Sunday, February 26, 2012

We Have a Winner!

First off, huge thanks to Carrie Ann Ryan for visiting the blog and for giving away her new book - A Taste for a Mate!


And we have a winner!  Huge congrats go to Cathy M! Cathy, Carrie will be emailing you soon.


Thanks so much to everyone who entered.


Friday, February 24, 2012

Riding in Cars with Boys - Part Eighteen

So last Saturday, Killian, Justin Not-Kevin and I went to the symphony. I know you're probably tilting your head to the side and squinting like I did when they first said they wanted to go. But then I found out that the symphony was playing The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King and it all made a perfect kind of sense.

It was, of course, awesome, because I love those movies just as much as they do. And the crowd was...diverse. There were the usual season ticket holders in furs and ridiculously expensive jewelry. There were the jeans and hoodie crowd (we fell into that group) and there were those who showed up in full Middle Earth regalia. While we waited for the show to begin, the guys played "Spot the Girls from the Island." There were, unsurprisingly, quite a few there.

As the film was ending and the orchestra was playing the closing number, Not-Kevin and Killian were wiping their eyes.

Me: You've seen this a million times. Are you crying?

Not-Kevin: Frodo left with the elves, yo. Merry, Pippen and Sam are never going to see him again.

Killian: Whatever. They're manly tears.

Justin: You didn't cry?

Me: Well, yeah. But I cry at everything.

Killian: True story.

He'd be right. In fact, I got a bit teary on the way there when I played a new song for them - one written especially for them.

Yep. There's now a Riding in Cars with Boys song.

Let me explain. a few months ago, Jen Armintrout had this adorable guy write her a little promo ditty. It cracked me up and stuck with me for days. Well, when I head that he had a new venture called Songs for Strangers, I jumped on it. I'd been wanting to do something special for the guys since graduation is coming up and I'm going to miss them like crazy. I'll still see them - but it won't be the same as driving them around every day.

So anyway, let me tell you about Tommy. He's freaking awesome - a great guy with a great sense of humor, not to mention incredibly insightful and a consummate musician. He read all of the Riding in Cars with Boys post to get a feel for his subject matter and listened to the songs I'd included as a jumping off point for sound. In about a week, he came up with a rough draft, sent it to me for my input and shortly after that - bam! I had a song. An AWESOME song!

Now, I'd fully intended to save the song until closer to graduation.

But I suck at waiting.

I ruin a lot of Christmas and birthday presents this way.

So on the way to the symphony, I handed them each a lyric sheet and popped the CD into the stereo. They were absolutely floored. I wish you could have seen the looks on their faces. They went from flabbergasted awe to laughing to singing along.

Justin: I don't even...

Killian:  How did you...?

Not-Kevin: This is amazing. Seriously.

All three boys: Cancer bats!!!!


I think this is probably one of the most meaningful gifts I've ever given and I'm eternally grateful to Tommy. So grateful, in fact, that I'm having him write a song for my mom's birthday next month! If you know someone who loves music and you want to do something really special for him/her, check out Songs for Strangers. It's a fantastic experience. And yep, Tommy said I could post here and share it with you guys. :)

This is Existentialism in the Backseat!

Okay - here are the lyrics!


Existentialism in the back seat...  you boys are wiser than your years
Seeing you on stage after daily transportation is bringing me to tears
I've learned so much in my time with you and I'm not even the one in school
If you guys have taught me a valuable lesson it's that teenage boys are so
freaking cool

It never fails to amaze me the way you study and analyze
The absurdity of what goes on in the average teenage female mind
It's like if Socrates was born in the 90's and Aristotle's mom drove them around
And sometimes Kierkegaard joins them when their rationale needs to be less sound

And riding in cars with boys has been the best part of my day
Waiting in the parking lot with anticipation of all the amazing things you'll say
The world's not ready for your brilliance, they better get out of your way
I just want you to know I'm proud of you boys, every single day

Like Vladimir and Estragon waiting endlessly in vain
To sail to girl island where babes love nerds it's a magical place
But they don't fall prey to the sirens in uggs and mini skirts
They’re too smart for that and frankly I can't think of anything worse

Making fun of Cancer Bats, Twilight and other teenage status quo?
Who names their band Cancer Bats, something that I'll probably never know
Calling bullshit on each other but you'll always got each other's backs
Friendships are powerful so stay together, this trio is one that needs to last

And riding in cars with boys has been the best part of my day
Waiting in the parking lot with anticipation of all the amazing things you'll say
The world's not ready for your brilliance, they better get out of your way
I just want you to know I'm proud of you boys, every single day



Thursday, February 23, 2012

Most romantic proposal?


The topic this week at Writers Evolution is romantic proposals, and I share one of my favorites.

Come see. :)

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Interview and Giveaway with Carrie Ryan!

Today, I have Carrie Ryan on the blog - she's one of the nifty people I've met on Twitter. And she's just had a new release that she'll be giving away to one lucky commenter. Just leave a comment between now and Sunday the 26th at 7pm - easy peasy!

Here's a little bit about Carrie:

Carrie Ann Ryan is a paranormal and contemporary romance author. After spending too much time behind a lab bench, she decided to dive into the romance world and find her werewolf mate - even if its just in her books. Happy endings are always near - even if you have to get over the challenges of falling in love first.

Her first book, An Alpha's Path, is the first in her Redwood Pack series. She's also an avid reader and lover of romance and fiction novels. She loves meeting new authors and new worlds. Any recommendations you have are appreciated. Carrie Ann lives in New England with her husband and two kittens.

And now on to the questions!


Thanks for having me!

You're welcome! How did your writing path evolve?

I was an avid romance reader before I started writing, then the voices in my head needed a place to vent LOL
What type of research do you do for your books?

At this point, mostly just locations and jobs LOL. I’m making up my theology so that helps.

From what or where do you derive the most inspiration for your stories?

From anything. It’s mostly about what my characters want to do at this points!
Tell us about your upcoming releases?

A Taste for a Mate just came out and is the second book in the Redwood Pack series. Jasper and Willow are mates, but outside forces pull them apart.

What are you working on at the moment?

I’m editing book 3 in the series, Trinity Bound. I’m also working on book 1 in the Dante’s Circle series, Dust of my Wings.
What do you like best about being a writer? What do you like least?

I love creating my own worlds. But I hate that I never have time!
What would you do if you weren’t a writer?

Well, I’m also a chemistry teacher LOL!

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not writing?

I love cooking and reading. I don’t do much else!

Of all of the characters you’ve created, who is your favorite and why?

Maddox is my favorite. You’ll meet him in A Taste for a Mate. As soon as I wrote him on the page, I wanted to know everything about him. I’m so excited/nervous to write his book!

Do you find it difficult to keep love/sex scenes fresh and interesting?

Yes and no. If I get stuck, then I change the scenery LOL. That always seems to help.

What genre of books least appeals to you and why?

Least? I love all romance, but I think mystery is my least favorite.

Do you listen to music when you write or do you need quiet? If you listen to music – what kind?

I love listening to music while I write. I like Alt Rock and country when I write LOL Oh and Adele. LOVE HER

What makes a man sexy?
The way he treats his woman.

Do you family and friends know you write erotic romance – if so, how have they reacted?

Yep. They know. At first they said, “I’m happy you have a hobby.” But after they read it, my dad actually said he was proud of me!
What’s your favorite food?

Anything Asian

Do you have any bad habits?

Too many to count LOL. But I bite my nails. I hate that.

If you were stranded on a desert isle, what five things would you want to have with you?

My Kindle, Diet Coke, paper/pen, my husband, and my cats LOL

Do you have any pet peeves?
People being late!

What do you like about where you live?

The trees.
If you could travel back in time, would you? If so, what time period would you visit and why?

Hmm… I want to meet a Scottish Highlander!

Carrie Ann loves hearing from readers. You can find her at:
Website
Blog
Facebook Author Page
Facebook Friend
Goodreads
Twitter: @CarrieAnnRyan

And now for the blurb and an excerpt of A Taste for a Mate!

Blurb:

Jasper Jamenson’s only responsibility to being the Beta of the Redwood Pack, second son of the Alpha, is to protect the Pack from themselves and the human world. After a century of selfless service, his brother’s new found mating forced him into taking a good look into his life. He isn’t sure he wants a mate, but fate may have other ideas.

Willow Delton is a skinny, bakery owner – the type most woman love to hate. Being without family, she finds herself alone to the Greek god with green eyes who saunters into her bakery every morning. Her desire to follow him, to be with him, overrides every rational sense she possessed.

Jasper and Willow are drawn together, despite every nuisance that works against them. But evil beyond even Jasper’s supernatural compensation will make war against him, by going after the only thing in his eternal life he desires – Willow. Is Willow’s heart enough to overcome Jasper’s soul to save her life? A fight he cannot win, but to save her life – he must.

Excerpt:

Jasper Jamenson fought himself as he walked into the bakery that morning. This would be the seventh week in a row in which he came here every day but Sunday. And that was only because the damn store was closed. As good as the cinnamon rolls were, and they were little tastes of heaven, it was the woman behind the counter that brought him there every morning.
Following a particularly bad night in the forest on a hunt Jasper was pissed and hungry.

Another wolf tried to play a dominant game, forcing Jasper to hurt him. The stench of other’s defeat remained on him, only angering Jasper just that much more. The scent of the morning’s freshly baked goods pulled him through the quaint and welcoming door while the slender goddess who served him brought thoughts of a different form of servicing to mind.

Slightly above average in height, he would guess about five foot seven; she was the perfect height to settle against his body. For someone who owned and operated a bakery she was as skinny as a rail. However, if he looked close enough he could see the telltale signs curves. He knew that just a little bit of his help and pampering she would gain well-needed cushion but no matter what, she would look amazing underneath him. Long, light brown hair was constantly in a bun on the top of her head. His fingers ached to pull out the pins and watch it tumble down her back. Hazel eyes sought him and begged for his protection. Damn, he was willing.

Don't forget - leave a comment for your chance to win a copy of A Taste for a Mate!

You can find An Alpha's Path at Amazon and Barnes and Noble and A Taste for a Mate at Amazon and Barnes and Noble, as well.

Monday, February 20, 2012

Another Misread

There's a billboard that I pass every morning on my way to take the boys to school. It says:

Dealing with depression? Anxiety or other problems? Let us help.
pinerest.org


Only, I keep reading pinterest.com.

It should be noted that Pinerest is a mental health facility. Pinterest is not.

However, I do find that it decreases my anxiety. Coincidence? I think not.

Thursday, February 16, 2012

Yet Another Weirdass Dream

Okay - it's weirdass dream time, again!

Okay, so last night I dreamed that I somehow set the oven on fire. There wasn't anything in it, but in my dream I'd forgotten to turn it off for two or three days. Matt and a bunch of other people were calling me "Bella Swan" like it was an insult. Which, I suppose it is, really. Apparently, even my subconscious thinks Twilight is annoying.

In other news - Matt is home!!!

YAY!!!

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Losing Mom Points. Again.

The other day I was scrolling through Grammy pictures and I came across this guy.

Killian (looking over my shoulder): Wow. Electronica at the Grammys?

Me: Oh, do you listen to Deadmau5 (pronouncing it like it looked)

Killian: (dead silence, then finally...) This is my face. This is my palm. They're meeting. (facepalming and slowly shaking his head)

Me: Deadmouse, huh?

Killian: Uh, yeah.

Me: I'm assuming I just lost major points for that pronunciation faux pas.

Killian: Almost all of them.

Me: Sigh... For the record, numbers don't belong in names. Just sayin'.

Killian: Whatever. You still fail.

Monday, February 13, 2012

Helpful Kittehs Are Helpful

So my bad blogger streak continues, but I'm hoping to break it. I'm having a bad case of the Februarys. Seriously - longest, freaking month EVER.

I tried to break up the monotony by doing some sewing yesterday. Okay, it was more about making a new black skirt to replace my favorite black paisley one that died a horrible death than breaking up the monotony. (Bonus - I like this fabric better.) I also cut out another black skirt and a multicolored batik number.

As you can see, I had some help. Willow pounced on the black paisley and refused to be moved. And Rowan opted for the batik and the measuring tape. It's honestly a wonder I get anything done. And they were super pissed when I locked them out out the sewing room. I did manage to get two of the three of the skirts sewn. Not bad for a couple hours work. Now I just need to get some words down.







Thursday, February 9, 2012

Hot, or not so much?

I'm over at Writers Evolution today, talking about what sort of clothes I find sexy on a man. Come check it out and let me know what you think is attractive. I'm curious to find out if I'm alone in my choices. :)

Saturday, February 4, 2012

Texts from Cait - Part Ten

I love pulling my phone out of my purse and finding stuff like this. Yepper - it's time for another round of texts from Cait. I'm so glad I won the sister lottery. :D









Thursday, February 2, 2012

The Good Stuff

In the comments of the last blog post, Tough Love Jen kindly pointed tout that it's not all bad around here. Good stuff has definitely happened.

For instance, my mama (who is super awesome) just celebrated a huge milestone - her thirtieth year at the university where she teaches! I was her date last night at the faculty convocation which included a lovely (and very fancy) meal. I'm not going to lie - it was a little intimidating being seated with that many people with doctorate degrees, research grants and awards. But everyone was very nice. And a couple of the guys were hilarious.

So let's see, other good stuff - I'm healing nicely from my fall, my kids have done and turned in all their homework, and the really exciting news - I've lost 15 pounds!

I'm making a lot of little changes this year that I'm hoping will add up to big things by the end.
So far, so good!

So what good things are happening in your life? Share! :)