Davee Jones's Blog, page 8

Review CHRIS STAPLETON - Traveller

Review
Chris Stapleton –Traveller
OMG…yes, I’ll say it again…OMG…what a gem Chris produced with this album. One sing-a-long worthy song after another. When I can say something actually tempers my mood in the temperamental Dallas traffic, you know it’s gotta be good.
For real.
The soothing tones of even the brokenhearted songs strum through the speakers, reminding me of lazy days in rocking chairs or a shady riverbank. Days when you go fishing and don’t even care if you catch a thing, or spend a quirky evening catching lightning bugs. This is the kind of album I’m talking about.
 

You don’t have to be a country music fan to enjoy his red-dirt voice, with just enough grit to make the songs stick like an Olympic gymnasts landing. The first song, Traveller, of the album namesake, makes me want to take a road trip with my best friends- times when all we do is laugh and point out goofy landmarks. (even stopping in Winslow, Arizona, as I actually did in June with my bestie, Rhonda and her boy, Ty.)
Fire Away is a challenge for those with trust issues to take the plunge and believe in someone. That no matter what you throw their way, they’ve got your back. Even if it means ultimate demise.
Now, that’s loyalty.
Tennessee Whiskey is a beautiful love ballad with a line unlike I’ve heard before…”But when you poured out your heart I didn't waste it…” Wow, that’s deep and it’s a comparison to a bartender’s best: Genius. At least, it’s this Oklahoma girls opinion.
So, if you want to venture over to another side of the music spectrum, give Chris a chance. Rolling Stone agrees.
 Wikipedia Chris Stapleton
 Traveller Album Amazon

 

My Medicated Mid-Life

My Medicated Life
I figured it out. I want to someday wake up like those women in the mattress ads on TV. So full of life and vigor, they boldly greet the day, challenging negativity with a spewing bottle of champagne, or a run across town. Simmons Beautyrest Commercial
Opposed to how I receive the morning, rolling into the fetal position, fearful of what will hurt worse. I wish I could sit up tall giggling, leaping out of bed like Mikhail Baryshnikov, now that’s a goal.
Instead, I look like some kind of cross between a peg legged pirate and slug.
My mind immediately filters to the day before, scouring what I did to make fill-in-the-blank hurt, i.e. my shoulders, arms, back, you name it. I know I pulled something the day before, and my muscles and joints remind me with a reckoning. No joke, sometimes, it was something as simple as carrying in grocery bags, yoga poses, or even moving unassuming household items around.  
I try to remind myself to perform at least gentle stretching exercises every day. Living with RA and fibromyalgia make body movements critical and necessary to well-being. Taking the time for a few stretches helps the ache the next day. Also, after I get out of bed, moving around takes care of some of the pain as well. My balance is challenged when I first get moving around, so, I take caution not to jump straight into the shower, or try balance poses in yoga. J
If I have some time between awakening and actually getting out of bed, I might take ibuprofen or an NSAID, especially if I’ve had a rather busy day before. I don’t take pain relievers/anti-inflammatory medications every day. Honestly, I want them to continue working for me for a long time. I guess I’m afraid if I overuse them, they will lose effectiveness.
Our bodies remind us it’s essential to keep moving.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Website
Try these simple stretches I found on the RA website linked above:
Hand and wrist- Try this exercise to both stretch and strengthen your wrists and fingers.
1. Start by making a fist with your hand, then in one quick movement extend all fingers at once out straight, with your fingers spread.
2. Retract your fingers into a fist again.
3. Repeat this 5 times with each hand.
Shoulder and upper back
This exercise can be used to stretch and strengthen the muscles of your upper back and shoulders.
1. Start by getting on your hands and knees on your exercise mat, with your face looking down directly on the mat (keep your head and neck parallel to the mat). If you have problems with your knees, you may place a folded towel or blanket below your knees for extra cushion.
2. Gradually and slowly reach your right arm out in front, keeping your arm parallel to the floor and at the approximate level of your ear. Point your fingers straight out.
3. Maintain this position for a count of 5 and then return your arm slowly back down so that your hand is back on the mat.
4. Repeat this 10 times for each arm (of course, you can do less to start, with the goal of working up to 10).
Side of your body
This stretching exercise focuses on the back muscles on the sides of your torso and is useful if you are tight or stiff in this area and subject to spasms when you twist the wrong way.
1. Start by standing with your feet shoulder-width apart. Do not lock your knees. Stand relaxed and upright.
2. Place your right hand on your waist, above your hip, with your thumb toward the back and index finger towards the front.
3. Reach your left arm above your head, with your palm facing the right. Try to keep your shoulders level.
4. Begin to bend sideways to the right, bending from the waist. Allow your right hand to slide gently down the outside of your thigh. Move in one plane while your left arm reaches over your head and shoulders.
5. You should feel a gentle stretch in your torso and down your left side. Remember to breathe and hold the stretch for a count to 5.
6. Move slowly as you return to the original upright position. Allow your left arm to drift down to your side.
7. Reverse the exercise for the other side of your body.
Hamstring
Use this stretch to lengthen and loosen your hamstrings (the muscle oppositeyour thigh at the back of your leg) while stretching your lower back.
1. Start by lying on your back on your exercise mat, keeping your arms down at your sides. Flex your knees (only partially) and place your feet flat on the mat. You may place a rolled blanket under your knees if that makes you feel more comfortable.
2. Slowly bend your right knee and lift it toward your torso until you can reach and clasp your hands behind your hamstring. If you have difficulty reaching, you may use a folded towel or yoga strap to reach around your upper leg.
3. Extend your leg, keeping your foot pointed toward the ceiling. Try to straighten your leg. If you can’t straighten it, loosen your grip on your thigh and don’t pull it so close to your chest.
4. Once you’re able to straighten your leg, hold for a count of 5.
5. Slowly and gradually, lower your right leg and foot back down to the mat.
6. Repeat the exercise with your left leg.

What We're Watching Now - Friday Review of STRANGER THINGS

Review

Stranger Things on Netflix
Stranger Things on Rotten Tomatoes
I was born in 1970, so, any homage to my childhood pulls on the heartstrings of my youth. This series, based in 1983 Indiana, hits home on many levels, leaving me longing for the days of tube socks and rotary dial phones.


However, I had my “meh” moments more often than I expected in this series so largely followed by the masses. I thought some of the characters weren’t fully developed, and had reactions I didn’t appreciate. This was more of a personal preference than some glaring error. I believed the town’s people shown in the series lacked a serious mourning for allegedly-deceased Will Byers. In a small town, folks are usually more cohesive and supportive, especially during times of tragedy.


When Will Byers goes missing, his mother, Joyce, is determined to find him. Based upon communications she receives from him in rather unconventional methods, she knows he isn't dead, but, she can't get to him. His friends are just as determined to find him, setting out on secret missions following the path Will took home the night he disappeared.


Will’s friends went on searches apart from his mother to find him, and bring him home safely. Led by When

Blame it on my failing eyesight, but, with so much filmed in darkened settings, at times, I had trouble distinguishing what was happening onscreen. I listened for cues, and was greeted mostly by the sickening intestinal Jabba the Hutt sound effects.
Winona Ryder gives an incredible turn as an unstoppable mother, Joyce Byers, determined to find her son, regardless of how crazy her efforts become. My favorite line she delivered with perfect dryness, “Just ring me up, Donald.” You have to watch the episode 3, Holly Jolly, to catch this scene. Just Ring Me Up Donald
I didn’t care for Nancy Wheeler’s character, played by Natalia Dyer. The non-existent relationship she has with her brother, Mike, is believable as siblings go. But, her seemingly flippant dismissal of her friend, Barb, really gave me a shallow perception of her. She was “supposed” to have stronger character than that, but maybe that was part of the scripted suburban girl rebellious package.  Natalia did a fine job with the role given, but, I believe the character lacked depth. Nancy became involved with a group of reprehensible teenagers, led by Steve, the Douche, who were more than unlikable- they were unnecessarily horrible. Tommy and Carol were worse than the middle school bullies tormenting Mike, Dustin, and Lucas.
Speaking of Barb, she received nary a mention after she disappeared, did this girl have caring parents, family, or friends to speak of? Even Nancy half-assed her desire to find Barb. Thank goodness for Jonathan. OMG, I found this blog, and it’s EPIC Everyone Needs a Barb

Finally, Will’s brother, I kept watching through until the end because I had to know how the season ended. I still have mixed feelings about this series. However, it has its’ moments, and will certainly satisfy the binge-watching urge.
I’m giving this one *** 3 snowflakes.
 
 
 

Tuesday Tales and Which Road to Take?

Ahoy Fellow Fathomers! It's time for Tuesday Tales.
A group of writers gather together and give our interpretation of a specific word prompt each week. Once per month, we even write to an image. This week, we write to an image.  This will be an excerpt from my new WIP for a new romance contemporary.

Enjoy!~
 



“Yes, the one someone dropped on my doorstep.” Curiosity squelched all Andrew’s natural male reactions. “It contained a kids menu from our restaurant and an unused condom. They used a rare stamp in the outside corner of the envelope.”
“I didn’t look very closely, but it looked like the same kind of stamp. He came back very quickly and guided me out of there. The entire time he was definitely checking out his desk in the direction of those stamps.”
“The police still have that letter.” The wheels spinning in Andrew’s mind practically became visible. “I still think the stamp came from my father’s collection. Several sheets of his stamps were missing when I inventoried his personal and business belongings.”
She nodded in agreement. “Yes, I knew you reported the theft to the authorities, but didn’t think they ever solved the crime. That’s not all, Andrew.” Tessa turned around and began unbuttoning her top with her back to Andrew. “Please look at me.”
“Tessa, wait, I can’t, you know that Bea and I…”
She slipped her button down shirt off her shoulders to reveal angry red lashings across her shoulder blades and back. “I’m not asking you to sleep with me. I’m asking you to protect me.”
“Tessa, what the hell? Tom did this to you?”
“He went wild tonight, I’d never seen him so out of control.” Tessa shook and pulled her top back up. “We have edge play, it takes me away from boredom and for once he actually looks at me, you know, as a woman of interest.”
“Tessa, you don’t have to live that way. You deserve better than that. A Dominant cares for his submissive, loves her.”
“Do I deserve you?” Fat tears dropped from her bloodshot eyes. "No, we are better friends than lovers."

Please visit us at our main site for more interpretations of this restaurant shingle  Tuesday Tales Main Page

Tuesday Tales in a World of Gray

Ahoy Fellow Fathomers! It's time for Tuesday Tales.

A group of writers gather together and give our interpretation of a specific word prompt each week. Once per month, we even write to an image.  You never know what you might encounter when you get inside our minds. This week our group writes to the word- gray.  This will be an excerpt from my new WIP for a new romance contemporary- You're My Necessary.

Enjoy!~
 
“Are you accusing me of something, Detective?”
“We are just talking here. I know these questions might piss you off, but they’re necessary. Is Ms. Spelling safe at your home, Mr. Goode?”
Andrew gritted his teeth, “What are you insinuating? Do you think my gray matter isn’t working?”
“It’s a necessary question. We might need to put a uniform outside your home…if that is where she plans to remain.”
“Yes, she will stay with me, she is safer there than anywhere and I will take care of her.”
“I certainly hope so. Is there a reason you didn’t bring her with you today? I could have asked her a few questions as well.”
“You didn’t specifically spell out you needed her here.”
“I can stop by later, it’s not a problem for me.”
“Did you or did you not find any of German’s prints on anything that has to do with Bea?”
“No, and we only found yours on that last delivery of pictures. I’m sure you can understand our interest.”
“Maybe he got smart and wore gloves the last delivery!” Andrew stood abruptly, and practically slung the chair he sat in across the room. “Detective, do those tests so you can conclusively determine that I’m not related to that degenerate Tom German. And, you figure out who those mysterious prints belong to. But, now, I need to get back home because I think whoever is stalking Bea isn’t finished. He’s just getting started.”
“Mr. Goode, I understand your anger. I appreciate you came down here. Please call me if anything new happens. Believe me, we are working on this as quickly as possible. I’ll be in touch very soon. Please have Ms. Spelling call me, we need to talk with her as soon as she’s available.”
“Anytime I ever heard anyone preface a statement with believe me, it didn’t go so well. But, yeah, I’ll let her know, she will call you right after I get home. I want this shit cleared up right now. In a roundabout way, you are accusing me of stalking my own girlfriend and that’s messed up.”
Please visit us at our main site for more interpretations of gray Tuesday Tales Main Page


 

Tuesday Tales On the Fly....

Ahoy Fellow Fathomers! It's time for Tuesday Tales.

A group of writers gather together and give our interpretation of a specific word prompt each week. Once per month, we even write to an image.  You never know what you might encounter when you get inside our minds. This week our group writes to the word- fly.  This will be an excerpt from my new WIP for a new romance contemporary- My Only Necessary.

Enjoy!~

“After you, Princess.” Andrew picked up his step to catch up with her. Many travelers before them had cleared the trail of overgrowth. The well-worn route took them twisting through various colorful flowers and intimidating vines. “There aren’t any life-size Venus fly traps or any other man-eating plants out here, are there?” Bea looked all around her, inspecting their surroundings. She breathed in deeply, catching her breath from the hurried walk. “We really aren’t in a race. You can slow down and enjoy this beautiful area,” Andrew teased, taking a sip of water from a bottle. He offered it over. Bea took a long drink and rubbed sweat from her brow. “It’s hard for me to slow down sometimes. I always feel like I have one speed and that’s overdrive.” Andrew handed her a small towel. “You can use this to wipe your face and neck. It’s the humidity making you feel hotter.” “Thank you, you really may have thought of everything with that Inspector Gadget backpack.” “Are you in overdrive all the time? Do you ever relax?” Breaking the ice with more questions, he studied her expression. “This is relaxing to me, and I’m still breathing heavy. I don’t really ever totally mellow, I have too many things to do.” Bea pointed forward. “Time to push again.” She began walking. If he kept talking, it meant something like dating. She hated the whole getting to know you segments of early relationships. In the past, it meant wasted time when she and the latest guy figured out by date three any feelings were lukewarm at best. Why bother? Dating was another damn job, and that much work didn’t appeal to her. “Your life sounds very busy, are you satisfied?” “Satisfied? I don’t know…I’ve never thought about it. I have a successful career, a few great friends, and a successful career.” “You said career twice.” “I did that on purpose to see if you would lecture me. It was a test, so don’t fail miserably, Mr. Goode.” “I won’t tell you what to do, but, it seems like you are really having a good time here, away from the work that appears to consume you. Are you having a good time?” “Of course!” Bea spread her arms out and looked up to the sky. “This place is incredible. I’m having a wonderful time.” Real estate agents were absolutely correct when they talked about location, location, location. She was in the middle of paradise. “Are you having a wonderful time with me?” Andrew stared at the ground in front of him, not meeting Bea’s eyes. Oh, crap, really? He was going to go there? Either the insecurity was another tactic, or he really needed coddling. Dude, lighten up. Cramming her usual smart-ass remarks far away from her vocal cords, she said something completely opposite. “Sure, I’m having a great time with you. Any lass would enjoy your company.”  Please visit us at our main site for more interpretations of fly Tuesday Tales Main Page


 

Tuesday Tales on a Shingle

Ahoy Fellow Fathomers! It's time for Tuesday Tales.
A group of writers gather together and give our interpretation of a specific word prompt each week. Once per month, we even write to an image. This week, we write to an image.  This will be an excerpt from my new WIP for a new romance contemporary.

Enjoy!~
 


“Yes, the one someone dropped on my doorstep.” Curiosity squelched all Andrew’s natural male reactions. “It contained a kids menu from our restaurant and an unused condom. They used a rare stamp in the outside corner of the envelope.”
“I didn’t look very closely, but it looked like the same kind of stamp. He came back very quickly and guided me out of there. The entire time he was definitely checking out his desk in the direction of those stamps.”
“The police still have that letter.” The wheels spinning in Andrew’s mind practically became visible. “I still think the stamp came from my father’s collection. Several sheets of his stamps were missing when I inventoried his personal and business belongings.”
She nodded in agreement. “Yes, I knew you reported the theft to the authorities, but didn’t think they ever solved the crime. That’s not all, Andrew.” Tessa turned around and began unbuttoning her top with her back to Andrew. “Please look at me.”
“Tessa, wait, I can’t, you know that Bea and I…”
She slipped her button down shirt off her shoulders to reveal angry red lashings across her shoulder blades and back. “I’m not asking you to sleep with me. I’m asking you to protect me.”
“Tessa, what the hell? Tom did this to you?”
“He went wild tonight, I’d never seen him so out of control.” Tessa shook and pulled her top back up. “We have edge play, it takes me away from boredom and for once he actually looks at me, you know, as a woman of interest.”
“Tessa, you don’t have to live that way. You deserve better than that. A Dominant cares for his submissive, loves her.”
“Do I deserve you?” Fat tears dropped from her bloodshot eyes. "No, we are better friends than lovers."

Please visit us at our main site for more interpretations of this restaurant shingle  Tuesday Tales Main Page

Tuesday Tales and How Hard is it to Write?

Ahoy Fellow Fathomers! It's time for Tuesday Tales.
A group of writers gather together and give our interpretation of a specific word prompt each week. Once per month, we even write to an image.  You never know what you might encounter when you get inside our minds. This week our group writes to the word- write.  This will be an excerpt from my new WIP for a new romance contemporary- My Only Necessary.

Enjoy!~

Andrew gently took her hand. “We’ll go slow. I won’t pressure you. Thank you for trusting me.”  Kissing her hand, he quickly grabbed the other one, pulling both close to his lips. “Write this down in pen, not pencil- I’m going to win you over, I promise.” Bea’s brain wrapped around the word trust. “Trust is a huge word, Andrew, it’s the biggest verb I work with.” The word trust also made her edgy. She preferred to learn some things about a person from demonstration, not from empty verbal promises. He only smiled. “C’mon in, let me show you my humble abode.” Bea admired the quality workmanship in his home, down to the fine details of crown molding, granite countertops, and high end flooring. The bachelor pad was impressive without being overwhelming or pretentious. Framed photographs with a proportionate display of older and younger people provided a cozy, familial comfort. Shots of him covered in mud, hiking in the woods, fishing on a boat, and other random images captured his active lifestyle. However, it was one of him frosting a cake that made her giggle. “You’re a baker?” “Only a couple of times. My god-niece talked me into it. She said since I build such tall buildings, anything else would be…a piece of cake.” “Ah, she’s quick witted. Don’t you just love children?” The question tumbled out sounding wistful, with a distinct longing Bea didn’t intend. “I absolutely adore them. I hope to have my own someday. I believe I could suitably corrupt a few young minds. What about you? Do you want kids?” “Yes, if the fates align, I’d have kiddos. Right now, I play auntie to a couple of great older toddlers. They could probably talk me into just about anything.” “Like me baking a cake?” “Something like that, yeah.” Nodding, Bea kept moving away, keeping more than an arms’ length between the two of them. Still deciding if she should move in closer, Bea already knew if they kissed one more time, all resolve would be gone.  “You have a beautiful home, Andrew.” “You fit in perfectly.” “You always have the sweetest things to say to me. How do you do it?” “I don’t have to work at it, it’s no mystery. You’re everything I say you are, it’s that simple.” Andrew turned the stereo low, to a contemporary music station. “We can sit all night and just talk if that makes you comfortable.” “I know we’re both adults and we’ve been very intimate. This just feels more real somehow, does that make sense?” “Yes, you let me into your everyday life. I don’t take that lightly.”  Please visit us at our main site for more interpretations of write Tuesday Tales Main Page


 

  
 


 

Tuesday Tales and What's Candy?

Ahoy Fellow Fathomers! It's time for Tuesday Tales.
A group of writers gather together and give our interpretation of a specific word prompt each week. Once per month, we even write to an image.  You never know what you might encounter when you get inside our minds. This week our group writes to the word- candy.  This will be an excerpt from my new WIP for a new romance contemporary.

Enjoy!~
 
“I’m not trying to be arm candy. I’m the real deal, more real than I want to be. I hurt, and no matter how I try not to let you hurt me, I can’t help it.” Conner took a sip of his beer, not even looking at me.
“I don’t want to hurt you.”
“I just want to know one thing, Rachel. Do you even love me? Or, am I some kind of crutch to get you through the rough spots?”
“Rough spots, seriously? What the hell do you think I’m doing, playing with your heart on purpose?”
“I don’t know. The girl I grew up with took better care of other people’s feelings. You have a huge responsibility, probably just as big as my medical duties.”
“Oh, c’mon don’t compare us, I could never do what you do. You carry so much knowledge and proficiency, I’m sometimes dwarfed by your intelligence and humbled by your depth.”
“I admire you. Your teaching skills, the way you work with those kids, making them each feel important, I think it’s incredible.”
“Each of those little people matter in this big world. I want to make sure they know that.”
“Okay, will you ever make me feel like I matter in this big world?”
“You do matter in this world.”
“I don’t give a damn about the entire world, all that matters is you, and what I am to you.”Please visit us at our main site for more interpretations of candy Tuesday Tales Main Page

 

  
 

 



 
  

Tuesday Tales and Using a Pencil

Ahoy Fellow Fathomers! It's time for Tuesday Tales.
A group of writers gather together and give our interpretation of a specific word prompt each week. Once per month, we even write to an image.  You never know what you might encounter when you get inside our minds. This week our group writes to the word- pencil.  This will be an excerpt from my new WIP for a new romance contemporary.

Enjoy!~
 

Bea’s lips parted and Andrew slid his tongue inside, gently searching for her oral G-spot. When she moaned, he knew he found it. She pressed more firmly against him and gripped the back of his shirt. A few from the club scene passed them on the sidewalk, issuing catcalls and shows of appreciation. Andrew spoke first. “Will you come home with me, Bea? I need you.” “Wouldn’t we be jumping into this pretty fast?” Bea stayed pinned against him. “I can tell you want this too, Bea. It’s not wrong.” Bea hesitated for several seconds before answering. “I’ll follow you to your house. We can play it by ear from there. Deal?” “Deal.” Andrew enthusiastically answered. Bea followed him to his house, almost turning around at any number of opportunities. This is crazy, what am I doing? She remained closely on his bumper, afraid to lose sight of him. I can’t do this again, what if I’m wrong about Andrew? Bea parked in the driveway behind Andrew’s truck. She got out, shaking her head. “I’m still not sure about this.” Andrew gently took her hand. “We will go slow. I won’t pressure you. Thank you for trusting me.”  Kissing her hand, he quickly grabbed the other one, pulling both close to his lips. “Write this down in pen, not pencil- I’m going to win you over, I promise.”Bea’s brain wrapped around the word trust. “Trust is a huge word, Andrew, it’s the biggest verb I work with.” He only smiled. “C’mon in, let me show you my humble abode.” Bea admired the quality workmanship in his home, down to the fine details of crown molding, granite countertops, and high end flooring. “You have a beautiful home, Andrew.” “You fit in perfectly.” “You always have the sweetest things to say to me. How do you do it?” “I don’t have to work at it, Bea. It’s no mystery. You are everything I say you are, it’s that simple.” Andrew turned the stereo low, to a contemporary music station. “We can sit all night and just talk if that makes you comfortable.” Please visit us at our main site for more interpretations of pencil Tuesday Tales Main Page