Davee Jones's Blog, page 45

Five Favorite Things Blog Hop

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Ahoy Fellow Fathomers and welcome to the Secret Cravings Publishing Five Favorite Things blog hop! For your chance to win, comment on my blog for a "Get Warm this Winter" gift basket. Please leave your name and email address for contact information. Then follow the link to our SCP Facebook page and comment there for chances to win other prizes! Secret Cravings Publishing Reader's Page and Secret Cravings Fan Page. If that isn't enough, please visit the SCP blog for more chances!!  Secret Cravings Blog

Each participating SCP author lists their 5 favorite things and although this sounds easy, I love so many things, it is actually hard for me to narrow down to just 5!!  But, I'll give it a shot...

5.  A favorite SCP book-
Obviously, I will post my favorite book released by SCP. This is difficult in itself, because as a writer, I actually do not have much time to read. Ultimately, there are many more SCP books and authors I want to experience than what I have to date, so narrowing the field to one book is the hardest choice on this list. I decided to go with the first SCP I ever read and that honor goes to....Kellie Kamryn for Monkeys, Sex, and Other Birthday Surprises...this delightful, playful romp is as full of sexually charged energy as smiles. You should check it out, along with Kellie's other releases. She's burning up the eBook trade these days.


[image error] Amazon Purchase Link


















4.  A favorite food--
Hands down, I gotta say it's my Grandma Helen's biscuits and gravy. OMGoodness...thinking about it now makes me miss the family Rockin' Chair Ranch, also affectionately known as the Cattle Company. She raised us on good ole' fashioned southern comfort food. Just thinking about it now also reminds me of her chicken and dumplings, but, alas, I'm limited to one on this list. I sure love my Gma, and not for her cooking, but, because she is the most awesome lady I know.

[image error] Gma Helen and my two awesome sister-loves, Chrisee and Jewel















3.  A favorite activity--
My love of sports began in high school and mushroomed into one activity after another. Watching my son, Aaron, play baseball (they won the Colorado state little league championship one year), son,Devin, play basketball, and now my daughter, Allee, play softball and volleyball, keeps me motivated. I began running 5K races with my husband, Alan, and even participated in a few triathlons. All this combined helps me maintain my health to keep up with favorite number 4, eating my gma's great food! :)
 [image error] Me and The Husband after a triathlon
 Allee serving up volleyball
2. A favorite place--
I-70 take me where I want to go...Knowing how much I love my Oklahoma roots and the family ranch, that's a given I would always consider it home and my favorite place. But, I have a new adopted favorite place that brings me comfort and delight EVERY single time I go there....Colorado and the Rocky Mountains.

The view from Buffalo Overlook, the first peek at the majesty
[image error] Hiking St Mary's Glacier, the view from up high
Just outside our favorite restaurant and brew pub
We visit as often as possible, usually once during each season of the year. With so much to offer, we just never have enough time. We always manage to make it to our favorite brewery, Tommyknockers, though. The beer and buffalo burgers have my mouth watering already....If you ever find yourself in Idaho Springs, Colorado, I guarantee you it's worth the visit.















1. My favorite Thing----
drum roll here....if you know me very well, you would have already guessed this one. But, my absolute, number one favorite thing in the world is....SNOW. Snowflakes are the most beautiful thing in the world to me. Amazing, crystalline, fragile, fluffy elements of nature- so distinctive and gorgeous. I love snowflakes so much, I have three tattooed on my lower back.
Unlike a rainstorm, when the weather predicts a snowfall overnight, the quiet, almost magical, arrival comes without loud thundering or lightning cracks across the sky.  Peeking out the window, from the dry, barren ground of the day before, to awaken to a newly blanketed white world truly warms me from head to toe.
Us skiing during a snowfallI could sit and watch the snow fall for hours, it's silent, wondrous, and peaceful.
Ready to cross country ski in Montana...niece, Gina-Belle dubiously watching

















Once again in a snowfall on the slopes with The Husband
Now, to just get some photos of individual snowflakes, that's a job for my photographer husband, Alan. :) Maybe on our next trip in January to Colorado.


Thank you for indulging my 5 favorite things list. Please comment below for your chance to win and I would LOVE to hear some of your favorite things!

Getting Back on the Ice - Tuesday Tales

My eyelashes almost froze on this ski trip to Montana. Me with son, DevinAhoy Fellow Fathomers! Happy Tuesday and time for another edition of Tuesday Tales. This week I take you  to my new young adult romance WIP, Eyelashes Freeze in North Dakota-But Not Warm Hearts.  Meet Cody, the one Adelaide has intrigued.  I present the following word prompt "future":

“Hey, doc, you here for me?” One fairly large and muscled male specimen approached him, limping as he made his way toward Cody. “Most definitely, I rather hoped you would have walked that limp off before I got here. Now, I really gotta take you seriously.” Cody found if he joked with the team members a bit, it relaxed them before he began the rehabilitation routine. These players attended UND on scholarship and all of them had professional hockey in their dreams. The players both revered and feared Cody’s presence for those reasons. They counted on him to get them literally back in the game quickly. Cody’s mood shifted to all business, knowing he had this young man’s future in his hands. Although Adelaide remained a comforting presence, much like a satisfying meal leaves a body satiated; Cody performed the exam as professionally as he ever had. He directed the young man toward the exam room, where he would take X-rays. “I’m going to do the best I can to get you back on the ice quickly, you are my current priority.”The day flew quickly, as Cody consulted his watch; he decided he could get in at least his daily run before he should get back to his apartment and shower. He allowed an image of Adelaide to the front of his mind, excited about their informal date that evening. He quickly changed into his workout apparel and grabbed his ear buds. As he adjusted the speed on the treadmill, he situated his ear buds into his ears and plugged them into the jack on the control panel. He flipped the appropriate station to the news on a flat screen television on the wall closest to his line of vision. Listening to the current events of the day, he stubbornly required himself to focus on something besides the growing pit of nervousness brewing in his stomach. How is a woman getting me this worked up? Do I really want this to be happening in my life right now? He thought of her beautiful eyes and quirky ways only briefly before he answered his own question. “Yes, I do.” my son, Aaron, and I taking the slopes in Idaho
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 "future". Merry Christmas my friends!!!
 My son, Devin, taking the slopes in Montana
That snowboard is meant to work in an upright position, Son.

Yes, Let's Combine Helping with Romance and Love!

UPDATE- thank you to all who commented on my Wounded Warriors blog hop post. The winners for the PDF of Lovedust and Trailblazers are Carolyn Gibbs, Ben Tanner, and Tamara Monteau. Today, I also donated $31 to the Wounded Warriors project for 31 comments.

Davee Jones
Thank you for your generous donation to Wounded
Warrior Project, Inc. Your gift enables us to provide
comfort and aid to injured warriors and their
families.
Contribution Summary: Payment Amount: $31.00



With “Minnie” unsure she can remain in Oklahoma and practice veterinary medicine, she looks to another viable alternative for meaningful employment- Heifer International. Started in 1944 to help more than 15 million hungry families all over the world support and feed themselves, this amazing organization grew by leaps and bounds for its ‘continued success - 68 years later! That’s staying power at its’ best. According to their statistics, “In 2011, a total of 1.9 million families were assisted within the four program areas in which Heifer operates.”
Ahoy Fellow Fathomers. I enjoy creating fictional worlds readers will identify with. Although I hope readers escape with my words, I also entwine helpful storylines that might help make a difference. I love to use my stories to help you learn something new or how to enrich your life- as well as enriching the lives around you. Heifer International provides not only livestock for food, wool, and bees for pollination. They also provide tree seedlings, poultry, schools of fish, cooking stoves and much more. Through training, receiving families understand how to use their special gifts-and more importantly, how to pass them along to continue the amazing ‘pay it forward’ for other needy families.  This holiday season is the perfect time to consider helping this worthwhile organization. I wrote this specific blog entry because, obviously, I do not go into great detail about this organization in my upcoming romance, Lovedust and Trailblazers, in an attempt at marketing or writing a long advertisement. J  Rather, I chronicle the romantic journey of “Josiah” and “Minnie”. Fictional Josiah is a tough, soft-spoken, military veteran rancher. Fictional Minnie is a spunky, intelligent, trailblazing female veterinarian. Josiah’s return from the Korean Conflict did not occur as smoothly as he had hoped, dealing with the trauma and horrors he experienced during his tour. Minnie attempts to fit in as one of the first female vets of the 1950’s.  Finding each other, they learn how to trust, forge ahead, and share intimacies. Yes, this book contains some explosive love scenes, but, these two deserve it. JWithout further ado, please graciously allow me to introduce this snippet from this close to my heart project, Lovedust and Trailblazers: “Josiah’s stomach dropped at the thought of Minnie leaving him. Especially to potentially go overseas. Shoot, with the daily responsibilities he had on the farm, Little Rock might as well be Puerto Rico. He attempted to gauge her seriousness. “You would really leave, just like that? So quickly?” He hoped the panic he felt did not reveal itself in his voice. Josiah strained his eyes, attempting to see beyond the focus of the headlights. He needed something to calm his rousingly anxious demeanor and rapidly beating heart.  He inhaled deeply and attempted to exhale slowly.  The purplish-pink strains against the deepening navy blue sky calmed him momentarily.“I’m not thinking of picking up tomorrow or anything, but I must consider my future. I didn’t go to college to become a veterinarian to return to our farm and treat only my own livestock.” The tone in Minnie’s voice indicated tension and frustration, something that Josiah had not heard before from her.  “I also didn’t become a vet to get rich, I did it to help animals and enhance my own life. The ridiculous sexist attitude around these rural areas confuses and frustrates me. Good ole boys, my fanny!”Josiah cautiously considered his response, not wanting to give himself away and how deeply he already felt connected to Minnie. “I know you want to make a difference, and it isn’t enough just to have your degree, you should use it, Minnie. I want you to have your name on a shingle outside a clinic. I just want to be close enough to use your services from time to time.” He quickly glanced at her, shooting her a clever smile to ease the heavy conversational tone.Minnie’s face momentarily showed confusion and disdain, before she lit up once more in happiness, apparently recognizing what Josiah meant. “I’m not runnin’ away anytime soon, I’m just a woman who needs plan a, b, and c. I’m sure you understand that.”Josiah turned the wheel quickly to dodge a rapidly moving armadillo that darted out of the tall weeds onto the road. The sharp motion caused Minnie to jolt closer toward the middle of the seat. “Looks like I’m not the only one with plans. If you wanted me next to you, all you had to do was ask.” She batted her eyelashes at him in exaggerated flirtation.”

My trailer for this book is now featured nationally!  Link- USA Today Feature

Amazon Purchase Link

Barnes and Noble Purchase Link

Saluting our Soldiers-Wounded Warriors Blog Hop

[image error] Time for your chance to WIN and help a GREAT cause! 




According to the US Military, approximately one veteran per day dies by suicide. July 2012 was the worst month for suicides since the Army began releasing statistics in 2009, with a suspected total of 38.ª This fact alone creates heartache for me. Personally, although my grandpa didn’t die by suicide, he not-so-ironically died on Independence Day, July 4, 2003, haunted by the scenes he encountered while serving in Korea. Ahoy Fellow Fathomers. By now, you know I enjoy creating fictional worlds readers will identify with. Although I hope readers escape with my words, I also entwine helpful storylines that might help make a difference. However, sometimes events and issues in our realm are not always comfortable subjects-I tackle them in some manner anyway.

Today's blog is part of a special blog hop to raise money for the Wounded Warriors project. At minimum, the group of writers involved in this opportunity will raise $600 for their organization. If you would like to see how more you can help, please click this link Wounded Warriors. In addition to the $30 I will contribute as a participating author, I will donate additional money for each comment beginning at number 31 posted in this blog entry. Please leave your email address and name within the comment so I may count you as a visitor. In other words, if I receive more than 30 comments, Wounded Warriors Project receives more money from me! :)  I will draw two names from all comments posted containing name and email address and those winners will receive a pdf of my latest release, Lovedust and Trailblazers. Please keep reading for the link back to the main blog for more chances to win. In my latest release, Lovedust and Trailblazers, I chronicle the romantic journey of “Josiah” and “Minnie”. Fictional Josiah is a tough, soft-spoken, military veteran rancher. Fictional Minnie is a spunky, intelligent, trailblazing female veterinarian. Josiah’s return from the Korean Conflict did not occur as smoothly as he had hoped, dealing with the trauma and horrors he experienced during his tour. Minnie attempts to fit in as one of the first female vets of the 1950’s.  Finding each other, they learn how to trust, forge ahead, and share intimacies. Yes, this book contains some explosive love scenes, but, these two deserve it. JAlthough not an overwhelming theme in this book, I touch on what we now know as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, PTSD. Prevalent from many different causes, situations, and ages in life- combat and the experiences of military duties are very common cathartic events to invoke PTSD.  My fictional hero, Josiah, developed PTSD, however, back in the 1950’s, it really was not a clinical diagnosis. The term PTSD itself was not coined until the 1970’s, long after the Korean Conflict ended. Real-life soldiers might have been called, rather undiplomatically,“shell-shocked”. According to one study, PTSD and Depression in Korean War Veterans, the CONCLUSIONS: “Comorbid PTSD and depression, and PTSD alone, are prevalent among Korean War veterans, are both associated with war-related factors 50 years after the Korean War, and may represent a single traumatic stress construct. The results have important implications for understanding complex psychopathology following trauma.” “Josiah” returned home without understanding, and an overwhelming sadness and anxiety he felt he had to cope with completely on his own. I could write the ending for Josiah that I wanted to happen, but, not the reality so many men and women live with every day.How does this apply to our lives today in the real world?The effects of PTSD are longstanding and affect our current veterans at alarming rates. The more research conducted, the more we learn about how to help our courageous soldiers who sacrificed so much and continue to sacrifice long after they hang up their uniforms-and put their guns back in the safe. If you or someone you know is struggling with the difficult affects of PTSD, or having trouble adjusting to life back home after service and you suspect has thoughts of suicide, the US Army has a website you can visit for more information US Army Suicide Assistance . One other website you can visit is: Suicide Prevention Crisis Line . Together, we can bring happiness and a love of life back to someone we know is hurting-for whatever reason. Without further ado, please graciously allow me to introduce this snippet from this close to my heart project, Lovedust and Trailblazers: “Josiah walked away on shaky legs. Other than a few of the pin-up posters he had seen in the military, he never paid that much attention to women. Living on a remote Oklahoma ranch, not too many girls crossed his path. Of course, he went to school with some girls, but no one he really wanted to settle down with.  When he went to Korea, it really put thoughts of a girlfriend or marriage out of his mind. That afternoon reminded Josiah just how lonely life on a ranch could be. Minnie’s beauty and spunk inspired him to feel like a man and not shy away from the intensity the female gender triggered in most men. “Well, Zeke, what do you think about our neighbor?”“Josiah, I’ve never met a woman that confused me more in my cotton pickin’ life. What in the world do you do with a pet cow?”“Zeke…brother…we see our farm animals as things, not living creatures. She sees it the other way around. Do you understand that?”“Honestly, I see them as how we make a livin’. They’re dumb as dirt and good for human consumption. That’s about it. You know, raisin’ rodeo stock is not exactly a tender way to treat animals. What about those rough-housin’ inmates at the prison in McAlester? During the prison rodeo they tend to want to let out a few aggressions during the events. ““She sees life in a different way, she is a veterinarian. She probably cares more about animals than people. By the way, just because we raise livestock for the rodeo circuit, doesn’t mean we don’t care about how they’re treated. From what I understand these high profile rodeos might start having a vet oversee the show, including the prison rodeo. That’ll help the bad reputation rodeos have for mistreating the stock.” Returning his thought process to Minnie, his eyes shifted dreamily. “Wow, Zeke, she is the only woman vet I know. That’s something, I tell you.”Suddenly, Zeke had a rare epiphany. “Aww shucks, Josiah, you like this girl!”“Maybe I do, Zeke, what of it?” Josiah almost became defensive, but was too happy.“Nothing, brother, I won’t say another word.” Zeke grinned from ear to ear.”
Please visit the main blog at Secret Cravings Wounded Warrior Blog Hop for more chances to win and other good stuff! Merry Christmas and thank you ever so much for your support. ªhttp://www.military.com/veterans-report/suicide-rates-reach-high?ESRC=vr.nl
My book trailer is now featured nationally! - USA Today LinkBarnes and Noble Purchase LinkAmazon Purchase Link

Keep the Demon "Silent" - Tuesday Tales

Ahoy Fellow Fathomers! Happy Tuesday and time for another edition of Tuesday Tales. This week I take you back to my young adult paranormal thriller WIP, Blue Ink- The Skin Stalker.  This book is now 3/4 finished and the excitement is taking me over! For this week's word prompt, we use "silent", very appropriate for a book about a killer, don't you think?

"Colin sat silent. He had no response, except he needed to know about Hannah so he could protect Joelle.  He knew no one believed his innocence and he completely understood why.  “You have to protect Joelle, she is in danger, I don’t know why, I just know she is!”  Colin had to make the lieutenant understand.  “You don’t need to convince me, and we are making sure she is safe, so, no one, not even you, will get to her.”  The lieutenant emphasized the “you”. Colin then remembered his spunky assistant and how she now lie cold. “Where did you find Hannah?”  He really did not expect an answer, not being the prime suspect.  The lieutenant thought for a moment, weighing the options of telling Colin about the mysterious discovery of Hannah’s body.   “We are keeping that under wraps for now, we don’t want to impede our own investigation by revealing too much.”  Colin nodded in understanding.  He knew better than to expect much more information.  Everything continued to fall apart and he remained helpless.“I think you should make yourself comfortable, you will be here for awhile.  We have a warrant to search your apartment and believe me, it will be thorough. Now, you either hand over your house keys, or we will break down the door.”  Colin reluctantly handed over his keys.  Lieutenant Searcy left Colin alone in the interrogation room to think about things for a while.  Colin dropped his head onto the table and breathed heavily.  He took his phone out of his pocket and looked at the display.  No missed calls, messages, or emails.  He debated again calling Joelle. Would she even answer?“Poor guy.” A voice in his head hissed violently, almost mockingly.   Colin immediately looked up around the room.  No one was there. He stood up, preparing himself to square off with this imaginary villain." 
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 "silent". I hope you have a warm and wonderful holiday full of blessings.

Yes, Let's Combine Helping with Romance and Love!

With “Minnie” unsure she can remain in Oklahoma and practice veterinary medicine, she looks to another viable alternative for meaningful employment- Heifer International. Started in 1944 to help more than 15 million hungry families all over the world support and feed themselves, this amazing organization grew by leaps and bounds for its ‘continued success - 68 years later! That’s staying power at its’ best. According to their statistics, “In 2011, a total of 1.9 million families were assisted within the four program areas in which Heifer operates.”
Ahoy Fellow Fathomers. I enjoy creating fictional worlds readers will identify with. Although I hope readers escape with my words, I also entwine helpful storylines that might help make a difference. I love to use my stories to help you learn something new or how to enrich your life- as well as enriching the lives around you. Heifer International provides not only livestock for food, wool, and bees for pollination. They also provide tree seedlings, poultry, schools of fish, cooking stoves and much more. Through training, receiving families understand how to use their special gifts-and more importantly, how to pass them along to continue the amazing ‘pay it forward’ for other needy families.  This holiday season is the perfect time to consider helping this worthwhile organization. I wrote this specific blog entry because, obviously, I do not go into great detail about this organization in my upcoming romance, Lovedust and Trailblazers, in an attempt at marketing or writing a long advertisement. J  Rather, I chronicle the romantic journey of “Josiah” and “Minnie”. Fictional Josiah is a tough, soft-spoken, military veteran rancher. Fictional Minnie is a spunky, intelligent, trailblazing female veterinarian. Josiah’s return from the Korean Conflict did not occur as smoothly as he had hoped, dealing with the trauma and horrors he experienced during his tour. Minnie attempts to fit in as one of the first female vets of the 1950’s.  Finding each other, they learn how to trust, forge ahead, and share intimacies. Yes, this book contains some explosive love scenes, but, these two deserve it. JWithout further ado, please graciously allow me to introduce this snippet from this close to my heart project, Lovedust and Trailblazers: “Josiah’s stomach dropped at the thought of Minnie leaving him. Especially to potentially go overseas. Shoot, with the daily responsibilities he had on the farm, Little Rock might as well be Puerto Rico. He attempted to gauge her seriousness. “You would really leave, just like that? So quickly?” He hoped the panic he felt did not reveal itself in his voice. Josiah strained his eyes, attempting to see beyond the focus of the headlights. He needed something to calm his rousingly anxious demeanor and rapidly beating heart.  He inhaled deeply and attempted to exhale slowly.  The purplish-pink strains against the deepening navy blue sky calmed him momentarily.“I’m not thinking of picking up tomorrow or anything, but I must consider my future. I didn’t go to college to become a veterinarian to return to our farm and treat only my own livestock.” The tone in Minnie’s voice indicated tension and frustration, something that Josiah had not heard before from her.  “I also didn’t become a vet to get rich, I did it to help animals and enhance my own life. The ridiculous sexist attitude around these rural areas confuses and frustrates me. Good ole boys, my fanny!”Josiah cautiously considered his response, not wanting to give himself away and how deeply he already felt connected to Minnie. “I know you want to make a difference, and it isn’t enough just to have your degree, you should use it, Minnie. I want you to have your name on a shingle outside a clinic. I just want to be close enough to use your services from time to time.” He quickly glanced at her, shooting her a clever smile to ease the heavy conversational tone.Minnie’s face momentarily showed confusion and disdain, before she lit up once more in happiness, apparently recognizing what Josiah meant. “I’m not runnin’ away anytime soon, I’m just a woman who needs plan a, b, and c. I’m sure you understand that.”Josiah turned the wheel quickly to dodge a rapidly moving armadillo that darted out of the tall weeds onto the road. The sharp motion caused Minnie to jolt closer toward the middle of the seat. “Looks like I’m not the only one with plans. If you wanted me next to you, all you had to do was ask.” She batted her eyelashes at him in exaggerated flirtation.”

My trailer for this book is now featured nationally!  Link- USA Today Feature

Amazon Purchase Link

Barnes and Noble Purchase Link

Book Trailer for Lovedust and Trailblazers

Lovedust and Trailblazers - click for the trailer

Yes, there are some explicit love scenes, but, Josiah and Minnie deserve it!

Please see my trailer for more on my latest release. Now available at Secret Cravings Publishing. Soon available at Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Thank you for previewing this trailer.

OCD, Thanksgiving, and Love...a Tuesday Tale

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, Eyelashes Freeze in North Dakota-But Not Warm Hearts.  Follow Adelaide's journey as I present the following picture prompt:




"Adelaide washed her face, brushed her teeth, and braided her hair, wondering how many other people thought about their movements and actions as much as she did. She read the book, The Boy Who Couldn’t Stop Washing, when she was a teenager. The book detailed accounts of people suffering from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, OCD, for short. The featured boy washed himself for hours each day, fearing germs. Other people relentlessly counted or checked things continuously- one woman plucked out each of her eyebrows in an obsession for symmetry of them. Over the years, she rationalized her actions were not as extreme as the examples in that book. However, having a sense of order consumed her. She acknowledged her feelings as perfection or attention to detail, and disregarded any clinical diagnosis. Adelaide was again her own best therapist. I’m simply a hodge podge of eccentricities. Her reflection in the bathroom mirror pleasingly shone back at her. Carefully putting away her toiletries and make-up, Adelaide switched off the bathroom light, and went back into her room to gather her textbooks and netbook. Reaching for her backpack, her stomach growled, throwing her mind into a spin. Adelaide’s rapid thought process quickly escalated her imagination to the last full table she shared with her family at Thanksgiving. She ticked off the list of food in her mind-turkey, dressing, celery casserole, mashed potatoes, giblet gravy, stuffed mushrooms…she made exactly two dozen. Stop! What are you doing? Get a grip today, being nervous is not my friend. It’s just a guy for crying out loud.But, I’m new at this and it’s scary…Adelaide cleared her mind of the obsessive thoughts and spent a moment considering a reasonable breakfast. Glancing at her watch, she decided to forego the morning meal in the cafeteria. She needed the extra time to search for him..."

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 Thanksgiving table. I hope you have a warm and wonderful holiday full of blessings.

Do Demons Vote? A Blue Ink "Election" Tuesday Tale

Ahoy Fellow Fathomers! Happy Tuesday and time for another edition of Tuesday Tales. This week I take you again to my new paranormal thriller WIP, Blue Ink-the Skin Stalker-  For our journey to the unknown, I present the word prompt "election".



Colin needed physical interaction to ease his mental trauma and right now, his stress meter was off the charts.  Melanie would be perfect.  He watched her pert breasts through her v-neck shirt, sweat beading underneath his hairline.
Stop.  Get up.  Leave.  You are a murder magnet and some psychopath is tailing you.  It is not all about you, stupid arrogant asshole.  Colin ran through all the scenarios in his head and each one ended the same way.  Melanie folded into an equipment bag.  Then, on an autopsy slab.  He needed to move away from her, now.  “Hey, thanks for the coffee and the concern.  I just need to get home and sort some things out.” Colin saw the longing in her eyes and her maternal instincts to care for him blatantly shone through.  “Okay, you know, my shift is over in an hour, if you want some company?”  Melanie shamelessly offered herself up once more.  Didn’t this guy know she’d been crushing on him absolutely forever?“I very much appreciate the offer, but, I really need some alone time.  I promise to visit you again soon.”  Colin got up quickly and moved out the door before he changed his mind.  He looked down toward the zipper on his trousers.  See, you don’t always rule my decisions.  He would have laughed at his wit if he were not so despondent.  The Skin Stalker took whatever opening he could get.  He waited for Melanie to walk out the back entrance to take out the trash.  The deserted alley provided the perfect location.  He slipped up behind her and dragged her petite frame behind the large dumpster.  “You are too much of an opportunity to let pass by.  Sorry, you won’t be voting in the next election.” He slipped a plastic bag over her head and held her writhing body tightly until she finally slumped motionless. 

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 "election"! and ROCK the VOTE!!

Rancher's Recipes Guaranteed to Please

Ahoy Fellow Fathomers! Today in The Locker I share with you some rancher secret recipes to kick-off the release of my 4th book, Lovedust and Trailblazers. Rancher woman Minnie knows the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach and following are two examples of how she keeps Josiah happy. Josiah’s contribution is guaranteed to see anyone through their chores of the afternoon, with his hearty meat and potatoes mix-up.  Truthfully, though, folks, these recipes are kitchen tested and easy staples in my own busy home-not just works of fiction. J I hope you enjoy them!Cattle Company Cornbread Pie2 boxes Jiffy cornbread mix1 can creamed corn1 can or 16 oz frozen whole kernel corn8 oz nonfat/non-carb vanilla yogurt 8 oz nonfat sour cream2 eggs, slightly beatenMix all ingredients together and spoon into a 13x9 inch pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 min until golden brown and set in middle. May take additional cooking time, watch closely.
Minnie’s Macaroni Round-Up 1 lb elbow macaroni1 lb lean ground beef1 lg can tomato juiceDiced onionBoil macaroni until just tender (do not overcook, if anything, slightly undercook). While macaroni boils, crumble and brown ground beef. Drain and rinse ground beef to remove excess fat. Strain macaroni and return to same kettle. Add cooked ground beef and the tomato juice, mixing well, heat through. Season to taste with garlic powder. Serve with diced onion scattered on top.
Josiah’s Rustlin’ Ranch Style Potatoes5-6 russet potatoes, peeled and diced2 cans Ranch Style Beans1 lb lean ground beef (You may also substitute chopped smoked sausage)Fry potatoes in vegetable oil until slightly tender. Add the ground beef, breaking and crumbling as it browns. Cover and cook for 5-7 minutes longer. Uncover and turn potatoes and ground beef, cooking until potatoes are fork tender and ground beef fully browned. Add both cans Ranch Style Beans. Serve hot.