Davee Jones's Blog, page 44

Review Time! American Goddesses by Gary Henry

 Ahoy Fellow Fathomers! Welcome to The Locker for book review time once again.  Today, it’s all about American Goddesses by Gary Henry.





















  Gary is an author, reviewer, ultra-marathoner, and lover of women. Please visit his book review site Honest Indie Book Reviews ~ http://honestindiebookreviews.wordpress.com/ I give this unique novel 3.5 snowflakes. Overall, I enjoyed this super hero tale of women saving the day. I found the storyline engaging and intriguing. Other than a few housekeeping errors, i.e. one minor character’s name and a city changing spellings in a couple of instances and couple slight grammatical issues, this book is worth the time and money to read. Gary begins with the notion that any of us average ordinary women could become a superhero with infinite powers. It pushed my mind into overdrive with what powers I could envision myself with. The escapism from this fantasy was good when stress had the best of me. I believed I could sit at the table of the Justice League or borrow Wonder Woman’s lasso. (C’mon ladies, how many of you crossed your wrists in true WW fashion out on the school playground?)I appreciated that Megan loosened her superpower “grip” on her husband, John, by the end of the book. In the beginning I frankly found her to be a bully and it’s no wonder she pushed him away from her emotionally in the early chapters. Poor John deserved a little afternoon delight, especially with what happens to him throughout the novel. I found myself rooting for him and smiled with how his character grew. One particular scene toward the end when two “Goddesses” flew to intercept the bad guys from an in-flight plane left me confused. The sound of the wind, their speed of flight, and the atmosphere prevented them from talking with each other, yet, one of them took a cell phone call and carried on a conversation.  It made me think too hard about the scene and how obvious that discrepancy is and it momentarily took me out of the book back to reality. I enjoyed the surprise toward the end which helped Trish and Megan not feel so alone, and assisted the resolution and nabbing the bad guys. Gary left the book open to a sequel, and hopefully he is working on it now. This is a fun read to lose an afternoon or two in and I recommend it to anyone with a penchant for the superhero in all of us. Now, please see a hot, explicit excerpt from- American Goddesses:Chapter 14Gary’s bioGrew up at the beach in Virginia. Discovered the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Rockies in college, where he studied journalism and theater. He honed his writing craft in the military as a "Navy Journalist." Gary taught journalism at the Defense Information School.  Discovered spelunking while stationed in Nashville, Tenn. Love the AP Stylebook. Retired from the Navy, live in Lawrence, Kansas with spouse and dogs. Write marketing copy and technical for a manufacturer of construction products. Enjoy running all day and night on trails in woods. Wrote my first novel a couple months after discovering Smashwords. Now living happily ever after.

The Light in Their Eyes - Tuesday Tales

Ahoy Fellow Fathomers! Happy Tuesday and time for another edition of Tuesday Tales. This week I take you  to my (still yet unnamed) new young adult WIP, to include the word, "light". Please enjoy! 
“Look, look, he kissed her again!” Little girl giggles broke out across the darkened room. “What do you think that’s like?” “I don’t know but, it looks silly.”Suddenly, light illuminated the sterile room, hindering the “show” the two young girls watched, causing them to squint against the sudden irritation. “Hey, we can’t see the movie anymore.” “What in the world are you talking about?” The older gentleman doctor sauntered across to where the young ladies sat. “Your television isn’t even turned on.”“No, not on TV, see!” Patsy, the little girl with dark brown ringlets pointed toward the window. Doctor Hawley bent forward and peered intently through the heavy single pane window. A drive-in theater screen danced with the action of a film a few blocks from the hospital. With the lights out in their shared hospital room, the little girls could see the muted action of the actors across the visible white screen. “Will you turn the light off now, Doctor Hawley? Penny and I can’t finish the movie.” Patsy delicately whined. “I’m not all together sure you need to see what’s going on in that movie. It looks like it’s for big people only.” Doctor Hawley cocked one eyebrow and looked from Patsy to Penny with a hearty smile.  “Oh, we’re big enough. I’m almost as tall as my big brother.” Penny bragged and sat up straighter in her hospital bed. “Are you now, Penny? I forget how quickly you are growing up.” Doctor Hawley pleasantly acknowledged her little girl ego. “But, I need to leave the light on for a few minutes because I need to talk with you both and see how the day went. I know you want out of here as quickly as possible. Right?”“As much as I miss my mommy and daddy, I think I’ll miss Patsy terribly when it’s time for me to go home.” Penny’s eyes drooped and her mouth turned down into a sad scowl. “I’ll miss you too, Penny. But, I’ll be so happy when we both don’t hurt anymore, then we can play outside for real.” Patsy countered with a maturity only a few children her age could manifest. With a heavy sigh she repeated her childhood desire, “I’ll be oh so happy when we don’t hurt anymore…”  Now that you've read my contribution to TT, please visit my creative friends over at our main blog, Tuesday Tales for their take on the word prompt "light".

A Last Visit to Blue Ink - Tuesday Tales

Ahoy Fellow Fathomers! Happy Tuesday and time for another edition of Tuesday Tales. This week I take you back one last time to my young adult paranormal thriller WIP, Blue Ink- The Skin Stalker. This book is now 99% finished and the excitement is taking me over! Soon, I will submit for publishing consideration, so, please wish me luck.  For this week's word prompt, we use "package", very appropriate for a book about a killer, don't you think?

  "When Colin returned from the run, The Skin Stalker was still in the same location.  He noticed Colin look around, as if he felt The Skin Stalker’s presence.  The Skin Stalker smiled and knew he rattled Colin’s steely reserve.  Could he already know Maggie’s fate?  Colin was such a self-centered person. The Skin Stalker knew that not even Maggie’s death would interfere with his daily activities-therefore, he imposed the foul tasting reminder for the next day or so.  If anything, The Skin Stalker wondered if he would even mourn. “Maybe for the loss of a good piece of action?” The Skin Stalker smirked at Colin’s lack of empathy. 
Making his way through his front door, Colin stopped by the active TV for any updates that may have occurred during his hour absence.  Flipping through the channels, he saw nothing new from various broadcast stations. Time to move on to a new distraction.  Needing a thorough scrubbing, Colin undressed in the laundry room, hung his sweaty clothing on the rack beside the washing machine, and walked naked to his stand up shower.
Colin’s exquisite bathroom perfectly suited his manliness.  He had not only a two person glassed in shower, complete with staggered multi shower heads, but, a deep Jacuzzi soaking tub as well.   It amused him that the immense space also held a bidet.  Of which he still was not accustomed.  However, knowing it was there added to the charm and sophistication of the lavish space.  Appearances were an important part of the “Colin package.”
The strong hot spray against his fatigued muscles worked surprisingly well to relax him. He dried himself quickly and dressed in casual clothing.  He did not plan to go into the office today, but, he would definitely be working from home.  Colin’s stomach growled and he realized it had been about 16 hours since he had last eaten.  Needing coffee, Colin went into the kitchen to start a fresh pot. He opened the cabinet above the coffeemaker, looking for filters.  He located an unopened supply, however, absolutely no coffee to fill it with." Now that you've read my contribution to TT, please visit my creative friends over at our main blog, Tuesday Tales for their take on the word "package".

Winter Wonderland Post - My Nirvana Tuesday Tales

Ahoy Fellow Fathomers! Happy Tuesday and time for another edition of Tuesday Tales. This week I take you to my new young adult romance WIP, Black Diamond Hearts are the Most Difficult.  The following picture is a panoramic view of the mountains from my former hometown, Evergreen, CO. I present the following picture prompt:


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"Not a better backdrop existed on the planet for cozying up to an intimate interlude.  Matthew inspected the view outside the cabin window, thinking of his life to that point.  Although he was only a few years’ older than Laurel, Matthew had already been down the road of isolative athlete.  He even remained a virgin long past his buddies because he simply did not have time to adequately charm the pants, literally, off any girl.  He spent years in tunnel vision eyeing the top prize in the ski world.  However, the harder he tried to be a champion- getting within microseconds- just to fall short, became painfully abrasive.  He finally relented to accept the inevitable-he would not be the world’s best.

Now in his late twenties, Matthew possessed the skills necessary to warm cute, frozen ski bunnies into wet slushy submission with his moves. Although he fell short of his ultimate dream, he remained a local legend worthy of adoration for all his efforts and minor successes.  Therefore, Matthew never had a shortage of female attention.  For a time, he practiced his moves on ski-groupies happy for the chance to relieve his masculine tensions.  Matthew lacked nothing, and was the perfect combination of athlete and heartthrob. Handsome with brown hair, blue eyes, and just shy of six feet sleek muscle.  When he hit an aerial jump with perfect rotation, the resounding swoon from his crowd of admirers permeated the cold air. 
Yet, after Laurel unknowingly worked her way into his heart, no other girl on the mountain gave him pause.  He hoped to have the chance to share his feelings with her. However, he was not sure how, or even if he should, approach her. Moreover, he knew the feeling of desiring first place, and did not want to interfere with her dreams." Now that you've read my contribution to TT, please visit my creative friends over at our main blog, Tuesday Tales for their take on this gorgeous picture prompt.  Happy 2013!!

The "Gift" in 2013- Tuesday Tales Returns!

Ahoy Fellow Fathomers! Happy Tuesday and time for another edition of Tuesday Tales. This week I take you  to my new young adult romance WIP, Black Diamond Hearts are the Most Difficult.  Matthew and Laurel finish a day on the slopes.  I present the following word prompt "gift":


"Just as she turned to look up toward the slope, Matthew skidded comically on the packed powder rapidly advancing toward her.  His ski poles flailed at odd angles, while he wobbled from side to side. Laurel held her ground, digging her toes into her boots, she jammed her poles into the ground on each side of her. Indeed, Matthew stopped easily and abruptly before he plowed Laurel over onto the dirty snow-covered ground. Skidding sideways, his skis skittered slightly against the corny icy sludge covering the parking lot. “I knew you would stop, coach.  You never fooled me.”“That stuff is getting crusty toward the bottom of this run, I almost knocked you down. Our gift of powder is disappearing quickly today.”  Laurel rolled her eyes, uprooted her poles, and glared at him. “Alright, alright, I knew I wouldn’t phase you.  I could if I really wanted to though.”  He winked at her from behind his ski goggles.  “Quit flirting with me. I still need to run a couple miles but I need food first, are you coming with, or must I walk?” Laurel feigned irritation, amusement tingeing her tone. “Yes, you can come with me, let’s go get some chow.  An après-ski cheeseburger sounds amazing.”  Matthew’s mouth began to water as Laurel took off her own goggles and shook her hair loose from the Under Armour beanie. He wondered if it was all about the thought of a juicy cheeseburger, or if her long blonde locks had anything to do with it.“Cheeseburger? Are you high?”  Laurel teased Matthew with a ridiculous assumption.  “What do you mean, Miss Health Nut, you having a baked potato, broiled chicken, and salad-again?”Laurel socked Matthew in the shoulder with a padded gloved fist.  “I’m not that bad, old man, but, I am in training after all.”  She used one ski pole to snap down on the back of her bindings as she clicked her ski boots out of their tight hold.  She moved quickly, having perfected the act hundreds, if not thousands, of times. " Now that you've read my contribution to TT, please visit my creative friends over at our main blog, Tuesday Tales for their take on the word prompt "gift". Haopy 2013!!

Win an iPad2 from Secret Cravings Publishing!

Ahoy Fellow Fathomers! Let’s start off 2013 with a HUGE contest sponsored by my publisher, Secret Cravings Publishing. You are cruising with SCP authors for a chance to win the following grand prizes from SCP:Grand Prize- iPad2First place- Kindle FireSecond Place- $50 SCP gift cardThird place- $25 SCP gift card
This contest will run Friday January 4 through Sunday January 6.
I will contact my personal winner by Tuesday January 8 at the latest. SCP will have the grand prize winner's name by Friday, January 11th. The winner from my blog will receive a $10 gift certificate to SCP.
To be eligible for the grand prizes... you must answer and match a minimum of 25 of the 30 participating authors to their “location”.  You must eMail your answers to Dawne Prochilo, Review Coordinator for SCP at reviewcoordinator@secretcravingspublishing.com.
Now, a little about my latest release- it will warm your chaps -  Lovedust and Trailblazers
1950’s Oklahoma  Young Marine, Josiah Samuels, was sent home from the Korean Conflict and honored with a Purple Heart for the shrapnel wounds across his chest.  Although he proudly served his country, he lived on a daily basis haunted by the sights and sounds of warfare. As a cattle rancher, he raised stock for local rodeos, including the Prison Rodeo in McAlester, OK and lived a simple life of solitude. But, the loneliness and the void the war created in his chest began to overwhelm him. Then, because of a “cow emergency”, he met Minnie Mitchell, a spitfire neighboring rancher who finished veterinary school at Oklahoma State in a time when few women were even admitted to University veterinarian programs. She faced her own obstacles in running her family’s cattle operation and finding a job as a vet in stereotypical 1950’s Oklahoma. Minnie passionately rattled Josiah’s world in ways he previously only dreamed. Now, together, these Trailblazers must find a way to keep Minnie close to the family ranch…and Josiah’s loving arms.My Location is.... the SWISS ALPS !

My trailer for this Lovedust and Trailblazers is now featured nationally!  Link- USA Today Feature

Amazon Purchase Link

Barnes and Noble Purchase Link

For the rest of the participating authors, visit our SCP blog where you link to the other locations for a chance to win the grand prize.  http://secretcravingspublishing.blogspot.com/ 

Letter To My Younger Self - Hello 2013

Ahoy, today in The Locker, I set a tribute to 2013 with an audience to anyone who has ever made a bad decision and had to live with the consequence. (Can I get a heck yea?) Although this fictional letter does not detail any one specific person, I believe it serves as inspiration for so many people. Raising teenagers/twenty-somethings gives me a new experience almost daily that I know they might regret later. But, I can’t tell them anything. Just like no one could tell me anything when I was younger.But, the point of this whole post is to let YOU, awesome reader, know that we all make mistakes, hurtful choices, wrong turns, suffer humiliations, let the ones we love down, sheesh, it’s a laundry list a mile long.But…The beauty is, you can move forward from it. Learn from it. Grow from it. And, yes, even be a better person from it.I hope you all have an amazing 2013!Virtual hugs!To Whom It Concerns:I’m just asking for a chance. This letter of explanation references a (misdemeanor, felony conviction, termination, expulsion, drug or alcohol abuse, or other fill in the blank bad event) I received in my (fill in the blank- teens, early twenties, mid twenties, whatever). With a heavy heart, I carry the consequence of a terrible decision I made and remain forever remorseful. However, due to my intrinsic family values, Christian faith, and desire to positively contribute to humanity, I overcame those former obstacles.  I use the lessons I learned from that experience to forge ahead on a positive path, never forgetting the strong implications of what could have been my bleak future. Although my family always supported me, it was of my own volition I changed the course of my life. Although I shared my past with whomever necessary- from my performance, involvement and enthusiasm, I gained the confidence and trust from (again fill in the blank - teachers, mentors, friends, family, college administration, etc) receiving (again, fill in the blank- letters of recommendation, jobs, other opportunities) from those who got to know the “real” me.I received a conviction of possession of illegal substances based on a passenger in my vehicle. Unbeknownst to me, this passenger possessed illegal substances while in my car. As the owner of the vehicle, I received charges as well.  After completing all recommended programs, the court reduced the charge to “suspended”.  Over the years , through attorneys, I attempted  to remove the charge from my record.  Unfortunately, with the charge now categorized as “suspended”, that is impossible.  However, never one to give up, I applied for a gubernatorial pardon, to finally fully expunge this solitary episode from my record. The lengthy process takes much time, yet upon completing all required paperwork, I remain confident in my success.I do not deny I made a bad choice and I take full responsibility for my actions.  Afterward, I saw what I needed to do in my life to create positive changes, and I made those happen. Every day I find new reasons to celebrate where I stand now, always remembering the events leading me here—both the good and the bad. Even when I finally receive the governor’s pardon, I will carry the weight of this experience as a strong reminder of how hard certain choices can be to overcome.For several years to now, I dedicate my life to the betterment of myself and my family. When I graduated from college, the university commended my performance as one in the top of my class-an honor I did not take lightly. These moments fill me with pride to share with prospective employers, new friends, and the like. Unfortunately, my past record also continues to haunt me, requiring me to share those very difficult, embarrassing personal details as well with individuals, such as you. However, I accept the necessity of my candor.  I implore you for a face-to-face interview to demonstrate what an asset I could become to (your organization, business, school, etc.) My current employer will verify my exemplary work record.  I am more than my past mistakes. I am a wife/husband, a mother/father, daughter, son, a student, a hard worker, a Christian, etc. My faith in God is what gives me strength to write this explanation and gives me the certainty that I will rise above, and be an example for all those around me- first and foremost, for my children. Thank you in advance for providing the opportunity for me to interview with you. I have many references, some of which include current and past employees of your establishment. I will provide contact information upon your request.  I look forward to hearing from you.I’m just asking for a chance.SincerelyMany Adults Over the Age of 35

It's Another Chance to Win - Best of 2012

Voting is Open


Son in Red Suit

Ahoy Fellow Fathomers and welcome to one of my last blog posts for 2012.  Recovering from the frenzy of Thanksgiving morphing right into Christmas has left my head spinning. I’m sure many of you feel the same way. I saw red at one point, not out of anger, but, delirium. LOLI’m turning this blog over to YOU. I want to know what your favorite book was for 2012. I will use old fashioned style voting for this one, simply place your comment below with your favorite book, complete with the author’s name. dear daughter w/fuzzy pillow-even the deer is festive









Three lucky winners will receive a copy of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place books respectively, rated on this blog. For example, if Fifty Shades of Gray receives the most votes, then winner number one will receive a copy of FSOG, compliments of me. I will also pitch in one of my titles - so, really, winners receive TWO reads for your efforts.  
Son Aaron can grill in the Camper on job site
Everyone is welcome to join in the fun and nominate your own book if you like.  Voting is open until New Year’s Day.
Gma has the wine holder for the NYE Party!

Guest Author Kellie Kamryn and Hot Adults Only Excerpt

Ahoy Fellow Fathomers! Today in The Locker I guest the beautiful and talented Kellie Kamryn. Keep reading because she has promised a GIVEAWAY! Please comment below with what you think is good for your heart, leave your email address and Kellie will randomly choose a winner for a copy of her newest release! [image error] Please welcome Miss Kellie Kamryn, a sexy erotic romance writer who has several published books with Secret Cravings Publishing. The first Secret Cravings book I ever read was Kellie Kamryn’s Monkeys, Sex, and Other Birthday Surprises, a fun romp that made me smile. Another intriguing and fun title in one of Kellie's series is entitled Celery, Sex, and Other Tasty Treats for the Heart. [image error] Her latest, an erotic comedy romance, is entitled Chocolate, Sex and Other Tasty Treats for the Soul. [image error]  This is the third book in The Harder series available from Secret Cravings Publishing on December 25th.  Please see the following EXPLICIT excerpt- caution contains explicit content.BLURB:Marnie Harder wants what her sisters have found- love. One sister found it on-line, so why couldn't she? Bi-sexual female seeking committed ménage. Rather than view internet porn, she's determined to use her computer time more wisely, and decides to find a website catering to her sexual orientation where she can place an ad.Before she gets that far, she discovers her new neighbors, Madison Williams and Drake Ellison, are as attracted to her as she is to them. The night Madison knocks on her door to "borrow" something, turns into a lust-filled evening with the two that Marnie won't soon forget. Leave it to her family and a meddling monkey to spoil the morning after.But in the wake of candy wrappers, wild passion, and broken furniture, will Marnie find what she's been looking for?Two’s company, but three’s far sweeter.Excerpt:A flush stole over her body at the sight of her sexy, redheaded neighbor, Madison Williams. Calm down, woman, she chastised herself. She has a boyfriend, remember?Madison and her tall, blond, blue-eyed god-of-a-boyfriend, Drake Ellison, moved into the apartment next to hers two months ago. Unsure of what possessed her at the time; she’d baked a cake and brought it to them as a housewarming gift once the couple settled in.The visit had been difficult for Marnie because she was barely able to form a coherent sentence in front of them. Her attraction to the two of them was off the charts, and she couldn’t find the courage to express her interest, despite the fact, she’d visited with them numerous times.Besides, they were so into each other, they hadn’t given her any indication they were anything but straight. Marnie had heard their passionate moans emanating from their apartment at any hour of the day. They didn’t seem to mind if the entire building heard them having sex. Guilt shot through her stomach when she recalled a time or two she’d gotten off to the sound of their lovemaking. Talk about awkward. How do you look someone in the eye after doing that?Madison knocked again, and Marnie put a hand over her heart, currently trying to beat its way out of her chest. Her pussy pulsed as she caught sight of Madison’s tongue darting out to wet her lips. An image of Madison on her knees between Marnie’s thighs flashed through her mind and had her swallowing a groan.Get a grip! Tightening the sash on her robe, she checked to make sure all her body parts were covered. She could pretend she didn’t have the hots for Madison. Madison probably just needed something. I need her.Cripes. Marnie gulped, unlocked the door, and drew back the chain. Opening the door a crack, she squeaked, “May I help you?” Great.When Madison’s gaze dipped in the direction of the V in her robe, Marnie’s nipples pebbled. Her eyes met Marnie’s again. “I certainly hope so.”* * * *Madison swallowed the saliva pooling in her mouth from sneaking a peek at Marnie’s cleavage. Since the day Marnie brought them cake, all she’d been able to think about was interesting places to eat icing off of Marnie’s body. She loved Drake with all her heart, but as a bisexual female, there was something special about being with a woman and she missed it.Since she and Marnie had only spoken a handful of words, she couldn’t explain the fierce attraction she had for the green-eyed brunette. She cleared her throat, hoping to clear her head of dirty thoughts at the same time. Lifting her chin to indicate Marnie’s attire, she said, “I hope I’m not interrupting anything.”“Nope. Not really. Just me. Home. Alone. On a Friday night.”Marnie’s cheeks colored. So cute! But why would she be embarrassed to be caught at home alone? Unless she’s done something naughty. Madison liked naughty. Inhaling, she caught a whiff of pussy. As the delicious scent permeated her senses, a jolt of desire slashed through her abdomen and traveled straight to her cunt.What am I doing? Her desire for her new neighbor overrode common sense. She had to find out first if Marnie was even into women, never mind a threesome between her and her boyfriend.Drake had embraced Madison’s bisexuality with enthusiasm, telling her that any time she found a woman she wanted to fuck, he’d be there. What more could a woman ask for?A woman. This woman in front of me. Deep in her gut, she knew her sexy neighbor could make everything complete. But, even if Marnie happened to be into women, and that was a big if, that didn’t mean she’d be into men too.Marnie folded her arms across her chest, squishing her boobs together. The sight made Madison’s mouth water all over again.“Did you need something?” Marnie asked.“Um, yeah. May I come in for a minute?”Marnie stared at her for a second then shrugged. “Sure.” She opened the door wider and stepped aside to let Madison enter.When Madison stepped by Marnie to get into the apartment, she accidentally brushed Marnie’s chest. Well, maybe not so accidentally. As her arm grazed Marnie’s breast through the fabric of the robe, Marnie’s nipples hardened on contact. The distinct scent of pussy grew stronger, and Madison couldn’t stand it any longer. It would be a bold move but her brain insisted she get right to the point.As Marnie shut the door, Madison blocked her, forcing the brunette against the door. Green eyes widened with surprise as Madison stepped into her personal space, leaving only centimetres separating them. “Someone’s been busy tonight.” Her voice came out a sexy purr.Marnie’s brows scrunched together in confusion. “What do you mean?”Madison inhaled deep through her nose, closing her eyes for a second, letting the scent of pussy fill her senses. Her hazel eyes popped open, boring holes into green sparkly ones. “Do you have someone here? Did you lie about being alone?”Marnie shifted uncomfortably under Madison’s intense stare. “Um, no, I’m alone. Why are you asking?”“If I’m not mistaken, you’ve had an orgasm recently. I want to crash your party for one.” WHEW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I need a moment after that smokin’ HOT excerpt. You can find more about Kellie and her other published works in the following locations:Readers can follow Kellie on facebook: www.facebook.com/KellieKamrynKellie’s reader's group: Sweet & Sassy Divas and DudesBlog: www.kelliekamryn.blogspot.comTwitter: @KellieKamrynYoutube channelOr check out all her books on her website: www.kelliekamryn.com

Want to Visit a Cabin in the Snowy Woods- Tuesday Tales

Ahoy Fellow Fathomers! Happy Tuesday and time for another edition of Tuesday Tales. This week I take you  to my new young adult romance WIP, Black Diamond Hearts are the Most Difficult.  Matthew and Laurel enjoy a beautiful snowy drive and some pensive conversation.  I present the following picture prompt "snowy cabin":


"Matthew’s sudden quiet manner puzzled Laurel once again.  His abrupt personality changes occurred more frequently these days. He stared straight ahead focused on the road, while she secretly studied his profile.  The occasional swish of the wiper blades across the windshield against the falling snow reminded Laurel of the beauty of the early evening. From his pensive expression, she deduced the snowflakes failed to entice Matthew into his usual excitement.  “Isn’t that Engeldive cabin just off the road up ahead beautiful this time of year?” Laurel attempted to draw a smile from Matthew’s stitched lips. “Oh…yes… it is. I hear the owner might start leasing it again.” A brief flicker of interest brightened his eyes. “Would be an awesome home, no matter what the season.” Laurel’s dreamy expression indicated some secret homey thoughts. “Not sure I could afford it on my salary, though. With the location, they probably will want a pretty penny for it.”“Maybe you just need a roommate?” Laurel offered innocently. “Possibly, but, you know, I need to start thinking long term. Someday, I’d like to have a family of my own. Maybe I should investigate a change in career.” Matthew’s expression became sullen once again.“I’m going to sound selfish, but, I still need you coach. So, don’t be talking about leaving me to find someone new until I at least get my first Olympic medal.” Laurel smiled warmly and touched Matthew’s shoulder. “We’ve come too far together for you to ditch me now.”“I promise I won’t leave you yet. You have been a work in progress. Sheesh, I wouldn’t dare want another coach to un-do all the blood, sweat, and tears I’ve put into training you.” Matthew finally mustered a genuine smile and they both laughed, driving past the turn to the Engeldive cabin."

Now that you've read my contribution to TT, please visit my creative friends over at our main blog, Tuesday Tales for their take on the picture prompt "snowy cabin". Merry Christmas my friends!!!