dench, and was totally besotted. And went through a box of Kleenex. I even have a special shelf for my BBC DVDs.
But there's something even more compelling than usual about Downton Abby. Maybe it's the Upstairs, Downstairs (another brilliant BBC series) nature of the story. Or maybe it's the time period. Or the characters. What's not to love about Maggie Smith as the matriarch, and her fabulous one liners. Or Elizabeth McGovern and her gentle nature and backbone of steel (although she really needs to watch her back when it comes to Miss O'Brian. ) And of course we've got romance.
Matthew and Lady Mary, who may or may not ever get together. But who I am growing to love more and more every episode. And Mr. Bates and Anna, the star-crossed lovers who never seem to find the right moment. And I fear are still far from the happiness they seek. And then there's Sybil and her fight for women's rights. It's interesting to watch her pulled between her independence and a family she truly loves. And although initially I didn't like Edith, the middle daughter, she too has grown on me. Along with the Earl and Matthew's formidable mother. The scene this week between Isobel and Cora was priceless.
And perhaps best of all we've got the parallel lives of those living above stairs and those living below. The parallel most telling when watching the Earl, the head of his family at least for the time being, and Carson, the butler, head of the staff below stairs. Their journey through a world changing faster than is often possible to cope, is an integral part of what makes the series so compelling. 
So what about you? Are you watching Downton Abby? Do you like period dramas? The BBC? What are some of your favorite shows? Favorite characters? Why are BBC dramas often more fun than their American cousins?
And for another blast from the past, the third novel in my time travel trilogy has been re-released. The Promise is now available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Smashwords.
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The Revenge of Lord Eberlin
Lily Boudine was a girl the last time she was at the English estate of Ashwood, the ward of her Aunt Althea, the countess of Ashwood. Her memory of that time is dominated by a singular event: the theft of the famous ruby jewels that had been given by King Henry VIII to the first earl of Ashwood. Lily happened to see the woodcarver, Mr. Scott, riding away the night the jewels went missing, and only eight years old, testified to that. Mr. Scott was hanged and Lily was sent to Ireland. Weeks later, Lily learned that her Aunt Althea had drowned in a lake behind the house. When news came fifteen years later that Lily had inherited the estate, she couldn't face her memories of that time and sent Keira in her stead. But when Lily finally arrived at Ashwood, it was to a mess that her cousin Keira had created. Keira had impersonated her to save the failing estate, and moreover, had discovered things that suggested Mr. Scott had died an innocent man. Lily finds herself battling the neighboring Tiber Park and Count Eberlin for control of Ashwood. In a remarkable turn of events, he reveals himself to be Tobin, the son of Mr. Scott, and he is bent on revenge for his father's unjust death. He has focused his revenge on Lily and tells her he will ruin Ashwood, or her. The choice is hers. Does Lily allow him to ruin Ashwood and put many people out of work? Or does she choose herself and hope that she can outwit him? As the battle between Lily and Tobin plays out, more secrets are revealed that lead to a shocking revelation.
"London's story builds on the excellent chemistry of the leads, gracefully unfolding with the perfect amount of tension." Publisher's Weekly on The Revenge of Lord Eberlin
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At the End of the Day, Overused Phrases Bug me
There is something bugging me, and it's the phrase, "At the end of the day." You hear it on TV, you hear it a LOT in presidential debates. You hear it from friends, read it in papers and, if you're like me, you say it. At the end of the day, we are going to need a good fiscal policy. At the end of the day, it doesn't matter how many miles you ran, but that you ran. At the end of the day, he knows he was wrong.
I say "at the end of the day," but I don't like that I do. I try not to. It's overused, and really, it's not necessary in any of the examples above.
Another phrase that I have come to loath is "wait for it." I do not say this. I never have. I never could figure out what the waiting was all about. I could have written this definition which I found in the Urban Dictionary:
"An overused phrase intended to add a level of sarcastic suspense to a ― usually pointless ― event. Usually repeated at least twice in addition to dragging the words; especially "it" (waaiitt for itttt…. waaiitt for itttt….). It used to be somewhat funny the first or second time you heard it. But anymore, there seems to be an abundance of people going out of there way to try to fit it in to their conversation, even when it doesn't fit. All of a sudden someone in the conversation will start saying, "wait for it… wait for it…," and you know it didn't belong in the conversation; they just wanted to use the phrase. If you are going to use this phrase ― along with wearing a trucker hat and Heelies ― AT LEAST wait for a time in the conversation when it actually applies and is appropriate."
Here's another overused phrase, and once again, I am totally guilty of using it far too much: "No problem." One day, I was booking Moose into the luxury penthouse that some might call "boarding." I pay handsomely for Moose to stay here, so when I thanked the girl for booking it, she said, "no problem." Like she thought there could have been a problem, but fortunately, there was not, so she was going to step out there and do me this solid. Which she so was not doing, because my booking just made it possible for her kid to get braces. She should have said, "My extraordinary pleasure, Miss London." But she said, "no problem." 
What about overused, useless words? When I am writing, there is a word the creeps into my prose that has no business being there: Just. He just this and she just that. It adds nothing, it means nothing in that context, and yet it is the bane of my writing existence. I just can't stop. Nyuk nyuk.
What are some overused phrases that bug you? If you can't think of any, no problem, because at the end of the day, they're all just…wait for it…words! We all use them and not always correctly. But if there are any words or phrases that bug you, we'd love to hear them. Happy Monday!
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January 21, 2012
The Promise
The mine called to Cara from deep in the San Juan Mountains, near the town of Silverthread. Surrounded by a murderous tapestry of lies, it had once been rich in ore, overflowing with wealth that could make a family's fortune—or destroy it. But also in its labyrinthine tunnels lay the path to redemption and love, a magic that could draw a woman one hundred years into the past, into the arms of one who could make her life whole.
But crossing time was just the beginning. To right wrongs already done, to paint a new future, one brighter and full of love, Cara would have to unravel the mine's mysteries. She would have to depend upon the rugged man who emerged from its opening and trust his vow to keep her safe and cherish her forever. Then, and only then, would she truly understand the danger—and the power—of the promise.
Winner of the Prism Award, the Promise is the third book in my newly re-released time travel trilogy. I hope you enjoy reading Michael and Cara's story! Buy it now from: Kindle, Nook, Smashwords
And don't forget the other two titles in my trilogy: Everything In Its Time on Kindle, Nook, Smashwords and Wild Highland Rose on Kindle, Nook, Smashwords
And check out www.deedavis.com for reviews, excerpts and more.
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