Dark Side of the Moon Finally Out

Okay. Tuesday was the release for Dark Side of the Moon by Sherrilyn Kenyon. Yes, I waited impatiently for the work day to finish, then jumped in my car heading for the promiseland. That's right... Books a million. I had already called around to check on which store had not only the book, but the audio as well. Thank God for the audio, because I don't think my supervisor would be okay with me reading at my desk Wednesday. Probably would have received one of those not so pretty in pink-pink slips. Anyhoo, it was really good. Everything I have come to expect from a Kenyon Dark Hunter book. For those of you wondering what is a Dark Hunter; a Dark Hunter is a protector of humankind against those who would destroy it. This book is fast paced, intriguing and has sparks between the hero and heroine of the book. The subplot that has been running through out the series is coming to a head with this book.

Susan Michaels once a hot respected reporter until a major scandal ruined her career, now works at a paper that deals with Elvis sightings, killer moths and such. Not her idea of the best change in jobs. She gets a call from her friend to meet her at the local animal shelter for a tip on a story. She scoffs at the tip as it is regarding a police cover up for a ring of soul sucking vampires out to take over Seattle. Not really the story to bring back her respectability. There she ends up by chance taking home a cat, which she is allergic to. But the cat is not your run of the mill feline.

Ravyn Kontis is a shapeshifter who was killed by his family after the woman he loved betrayed him and his clan. He made a vow to the Goddess Artemis in return for revenge for those who killed his family. He vowed to serve her as a DarkHunter, protecting humankind from Daemons, those who feed upon human's souls. Captured by those who want the Dark Hunters killed, he is stuck in cat form at the animal shelter until Susan takes him home.

Ravyn and Susan are stuck coming to terms with things they would rather not in order to save Seattle. She must open her mind to the possibility that magical beings exist. He must learn to trust another woman with his existence and secrets.

Several familiar faces make an appearance in this book. The tension between Dark Hunters and Daemons are at an all time high. Allegiances are tested.

This is a great book! The only problem with this is that you have to wait for the next book. Another book that deserves 5 meows out of 5 meows.

Whatever happened to customer service

Recently I had to deal with my cell phone service. I realized how annoying it is to have to play musical numbers while trying to get in touch with a real person. It's horrible. If you are calling for this press 1, for that press 2, for a headache hit 8 for other options. I sat through the perky automated voice rattling off numbers for things I had no problem with. After you get to the number you need you have to wait and wait and wait. I refer to the waiting as the Eternal Hold Abyss. And if they ever answer; most of the time you get a person who you can't understand and they can't understand you because they don't speak English. You pay so much for convenience when it's not really convenient. Then if you have problems come up where you don't pay it right on time they make you feel worse by asking; Is there a reason why you were late. I honestly want to tell them: "Well, let me see. Your service costs an arm and a leg. You claim you have fewer dropped calls, when I lose signal all the time. Add that up with all the free extras that aren't really free, I just freaking LOATHE you people." You don't even get what you pay for these days. AUGH!!!!!

So Many Books, So Little Time & Money

Lately, I have had an insatiable reading bug. I don't go through as many books as I could, darn having to work a 40 hour a week job. I've been lucky enough to come across some really great books. Books that make me want to tell the world what a good read it was. One of the most recent reads: Date Me, Baby, One More Time by Stephanie Rowe is the very picture of a hot, fun, exciting read. With quirky characters, interesting twists and turns that make it a quick read, but so enjoyable during the time.

Justine Bennett is the Guardian of the Goblet of Eternal Youth. She's been guarding it for 200 sexless frustrating years. Things have gotten kind of boring for her and her guardian in training a dragon named Theresa who is hooked on the internet.
Enter one handsome and cursed man; Derek LaValle. Derek is trying to break a curse on the men in his family. When they turn 31, they die. The only way to save him and his twin brother is to find the Guardian, behead her and drink from the Goblet.

This would be pretty cut and dry, until you add a lovesick Devil, ghost mom who is having problems fending off said lovesick Devil, a council of old, stuffy men who are trying to test Justine to see if she's capable of protecting the Goblet and the attraction between her and Derek.

Honestly, if you like quirky, supernatural books with strong characters you will enjoy this. I give it five meows out of five. Definitely a keeper!

Into our lives a little angst must come

Okay, I know this probably bites, but here it is; an original by me. Yep, this might be horribly punctuated, but it's a very old poem.

Within me

Look at me I laugh, I cheer, I smile
But you can't see inside
Inside I'm tired, I'm wary
I'm watching the skies
I'm waiting,
I'm wondering
When does it end?
When can I rest?
Is this all there is?
Maybe you might can see I'm hesitant
But do you know why?
Within me I hide
All my fears, all my shame
wrapped up inside a smile for the outside

To my friends from Sherri's board

Okay Ladies, Here are the Spike pics for you. I hope you enjoy.

What kind of Soul are you?

http://blogthings.com/whatkindofsoulareyouquiz/


You Are a Visionary Soul
You are a curious person, always in a state of awareness.Connected to all things spiritual, you are very connected to your soul.You are wise and bright: able to reason and be reasonable.Occasionally, you get quite depressed and have dark feelings.You have great vision and can be very insightful.In fact, you are often profound in a way that surprises yourself.Visionary souls like you can be the best type of friend.You are intuitive, understanding, sympathetic, and a good healer.Souls you are most compatible with: Old Soul and Peacemaker Soul


To those who know me, what do you think???

24 Days and Counting; Darkside of the Moon

Sherrilyn Kenyon has got to be my favorite author! At the end of last year I had got into the Dark-Hunter series and devoured every book I had missed. I made it a mission to read them in order as Sherrilyn is a crafty minx and drops hints building the plots through out each book in the series. Things you might think are cool in one book fall into place to show it to be AWESOME foresight for another book. How she manages to construct with such continuity is amazing. And now the latest of the Dark-Hunter books will be coming out in 24 days per the counter on her website. I can't wait!! If I'm lucky my local Barnes and Noble will have it earlier then street date like they did with her Lords of Avalon book; Sword of Darkness.
These books are so wonderful my husband has started reading them. There will be an author conference for her in New Orleans. Kenyon Minions, as we call ourselves will be showing up from all over the world to spend time together and just have fun. I really can't wait! These are as Simi says "quality peoples" and a blast to post with. I know they are on the edge of their seat for the next book to be out.

Got to say: Sherrilyn Thanks for the new buds and great reads!!!!

If anyone is curious and wants to check out her site here's the link: http://www.kinleymacgregor.com/hunter//intro.htm

Enjoy!!

Dieting. The Great Conspiracy

Recently I started a diet trying to get ready for a trip my husband and I are taking in October. I wanted to be able to take the tour and not be worried about being out of breath or worse unable to finish the tour do to being out of shape. Well a couple of weeks have gone by and with the different foods I've added to our grocery list, I've noticed the increase of money. Then I realized how bad the odds are stacked against those who want to lose weight and be healthy. If you want to snack on the right stuff you better have a good paying job. However, if you want to snack on fatfull, artery clogging munchies it won't cost you much at all. That's right. Money for fruits, vegetables, wheat thins, and those convenient 100 calorie pack snacks can add up pretty quick, then you just can't get as much. Six bars to a box of SouthBeach Diet breakfast bars for almost $3.00 compared to a box of Little Debbie Snack cakes for a 99 cents a box can not only tempt you it can make your wallet weep. They say America is the fattest country and I believe that. The things we eat can kill us. But who can afford to be healthy?

I Realized What This Page Was Missing

That's right ladies, eye candy. Of course Gerard Butler is so much more than eye candy, but you got to admit, he sure is pretty.

For the Book Addict

A couple of months ago I was at my home away from home, Books A Million looking through the magazines when I found a nice little surprise. It's called Romantic Times Bookclub. I'm sure others know of this magazine, but I was clueless. This lovely little book has been a joy for my reading addiction and a sorrow for my checkbook. Tons of interesting articles with authors and reviews of books about to be released. The reviews are broke up by genre and by order of stars. I've found so many books in there that I MUST find and read. Due to the overactive reading I've been doing lately my boss has made the comment I only work to pay for my books. Anyway, just wanted to share about this magazine.

Things you'll never see in a romance book.

Some of my writer buddies and I were discussing my latest educational session for our group. I mentioned I had strove for length this time because my first one was so quick if you blinked you missed it. I was already in an interesting mood since my topic was Sexual Tension. I made the joke "Whoever said size didn't matter was wrong." That's when we started discussing things you would never see in a Romance novel. Here's a list of things you wouldn't see in a romance novel. They are not in any order.

He had a little weenie, but he sure knew how to cook with it.

Between the Greek God look a like dressed all in leather on the back of a Harley and the pocket protector toting nerd I'll take the nerd any old day.

Somehow he knew where all my buttons were and yet all I could think about was did I turn off the coffee pot.

Why can't I find a guy like those on Jerry Springer?

I decided even though he was buff, sensitive and everything a girl would want, there was too much to work through to keep him.

I'm looking for a man who takes advantage of me. He doesn't have any money of his own. I have to take care of him. I even don't mind if he goes out with other women.

He was missing his upper front teeth and it made his smile endearing.

The hero and heroine meet in normal circumstances, no misunderstandings, decide they are made for one another and get married. That would be a short book.

I'm looking for the man who's so attached to his mom you can't go any where without her.

Both the heroine and the hero are dirt poor, but that don't matter.

Her butt looked like two hippos wrestling under a blanket, but it was the sexiest thing he ever saw.

Please let him be a snorer! I just love being kept up all night by the sounds of a chainsaw lying next to me.


And finally..

Really, size doesn't matter.

I know there are tons more out there and will probably add more of these later, but it's really late.. or early however you look at it.

Where Does the Time Go??

Time has slipped through my hands like the elusive sand we use to represent it in hour glasses. I was last working on a New Year's message and since it's already January 31st, it would be pointless to post it. So belatedly, A Happy New Year to one and all.

Off course the usual New Year's Resolutions were made; Lose weight, Make time to write more, Enjoy family and friends more, Join Romance Writer's Association of America, Travel, Learn More Recipes and Get Out of Debt.

Let's see, weight thing hasn't been approached. My inlaws have been coming over and I'm planning a scrapbooking session for some friends at my house. I've been experimenting with new recipes when my Inlaws came over, so far all of them keepers. Still working, so that's helping on the getting out of debt. Basically your very typical humdrum.

So, just to get back in the swing of writing something on here I'm posting a really good cake recipe and it's very simple too. If anyone tries it, please let me know what you think.

Creamsickle Cake

Cake

1 box of cake mix (yellow, white or orange)

1 box of orange jello

1/2 cup of boiling water

1/2 cup of cold water

Icing

1 box of vanilla pudding

1 small container of cool whip

orange flavoring

Cake;

Make the cake per instructions on the box for a 9x12 pan. Once it's done let it cool.

Get the jello and add the 1/2 cup boiling water and 1/2 cup cold water. Pour this over the cooling cake. Refrigerate for an hour.

Icing;

Mix the vanilla pudding per instructions on the box. Add a few drops of orange flavoring until it tastes like a dreamsickle. Fold the pudding in with the cool whip; frost as thick as you like.

I made this on Saturday.. I didn't have any left by Sunday evening. It's quite refreshing and very easy to make.

ENJOY!

Time for the Christmas Home Stretch

It's amazing how fast this year has flown by! I can't believe Christmas is a mere 3 days away. Of course this means if you haven't finished your shopping you need to kick it in gear. (I just don't understand those folks who wait til the last minute. I've done it and it's a nightmare!)

To my friends, family and blog visitors I want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! May you Santa give you all you want for Christmas! And be safe this Holiday Season.

Now I want to take the time to enter a quick message to the troops.

To those who serve our Country,
Thank you for the freedom that gives me the opportunity to go and shop for presents for my loved ones, for the time I can spend with my friends, family and those who I have to spend it with (some somewhat unwillingly). I'm even thankful for the things I have to do that I don't want to do, aka work. Thank you for all that you have sacrificed and all you have done for us. For without you protecting our rights we would not be able to enjoy any of these things. Thanks to the families of these soldiers for understanding their need to serve our country. I know it's especially hard during this time of year, but know that your sacrifice is appreciated just as much.

Thank you and have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Is It a Holiday Tree or a Christmas Tree for You?

I was a little shocked this past week with the whole hoopla about Christmas Trees being called Holiday Trees. I wonder where I was when it was decided they would be called Holiday Trees, because I don't remember getting the memo. Isn't it ridiculous how our country has gotten to the point of not wanting to hurt anyone else that we are forgoing those things that we love so much. I grew up with a Christmas Tree and no matter what mandate, etiquette there is, it WILL always be a Christmas Tree to me.

I mean come on! This namby pamby junk is what is going to help America become someplace not America. I mean we're all so worried about offending folks that we are stepping backwards upon our own rights. It's all great and wonderful to want to welcome people, embrace their cultures but let's not forget ours. For example: Our religions can be discussed in school except Christianity. Is this right? NO! If it is for equal opportunities for religion then let it be ALL religions discussed. Not ALL RELIGIONS BESIDES CHRISTIANITY. Come on, you want to be PC America, lets see you PC this. The thing is, if you were born here and you were brought up believing in Christianity well it's just not right. You are wrong and everything you were ever taught is wrong.
It's just plain wrong for us to tread lightly around everyone else while they trod right through our traditions and beliefs. I say it's time we take back what our rights. Be Aggressive! There is a time to be pushed over and then there is a time to fight for what we believe in! If we don't act soon that time to fight will be over and we will be following someone else's belief's.
Isn't this why our ancestors came to America. To found a country in which we were able to be free to worship and believe as we want to. Now, we're inviting other folks into the country and begging them to destroy all it was based upon.
So I guess this Christmas. I will be sitting by my Christmas Tree with my family enjoying our traditions and thanking God for another Christmas with my family.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

I can't wait to go see Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire... AGAIN. Yep. I already have one viewing under my belt for this movie and it was openning night. The hassle of trying to find a parking place and then a seat in the theatre was horrible, but well worth it. I was on the edge of my seat during several scenes which I already knew the outcome. A lot of folks will say this movie still is far off from the books. Yep, this is true. But think about it.. the book is almost 600 hundred pages and the movie can only be so long because they are targeting kids. I myself will hang out for the entire movie. Be it 2 hours and 30 minutes, 3 hours or even an epic 4 hour movie. Harry Potter.. hmm.. I'm there. They couldn't break this book up into two movies. This would not work because they would get behind on the next movie and we have to keep up with the kids growing. (Dirty old woman moment... and oh my how Daniel Radcliff is growing up, can't wait to see him in his 20's!) There is a lot of info that avid fans of the books will tell you is missing. And yes, I sat there thinking.. that didn't happen that way and why did he do that when this was supposed to happen. Of the most part the movie is awesome! Great! Brings back the old familiar characters more than what was in the 3rd movie. The director tried to push his image too hard on the thrid movie. This is wrong! The only stamp that should be involved with this is the stamp of J.K. Rowling. But compared to three this one brings aspects of 1 & 2 to a new plane of existence. The kids are growing up and there are moments of that in the book. These are important and were shown. Granted a lot of action in the movie, less ground laying info needed for the next movie, but overall truer to form then Prisoner.

My biased review: 4 dragons out of 4 for action and 3 kleenex boxes out of 4 for drama. A definite must see movie. I know I'm going back to see it again.

Introducing Lady Coiranna

My friend Lady Corianna and I were talking and she had a few points I thought she should share. Since she seemed to have a such a handle on the subject I told her I would let her post here if she wanted to. So ya'll be nice to her.

Christmas Already?????

While out and about this weekend I realized how ironic somethings can be. Halloween stuff already on sale, and what I mean by that is it's already being marked down. Thanksgiving/Harvesty stuff was out before the Halloween stuff and it's marked lower then the Halloween stuff. Doesn't that stuff still need to be out until around November 20th atleast BEFORE Thanksgiving. I mean, it's already on clearance. Halloween stuff will be gone as of October 31, but it's only 25% off. And to top it all off Christmas is already on sale. There are sales shows on QVC (of course they had one on in July and September), Cracker Barrell, Walmart and most other's have the majority of their stuff out for sale. I don't understand how the salespeople think it's cool to rush us even more than we already are. We speed through each holiday keying up for the next and you don't even enjoy the one your celebrating at the time being. Halloween is bearly over and we're thinking what are we doing for Thanksgiving. Who is coming over, what are having to eat, etc. Then in the midst of enjoying Thanksgiving; dum dum dummmmm Christmas is lurking. And during all this worry about Christmas is the buying of the Christmas presents. How many days before Christmas??? Don't ask me, I'm just trying to enjoy Halloween coming up. Booyah Halloween!

Combination3

All it takes is a bad egg. I'm sitting here watching the news and wondering why is there always bad eggs that wreck the good being done for the needy. During the aftermath of Katrina we have heard all the wonderful news of everyday people coming together to help those affected. Well, today the reports have hit my area about the sex offenders who have not reregistered. Do you really think they will? It's like they get a clean slate. All the information that wasn't entered into a computer will be lost. Thank goodness for technology on this aspect. But now they have to be tracked down. God help the little children while that is going on. I want to believe that human's are mostly good, but then you see people taking advantage of the situation. There were a couple of women in Alabama who were staying at a hotel. They said they were survivors. Got some money and free room and board. Liars! These women stopped actually needy people from getting the help they needed. Then there are the people who are survivors or newly placed folks and I've heard reports of them comitting crimes. You can't help the one's who will appreciate it, who really need it because you are worried to be taken in by the folks who abuse the help. So, remember: lock your doors, watch yourself when you go to the car, run background checks on everyone you meet that's new or in need, and hide yourself from the world at large as you write the big check to help out. See, all it takes is a few bad eggs to make you think the whole bunch is rotten. Isn't this a lovely society we live in?

Combination2

Whatever happened to music? Most of the current music out there has no rhyme nor reason. Okay, so possibly they have the rhyme, but definitely NO reason. Whatever happened to music with a story? Something that touches your heart and brings tears to your eyes or makes you laugh out loud. Let me tell you about most of the songs I hear on popular radio today; someone's going to find some, get some, ditch some or in the process of having some. It makes me fear for what our youth is going to grow up into.And let me just add that a lot of the pop songs are now being put into this thing called Kids Bop... or something like that. Now I've listened to some of the songs on there in their original format. I like them. Some don't mention the procurring of nookie as the meaning to the whole song, but they mention other adult related info that kids don't need to be getting into at such an early age. Kids grow up way too fast and don't need any help by kidding up adult songs whether they have all the content or not. Because you know some parent out there will hear the song on the radio not knowing it's not exactly like the Kids Bop and think it's okay. Then singing along with the radio the kid will hear a line different or a chorus different. And mom will have to explain what it means. I don't have kids, but even I realize that kids need time to be kids.....sigh....There is a totally different rant. Must remember to discuss kid's clothes. But back to the subject of songs. There used to be songs that yes, the conotations were sexual, but you didn't have to be hit over the head with lamens terms. Whatever happened to imagery? Imagination? Not being so verbally crass?I long for the days of crooners and story telling in a song to come back to the front of pack. Heck, even music from the 60's, 70's, 80's & 90's have less crass, slap you in the face imagery than today's. Think about it.

Combination Oh No She Just Didn't & Musings..

Okay, let's start this off with an easy one. GASOLINE. I have got to ask what the heck is going on with the gas prices. Yes, there is a war going on. Yes, there was a massively destructive hurricane. But let's face it folks, if we were selfsuficient and produced our own oil then we wouldn't be at the mercy of ticked off Middle Easterners. They are charging more for oil because they don't like us being over there. If that's the case why do so many foreigners come over here to the promise land? Why have I had so many pen pals from over seas who love the US and can't wait to visit? Let me tell you why (and remember these are my opinions) I think that the people in control of those areas stay in control because they loath change. They don't want us influencing the people they lead and cracking the foundation of which they have built their monopoly. Well, I'm sorry, it will happen at some time or another. The USA may be one of the youngest nations around, but I think that even with all our issues we're a great nation. Sigh... Now, back to the topic at hand. Do you know other nations are paying way less than us for their gas. Why? Because they are self sufficient. We need to have more refineries and go to biodeisel fuel. I myself think that biodeisel fuel is the best option. Biodeisel would also help the farmers, the environment and the economy. Let me break this down for you. The farmers get paid to NOT grow anything. If they grew the soy beans to make the fuel then they would profit more. The government would save by not having to pay them. The fuel would be cheaper and we would have more money to spend. The end result is that we would boost our economy by other means then paying for gasoline. This means point blank that we could actually afford to live day to day without the worry of where our next tank of gas will come from. The USA is a great nation, but sometimes even we get caught up in beurecratic chaos. Lamens terms... The pigs in office (I'm referring to all Bureacrats) don't listen to what we have to say or improving our way of living without fighting us for it. They fight by saying to change will cost time and money. Yes, this is true. BUT always look through to the end and see if in the long run we will save more.