Davee Jones's Blog, page 23

Did Someone Say #KellenKyle? It's the Talented SC Stephens

SC Stephens


Welcome to The Locker and a special feature. I had the awesome opportunity to attend and volunteer at the Houston Author Event, hosted by Emily Lalone, owner of Lalone Marketing. I met ten amazing authors and I want to introduce them to you too. Today, meet the author SC Stephens. Oh my goodness, the house was filled with T-Shirts proclaiming their undying devotion to Kellen Kyle. Even one of my besties wore her shirt! S.C. Stephens is an independent author who enjoys spending every free moment she has creating stories that are packed with emotion and heavy on romance.

Her first attempt at a full-length novel was Thoughtless. She wrote the angst-filled love triangle in early 2009 and published it that summer on FictionPress. Amazed and surprised by the response, more stories were quick to follow.

Conversion, the first novel in a three story vampire series, was released in the fall. Collision Course, a tragic, yet hopeful tale of love and loss was released in early 2010. The second Conversion novel came out next, along with It’s All Relative, a different take on a one night stand story.

In addition to writing, Stephens enjoys reading other people’s fabulous novels, loading up her iPod with writer’s block reducing music, heading out to the movie theaters, and spending quality time with her children.

You can contact Stephens at ThoughtlessRomantic@gmail.com

Tuesday Tales - Do You Prefer Top or Bottom?

Ahoy Fellow Fathomers and Happy June to all in the cyberhood.  I don't know about you, but, I cannot believe this will be the halfway mark of 2014. Today, our Tuesday Tales group is writing, teasingly, to the word prompt, "bottom" this week. Once again, I'm pleased to return you to my new WIP, the Fantasy Leagues....Book One - Multiple Scorgasms. Yea, I couldn't be too good.Today, we find Coach Lola in another, ahem, provocative situation. Take a peek: 
I gritted my teeth and walked back to a readied, but rested prize athlete. “Stand and face me.”
He popped up faster than a burpee. He stood at military attention, never taking his gaze from forward facing. Quietly, he waited, not in the least bit giving away any apprehension at the heavy flogging instrument I held in my hands.  I walked to him, bent and kissed his twitching penis, just waiting for attention. He gently flinched, a reaction he could not control.
I’m back in action now, fully engaged in this scene. “Put your hands above your head and spread your legs. Hold onto the straps.” I motioned to the hanging black lead ropes above his head. He almost had to tiptoe to reach them, but, he didn’t miss a beat. “Are you sure you want this?” I whispered against his hard deltoids. I licked his solid body and he lightly shivered again.
“Yes, Coach Lola.” He roughly whispered, his voice sounded like he needed hydration. He could wait.
I scratched my fingers lightly down his back and he stiffened even more, which didn’t appear possible from his rapt physical involvement under my control. I increased the pressure and left red marks from my square tipped manicure. I suddenly remembered Danika’s offer of a visit to the nail salon and I bit Russell on the back of his arm in agitated response. He automatically shifted his arms forward away from me and grabbed the straps tighter. “I’m sorry, I couldn’t help myself, you’re just so delicious.” I uttered the first words I could make up for my embarrassing surge of unusual emotion. Danika needed to keep her distance, this is not good for me.
I touched him with the head of my flogger, the BB packed rounds bounced off his hard back, they looked like yellow bouncy balls kids get from a quarter machine. I smiled at the comparison and imagined bouncing rubber balls off a naked male form and realized I had a new toy to assimilate into the LockHim Room.
I could even launch them with a slingshot.
Focus, you moron. You’re a famous dominatrix, not a softy.
Infamous, not famous, get it straight, or at least straight as a crooked arrow.
I lifted my arm slightly higher back and bounced the flogger off of him again. This time a lovely thud as each pod met flesh. Russell tilted his head back slightly, with the faintest smile across his sculpted face. I kneaded his back with my free hand, prepping him for harder contact. Thwack! I snapped the headful of BB rounds meaningfully against his mid-back, careful of the kidneys. His ass cheeks clenched and he rolled his head subconsciously.
My bottom just reached sub-space.  That was my goal the entire time.
I smiled. Now, please visit our other Tuesday Tales writers for their contribution to "bottom". Tuesday Tales Main Page

Migraines on Vacation? Well Crap....Just Out of My Grasp

Hugs for today! Good morning!  I’ve decided to use my blog not only to writing, music, and other facets of entertainment, but, also to share my journey. I’ve had significant health problems for almost two years. Initially, my rheumatologist diagnosed me with systemic lupus (SLE) on June 19, 2013. However, the medication wasn’t working and I kept getting worse and developing new symptoms. So, after second, third, and fourth opinions, my neurologist believes instead I have fibromyalgia.  In April 2014 I visited yet another rheumatologist who I hoped would be familiar with autoimmune disorders. Following an extensive intake during my initial appointment, I found a place where the doctor also listened to me. Based upon my blood work, the doctor believes I have Sjogren’s Syndrome. She also made the diagnosis of Fibromyalgia and pre-lupus. I’ve never heard of pre-lupus, but, hopefully it stays in the “pre” category. Thank you for listening, each week I will have a new installment chronicling my journey- Which is now more frustrating than ever. I test positive for ANAs in my blood, but, the lupus tests are negative. There are several varieties of autoimmune disorders, with different caveats and health variations. Learning to live with the unknown has become my routine.Migraines on Vacation- It sucks!Okay, folks, happy post Memorial Day and welcome to the dog days of summer. Although it isn’t officially summer until June 21, it’s feeling hot in Dallas. Hopefully, I can get in my pool this weekend!  Hey hey hey! So, over Memorial Day, we had a heckuva time in Galveston, TX. Although the beaches could stand a little seaweed maintenance, it’s always a good day at the ocean. My nieces and kids built sandcastles and we applied sunscreen like crazy. We managed out there almost all day Saturday and all day Sunday. Our hotel was across the street, so, very convenient.We stayed at the Commodore on the Beach. Now, the rooms are dated, but, we didn’t care, that wasn’t our primary reason for the visit, we were going to be outside. But, the great thing is we also had poolside rooms with sliding glass door, so, access to the pool was awesome!  Just across the street is the beach on the Seawall, so, it’s perfect location. I must give a shoutout to Joann at the front desk. She asked me about my tattoo and asked if I was a teacher or something. (because of the books) When I said I was an author, she smiled so big and got so excited. “I’ve never met an author in real life before!” she completely made my day and made me feel like a superstar. I took her a book of mine and swag. She said her daughter writes a book blog and would be in touch. It was amazing.Back to the story- so on Sunday, we headed to the beach again. We had cold beverages of all kinds and over the course of the afternoon, I had 3-4 beers, but, paced myself, stayed out of the sun and under the umbrella. I also ate food. I had a nice ocean buzz and enjoyed the day. But, I sensed trouble coming in the form of nausea and a heaviness across my eyes and the bridge of my nose. We got ready to go out to eat and the kids chose Rainforest Café, my little almost grandson had never been and my nieces love it, so, off we went. High priced with marginal food, but, it’s all about atmosphere.It hit in the middle of the thunder and gorilla grunting. The migraine arrived full blown and it again felt like an axe between my eyes and my eyes hurt. Thankfully, we returned to the room not long after and I went to bed. (feeling bad because I couldn’t hang out with everyone) I took some meds, but, if you are familiar with migraines, you know there isn’t much to stop it once it starts. One must power through it. Unless you have a remedy, then, please share.I spent the night in the air conditioned room under the covers with a pillow over my head. I kept turning it over to the “cool side” to keep my head cool. If I’d had the strength, I would have gotten up for some peppermint essential oil on my temples, but, I couldn’t manage it. At home I have ice packs designed to fit over my eyes, but, I had to make do with the cool side of the pillow. My eyes felt like they were gonna pop out. I managed some of my take home cheeseburger to try to ease the nausea, but, nope. A few bites and I had to stop.The pain finally subsided and I awakened about 9am, thankful for the relief. My head felt bruised and my eyes were sore and felt like someone had repeatedly punched them with sand under my lids. We ate a lunch and I got quite a bit down and it settled my stomach more. I drank some Big Red, haven’t had it in years, and Pepsi. It also eased my stomach.I had to drive home, which is about 5 hours. Thank goodness the throbbing stopped, but, the migraine teased me again. I made it home pain free and thanked the Lord another migraine didn’t blast in.A couple of things to note- I know some folks say the sugars and sweeteners in soda pop, foods, etc make their pain worse. But, the soda actually eased my stomach and the caffeine helped open up the blood flow in my brain. I didn’t overindulge, just enough to satisfy the thirst. Also, the beer and the yeast might have helped trigger the migraine. However, I don’t drink beer or other alcohols very often anymore. (the sulfites in the beer and wine sometimes trigger an allergic reaction and headache for me.)I may not have drunk enough water, but, I tried to stay hydrated and even ate fruits and vegetables for additional water intake.The quick trip, stress of driving, and the combination of good stress factors for vacation were the perfect breeding grounds for a migraine. So, I learned a few things from this trip.

Number one, when possible, drive during the daylight hours when I’m normally awake. We left around 7pm and didn’t arrive until 1am in the morning. I stayed awake longer than I should have, missed my amitriptyline and didn’t get sufficient rest.Number two, when drinking a beer drink maybe two waters in between. Adding the additional water can help with the hydration and keep my blood vessels open and flowing.Number three, get enough good rest. The beds were uncomfortable and we were crowded. My sleep wasn’t as regenerative and my body suffered the consequences. Stressors, even good stressors like family time and vacation, can mean we get less rest because we are excited to be awake and enjoying the time. It’s a careful balance. My body is now like a domino effect. One thing happens and triggers something else and the next thing I know I’m in a flare. The flare doesn’t always mean a migraine headache, but, on the vacation it did. I hope you enjoy many vacations this summer and get into a variety of new activities, but as always, be conscious of your body and take care of you.

Fantasy League Friday Dating Rounds! Meet Maisie Teegan

It's time to start uncovering the profiles for our first round of the dating club. We have 13 women and 13 men set for Fantasy League Football and the Multiple Scorgasms. Following are the initial questions asked of all participants. Keep track of the participants and see who YOU would match up together, and why?
Of all profiles, I challenge you to write a 1000-5000 depiction of the dating experience of your two favorite members. The winners will receive prizes and a chance for their depiction to be published!
Now, get to know Maisie! 1) What do you do for work? – I’m an executive assistant at an electrical distribution/design company2) Where are you from? – I moved to Denver when I was 3 after living in Frankfurt, Germany for the first 3 years of my life.3) What is the one thing about yourself that you would like me to know? I am a free spirit with a passion for success4) When was your last relationship and how long did it last? My last ended in February after 9 months.5) What are you looking for in a relationship? A best friend. 6) What do you think is the most important value in a relationship? Trust- when it comes to the important things. Everyone tells little white lies here and there.7 ) Do you want to marry or have you ever been married? I would very much like to be married.8) What do you look for in a husband/wife?  Someone physically attractive, smart, generous, and has a calming effect on my personality.9) Do you want/do you have any children? Yes, I am interested in having children eventually. 10) What do you do for fun? – I love skiing, hiking, camping, and going out downtown with friends.11) What are you most proud about?  How self-sufficient I am, and my abilities to manipulate situations in my favor.12) Is religion important to you? I am a Christian but do not push my beliefs on others.13) Do you follow politics? I identify as a Libertarian.14) Do you believe in love at first sight? Yes.15) What is your most treasured possession and why? My dog, because she loves me unconditionally, and I her.16) What is your favorite month of the year and why? October, because of Halloween and it’s not too hot.17) Which is your favorite book/movie?  I really love the Hunger Games and the movie Troy.18) Which is the last book you read? The Divergent series.19) Which is the one job in the world that you would love to do? Archaeologist20) Which is your favorite music and your favorite singer/band? Lana Del Rey, Cage the Elephant, One Republic21) Do you like animals/keep pets? I have a 3 year old corgi.22) How do you spend your spare time? Watching a favorite show, hiking, homework, or working out.23) Where do you see yourself in five years’ time? Hopefully married and pregnant.24) If you were an animal in the wild, what would you be? Elephant, because they experience strong emotions25) Do you believe a cup is half empty or half full? Half full 26) If you could travel back through time, what single mistake would you correct in life? I would try harder in high school to better set myself up for success.27) You have got six months to live, what will you do first?  Leave the country28) Is sexual compatibility important to you? Big Time29) Who was your hero, as a child? I haven’t ever really had a hero…30) If you won a lottery, how would you spend your millions? Traveling and a beach house31) Which was the first crush you ever had? Fred Thulson, I drew pictures of him constantly.32) What makes you laugh/cry? Sad animal or love stories make me cry. Clumsy people make me laugh.33) If you have friends coming over, what would you cook? I would get a fancy meal from Tony’s Market and pretend I cooked it.34) Describe your perfect holiday. Anywhere there’s a nice beach.35) Which T.V. program would you never miss? American Horror Story36) What is the last CD you bought? I honestly can’t even remember37) Are you a morning person or a night person? Night38) Would you like to climb a mountain or trek across a desert? Climb a mountain39) What adjective would a close friend use to describe you? Manipulative40) If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be? Ecuador41) Into which personality’s shoes would you like to step for a day? A wealthy man42) Who is you favorite actor/actress/celebrity and why? Leonardo DeCaprio, hasn’t had a bad movie and can play a variety of characters.43) Who is your favorite sportsperson? I don’t have one. 44) What is your favorite sporting activity? Snow skiing45) Which is your favorite genre of movies - comedy/thriller/action? Thriller/Horror

Author J. Sterling

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Welcome to The Locker and a special feature. I had the awesome opportunity to attend and volunteer at the Houston Author Event, hosted by Emily Lalone, owner of Lalone Marketing. I met ten amazing authors and I want to introduce them to you too. Today, meet the author Jenn Sterling: In her words--“Writing books that mean something to me is a million times better than working for my ass off for someone who doesn't really care about anything other than the bottom line.
My soul feels more satisfied.
My heart, more full.
So thank you for reading, loving and recommending the stories I write.
I appreciate it more than you know. :)” After meeting her, I know it’s true. Her tenacity and never give up attitude inspired me. She even signed my writing book- “write- Don’t Quit” J So, That’s what I’m going to do. Please check out her sports inspired books in The Perfect Game series.



You will also find her on Goodreads.

Tuesday Tales and Being an Author

Ahoy Fellow Fathomers and Happy Short Week to all in the cyberhood.  Our Tuesday Tales group is writing, appropriately, to the word prompt, "author" this week. Once again, I'm pleased to return you to my new WIP, the Fantasy Leagues....Book One - Multiple Scorgasms. 
Finn Maxwell and Danika Parker Meet
During the draft I didn’t meet anyone exciting until Finn Maxwell made it to my table. I couldn’t place it, but, there was something familiar about his eyes. When he told me he worked in physical therapy, I knew I probably had seen him during one of my routine rotations. He sometimes visited patients in the hospital for initial assessments. Familiarity is all I would have gotten. Since my focus isn’t on strangers, he would have been another stick figure in the crowd. But, his eyes, yes, I definitely felt a connection.
This created an unpleasant excitement within me. The sense of acquaintance traced its way down from my pupils to the pit of my stomach. Not understanding the sensation, my first instinct was to flee, my fight or flight awareness humming brilliantly through my nervous system. But, this was just a guy. Just a guy. Get a grip.
Have you ever experienced the feeling something more encompassed the routine? That what we do isn’t just solely a physical performance, but, something we are…something we become? It’s the evolution or the graduation if you will, into a higher level of being. For example, the simple act of studying text books and completing labs transitioned me into a doctor from a student. I became an evolved level of existence by flexing my brain power, reaching into the depths of my mind to connect synapses and neurons. Complex nerves combined to form a memory I will use in the future to diagnose and treat my patients.
Is that what love is? If so, then, how do emotions connect? I understand that when hormones become part of the equation, we are acting on the primal instinct to procreate and continue the species. But, it must be more than just the need to mate. That’s where I’ve lost comprehension. I’m afraid to let myself fall captive to the uncontrollable. The unknown emotional sea is treacherous territory for an analytical like me.
Then in walks Finn Maxwell. Superficially, we connected on a medical level. His manner of speech told me in our short time together he should be an orthopedic physician. He could do it, and I wondered why he wasn’t. Our shared medical passion for helping others seared my outer wall and allowed that tiny seed of interest to grow. Like a pesky weed, I fear I won’t so easily pluck him from my existence, as his eyes allowed access to take root in the recesses of my gut.
Men are parasites! That must be it. He is talking and laughing, making me laugh in return. On the outside I shimmer and giggle, but, on the inside logic curses me. What the hell am I doing? I knew this could happen, it’s why I started this dating experiment in the first place.
Where have I seen him before? I determine this familiarity is the basis for all the nonsensical giddiness. Finn, the parasitic creature, gained access before, just by a glance or maybe even a stare into my soul. When did I give him permission?  Again, it perplexes me. But, I don’t look away. I should turn to salt, but I don’t, I turn to human jello and giggle again at something inane he said. He could give the weather forecast and I would melt by the crescendo that he craftily built into his message.
Holy shit.
Finn is the parasite that invaded me. But, when, I still don’t know. I know it began before now. Whether he completely takes over is beyond me. We may not go on a date, it may not be our fate. That’s entirely up to our teams and our placement. He knows about athletes, I don’t. His team must be much better than mine. That’s what I’ll do, I’ll intentionally “fix” my team to fall at the bottom each week. I know he will emerge toward the top. For I fear if we are alone, something else will take hold and it will make me lose not only my inhibitions, but, my clothes as well.
Thank goodness Ms. Fontaine showed up when she did. I stopped being such a nerd and just relaxed into casual conversation. That’s when Finn really became interesting and I let it happen. I allowed the warmth of his electricity to flow across my skin and just breathed in his masculine scent…could those be the elusive pheromones? Oh dear, I’m doing it again, talking like Spock. Living inside my mind is such a dangerous place for love. It plays hide and seek with my diagnostic conscious, but has yet to emerge as a winner. Just smile at him you twat, stop being a pansy. I’ve scraped up body parts in real life horror houses, this won’t defeat me. Hewon’t defeat me.
But, yet, I fear he already has. This walking set of cells called Finn Maxwell took root inside me a long time ago and won’t leave until my subconscious allows it. If only I can remember where those eyes engaged me before, I could possibly escape. I respond to an unimportant question. “Why yes, I have three brothers. They all work in the family business. Me? Oh, no, I wanted to follow a different career path. My parents understood.” Articulate as giving a speech in human anatomy, I nailed the delivery and once again shined. I sing altered words in my mind, I should have been an author but I wound up here.

I nodded and cocked my head, and even batted my eyelashes in a mere three minutes time. It both fascinates and perturbs me, as I didn’t even know I had that feminine ability. It must be genetic, I never practiced these moves to the perfection I demonstrated today. Finn Maxwell, you could be my passionate undoing. Now, please visit our other Tuesday Tales writers for their contribution to "mother". Tuesday Tales Main Page

Fantasy League Friday! The Profile for Danika Parker!

It's time to start uncovering the profiles for our first round of the dating club. We have 13 women and 13 men set for Fantasy League Football and the Multiple Scorgasms. Following are the initial questions asked of all participants. Keep track of the participants and see who YOU would match up together, and why?

Of all profiles, I challenge you to write a 1000-5000 depiction of the dating experience of your two favorite members. The winners will receive prizes and a chance for their depiction to be published!

You will now get a closer look at Danika Parker:

1) What do you do for work? – Medical student by day…Crime Scene cleanup specialist when available2) Where are you from? – Galveston, TX3) What is the one thing about yourself that you would like me to know? I’m loyal to the bones, but, unsure about this whole love thing.4) When was your last relationship and how long did it last? I’ve not had relationships, I’ve only had dates.5) What are you looking for in a relationship? Someone to finally prove me wrong and make me love them.6) What do you think is the most important value in a relationship? Trust. Believe me, I know how to clean up a mess…7 ) Do you want to marry or have you ever been married? I want to get married someday, I want a partner.8) What do you look for in a husband/wife?  A sense of humor and strong work ethic9) Do you want/do you have any children? Yes, I want a few of my own, or maybe just one. 10) What do you do for fun? – My brothers and I try to stump each other with word games. At the moment, I’m winning with the most words that end in the long “O” sound…you know like “Yo”.11) What are you most proud about? My unblemished college GPA12) Is religion important to you? Hmmm…wow, that’s not a question, it’s an essay topic.13) Do you follow politics? No. Are you a Democrat or a Republican? I’m staunchly independent.14) Do you believe in love at first sight? No.15) What is your most treasured possession and why? My mom dried and pressed the first flower my dad ever gave her. She gave it to me on my 16th birthday. That flower’s infinite beauty reminds me of my parents’ love for each other and us kids.16) What is your favorite month of the year and why? January- because crime scene cleanup in southern Texas in most other months is extremely ripe.17) Which is your favorite book/movie?  Alice in Wonderland…the old Disney version18) Which is the last book you read? Would have to be a text book- I’m not reading civilian books these days.19) Which is the one job in the world that you would love to do? I’m excited to be a doctor and really want to be a neurologist. So, I’m in med school, let’s see what happens.20) Which is your favorite music and your favorite singer/band? I like soothing music. My days are so chaotic, I need something to take me away from all that. 21) Do you like animals/keep pets? Nah, I don’t have time and I also don’t really get attached to living things.22) How do you spend your spare time? I have one percent spare time. I’m usually sleeping or catching up on the DVR23) Where do you see yourself in five years’ time? Practicing medicine24) If you were an animal in the wild, what would you be? Elephant, I never forget25) Do you believe a cup is half empty or half full? Are you an optimist or a pessimist? I’m a realist.26) If you could travel back through time, what single mistake would you correct in life? What are the deepest regrets of a person? Wow, I have no answer for either of them. I’ve not yet lived enough to regret any of my choices.27) You have got six months to live, what will you do first? Visit Washington D.C.28) Is sexual compatibility important to you? I suppose. I’m not very physical. But, doesn’t mean I’m not interested.29) Who was your hero, as a child? My mom and dad.30) If you won a lottery, how would you spend your millions? Buy my mom and dad a retirement home so they don’t have to work anymore.31) Which was the first crush you ever had? MacGyver32) What makes you laugh/cry? I don’t feel much sorrow. But, laughter, yea, Bridesmaids killed me. 33) If you have friends coming over, what would you cook? The best Chinese takeout money could buy. But, I rarely have friends over, I don’t have time.34) Describe your perfect holiday. We love the 4th of July at our house. It’s nice to see something beautiful in the sky rather than the ugliness we see on the ground.35) Which T.V. program would you never miss? Naked and Afraid. I’d so meet the challenge.36) What is the last CD you bought? A relaxation CD for yoga37) Are you a morning person or a night person? I’m a morning person, for sure.38) Would you like to climb a mountain or trek across a desert? Climb a mountain39) What adjective would a close friend use to describe you? Guarded40) If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be? Beach hut in Fiji…I’ve never been there but, they tell me it’s nice…41) Into which personality’s shoes would you like to step for a day? Mike Rowe42) Who is you favorite actor/actress/celebrity and why? Joe Manganiello and it doesn’t require an explanation43) Who is your favorite sportsperson? Tony Romo…don’t ask me why. I just think that guy needs a break.44) What is your favorite sporting activity? Rock Climbing45) Which is your favorite genre of movies - comedy/thriller/action? Comedy. I need relief.

OMGoodness is my Tattoo POISON??

Hugs for today!Good morning!  I’ve decided to use my blog not only to writing, music, and other facets of entertainment, but, also to share my journey. I’ve had significant health problems for almost two years. Initially, my rheumatologist diagnosed me with systemic lupus (SLE) on June 19, 2013. However, the medication wasn’t working and I kept getting worse and developing new symptoms. So, after second, third, and fourth opinions, my neurologist believes instead I have fibromyalgia.  In April 2014 I visited yet another rheumatologist who I hoped would be familiar with autoimmune disorders. Following an extensive intake during my initial appointment, I found a place where the doctor also listened to me. Based upon my blood work, the doctor believes I have Sjogren’s Syndrome. She also made the diagnosis of Fibromyalgia and pre-lupus. I’ve never heard of pre-lupus, but, hopefully it stays in the “pre” category. Thank you for listening, each week I will have a new installment chronicling my journey- Which is now more frustrating than ever. I test positive for ANAs in my blood, but, the lupus tests are negative. There are several varieties of autoimmune disorders, with different caveats and health variations. It’s so frustrating because I’ve not yet found a doctor to say YES, Eureka! We know what’s wrong. OMG is my TATTOO POISON?Not really, that was just to grab your attention. Today I talk with you about getting a tattoo when you have an autoimmune disorder. I’m no doctor and I can’t speak for everyone, but, I can share my experience.First off, I LOVE MY TATTOO. Kayden DeGiovanni of Dallas Tattoo is The Man. Based upon my lovely daughter’s awesome design, he created something spectacular and bursting with color. I sat in that chair for almost three hours and the time just flew by. It didn’t even hurt.He talked with me about his preferred method of early tattoo care. I’d never tried his approach before, but, I liked the concept. He suggested keeping saran wrap over the fresh tat for 2-3 days and not to apply anything. Just clean well with antibacterial soap and change the wrapping periodically. Let it “marinate in its’ own juices.” I didn’t need to apply lotion because the saran wrap kept it moist.It worked well. I didn’t have the obnoxious flaking and scabbing as badly as I’d had in the past by just using lotion, A&D, etc. So, that was a bonus. But, I’m on day 12 of my tattoo experience and my entire body is still trying to recover. I need to realize that with my condition things that normally don’t affect people negatively might have an impact on me. Now, that doesn’t mean I CAN’T do these type things, it just means I need to remember that I could have a laundry list of symptoms. Otherwise known as a FLARE. My flare started on Saturday, the day after my tat. I woke up just tired. The nagging cold that had been starting to go away was back again. My throat hurt and I felt like a wrung out dishrag. I had almost zero energy. My tattoo felt like a sunburn and was extremely hot to the touch. I had some slight bruising that developed just below the area of ink. An odd location I thought.During the past 12 days, my memory has been much worse and I’ve been in a perpetual fog. I’ve had a difficult time remembering the simplest things, but, I’ve managed to get by using extra post it notes and writing notes on my hand like I did in junior high.After the point, I researched the subject of getting tattoos if a person has an autoimmune disorder and discovered my flare wasn’t out of the ordinary at all. I should have looked this up BEFORE, to know what to expect. As a matter of fact a person could also experience:ScarringHeavy bleedingSignificant bruisingRedness/itchiness Increased healing timeI suppose this is good news, bad news in a way. I find it good that my flare is just a result of the tattoo and will eventually dissipate. The bad news is that I have to be willing to chance the extreme in symptoms. Further, if I get more ink, the same symptoms could occur, or not. Or, I could have worse or different symptoms. There is just no way to know.Sigh.But, I love my new tat and wouldn’t change a thing. I’m slowly feeling better and taking care of my body with increased rest, increased fluids, and making sure I take my vitamins and supplements. Oh, and applying coconut oil to my now surface-healed tattoo to keep it supple and finish the healing process from the inside.If you have diabetes, fibromyalgia, or an autoimmune disorder, talk with your doctor or other health care practitioner before getting inked. Maybe you should stop certain meds or supplements before your appointment. At any rate, it’s always good to know the potential risks or side effects so you can prepare with how to handle them.

Author Amanda Bennett

Welcome to The Locker and a special feature. This past Saturday, I had the awesome opportunity to attend and volunteer at the Houston Author Event, hosted by Emily Lalone, owner of Lalone Marketing. I met ten amazing authors and I want to introduce them to you too.  Today, meet the author Amanda Bennett. I enjoyed talking with her and listening to her story of how she became a writer. It seemed everyone I talked to enjoyed writing for most of their lives. It just comes naturally.I loved her book covers! They were some of the most beautiful I'd ever seen. 

Please see her BIO:
 
"I am as the old saying goes... "Never judge a book by it's cover".... unless of course that cover is awesome:) No, in all actuality I have been fortunate enough to be a million different people in my stories and books, and I am grateful everyday that I get to do the thing that I love the most. I am a hopeless romantic at heart and I do believe in happy endings. I also believe that it takes a bit of bad experiences and rough roads to get you there, but in the end I strongly believe it is worth it. I am "THAT" person who does believe that everything happens for a reason:)

Amanda currently lives in Utah with her many men (her husband, two little boys, and two dogs). She is an avid San Francisco 49ers and Dexter fan. In high school she developed a love for writing and story telling, and in the past couple years has made it her passion, as she just released her ninth book." You will also find her on Goodreads. Amanda Bennett

Tuesday Tales and Life in a Yellow House

Ahoy Fellow Fathomers! Our Tuesday Tales group is writing to a picture prompt this week- 300 words no more/no less. Could you relax in this serene, quaint little cottage? I think I could.  However, maybe not if you're a crime scene clean-up crew. Once again, I'm pleased to return you to my new WIP, the Fantasy Leagues....Book One - Multiple Scorgasms.
"My brothers all work in the family business, so, my parents are in good hands with passing the company along. Unfortunately, it’s a thriving endeavor, so, will be profitable for years to come. Why should I say unfortunately? Because my parents own a biohazard remediation service, also known as crime scene cleanup. My family must be at their best during some of the worst in times.
I don’t think the reasons behind why my parents went into this line of work are terribly important. However, a multiple homicide in our local small town shocked the citizens and the family had nowhere to turn for help getting that mess out of their home. With blood trailed from the front porch to the back deck, not only were the surviving family members in shock, they needed help from someone compassionate, professional, and above all discreet. My parents helped out and I think some fly by night company came in to finish up, but, they didn’t treat the survivors with the same genuine concern that my parents did. So, out of small town tragedy, Service Trauma Professionals, Incorporated was born.
Eventually, S.T.P. grew to encompass some of the larger surrounding communities where more incidents occurred requiring their specialty clean-up. Word of mouth spread through police departments, funeral homes, and the like quickly expanding the demand for my parents’ business. They were popular before CSI came on national network CBS.
However, I have to think the subject of death, murder, suicide, hoarding, drug labs, and decomposing bodies has something to do with my “broke love button” (and no, I don’t mean my sugar plum.That works just fine, thank you, I’ve reaffirmed that time and time again on my own.) Along the way, decomposing bodies became commonplace and blood spatter patterns replaced average dinner conversations." Now, please visit our other Tuesday Tales writers for their contribution to "mother". Tuesday Tales Main Page