Ann Campbell

When is it too much?

2012-01-10T11:44:00.000-06:00

In today's economy everyone has to find ways to make a little extra money...especially if you are a stay-at-home mom who writes. Perhaps you have taken up an editor position? Maybe you also do PR and marketing? Did you open a review site? Perhaps you branched out and started your own e-pub? The fact is Many do more than one :)

Talk about wearing different hats :)

But at what point do you think there is a line? Or do you?

I have seen authors who also run review sites or edit catch flack for "being biased" when preforming the duties of their job. In fact I have seen authors who do not want their books reviewed by sites owned by fellow authors. Or their books published by pubs whose owners dabble in other aspects of the publishing world.

I can see both sides but have to say that personally, I don't mind. Some authors make GREAT editors. Who knows the in's and out's of marketing and PR like an author who has trudged down that road many times? What are authors if not readers first? And as for starting a publishing company? Why not?

But enough about what I think. I want to know about you. What do you think about authors who wear different hats when it comes to the publishing world? Is it okay?

My Journey

2011-10-16T19:13:00.000-05:00

I have another blog that I am starting that will go along with a story that I am writing. I hope that you will take a peek :)

http://uglygirlsguide.blogspot.com/

Well.......

2011-10-06T21:23:00.000-05:00

I thought that I should let you know that Mr. Postman was the winner of the First Annual Beepie Award :) WOO HOO!!!! In celebration I spent the evening at Amazon.com getting some things for my kiddos for the upcoming holidays.

Thrilled just doesn't even come close to letting you all know how I feel and how much I appreciate all you you who voted :)

As promised I will be having an EASY FACEBOOK contest this weekend to share the news with my FB friends and readers :) Not a FB friend? Better friend me if yo uwant a shot to win a free book or two :)

Dinner

2011-09-25T17:00:00.000-05:00

I LOVE to cook! And have to say that I am pretty freaking good at it. Tonight I made a chicken pot pie but had a bit of filling eft over so I did a bit of testing with a new formua :) Added a bit of cream cheese, some sharp cheddar, green onion tops and topped it with a crushed cracker topping. I can't wait to see what it tastes like.

One of my biggest pet peeves is trying to cook in a small kitchen. When you have no place to prep other than the kitchen tabe it sucks. Now, I know I am not the ony home chef with this issue. I went to Ikea and got a ittle portabe butcher block top island thing that I had high hopes for....but in reality I use it for extra storage because my space is so small. Fingers crossed that the next big meal I do I will wheel it out and put it to use :)

What do you do in your small kitchen?

Coming to an End

2011-09-25T03:00:00.006-05:00

Today is the last day to vote for the books nominated for the first annual Beepie Awars at Breathless Press. http://voting.breathlesspress.org/forums/125865-nominations There are a bunch of really hot books for you to browse. You will have up to 10 votes to spread around :) Have fun

New Age Bullies

2011-09-24T23:34:00.000-05:00

When I was in schoolthe bullies were way different than they are now. Technology has given bullies new ways to be mean and reach a wider audience. Cell phones with texting, Social Networks, Internet chat rooms. OY Where does it end?

What happened to the old days where it was "push me down and take my lunch money"?

Now they create FB pages that spout hate for a single child in particular. They text one or two people...who then send it on to another two, then another and another.

STOP THE MADNESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Check This OUT!!!!

2011-09-24T11:24:00.000-05:00

This totally rocking all-terrain wheel chair is one of the hard drives for the non-profit that I work for. We raise $ to get these chairs to outdoor folks who, without them, are unable to really experience the pleasures of nature.

Cutting the cord

2011-09-22T18:13:00.000-05:00

I have been a Netflix client for about 4 years now and have really enjoyed my service. When the first price increase came along it was $1 and I said .....Okay. When the second came and it was like $6 I called and asked WTH? I got a very nice person who explained to me that many of the companies that Netflix has to pay a fee to for having their movies available had increased their $ by a lot and I still said ....Eh, I understand.

BUT when I heard on Yahoo! news instead of getting an email in my inbow that Netflix was splitting into 2 companies, that I would have to visit 2 seperate websites to get my DVD's and stream and that it will still be MONTHS before the streaming movies are updated with new selections....I cut the cord!

Now, I am still paying for streaming which I use several times a week, but my family has really slacked off on the DVD's during the past year. Never made a difference until the price increase which goes into effect this month. It is my hope that the selection of streaming movies does increase because as of now I have to bounce between Netflix and Hulu to get what I want. Adding a third site just seemed a bit much to me.

So, Mr. CEO, while I appreciate the appology and the sudo explination about what I already knew was happening, you will have to be content with only getting 1/2 the money from me that you would have if you had kept these 2 services together.

Am I being a bitch? Maybe but that is my right :)

Beepie Awards

2011-09-19T18:12:00.002-05:00

So I am a semi-finalist in the first annual Breathless Press Beepie awards :) YEAH BABY!! If you have the urge just click on the image in the sidebar and go vote for Mr. Postman :)

What's in a name?

2011-09-13T17:34:00.000-05:00

We have heard this many times. A name is just a name....but what happens when they are so freaking funny that you can't say it without laughing or groaning? Here are some examples that I have seen...

A vasectomy doctor whose name is Richard Chop....Dick chop :)
Had a friend once whose name was Richard Mann but we called him Dick Mann :)
Saw a street sign the other day.....Kuntz Road
Another street named Split Tail Circle
Knew a Private in the military once whose last name was Harder. Private Harder :)
Saw a name the other day....Richard Hardin...Dick Hardin

What are some that you have run across?

Drought = Snakes

2011-09-03T22:05:00.002-05:00

With the region already suffering through the Biblical plagues of drought and heat, you could have seen this one coming.

Here come the snakes.

Snake experts tell 1200 WOAI news that late August and September will see an explosion of snakes in back yards, as the critters start slithering out looking for something to eat.

“They’re very hungry right now,” central Texas snake expert Jerry Cates tells 1200 WOAI news, in a statement which is creepy on it’s surface. “The hungrier they get, the more they start ranging the fields looking for food.”

He says that’s why we can expect snakes to show up in places where they are seldom seen.

So what happens if you come into contact with a snake in your back yards? Cates says the first thing you should do, interestingly enough, is to stare into its eyes.

“If it’s a large snake, and it has round eyes with big black pupils, it is almost certainly NOT a venomous snake,” he says.

Okay, you’ve gazed into the snakes eyes, and it doesn’t have big black pupils. What happens now?

He says the three most common types of poisonous snakes in Texas are the common rattlesnake, the Texas coral snake, and the cottonmouth, which is relatively rare.

The rattlesnake has the distinctive rattle at the end of the snake, but Cates cautions that the snake actually seldom rattles the rattle, so if you don’t hear the tell-take sound, don’t think it’s not a dangerous rattlesnake.

If it is a colorful, banded coral snake, Cates says the Boy Scout nursery rhyme really does tell you whether the snake is dangerous or not.

“Red touch yellow, kill a fellow. Red touch black, venom lack. That is probably the best way to remember that.”

He says snakes will almost always retreat when confronted by humans, and he says many people are startled by how fast snakes can travel.

If the worst happens, and the snake does bite, Cates says get to the doctor as quickly as possible. He says snake bites are actually less painful than a sting from a scorpion or a wasp, and he says the victim may not experience the effects of the venom right away, but, as anybody who has seen movies ranging from ‘Lonesome Dove’ to ‘True Grit’ can attest, snake bites are nothing to mess with.

He says the venom will begin kicking in in a few hours, and frequently leads to paralysis, respiratory failure, and can be fatal. and he says a snake bite will drain your wallet as well.

“If you are bitten by a venomous snake, you and your insurance provider together are going to spend between $50,000 and $150,000 in medical bills,” he said.

Cates says as we approach mid August and get into September, we should be aware of the fact that snakes are likely to pop up in all sorts of places. He says you should put the flip-flops aside, and wear leather shoes or boots whenever you are walking in or around tall grass brush, or while you are doing gardening work or lawn mowing.

He warns that even if rains do come to the region, the snake infestation is inevitable. He says the snakes are ranging looking for their favorite prey, which is rodents, and a couple of rains won’t suddenly produce a crop of rodents for the snakes to eat.

It Just Keeps Going.............

2011-09-03T17:27:00.000-05:00

It's been in the news, I am told, across the nation. Has shown up in papers in LA. The extreme drought we are locked in here in the Lone Star State sucks. Not only are we approaching 100 days of over 100 degree temperatures but with no rain everything is literally turning to dust.

This is the first time that I have seen fall colors during the summer. Trees and shrubs are drying up and dying before our very eyes.Hay crops are pathetic to say the least. Those who CAN irrigate are almost afraid to due to the sever lack of water and the declining water tables. Rivers and lakes are shrinking. Cities and towns are slapping folks with HUGE fines for excessive water use.

About 3 weeks ago the pressure in our water lines dropped in a big way. No more showers in my house but instead everyone is taking economy baths. Washing the clothes has become a Saturday event where I load them into my car and drive to the in-laws house. No dishwasher, everything by hand. Having to haul in water for the horses and chickens.

Many experts are worried that this drought will last into next year. There has been a surge of folks setting up above ground water systems and having bulk water hauled in to the tune of around $115 for 1500 gallons.

Not a pretty sight at all.

Round bales of coastal hay are a shocking $130 a bale and are only expected to go up. Every day I see semi trucks full rolling down the road. All of them carting in from out of state to sell to the locals. Hay distributors seemed to have sprung up on every corner. Capitalizing on the dire need of those of us in need with no other options but to pay the high prices.

Now don't get me wrong, our ranch has baled hay for YEARS....but this year we have had one cut and it was dismal at best. We are maintaining hope that we at least get SOME rain and are able to make a cut in October to feed our stock through the winter. If not we will either be selling off or paying through the nose.

Keep your fingers crossed and send wet thoughts....we need them bad :)

Texas Serenity Group

2011-08-20T10:25:00.001-05:00

As most of you know I am the mother of an Autistic child. I recently started working for a wonderful non-profit in my local area that has a focus on children with autism. I don't normally beat my pages and ask folks to check things out but I felt the need here.
http://www.facebook.com/update_security_info.php?wizard=1#!/pages/Texas-Serenity-Group/143342792414354

This group is really amazing and is striving hard to do great things. First locally and then from coast to coast! www.texassg.org

Now for the favor that I am about to ask. No I am not asking for money or donations (though they wouldn't turn them down :) What I would like from my friends and followers if for you to LIKE their faceBook page and if you feel up to it, SHARE it on your own. Help me spread the word so that as a whole, we can help more people who need help.

Votes needed

2011-08-01T13:01:00.000-05:00

Mr. Postman is up for the first anual Beepie Awards from Breathless Press. Pop over and vote for your favorite authors :) No pressure :) http://voting.breathlesspress.org/forums/125865-nominations

Dog Days of Summer

2011-08-01T12:52:00.000-05:00

Anyone who is familiar with summers in Texas knows that it isn't the time to be without AC. My family and I awoke to a sweltering box last weekend when we realized that our central air unit had died during the night. It took three days for us to discover what parts we needs and get them ordered. Got them put on and were releaved to have cold air again.......until the next afternoon when yet another part croaked. GRRRRRRRRR.

It has been 10 days now and there is no relief in site for us at the moment. With hubby in the construction industry and the fact that those jobs are hard to find right now things are tight anyway. But when you throw into the mix a broken AC and 100 plus temps for the last 50 days straight it really doesn't make for a warm and fuzzy home :)

Fingers crossed that we get something ironed out by this weekend as I am sick of being so hot. :) Y'all have a great day and try to stay cool :)

Ban Removed!!!!!!!!!!

2011-07-08T14:01:00.001-05:00

I decided to email Amazon about Final Exam being removed from their site and got a response today! WOO HOO!!! Here is the letter that I sent to them......

" To Whom it may concern,

I received an email yesterday stating that Final Exam would no longer be available for sale at Amazon.com due to a violation of content guidelines. I would like to find out what is in violation?

There are over 24 thousand titles available at Amazon's Kindle store that are erotica and contain graphic sex acts within the work. This title contains no incest, no underage characters, no rape or forced seduction. It is a short story about a college girl who has a desire for her professor.

I would appreciate any incite that you could offer as it appears that there is no reason for this story to be taken down while so many others containing the same, or more, graphic content remain available for sale."

Here is the response that I got........

" We’ve reviewed your response concerning the following eBook(s): Final Exam

After further consideration, we’ve reinstated your book and you can view the detail page here: Please allow 24-48 hours for it to appear in the Kindle Store.

We appreciate your feedback and apologize for any inconvenience caused by this temporary suppression."

I have to say that I am very pleased with the speed in which Amazon responded to my inquiry and even more pleased with the results! I want to thank everyone who PM'd me last night and this morning to get their FREE copy of this story and those who emailed me to let me know what they thought about it. You are all great :)

Banned by Amazon

2011-07-08T12:52:00.000-05:00

For those who check out my FaceBook page you have already heard the news but for those who haven't....here it is. I recieved word yesterday that one of my erotica short stories was taken down from Amazon and will no longer be offered for sale there.

I am not alone in this. There are many authors who have had their work censored by Amazon, deemed in violation of their content guidelines. I searched out said guidelines and discovered that anything containing hard-core or that depicts graphic sex acts is a violation. But not all titles containing such subject matter are being pulled. Letters to Penthouse is still available. MANY e-publishers who publisher erotica still have their titles available. I am just scratching my head wondering what makes one story any more "graphic" than another that contains the same graphicness.

Back in the Day

2011-06-16T14:18:00.000-05:00

I was a nobody :) I wasn't a cheerleader, a jock's girl, popular, homecoming court or prom queen. Hell, I wasn't even voted most likely to.....whatever :)

But I am okay with that.

I played basketball....and our team sucked :) We had a great time but averaged one win per season. It seems that the trend for me started when I started going to school. Unpopular followed me until I graduated...and then out into the real world too.

As I got older the teasing got a little less, or maybe I just stopped caring as much. I'm not sure. What I do know is that even as an adult I woke every morning and had to face the reality that I was going to drive an hour commute to a job that was hectic and filled with stress. Sit in a cubicle and deal with crap all day. And if that wasn't enough...I was going to have women that were my "friends" look down on me because I just wasn't cool enough. I didn't wear the right clothes (I dressed for comfort) I didn't do my hair or put on make-up (I'm a mom....I have better things to do and besides, it doesn't affect my job)

So what did I learn?

I DIG working form home and being at the beck and call of my kids day and night :) I have the greatest job in the world! Granted, I took a HUGE pay cut but the benefits more than make up for it.

Student suspended over Facebook post

2011-05-19T09:07:00.002-05:00

I heard about this on a local radio show this morning. While I agree with my local radio Host that it is crapola for the kid to be suspended for a FB post, I have to disagree with him on one point. The radio personality said that Teachers can get in trouble for FB posts because they have to sign a contract but it should not apply to students because they sign no contract. I am not sure about your kids school, but at my son's school, at the start of EVERY year we both have to sign and date a form that states he will abide by all the rules in the student handbook. So if in that handbook there is something about social networking then he COULD be held accountable by the school for what he posts on his personal page.

Now, don't get me wrong, my son is too young IMHO to have a FB page, cell phone or an email addy, but as his parent it is my responsibility to monitor what he does on the Internet. If he has a FB page and I know that there is a rule in the School Handbook about comments posted on social networking pages then I have to keep an eye on what he posts.....OR allow him to be punished by the school if they feel his post has broken one of their rules that he and I agreed he would adhere to.

I think that the line between what schools should police has become blurred a bit. As a parent I find myself on the fence at times. Do I want a drug addict, prostitute or a rapist teaching my child even if they keep their personal life out of the school? No, but I do think that teachers have the right to have a life.

But by the same token, where do you draw the line? No one wants a criminal in the schools plain and simple. But what about Judy Mays? She was SLAMMED because she is a high school English teacher who writes erotic romance and has had her name splashed all over the place. Where do we draw the line? Only illegal activities? Only activities that are outlined in the contract? What should schools be allowed to monitor in the student or staff's personal life?

How free are your kids?

2011-05-17T13:28:00.003-05:00

I remember as a child (first grade) walking home from school to an empty house, making a snack and waiting for my single, working mom to come home. I ran around the neigborhood without her y my side. Later when we moved to the country I ran all over our 12 acres without a care in the world.

Now, I am a mother. My family and I live on 11 acres on the cusp of a small town and I find myself very concerned and unable to allow my kids to just run. DH and I have had this discussion several times and over and over we both agree that plain and simple the world is just not the same as it was 30 years ago.

Now I don't pretend to believe that there were no child abductions or child molestations when I was a kid. I know there were. But why am I so unable to give my children the same "freedom" that DH and I had as kids?

Has the news made me scared? Am I just more aware of what can and does happen when children are left unsupervised? Am I just an overprotective dipshit who is smothering my kids and doing more damage than good? Yes

And no.

I have reasons for my protective nature over my children. They are mine. My kiddos are trusting that I will protect them. I have to make decisions that for better or worse I believe will be in their best intrest.

It is no different than when I go to my son's ARD at school and I hear...The school and the parent of the child understand that b the child being in Special Education he or she may get picked on or bullied by other students but "we" believe that in the long run the benifits out weigh the possible consequenses.

Am I sheltering my kids by not allowing them to run around on our 11 acres without me? Maybe. But how would I feel if I let them and something did happen? Not a chance that I am willing to take. Not yet anyway.

Am I willing to risk having some nosey person call CPS because they believe that I am neglecting my children by allowing them freedom to run around unsupervised on our property? Hell no. I love my kids. I quite my job in the coorperate world to be a stay at home mom when our second child was born. I did it for them. Both of them. They mean the world to me. And there is no way that I will stand by and let some one tell me that by being overprotective...or in my opinion "smart"...I am doing my damage to my kids than good.

I write erotic romance. Am I letting my kids read it? No. Do I screen what they watch on TV? Yes. Do I screen their video games? You betcha. Will they be allowed to have computers with internet access in their bedrooms? Hell no.

Am I overprotective? Probably. But you wanna know something? I sleep well at night knowing that I am doing my best to keep my kids safe from all that I can.

The Horse Boy

2011-04-19T14:47:00.002-05:00

I was poking around Hulu today and came across this title. As the mother of an autistic son I was moved to tears more than once watching this movie. So many times I saw Rowan do things that I have been through and it really brought up all the old pain and inadequate feelings that I had at the beginning and still have daily.

Am I doing enough? What can I do that will help more? Am I a good enough mother? Am I doing the right things to help him grow? All these things taunt me daily as I struggle to make life the best it can be for my son.

With our 6 month appointment looming near I continue to add to my list of questions for the doctor. What else can we do? Is what we are doing working? Should we try somthing new? I don't know the answers and to tell you the truth I am not sure that anyone really does. All I know is that I love my son very much. My heart aches for him. I worry that I am not patient enough to help sometimes and then I try to remind myself that he and I both get discougaged. He at me when I am just not getting what he is trying to tell me or when I just don't understand. Me with him when I just don't understand but more with myself....because I just don't understand.

We have made great strides in the past 4 years since discovering the diagnosis. Hard times? Yeah, we have had them. Are they over? I am sure that we will have more but I aim to do my best to help my child. And if I don't know what to do? Well, damnit there are plenty of folks out there who are willing to listen and try to help me...to help US.

The tantrums are still here but not as frequent as they once were.

Who Were You?

2011-03-10T12:59:00.002-06:00

As a mom, I find myself thinking more and more about my childhood as I watch my kids grow. Every parent wants their kids to have it better than they did, I am no exception. So, when I see my son, who is autistic, having a hard time making friends or getting teased or picked on, it really hits home for me.

I was not cool. I was an only child raised by a single, working mother. Money was tight. I wore glasses, cheap clothes, and sported homemade hair cuts...none of which helped me make friends. In fact they just seemed to make me an easy target.

The cycle never changed. From elementry school through high school graduation I was on the fringes looking in. Trying anything I could to fit in. Overall I was a good kid. I did my homework. Didn't drink or sneak out. Made no real trouble.

Even as an adult in the corperate office world I found myself in the same situation. Not so much being picked on but certainly I had my wardrobe scrutinized for its plain appeareance and the fact that I don't wear makeup or style my hair. My country life also played a big part in setting me apart from my co-workers in a big way.

Now, as a stay at home mom...and the author of some pretty dirty stories, I find that people look at me differently. When asked what I do my usual response is that I am a homemaker and I write part time. Always the same follow up question...what do you write? I write the naughty stuff :) It seems to make folks laugh, chuckle or I get the occasional "Oh"

Even with all that I find that I still don't fit in with the other mom's at my sons school. My clothes still aren't right. Still don't have enough money and my car isn't the newest. It pains me to think that children are influenced so much by parents. Is my son having a hard time because the other parents don't think I am good enough?

Do I care? Of course I do. My kids should be judged by their personalities...not mine.

I have horror stories of my own from childhood. Some of the things done to me should never be done to another person, but my main fear is for my son. His "needs" make him stand out from his calssmates and I fear for him.

What I want to know is how do you hope to ensure that your kids childhood is better than yours?

Where am I?

2011-02-19T18:02:00.002-06:00

It may come as no surprise to those who read my work that I recently changed my pen name from Ann to A. I did it for a number of reasons including the incorrect tagging on Facebook and the very nice message from Anna Campbell letting me know about the mess :)

I do have some new work out with the new name. There are 2 titles now out with Breathless Press and 3 with Pink Satin Press. All 5 titles are erotica but I have a number of new stuff in the wings being worked on. And off. Okay, I work when I can find the time :)

As for life....well it goes on reguardless of what I want :) So I just hang on for the ride.

What a bad girl I am

2010-11-16T23:45:00.002-06:00

Where in the hell have I been, you ask? Oh I have been around. My summer and fall have been jam packed with writing, doctors visits with the kids, moving horses, a broken car and writing....did I say writing? :)

I have branched out a bit and now have some straight up dirty erotica published at 2 places. Brathless Press and Pink Satin Press. All my erotica is under the name A. Campbell so it will be easy to tell the diff between my porn and my erotic romance. Porn? Yep, it's pretty dirty. :)

I am currently working on another story, okay fine, I actually have about 6 that I am activly working on :) Busy bee, that's me :)

With the season of giving coming fast I hope to have some of them wrapped up and submitted soon.

I will keep you posted and try to be better about blogging :)

SURPRISE!!!!!!!

2010-06-14T11:43:00.002-05:00

Did you know that rabbits shed? Thumper started shedding mounds of fur on Wednesday the 2nd. Now when I say mounds I am talking about enough fur to make a small dog. Well, I wasn't about to leave it in her cage. Can't have rabbit fur in all the nooks and crannies of my home.

Last weekend my home woke to a surprise. I have told you about Thumper. She is sweet...and big. But imagine my shock when Saterday morning,the 5th, I woke and went to my sons bedroom to help him with his TV and he holds out his little hand to show me something.

There is his palm was a small....bald...you guessed it, a baby rabbit! OMG! Where did you get that? My son pointed to the rabbit cage where Thumper and 3 other babies sat. OY! WTH?

No wonder she was shedding. She was trying to make a nest. can you imagine what that rabbit was thinking every time I came to her cage and took out all the fur that I now realize wasn't shed but pulled from her tummy? Oh the profanity I am sure she had going through her mind all directed at me. UGH.

I know NOTHING about baby rabbits. So off I went to Google, Yahoo and Ask.com to find out everything I could.

It's no wonder they say "breed like rabbits" She must have gotten in the family way just before she came to live with us since they only gestate for 30 days. Oh yeah, I called our friend, who when he delivered Thumper, assured me she was not preggers. Damn him :)

Oh well, such is life....right?

The New Pet

2010-05-21T10:08:00.008-05:00

Last night a new pet came to our home. My son decided that a hedgehog was maybe not such a great idea when I told him I had a friend who had a bunny that needed a home. Son jumped at the chance for a bunny....who wouldn't?

Now when I was a kid, I had a bunny. Cute little lop eared dwarf. She was so little and sweet.

*scratching head* Perhaps I should have thought to ask another question or two before I agreed to have the rabbit come live with us :) THUMPER, as the kids have named her, is NOT a bunny. At least not like any bunny I have ever seen. Thumper is a rabbit...Maybe even part swamp rabbit! When she stands on her hind legs she comes to my knees. This is a rabbit that could feed a family of four a good dinner. :)

THUMPER isn't small by a LOOOOOOONG shot. She is a ex FFA show rabbit who was living at the local school and at the end of the school year needed a home to go to. Well, my home is now her home :)

The kids couldn't be happier. Me? Eh, another animal doesn't matter much in the grand scheme of things around here. With 2 adults, 2 kids, a dog, a cat, a fish, 4 horses and now a rabbit....Yeah, you get the idea :) And with the garden and my incubators getting ready for eggs to hatch into baby chicks.....Crazy right :)

Total country girl. But would you expect anything less from a girl who grew up working the family cattle ranch? Nope. Me either. I love animals and have passed it along to my kids. Darlung hubby just humors us I think. Bless him :)

So let me know what you think of THUMPER....or my crazy animal zoo that I seem to have around here :)

Kids and the death of a pet

2010-05-19T09:59:00.003-05:00

This has got to be one of the hardest things in the world to explain. As parents we want to do the best we can to protect our children from pain and sadness. So what happens when you can't throw up that sheet to protect them?

My 8 year old autistic son LOVES animals. A couple years ago he wanted a guinea pig. It was all he could talk about. He lived, breathed and ate all things guinea pig. (not literally of course but you get the idea) So I made a deal with him. We got a cage. He got a book on the care of pigs. We gathered supplies as I read the book to him. I quizzed him...as well as one can quiz a 5 year old...and FINALLY when the time was right, I found a local breeder, went to her home and let my son pick out his $5 guinea pig that he lovingly named Lenny.

After almost 3 years of devotion, Lenny left us last night. Why? I have no idea. I expect it is just one of those things. He always has a clean cage and water. Lots of food and fruits and veggies. It remains a mystery to me.

Back to the story. I woke my son this morning to begin the normal routine. Eat, get dressed, brush teeth. While he was putting on his socks and shoes I realized that Lenny had not greeted me this morning when I flipped on lights. I felt the dread pit low in my stomach as I walked to his cage. Sure enough there in his pink Igloo lay Lenny.

I did not tell my son this morning before he went to school. He needs strict routine in his life to function and this would have thrown him off making the day miserable for him. So here I sit, worry gnawing at my gut trying to find a way to soften the blow.

He has dealt with animal death before but never a "pet". Chickens? Yes. Fish? You bet. But never a fluffy pet he kept in his room and raised (well, I fed and took care of him but that is to be expected) from the time he was small.

I think I am going to bake a cake. Make a yummy dinner. When I pick him up and get him home this afternoon we will sit down and talk. I have no idea what to expect. It will go two ways. Extreme sorrow, or indifference and I don't know which one it will be. My hope is that he will be able to accept the death, be sad yes, but see that this is a fate we all will see in our life. He knows that everything dies.

As I type I have to wonder, if he takes it very well I can almost see the next words out of his mouth. "So, can I have a hedgehog now?" He has been pestering for one of the prickly little balls for almost 5 months now and he has always been told NO because we have Lenny. His response is "Can I have one when Lenny dies?"

OY VEY! Do you want to trade lives with me for a day ;)

Coming Soon!!!

2010-05-12T11:52:00.002-05:00

So it has been awhile since I posted anything but I wanted to let everyone know that I have a coming soon with Cobblestone Press...Product Testing. Yeah baby!!! A hot man, a woman ready to explore and a store full of sex toys. Sounds like Christmas to me :)

Sex Education in our Public schools

2010-04-09T08:44:00.003-05:00

This subject has been under debate for a long time in a lot of towns and states across the country. Is the teaching of abstinence better than the teaching of use of contraceptives? I am on the fence.
I agree that teenagers really are not emotionally mature enough to handle a sexual relationship. I don't think it's just the sex that they can't handle but all the other factors that go along with being sexually active. Let's face it, sex feels good...when done properly :) but teenage pregnancy and STD's are a HUGE issue!

This is from the Texas Department of State Health Services
How Often Does a Teenager in Texas Get Pregnant?
Every 10 minutes, a teen in Texas gets pregnant.
Every 10 hours, a 14-year-old teen gets pregnant.
Every 3 hours, a 15-year-old teen gets pregnant.
Every 1.5 hours, a 16-year-old teen gets pregnant.
Every 52 minutes, a 17-year-old-teen gets pregnant.
Every 35 minutes, an 18-year-old teen gets pregnant.
Every 28 minutes, a 19-year-old teen gets pregnant.

The rate of STD's is staggering! Did you know that it has been said that 1 out of every 5 Americans has Genital Herpes? And unlike some STD's it isn't something you can get rid of. It's with you forever.

HIV and AIDS aren't the only thing out there.
Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, Hepatitis, Genital warts, Genital herpes, and Trichomoniasis are some of the most common.

So the question is what do we do? Well, the obvious answer is inform, but what is the best method of getting teens and adults to realize that this is something that can affect ANYONE?

Parents? I agree, as a mother, that the best place to learn is at home from the parents, but I also am not naive enough to think that my teens are going to "hear" everything I tell them. I HOPE they realize that I am talking to them because I want whats best but in reality I also know that I can't be with them all the time and that peer pressure and being caught up in the moment can sometimes make the right decision a little hard to see.

Schools? While I think that a Sex Ed class in schools is great, I am not sure how much it really helps. I remember when I was in school and we had our Sex Ed portion in Health class (that lasted a whole two days worth of classes) there was a lot of giggling and laughing going on while we watched a video about erections and the body and got a few hand-outs.

Perhaps we are going about it in the wrong manner. Teens think they know it all (as a general rule) Hell, I did when I was that age. Maybe Sex Ed needs to be approached in a non-school atmosphere, teens and young adults all talking in a relaxed non-threatening place where the feel they can open up and not fear repercussions. (In a perfect world) Perhaps offering an off-campus optional class isn't the answer. I mean, what teen is really going to want to spend a few hours a week for a month stuck with a group talking about something they shouldn't be doing?

Maybe we should be asking the teens what they want to see in a sex ed class? Do they want it in school? An out of school program that they must ATTEND to get school credit? Maybe peers talking to peers is the best way to go.

I totally agree that parents should be on the front line in the talk about sex, pregnancy and STD's with their children. But what else can be done? Any ideas?

What a bad girl I am :)

2010-04-08T12:01:00.002-05:00

Oh I need a spanking :) I have been so bad at blogging lately. Shame on me. BUT I have been working. I have a new contract with Cobblestone Press for Product Testing, I have a story submitted to another publisher and I have 3 other projects I am currently working on. WOW!!!

With summer right around the corner, I am hopeing to have a very productive year. I will be making it my goal to post interesting and little known sexual tidbits through the summer as a way to help spice up the naughtiness.

Oh the nughtiness!!!!!

2010-03-17T20:58:00.002-05:00

Those of you who know me know I have a naughty streak. I LOVE to flirt! I love to catch a guy looking at my ass and I love it when my husband is the one who sees them doing it. Little secrect....He loves it too !! :)

We were stopped at a gas station one random day during the summer last year. Our son climbed into the back seat and I had the back door open putting our daughter in her car seat. After climbing into my seat I noticed that hubby had the biggest shit eating grin on his face. I asked him what the deal was and he said he caught the guy at the next pump checking out my ass while I was putting the baby in the car seat.

The stranger glanced up and realized my husband was watching him check me out. So I asked hubby...what did you do?

His response? He said..I smiled and nodded my head because I get to go home with that fine ass every night and all he can do is look at it!

Oh how sweet and crass my loving husband is :) but I wouldn't have him any other way :)

A new year!!!

2010-01-18T10:10:00.002-06:00

And so it begins. Another new year has started and with it comes the drive to make this one better than last. But how?

First, set realistic goals! Nothing is worse than setting a goal and having it crash and burn after only a few weeks because it's just to much.

Second, think priority! Look at all the goals you have on your list and put them in order of most important.

Third, if at first you don't succeed....well you know the rest :)

I have set my goals for the year and kept them relatively small. I would like to finish one project a month and have 6 releases this year. I know that if I stick to a schedule I can accomplish it. I just need to motivate myself.....and stay that way:)

My biggest detriment to myself and my writing is that I get WAY to many ideas. I start more stories than I finish. I just can't seem to help it. I get a great idea, work on it and then lose motivation when another idea hits me. BAD GIRL!!

I have discovered that I work much better with deadlines than if I am left to my own devices, SO I rely on my wonderful CP and BFF to keep cracking the whip.

How do you stay on task?

Jamieson Wolf blog stop

2009-12-12T01:23:00.002-06:00

Hey Everyone,

First of all, thanks for letting me stop by to talk about my new novel Ann. Have I mentioned how awesome you are?

I’m super excited to be here today! I’ve been on tour to promote my new novel HARD available from the lovely folks at Breathless Press.

You can get your copy by clicking here: www.breathlesspress.com

I’ve been trying to think of new ways to promote HARD. As an author, I’m always looking for new and exciting ways to promote my book. Well HARD is a little special. Not only is it the first m/m romance to be published by Breathless Press, it is also launching their new m/m line!

So I’ve been pulling out all the stops: I’ve designed a free soundtrack, an online puzzle, written a free ebook, created a book trailer and more! All of this is available for free if you head over to www.areyouhardyet.blogspot.com

But I’ve been trying to think of other ways to promote. Sure, I’ve got banners, pictures, done interviews, had one of my friends create a desktop background (which will be going up on the blog soon). But the other day it occurred to me that I’ve virtually ignored one form of promotion: podcasts.

I thought it would be neat to do a series of short podcasts about the book. Want to listen to the first one?

You can listen to the first Hard Podcast by clicking here:

http://www.box.net/shared/t6osc38e0o

How cool is that?

But why a podcast? Well think about it. Podcasts reach so many more people than an ebook can. And, even better, if you don’t have time to listen to it now, you can listen to it later.

In this Hard Podcast, I reveal the true life story that inspired the novel. I really hope you enjoy it!

Make sure to get your copy of Hard at www.breathlesspress.com

Cheers,
Jamieson

Coming Soon!!!

2009-11-21T09:24:00.003-06:00

Just a little news. I have two releases coming soon. One from The Wild Rose Press and one from Cobblestone Press. I couldn't be happier! After a rough summer (The head blew on my car)and the beginning of the school year for my son being filled with a plethora of different doctors and two (2) different surgeries I am looking forward to a relaxed holiday season. Yeah I know. Holiday Season and Relaxed just don't belong in the same sentence do they?

The holiday's can be a very stressfilled time of the year. Family get-togethers, dinners, shopping, Black Friday sales, all the time spent in the car traveling. It seems you spend less time at home and when you do get to spend time there, you almost feel like a stranger in your own home.

During this festive time of year the one thing I stress is don't let yourself get lost in the crowd. Take some time for yourself. Even if it is just a bath and a book on a weeknight. Lessen the stress any way you can and you know my tride and true stress releaver.......SEX! What a way to burn off the tension and settle you in for a restfull nights sleep. It's also a wonderful way for spouses to connect during a season where you are running 24-7 and being pulled in 100 different directions.

Make it good, fast, dirty or sweet. How ever you like it, just don't forget it.

Who is your BOB?

2009-05-01T13:33:00.002-05:00

BOB......what can I say other than you have made my life more......interesting :) I am sure that many many many women out there have a special friend they call on from time to time. Nothing to be ashamed about. Hey, I say do for yourself what others cannot. And if they can, try it for something different sometime. Bob can be a fun addition to any relationship. They do say the more the merrier ;)
You are as Sexy as you feel. and every woman should always feel sexy. sometimes sexy comes in a discreet form that can fit in your purse and be used almost anywhere to hipe up the sexy feel. I say GO FOR IT GIRL!!!!!!

Chalk another one up for SEX!

2009-04-15T08:25:00.000-05:00

Gentle, relaxed lovemaking reduces your chances of suffering dermatitis, skin rashes and blemishes. The sweat produced cleanses the pores and makes your skin glow.

WOW!

2009-04-11T22:04:00.000-05:00

Sex is a beauty treatment. Scientific tests find that when women make love they produce amounts of the hormone oestrogen, which makes hair shine and skin smooth.

What a great way to get sexy skin!

Hey Baby!

2009-04-09T22:17:00.002-05:00

No matter where you go, there are sexy people. Do you look? I do! Hubby does! We wouldn't be human if we didn't look, the difference is we don't touch. We admire but never cross that line. BUT........Has there ever been someone who made your heart race every time you saw them? Maybe you have never even spoken to them, but that little flutter is there.
Let me tell you a story. For years I worked in an office in the capital city here in Texas. I worked in residential construction. We had a very nice office in a swanky office complex. There were a few courior servieces we used to get info to and from our office for closings and plans and such. One of the runners who came in to the office to pick up and deliver was HOT!!!!!!!!!! Tall, muscles, dark hair and clear blue eyes. Let me tell you, he had a fan club. Anytime he came in all the ladies were watching him. Dimples, sexy smile, TOTAL HOTNESS!!!!!!!!!!
It made me wonder, who else has had a similar experience? Maybe the Osarka water guy? Fed Ex? UPS? Maintenance? I don't care, I just want to know. Please feel free to post anony I don't need to know who you are. Have fun with this question. Push the limit tell me all the details.

A Tiskit a Tasket, Put Romance In your Basket Blog Stop

2009-04-06T00:01:00.000-05:00

HELLO! and thank you for stopping by today. I hope you are having a good time so far in this months blog hopping contest and scavanger hunt.
With Spring in the air it is the time for new beginings. Renewing life is a wonderful sign of hope for the future. Plants up through the dirt in search of the warmth the sun is showering on the. Animals give birth to the next generation. And who doesn't love the sight of cute fuzzy barn yard babies running wild in every direction. Around here we have chicks and horses. We have had piglets before and a duckling or two. Kittens are always a presence around the barn. I love them all! So small and fuzzy. A part of me wishes they would never grow up.
As a kid growing up I would spend entire days lurking around in the barn, watching the tinny balls of fuzz wiggle and move. It was facinating to me that such small seemingly helpless creatures would grow into adults that could take care of themselves in such a short time. My barnyard friends inspired me to become a vet when I grew up. from the time I was very small, it was all I ever wanted to do. Unfortunatly life got in the way and I gave up college and my dream.
Do I regret it? No. Had I stayed in college I would have never met my husband and I would not have the life I have now.
NOW for my contest today, I want to know what was your dream job as a kid? I will pick one name at random from all the posts and the winner will have their choice between a PDF copy of my new release, LIGHTS OUT..or some really cute romantic knick knacks.......OR bubble bath and a candle. Cool huh?

Don't forget to keep going in the hunt. Yesterdays stop was http://www.pinkfuzzyslipperwriters.blogspot.com/ and for tomorrow you need to go to http://www.murdermayhemandmore.blogspot.com/

Have fun and spread the spring love. It is the time for new beginings, new friendships, new dreams, and new love!

Naughty Naughty

2009-03-22T21:48:00.002-05:00

If I have said it once I have said it a hundred times.....sexy is as sexy does. Try something new at least once a month. Don't be scared to be naughty or even a little dirty in the bedroom (or the kitchen). There is nothing wrong with a little spanking or some nasty dirty talk, hell even a porno thrown in every so often for good measure is ok. I promise that the morning after a very naughty night will have you smiling and giggling every time you see your man the next day. Just thinking about what the two of you did last night, I can't believe I did that, will bring a rush of heat and help keep things interesting in the sack.
Boring sex is boring for everyone. With all the books, toys and other sex stuff out there, you have no excuse. Go forth my sexy Diva's, don't be scared to be naughty or even a little kinky. But remember to ALWAYS be safe! Painful is not pleasurable.......well, okay sometimes it is ;)

Contests?????????

2009-03-22T18:20:00.002-05:00

Well, after a month of biting my nails in anticipation of my Merritt contest entry, I heard from a fellow entrant the finalists had been notified. I was thrilled for her and the fact that she is a finalist and had the highest first round score (her prize is a manuscript read by Kensington) WOW!!!!!!
I have to admit, though, that after my none accept of my most recent MS submission (it was not a regection just a please work on and resubmit)I really wanted to at least final in the merritt. It would have been nice to have something good happen in a month where so much has gone so wrong in our home. BUT, no need to get upset. It was after all just a contest.
The non accept of my MS hit me harder. I really needed a bit of good news and have found myself clawing for anything I can even remotely look at in a shining light.
I have plotted more on my WIP and realize I will not have it done by the end of the month like I wanted. Maybe if my kids left and hubby didn't come home, but what kind of a life would that be. I am going to try to work on it more tonight in the hopes that my muse will come back. I could REALLY use a pick me up right now.
Keep your fingers crossed and don't forget about the BIG contest that is going on at my web site right now! REALLY COOL PRIZE!!!!!!!

Landscaping

2009-03-15T11:21:00.002-05:00

Landscaping and grooming are very important in the quest for a woman to feel sexy about herself. Personal grooming habits vary from person to person. Everything from daily showers to make up and hair style.But what about everything down south? I know women who have to shave their legs every morning because they get the five o'clock shadow with hair so coarse and black it resembles a mans beard. Then there are women like me who thankfully don't need to shave near that often.
But what about the Muff? Do you shave, trim or let it go all natural? Again here it is all a matter of what you like. The style and presentation of the fuzz says a lot about the way a woman feels about herself. My hubby told me a story about an old girlfriend who went to the pool once and when she took off her wrap had a forest erupting from her swimsuit line. NOT SEXY!!!!!!!!
Some men LOVE the smooth appearance of a bald beaver, but I have found that most tend to be reminded of a young girl and don't find it all that sexy, more dirty.
The Hitler and the V are popular styles for a lot of women because of the tidy look and the ease of hygeine.
I tend to like the trimmed all over myself. Not that shaving down there is something I have never done, I stayed bare for years before hubby told me how he felt about it. But I am not going Amazon and letting the curl get out of control. A simple inexpensive set of beard trimmers with a guard does a nice job of trimming the wayward locks into order and helps maintain a neat appearance. Easy upkeep are also a major plus of the all over trim.
If you need a little more just use a razor further south to take care of any stray curls you would rather be without and you will be fine.
Don't forget that you should only trim up if it makes you comfortable. It should make you feel sexy, NOT DIRTY. Landscape archatecture is not for everyone, but for those of you who do groom the south acre, don't you love it?
Have fun be sexy and never forget who you are and what makes you you is what makes you sexy :)

Panties or Not?

2009-03-12T21:15:00.002-05:00

Women spend a lot of money on frilly little numbers to wear under their clothes. You can buy everything from sensible cotton granny panties to racy, lacey, silky bits of nothing that show more than they conceal.
When I hit my teen years I moved up from the breatheable cotton to the silk and satin bikini panties. Why? They made me feel sexy! plain and simple. Even though I never went to third base till I was 16 I still wanted to feel sexy.
Now days I have a very different view on what makes me feel sexy. I tend to go a bit on the naughty side, I forfit the undergarment all together! There is something so nicely naughty about knowing that I am comando under whatever I am wearing that makes me feel sexier than any expensive pair of frillies crawling up my butt can do ;) But hey, that's just me.
What do you do to turn up the naughty just a bit when you really want to feel sexy and a little bad?

Sexy is Spicy!

2009-03-11T22:45:00.002-05:00

Ok I have to share :) I recently talked DH into going to a lingerie store with me. Not for bras but for the sexy stuff! I wanted a sexy corset! After much searching I found several in our area. With the kids gone for the night, away we went.
I stiffled a giggle when we walked into the first store and I saw hubby's eyes bulg! WOW he had no clue there were so many variations to things a woman will wear to excite a man and make herself feel sexy.
Finding nothing at the first shop, we continued our seach and ended up at another place down town. Oh the selection they had. Corsets and thongs and teddies OH MY! I tried on a wide variety of outfits in seach of the perfect one to put a little sizzle into our evening romps.But every one I found that I was sure would be a winner only got me an "It's okay" in response.
Frustrated I finally cornered him and told him to pick something. MY OH MY DID HE EVER!!!!!!! I am proud to say I now own a sexy little plaid skirt that doesn't even cover my cheeks and a very tiny top that you can see through, but hey, it did the job!

GO FORTH MY SEXY WILDCATS!!!!!!! Be sexy and go get some!

March Coming In Like A Lion CONTEST!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-03-01T01:00:00.000-06:00

March Coming-Like-A-Lion Contest
Is Spring coming in like a lion or a lamb website scavenger hunt. Enter a drawing for a 50.00 online Gift Certificate to www.vibratorwarehouse.com/

To Enter:
Visit the following website and find the image of either a lion or a lamb. Make a list of the websites and whether you found a lion or a lamb. Email your answers to eroticcontest@hotmail.com.
Contest runs from March 1st through March 31st. Winner will be drawn the first week of April.

Here are the websites:
KyAnn Waters – www.KyAnnWaters.com
Ann Campbell - www.anncampbell.webs.com
Helen Hardt - www.helensheroes.blogspot.com
Janna Lee Hayes - www.jannaleehayes.com
Liza James - www.LizaJamesAuthor.com
Sara York http://sarayork.blogspot.com/

(by entering this contest, you may be added to a participating author's newsletter list)

Author chat March 7th

2009-02-21T18:08:00.002-06:00

I will be having my first chat March 7th to celebrate the release of my Erotic short LIGHTS OUT. Please drop by http://romancebookjunction.ning.com/chat at 8pm central time for the chat. I will be giving away a PDF copy of my story to one lucky attendee and I may have a few other prizes up my sleeve.......Who knows! Hope to see you there :)

My Hottie of the week!

2009-02-20T23:33:00.002-06:00

Baby you can frisk me any time ;)

The Elusive Orgasm

2009-02-20T22:46:00.003-06:00

I would like a show of hands for all the women who have ever "faked it" with a guy. Come on now, I know that I am not the only one! There are a masive quantity of books out there that boast being able to help a woman discover how to become more orgasmicly inclined, and let me tell you my library is stuffed with books like these. I have learned all about my "beautiful rose" and all of it's petals. I have read page after page about how feeling sexy about yourself is key to reaching a mind blowing orgasm. Experimenting with toys, positions, fantasies, oral sex and masturbation. Holy COW who knew there was some much to know about how to get off!
One such book I have read several times is THE GOOD ORGASM GUIDE by Kate Taylor. a funny, witty must have for your sexual library. She gives how to for men and women and insists you "think outside your box" when trying to experience the perfect orgasm.
I recently convinced DH to go to an adult store in the area. I stiffled a giggle at his wide eyed wonder of the shear amount of sex toys avaliable in todays market. Everything from the pocket P to the king kong dong dildo and vibrator galore are redaly avaliable instores or descreetly online.
Experience your inner KINK and try something new to put a little pepper in his pecker, but remember girls, you also play a big part in how and if you reach the ultimate "O". Don't be afraid to tell him to smack your ass if that's what you like. Men like dirty talk.
I will never forget the total shock of my DH the first time I dirty talked him. We had been married almost 8 years and had 2 kids! I was feeling a bit kinky and he just wasn't stroking it the way I wanted. Needless to say, he was more than happy to acomidate my severly spoken request. and afterwards told me how much he liked the fact I was so forceful in my demands :)
So ladies just remember, if at first he doesn't suceed, BOB is only an arms reach away! Go forth and get off! Have fun and reduce stress. You can thank me in the morning :)

When sex feels like work

2009-02-18T21:53:00.004-06:00

Sex is something that should NEVER feel like work. It should never be something you dread or pretend to sleep so you can get out of it. But what do you do when a half hour after dinner the other half looks at you and asks "am I getting lucky tonight?" And more so what do you do when you hear that same question or a similar variation to it at least 3-4 times a week?
OH BOY! If you have a good honest relationship ( which you should) you need to express you feelings. How does it make you feel when you are expected to put out whether you are in the mood or not. Talk through your feelings and then try something new!
Check your local listings for an adult store in your area. Go buy a sexy corset if that's your thing. Maybe purchase a nifty battery operated toy. Go to the local book store and search the adult section. You really never know what you will find.
Dress up, role play, try new positions or hell even a new room!
If things are spicy you should never feel like you have to or dread bed time. BUT if you are just to tired just write a rain check to be redeemed at a later date.
If you are like me and go through spells where you want it all the time and then others where you hardly ever want it, don't feel alone because you aren't. I know my Dh gets annoyed when i go through my don't want it stage but he also knows that when my muse comes back he's in for a ride that may last a week or two :) and there is no telling what new ideas I may bring to the table.

Bottom line.........be open with your partner. You shouldn't put out if you don't want to and they shouldn't expect you to. But baby when you want to, go forth and fuck like wild bunnies! Have fun, try new things and strech the imagination. I promise if you try something new and you like it, the next morning you will smile at each other and get turned on just thinking about the naughty little thing you did last night on the kitchen table.

Sex, Love and the Art of Flirting!

2009-02-17T21:55:00.002-06:00

Hopefully for all of us sex and love go hand in hand. But what about flirting? Where does it fit in to a solid, settled, comfortable relationship? Hopefully right up there at the top!
Flirting is an art if done correctly. One should never come across like a brazen hussy. Flirting should be sexy and subtle, gentle and teasing, and of course it should hint a bit on the naughty side sometimes too!
I recently bought a book called HOW TO WALK, TALK, TEASE AND PLEASE LIKE A PLAYBOY BUNNY and I must say, those bunnies have it down pat!
I have always known you are as sexy as you feel, and lets face it, there are times I just don't feel sexy. But a little eye makeup, maybe a pair of sexy panties (or no panties) and WHAM! Sexy just went up!
It's not very often that as a stay at home mother of 2 I feel sexy. Diapers, dishes and dust bunnies take the sexy right out of me. But even the frumpy mom likes to feel sexy sometimes.
I find that when I take the time to treat my hair (ok ok I color the gray!) I feel sexy, and when I feel sexy I like to flirt. Flirting with my man makes him feel studly, and lets face it, a man who feels studly is sexy. (Some exceptions here! The creepy guy in the bar who keeps trying to grab your ass is just that...an ass!)
The art of flirting can make you feel sexy too! There is nothing wrong with winking at a guy you catch staring at you in traffic. Who knows, you might just make his day. And it made you feel good that someone other than your other half thinks you're cute enough to ogle.
Even some harmless flirty banter with the grocer or your mechanic is cool as long as he participates and it remains with in limits.
I flirt. I know I flirt. It makes me feel sexy and desired. I know DH loves me, but romantic he ain't. His idea of sweet talk is "MMMMMM DAMN your ass looks good in those jeans!" Sorry but that just doesn't get me reved up.
Now, does DH flirt with other women? Oh hell yes! And I don't even think he realizes it. Does it bother me? Not a bit. I know who he's climbing into bed with and I also understand that all of us need someone else to think we are sexy sometimes.
So Have no fear, flirt! It's good for you. Sexy is as Sexy does, So go forth and experience sexy to it's fullest.

Perfect Valentines Movie

2009-02-14T01:24:00.002-06:00

What do you think is the perfect romantic movie to watch? is it one that makes you laugh or cry? I have 2 that are my favorites when it comes to romance. The Lakehouse and The Notebook. Wonderful stories that never fail to bring a tear to my eye and leave me feeling fulfilled, warm and fuzzy after they are over. I have just finished watching the Lakehouse for the second time today and I am still not tired of it. I can only imagine how hard it was for them to wait for eachother and how rewarding it must have felt when they were finally able to be together. AHHHH!
Such a shame not all of us can have such a tale of love and romance be a part of our real life. I guess that is the reason we read and watch tales like these. So we can be a part of something magical and wonderful. And for just a few moments put ourselves in the shoes of the hero or heroine, to feel like they do, to experience their joy and pain. For just a brief moment to have that as our own.
Happy Valentines Day to all of you. I hope your loved ones know how much you love them and they you.
I wish you many more years of magic and romance and hope the spark in your life never fades to the background.

Merritt Entry Submitted

2009-02-13T17:06:00.002-06:00

Well, I sent in my entry this morning now I just have to wait. I have heard lots of comments about entering writing contests over the past few weeks. Some of my fellow authors LOVE to enter them and others say they entered a few and then stopped. I have no illusions of grandure. I don't think I will EVER be the next big thing but I want to make sure that my writing is as good as I can possibly make it, and hey, if I can win a contest or two along the way GREAT!!!! at least when I am old and gray I can show them to my grandkids and say once upon a time :)
I hope I at least make it past the first round of judging. I will get some good feed back and that in its self will be a good thing. Of course I wouldn't be opposed to winning either. But lets not put the cart before the horse.
I am still working on my next story for TWRP. Another Scarlet. WOO HOO. I hope to have it finished before I hear back about the one I submitted in January to the Yellow Rose line. It is my goal this year to try to have 3 releases. My first will be coming out on 3-6-09 and if I can get the lead out I may be able to get this next one in and maybe accepted and MAYBE out by the end of the year. No biggie if I don't but it would be nice.
Keep your fingers crossed for me :)

Wild Weather

2009-02-11T14:28:00.003-06:00

We had some nasty weather pass through Texas last night. Tropical storm force winds, lightning, thunder and pounding rain. I decided not to work late last night and crawled into bed. At 6am this morning I was rudely awoke by hubby saying I needed to get up and come to the living room. I endered the FRIGID room and gasped when I saw the big window by my computer chair was shatered and strewn across my chair and the floor. HOLY COW! I guess there are times when sleep is better than working! :)

Romancing February Blog Contest Location #2

2009-02-02T00:01:00.005-06:00

I would like to thank every one for dropping by today and participating in the Romancing February Blog Hop Contest. My first release, LIGHTS OUT will be avaliable on 3-6-09 from The Wild Rose Press and I am stoked! I have had such a great time meeting so many wonderful authors. This is a chapter in my life I hope will continue for a long time. Feel free to look around my blog and my web site.

Valentines Day has never really been that big of a thing to me, maybe because the only person to ever get me anything was my Mom! My high school sweetheart got my roses but that has been about the extent of my valentines gifts. My hubby of 8 years, bless him, is not very good at mushy stuff so I let him slide every year. Secretly though, I have always wanted to be the reciever of a truely original, romantic gift that required thought. I am not really the flowers, lingerie, stuffed animal and candy type of girl. Though sweet, they require no forthough and lets face it, aren't very original.

My contest here today: Ok, I thought long and hard about what kind of contest to have, I decided that I will post a question and draw a name at random from everyone who leaves a post. Winner will recieve some bubble bath and a gingerbread candle.

Question: What is the most original Valentines gift you have ever gotten?

For commenters who wish to post anonymously, please leave a name. I will post again after ten o’clock central time tonight to announce the winner so stop back by. To continue Romance February’s month-long party and win more prizes (and have a chance to win a $75-dollar gift card from The Wild Rose Press at the end of the month), be sure to follow the fun to fellow romance author Alisha Paige http://alishapaige.blogspot.com/

Romancing February Blog hop starts tomorrow!!!!

2009-01-31T15:28:00.001-06:00

ROMANCING FEBRUARY

28 romance authors invite you to participate in a month-long event of love and laughter. Each day starting Feb. 1, 2009 an author will throw a romance party at her blog and host a contest with a prize. The link to the next day's blog location will also be provided at each location. Just drop by and enter the contest. And get ready to heat up the cold wintery days of February. You could win a prize a day!

On February 28th, one person will be awarded the grand prize of a $75 WRP gift certificate. All you have to do to enter the grand prize contest is make a list of each author in this blog event and name one title she has available. Submit your list to Christmasrideblog@live.com by midnight CST, February 27, 2009. The winner will be announced on February 28th--just in time to warm up that person's February. Visit http://www.amberleighwilliams.blogspot.com on February 1st to begin.

Reviewers Needed

2009-01-29T08:26:00.000-06:00

Are you an avid romance reader? Would you like to have the opportunityto read as much as you have time for?The Long and the Short of it Romance Reviews(http://www.longandshortreviews.com <http://www.longandshortreviews.com>) is currently in need of more reviewers to help with the amazingabundance of requests for review that we have in our database! We offeran incentive program for our reviewers that includes Amazon.com orBarnes and Noble gift certificates, free advertising on our site, freeprint books and more, not to mention all the eBooks and occasional printbooks that you can handle.Reviewers are asked to complete at least two reviews each month and wealso allow and encourage you to review other books you read, in additionto the ones in our database if they fall within our guidelines.You need to be able to write using proper grammar and punctuation,though all reviews do go through an editor prior to publication.If you're interested, please email us at lasreviews@gmail.com lasreviews@gmail.com> – if you were referred by a friend orassociate, please mention their name. We look forward to hearing fromyou soon.

Legal or Illegal

2009-01-26T08:54:00.002-06:00

Self promo can be a pain, especially when you are new to the business and really have no clue what you are doing. Join LOTS of chat groups, tell everyone you know, and have contests. The last reason is the reason I am posting today. I thought about running a contest recently for the release of my upcoming erotic title. Then I found out it may not be a simple as just telling people and waiting to anounce the winner.
I did some research on line and found the Texas Business and Commerce Code chapter 40 which pertains to contests and giveaways. I read it. LOL Okay I read it but didn't understand most of it. I felt like I was in one of those carnaval rides that spins around and around. So I called a law school friend and asked if he would take a look at the law for me and make sure the 2 upcoming events I have planned do not violate this Texas law.
Why am I writing this for you to see? well I am hopeing I can keep the rest of you from making the same mistake I almost did. Check you state laws about contests before you have one, you never know what they say about it and we sure don't want to get in trouble.

What comes after

2009-01-26T08:44:00.002-06:00

When you think of romance, what do you think of? Dinners, Dancing, flowers.....SEX? Marriage? What about everything that comes after? Kids? Doctors apointments? Laundry? Dishes? Bad hair days?
I have never had much of the before's but I am learning to be a pro at the afters! Saterday morning in the midst of playing video games and running through the house like a crazed monkey, my 7 yr old son told me his ear hurt. I checked his temp.....normal. I figured it was achy from him laying on it funny while he was playing his games.
Hubby took the kids to see grandma and papa for a few hours that afternoon and upon his arrival home I was informed that our son had a fever and was complaining of ear pain. I checked temp, gave mortin and asked which ear hurt. when he stuck his finger in his left ear it squished.EEEEWWWW! I got a q-tip and a flash light, pulled his ear around so I could look in, dabbed with the q-tip and a wad of really nasty stuff came out. YUCKY!!!! I looked again and saw that there were bubbles in his ear.
I rushed him to the ER and they confirmed my suspision, RUPTURED EAR DRUM.
I filled RX's and gave him motrin for the fever yesterday and am now spending my morning calling ALL the dr's trying to get my son an APT with an ENT as per release papers from the ER. I called the ENT this morning and was rudely told I had to have a Refferal from my sons PCP. So I called them and had to wait on hold for almost 20 minutes. They told me to bring him in at 4:15 this afternnon.
I hate the games you have to play to get anything done sometimes. :)

Coming Home

2009-01-24T16:47:00.001-06:00

We have all heard stories about a family pet being lost or separated from their owner. We have read the tales about the courageous animal and the amazing lengths they go to to find their beloved family, traveling miles in search of the one place they call home. Thrust into uncertain and scary situations they probably have never had to deal with. Lost, scared and utterly alone with no one to comfort them.
Last week here in Liberty Hill one such incident happened. While attending the low cost vaccine clinic near the public library here in town, 3 cats were patiently waiting for their ride home while the forth was receiving her shot. Some how the cage was opened and the cats were thrust into a strange environment they were unfamiliar with. The owner of the cats and her husband spent days combing the area, talking to neighbors, walking the Railroad tracks calling and even went to the folks at the fire station with no luck.
The wife gave up hope of ever finding her beloved cats. I placed several calls hoping to help the search. Listening to the tears of a broken hearted animal lover when their friend has disappeared is crushing. Friday evening, I was standing in my kitchen cooking dinner when the phone rang. I answered it and received a tear filled declaration that one of the cats made it home. Now I know what you are thinking, not such a big deal, right? Home for this cat is over 20 miles away from Liberty Hill.
Ugly traveled across HWY 29, HWY 183 and FM 2657 near Briggs along with who knows how many county roads between here and there, taking her just over 3 days to make it home. A true testament to how much that ugly little cat loves my mom. I am glad she came back to you!

Montana Men by Jaydyn Chelcee

2009-01-20T09:36:00.000-06:00

I would like to give MAJOR snaps to a friend and fellow author, Jaydyn Chelcee. I have just finished the second book in her Montana Men series and have to say I am in LOVE with the books! The first in the series is called IN THE ARMS OF DANGER and the second is NO HOLDS BARRED. There are 3 more coming in this series and I am chomping at the bit for all of them

They are sexy,funny, suspense filled, hold on to your seat you’re in for a ride books I just can’t get enough of. Filled to the brim with characters that will steal your heart and find a warm place in your soul

Please check out her website at http://www.tabithashay.com

And go to www.eternalpress.ca/Chelcee.html to purchase a copy of both of these wonderful titles!

I look forward to many more years of reading her work. Thank you Jaydyn, I don’t look at the world the same since I met you!

LIGHTS OUT release date

2009-01-17T09:36:00.002-06:00

When I opened my email yesterday morning I was thrilled to find one from my wonderful editor at TWRP giving me a release date of 3-6-09. WHOPPIE!!!!!!! After a crazy dance and a little jumping around I noticed my 15 month old daughter looking at me like I was crazy. Oh Well, she'll understand on day. :) I called my favorite uncle to let him know as he has been hounding me and his response was "WHAT!!!! I have to wait that long to read it?" LOL Who would have figured a crusty old teddy bear like him would want to read my story. Thank you to all of the ones who have stood by me on the way and offered words of encouragment. You'll never know how much they mean to me.

Another day in my life

2009-01-12T12:07:00.003-06:00

Well, here is to another day in my little life. The horses are well, the dogs are fat and the kids aren't sick. Hurray! I have been visiting a lot of blogs by fellow authors lately to see what they are doing and how their pages look as I am still very new to blogging. My dear friend Catherine has a video blog! How cool is that?

I am again working on my WIP for Twist of Fate that I hope to enter in the SARA Merritt Contest later this month. I am keeping my fingers crossed I advance past the first round of judging. BUT, if I don't that's okay too.

I hope you are all staying warm where ever you are. Please keep your eyes peeled for 2 upcoming contests. I will post more info on them soon. :)

Romancing February Blog Hop Contest

2009-01-03T22:13:00.000-06:00

Off to a good start!

2009-01-03T10:14:00.002-06:00

The new year has just begun and is off to a good start so far. I approved the final draft for my upcoming release with The Wild Rose Press called LIGHTS OUT, and I am ready to submit my next story. Please feel free to pop over to my Myspace page and read a few excerpts. Thanks for stopping by!