Colleen's Love Notes

Merry Christmas!!

2009-12-24T22:46:00.001-08:00

Magick Monday!

2009-12-21T06:30:00.000-08:00

Hey, it's been awhile since I've posted on a Magic Monday! It's going to be a wonderful day, filled with all kinds of magick, both nice and naughty. Hope you all have an enchanting Yule!

Today, I am blogging with Laurie! Stop by if you have a chance, I am giving one of my books away! http://lauries-laudanum.blogspot.com/

NOW...

For the magick in my day, I came across this YouTube while researching for a story I am writing. I felt like a deer in the headlights, it is completely mesmerizing. Something about Maccu Picchu has had me by the gills since I first heard about it. I don't know, watch the video and then decide for yourself.

Hope you find this kind of Magick in your day, today.
I will admit, that for a little blonde Cherokee woman, this shreds my soul in a good way. :)

Hugs
C~

Happy Friday Eve!!

2009-12-17T07:41:00.000-08:00

Just needed to post a bit of inspiration.

Horses and Jimmy Thomas, what more could a girl need?

Oh, I totally love the music and belly dancing moves in this video, too! :)

C~

Guest Blogger: Barbora Knobova

2009-12-13T21:03:00.000-08:00

Price: $22.70 Paperback: 180 pages Publisher: BK Publishing (September 1, 2009) Language: English ISBN-10: 0578033399 ISBN-13: 978-0578033396 Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.4 inches

Tales for Delicious Girls has received perfect 5-star ratings from women all over the world!

"Tales for Delicious Girls" offers witty, refreshing, clever and ironic insight into relationships between men and women from all points of view. The book is a modern relationship manual, providing answers to the most pressing dating and friendship questions that strong, independent, modern women want to know. "Tales for Delicious Girls" deals with wishes, desires and dreams - as well as hilarious mishaps and dating disasters. However, "Tales for Delicious Girls" is not simply a humorous book. In addition to entertaining the readers, the tales will inspire women to think about their own life and relationships, see themselves through different eyes and realize that they are their own best friend, the pillar of their own life, and the only person they can always count on. "Tales for Delicious Girls" encourages women to love, respect and appreciate themselves, to live the life they have always wanted, and become aware of their true uniqueness and deliciousness. This book will make you cry till there are tears in your eyes. It will become your faithful companion, and will help you find yourself. It was written for you because you're delicious - the most delicious girl in the world.

Portion of Author Autobahn Review:

We all have different experiences, but every "delicious girl" will see a bit of herself in Barbora's book. She doesn't feel sorry for herself; she uses her past as a springboard to the future. Tales for Delicious Girls is filled with cautionary true-stories. Is Barbora trying to use her experiences as a warning to every other girl? To prevent her from making the same mistakes she did? Of course, that would be ideal! But when it comes down to it, what the author is trying to remind every woman is to listen to that small voice inside and act upon it when it says, "Dump this loser!" She wants every woman to remember that no matter our choices, we can make better ones tomorrow.

Author Bio

Barbora Knobova is an author who writes about women and for women. A relationship coach and a "Delicious Girl", she is always on women's side and dedicates herself to helping women find their path to self-love and happiness. Barbora believes that every woman deserves to be loved, appreciated and respected, and her books speak to women of all ages, providing them with support and encouragement. Barbora's motto is: I believe in myself. In us. And in you. Because we all are Delicious. Visit Barbora's website http://www.barboraknobova.com for free e-courses, e-books and relationship advice.

Miss Curly Sue

2009-12-10T16:04:00.000-08:00

I was up at the barn and thought it would be fun to take some photos of our little curly pony. Her name is Curly Sue! I love her because she is my size. My friend, her owner, says I needed a pony because of my petite size and she magically appeared! hehe We never look a gift horse in the mouth, even if it is a pony. :) By the way, the white horse in back ground is actually a horse and not a pony. She is just a few inches taller, and over 14 hands, funny, huh?

C~

Review for Autumn Windsong

2009-12-07T21:12:00.000-08:00

Colleen Love wove a wonderful tale of fantasy and love into this on the edge of your seat love story. With the backdrop of the wilds of Alaska, its colorful Aurora Borealis and a spark of magic a true love is found. Something that all of us wish could be and want to read about happening. I recommend those who like a sprinkle of magic with their romance to pick up this book.

See the full review at gotromancereviews.blogspot.com

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-26T07:38:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Current WIP Inspiration

2009-11-24T12:41:00.000-08:00

Honestly, how could I go wrong? Right?

I always love to have a face behind the action, and Mario more than fits the bill. Sweet!

Heroine is coming right up...

C~

Magic Monday

2009-11-23T15:09:00.000-08:00

Colleen's Long Haired Hottie

2009-11-22T10:44:00.001-08:00

The conversation came up and I had to post something inspiring... lol

Happy Sunday! :)

C~

Magick Monday

2009-11-16T09:38:00.001-08:00

So, here it is, another Magick Monday! And in my part of the world it has gusted in true November fashion. Of course this is truly a gift for me. Nothing makes me write better then this kind of weather and so I've been very busy and enjoying every minute of it. :)

Like the new banner? My friend Denyse Bridger created it for me. I hugged her lots for it. :)

I hope you are able to find some joy in your day today.

C~

Love is Dirty Business

2009-11-11T15:28:00.001-08:00

Colleen and Scooter (2 summers ago)

So my girlfriend is ill with a migrane and she asked me to blanket horses for her and double check everyone. hehe

It's really amazing to me, no matter how long I've been away from the barn, they, especially Scooter, are so happy to see me. :) It can be a month or five minutes, it doesn't matter.

I just got in the door and Scoots came over and laid a fat kiss on my cheek, along with a rain of caked on mud! Him and Tanner are coated in dried mud! Apparently they have been enjoying it emensly! I just brushed them out too!! lmao! Bad boys... That also means they don't want blankets put on. So fine, they can just be naked and covered in mud.

Lad and Passion were both very happy to get their blankets put on. They stick their noses out and all but fasten the clasps themselves! It's very sweet. But that is only when they want them on. Miss Passion has taken me skiing across the field before, just because that's what a young mare will do! That wasn't all too plesant either!

It's my favorite kind of day, to walk into the barn and have it smell like fresh hay and shavings. The sound of hay being munched and contented sighs sounding. That has to be the sound of paradise. :)

Happy Hump Day!

C~

Abbott and Costello Buying a Computer

2009-11-10T20:41:00.000-08:00

You have to be old enough to remember Abbott and Costello, and too old to REALLY understand computers, to fully appreciate this. For those of us who sometimes get flustered by our computers, please read on...

If Bud Abbott and Lou Costello were alive today, their infamous sketch, 'Who's on First?' might have turned out something like this:

COSTELLO CALLS TO BUY A COMPUTER FROM ABBOTT

ABBOTT: Super Duper computer store. Can I help you?

COSTELLO: Thanks I'm setting up an office in my den and I'm thinking about buying a computer.

ABBOTT: Mac?

COSTELLO: No, the name's Lou.

ABBOTT: Your computer?

COSTELLO: I don't own a computer. I want to buy one.

ABBOTT: Mac?

COSTELLO: I told you, my name's Lou.

ABBOTT: What about Windows?

COSTELLO: Why? Will it get stuffy in here?

ABBOTT: Do you want a computer with Windows?

COSTELLO: I don't know. What will I see when I look at the windows?

ABBOTT: Wallpaper.

COSTELLO: Never mind the windows. I need a computer and software.

ABBOTT: Software for Windows?

COSTELLO: No. On the computer! I need something I can use to write proposals, track expenses and run my business. What do you have?

ABBOTT: Office.

COSTELLO: Yeah, for my office. Can you recommend anything?

ABBOTT: I just did.

COSTELLO: You just did what?

ABBOTT: Recommend something.

COSTELLO: You recommended something?

ABBOTT: Yes.

COSTELLO: For my office?

ABBOTT: Yes.

COSTELLO: OK, what did you recommend for my office?

ABBOTT: Office.

COSTELLO: Yes, for my office!

ABBOTT: I recommend Office with Windows.

COSTELLO: I already have an office with windows! OK, let's just say I'm sitting at my computer and I want to type a proposal. What do I need?

ABBOTT: Word.

COSTELLO: What word?

ABBOTT: Word in Office.

COSTELLO: The only word in office is office.

ABBOTT: The Word in Office for Windows.

COSTELLO: Which word in office for windows?

ABBOTT: The Word you get when you click the blue 'W'.

COSTELLO: I'm going to click your blue 'w' if you don't start with some straight answers. What about financial bookkeeping? You have anything I can track my money with?

ABBOTT: Money.

COSTELLO: That's right. What do you have?

ABBOTT: Money.

COSTELLO: I need money to track my money?

ABBOTT: It comes bundled with your computer.

COSTELLO: What's bundled with my computer?

ABBOTT: Money.

COSTELLO: Money comes with my computer?

ABBOTT: Yes. No extra charge.

COSTELLO: I get a bundle of money with my computer? How much?

ABBOTT: One copy.

COSTELLO: Isn't it illegal to copy money?

ABBOTT: Microsoft gave us a license to copy Money.

COSTELLO: They can give you a license to copy money?

ABBOTT: Why not? THEY OWN IT!

(A few days later)

ABBOTT: Super Duper computer store. Can I help you?

COSTELLO: How do I turn my computer off?

ABBOTT: Click on 'START'.............

Passion for Fashion and Fashion for Passion

2009-11-08T10:09:00.000-08:00

So... Yesterday I was going a little stir crazy and needed to burn off some stress energy. I don't live in an area where I can just hop in the car and go to the mall, and quite frankly, that's not my cup of tea anyway. I did the next best thing and went out to the barn. :) It was in the low 40's and the rain was bucketing down, echoing off the tin roof. After bundling myself up, and stuffing my pockets with apples, I escaped to my sanctuary. Of course Lad, the stallion, gets first dibs. He likes his apple held so he can bite it in half. He chews over your hands so that anything that falls out, can be eaten again. He also likes to lick the juice off my hands, he's not spoiled at all! He is so gentle it's hard to believe he has those hormones that drive the male spiecies. After that, everone gets one and all is well. Usually I stay long enough to spend a little time with everyone and today I decided that I would brush them before we put their blankets on for the night. Of course this is Miss Passion's favorite thing. She absolutely loves to be groomed and fussed over, so I took my time with her, brushing her tail and mane too. One of her many funny quirks is one she has aquired from her daddy, Lad! She will point to where she wants you to scratch, oh boy, she kept me busy! Her favorite place to be scratched is her hind end and if you don't know that, she will greet you, sniff you, maybe even kiss you before it appears she is moving away, only to back up and knock into you, because she wants her hiny scratched. hehe :) She did it to a cop once, but we won't get into that story today. lol Needless to say, he had a good sense of humor about it and obliged her. lol :) Even after the geldings were stealing his pens and glasses and such. lol...

Here is Miss Passion butting into Tanner's photo op. She looooooves costumes, fabrics with different textures and shiny things. Mr. Tanner was not impressed by her rude interuption as you can see here. He is our Schoolmaster and is an amazing horse with an impressive resume as a retired roundup horse.

Passion followed my daughter everywhere, touching her dress and the beads in her headband.

When she finally figured out that it would come off, she took it! So my daughter put it on her ear and she nearly wouldn't let us have it back. She is 15.3 hands at the shoulder, so her head is way the heck up there when she stands tall! :)

Anyway, this is my form of stress relief. It's an amazing thing and they really get it when you are feeling like garbage. Many times I spend time with them when I'm plotting a scene. Daykan was my lead man in Eden at Twilight and Lad starred in one I wrote this spring. I have one planned that Scooter will be my lead in. They all have such distinct personalities that it's a lot of fun to create stories featuring them. :)

I hope your Sunday is restful and your week successful.

Colleen

Coffee Time Romance

2009-11-06T11:01:00.001-08:00

I'm over at Coffee Time Romance today, with the other Wild Rose Press authors!
Stop by if you have a chance! :)

http://www.coffeetimeromance.com/board/forumdisplay.php?f=1139

C~

Welcome Antonia Tiranth!

2009-10-31T11:49:00.000-07:00

Delilah : Hi everyone! I’m Delilah K. Stephans. I’m here with my buddy Antonia Tiranth, Jett Houston and Amara Carnesir. We’re hoping that you will join us as we celebrate the release of Jett and Amara’s book. I’m going to let Antonia say hi.

Antonia : Hey guys! I'm really excited about this release for a few reasons. First, its my third published work and that never gets dull. ^.^ Second, its the continuation of a tale that I am very much enjoying being the teller of. And finally, because its the first published work from both Del and I. Its not the first thing we've written together by any means and Del has been with me the whole time with the Rikashi series, helping me when I'm stuck and editing among other things. Okay, enough about me. I should introduce you to our stars, Jett and Amara!

Jett: Guess I’m up next. Well, Tir – that’s what Delilah calls Antonia – started chronicling the Rikashi stories. No one has quite figured out how she’s doing it, but that’s not the point. So when it came time for Black Velvet. I thought since those two were writing buddies that Del should get in on the fun…

Amara: Oh be honest, you just wanted to be difficult. And Antonia is too polite to type your foul mouth.

Jett: I am so paddling your ass when we get home Princess.

Amara: I might just enjoy it.

Delilah: Ok you two behave! Sheesh.

Jett: So, where was I? So, I wouldn’t talk to Tir. Drove her nuts!

Antonia:Nuts doesn't begin to cover it. More like hair pulling frustration.

Jett: Anyway, they go ways back writing and finished our story.

Amara: Wow! You didn’t cuss once, I’m impressed. I’m Amara. think Antonia was a little surprised when I ended up being in the middle of the third tale. I wasn't exactly very talkative in The Gathering ...I'll blame that one on Daddy...but I'm sure you'll find our story interesting. You'll learn more about the prophecy and some of the changes happening in our society. Things definitely heat up *looks at Jett* on several levels.

Antonia: You can say that again. So, I hope you guys take a look at Black Velvet. If you're new to the series, you should take a look at the first two. Now, what are we doing to celebrate? I'll let Del tell you about that.

Delilah: Ok so while we’re here we’ll be answering any and all questions. For one lucky commenter we have downloads of the two songs that fit the book – Tal Bachman’s “She’s so High” and Alannah Myles’ “Black Velvet”. For a few others we’ve got a stockpile of goodies we’ll be giving out – buttons, cover flats, bookmarks, and other goodies. So feel free to ask questions or just say hi!

Antonia : The songs will be provided via a gift download from iTunes (just figured out how to do that!) Del and I love hearing from readers and invite you to visit our websites, Delilah's and mine. You can also find us on Twitter and Facebook. And now for a look at the cover, Amara...stop drooling.

And the blurb : I scanned the tables and counter, my eyes settling on him. There he was. Dark cowboy hat, dark coat, dark hair, and too handsome for his own good. He was sitting in one of the back booths, blending with the shadows.

I walked to his table, seating myself across from him. He looked over his menu at me and smirked.

“Just can’t stay away from me, can you, Princess?”

The nickname made me bristle, but I took a deep breath. I had to keep my focus on the mission. “So it seems.”

“Interesting,” he murmured, turning his eyes back to the menu, his face hidden beneath the brim of the hat.

Now what? What exactly should I say to him?

“We need you,” I blurted. Might as well get right to the point, rather than beat around the bush.

He laid the menu on the table. His dark eyes skimmed over my hair, my lips and down to my breasts, before returning to meet mine. My breath caught in my throat. There was such intensity in those eyes.

“We,” he echoed, then his voice dropped to a gravelly tone that made me want to squirm in my seat, “…or you?”

Now exactly what was that supposed to mean? I was one of the Aikanaro, if all of us needed him, didn’t that mean by extension each of us needed him? “I need you to come --”

“Ladies first.” He tapped the brim of his hat with a finger and winked.

I blinked at him, not understanding what he meant by that. Then slowly his meaning hit me and heat crept into my cheeks. “That’s not what I meant,” I snapped. “If you would just let me finish.”

You can get your copy of the book from Lyrical Press, Inc.

Happy Samhain

2009-10-31T09:11:00.001-07:00

Happy Halloween!
I am over at Silver Expressions today, blogging about the origins of Halloween! Stop by if you have a chance! :)

http://www.liquidsilverbooks.com/blog/?p=3900

Have a spooktacular day!
C~

Soon, soon soon!

2009-10-29T09:22:00.000-07:00

So...
I was invited to contribute to a Free Read anthology and here is the cover. Very pretty, I think. Denyse always does such a great job with these things and I'm very proud to be part of it.
Will keep you posted when it becomes available!

Have a great Friday Eve!
C~

Special Guest: Lisa Leibow!

2009-10-20T13:18:00.000-07:00

WHAT MAKES A FAMILY?
A family need not be a mother, father, sister, brother. Thankfully, we live in a diverse world. Today, in any random-neighborhood, suburban street, or city block, a single mother with three children, might live next to a couple who, married for the second time, blended their families like The Brady Bunch. Across the street might live two, happily-married, gay men with their four-year-old, adopted daughter. Three houses down, a dual-income husband and wife have been married for years but struggle with infertility.
As the infertile couple works with a doctor, they are likely to investigate the myriad of options available for them to start a family. They might look into domestic and international adoption, they could try artificial insemination, or more invasive procedures, like in vitro fertilization. If the husband learns he has problems with sperm morphology or mobility, they might look into obtaining donor sperm. If the wife’s eggs are not viable, they might consider donor eggs. They might even begin to investigate opportunities to obtain donor embryos.
If successful, either in adopting or giving birth using assisted reproductive technologies, the infertile couple may raise a child not biologically-related to one or both of them. Back to my initial question: What makes a family? Certainly, biological relation does bind some to their families. However, it need not be a factor. To me, it doesn’t matter how the family came to be, unconditional love, support, a sense of belonging are the hallmarks of family.
What’s striking about my debut novel, Double Out and Back is that it explores from a literary perspective, some of the social issues faced by a generation that has more options than ever when it comes to starting a family. What fascinates me is that when it comes right down to it, even with the technological advancements in reproduction and healthcare, families still must rely on one another to thrive.

Short bio:
Lisa Lipkind Leibow is the author of Double Out and Back (Red Rose Publishing), which takes the reader on the roller-coaster ride of infertility treatments as seen through the eyes of three women.

Originally a lawyer, Lisa traded the billable hour lifestyle for fiction writing. Lisa’s work has also appeared in Pisgah Review. She lives and writes in Northern Virginia with her husband, three sons, a clumber spaniel, and two red-eared sliders.

You can learn more about Lisa and her writing at www.LLLeibow.com.

Double Out and Back available now from Red Rose Publishing.

Not every woman who rides the fertility treatment roller coaster winds up like Octomom!

Who will find friends, family, and fertility?
Three women’s lives are intricately intertwined, as Amelia Schwartz and Summer Curtis struggle with the complex dynamics of intrafamily embryo adoption, and Chandy Markum strives to make her patients’ dreams a reality.
After more than a decade, of mourning her parents’ deaths, anal-retentive Amelia Schwartz decides to take control of her life, pursuing single motherhood via embryo adoption. While her fertility doctor, Chandy, is preoccupied with the destruction of the cosmopolitan Cape Town of her youth and her first love in apartheid-torn South Africa, believing all is lost, her niece, a young, married, overachieving attorney Summer Curtis, juggles zealous career ambitions, demanding bosses, and friction with her husband over family and fertility issues. They must confront the painful reality that, no matter what technology humans devise to manipulate reproduction, prolong life, and construct family units, they have not yet mastered control over their beginnings and endings.
Thrown all into this is one story that can make or break. Are you up to it?

New Review for Thief of a Goddess Heart

2009-10-15T19:54:00.001-07:00

Thief of a Goddess Heart is an interesting take on the private investigator/ suspect tale. I enjoyed Ivy’s spunk and the way she refused to let Dane run all over her. Dane is a sexy hero and his obvious love for Ivy was very touching. This tale is fast paced and leads to a wonderful conclusion.

Readers who enjoy story characters and suspense mixed with their paranormal will take pleasure in Thief of a Goddess Heart.
Reviewed by Amelia

See the full review here: http://www.joyfullyreviewed.com/reviews/Oct09/thiefofagoddessheart.CL.html

Purchase Here: http://www.king-cart.com/cgi-bin/cart.cgi?store=linda018&cart_id=6044070.64493&product_name=Thief+Of+A+Goddess+Heart&return_page=&user-id=&password=&exchange=&exact_match=exact

2009-10-14T15:57:00.000-07:00

Taken by RoyBoy. I would love to give more credit, but that is all the information I have. Was taken this morning and shared on the weather for the area.

Just thought I would share the beauty of my world. I live not to far away from here and dream of living in this small community someday! :) I wonder why??

Hope your Wednesday is going wonderfully!

C~

Magick Monday

2009-10-12T21:33:00.001-07:00

Hope you're Monday is Magick!

C~

Memories

2009-10-10T11:28:00.000-07:00

I was cleaning out my purse and found this old photo tucked away. Funny the memories it brings back. It was taken in 1991, but feels like just yesterday. This is Mr. C and I, we married two years later and are still married after 21 years. It still seems like only days ago. :) Funny how time passes so quickly when your having fun.

Would you? Could you?

2009-10-07T10:32:00.000-07:00

Soooo... We all love shoes and fashion, yes? Just thought I would share these 12 inch boots.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1218802/Alexander-McQueens-tall-order-Towering-12-inch-boots-Paris-catwalk-walking-.html

So, would I or could I? lol No.

I'm terrified of heights! Even being on a step stool throws me off. You can ask Mr. C about how I nearly scalped him at our last Metallica concert when he put me up on his shoulders for safe keeping. And we won't even get into the issue of flying!

Anyway, just thought I'd share.

C~

What is love?

2009-10-03T19:04:00.001-07:00

Is this not the look of true love??

My daughter took this photo of me and my friends young mare, Passion. She is only about 6 years old and the sweetest little girl. A fine example of what great handling from the beginning can do. :)

C~