Marcia Lynn McClure's Blog, page 5
March 26, 2012
Or Course Kevin Didn’t Know! (And Contest Stuff, Too!)
Since the release of the beautiful new edition of The Prairie Prince, (or should I say handsome new edition), I’ve been riddled with the question, “Did Kevin know he was going to be on the cover?” Well, the answer to that burning question is, “Of course Kevin didn’t know!” What? Do you think I’m crazy? He probably would’ve axed the idea before it was even all the way out of my mouth if I’d told him ahead of time.
Nope…poor Kevin didn’t find out that HE was the image of The Prairie Prince (as of course he always has been to me) until the moment I showed him the announcement on the website! His reaction was a mixture of horror, surprise, being flattered, embarrassment, and incredible understanding and patience toward his wife (me)!
I asked him what he would’ve done if I had asked his permission first, and he confessed he would’ve moved heaven and earth to change my mind. But now that it’s done…he understands that I love him sooooooooooooooo much and is flattered that I think of him as handsome even though he doesn’t see himself that way or as worthy to be on a book cover. (That’s part of Kevin’s charm…the fact that he doesn’t see himself the way the rest of us girls do!)
And so…there you have it! Nope…he didn’t know before hand! And YES…I LOVE the new cover! I have a ton of stories to share about all the new covers, but I’m kind of squished for time today…so I’ll save those for later!
Meanwhile…I’m soooooooo behind on my random contest stuff! The winner of the FTD Spring Bouquet Arrangement is Sally Timmons! E-mail me your address at marcialmcclure@cs.com, Sally…and I’ll get that ordered for you!
As for a new contest…hmmm…let me think. Ooo! How about this…a $25 Michael’s gift card (Michael’s the craft store, of course)! Does that sound fun? I have all my custom framing done 
there, and usually end up picking up a few other things! So…pop in a comment below about your crafty projects for Spring (or for any other reason) and you’ll be entered to win! My friend Jan sent me a Hobby Lobby gift card for Christmas and I used it just the other day to purchase some crafting supplies I need for a project! (Thanks, Jan!) Gift cards are so fun, right?
March 6, 2012
Rebooting, Refinding, Refreshing! (AND Win a Spring Bouquet!)
Well…the time has come, once again. Throughout my life, I've found that there comes a time (several times, in truth) that I have to stop…or be stopped. Yep. Stop. Last week I hit the wall. I'm sure everyone knows what I mean: You go along, run along, then trudge along…and one day you wake up and you're feeling like you can't trudge alone anymore, right?
When "the wall" jumps up in front of you and slams you in the face, the typical result (at least for me) is being knocked down and finding yourself sitting on your sitter staring up at "the wall" and thinking, "How am I going to tear this sucker down again?" Right? I know you know what I mean, so I won't go into gory details. Suffice it to say, I needed to reboot, refind, and refresh myself!
I tried several different things over the weekend to reboot: put some things in the Goodwill box so I felt like maybe I was de-cluttering a bit, tried not to stress (and failed), tried not to obsess about weight-loss (and failed-which, I might add, resulted in a BBQ Pringles, Cinnamon Poptart and Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookie incident that we won't go in to)…and being that I was suffering with allergies and insomnia, I decided to take a dose of NyQuil on Saturday night…BIG mistake! I don't know why I never remember how completely that stuff loops me out until it's too late!
Anyway, nothing helped…even sniffing my Pumpkin Butter Wood Wick candle! It seemed all I could do was dwell on negative stuff…you know? And that is soooooooooooooo not me! But it was this past weekend! Until finally…my hero stepped in and carried me away!
Yesterday, Kevin finally just sat me down and pointed out that I haven't been spending any time being ME! He explained that he knows that I'm only happy when I'm flitting around sprinkling the world with sugar, enjoying entertaining conversation and/or being silly with one of my closest friends, etc. He said he'd noticed that I'm never able to chill out anymore…that I put too much stress on my job…and when it came to that…that I needed to make sure I'm writing what my heart tells me to write (my friend Shannon confirmed the writing thing to me as well in a conversation she and I had yesterday) and not what I feel pressured to write. Kevin told me I needed to pull back…to settle my mind and reboot myself to get back to myself.
Oh, I'm a great one for telling everyone else to do exactly what Kevin was telling me to do…and I always think it's so weird that I can never figure that out for me! And my hero was absolutely correct! I have hit the wall (again) and need to reboot!
Thus…I'm on it! I settled myself right down on the sofa and began by missing my friend Gina and wishing she was there to watch Hoarders with me! Well, she wasn't there…so I turned on the TV to flip channels…and VOILA! Hoarders was on! A brand new episode!
You see…Gina and I love watching Hoarders…but mostly together! It's one of our 'things', you know? We sit there on her couch and watch episode after episode, feeling such deep empathy for the people who have the disorder, and with her constantly reassuring me that I'm not a hoarder (even though I do tend to hold on to things like my kids's toys, all their little school papers, etc.) Naturally, we both leave an episode feeling as if we need to go clean out our garages and stuff. But anyway…the point is…I sat down, turned on the TV to find a new Hoarders episode was on, and instantly felt like Gina was just in the next room or something! It was helpful to my rebooting! (This morning, Gina texted me and told me that snow had mangled her primroses…which she was counting on to get her through gloomy old March…and suggested that perhaps we could watch Hoarders together while we're on the phone! What a great idea! She lifts me up, that Gina!)
After Hoarders, I came upstairs and called my friend Sheri (who you know as both my close friend, AND the incredible graphics designer that does my covers now)! She and I purged some discouragement, made some rebooting plans and giggled over a little secret surprise that we have going for YOU! That helped me, too…just to hear Sheri's voice and some of her incredible on-liners.
Yep…I'm rebooting, refinding and refreshing myself. Though I'm not really sure I can lose 50 lbs. before the Ticket Holders Event next week…I CAN pull back, sniff my pumpkin candle, find some fun, random, and in-secret things to do for others (I did manage to hang a new hand-tuned wind chime on our neighbor's empty wind chime hook a couple weeks ago…I left a little note with it that said, "Surprise! Have a great day!" But I haven't done anything fun like that since.)…watch some Anne of Green Gables, start my Christmas list, and rewrite a couple of chapters in the book I'm working on to better fit my soul. And that's what I'm doing!
I have a note sitting here on my desk that Kevin had me write: It says, "Chill Out, Be Yourself and Sprinkle Sugar"…that's what he told me to do…and that's what I'm going to do!
Every so often we all need to hit the wall…it's necessary for our survival! It's what pulls us back, settles us down, and helps to re-prioritize and realize that we are who we are for a reason. The things that make me the most happy are sprinkling sugar (i.e. thinking of others first and doing things for them to lighten their load), being myself, laughing with friends, just plain silliness, and writing to make the world a better place. So that's what I need to do. That…and sniff my Pumpkin Butter Wood Wick candle more often through these late winter/early spring blahs I get! Right!
And so…let's do a contest! Just for the sake of silliness! I need a good silly thing today!
The winner of the Applebee's Gift Certificate is…Christina Taylor! E-mail me at marcialmcclure@cs.com, Christina, and I'll get that gift certificate in the mail to you! (LOVED Christina's random thought!)
As for this week's contest…hmmm…we need something silly…OR at least refreshing! How about this! YES! That's it! A Spring Bouquet Arrangement from FTD!!!! YES! That's it! Leave a comment with the subject concerning what helps YOU to reboot, and you'll be entered to win a Spring Bouquet Arrangement from FTD…delivered right to your door! Yes! I LOVE fresh flowers!
Meanwhile, I'm off on to take my 'morning constitutional'…to breathe in some sunshine and fresh air!
February 22, 2012
Random for Random's Sake! (Contest winner and new contest, too!)
Ever feel like your brain is just on vacation without you?! I'm totally serious!
Well, whether or not you know the feeling, today is one of those days for me. Therefore, this is what I've decided to jot down to go along with this week's random contest: a list of totally random thoughts, written in order as they pop into my mind! Weird, I know…but I sort of just want to see what happens. So here goes! I now present…random thoughts as they pop into my mind and in the order they pop into my mind (WARNING: This blog may be more pathetically goofy than usual!):
1. I LOVE peacock feathers! And if they were so strongly associated with bad luck in Victorian times…then why did so many Victorians use as decor in their house?
2. How could ANYONE ever have drunk the whiskey when they knew a dead body had been stored in side the barrel with it while that guy was sneaking dead bodies in to medical students back in the 1800s?
3. I should put my new salad spoons away. They've been sitting on my office floor ever since I bought them in October.
4. My BFF Sandy's birthday is two weeks from today.
5. I need to remember to pick up some printer ink while I'm out today.
6. I should mail that "Peppercorn Medley Grinders" I bought for a friend that's still sitting on my desk after a month.
7. The Carol Burnett Show was soooooo hysterical!
8. Why did I always think the TV show "Big Bang Theory" was about a gay polygamist until Trent had me watch an episode with him the other night? (I don't mean to offend anyone…but that's just what popped into my head…honest.)
9. Why can't Sue on the show "The Middle" ever catch a break?
10. Ah ha ha ha ha! I'm glad Sheri and I thought of a new meaning for the acronym ASAP yesterday! "A Sudden Ape Poop" is soooooo less stressful then "As Soon as Possible" to think about when I'm working!
And now, in reference to Random Item #10…a quote from My e-mail to Sheri yesterday…
"AND…from personal experience…I can add that Ape Poop happens, too! Especially at the old Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs when you're a teenager and visiting the ape house with your Aunt and Cousin Dan…and your cousin Dan provokes the ape and the ape throws ape poop at your cousin but hits your aunt instead!!! Ape poop DOES happen! So considering that, let's go with ASAP=A Sudden Ape Poop!"
Now…as for contest stuff…the winner of the Anne of Green Gables CD Audio Book is…Terri Bergman! Just e-mail me at marcialmcclure@cs.com with your address, Terri and I'll get your prize mailed off to you!
As for this week's contest…how about a $25 gift certificate to Applebees!!?? I don't know why…probably because I'm starving at the moment! So to enter, just leave a random thought of your own as your comment! Fun, huh? Let's see what's going through everyone else's 'tired of winter' brain today!
Meanwhile, maybe I need a nap!
Random of Random's Sake! (Contest winner and new contest, too!)
Ever feel like your brain is just on vacation without you?! I'm totally serious!
Well, whether or not you know the feeling, today is one of those days for me. Therefore, this is what I've decided to jot down to go along with this week's random contest: a list of totally random thoughts, written in order as they pop into my mind! Weird, I know…but I sort of just want to see what happens. So here goes! I now present…random thoughts as they pop into my mind and in the order they pop into my mind (WARNING: This blog may be more pathetically goofy than usual!):
1. I LOVE peacock feathers! And if they were so strongly associated with bad luck in Victorian times…then why did so many Victorians use as decor in their house?
2. How could ANYONE ever have drunk the whiskey when they knew a dead body had been stored in side the barrel with it while that guy was sneaking dead bodies in to medical students back in the 1800s?
3. I should put my new salad spoons away. They've been sitting on my office floor ever since I bought them in October.
4. My BFF Sandy's birthday is two weeks from today.
5. I need to remember to pick up some printer ink while I'm out today.
6. I should mail that "Peppercorn Medley Grinders" I bought for a friend that's still sitting on my desk after a month.
7. The Carol Burnett Show was soooooo hysterical!
8. Why did I always think the TV show "Big Bang Theory" was about a gay polygamist until Trent had me watch an episode with him the other night? (I don't mean to offend anyone…but that's just what popped into my head…honest.)
9. Why can't Sue on the show "The Middle" ever catch a break?
10. Ah ha ha ha ha! I'm glad Sheri and I thought of a new meaning for the acronym ASAP yesterday! "A Sudden Ape Poop" is soooooo less stressful then "As Soon as Possible" to think about when I'm working!
And now, in reference to Random Item #10…a quote from My e-mail to Sheri yesterday…
"AND…from personal experience…I can add that Ape Poop happens, too! Especially at the old Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs when you're a teenager and visiting the ape house with your Aunt and Cousin Dan…and your cousin Dan provokes the ape and the ape throws ape poop at your cousin but hits your aunt instead!!! Ape poop DOES happen! So considering that, let's go with ASAP=A Sudden Ape Poop!"
Now…as for contest stuff…the winner of the Anne of Green Gables CD Audio Book is…Terri Bergman! Just e-mail me at marcialmcclure@cs.com with your address, Terri and I'll get your prize mailed off to you!
As for this week's contest…how about a $25 gift certificate to Applebees!!?? I don't know why…probably because I'm starving at the moment! So to enter, just leave a random thought of your own as your comment! Fun, huh? Let's see what's going through everyone else's 'tired of winter' brain today!
Meanwhile, maybe I need a nap!
Random for Random’s Sake! (Contest winner and new contest, too!)
Ever feel like your brain is just on vacation without you?! I’m totally serious!
Well, whether or not you know the feeling, today is one of those days for me. Therefore, this is what I’ve decided to jot down to go along with this week’s random contest: a list of totally random thoughts, written in order as they pop into my mind! Weird, I know…but I sort of just want to see what happens. So here goes! I now present…random thoughts as they pop into my mind and in the order they pop into my mind (WARNING: This blog may be more pathetically goofy than usual!):
1. I LOVE peacock feathers! And if they were so strongly associated with bad luck in Victorian times…then why did so many Victorians use as decor in their house?
2. How could ANYONE ever have drunk the whiskey when they knew a dead body had been stored in side the barrel with it while that guy was sneaking dead bodies in to medical students back in the 1800s?
3. I should put my new salad spoons away. They’ve been sitting on my office floor ever since I bought them in October.
4. My BFF Sandy’s birthday is two weeks from today.
5. I need to remember to pick up some printer ink while I’m out today.
6. I should mail that “Peppercorn Medley Grinders” I bought for a friend that’s still sitting on my desk after a month.
7. The Carol Burnett Show was soooooo hysterical!
8. Why did I always think the TV show “Big Bang Theory” was about a gay polygamist until Trent had me watch an episode with him the other night? (I don’t mean to offend anyone…but that’s just what popped into my head…honest.)
9. Why can’t Sue on the show “The Middle” ever catch a break?
10. Ah ha ha ha ha! I’m glad Sheri and I thought of a new meaning for the acronym ASAP yesterday! “A Sudden Ape Poop” is soooooo less stressful then “As Soon as Possible” to think about when I’m working!
And now, in reference to Random Item #10…a quote from My e-mail to Sheri yesterday…
“AND…from personal experience…I can add that Ape Poop happens, too! Especially at the old Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs when you’re a teenager and visiting the ape house with your Aunt and Cousin Dan…and your cousin Dan provokes the ape and the ape throws ape poop at your cousin but hits your aunt instead!!! Ape poop DOES happen! So considering that, let’s go with ASAP=A Sudden Ape Poop!”
Now…as for contest stuff…the winner of the Anne of Green Gables CD Audio Book is…Terri Bergman! Just e-mail me at marcialmcclure@cs.com with your address, Terri and I’ll get your prize mailed off to you!
As for this week’s contest…how about a $25 gift certificate to Applebees!!?? I don’t know why…probably because I’m starving at the moment! So to enter, just leave a random thought of your own as your comment! Fun, huh? Let’s see what’s going through everyone else’s ‘tired of winter’ brain today!
Meanwhile, maybe I need a nap!
February 13, 2012
Just Thinking of Anne and Gil (Zorro Winner and New Contest, Too!)
In late winter and early spring, my thoughts always, always turn to "Anne." I'm serious! It may be because the first time I ever watched the Kevin Sullivan production of Anne of Green Gables was during that time of year…at a time when I was feeling really low and out of touch with myself…and I can honestly tell you that "Anne" found me!
As I watched Anne of Green Gables that year, it was like a little light began going off in my brain…like a little voice was whispering, "Oh yeah! That's right! That's who I am!" It was weird…the way a movie (and the the book) could put me back in touch with my core self. And weird though it may have seemed, I was soooooooo grateful for the experience and to L.M. Montgomery for writing the "Anne" books!
And so, every year at this time, I find myself longing for a little escape into "Anne"…into her world…into Avonlea…not to mention the romance between Anne and Gil! I mean, who doesn't love Gil, right? Seriously…what a guy!
I'm not going to ramble on today the way I usually do…because if you're an Anne of Green Gables fan, then you understand my feelings. And if you aren't yet an Anne of Green Gables fan…rush out and become one! AND this week's contest is one way to do that!
But first…the winner of last week's Zorro contest is…Brynette McKinney! Brynette…e-mail your snail mail address to me at marcialmcclure@cs.com so I can pop your Zorro DVDs in the mail to you asap!
And for this week's contest…whether you already love Anne and Gilbert or whether you still need to hop on the bandwagon how about this…the audio (CDs) version of Anne of Green Gables!!! Yep…here's your chance to listen to the book I love so very, very much! Just leave a comment here concerning anything "Anne"-ish and you're entered!
I could truly write a book on why I love Anne of Green Gables! So whether or not you've ever read the book or seen the movies…this audio version will be a treasure! I LOVE "Anne!"
February 7, 2012
For the Love of a Masked Hero! (Oh…and Chili's and Zorro, too!)
Keturah H. e-mailed me the other day and asked me a couple of questions concerning my inspiration for Divine Deception, and I got to thinking…just what is it about masked heroes that we all love so much? I mean, it's the mystery and the dual identity thing, of course. Don't you think? The wondering of who exactly might be hottie with the mad sword skills behind the mask?
In truth, I'm sure there are tons of psychological reasons that we girls like the Zorro/Highwayman of Tanglewood types…way, way too many to enumerate…we just love them! I've loved Zorro since I was little, little, little…Guy Williams Zorro to be exact! Guy 
Williams was sooooooooooo dreamy, cool and heroic…the perfect Zorro to me! Dazzling white teeth, great hair! Forget about Lost in Space Guy Williams and just focus on 1950s Zorro Guy Williams! Not that he wasn't great in Lost in Space mind you (is anybody else old enough to remember Lost in Space?)…I just preferred him as Zorro! (Heavy sigh)
Other Zorro-isms that draw me in…the Spanish accent! (Thought let's give Guy Williams a break on that one okay?) A great accent on a masked man fits like a glove! It's always a plus…even with The Highwayman of Tanglewood.
AND, have you ever noticed that masked heroes are always good with not only a sword, but a horse? They're always great riders! And they steal kisses…and who doesn't love 
that? You know, getting stopped in a meadow by a rider dressed head to toe in black and having him steal a kiss? It's great stuff! So what's not to favor!
In thinking about it all, I even decided that maybe I'll bump up the writing of another 'masked man' story I've had popping around in my brain for years just because that theme is so delicious! Seriously this story has been rattling around in my head for literally a decade, so maybe it's time to take it to the mat. What do you think? There can never too many masked heroes.
As for Keturah's questions concerning Divine Deception…I decided to take a little time and think them over so I can answer them more thoroughly than my blogging time would allow. So look for that coming up on the Q&A section of my site in a few days. AND I'm so glad she asked about Divine Deception! There IS an interesting story behind it all and I like sharing it! Meanwhile, do me a favor and mull over that whole 'masked man' thing and let me know YOUR thoughts on the matter!
Now on to this week's contest stuff. Carolyn Hansen…I just pulled your name out of my hat as the winner of the Chili's gift certificate! Chips and Salsa here you come! Please e-mail your address to me at marcialmcclure@cs.com so I can get your gift certificate in the mail to you, okay?
As for this weeks Random Contest…Zorro! Zorro! Zorro! Yes…those are the very words chanted by the patrons of Chihuahua's Family Restaurant in Ferndale, Washington the night my own true hero, Kevin, dashed through the restaurant dressed as Zorro to wish me a happy birthday (AND inspire The Highwayman of Tanglewood!)! And so, in honor of Kevin, Donavon Brandon, The Highwayman of Tanglewood and any other masked heroes I may write about in the future…welcome to two of my very favorite Zorro's!
As I previously confessed, I absolutely LOVED Guy Williams as Zorro in Disney's 1950′s TV series Zorro when I was a child and a teenager! LOVED him as Zorro and still do! He still reigns as my favorite Zorro (with the exception of Kevin, of course)! However, I absolutely LOVED the movie The Mask of Zorro as well! In fact, I cannot believe that movie is 14 years old! Crazy! But I love it as much today as I ever did! (Ooo! And I admit that I loved the smooching in it as well! Too impassioned? I say unto thee, Nay!)
Thus, since we're talking about masked heroes today, how about some Zorro DVDs up for grabs as this week's contest, eh? The Disney Season 1 Volume 4 of Zorro on DVD are 
getting a little hard to get a hold of these days, but I managed to snatch up Volume 4 of Season 1 starring Guy Williams! I also grabbed a copy of The Mask of Zorro on DVD while I was at it! SO…just leave a comment telling me your own feelings of Zorro and/or masked heroes and your name will be dropped in my hat!
Let's add some bonus motivation to enter, shall we? Youtubers of the opening credits for Disney's Zorro AND part of the dance scene from The Mask of Zorro! LOVE it!
For the Love of a Masked Hero! (Oh…and Chili’s and Zorro, too!)
Keturah H. e-mailed me the other day and asked me a couple of questions concerning my inspiration for Divine Deception, and I got to thinking…just what is it about masked heroes that we all love so much? I mean, it’s the mystery and the dual identity thing, of course. Don’t you think? The wondering of who exactly might be hottie with the mad sword skills behind the mask?
In truth, I’m sure there are tons of psychological reasons that we girls like the Zorro/Highwayman of Tanglewood types…way, way too many to enumerate…we just love them! I’ve loved Zorro since I was little, little, little…Guy Williams Zorro to be exact! Guy Williams was sooooooooooo dreamy, cool and heroic…the perfect Zorro to me! Dazzling white teeth, great hair! Forget about Lost in Space Guy Williams and just focus on 1950s Zorro Guy Williams! Not that he wasn’t great in Lost in Space mind you (is anybody else old enough to remember Lost in Space?)…I just preferred him as Zorro! (Heavy sigh)
Other Zorro-isms that draw me in…the Spanish accent! (Thought let’s give Guy Williams a break on that one okay?) A great accent on a masked man fits like a glove! It’s always a plus…even with The Highwayman of Tanglewood.
AND, have you ever noticed that masked heroes are always good with not only a sword, but a horse? They’re always great riders! And they steal kisses…and who doesn’t love that? You know, getting stopped in a meadow by a rider dressed head to toe in black and having him steal a kiss? It’s great stuff! So what’s not to favor!
In thinking about it all, I even decided that maybe I’ll bump up the writing of another ‘masked man’ story I’ve had popping around in my brain for years just because that theme is so delicious! Seriously this story has been rattling around in my head for literally a decade, so maybe it’s time to take it to the mat. What do you think? There can never too many masked heroes.
As for Keturah’s questions concerning Divine Deception…I decided to take a little time and think them over so I can answer them more thoroughly than my blogging time would allow. So look for that coming up on the Q&A section of my site in a few days. AND I’m so glad she asked about Divine Deception! There IS an interesting story behind it all and I like sharing it! Meanwhile, do me a favor and mull over that whole ‘masked man’ thing and let me know YOUR thoughts on the matter!
Now on to this week’s contest stuff. Carolyn Hansen…I just pulled your name out of my hat as the winner of the Chili’s gift certificate! Chips and Salsa here you come! Please e-mail your address to me at marcialmcclure@cs.com so I can get your gift certificate in the mail to you, okay?
As for this weeks Random Contest…Zorro! Zorro! Zorro! Yes…those are the very words chanted by the patrons of Chihuahua’s Family Restaurant in Ferndale, Washington the night my own true hero, Kevin, dashed through the restaurant dressed as Zorro to wish me a happy birthday (AND inspire The Highwayman of Tanglewood!)! And so, in honor of Kevin, Donavon Brandon, The Highwayman of Tanglewood and any other masked heroes I may write about in the future…welcome to two of my very favorite Zorro’s!
As I previously confessed, I absolutely LOVED Guy Williams as Zorro in Disney’s 1950′s TV series Zorro when I was a child and a teenager! LOVED him as Zorro and still do! He still reigns as my favorite Zorro (with the exception of Kevin, of course)! However, I absolutely LOVED the movie The Mask of Zorro as well! In fact, I cannot believe that movie is 14 years old! Crazy! But I love it as much today as I ever did! (Ooo! And I admit that I loved the smooching in it as well! Too impassioned? I say unto thee, Nay!)
Thus, since we’re talking about masked heroes today, how about some Zorro DVDs up for grabs as this week’s contest, eh? The Disney Season 1 Volume 4 of Zorro on DVD are getting a little hard to get a hold of these days, but I managed to snatch up Volume 4 of Season 1 starring Guy Williams! I also grabbed a copy of The Mask of Zorro on DVD while I was at it! SO…just leave a comment telling me your own feelings of Zorro and/or masked heroes and your name will be dropped in my hat!
Let’s add some bonus motivation to enter, shall we? Youtubers of the opening credits for Disney’s Zorro AND part of the dance scene from The Mask of Zorro! LOVE it!
January 30, 2012
Beware a Bad Foot Massage (And a Gift Certificate for This Week's Contest!)
So one day (a few years back), I was having lunch with a dear and cherished friend, and mentor (her name is Jean T.). As we sat talking, she mentioned that she had been reading her grandfather's journals and had come across an interesting little tidbit.
Jean explained that her grandfather and his little family had been living in Espanola, New Mexico…and that her grandfather didn't like the way some of the young men there were 'pursuing' his daughters. It worried him for various reasons, and so he moved his family to Albuquerque.
Jean told me that in his journal, her grandfather explained that he was able to rent a house for free down in Corrales in Albuquerque. (Though, if one is renting a house for free…is it really renting? Hmmm.) Well, it turns out that the reason Jean's grandfather was able to rent the house in Corrales without paying rent, was that it was haunted! That's right! A real haunted house right there in Jean's grandfather's journal! Naturally I was intrigued.
Well, as the story went, Jean's grandfather quickly discovered that the house wasn't really haunted at all (I was disappointed at the news myself)…but that there were actually just bats living in the attic and everyone heard the bats banging around up there and assumed the house was haunted. A little bit of a let down for me perhaps…but a great story…and I was, of course, instantly inspired by Jean's story of her grandfather's not-so-haunted house and the bats in the attic.
"Ooo!" I breathed as the goose bumps of writing inspiration began to wash over me. "Can I use that in a book, Jean?"
She laughed and told me that I could.
Well, Jean and I enjoyed the rest of our visit, and then I promptly went home, sat down at my computer, and began writing The Light of the Lovers' Moon! No kidding! True story! That one intriguing excerpt from Jean's grandfather's journal was the entire basis of my inspiration for my book The Light of the Lovers' Moon!
However, here comes the funny part…months later, once the e-book was out and Jean had read it (it IS dedicated to her, after all…and deservedly so), Jean and I were again at lunch (this time with other friends). Jean started grinning and explained to me that, once my book had become available and she'd read it, she went back to her grandfather's journal to enjoy the haunted house story once more.
"I told you something wrong," she said.
"What?" I asked.
"It wasn't really bats in the attic that made people think the house was haunted. It was rats!" she explained.
Naturally, we both began cracking up (and of course you would have to have been there for it to really be funny). Here I'd written an entire book based around one story she'd told me…and in the end, it hadn't even been bats in the attic.
Of course, bats in an attic are much, much, mucho more romantic than rats in the attic, so I explained to Jean that I was glad she'd unintentionally misrepresented her grandfather's story because I might not have been inspired by rats the way I had been by bats. In fact, I'm certain I wouldn't have been inspired by rats.
It ain't much to share today I suppose…just a little behind the scenes story that not too many people have heard. (I love to say "ain't" by the way…I feel so free and rebellious when I do!)
Jean is so funny! She cracks me up all the time with little remarks like, "Oh I always, always wanted to be a florist and own my own flower shop," she said one day. Then she shrugged and sighed, "But I joined the Army instead."
Then there was the one a few weeks ago…Jean and her husband Tom, were at the gun store and as Tom continued to peruse the firearms available, Jean began to get a little bored. Well, she'd noticed that there was a massage place next to the gun store, and so she told Tom she was going to go over and have a foot massage. Jean is 70, looks not a day over 45, and I couldn't imagine she would ever need a foot massage…but I guess she did.
Anyway, Jean trotted on over to the massage place and went in. She explained to one of the ladies there (who didn't speak English very well) that she wanted a foot massage. The lady kind of looked at her funny, and even had to go ask another lady where to get the foot massage stuff and how to do a foot massage. Jean thought nothing about it really, and sat down to the worst foot massage she'd ever had in her life!
"But it only cost me ten bucks," she explained, "so I figured, it wasn't a total waste of money."
Well, you've probably guessed it by now…but a couple of weeks later…that "massage place" where Jean received the worst foot massage she'd ever had in her life…yep! Busted for prostitution!
Oh you should've heard the comments flying back and forth between Jean and me! She said she was glad she hadn't been in there when the place was busted, and we made jokes about what would the newspaper headlines would have said above her shocked and surprised front page photo! She said, no wonder it was the worst foot massage she'd ever had in her life! Oh we went on and on and on with the smart aleck remarks. It was awesome!
Jean keeps me very, very, VERY entertained and has inspired several threads in several books since the "bats in the attic" story caused inspiration first hit me! (Including Elisaveta Tanner's remark about the only kind of ring Maxim's girlfriend would ever get from him would be the one in an antique toilet. Long story…Jean and Tom…new toilets for Christmas…yadda yadda.)
I love Jean…she teaches me soooooooooooo much and has such a great sense-of-humor. She's totally one of my idols, inspirations and most treasured friends. The stories I could tell!
Now, I don't know why, but Jean did inspire me for this week's contest, too (probably because we always "do" lunch). But first…last week's winner, right?
Carol L. (Lucky4750) you won the Australia DVD! E-mail your snail mail address to me at marcialmcclure@cs.com and I'll run over to the Post Office and get your DVD sent off to you! Okay?
As for this week's contest…hmmm. Well, I'm hungry at this very moment (as usual), and I can't stop thinking about Chili's chips and salsa! I LOVE their chips and salsa! Those warm, thin, delicious tortilla chips and the FABULOUS salsa! Mmmm! So this week's contest is for a $25 Chili's gift certificate! Just leave a comment and you're entered to win! (You know the drill, right?) Mmmm! Chips and salsa at Chili's! Perfect for today!
Beware a Bad Foot Massage (And a Gift Certificate for This Week’s Contest!)
So one day (a few years back), I was having lunch with a dear and cherished friend, and mentor (her name is Jean T.). As we sat talking, she mentioned that she had been reading her grandfather’s journals and had come across an interesting little tidbit.
Jean explained that her grandfather and his little family had been living in Espanola, New Mexico…and that her grandfather didn’t like the way some of the young men there were ‘pursuing’ his daughters. It worried him for various reasons, and so he moved his family to Albuquerque.
Jean told me that in his journal, her grandfather explained that he was able to rent a house for free down in Corrales in Albuquerque. (Though, if one is renting a house for free…is it really renting? Hmmm.) Well, it turns out that the reason Jean’s grandfather was able to rent the house in Corrales without paying rent, was that it was haunted! That’s right! A real haunted house right there in Jean’s grandfather’s journal! Naturally I was intrigued.
Well, as the story went, Jean’s grandfather quickly discovered that the house wasn’t really haunted at all (I was disappointed at the news myself)…but that there were actually just bats living in the attic and everyone heard the bats banging around up there and assumed the house was haunted. A little bit of a let down for me perhaps…but a great story…and I was, of course, instantly inspired by Jean’s story of her grandfather’s not-so-haunted house and the bats in the attic.
“Ooo!” I breathed as the goose bumps of writing inspiration began to wash over me. “Can I use that in a book, Jean?”
She laughed and told me that I could.
Well, Jean and I enjoyed the rest of our visit, and then I promptly went home, sat down at my computer, and began writing The Light of the Lovers’ Moon! No kidding! True story! That one intriguing excerpt from Jean’s grandfather’s journal was the entire basis of my inspiration for my book The Light of the Lovers’ Moon!
However, here comes the funny part…months later, once the e-book was out and Jean had read it (it IS dedicated to her, after all…and deservedly so), Jean and I were again at lunch (this time with other friends). Jean started grinning and explained to me that, once my book had become available and she’d read it, she went back to her grandfather’s journal to enjoy the haunted house story once more.
“I told you something wrong,” she said.
“What?” I asked.
“It wasn’t really bats in the attic that made people think the house was haunted. It was rats!” she explained.
Naturally, we both began cracking up (and of course you would have to have been there for it to really be funny). Here I’d written an entire book based around one story she’d told me…and in the end, it hadn’t even been bats in the attic.
Of course, bats in an attic are much, much, mucho more romantic than rats in the attic, so I explained to Jean that I was glad she’d unintentionally misrepresented her grandfather’s story because I might not have been inspired by rats the way I had been by bats. In fact, I’m certain I wouldn’t have been inspired by rats.
It ain’t much to share today I suppose…just a little behind the scenes story that not too many people have heard. (I love to say “ain’t” by the way…I feel so free and rebellious when I do!)
Jean is so funny! She cracks me up all the time with little remarks like, “Oh I always, always wanted to be a florist and own my own flower shop,” she said one day. Then she shrugged and sighed, “But I joined the Army instead.”
Then there was the one a few weeks ago…Jean and her husband Tom, were at the gun store and as Tom continued to peruse the firearms available, Jean began to get a little bored. Well, she’d noticed that there was a massage place next to the gun store, and so she told Tom she was going to go over and have a foot massage. Jean is 70, looks not a day over 45, and I couldn’t imagine she would ever need a foot massage…but I guess she did.
Anyway, Jean trotted on over to the massage place and went in. She explained to one of the ladies there (who didn’t speak English very well) that she wanted a foot massage. The lady kind of looked at her funny, and even had to go ask another lady where to get the foot massage stuff and how to do a foot massage. Jean thought nothing about it really, and sat down to the worst foot massage she’d ever had in her life!
“But it only cost me ten bucks,” she explained, “so I figured, it wasn’t a total waste of money.”
Well, you’ve probably guessed it by now…but a couple of weeks later…that “massage place” where Jean received the worst foot massage she’d ever had in her life…yep! Busted for prostitution!
Oh you should’ve heard the comments flying back and forth between Jean and me! She said she was glad she hadn’t been in there when the place was busted, and we made jokes about what would the newspaper headlines would have said above her shocked and surprised front page photo! She said, no wonder it was the worst foot massage she’d ever had in her life! Oh we went on and on and on with the smart aleck remarks. It was awesome!
Jean keeps me very, very, VERY entertained and has inspired several threads in several books since the “bats in the attic” story caused inspiration first hit me! (Including Elisaveta Tanner’s remark about the only kind of ring Maxim’s girlfriend would ever get from him would be the one in an antique toilet. Long story…Jean and Tom…new toilets for Christmas…yadda yadda.)
I love Jean…she teaches me soooooooooooo much and has such a great sense-of-humor. She’s totally one of my idols, inspirations and most treasured friends. The stories I could tell!
Now, I don’t know why, but Jean did inspire me for this week’s contest, too (probably because we always “do” lunch). But first…last week’s winner, right?
Carol L. (Lucky4750) you won the Australia DVD! E-mail your snail mail address to me at marcialmcclure@cs.com and I’ll run over to the Post Office and get your DVD sent off to you! Okay?
As for this week’s contest…hmmm. Well, I’m hungry at this very moment (as usual), and I can’t stop thinking about Chili’s chips and salsa! I LOVE their chips and salsa! Those warm, thin, delicious tortilla chips and the FABULOUS salsa! Mmmm! So this week’s contest is for a $25 Chili’s gift certificate! Just leave a comment and you’re entered to win! (You know the drill, right?) Mmmm! Chips and salsa at Chili’s! Perfect for today!
