Male Strawberry

Even Mother Nature has a sense of humor and sends things to make me laugh. I have in no way altered this little guy. He was a gift from the Gods and very tasty! :D

Arctic Dreamin'...

It's hard to believe that this photo was taken of my front yard six months ago! I miss it...

Today, is going to be 86 degrees F, with a 94 percent humidity and it is only going to get warmer over the week, with roughly the same humidty. :P It makes me feel oogy just thinking about it! I don't need to go to the tropics to know what it's like now. I can just go outside! My linolium floors are sticky and wet from the moisture in the air. It is just an odd feeling and I will be happy for the cold rainy season to return!

My kids and I, walked down to our little creek for something cool and fun to do. Well, apparently the flies and gnats don't understand that the insect repellant is for them too! It says right on the damn bottle... I should bring it for them to read next time. lol God, I felt like a fly stick that they glommed on too. There was a fall out zone around me with a circle of dead flies. I felt like I was playing Asteroids or something and for the bonus round you had to get two or three at a time before they bit hard enough to make a welt! Sadly, I have a couple and that's when I said 'Game Over", and took us home! How's that for sacrificing one's self for their children. lol They ran home and jumped in their swimming pool. I went inside and bitched to Mr. C. He just grinned, put my writing notebook in front of me and an open Mike's Hard Berry, and didn't say a word. Have I said how much I love Mr. C?? lol

Anyway, today I am supposed to go with my MIL. I don't think I even want to ask what is going to happen today. *sigh*

My new project

Okay, so I have been AWOL for a bit. Here is the reason! I have been working on a new project and properly neglecting everything else! :)
Here is my cast:
Meet my hero:
Jacob Dannon















Meet my Heroine:
Alison Jones



















That is all I am sharing for now. :)

New Eden At Twilight Review

Eden At Twilight by Colleen Love



Eden At Twilight by Colleen Love
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Fantasy
Length: Full (276 pages)
Heat: Spicy
Rating: 4/5 Books
Reviewed by Poinsettia

As a heroine, Lily is very sweet, and I enjoyed watching her grow and change throughout the story. In the beginning, Lily seems frail and frightened. As the story progresses, Lily grows into strength she never knew she possessed and surprises not only herself, but everyone around her.

Leaf certainly makes for an interesting hero. An air of mystery and magic surrounds him that intrigues Lily right from the start. In addition, his love of animals and the gardens he tends at the cottage only serve to make him even more irresistible. The fact that he has a Scottish accent doesn’t hurt either.

I’ve read some of Ms. Love’s work before, and again I must say that her use of descriptive language is very good. “The spicy scent of the fire curled around, mixing with the over-intoxicating sweetness of roses, honeysuckle and the rich tang of fresh dug earth…Tall trees with shimmering emerald leaves tickled by the breeze stood on the outskirts of the moss-covered wall.” Description like this captivated my senses and pulled me completely into the story.

If you enjoy a truly touching romance filled with magic and amazing description, I highly recommend you pick up a copy of Eden At Twilight today.

Full Review Here:
http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.com/2009/07/eden-at-twilight-by-colleen-love.html

C~

Happy 4th of July!

Happy Fourth of July to all of my fellow Americans!
Happy Saturday to the rest of the world!! :)



Be safe in all of your endeavors!
C~

NOR Top Pick!

Author(s):Dee S. Knight, Colleen Love
Genre(s):Contemporary, Anthology
Review Date:Jun 20, 2009
ISBN:978-1-59578-549-7
E-Book Price:$5.50
Publisher: Liquid Silver Books
Score: 4.5 out of 5
Reviewer: Terri


Both of these stories were excellent. The heroes were everything you could want from a hero while the female leads were just as impressive. Romance is the name of the game in each with sexual scenes having emotion as well as enough detail to keep it interesting. … Both stories were fast paced and kept me interested. They were sexual and sensual keeping the romance alive. My only complaint was they ended too soon but you can’t have everything!


Full Review:
http://www.nightowlromance.com/nightowlromance/reviews/Review.aspx?daoid=4020

Another Great Reveiw

Eden at Twilight was a fascinating read that I will revisit again. This book will keep you spellbound and turning the pages until the very end. A definite You Need to Read rating!

Heather
You Gotta Read Read Reviews

To read the full review go here:
http://yougottareadreviews.blogspot.com/2009/06/review-eden-at-twilight-by-colleen-love.html

NOR Review for Eden at Twilight

Title: Eden at Twilight
Author: Colleen Love
Genre: Fantasy/Sci-Fi/Futuristic
Hearts: 4/5
Reviewer: Diana Coyle
Date: 6/20/2009

Ms. Love penned an emotionally packed story for her readers to sink their teeth into. I felt bad for Lily because she was anxious and worried all the time about her well-being. When she met Rosemary and Leaf I was hoping they would be able to help her figure things out so she could get on with her life without fear or worry hanging over her all the time. This was definitely a magical story and the author kept me so engrossed throughout the pages. If you’re looking for a great story packed with love, adventure and some magic sprinkled throughout, this is definitely the one to pick up!

Full review:
http://www.nightowlromance.com/nightowlromance/reviews/Review.asp?ReviewId=3843


Thank you, Diana! :)
C~

Excuses

I haven't been very active here lately, I know. Sorry if there is anyone following my blog and the page hasn't moved since last week! But THIS... Visions of sugar plums like this have been dancing in my head. I will try to keep up with my poor neglected bloggie, promise. :)





Happy Solstice, however you celebrate it!

C~

Devinely Inspired

Have you ever stepped from your world into a place so different and awe inspiring that it has taken your breath away? Where you trod on paths with silent wonder, afraid the sound of your own brash voice will break the spell that captivates your soul? You turn in slow circles, keeping your eyes upturned to see what celestial being's voice is ringing through the trees and find that you have been gazing heavenward for nearly an hour, for in this realm, time stops and you are claimed by timenessness.



When you do continue on, you move through the forest's magestic inhabitants, their arms outstretched in towering greetings and once again your gaze is drawn up to the lacy canopy of trees, shading you with dappled shade that blocks the summer's scorching heat.




After moving silently over the forest floor, padded by years of accumulated needles, you follow the path to a babbling brook. It's cold, glacial water inviting you to rest your tired feet.


When you resume your journey you find that you face the elders of the forest and gaze up, seeking their ancient councel. If you are still enough and look hard enough, you can see and hear what stories they have to tell.

~~

I am fortunate enough that I have something like this in my own back yard and the words I speak are from my own experiences. These photos are borrowed from the internet, but I have been to this place and find it to be the pinnicle of sacred magick. This is one of the only temprate rain forests left in the world. Stepping within it's realm is to walk among the divine.

We camped at the Hoh Rainforest a few years back and woke up to deer licking our tent, Chipmunks begging for cookies at breakfast and Camprobbers raiding your lunch. Having completely wild animals approach you is a magic all of its own, yet I'm thankful it wasn't bears or cougars, lol.

This is my sanctuary, and what I hold sacred. I hope you have somewhere that holds that much magick for you. :)

C~

Hearts Afire released today!!

Available Now from Liquid Silver Books!
www.liquidsilverbooks.com


The Fireman and the Ice Queen by Dee S. Knight:


Harm Reynolds hasn’t asked to be the liaison between the firefighters’ union and the city, he’s been thrust into the role. Even worse, his opponent in the negotiations is the new assistant mayor, the reputed Ice Queen, a heartless ball buster who doesn’t care if his men charge into fiery buildings with equipment that doesn’t work. He strides to his first meeting resolved to prove that a fireman can handle an Ice Queen.

Beth Edwards knows of her reputation as a heartless bitch, and in truth, she even uses it to her advantage at times. She isn’t without compassion, she just doesn’t handle emotion well. And since she has only career plans in mind and no time for love, well, what does a nasty nickname matter?

Both Beth and Harm should have known that playing with fire—whether it involves matches or love—is a dangerous thing to do.

Here's a short excerpt from The Fireman and the Ice Queen. "Sally" is Harm's late wife, dead for 18 months.

In this scene, Beth, the Ice Queen assistant mayor, is meeting with Harm, the firefighters' union rep, to negotiate a new contract. This is their second meeting, one they've both dreaded and longed for.


Beth cleared her throat. “Harm, I’m sorry you came all the way over here. I called the station but you weren’t there.”

“No, I left from the house. I’m not on duty today.”

“Oh. Well, I called to tell you I’m waiting for news from a city in South Carolina regarding their radio system. I’d like to gather as much information as possible before we meet again.”

Harm saw the sense in what she said, but sharp disappointment struck in learning they wouldn’t be sitting across the table from each other that afternoon. “You’re aware the contract is up in three days?”

“I know we’re cutting things short, but I hate to make decisions without knowing all I can, don’t you?” She winked and smiled. “I find whenever I do, deals tend to go up in smoke. No pun intended.”

He chuckled. “Okay, I bow to your fact finding. I’m on duty tomorrow morning for the next 24 hours, but I can make arrangements for whenever you want to get together again.”

“Well,” she said, not meeting his gaze, “would you object to a, uh, dinner meeting? I should receive my phone call by noon, but I’m tied up with the Chamber of Commerce for the rest of the day.”

If Sally had filled his mind, Harm would have been ashamed at the thrill he felt with Beth’s suggestion. So he pushed Sally out of mind and tried to ignore the shame he felt at that.

“Sure. I mean heck, it’s important to get through these talks, and we have to eat, right?” What a damn fool thing to say. She must think you’re an idiot, but at least she doesn’t know you’re a horny idiot. “Where did you have in mind?”

“Um...I actually had in mind, my place. I mean, it’s just that, well, it would be private.” Now she did look up, blushing and eyes wide. “To talk about the contract, I mean.”

Harm could hardly breathe. “Right. It would be bad for any details to leak before we’ve hammered out everything we need to.” God, had he just said he wanted to hammer everything out? What he felt like hammering shouldn’t even be thought in mixed company.

Then she let out a breath. “Oh, yes. I just don’t want you to think, well, that I want to be alone with you.”

He laughed, a burst of surprise and humor unleashed. “God forbid.”
Her cheeks turned a deeper rose. “I mean I do want to be alone with you.”

“That’s nice to hear,” he said, and meant it.

“For the sake of the city,” she replied, her voice low.

“And the firefighters,” he said just as low and a little husky.

“Right. Can’t forget them. I’d never do that.”

“I know you wouldn’t.” He took a step forward, crowding her against the door. “You live on Smithville Road, don’t you?”

“How did you know that?”

Actually, he’d looked her up last night, and even driven past her house, a neat little bungalow with a nice front lawn. “Knowing where city leaders live is one of our jobs.”

“Oh.”

Was it his imagination or did she look a bit disappointed?

“I don’t think it would be a good idea to meet there,” she said. “You know how people talk. Your truck in my driveway and the whole town would have us sleeping together in a matter of hours.”

While Harm wanted that to happen--maybe--he didn’t want the town to talk about it. Especially since his wish was far from likely to be granted.

“If talk did start,” she continued, “it would certainly be seen as a conflict of interest, even though neither of us would compromise our principles over sex.”

“No, I’d never let sex compromise my, uh...” Her hair smelled so good. Flowery, but not overpowering.

“Principles,” she prompted.






Inferno by Colleen Love:


Henrietta James is completely satisfied with her polished, metropolitan lifestyle until she accepts an assignment that brings one heroic Cade Lane into her world. Henrietta's research reveals that Mr. Lane is not only the firefighter that saves a child’s life, he's a man with a pin-up calendar worthy body, but more importantly a man that deserves appreciation.

For Cade Lane, being is firefighter is more than just a job - it's who he is. He is also very surprised to find that Henri James is a woman! A very sexy woman who sets his blood burning. He quickly does anything he can to get closer to her and kindles the heat of instant attraction between them, stirring an inferno.

When trouble threatens, putting heart and body in harm's way, can the flames of love be kept burning bright despite the firestorm?


Inferno Excerpt:

“Then I’ll see you tomorrow, Cade.” Her sultry voice ribboned around his name in a sexy whisper. She leaned close to him, brushing his cheek with a soft kiss. A smile slid over her lips as she turned away from him, walking to her car with quick steps. She glanced at him one last time with dark, wanting eyes as she ducked within.

It was only then he let out a long-held breath. How long he had been holding it he couldn’t say. But one thing was certain, he was glad his jacket was long enough to cover the raging hard-on he was sure was noticeable otherwise. He moved quickly to his truck and started the motor, then let the engine run for a moment as he leaned his head against the headrest, giving him time to think for a moment. What had just happened? He’d been completely blindsided. Henri was everything he hadn’t expected. She was the epitome of his wildest, wettest dreams. And that didn’t happen too often, matter of a fact, with the way he felt right now, it was a first! He released the emergency brake and shifted into reverse, slowly backing from the empty parking lot. After plugging in Kenney Chesney’s newest CD, he relaxed, beginning the long drive home.

The time and distance on the dark, empty highway let his mind wander back over dinner and Henri. A woman named Henri. A smirk played over his lips and quickly dropped when a flashback of her long legs, which brought her nearly to his eye level. Her stilettos brought her even closer. The swish of her silk stockings, knee-length black skirt and white silk blouse screamed that she was a classy woman and out of his league. And yet, she was interested in him. Interested enough to blunder her interview. That made him smile again. The way she had flushed with embarrassment and fidgeted with her long, dark hair when he had turned the tables away from the interview. He could hear the nervous shift of her legs, guessing by the swish of silk against silk and the fabric of her skirt, that she was crossing and uncrossing her legs. The results had titillated his senses with her musky sweet scent. It became all he could do to refrain from asking her if she wanted to find a room somewhere. But that would have been cheap and not her, in his mind anyway. He did refrain and was proud of himself, because after all, a man can only take so much. The suggestion of showing her the place he had rescued the child was a near stroke of genius. Now, he would be able to see her again, but this time it would be more of an effort to restrain himself.

Daycon

In loving memory of Daycon.

Many of you have heard me talk about Dacon. He has been the inspiration of many funny experiences and has taught me so much about how horses are and more, about how Arabian horses are. Well, he passed to the Summerland last Friday, the 22nd. Not only has it been devistating to the people who knew and loved him, but the other horses as well.
He is buried beneath the old cherry tree that he loved to stand under and scratch himself on. None of the horses go there now and Lad, the stallion, who's paddock run over looks his grave, even he stops and looks in respect every time he passes. It has been an emotional, devistating week and I am glad to see it gone.

I will never be sorry for knowing him. He is a true inspiration and we have loved sharing funny stories about him. The day before he left us, I groomed him and told him about our story being out (Eden at Twilight, Nystav is his character), and he nodded and nuzzled me.

So, that is why I haven't posted all week. I just haven't had the heart to do anything, really.

I am back now though. Time stands still for no one and we must keep moving along.

C~

New Release!!

If you enjoy the story "The Secret Garden", and the movie "Legand", then Eden at Twilight will be the story for you! :)


Title: Eden at Twilight
Rating: Sweet and Spicy
Author: Colleen Love
Print ISBN: 1-60154-502-9
Print ISBN 13: 9781601545022
Digital Release Date: 2009-05-15
Digital Price: 6.00
Print Release Date: 2009-05-15
Print Price: 13.99
Available for Purchase Here:
http://www.thewildrosepress.com/eden-at-twilight-p-1242.html?zenid=8f8c7b262f0183455698e4ed066ad36e

Available in print through Amazon and Target.com!


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:



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. “I’m the caretaker here at the Country Cottage.”

Lily took his hand in hers and felt it wrapped in calloused warmth, “I’m Lily,” she breathed. Unwarranted chills chased over her skin from his touch. The thick burr of a Scotsman lilted in his voice and a warm smile curled the edges of his lips, making deep dimples at the corners. A rough dark scrub of stubble blended into wild sand colored, wavy hair that stopped just past his shoulders. Releasing her hand, he turned to pick up her bags. The flex of muscle pulled his plain white tee shirt taut, and she felt her breath catch when his kilt rode up the back of thick, stout thighs and white socks peeked out from the tops of his tall work boots. He turned and waited for her with baggage in hand. Picking up her smaller bags, she followed quietly, praying he hadn’t noticed her ogling him as she blinked her eyes and physically tried to will her heart to slow.

Thank you for your time~

C~

New Release Tomorrow!!

Title: Eden at Twilight
Rating: Sweet and Spicy
Page Count: 276
Author: Colleen Love
Print ISBN: 1-60154-502-9
Print ISBN 13: 9781601545022
Digital Release Date: 2009-05-15
Digital Price: 6.00
Print Release Date: 2009-05-15
Print Price: 13.99

http://thewildrosepress.com/publisher/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1839&Itemid=106

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:



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. “I’m the caretaker here at the Country Cottage.”

Lily took his hand in hers and felt it wrapped in calloused warmth, “I’m Lily,” she breathed. Unwarranted chills chased over her skin from his touch. The thick burr of a Scotsman lilted in his voice and a warm smile curled the edges of his lips, making deep dimples at the corners. A rough dark scrub of stubble blended into wild sand colored, wavy hair that stopped just past his shoulders. Releasing her hand, he turned to pick up her bags. The flex of muscle pulled his plain white tee shirt taut, and she felt her breath catch when his kilt rode up the back of thick, stout thighs and white socks peeked out from the tops of his tall work boots. He turned and waited for her with baggage in hand. Picking up her smaller bags, she followed quietly, praying he hadn’t noticed her ogling him as she blinked her eyes and physically tried to will her heart to slow.


~Thank you!
Hope you find magic in your day! :)

Colleen

Inferno

Henrietta James is completely satisfied with her polished, metropolitan lifestyle until she accepts an assignment that brings one heroic Cade Lane into her world. Henrietta's research reveals that Mr. Lane is not only the firefighter that saves a child’s life, he's a man with a pin-up calendar worthy body, but more importantly a man that deserves appreciation.

For Cade Lane, being is firefighter is more than just a job - it's who he is. He is also very surprised to find that Henri James is a woman! A very sexy woman who sets his blood burning. He quickly does anything he can to get closer to her and kindles the heat of instant attraction between them, stirring an inferno.

When trouble threatens, putting heart and body in harm's way, can the flames of love be kept burning bright despite the firestorm?



This story is part of Liquid Silver Books on going Hearts Afire series. It will be released next month! :)

Hope everyone has a great day!
C~

Magick Monday

If this isn't Magick, I don't know what is. Every year we go and see the tulips and daffodils at Roosengaarde up in Mt. Vernon, Washington. It is spectacular. It has every kind of flower that is in their catalogue and just so breathtaking. We spent four hours there just wandering through the gardens. It reminds me of something that a Victorian Era garden would have had. Where two young betrothed might have walked. Every part of this display garden is just magic to me and inspires such possibilites of fantastic Edens in unforgetable lands.



I just love the symmetry of the straight lines with so many flowers. It was awesome to look out over the sea of flowers the same color and then to pick up ones of different colors here and there. I like that kind of thing.


So yesterday, it was sunny and not too warm. I spent my afternoon attending to MY little corner of the world and loved every moment of it. Something about playing in the dirt is just so soothing. :)


Hope you find equal Magic in your day!

C~

New Blood's Price review!

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




Blood's Price
Colleen Love
Historical romance
Available from Absolute XPress
ISBN: 1-894817
Feburary 2009


Colleen Love drew me in with the first page of Elizabeth's story. Her descriptive writing easily creates a visual that helps me "see" the story in my head...The heat the two of them generate together becomes an inferno. Be careful, you might get singed while reading this book! There is no easing into their relationship, it's explosive from the start.

I highly recommend this book, especially if you're looking for something hot and spicy. I found myself wishing the book was longer.

Overall rating: 5 Hearts
Sensuality rating: Very sensual

Reviewer: Sierra Lee
April 21, 2009

Horse Tales

Have you ever had an animal touch your heart so deeply, that they can communicate with you? I'm not talking about them standing in front of you with the look of, 'Hey Toots, get over here and scratch the itch I can't reach', I mean something a little more involved, as in psychic abilities. I believe it with all my heart and I will tell you why.

I haven't been up to the barn in a couple of months. We have all been ill with this never-ending bug and it seems as soon as one is finished, the next pounces on your weak immune system. I figured since the horses technically aren't mine, we would be fine to just wait. But I have come to see that perhaps they aren't ours, but we belong to them and the realization of belonging is irrelevant.

The horse in the above picture is named Scooter, he is a Quarter Horse. Since I first saw him he claimed me as his own. I have adored this big guy for so many reasons, his beauty alone wins my heart. But he is so much more. He is a survivor. My friend rescued him and he was only half the size he is now. He was starving to death and someone brought him to her and she healed him, nourished him and loved him. In return, he has learned to trust again, well, all except those who hurt him to begin with.

Last week, I had a dream about him. I figured it was one of those dreams induced by illness and missing going up to the barn. I put it aside and moved on. Well, yesterday, my girlfriend called me and asked if I could come up, she was getting a new horse and she wanted me there to share the excitement. After all was said and done, we went out to the south pasture to see the boys (three geldings). Scooter is one of them. When he saw my daughter and I, he stretched out his neck and started chortling deep in his throat. He singled me out and made sure the other two didn't get close to him or me and started pointing to where he needed attention. Indeed, places he couldn't scratch. He shivered and shuddered with such pleasure I thought he was having a siezure and was going to turn inside out. And you have to watch it because he will forget you aren't another horse and chomp your hiney. Luckily, Daycon was right there and he nibbled on him for awhile. When we finally had to go, he was really bummed out. He wanted us to stay.

I asked my friend about the dream and the connection. She just shook her head because she knows how much I 'dig' her guy. She said of course she believes very strongly in that. Dacon did it to her three times. She sold him a couple of times and he would send her dreams that he was 'done' and ready to come home. She bought him three times. lol But each time after the dreams, she would see him shortly thereafter and he would run and load into her trailer, no worries. Which is very funny, because I can see him doing that. He is a funny Arabian and I couldn't help putting him in my book Eden At Twilight, due out next month through The Wild Rose Press.

But I would like to know, do you have an animal, or have you had an animal that has not been in front of you and communicated with you?

C~

Happy Ostara

Even though, technically, Ostara has passed (March 21), I just wanted to wish everyone a happy Easter. :)

Happy Spring!
Colleen

Welcome Ellen Ashe!!

Hi Everyone!
It is my distinct pleasure to introduce my friend Ellen Ashe!
Thanks for visiting today!
C~




Ghost Walk

~ A short story by Ellen Ashe~



The history of York, we were told- my friend and I- is the history of England. Preserved medieval walls and buildings, the whisper of civil war, kings and queens, plagues and torture, survival and romance, all of it oozed a saga we simply couldn’t get enough of. Narrow streets revealed cluttered shops, tea rooms, and wine bars. Cathedral crypts, dully lit, spoke of long gone civilizations- Romans, Saxons, Vikings, Normans- and museums, too many to count, peeled back the layers of time for all who cared to stop and wonder. A romantic’s dream come true and we reveled in exploration.

As the warm summer day grew dim we stopped by the River Ouse outside a favorite pub, The King’s Arms, rested our feet and dampened parched throats. A tall, pasty complexioned fellow caught our attention. Dressed as an undertaker, tall black hat, his cape swirling around his ankles, he waved his crooked walking stick and called forth all those who wished to hear the stories of lost souls within the city’s walls who could not find rest. “Join me,” he chanted with an air of suspenseful expectancy. “And I shall take you to places where infamy refuses to concede to reality.”

An eager crowd soon gathered. His flare for all things dark and ghostly was quite lucrative; they paid their dues and shuffled about in nervous anticipation. Despite our aching feet, we too, were seduced by his mystical mannerisms; curiosity got the better of us. The few shekels we handed over were well worth the price for nerve tingling entertainment.

We were not disappointed. We tagged along, stopping to listen intently to a sad story of a child locked inside a plague house, to die, not of the disease that wracked the population centuries ago, but of slow starvation. Her little face did not appear in the upstairs window for us, but we didn’t doubt on some foggy nights it did just that. Outside a pub called The Black Swan we held our breath as the tale of a ghostly woman was recounted, trying vainly to warm her cold hands near the fireplace and vanishing as patrons approached to peer into her eyes. Next was The Treasurer’s House, where ghostly dualists fight through eternity on the manicured lawn, swords clashing for the heart of a lady who had long since turned to dust.

Our host was mesmerizing- his deep voice rising and falling- subtle nuances as he embellished these fanciful tales for an engrossed audience. We were of no exception. “He’s good,” I whispered to my friend and she nodded slowly, her eyes wide.

“Fascinating,” said a fellow who had silently come up behind us. We turned in unison to glance at the stowaway, and being warm blooded and female, were taken aback by his sinister good looks. Locks of black hair curled over his white collar and framed swarthy Greek God features. He smiled at each of us in turn, long lashes curling above sultry brown eyes. “Do you believe?” His question was uttered in sincerity.

I found my voice first. “There’s likely a grain of truth to each story,” I said, hoping my palpitating heartbeat wasn’t betraying my attraction to masculine qualities draped in fine clothes- silky cotton shirt, dark trousers, soft leather boots- certainly a stark contrast to our tourist identifying garb of t-shirts, jeans and running shoes.

“Mind if I join you?” he asked. He bowed, slightly, and we were instantly charmed by his elegant mannerisms. “My name is Jonathan Wright.”

Mr. “Right”, I mused, speechlessness taking hold. My friend introduced herself but I was then beyond capability of forming words.

This was a blessing, in fact, for he quietly highlighted the next tale of a Grey Lady who had, our formal guide bellowed, been seen on a regular basis haunting The Theatre Royal. “She was boarded up in a wall,” Jonathan Wright said softly, leaning between our shoulders. “Left there to die, inch by inch, for the crime of passion.” I shuddered at this horror, keeping my own stirring passions muted, thankful that dreadful era no longer held power over liberated minds.

We three tagged along behind the troupe to the final stop, The King’s Manor, and I felt uneasy that perhaps our guest might be scorned for hanging on, but no one seemed to notice. We had become delightfully anonymous. And inside the echoing stone foyer we listened politely to the story of a lady in green, her costume denoting the Tudor style, who carried roses from a garden that existed hundreds of years ago.

The Ghost Walk was then concluded; the crowd dispersed, happily arguing over the authenticity of these tales of intrigue. But we three remained in the cold open foyer, as our guest peered longingly at the stairway that led up into a vast room shrouded in darkness. There was more to the story of the lady in green, we guessed, and waited with eager apprehension.

“She loved only one,” he said calmly, his eyes fixated on the gloom above us. “Yet duty saw her bound to another.” He sighed with such emotion that we clutched each other’s arms- my friend and I- wondering how it was he was privy to such depth.

“Murder,” he announced with such vigor we startled. “Both were murdered by the cruel heart of jealousy.”

He turned once more and smiled to us. “I must bid you both adieu,” he said with a nod. “May life and love fulfill all your dreams. Always believe.”

With that, he moved towards the wide staircase and before our eyes, slowly vanished. Ascending footsteps faded into nothingness.

We were left alone, to wonder how it was that lost love could stretch beyond the borders of time, and how we could never again concede to what we perceived as reality. And as we backed away from the cold stone foyer into the busy street outside, the delicate scent of roses filled the air.

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