Sunday's Lesson

It has been a very weird and sad weekend here.


My elderly neighbor, who is the sweetest human being on this planet, came and told us to watch our dog. Apparently, someone killed and skinned a big, beautiful dog and left the skin on his front porch! He is just devistated, and wondering why someone would do this. It wasn't his dog, and he did call the police.

Friday night, a helicopter was hovering for hours over the woods/creek across the street. We knew there was something very wrong going on. Then yesterday morning, the State Patrol Water Rescue and about half-dozen other police vehicles were coming out of the open gate leading down there. I asked one of the divers if someone fell in, and he said, yeah. I asked if they were okay, and he just said welllll. I said Ah, never mind. And he said he couldn't give any info. I told him no worries, I understood, I wasn't meaning to pry.

Found out later on the news that it was an 81 year old fisherman went missing, his wife called Friday afternoon and they looked for him all night. He didn't make it. It's very very sad. We are trying to figure out why he would do that. There aren't any fish in the creek right now, that I know of. He must have been just needing to get out of the house, or something. It's very sad!!


So... That's been my weekend thus far! The lesson I've learned?? Life is a rare and precious gift. Enjoy every moment of it!

Hugs,
Colleen

Review for Enchanted

Just recieved a 5 heart review for Enchanted, from TRS!

http://theromancestudio.com/reviews/reviews/enchantedlove.htm

♥

Thanksgiving Eve...

Wow, what a trip this has been!
I went to work on Monday, there were dry roads and just the normal 45 minute commute. Got in, got started, great! One hour later all hell broke loose and I've been reeling ever since. It started snowing and so we tracked it on the weather cams up the freeway to my exit. We weren't supposed to get any snow, but there it was! Wet, frozen white. So, they were happy to let me go home and after an hour and a half commute, I've been there ever since!

This morning, I'm up and trying to get my little dog out, and the 17 degree weather has frozen my door shut, so my poor little dog is standing there shivering, telling me to hurry up! It took awhile, but Mr. C was finally able to get it open. The poor little guy has learned to love his sweater! He brings it to me, I ask if he wants it and he wags his tail. Good enough for me, wish granted.

Yesterday, I was helping out at the barn and had to break one-inch thick ice for them! Then had to haul for Passion and Buddy, what they had was completely frozen! Never has those fuzzy, thankful kisses felt so good! :) Have I mentioned before how much I love them?? hehe Well, today, as is customary, I am paying the price for it. My shoulder and back are very sore! No good deed goes unpunished, does it?
I had a dream the other night, that Scooter came and crawled into my bed, pulled the blankets over his head and held them with his hooves. He was cold and didn't want to get out. I got LeAnn to get him out and she swatted him on the rump and told him to get up. He just gave me that sad look and asked why?
I told LeAnn the dream and she said it's because he wants a warmer blanket and she would put one on him. Of course he followed me around and gave the best fuzzy kisses! :)

I will be so glad to see the rain again. Though I can't ever really recall a time when I'm not glad to see the rain. :)

Have a great Wednesday! I hope you all stay warm and safe on this big holiday travel day!

Hugs
C
~♥~

Silky Saturday

It's been one of those stress filled weeks! It was my first week back after seven years off at my office! But finally, after over a year of trying, I'm back! I love the team I'm on, the ladies are all wonderful and have great sense of humor! It will be hard on my whole family at first, but I'm hoping this adjustment will go quickly. I've been a stay at home mom for so long, that it seems like my home life is on pause until I return. It will all fall into place though, everyone is supporting me going back to a job I loved having, and really hated leaving to begin with. But family is always my priority. :)
On the writing front, I believe it will help a bit too. Sometimes my brain gets a little clogged if I'm at home and "too close". Getting away, driving, doing other things, all seem to help set the path straight, air things out a bit, and help my plot move along. Don't get me wrong, I keep a pad and pens (don't ask about the pen fetish lol!) on me at all times. I can't let those great lines escape me!

So, I hope everyone has had a wonderful week!

I'm off to work on my next Sterling Moon installment. :)

C~

Happy Samhain!

Blogging at LSB

Today I'm blogging over at Liquid Silver Book's, Silver Expressions Blog! It's my turn to SEx again! :) I'm lookin' for some cute chicks! :)


http://www.liquidsilverbooks.com/blog/
 
Have a great Saturday! :)
 
♥

Scooter Tale

Found out my guy, Scooter doesn't like squash! He thought he was being smart and took a big mouth full of the center stringy bit with seeds, and could not spit it out fast enough. He pivoted on his hind hoof and bolted for the door to find water or anything to get the taste out. Of course in his greediness, he got it all the way to the back of his mouth and had to work his tongue like a dog with peanut butter stuck to the roof of his mouth to get it out. He charged out to the front to eat grass and I took pity on him and picked an apple for him. Of course I scolded him while I held it for him to eat. He is my baby after all. hehe :)

HEHEHEHE!

♥

LSB Blogging!

Today I'm blogging over at Liquid Silver Book's Silver Expressions. Yep, I'm SExing!

http://www.liquidsilverbooks.com/blog/?p=6431&cpage=1#comment-26714

♥

New Cover!

Okay, so here is my new, preliminary cover! Didn't Amanda do a gorgeous job?? *sigh* I'm just so happy with it! ♥

Viggo Vid

Just because:

Colleen's Critters

So my friend, Lee, hurt her back again on someone else's horse, so I've been taking over barn duties and awol. The poor thing can't even move to answer her phone half the time.

My Passion was so upset about being moved from the barn out to pasture for a few days, that she quit eating and drinking. One of the other mares got between the hot fence and the barbed wire, very early this morning, so Lee had to haul her sore hiny out there to disentangle her. She called me a little later this morning and asked me to bring Passion back to the barn bacause she was on the verge of colic (to which the other mare threw a fit at being left). So, after bringing her back, Passion instantly ate, drank and nuzzled. She was content again. I've read where horses will do this because the water smells different. If you take one to a show and don't haul your own water, they will often quit drinking and become dehydrated. So, a nifty trick is to use koolaid to scent the water. BUT this time, it was the color of the bins. These horses won't drink from a pink or yellow container, or whatever other one they decide is yucky. Eat yes, but drink no.

Then there's Curly, my little Hudini Pony, has been up to her tricks. She came running home a couple of nights ago and ...

Oops! Barn Call! LOL (Had to put the fence back up after Lee managed to get into the truck to get hay. The horses need very spacific hay and feed, or they simply won't eat it. These are all male, so I think you get the idea how pickiness runs in the male species. lol)

... tried to get cozy with the Stallion. Uhh, no can do! So, Lee finally was able to get a little pony proof pen for her! lol One of the neighbors is leasing their alpaca pen to us. hehe It's perfect for her and she is actually quite content in there with Maylee, a small red horse. SO... I'm tired...

Yesterday, I did manage to make bread, which came out nicely!

Jeez, it took me over an hour to write this!! lol

I'm going to attempt to do a little writing before starting dinner now. What a day, and it's not over with yet!

A Rare Family Photo

Today was my MIL's birthday, so I had a rare opportunity to have a photo taken of our family. :)

Jon Paul's portrait just reminded me so much of my daughter, I had to share them side by side.

Eden at Twilight ~ In Print!

http://www.thewildrosepress.com/eden-at-twilight-paperback-p-3436.html

EDEN AT TWILIGHT is the story of Lily, a woman who wants love, and Leaf, the man who risks it all to love her.

Lily Moore is an ordinary accountant who works long hard hours, leaving room for little else. After strange occurrences begin haunting her, she’s convinced by a motherly friend to take a vacation in Scotland. While there, she meets the man of her dreams, a handsome stranger with shifting hazel eyes. <>p Leaf falls for Lily the moment he sees her, love at first sight. Never has a woman taken his heart so quickly. When trouble stirs and threatens her, he stands by her side, traveling through time and dimension to reclaim her from a deadly Drow leader. Lily has no choice but to trust him and hope his strength will pull them through. But is his strength alone enough?


Excerpt:
Lily was glad when the plane ride was over. A feeling of awe surrounded her as the shuttle pulled into the drive of the cottage. It was as if she was entering into the picture on her post card. After paying the driver and stepping from the car, she stood looking around in an enthralled stupor. The scents, sounds, everything was just as her imagination had promised it would be. Shading her eyes against the late afternoon sunshine, she just couldn’t help standing motionless, looking at her dream come true. She finally moved to pick up her luggage without taking her eyes from the grand cottage before her. It was as if she were afraid it would disappear before she could get inside, if she took her eyes from it. Reaching down, she fumbled for the handle of her suitcase, her fingers meeting the warmth of a large hand. Her attention suddenly snapped from the scenery unfolding before her and back to reality. A reality snagged straight from her dreams. Standing in front of her was a kilt-clad man waiting with her luggage in hand. Her eyes wandered upward and she unconsciously pressed her hand over her heart when her gaze locked into his sharp, hazel green eyes. Yellow flecks hypnotically kept hers transfixed for a brief moment before she could tear them away. She blinked and her heart stood still, time seemed to have stopped.




“I’m Leaf,” he held out his free hand to her.

Great News!!

I just signed a new contract with Liquid Silver Books for the first book in a new trilogy titled, Sterling Moon: Enchanted. I'm so happy I can barely contain myself!!

Here is the blurb:

Dalton Adams is working to achieve his doctorate in animal wildlife and zoology. His thesis paper, on the subject of the difficulty of wolves replenishing themselves in the northern Cascade Mountains, leads him to a cozy lodge nestled in the Cascade Mountains. His long, and out of season, reservation will allow him to be close to his source of information, while allowing him the freedom to shift from man to wolf. But, his plans are all altered by a twist of fate.


Faye Dillon finds her world forever changed when her guest arrives. She is attracted to the dark, shaggy haired man with piercing blue eyes. There is an instant, unnamed connection between them. She gets more than she bargains for when the Alpha steps into her life.

♥
 
Okay, now I'm off to work on the second book! :)
 
C~

Funny Face

A never ending source of comedy! Meet Buddy! lol

My Wild Life

Sadly, this was my chicken coop. It has since been repaired. I didn't have the heart to shoot it with anything other than a camera.

The History of Groomsmen

I found this very interesting and thought I'd share it.


The tradition of a best man has its origin with the Germanic Goths, when it was customary and preferable for a man to marry a woman from within his own community. When women came into short supply "locally," eligible bachelors would have to seek out and capture a bride from a neighboring community. As you might guess, this was not a one-person operation, and so the future bridegroom would be accompanied by a male companion who would help. Our custom of the best man is a throwback to that two-man, strong-armed tactic, for, of course the future groom would select only the best man he knew to come along for such an important task.


The role of the best man evolved. By 200 A.D. his task was still more than just safeguarding the ring. There remained a real threat that the bride's family would attempt to forcibly obtain her return, so the best man remained at the groom's side throughout the marriage ceremony, alert and well-armed. He continued his duties after the ceremony by standing guard as sentry outside the newlywed's home. Much of this is German folklore, but is not without written documentation and physical artifacts. We have records that indicate that beneath the altars of many churches of early peoples (the Huns, Goths, Visigoths, and Vandals) there lay an arsenal of clubs, knives, and spears. The indication is that these were there to protect the groom from possible attack by the bride's family in an attempt to recapture her.

The link gives full details on the history of weddings and traditions in general. It's wonderfully fascinating!

http://www.hudsonvalleyweddings.com/guide/customs.htm

Great Contest!

My friend, Sherrill Quinn, who is an author with Brava, posted this contest to her blog the other day and I thought I would pass it on. Imagine being mentored by a Star Author from Brava! How cool would that be? Here are the fun bits and details! :)

http://www.bravaauthors.com/contest/brava-contest/

Good luck!

C~

Memorial Day

Have I said how much I love Hugh Jackman?

Follow his example, hug a soldier, and never forget the one's who have passed before them!

So, this was my afternoon!! Can't complain! :)

YouTube Tuesday!!

Need some comedy! :)


Have a great Tuesday!
Hugs
C~

Guest Blogging

I'm over at Cate Masters place today! Stop by if you have a moment!

http://catemasters.blogspot.com/

Thanks
Colleen

Welcome Remmy Duchene!!

(Welcome Remmy! You can misbehave all you like, I highly encourage it. Ask anyone around, I'm at my best when I'm being naughty. Have a great time! It sounds like you've got a great thing going on!)

Hey guys! HAPPY HUMP DAY!


So today I am crashing Colleen Love's place. She's a brave woman letting me in, because well, I tend to carry trouble with me no matter where I go so let see if I can behave myself today (lol). But seriously, thanks Colleen for letting me chill at your place for a bit.

My name is Remmy Duchene and I write gay romance & erotica. I have several titles out with a few different houses (though I am desperately trying to settle down with a few houses). My latest release is titled REDEMPTION and is now with Loose ID. Before that I had SADDLE UP N RIDE! with Phaze. I have CARIBBEAN HEAT and ALL HE WANTS FOR CHRISTMAS with Red Rose Publishing. With Dreamspinner press I have THE CALDWELL EFFECT, FOR YOUR LOVE and was a part of the Sandols and Sodomy anthology with my short HADRIAN. I was fortunate enough to write with the talented and wonderful John Simpson (http://johnsimpsonbooks.com) on a title close to my heart THE ORCHID MURDERS (Thanks for those who made it a best seller at eXtasy books!). I was also fortunate enough to be a best selling author of 2009 with Phaze so it was a great year. And last but certainly not least, I have a titled with a great friend: RIPPED APART (Cauthored by Lee Owens (http://leeowensromance.blogspot.com) that is now available at Red Eclipse Writers on lulu.com

Today I wish to write today about a couple of things one is the reality within the pages of gay romance/erotica and two, culture within my writing.

I write a little bit of both (romance & erotica). Someone asked me a few days ago why don't I write about gay men getting bashed because of who they are and all that drama. Well let me set the record straight right now. I want my writing to be an escapism kind of deal and I also would like people to take something good from my writing. Gay bashing is not something a person would like to escape into--know what I mean? I want a person to--if they had a bad day, to go home, pick up a Remmy title and sigh as they drift gently into a rather happier place for a bit.

Sure, bad things happens in some of my stories because it wouldn't be a good tale without it--but I don't want to add fuel to the fire of putting someone down. I don't tolerate it in my real life and feel horrible if I make someone feel like dirt because of my writing. Whenever there is any form of gay bashing in my works, I make sure I address it.

The second thing I wish to talk about is culture within the pages of my work. I prize myself in writing interracial gay romance/erotica. Why? Well, because I think culture is important no matter who you sleep with and love is love. I've had one hate mail from some ass on Myspace asking me why I had to pull black men into my 'deviances' and I remember laughing so hard I was rolling on the ground with tears pooling down my face (no foolin! I laughed so hard that the next day my ribs were sore.) Here's the deal, most of the gay friends that I have personally (*waves* Hi Zazo and Lee!) are black men. So I'm not pulling anyone into anything. Anyways, I adore mixing cultures. I love the way they come together, they way they love and speak to each other. I love seeing conflict arise because on person is afraid that the other for a different culture wouldn't be interested and the growth they do once they do fall for each other. It's a beautiful thing to watch two people fall in love.

My latest contract is titled CAGE FIGHTER'S SALVATION. I can't give you an excerpt yet because it has to edited first as per my publisher's guidelines but here's a blurb:

All his life, ex-marine, Tadashi Tsubasa has had to fight for everything. After he retires from the Marines, he comes home to find that his lover had fled town with his bank account and his home was repossessed by the bank. His world is plunged into a dark world that he tries to dig himself out of but homeless, alone and depressed, he figures that for once, he cannot fight his way back. When he recieves an invitation to take part in some kind of underground fighting league, he figures he has nothing to lose and fifty thousand dollars to gain. Throwing caution to the wind he takes on this job vowing never to allow any man in again-- ever

Cole Ashton is the head of the Ultimum Gym chain. He hates his job but to be a good boy, he follows in his father's footsteps. When his brother invites him to an illegal cage fight, Cole reluctantly goes and the instant he sees the fighter known only as "Wings" Cole falls hard. The sexy, Japanese fighter made Cole want to give everything up for just one night in the fighter's arms. But as he get to know Tadashi, Cole realises that Tadashi is fighting more than the men in the ring; Tadashi is fighting demons. Right then and there, Cole decides that Tadashi is worth it but how much can one man take?

You can find out more about CAGE FIGHTER'S SALVATION (Coming soon to Red Rose Publishing) by visiting me on the web. You can find me on facebook by searching REMMY DUCHENE. http://remmyduchene.webs.com and follow me at my blog at http://remmyduchene.blogspot.com

Thanks again Colleen for letting me stop by and have a lovely hump day!

Remmy Duchene

Ichi Ai!
Gay Romance Author
Remmy Duchene
http://remmyduchene.webs.com/
www.myspace.com/remmyduchene
www.facebook.com/remmyduchene
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ohlalaauthors/

YouTube Tuesday... Heart

Magick Monday... On Tuesday!

My Paradise

I just thought I'd share a photo of my front yard at sunset.

Now you understand why I say it's my paradise.

*Sigh*

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

C~

YouTube Tuesday

We need something funny today! Enjoy Achmed, the Dead Terrorist!



Hugs
C~

Magick Monday

If a photo could sum me up, this is it. No words are even necessary here!

Hope you have a Magick Monday!
Hugs
Colleen

Critter Tales: the Joke's on me!

Today's Critter Tale is brought to you by the one, and only, Lad.

Now, before I get to his story let me tell you a little bit about this gentle, lovable stallion. He loves his blanket on a cold wet day and the farrier, to have his hooves done. He doesn't even need to be held, and when he gets his new, shiny shoes, he lifts his hooves to show them to you and races around the corral and out to field to show you how fast he can run. He loves to be cuddled, scratched and massaged and will point to where he wants the scratching. He will even lift his legs to help you, kind of like a giant pup does. When you do something that gives him pleasure, he yawns and rubs on you.

He comes to the fence corner over looking my yard and stares into my house until I come out to talk to him, or better, come to love on him.

So, having said that, on with the story.

Yesterday afternoon, was warm enough to take blankets off for the afternoon, so my friend, and his owner, did so and asked if I would blanket later in the evening. No worries! So, come evening, I went up and Laddie was standing in the corral, going out to pasture. I asked him if he wanted his blanket on, that's usually all it takes and he comes into his stall. Well, not today. So, I just went and put Passion's blanket on and figured I'd give him a minute. Of course that takes me a bit, as I have to stand there and love on her for awhile, and then Buddy, and Scooter and of course Tanner too... you get the idea. So, after making rounds I get back to Lad's stall and...

he

is

still

not

there!

I'm grumbling now, so I go to look out the door and into the corral. He is at the far end, by Scooter, who is his buddy and he isn't budging an inch. Matter of a fact, he is nodding at me and yawning. He wants me to come to him!

FINE...

So, I get his blanket, which I will add weighs a good ten pounds and half drags on the ground. I get it all organized so all I have to do is slip it over his head and clip on the straps. No worries, right? Well, let's not forget that the mud I have to wade through is shin deep and nearly sucks my boots off, and if you walk along the fence, well

you run the risk of falling into the hot fence! So, slow caution is the thought process here, thus my grumbling. I don't usually operate too well in slow gear, hehe. So, I make it out to Lad and he rubs and loves on me most appreciatively and I open the blanket up for him to dive in to, which he usually does. But no, not today. He simply turned and walked away!! Leaving me standing there like a blanket bound idiot, standing knee deep in mud! I had a few words for him, took a deep breath and followed after him back to his stall. What else can I do? At least now he is in his stall.

When I finally make it back in, he has his head low, giving me love looks and yawning at me, because he's cute. He knows I'm not at all amused and he rubs and loves on me and even holds his nose out willingly for me to put his blanket on. He is still yawning and smiling at me and of course I can't be mad at him when he does that. lol Tanner, our 30 year old, is standing there nodding and chuckling at me. I think he was in on the joke too.

(Yes, that is my hand in there. You can see, just from that, I have to reach up to him. I love him to bits!)

When I told my family about this, they got a chuckle out of it and my daughter reminded me that it was April Fools day. So, you can see that animals DO have a sense of humor and know what they are doing. This time the joke's on me.

For my friend, this was priceless. She laughed so hard, because she knows what a prankster he can be. :)

Hope you have a great weekend

C~

Magic Monday

I just couldn't resist this one. I just love Jon Paul's work!! This one is truly magical! I hope to have one of his covers one day! :)

Magic Sandals

A married couple were on holiday in Jamaica . They were touring around the market-place looking at the goods and such, when they passed a small sandal shop.

From inside they heard the shopkeeper with a Jamaican accent say, 'You foreigners! Come in. Come into my humble shop.'

So the married couple walked in.

The Jamaican said to them, 'I 'ave some special sandals I tink you would be interested in. Dey makes you wild at sex.'

Well, the wife was really interested in buying the sandals after what the man claimed, but her husband felt he really didn't need them, being the Sex God that he was.

The husband asked the man, 'How could sandals make you a sex freak?'

The Jamaican replied, 'Just try dem on, Mon.'

Well, the husband, after some badgering from his wife, finally gave in and tried them on.

As soon as he slipped them onto his feet, he got this wild look in his eyes, something his wife hadn't seen before!!

In the blink of an eye, the husband grabbed the Jamaican, bent him over the table, yanked down his pants, ripped down his own pants, and grabbed a firm hold of the Jamaican's thighs.

The Jamaican began screaming: 'You got dem on de wrong feet!'



LOL!! I couldn't resist posting a funny today! hehe

Oh the dilema I'm in. I couldn't choose just one YouTube today, so I posted both! hehe



AND...



LOL!!
Brilliant!

Have a great Tuesday!!

Hugs,
C~

Happy Birthday, Jimmy Thomas! Magick Monday II

Once again, in observance of Jimmy Thomas's birthday today (March 15th)


RomanceNovelCovers.com is offering 50% off all images for this one day only,

noon March 15th to noon March 16th (PST). Get as many images as you want for just

half the price! Yes, even on the raffle tickets for RT 2010 in Columbus, Ohio! ;)



Be sure to check back throughout the night and tomorrow morning, as more images

will be uploaded tonight that will be included in the 50% off Birthday Special :)



You will see the discount when you checkout.

Magick Monday

Well, here we are again! An hour earlier, no less... Yeah, don't want to get into that one. lol I thought I would share the images that are making my second story to Sterling Moon: Captivated, spin...

The very handsome Mr. Gerard Butler as Adrian Dillon

The very beautiful, Ms. Amy Lee as Jessica Allen

*Sigh* I love doing this part of reseach. It's so much fun. I feel like a Greek Goddess matching people up. hehe

Hope everyone has a very Magick Monday!

♥

C~

It's my day to blog over at Virtual Romance and Erotic Blog Tour! Come share what inspires you!


http://romanceblogtour.blogspot.com/2010/03/what-inspires-you.html
 

Need I say more?? :D

Have a great Sunday!

Hugs

C~

Just because I haven't posted anything in awhile...

Available Now in print from The Wild Rose Press!!




http://www.thewildrosepress.com/eden-at-twilight-paperback-p-3436.html?zenid=0ee25cfb2566cf399814c333b3f88037







Blurb:







EDEN AT TWILIGHT is the story of Lily, a woman who wants love, and Leaf, the man who risks it all to love her.







Lily Moore is an ordinary accountant who works long hard hours, leaving room for little else. After strange occurrences begin haunting her, she’s convinced by a motherly friend to take a vacation in Scotland . While there, she meets the man of her dreams, a handsome stranger with shifting hazel eyes.







Leaf falls for Lily the moment he sees her, love at first sight. Never has a woman taken his heart so quickly. When trouble stirs and threatens her, he stands by her side, traveling through time and dimension to reclaim her from a deadly Drow leader. Lily has no choice but to trust him and hope his strength will pull them through. But is his strength alone enough?







Excerpt:







Leaf hadn’t expected himself to invite Lily to town. But then again, he was surprising himself by enjoying breakfast in the house in the company of his Aunt and this enchanting and irresistible woman. She was walking with him now, quiet and round-eyed, admiring the gardens, and he found himself smitten by her gentle innocence, not to mention her radiant, simple beauty. It had happened so quickly that it nearly unnerved him.



The path led them to the open barn, where Leaf went in and double-checked his load in the open bed wagon.



“You mean we aren’t taking a car or truck?”



Leaf couldn’t help the broad grin of amusement. “Nope, I find this way better suits me, and it also gives the lads some exercise.” He suddenly stopped and faced her. “Ye don’t mind, do ye?”



“No, I’m just surprised,” her voice was quiet, “I’ve never ridden like this, or any other way, by horse.”



“Well then, ‘Just Lily’, ye’r in for a nice treat, my lads are the best team around. Come, I’ll show ye.” Leaf held his hand out to her and when she reached to accept, he saw the tremble and felt it when her cool, moist palm slid into his.



Leaf’s smile became reassuring, and he pulled her hand to his chest as if taking a solemn oath. “There now, no need to worry, they are gentle as lambs, there’s nothin’ to worry over.”



They came to the stalls in the far corner and two large blond heads appeared over the half doors, curious eyes riveted on the new visitor. Lily gasped and laughed nervously. “Those are the largest lambs I’ve ever seen!”



Leaf’s laugh came easy. “This is Zeus and Apollo.” Both heads nodded in recognition and leaned out to be touched. Leaf casually scratched the white stars on their foreheads. Releasing her hand, he turned and stood between them as they leaned over and touched noses. “They are brothers, aren’t ye. Ye can touch ‘em, they won’t hurt ye.”



Lily held her fingers out and they sniffed and snuffed at her before a soft tongue licked at her fingers. Lily couldn’t help but laugh. “Their tongues are so soft and warm!”



“They like ye, they both have a sweet tooth and fall easy for a sweet lass.” Leaf reached his arms around their massive noses and hugged each in a one-armed embrace, and scratched their thick jaws. “Well lads, shall we have a run today?” Releasing them, he went to the tack room, leaving Lily alone. He watched for a moment, from the shadow of the room, as Lily touched each face with gentle, hesitant and guarded strokes with her fingertips. Zeus and Apollo nodded against her fingers. Leaf turned and began gathering the tack he needed. Lily’s yelp snapped his attention back to the doorway.



“Oh!” Lily’s voice squealed with surprise.



Leaf came back just as Apollo’s nose brushed against Lily, jostling her.



“Oh! You are pushy!” She looked to Leaf. “I don’t think they like me touching them at all!” Dropping her hands, both velvet noses nudged from opposite angles. Lily stepped away.



“Apollo! Zeus! Ho…” Leaf’s tone was solid and stern as he put the tack on the bench and came over to them. Both horses raised their heads and watched him, ears pricked forward with intent interest. “They like ye well enough, lass.” He couldn’t help the grin that crossed his lips. “They just want it harder.”



“Pardon me?” Confusion creased her expression even as her color darkened in a deep blush Leaf regretted not being able to see in better lighting.



“They want ye to scratch them harder.”



Lily laughed, “They like it rough, huh?” Reaching up, she scratched the white star between Apollo’s eyes; Zeus reached over and bumped him out of the way, nipping at him. Apollo threw his head up in protest. Lily flinched and stepped back.



“Lads!” The tantrum stopped instantly and their attention went back to him. “Here, try it this way.” Leaf came up behind her and slid his hands down her arms, taking her hands in his. He stretched them out and placed one each to a lowered head, now calm and waiting, to the places he knew they liked scratched best.



Zeus and Apollo closed their eyes as the curl of Lily’s fingers scratched their enormous heads. The music of her voice crooned and whispered to them as she reached up to stroke their fuzzy ears and the forelocks between, making her stretch.



Leaf felt as though an inseparable bond melded them together, feeling his breath catch when he pressed in closer, and her soft curves pressing against him. His hands ached to slide in, take her and pull her closer. But he remained where he was, breathing in her scent and absorbing the pleasure of feeling her so close and reminding himself she was not his for the taking, yet. Drawing in another deep breath, he held it and she turned her head, giving him a shy smile. He slid his hands to her elbows and, with regret, released her, stepping free and letting his breath go. Turning, she looked up at him with quiet expectation in her eyes. He wasn’t sorry for being so forward, so he wouldn’t say it, but in his heart, he knew it wasn’t an apology she wanted.



“We should get goin’.” He opened the latch to the stall door and let it fall open with a deep groan that spoke for his heart.



“Um, yes, may I help with anything?”



Leaf slipped the halter onto Zeus’ outstretched nose and half buckled it. “Yes, ye can hold his lead while I get his tack and harness on.”



Leaf moved away and Zeus plodded behind him to the front of the wagon and stopped. Lily held the lead and scratched him with less hesitation than before. He didn’t really need her to hold the horses, but it got her used to them and gave him the pleasure of watching her.



The simple act of touching her bare arms and hands had formed a connection between them just as he had feared, and hoped, it would. He had touched her before, but the way he was feeling toward her was changing and his connection to her was evolving, just as it seemed her reception to him was, as well. Even as she was touching Zeus’s shoulder now, so he was feeling the very thing Zeus felt. Leaf was glad for the care of Apollo to distract him, he purposely blocked the pleasure her touch was having on Zeus, but he did let a stream of it through, just enough to let his skin prickle. After haltering Apollo, he led him up next to Zeus.



“They are so beautiful,” Lily breathed, looking up to the head towering above. Her smiling eyes radiated the warmth of her heart and he could feel her joy as she turned to Apollo and showered him with equal attention. She giggled when Zeus pulled gently at her hair with his nimble lips, not quite ready for her to give up her affections yet. Leaf took a deep breath and began hitching them both to the wagon.



“I don’t blame ye, buddy,” Leaf whispered to the frustrated Zeus when Lily turned away, unawares.







***



Thank you for reading!

Magick Monday AND YouTube Tuesday

I missed Magick Monday again, so I am sharing my absolute, most favorite video that is a little longer than some of the others I've posted. I love love love, Viggo Mortenson and the boys of the Fellowship, from LOTR, and this behind the scenes peek just shows the fun and commrodery that went on. I have to say, it makes me laugh every time I watch it! So, here you go, Viggo and Billy kiss:



Happy Tuesday! hehe

♥
C~

YouTube Tuesday!

I've had this song going through my head the past few days, so I thought I would torture you all with it too! Love it!! Great video!!


Have a great Tuesday!
C~

Magick Monday

I was going to delete this, I usually don't post photos of my kids, she needed an easy way to convert photos to something she could c/p to an email, so I showed her how to use my blog for that. This was the photo she chose. What made me stop, and not delete was the energy between them. And the question came up. What could be more Magick than a girl and a shy, recovering abused horse, learning to trust people again?

I didn't think so either. :)

Have a very Magick Monday!

VALENTINE'S DAY SPECIAL EDITION of Sensual Treats Magazine....

ALL the mega-sexy cover model JIMMY THOMAS!!!!

Drop by and grab your copy, FREE as always....

http://sensualtreats.webs.com/archives.htm

Thanks so much!

Magick Monday... The day after!

What's not magick about these guys? :D

YouTube Tuesday

CareerBuilder - Casual Friday @ Yahoo! Video

Great commercial and yet another reason I love clothes!! lol

Scooter strikes again!

I was talking to my friend last night, who is actually the horses owner. Scooter loooves the phone and will sniff at it when she is on it. She was out feeding them when she was chatting with me and she started giggling. There was some heavy breathing on her end and she said Scooter was trying to take the phone, he could hear me.

I said, "Hi Scooter Tooter! How's my guy?" (That's how I always talk to him.) I hear this on the other end:



She is giggling louder, "Scooter stop!" She laughs. "Scooter give it back!" Her voice sounds distant. There is a fuzzy sound and the line went dead.



OOPS...



She didn't call back so I need to go find out what happened! lol Naughty Scoots! lol

Horse Tales!

Today's Critter Tale is about Miss Passion...

Yes, the Passion that has broken into the house, I have photos of this one. The Passion that ran through her fence and skidded to a halt in the barn, making it stink like burned metal, all because she thought she was missing something... *sigh* Yes, the Passion that has left hoof marks on the hood of Lee's car, because she wanted a ride (not moving of course and she was just a baby)...

There are many words I have heard used to describe this young lady, but my favorite ones are clever, mischievious, funny, naughty and tease! Oh, can she work the barn! lol I think, no, I know her favorite past time is to tease the other horses. She is still very young, five years old, I believe, and nothing gives her more pleasure than to antagonize the geldings. Now, she loves them, but is the bratty little sister and here is where my story takes off.

We have a newer Fox Trotter named Buddy. He's been with us for nearly a year now, so he knows Passion pretty well, as they are stall neighbors. Passion has proven to Buddy that she is a tease and when I was there, I didn't realize I was being played until my friend pointed it out to me.

Everyone in the barn gets a little grain, be it a handful or a scoopful, just to keep the peace. Buddy gets more than Passion does, because we are getting him a little heftier and Passion gets less for the very opposite reason, eh-hem.

My friend, Lee was in Buddy's stall hugging, kissing and loving on Buddy and I was doing the same with Passion. Her attention seemed divided between loving on me and her grain bucket, so I picked it up and held it one handed while scratching her. Even though it was completely empty and clean, she was still licking it, and going through the motions of chewing with her eyes closed and rubbing her head on me.

When Lee had left the stall, Buddy came over, put his ears back and watched her. Passion lifted her head and put her ears back and put her nose through the fence. Of course they nipped at each other a little and then Passion went back to licking her bucket and rubbing on me and chewing like she had a mouth full of something, of course she had nothing. I  thought it was her just playing games and was scratching her forhead and forelock and ears. She was diggin this... a lot. When Buddy did it again, she turned her head to the side and put her ears back again, with me telling both of them to knock it off.

Lee just laughed and asked me if I knew what they were doing. I told her that I thought Passion was teasing Buddy as usual. Lee said yes, she is, BUT, she has you and the bucket and she is pretending to chew grain so that Buddy will get upset, thinking she has more than he does.

Well, of course that makes me just laugh, how naughty can you be? I took the bucket away and smoothed things over with both of them. Passion can be such a stinker, but you know what? She is the gentlest little mare and loves affection. She has only known Lee as an owner and so she is spoiled rotten and her gentle nature shows she has been loved to the core! This is a photo my daughter took of the two of us. It even brings tears to Lee's eyes to see it. Because she is a lover by nature, even if she is naughty. :)

Here are a couple of photos of my project. She is a little mare named Jasmine. She stands 14 hands, yes, I'm short! and she is a very gentle and quiet natured arabian, which I find unusual! I just love the shape of her head and her pointy ears. My daughter says she is a unicorn, totally. I can see an Elf or Pixie riding her. She is very feminine and dainty and we get along well! I'm just hoping to gain her trust and friendship too. :)

Have a great Saturday!!

C~

The joy of research

I have been researching the heck out of the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu for a project I have been working on, and I'll tell ya, it has been a journey all its own. But a true labor of love.

When I started this project, I had visually fallen in love with Machu Picchu. These stone ruins that stand in such symetrical perfection, amidst a sea of green grass intrigued me to no end. And of course, that never ending question: Why?

 After hundreds of years, the stonework is still so tight, with no masonry, that you cannot slip a piece of paper between them. To me that is unbelievable. The feats these people managed, that not even our modern equipment could do now adays, is beyond me. I am very pleased to know that the Peruvian government has taken extra, and strict, steps to ensure its beauty remains. Now, if only they could pay the Porters more! Those guys are unbelievable and get paid very little, and yet they are always smiling and generous with themselves. I read one of them is a Futballer and uses his job as a Porter for training purposes. I think that would suffice! lol

In the first photo below, you will see a trail running midway through the mountain. That is the Inca trail and if you look close, those are the people on it. It's very challenging as there are many MANY stairs that the Inca built those many hundreds of years ago.

Just imagine traversing these stairs, stepping in the same steps that the Inca trod centuries ago. They have been worn smooth over time from so much use, and it just gives me goosebumps to think of it that way.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/enanablanca/3879522916/in/photostream/

This is the link of the photographer who took these and many more beautiful shots, I've posted. They just struck a chord and I had to post something about what I am working on and why I loved it. Of course, here is the final outcome to the whole journey.

If only these mountains and stones could talk. Imagine the tale they could tell!

YouTube Tuesday

Thought I forgot, didn't ya... lol!! HA!

My kids have been playing Guitar Hero for awhile now and one of Poison's songs came on. It brought me the biggest smile because they are one of my favorites! Bret Michaels, need I say more?? I love his dancing in this one and it just brings back those rowdy times of being a kid in the '80's. When you could do things that were fun and not get arrested! hehehehe One of my favorite memories: Putting eyeliner on my brother, because he asked me too. hehe
I still have ticket stubs from concerts that cost between ten and twenty dollars! CD players weren't out until later, and very expensive, so we just went to see the real deal! Those were the days!!



Oh and just in case, Bret Michaels...

Then:
                                                     

Now:




















Yea  for the '80's! lol
We won't say where Colleen fit into all of this, but I had a great time for the most part! No regrets, baby!

C~

Bitten By Books 5 Tomb Review

http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=16708

This book grabbed my interest from the very beginning and held it throughout. Different times, different places, magical gardens…everything was clearly described and easy to imagine. I could easily relate to Lily’s state of exhaustion, as can most women, and unfortunately, the abusive boyfriend is a reality for many as well. Leaf’s willingness to do anything necessary to defend and protect Lily is a wonderful contrast and exactly what she needed. The characters were well developed, and I enjoyed watching Lily’s journey towards trust and Leaf’s towards vulnerability. This was a great story and one I definitely recommend.

YouTube Tuesday!

Today it's all about the music!
Heart is my very favoritest group singing my favoritest song! I'm proud we are from the same area, it kind of makes me feel just that much closer to them. :) I discovered them in highschool and find everything about their music inspiring. This is my favorite version of the many ways Ann and Nancy have performed it over the years.



I think the video is off on this a little, but the music is spot on, so just close your eyes, open your heart and listen.

Magick Monday!!

Whenever I see this picture, it gives me goosebumps!

(The caption beneath reads this: Where in the wide world can man find nobility without pride, friendship without envy, or beauty without vanity? Here where grace is laced with muscle and strength by gentleness confined.

~Ronald Duncan)

And this one too... :)

That is my magick for today. It is cold and raining out and these images just evoke a sunny warmth that is magic. The caption was half the reason I chose this photo. It just polishes it completely!

Hope you find Magick in your day too!

C~

PS: My friend Denyse has a special blogger today, if you have a moment, stop by and leave a note! :)

GUEST: Kim Smith is the hostess with the mostest for the popular radio show, Introducing WRITERS! on Blog Talk Radio. Her show http://www.blogtalk radio.com. kims has been hailed as the most fun, most relaxing, and best show for an author to let their hair down and talk shop. She is also the author of the zany, Shannon Wallace mystery series available now from Red Rose Publishing, and many romances short and long.

BLOG: http://fantasy- pages.blogspot. com