Tuesday Ten - All About...Stuff, Just Stuff

Sorry I'm late posting today. The week is busy and it's only Tuesday. We have a new OVP starting this week, which means I'm setting her up, taking care of training, and making sure she's meeting the people she'll need to meet right off the bat.

So...in lieu of a regular post, how about a Tuesday Ten. Ten random things to share.

1. Reading a great book – you know, the one that you can’t put down even though it’s now 3:00AM and you’ve got to get ready for the day job in a few hours.

2. Before the rain – you walk outside and sniff the air. The sweat aroma of moisture tickles your senses as the clouds begin gathering from some distant place.

3. Watching the babies sleep – For me this is my dogs. After they’ve played, torn up the new toy we bought them and aggravated each other to no end. Now you watch as they curl up next to each other, the littlest ones head on the side of the other, sleeping without a care in the world.

4. Flowers on the dinning room table – the day jobs been rough, all you want is to go home and sulk. Then you walk into your house and there they are. Standing proud in your favorite vase. Greeting you with sunshine to your tired soul.

5. Surprises – You’re trying to figure out what to do with the mishmash of food you have left at the end of the week to make dinner. Standing with the freezer door open, you stare at the lone package of frozen chicken. The cool air washing over your face and still nothing comes to mind to cook. That’s when you hear his/her voice. “Honey, lets go out tonight.” The freezer door closes on its own accord and out the door you go. Fun!!!

6. The best scene in the book kind of writing – Your fingers fly across the keys, words hitting the screen so fast in front of you that you’re not truly sure if you’re doing it or some magical force is sending it through you. Gotta love those scenes. :)

7. The worst scene in the book kind of writing – You sit, stare at the blank page, and wait. Nothing. You knew the scene early in the day but didn’t have time to sit down. Now it’s become pulling words from your muse who’s decided she no longer likes this scene. (had to throw that one in since I had the best scene, they usually go hand in hand)

8. Birthdays – You either love them or hate them. Me, I love them. I figured out a long time ago that I couldn’t stop them. Besides the alternative is not so great. I celebrate them to the fullest. It may be simple or it may be huge but celebrate them nonetheless.

9. Spring cleaning – the time to throw away or give away the stuff you really don’t need. It’s also the time you revisit old memories as you open that box sitting in the back of the closest. The pictures you’ve not looked at in forever quickly take you back to the moment in time when they were taken. A part of your life frozen to remember with joy.

10. Sunrise, Sunsets, and Moonrises – Any of these works for me. The crisp morning air as the sun begins to peak its sleepy head, the late afternoon sun dipping off the horizon its warmth tucking away for the night, or the moon, bold and bright, shinning the way across the waters a beacon of light brighten the path for ships and giving the outer edges of the sea its nightglow for the rest of us.

There you have it. Ten things I like. What about you? Is there anything on the list above you like or how about something that's not there, but it's your favorite. And what about that picture? I love this artist work. It always makes me smile.

WW's and PD's,
Vicki

What Have You Bought Lately…

All These new releases so little time...but for these books I'll be making time.

Here is what I’m going to spend my weekly allowance on:
Revised: because my B.F.F. - V got me Lisa and J.R.'s book as a present - So I thank her again (publicly) because she knows my love of these authors and was a step a head of me and had to tell me she was getting them for me because she was afraid I would buy them before they got here. Don't you just love great friends.

Tempt Me at Twilight (Hathaways, Book 3)
This is Poppy's story and I love this family and am so glad that Ms. Kleypas is still writing them. I read everything she's written it makes no difference if it's historical or contemporary her voice is amazing and I recommend her as a must read author.




This is a re-release for Ms. Kenyon as part of the Dark-Hunter Series, and only currently available in hardback. Now in saying that - I have the original paperback of this book but will be getting this as I've heard there has been some updates so I can't wait to see if I can spot them. This is an author that I have every paperback of all her books and almost all of them in hardback. So again a must read author if you like paranormal and Historicals which she writes under Kinley MacGregor. Now next week she will also be releasing a new series that of course I will be purchasing as well.




Okay, below is the back cover blurb for this book, because this is a new series for Ms. Ward, but as I've said a lot in this post - she is an author that I read every thing she writes. Yes, recommended yet again. And yes I have all of her books, which consist of contemporary romance, Paranormal-Urban Fantasy as well as Sihlouette's from Harlequin. This book sounds so yummy I can't wait to read it.

Redemption isn't a word Jim Heron knows much about-his specialty is revenge, and to him, sin is all relative. But everything changes when he becomes a fallen angel and is charge with saving the souls of seven people from the seven deadly sins. And failure is not an option. Vin DiPietro long ago sold his soul to his business, and he's good with that-until fate intervenes in the form of a tough- talking, Harley-riding, self-professed savior. But then he meets a woman who will make him question his destiny, his sanity, and his heart-and he has to work with a fallen angel to win her over and redeem his own soul.



The cool thing (for me anyway) is I've actually met all of theses authors at RWA Nationals. And let me tell you, these three authors turn me into total Fan-Girl! So even though I was there to learn and meet other authors, nothing but O.M.G. crossed my mind when I met these amazing women.

So there is my short list, which got even smaller (again, thanks to V)

If you haven't read them - give them a whirl - I swear you won't be disappointed.

Tell me - What books have you gotten lately?

Hugs,
LKAP

It’s Officially Autumn

Well technically autumn is official at 5:31 this evening, or so my weather person said.

Fall, the time of year when the leaves change colors, the temperatures eases off and being outside is a pleasant experience. No longer are you glistening every minute. (Doesn’t that sound so much better than sweating, which is what we do here in Florida no matter what anyone, tells you.)

I should stop here and be honest. We are still sweating…err, I mean glistening. Our temperatures are in the 90’s and it’s hot. Summer hot.

It’s only after the sun has set (around 8:00ish), that we begin to feel a slight breeze that doesn’t replicate an old time furnace, blowing across the front porch. It’s then that Science Guy and I talk about the changing of the leaves.


For me, it was always a family trip to the Smokey Mountains or anywhere up north (so Georgia is up north to me), where the leaves are changing from green to purple, orange, bright red, and brilliant yellow’s. For Science Guy it’s different. It’s more of a longing to see what he grew up seeing every year. You’d think growing up with it would make it not as beautiful, but nope, his family always made time to look at them.

The first year she-who-thought-she-was-born-with-a-tiara, went to college blew her away. In fact, I received this box from her, complete with a note on the outside that I couldn’t open it until we were on the phone with each other. Inside the box was an array of fall leaves. It was such a cool gift. :)

I know I’ve complained about the heat, talked about the beautiful leaves I used to go see growing up, and yeah, complained about the heat, but really I do love autumn. I love to decorate my house (inside and out). It gives me more of feeling of seasons even though ours are not very pronounced.

The fall colors are among my very favorites and truth be known, the weather will eventually cool off. The 90’s will be put to bed until next summer and we’ll beautiful days of high 70’s and nights of high 50’s to low 60’s. Writing outside will be a joy again and creativity flows a wee bit stronger with the changes.

And once again we’ll dream of colors, each more vibrant than the other. Memories complete with childhood fun and grown up wishes.

What about where you live? Is the weather already making that change from blistering hot to comfortable? Or are you still waiting for the heat to melt away and the soft breeze of autumn to roll in?

Hugs,
Vicki

Laughing on Monday

It's Monday. Yep, I can hear your groans and that's why I'm giving you something that I hope will bring a smile to your face this morning. Or afternoon, or evening, depending on when you're reading. :)

My favorite is the last one, what's yours?









xoxoxo,
Vicki

New Moon Video

http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1810055802/video/15542134

I tried to put the video on the blog, but couldn't. So I've given you the link to go check it out and then come back. :)

OMG, I so can't wait for this movie!!! Is it possible to be both Team Edward and Team Jacob at the same time? Really, I love them both.

From the looks of the trailer, this is going to be even better than the first one.

So, how many of you are going to the opening show? I believe at midnight? I'm not sure when L and I are going (along with other Twilight junkies).

xoxoxo,
Vicki

What I Read for Fun.......

1st thing 1st……
Winner of my Anniversary book give away is: Natasha
Congrats!!!!!
Contact me at: Lauriekap@yahoo dot com
With full address of snail mail


Hummmm….I have no idea what to talk about.
I took a week (well 5 days) off writing and just read – it was amazing and I can’t tell you how much I miss reading. I think as authors sometimes we forget that we need to read for pleasure not to critique, not to edit, not to figure out where our characters are going. Just pure unadulterated pleasure.

So here is what I’ve read so far:

Into the Mist – Maya Banks
This I’d classify as a paranormal suspense with some hot sexy scenes. I read it in a day – I really loved it.

Bad Moon Rising – Sherrilyn Kenyon
Dark-Hunter book – need I say more. ;-)
I’ve been waiting for Fang and Amy’s book for so long that I was jonesing for this book. There was a lot of stuff I already knew, but know why it had to be there so... It didn't disappoint.

The Tycoon’s Secret Affair – Maya Banks
Silhouette Desire – I haven’t read a Desire in ages and this one is from Maya so…’nuff said.

Lover Avenged – J.R. Ward
Black Dagger Brotherhood book – ‘nuff said
I’m not finished with this one yet (its gynormous) It took me a bit to get into it, but now I’m hooked (again) I have found though that I don’t really care about the Lesser parts and find myself skimming to get back to the brothers and Rehv.

I’ve also read some work for friends so there was a little critiquing in there too – but I love that stuff.

So what have you been reading?

Tuesday Ten - Favorite TV Shows

1. America's Got Talent

2. American Idol

3. I'm A Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here (sort ashamed to admit that one)

4. TMZ

5. Corner Gas (WGN, Canadian show)

6. History Channel

7. DIY (Should be number one)

8. HGTV

9. Ruby and The Rockets

10. Shark (just watched it last night for the first time and loved it), so maybe I should add How It's Made. I love seeing how things are made. It must be my inner geek coming out.

We TIVO much of our programs, it makes it much easier to fast forward when it's boring and through commericals. And as you can see from the list, they're all pretty much easy watching.

What about you? What's some of your favorite shows on TV? Or do you watch TV? Do you watch them live or record them for later?

xoxoxo,
Vicki

Book Deals on HSN

HSN is having "Escape to Romance" starting today. This is the first set of books they’ll be showcasing. And this is the Erotica line. Within the line are three different genres as well as a sampler package where you’ll receive two of each genre.

This is the first in a series they will be doing. The price is great. Six books for $29.95 and right now you can get free shipping. How cool is that!

I’m not sure when the next series will begin, but those who love to read erotic, then this is a fabulous deal.

The books are from various authors and they’ve all come from Ravenous Romance. In case you haven’t heard of them before, Lori Perkins, literary agent is one of the founders.

Click here to check out the books. And if you’d like to check out Ravenous Romance then click here

Please be advised these are erotic and contain adult natured material.

Hope everyone had a great weekend. Tomorrow I’ll be back doing the Tuesday Ten. :)

xoxoxo,
Vicki

23 Blissful Years of Marriage

So today marks my 23rd Wedding Anniversary - I know I don't look old enough do I...HA!LOL :-)
Sorry couldn't help myself....

So as a quick one day give-away in honor of this day I'm giving away a copy of
Hidden Adgendas by Lora Leigh

You must comment today to this post Sept 13 to be entered - tomorrow is a new day :-)

Hope to hear from you Check back on my Thursday Ramble for the winner!!!

Hugs,
LKap

Rant Warning….

I know this is a little late and it’s done and over with, but frankly my temper hasn’t settled on the subject of the President’s back to school speech.

Before I start this rant, let me say that these are my views and mine alone.

So let’s get started, shall we….

When I was in school we didn’t have a choice if we got to watch the President’s back to school speech – we just did (and yes I did) it wasn’t an option. Since when do we have to sign permission slips to watch a Presidential address? Obviously that time is now. WTF!!!!

My father would have MADE me watch it. He was a History teacher. And this was part of it. Something that maybe you won’t care about, but something you should be a part of. You can’t understand the future if we don’t understand our past. (Thanks Dad – that one stuck).

I could care less if you’re a Democrat, Republican, Independent, Conservative or a fish in the nearest pond. It makes no difference if you’re black, white, or indigo. The main thing is that you respect other human beings. And quite honestly IMO, this was one of the biggest acts of disrespect from every walk of life: from housewives to other political figureheads. Because, whether you agree or not, Barack Obama is The President of The United States of America, and deserves the respect that office entails. As a nation we broadcast our views around the world that we didn't want our children to see the President speak. Again WTF!

We don’t have to agree with our bosses, we don’t have to have the same religion, the same political beliefs or even the same taste in food – but I’ll be damned if I don’t respect them in a professional manner that is entitled with their position. And trust me I don't agree a lot, but they still get my professional respect.

The same should apply to the President of the United States. He was elected, he is now the President, and IMO we need to give him the respect he deserves.

How can we teach our children to respect authority, when we have to sign permission slips to watch The President of the United States talk to our kids. I bet if Michael Jordan or Tiger Woods came to give a speech on the 1st day of school, no one would say a word. And if people kept their kids home (because it was their right to do so) did they let their kids watch MTV or 90210 - becasue those people have really earned our respect. NOT. But frankly those are the people our kids look up to - how sad is that, when you think about it.

And we wonder why a lot of the kids today have no respect for authority - which would be us as parents, bosses, elderly - anyone who has earned the right, like say the President.

I don’t typically talk politics or religion even with very close friends, but this set something off that I couldn’t shut down.

If you stayed with me – thanks for letting me rant. Again these are my opinions.

But know that I respect your opinions as well - but since there is someone sitting in the big white house on the hill - I have the right to delete any inappropriate comments - because it's still a free country as long as there is someone sitting in that big oval office. And for that I will respect the position!

Hugs
LKap

It's Official - Summer's Over

Yep, summer is officially over. Not that you'd know it by the heat we're still having in sunny Florida. Yesterday Science Guy and I went to Tarpon Springs and although we went early in the morning it was hot. Sweaty hot.

I know that technically it's still summer since Summer Solstice began on June 21st and doesn't end until December 22 when Winter Solstice begins. But once the Labor Day holiday is over kids everywhere are back in school, which for most of us signals the end of summer.

It's the time to get our writing schedules back in place, breath a sigh of relief since little Johnny or Mary are no longer sitting around the house saying, "I'm bored." My kids are grown, but I remember the end of the summer vacation and how the last week was always utter boredom. They liked the school shopping, but once we returned home they had nothing to do and were ready for school to start.

If you're like me, you've let the schedule slide a little during the summer months. Blue skies and white fluffy clouds call out to you to be outside doing something. That and if you're working a day job when you get home it's still light outside and working in the flower bed or taking a walk just seems like the right thing to do. Before you know it, it's 9:00pm and you're fighting to make yourself hit the keyboards. Okay, maybe that's just me. :)

At any rate, now is the time that my schedule comes back. I still feel the slight urge to get outside when I get home for the day job, but the urge to write is stronger. My schedule will once again find it's way as a habit, one that fits like a comfortable pair of slippers. One that makes me feel good at the end of the day when I roll my shoulders, re-read what I've just written, and turn off the computer for the night.

Yep, summer's over for the most part and you know what? I don't mind, I'm ready for the hint of fall in the early morning breeze before the heat still takes over. I know I'm back on track and that's a good thing.

What about you? Does the end of summer bring you back into focus? The little ones back in school free up your writing time, or have you stayed on track all through the summer?

WW's and PD's,
Vicki

Happy Labor Day

Science Guy and I have worked around the house, visited our home away from home (Home Depot) several times, and just enjoyed the extra time off together.

We planted some flowers on one side of the front yard and next weekend we're going to do the other side. He doesn't think we need it so much since we have some great little boxwood hedges, but I'm the needs to be even on both sides kinda girl.

Today we're going to Tarpon Springs to a festival and then back home to finish the long weekend before the craziness of the work week starts.

I hope everyone is having a great weekend and is enjoying that extra day off from work.

If you're having to work today, then lots of hugs and wishes for an extra special night.

xoxoxo,

Vicki

Talisman’s…………

So as I sit here I realize I have a lot of items that surround where I work. They are my talisman’s of a sort.

My bestest bud, “V” got me this great fairy charm and a door for them to enter through. I have a dragon sitting watch on the door frame, she also got for me. I have a small statue, which I’ve had for years, of the “Guardian of Hopes and Dreams” – which is also one of my tattoos.

What does this all means to me?

These are the things I choose to have around me when I write. I don’t need a picture of my heroine, I know what she looks like (but I like the form she will be in). I don’t need a picture of a handsome man for my hero – again I know what he looks like too. But what I do need are the things that inspire me to go forward and do this grueling business. A reminder, that this is a dream and there is someone or something, helping me watch over it and keep me in line.

These are my Talisman’s….Do you have one, or two?

Staycation – WhooHoo

Today is my Friday and I’m counting the hours until 5:00PM. The day job, like so many others, is closed on Monday and I’m off tomorrow.

A four day staycation. I love it. Normally when I take a vacation from the day job, even a short one like this, it’s to go somewhere and do something. Never to just relax.

I’ve got plans…plans to do whatever I want.

Maybe I’ll relax by the pool with a cabana boy or two bringing me margaritas, yeah, not so much. The pool in our new house was filled in with dirt a few years before we bought it and Science Guy is the only cabana boy in this household.

No, my time off is going to be finishing the Florida room. Major yay!! Science Guy’s tools will no longer be on the dinning room table, but back in the garage where they belong. And the kitchen ceiling will be repainted.

After that, I have a weekend of writing and finishing Diana Peterfreund’s Rampant. (Fabulous book).

Science Guy is going to work in the backyard so maybe I’ll do a little of that with him, but all in all, I have four days of staying in our new home and finishing things up.

Labor Day we’ll (I mean he’ll) cook out and chill.

What about you? Do you take staycation’s? Are you like me and your vacations always involve going somewhere and staying busy the entire time?

Hugs,
Vicki

So you remember when we were doing the Thursday Thirteen? Well, I decided (much to my daughter’s request) to do a Tuesday Ten. Besides ten things must be easier to come up with than thirteen, right?

Tuesday Ten


Favorite Moments - In no particular order:

1. Walking in the front door of our new home with Science Guy. – It was surreal to look around and know this was our house after the countless houses we’d looked at.

2. Becoming pet parents to Meisha and Sassy. – I picked up Meisha the day before we picked up Sassy. They were both so tiny, just two pounds. They immediately became the closes of sisters, even though they’re not the same breed.

3. My mom’s 70th birthday weekend. – Spending time with family and friends was wonderful. Watching my mom and dad dancing along with aunts, uncles, and cousins (who we never see), was cool. My sister went above and beyond with this party. She did almost all the work and it rocked.

4. Typing ‘The End’ to a manuscript. – The relief, joy, fear, omg now it’s time to major edit, I’m sort of sick of this book, I did it again, and I really love this book, all rolled into one is amazing.

5. Going to Niagara Falls with Science Guy – We had a blast and it was beautiful. Freezing cold, but beautiful. And of course, sharing it with him is the best.

6. Painting pottery for outside plants – I haven’t done this in a couple of years, but plan to do some for our new home. I love to paint, love how relaxed it makes me, and how the time flies by.

7. Sitting in the backyard with Science Guy, the chairs leaned back, watching the night sky for shooting stars. – Talking is optional during these times. It’s an amazing thing to be able to be with someone when words aren’t necessary and yet you can talk about anything at the same time.

8. Having my son move in with us. – I know, some of you may be saying, What, are you crazy? No, I’m not. We didn’t get to spend a lot of time together for the past 6 years, so having him around now is great.

9. Watching sunsets or sunrises on the beach. – I love the sound of the water and colors of the sky as our part of the world slowly open its eyes, or snuggles in and closes them for the night. Also, I have to add here, taking beach walks with my sister whenever we go to visit.

10. Visiting with my daughter – She lives way too far away which makes the in person time usually once a year. But the week I go to visit is always packed with love, laughter, and a little arguing (I did raise her to be her own thinker, and she’s Italian on her dad’s side, and French and Irish on my side). Some of the best moments are when we start giggling for no apparent reason and can’t stop.

What about you? What are some of your favorite moments?

xoxoxo,
Vicki