I have the time, and the opportunity, and even a little money, so decided to plan a trip to Sin City to see what's changed since the last time I've been there, which was 6 years ago. Of course at the time, I worked for an airline, and got first class both ways, which was fun. Almost had the whole place to myself *g*

I'm not a gambler, might play the slots, but there's so much to do in Vegas, from the shows, to the various hotels and shopping, to Hoover Dam. There are helicopter rides to the Grand Canyon and the Richard Petty Driving School. It's about living.

Now, I'm also nervous about going, because I have this fear of flying, as I discuss briefly in one of my first ever posts. See, I've flown many, many times, even internationally, so you'd think I'd be so over it. But nah, the old imagination goes crazy and sends these hideous thoughts through my brain. It's the take-offs that get to me; the rest is fine. Even turbulence doesn't bother me so much. But the beginning part turns me into a nervous wreck.

But I decided that if I want to see the world and experience some adventure, I needed to try to conquer the fear, or at least face it. I'm not a huge reader of self-help books, but I do enjoy reading them every once in a great while. One that really affected me is Phil Keoghan's "N.O.W. : No Opportunity Wasted". There's even going to be a t.v. show about it. I like it because it's not about changing the world or doing something extraordinary, but it's about challenging yourself and trying to things that you've always wanted to do, even if they don't seem all that impressive. The point is that they are important to YOU. It's a lot like that list that's floating around in blogland of about 150 or so things people have done and/or wish to do, I'm just too lazy to post that one.

Some of the things on my list include:

Thanx to CT, who got the link from Pam, turns out Nathan is in another movie called "The Traveler". The site also shows some of his credits, including the movie "Spiderman II" and "Buffy the Vampire Slayer". I've probably seen every episode of "BtVS" at least twice so I must have blinked every time he came onscreen and missed him.

He was also in another movie called "The Sunsetters", which doesn't look like it's out on DVD; not sure when or if that will ever happen.

Stay tuned for the latest NK updates as only a (rabid) fan would know LOL. It's all due to the support and observant eyes of friends who are in "the know", meaning it's not me, folks.

Not a lot going on lately, just getting into the Christmas spirit. Currently, at 7pm, it's about 61 degrees here in rainy Chicagoland. Unbelievable. Of course it's supposed to snow by Friday, so it's coming. Winter will be here, whether I like it or not.

Finished a TON of Christmas cards. God bless who ever created address labels because they saved me a lot of time! And saved my hand from cramping up too LOL. At last count, I've done about 55, with more to go. I love writing out all those cards. And I weakened and bought 3 boxes of cards - I couldn't help it! They were just so cute, and under $4/box.

Oh, and I finished most of my Christmas shopping. At work, we collect presents for foster kids - you should see it - a huge semi truck of gifts! It's incredible how generous people are. I love participating, and this year, I only chose one girl (instead of the 3 or 4 kids I usually end up getting for) Her name is Ravyn and she's twelve, and I wanted her to have some girly stuff, so I got a bunch of jewelry and a bath and lotion set, and some clothes. Shopping for girls is so much fun; they have much cooler stuff than when I was a girl. I also plan on grabbing a name or two from an angel tree, and I always, always buy books. Need to pass that valuable pastime on.

In other news, it seems that lots of bloggers are M.I.A. lately - Ames, DC, Kristie, Dylan, Devonna, Jen, Kelley, Jodi...unless they're just not visiting me LOL, which could very well be the case. I know I entertain myself, but other people...that's another story. Like I said at Kristie's blog, first a lot of us are suffering through a reading slump, then no one's blogging....it's like we're all on the same monthly cycle or something.

Maybe this will provide us all with a little inspiration.....

Many of you know that I am a fan of Michelle Buonfiglio's "Romance by the Blog". She's got some cool stuff coming up next week, so I hope you'll go over and check it out. So here's the skinny, with her permission....

***********************

I know you care about the issues surrounding erotic romance and erotica as much as I do, so I thought you'd like to know about a very important week of dialogue I'm hosting at www.RomanceByTheBlog.blogspot.com

Perhaps you'll help me spread the word about: Romance: By the Blog "Hot Topic Week: Eros, Erotica, and Erotic Romance,"Dec. 4-8. This week of GuestBlogs is constructed to get a dialogue going about what erotica and erotic romance are and are not, as well as what access to the literature has done for women who read it. Bestselling author IanKerner, Ph.D. also will discuss women and sexual fantasy.

Here's the line-up:

Kate Duffy, Senior Editor, Brava/Kensington, 12.4

Adam Nevill, Author/Erotica Editor, Virgin Books, 12.5

Jaid Black, Author/CEO Ellora's Cave, 12.6

Ian Kerner, Ph.D., Author/Sex and Relationships expert, 12.7

Emma Holly, Author, 12.8

I hope you will join me and these special GuestBloggers, and tell your readers and friends about the event. If you have any questions, please let me know.

All Best,

Michelle

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I've always had a bit of a passion for history, an unquenchable thirst to know more about how things came to be the way they are now, and why. Growing up, I was not raised with a lot of religion, so I don't really know a lot about the Bible, though I've skimmed through it a few times. That doesn't mean I'm not totally fascinated by religion and history and how it plays a role in the present. I grew up not always accepting things at face value, so I'm intrigued by people who search out answers to some of the unsolved mysteries that have been around for centuries.

I'm only on page 54, but so far I am loving this book. Yeah, I know, Josh is a hottie, but he also is incredibly smart and inquisitive, and knows how to tell a story that keeps the reader (and viewer) engaged in the action. He shares a lot of himself in this book; the way he grew up, how he became interested in history and the environment with his love of the outdoors, his own personal experiences throughout the various shoots he's done.

He makes it look so easy, yet sometimes he is in some very dangerous situations that are at times life-threatening, whether it's man or nature. And getting the "perfect shot" doesn't always happen the first time around. I think a lot of his success is because of the utmost respect he has for nature and the world and for the people and cultures who live in it. Josh is not about barging in and being aggressive in order to get his way; instead him and his crew get permission to visit some of the amazing places they talk about, and having a degree in anthropology and a considerable understanding of his subject matter is helpful in getting into places a lot of people will never ever see. He can relate to these people, and he has a great appreciation and desire for preserving history as well as exploring it. It really is fascinating stuff. I'm already looking forward to future books about this subject matter. History really can be fun.

Here's a brief little description about driving in Cairo (from "Digging for the Truth"):

"The lines painted on the road are completely ignored. And the honking! In the States, people honk their horns to say "Get out of the way!" or "Watch out!" Here in Cairo, it appears that drivers take the honk to a whole new level of artistic expression - an elaborate code that's a language in and of itself. Short beeps, I'm told, mean "Please let me in." Other honks mean "Move over", "Thank you", "Don't cross here", and so on. There's a code of staccato beeps that means "Hey there, how's it going?" Kind of an automotive pickup line. And another - a rapid succession of short beeps in a specific rhythm - is only used under the most dire circumstances. Basically, it means "Your mother is a whore," one of the worst insults you can give in Egypt. So the honking provides a constant din, inescapable as we travel and swerve our way through the streets of the city."

So go ahead, buy the book. True, it is a little pricey for only 208 pages. I would suggest getting it with a gift certificate. Oh, and btw, the first season of "Digging for the Truth" is on DVD. It would make a wonderful gift for someone, or even for yourself.

It's the most wonderful time of the year (?). Time to brave shopping malls, crazy and irate drivers, phenomenal early bird sales, grabby customers, all to get the one (or several) perfect gift from family members, and hopefully for yourself. Dontcha just love it?

Me, I'm a scairt of all those people, having to dodge elbows and circling the parking lot for 20 minutes trying to find a parking spot anywhere on the same block. The police were out in full force today, and when I drove by Woodfield Mall, it was full to the brim. I can't believe I even dared to go anywhere near the mall anyway, but I really wanted to get Josh Bernstein's new book, "Digging for the Truth". He was well worth it ;)

So, what gift is a must-have for this season? There is an assortment of electronics, and of course the new T.M.X. Elmo doll. I heard at one point someone was selling the new Playstation 3 for $9000 on eBay! Then the announcement was made that over 600,000 more units will be shipped to stores....sneaky, very sneaky. Or maybe I should say devious.

Me, I can't think of anything that I want that badly to spend thousands of dollars for (unless it's a car) or am willing to brave the mad rush to the stores to snatch up. But I did get an ipod, which I've wanted for awhile but have been reluctant to get - I hesitate to spend that much money on something, but then I decided I'm worth it. *g* I wanted to treat myself, so I did. Isn't it pretty? Okay it's black, and not purple or blue, but it's got 30GB so it could hold a ton of songs, videos, audiobooks. Now if only my computer would behave long enough for me to download some stuff on it....

And a shout out for those who have to work it - retail can be brutal, but you manage to survive the madness with your bravery.

Something cool that Xerox is doing If you go to this web site, http://www.letssaythanks.com/ , you can pick out a thank you card and Xerox will print it and it will be sent to a soldier that is currently serving in Iraq. You can't pick out who gets it, but it will go to some member of the armed services. How AMAZING it would be if we could get everyone we know to send one!!!

This is a great site.

Please send a card.

Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Jove (November 28, 2006)
Language: English
ISBN: 0515142220

Say what you will about her, MaryJanice Davidson is one of the few authors that can make me laugh out loud, and as long as that happens, I will continue to buy her books. I even got the chance to meet her, albeit briefly, at RWA this year. (Definition: she has no idea who I am).

Um, and you may notice the release date is actually November 28, 2006. Well, I found it at Border's yesterday, and just could not resist picking it up - sorry MJ. I'll blame my lack of restraint on commercialism.

So, Fred's a cranky mermaid, and she knows it but just doesn't care. She's also a human, thanx to her hippy mom, and again, she's still cranky. She's got some amazing abilities associated with her dual...biology, but it's just another day in the life of Fred. Now if only she could do something about those split ends of hers.....

Eventually her secret becomes less of one as bad things begin to happen to the ocean, and she gets dragged into helping solve the mystery. But who can really blame her when she's got a hottie marine biologist following her around and an incredibly gorgeous Mer Prince wanting to make her his Princess bride? But Fred, being Fred, isn't about to make it easy on either one of them. Her lot in life is to feed the fishes, not to rule them, yet deep down, the antithesis of Ariel has a soft spot for her roots, and saving the sea becomes her reluctant mission.

Like many of MJD's other heroines, Fred is not the sweet, compliant, simpering maiden of a heroine, but rather a cynical smartmouth who is undeniably loyal to her friends and family, and not really taken with all the attention she's getting from the men in her life. In some ways, her needs are simple and basic, while in others, more complicated. Fred's not looking to create world peace, or find the cure for a deadly ailment. She is who she is, and her men seem to find her even fascinating because of it. Fred is the ultimate challenge because when she says no, she pretty much means it. And to those who don't listen, they learn the hard way, most likely through painful measures.

Under all the humor and sarcasm, I think MJ makes a valid claim about our treatment of the sea, and essentially, the world around us. Without being preachy or condescending, she reminds us that nature and all its creatures are precious, and we should be doing our part to take better care of it. I don't think it was really her main objective, but it's there all the same.

So did I like this book? Hell yeah. Would I recommend it? Sure would. (Happy to hear it's a series). It was an amazingly quick read, one that I needed during this crazy holiday stress, and it definitely made me laugh out loud several times. That's all I care about.

One of my favorite things about the holidays is sending out Christmas cards. In fact, every year, it never fails that I buy 3 or 4 new sets of cards, even though at this point I'm probably set for life. And with technology so easy, I can just type up a bunch of labels in a hurry, slap them on the envelopes and voila! - my cards are ready to send. I usually don't include a newsletter cuz I don't really have a lot to say since I forget all the good stuff, but maybe this year I'll do one. We'll see. No promises. LOL. I figure I talk enough about myself here.

Anyway, I was thinking it might be fun to see if anyone who visits would like to do a Christmas card exchange...or Hannakuah or Kwaanza cards. I'm not picky. I figured I won't be getting 100 responses or even close to it, so I think it would be very managable. It would be cool to get cards from different parts of the world. Just a thought.

IF you are interested, you can send me your snail mail addy to trelainastarblazer@yahoo.com by December 1st. (Note: Scamps & Vamps & Lori Fosters groups - I already have the list, so no need to post unless you aren't on that list)

Happy holidays!

Recently I've begun to think (obsess) over getting a tattoo. I don't know why. I've never wanted one before, for a few reasons. One is that I don't like anything enough to want it permanently etched into my skin, and another is that I have a low tolerance for pain. These seem like valid reasons not to get one.

But over the summer, I saw a girl riding a motorcycle, and while she was leaning over the bars, I could see this really cool design on her lower back. It was one solid color, not quite black, maybe a bluer color, and it had an intricate style that really drew my attention to it. It was the first time I felt the desire to have a symbol forever inked into my skin. I was drawn to it, and wanted to know that kind of power myself.

I kinda forgot about it for awhile, figuring I'd never get one. But lately I've started thinking about it a lot. I don't know why, maybe I'm having a delayed need to rebel or something like that. I just know that now I really want to get a tattoo, preferrably. When I asked my friend Becky about it, she told me that women who have tattoos on their lower backs are "easy". Well, sorry to disappoint ya Beck, but I ain't easy, I just think that's the coolest place for a tattoo.

Just a side note: It will probably come as no surprise that I was never a really wild kid. For the most part I didn't cause (a lot of) trouble, and when I rebelled it was in more of an artistic fashion, such as really dark and violent poetry. Fortunately I outgrew that stage, and the world should be happy because of it. I did (and still do) have my moments, but they are all for me. I don't feel the need to shock anyone or get anyone to notice me. If I do this, it's for me and me alone. Though I do think I'll have fun showing it off ;)

What I've posted here are just some examples of designs I kinda like, but none of them are what I want. This last design is the closest to what I am thinking of, but it's missing something, or maybe it's just too symetrical; I would like it more if it wasn't so perfect. Plus I keep thinking that it should mean something important to me, not just be a random symbol or design, like maybe it should represent my culture or some belief that I hold strong. Becky has a tattoo for each of her 3 kids who obviously mean a lot to her, and I like that; it should represent my individuality and make a personal statement because otherwise, I'll be tired of it before long.

Oh, and I personally think guys who have tattoos look sexy, but only if they aren't covered in them. I like the ones around their biceps, or even their arm or back. I don't care for tattoos on legs or the face though. I will say that while doing a little research, I've seen some really creative tattoos, some accentuating our God-given attributes. You just gotta love people and the way their minds work.

So to tattoo or not to tattoo....that is the question....

...bought the latest issue of Romantic Times even though I knew it was coming in the mail. I just get so impatient, especially when I know other readers got it over 3 weeks ago! What can I say, I'm all about instant gratification.

If you're interested in winning it, cuz it's all about giving this time of year, just answer a question. (Yeah, I like questions *g*).

I'll accept responses through 5pm Central Time on Friday, November 17th. Anyone is welcome to enter.

Finally a night out just to have fun and enjoy good friends and excellent, somewhat expensive food. Sadly I don't do this too often, but I've decided that I should because maybe I kinda deserve it. Heck, I work hard, put in a lot of hours, and I'm freakin' responsible (boringly so), so every once in awhile I have to treat myself....even if I haven't won the lottery yet. Does anyone know what it's up to, anyway? I don't even keep track.

All day Friday I was jazzed, anxious for the day to be over. It was a cold, rainy, dreary day, the kind where I prefer to stay indoors, but not Friday night. No, I was excited to be going into downtown Chicago and seeing "The Pirate Queen".

Based on a story by Morgan Llywelyn called "Grania, She King of the Irish Seas", "The Pirate Queen" takes on elements from the extraordinary life of Grace O'Malley, a real life pirate from the 16th century who died in 1603. It sounds like it would be a lively, passionate musical, and it was, for the most part. I kept thinking it could have been "more". Grace was strong, and fearless, and fought with the men enthusiastically, compelled by her Celtic nature to protect her family and her land. As is common in her situation, she was to marry Donal O'Flaherty for political reasons: in order to bring the clans together against England. Yet she loved another. Tiernan, her childhood friend.

Grace, while heartbroken, resigned herself to marriage without much of a fight, realizing that it was the only thing she could do for her people. Tiernan, not fully understanding his love's choice, still manages to watch over her though she's married to another. Donal was pleased with the arrangement, believing he was marrying a malleable female who would let him lead the clan as he saw fit, not realizing that ruling was in his wife's blood, and she had the respect of both his people and her own. They have a child together, more as a promise to her dying father, but their union is not to be for a lifetime. Jealousy and betrayal culminate in death.

I think it would have been a stronger piece of work if there were simply speaking parts versus all the singing. The tension and drama could have been better expressed in moments of quieter seriousness instead of rousing music. I also felt that Grace should have been even stronger, dressed more as a female pirate instead of always in dresses which gave her the appearance of being less in power than she was. That probably sounds really sexist or stereotypical, but I felt she would have appeared more powerful if she dressed more like a warrior.

I think after seeing "Wicked", I'll admit it was a bit of a letdown. I didn't totally hate it, and I would certainly recommend it, but maybe suggest to have lower expectations, especially if you have seen "Wicked". Both the actors who played Grace and Tiernan had strong, amazing voices, as did one of the female Irish singers - her voice was hauntingly beautiful.

Donal, Grace, Tiernan

After the show, we had an 11pm reservation at Ruth's Chris Steak House. I had never had a dinner reservation that late, but from all the comments, I knew it was going to be worth it. Though the evening started with a bit of drama. The show ended at 10:45, so we were in a hurry to make our reservation, and finally managed to snag a taxi. However once we got into the restaurant, Christine (my co-worker's daughter and a friend of mine) realized she had lost her glasses in the cab. Crying, and pouting, and a cigarette break ensued, but finally she calmed down after talking to her fiance (who got her a really gorgeous ring, btw), and all was semi-right with the world again. Thank the Lord. I did sympathize with her, because I used to wear glasses and I know how that feels, yet for someone who's 29 years old, little incidents like this turn into huge dramas, enough to rival the stage production we'd just watched, and usually ending in the immediate need to leave whatever location she is at so she can go home and cry. I know, I'm cruel and heartless to not feel her pain. I admit it. It's just that when you've been through this enough times, my empathy well is drained dry.

Anyways, back to the food. I'd also never heard of this restaurant, but after eating there, I have no idea why. The food was fabulous, the steak still sizzling when it was brought to our table. A simple cooking technique is used, without a lot of spices to take away from the meat's natural flavor. It melted in your mouth, it was soooo good. I'm salivating just thinking about it!

Yes, it did look exactly like this, too. Totally yummy. We each had a martini (mine was chocolate) and we got an appetizer and side dishes, plus one dessert, and I was amazed at how low the bill was. I brought $160 with me, just in case, and didn't even spend half that much for such wonderful food and drinks.

So yeah, all in all, a fabulous evening. Sometimes I forget how much I love living near Chicago, but on nights like that, when everything goes so well, I can't imagine living anywhere else.

Based on the cast (Jack Nicholson, Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Alec Baldwin, Mark Wahlberg, to name a few) and the content of the movie (gangland wars in present-day South Boston), this is definitely a guy's movie. However I was caught up in it from the first few moments, when we see crime lord Frank Costello (Nicholson) making money from those weaker than himself, and initiating new members to his gang. Frank starts them out really young, really impressionable, and grooms them to suit his purposes in whatever way he sees fit. He knows greed and ambition when he sees it, even in a boy who hasn't hit puberty yet.

All-American golden boy Colin Sullivan (Damon) comes across as the "good" guy, the one that always lands on his feet and whom everyone respects and admires, yet it's those same qualities that make him so good as a criminal, which is essentially what he is, only he has the police department as his defense for doing the things he does, and it suits his interests. William Costigan (DiCaprio) shares similar physical traits with Sullivan, but his nervous, on-edge behavior and lack of self-confidence land him in the position of becoming a thug in Frank's posse, a situation that Billy reluctantly resigns himself to in order to help capture Frank and make it stick for good. Not surprisingly, the job is not without it's own dangers, and Billy never knows where he stands with the unpredictable and violent Costello.

This movie is on edge, somewhat disturbing, occasionally amusing, violent, and I loved every minute of it. Jack Nicholson is classic Jack, maybe a bit toned down from previous roles, but no less entertaining. I'm not a Matt Damon fan but I admit he plays a rather persuasive bad guy, and I have to respect him for that. And I never truly appreciated Leonardo's talent until this movie. I'd seen him in "What's Eating Gilbert Grape?" and "A Boy's Life", but this one really opened my eyes to his acting abilities; he's so young-looking yet appears so old and world-weary. And yeah, okay, I developed a bit of a Leo crush, but seriously, he was really good in this movie, and I tried to pinpoint what made him so amazing to watch. I think it's how vulnerable and intense he can be at the same time. You see the fire burning. And there was so much going on all at once, that I felt that after the movie ended, it should have been longer than 2 1/2 hours. I love when a movie does that.

If there's a complaint, it's the female roles, or pointed lack thereof. The women in this movie have been relegated to either the arm candy for Frank, or the supposedly intelligent yet completely in the dark girlfriend for Colin. While romantic situations were not at the forefront of this movie, a portion of the character's personal life is shown through their dealings with these intimate relationships.

Still, I would recommend this movie to anyone who isn't too squeamish and who likes to be on the edge of their seat, unsure of what to expect. It's a great movie: entertaining, absorbing, full of detail and near-misses and heart-stopping moments. It's one of those movies that stays with you for days after you've seen it...or at least a day, since I only saw it yesterday. The point is, I'm still thinking about it, and replaying scenes in my head. And crushing on Leo, which is just plain embarrassing since I remember him from his "Growing Pains" days (I had a crush on Kirk Cameron too). The guy (I have a hard time saying "the man") is a damn fine actor.

So...go see the movie already! I can't promise you'll love it, but I'm fairly confident you won't be bored.

*SPOILERS*SPOILERS*SPOILERS*SPOILERS*

Okay, it probably won't come as a surprise to you that Colin's and Billy's lives mirror each other so well so that they share even the same woman, a pyschiatrist who works with police officers, which explains how both men end up meeting her. Madelyn (Vera Farmiga) ends up pregnant, but is it Colin's or Billy's baby? She leads us to believe it's Colin's, but how can she be sure? She had the one sexy encounter with Billy, so he could be the one. But alas, poor Maddy will raise her child alone. You figure it out. I'm not going to tell you everything because you might not have seen the movie but maybe you would like to yet you are weak and can't help but read spoilers no matter how many times YOU'VE BEEN WARNED.

*******END OF SPOILERS*******

Sabrina Jeffries is blogging over at Michelle's place, "Romance by the Blog" today, so go check it out.

I haven't read any of her books, but I do have a few of them in my TBR pile because they definitely sound like something I would like, just haven't gotten around to them yet. I need to be on a historical kick and right now I'm with the romantic suspense.

I've heard nothing but good things about her books, and I know there are a few blogs out there that I visit fairly regularly where the bloggers really love her stuff.

I didn't sleep well last night; lots of serious stuff on my mind that I really can't talk about; and the old brain is racing a mile a minute. I wish my body had so much energy LOL. So here's a few thoughts and questions on my mind today:

Mine would probably be drowning. I've covered the fear of flying, and speaking in public, and heights, but this is the biggie. I still fly, and I speak in public fairly frequently, and I will get up on the ladder and risk the dizzy spells. I swim, but I'm no Olympic fish, and getting caught under water is my biggest fear. I dont like to swim underwater at all. I prefer to lay on the deck or the beach and bask in the sun's rays, or maybe splash along the water's edge if I'm feeling particularly daring.

A friend of mine has asked me to interview Stella Cameron (!), but I've only read one of her books, and need some good, specific questions about her stories. I've printed up some research to get the ideas flowing, but I do like to try to ask unusual questions. I have one or two based on what my friend has told me, but I know you guys out there are a creative bunch, so tell me what you'd like to know, maybe mention a favorite book. Sometimes this blog gig is just too surreal for words....

What can you not live without? Your debit card? Ipod? Lip gloss? Moisturizer? Feel free to share any brand name product that makes your life worth living. I love me the debit card cuz it's so handy buying books if I don't have enough cash on me LOL. I must wear lipstick or color gloss cuz my lips get so dry but I need color to keep me from looking completely like Casper during the winter months. As long as the color looks good, brand name isn't a major deal. And I can't live without my Avon jewelry. I am the unofficial spokesperson for my rep - I get compliments all the time and it's inexpensive enough that if I happen to lose it (yeah, I'm irresponsible with my possessions - so?) then I'm not completely devastated, just irritated with myself.

I'm soooo about nectarines right now. Not really sure why, cuz they're messy and I need about 100 napkins, but I just love 'em. I'm trying to eat somewhat healthy now that winter is here and I don't have as much energy when it starts getting dark, and I'd rather eat that exercise *g*

Americans: Don't forget to VOTE!

As you can tell from the left sidebar here at my little place, "Anne of Green Gables" is one of my all-time favorite movies. It's also an amazing series of books, and I was a fan of "Road to Avonlea" as well. It's one of those obsessions that I consider to be all healthy, and it's a definite cure for the blues. Anne Shirley is one rocking chick, and she didn't have to be mean or petty to other women to do it. She had the imagination, the sass, and the independent soul that made me just adore her. Nothing was going to keep her down. Love her.

So as I was doin' a little blog-hopping, I stopped at Jennie's blog and found this. (For more on the story, go here). Let me just say, my heart is not happy.

I'm a bit of a purist when it comes to this issue, and don't much care for other authors writing stories based on a popular book/series. In my opinion, it didn't work for "Scarlet", the "Gone With The Wind" sequel, and I dislike all the "Pride and Prejudice" takes out there. What is the point, I ask you? I don't care what someone else thinks about Mr. Darcy's relationship with Mr. Bingley, or whether Scarlett and Rhett really do get together, because to me, it's cheating. I don't care how many notes and outlines the original author may have drafted; unless it came from them, I don't want to read it. Seriously.

Is this too harsh? Maybe. I just feel like some things should be left as is. What if Margaret Mitchell wanted things to stay as they were? Why shouldn't we honor her wishes? (To be honest, I really don't know what her thoughts were on a sequel, but regardless, my opinion stays the same).

I know that in the case of AOGG, the author slated to write the prequel is fired up by the challenge to write about Anne's life before the Cuthberts, which is supposed to be very depressing and harsh, and that she's intrigued by the personality Anne Shirley developed despite her years in the orphanage, but is this really what Lucy Maud Montgomery would want? (Btw, I don't know the answer to this either). I just know I don't want it. What about you?

ISBN: 0758210078

Everyboy in Fallon's Landing remembers Quaid O'Fallon as the street-tough kid adopted by the tight-knit clan and made into one of their own. Quaid's spent the last few years working in the Coast Guard Search and Rescue in Alaska, but he's still got a hint of danger humming under the surface - and a heart fiercely loyal to the man who saved him, Rory O'Fallon. That's why he had to come back home. What he didn't expect is to run into the only person who's ever cracked his armor, Cynthia James. His attraction to the single mom has lasted years even though they're worlds apart. She loves New York; he loves the River. She's "Vogue"' he's "Field & Stream". She designs beautiful clothes; his job is fishing people out of dangerous waters. He may be a rough-and-tumble river man, but he's not about to let a second change at his dream woman get away....

Cynthia came home to Fallon's Landing in defeat after her smooth-talking husband ran her clothing business into the ground and left her with their son to raise. The last thing she needs is another man in her life, no matter how incredibly tempting he is. But Quaid's always been a fascination to her. She wondered what those strong arms would feel like wrapped around her, or what ways a man that bold might have of pleasing a woman. He's all wrong for her, but once she shuts out the rest of the world and tastes Quaid's hungry kisses, all she can think about is just how right she feels...

This is the third and final story in Dianne Castell's series about 3 brothers who find love and happiness in a small southern town called O'Fallon's Landing. Here we get to learn more about adopted brother Quaid and his love for an older woman with lots of baggage. She both infuriates him with her stubbornness and fascinates him with her snooty yet sexy ways.

Cynthia Landon is back in town, bringing her 8-year old son home to mama, only mama is not the affluent southern belle she once was, and home is not necessarily the immaculate mansion she grew up in. Instead, her family home is mortgaged and her mother is happy sipping the hard stuff instead of dealing with the financial woes her deceased husband has left her. Cynthia is determined to make a better life for her son, and she doesn't need a man to show her how it's done, no matter how tempting the man.

I loved this book and it finally pulled me from my reading slump - yay Dianne! If anyone has every talked to Dianne, they know she writes like she talks, so I got an extra kick out of the story. Her words are colorful and funny, and I found myself grinning if not actually laughing out loud several times. She's got quite a few interesting characters in this story - Grant, the "nuns", Preston aka Magnum - who keep the action lively and a bit campy. The mystery that's weaved throughout the trilogy is not a huge surprise, but it's a fun one, so while "I'll Be Seeing U" can stand alone, it's much more enjoyable read in order.

Quaid is one fine and sexy man, wanting to protect his family and those he loves most, yet he needs to learn that he doesn't owe anybody anything. They love him for who he is, and don't expect payback for being a part of the family. Once Quaid begins to realize this, he finally has a shot at the happiness he deserves.

Cynthia may come across as quite the snob, but she soon realizes that her attitude has to change if she is going to survive what her ex put her through, and she has her amazing son Lawrence to raise. Cynthia begins winning people over by being the type of woman to admire, not feel sorry for. It's not her fault she can't resist the irresistible Quaid. See, Cynthia deserves a good man like Quaid, and he deserves to be happy, too. Both love her son Lawrence, an incredible kid with a brain that won't quit, and all three make a true family.

What I loved about this book: the humor, the sense of family, the way good friends are loyal and there for you no matter what. It was a quick read, and I had trouble putting it down.

What I didn't love: the lack of romance - I really wish there was more interaction between Quaid and Cynthia. True, they had some of a history together, but there are also a lot of years between them when they lived far apart from each other, living their own lives. There are also several secondary stories going on, so it took away from the romance. That would be my one issue with the story.

Would I recommend it to others? Definitely. Like I mentioned, it got me out of my reading slump and I felt refreshed after reading so many serious and intense stories. The sex scenes are very hot but not extreme, which was also a nice change of pace. I love that there was humor even while they were making love; you can definitely feel that these two people belong together as the world ceases to exist when they are together. And that's why I read romance. Now hurry up Dianne - I need more stories!

flirt
n 1: a seductive woman who uses her sex appeal to exploit men [syn: coquette, vamp, vamper, minx, tease, prickteaser] 2: playful behavior intended to arouse sexual interest [syn: flirting, flirtation, coquetry, dalliance, toying] v 1: talk or behave amorously, without serious intentions; "The guys always try to chat up the new secretaries"; "My husband never flirts with other women" [syn: chat up, dally, butterfly, coquet, coquette, romance, philander, mash] 2: behave carelessly or indifferently; "Play about with a young girl's affection" [syn: dally, toy, play]

What do you consider flirting: banter between members of the opposite sex? Winks and touching? Suggestive conversation? All of the above?

I would choose #2 and #3, but not #1, which is more how I am with guys. I like to tease and joke around with the guys, definitely. Some people consider any teasing between a man and a woman to be an exercise in flirting, and I don't agree.

I'm not a flirt. I'm really, really not. Not by this definition anyway. I don't consider my behavior to be flirtatious, at least not by these standards. Yet recently I've been told that I am, and it kinda bothers me. I can't explain it, because I don't really have anything against flirting, but I reserve flirting for private use with someone I am interested in, not for public conversations at work.

Part of it is because I work in a professional environment with a lot of people and it's a very visible position within the company, so I am very much aware how I come across to the public. Sometimes it can be a really stressful job, and a great way to relieve the stress is to joke with the people that come into the office, 99% of whom I see almost everyday or at least once a week. We have everyone from mechanics to computer geeks to cleaning people to vice presidents of the company coming into my office, so it's a wide array of people all day long. It's easier to tease the guys, though I have no problem giving anyone a hard time just to get them to laugh and forget about the crazy stuff for awhile, and to make my job easier, too. There's nothing like fun and comaradie to bring people together and avoid any negative confrontations.

And the other thing is, I don't want to give anyone the wrong impression, that I am interested in them when I am not. I do know some women who flirt with guys so that they will do stuff for them, but I don't work that way. If someone helps me out, I'll help them out, and not take advantage, and certainly not lead the guy on. [One thing that drives me crazy is a woman who gets all dependent and all "I'm the poor, helpless woman who can't lift this piece of paper, please help me"].

Maybe I'm overreacting and being waaaay too sensitive about the whole thing, so I'm curious to know what you think:

This is so not me!

It's no secret I adore many authors, and Janice Maynard is one of them. I just love her Brava stories, and she is one of the sweetest ladies you will ever meet. I've had that pleasure several times.

She just posted her latest cover on her website, www.JaniceMaynard.com , and it's just fabulous. Here it is in all it's glory:

IMPROPER ETIQUETTE - a July 2007 release from NAL/SIgnet Eclipse...
Sometimes "bad" girls have all the fun...

Here is a more recent release:

PLAY WITH ME is a January 2007 release from NAL/Signet Eclipse. "Three women... three fantasies... three times the fun. All it's going to take is finding the right man, capturing the perfect moment, and stirring up enough courage to issue the most provocative invitation of the year..."

Don't you just love these?