CHRISTMAS IN NOVEMBER? WHY NOT!

Greetings from Mickey's Christmas party in Orlando! I thought we can all use a bit of Christmas cheer this week. Why not? In a a little over a month it will be here!


Did you all finish your holiday shopping yet? I know I haven't. Just a few more things to pick up and I'll be finished.


What are your plans? Waiting for BLACK FRIDAY?


I must say that visiting the Magic Kingdom during this holiday season definitely put me in the mood. How could it not? The decorations were AWESOME. It even snowed! 


SO cool to see it snowing in Orlando.


I posted of few pics of the fantastic parade/party... I hope you all enjoy them.

How incredible to see Main Street USA, decked out for Christmas.

Scrooge Mcduff looks cranky, but he waved to us just the same ....

Pooh and friends joined in on the fun!

Nothing like a soldier marching band to add to the festivities!

By far THE most amazing sight... Cinderella's Castle ICED....

Does this put you into the Holiday spirit? I sure hope so! Have a great day everyone....

THE CHOSEN ONE ... JEN DAIKER. AND AN UNEXPECTED SURPRISE AT WIZARDING WORLD.

Hi Everyone,

Greeting from Hogsmeade ...

I know it's been a while since I've posted and visited. So sorry for that, but time has been flying. On Monday, I met the amazing  Jen Daiker. Jen and I found each other in the blogosphere because we are both INSANE HP addicts. SO naturally this would be THE most PERFECT place to meet! 

Since I've been to WW several times, I had the pleasure of showing Jen, her hubby, and sister around. I LOVED experiencing it all over again through Jen's widened and excited eyes.

The weather was perfect and the crowds were minimal as we whisked ourselves through Hogwart's and the many exciting rides. 

By noon we had lunch... where? The Three Broomsticks, of course. Jen sampled her first butterbeer! SO DELICIOUS!

After lunch, we had to get Jen her wand, so off to Olivander's we went. Lines formed with many of witches and wizards clamoring to get inside. Mr. Olivander only had time to chose one lucky witch or wizard and normally picks one of Hogwart's age.

As he descended the staircase his eyes locked on Jen! SHE GOT CHOSEN! Another magical moment! Deep down I knew she would be chosen. How could she not be? She was by far THE most excited person in the shop.

Here's a pic of Jen ... her face says it all!

As you can see Jen DOES believe....

The fun continued on Tuesday when Jen and her family met up with me. After a quick tour of the castle and flying broomsticks ride, we headed over to the lost continent. We had just finished the Poseidon show, and a text from non-other-than PK Hrenzo flashed. 

YAY! PK had the time to join us! She arrived shortly and we all had another great lunch at The Three Broomsticks. She, too, is a HP freak!

Could this trip get any better?!!!!!

Here is PK and I in front of Shrivelshaftts... Need a quill anyone?

As you can see, PK has one of those fantastic butterbeers.  She and I spent the rest of the afternoon touring Hogmeade, while Jen and her family scooted off to Universal.

I have to tell you all, meeting blogger friends is the ULTIMATE HIGH!

Tonight I am off to Mickey's Christmas Party at the Magic Kingdom.... The magic continues ... stay tuned.

INSECURE WRITERS SUPPORT GROUP ... YOU'VE GOT A FRIEND.

Hi, all,

Thanks for all the great comments on my Halloween post. I am glad you enjoyed my pumpkin illustration and excerpt from my first novel.

I would also like to welcome my new friends who joined my blogging family.  Laura, Jenna, Nadh, Cassie, Niki, Abby, farawayeyes, Basil, Anna, and Bonnie... I am looking forward to getting to know you all.

Today is also the first Wednesday of the month and time for another Insecure Writers Support Group post. The founder Alex Cavanaugh has created this group for all of us to vent, support, encourage, and find out much needed information in our fantastic community.

Today I would like to reassure all our new and old writer friends that feel overwhelmed and alone, that you are NOT. Many is the time when we are at our wits end. Nothing is working. Our plot is weak; out characters have no substance; too much backstory; and the list goes on and on. What to do? Step back, take a deep breath, and put it away for a while. Drop by you favorite blogging haunts. Immerse yourself for an afternoon, morning, or late evening ... it will do you a world of good.

Sometimes escaping is the best way to clear the mind to face the trials and tribulations of writing once more. I myself have found so much tension release by visiting my blogger friends. I laugh, learn, and disappear into other worlds. How could you not relax and feel motivated after that?

So the next time something isn't quite right ... you'll know what to do. Also don't be afraid to post you problem. HELP is always there. Another writer's eyes might spot the problem in an instant...Just think how great that will make you feel.

Most of you all know how I feel about you and our WONDERFUL community. SO let your friends be there for you ... they will NEVER let you down.

Now...  for some fun news,  Halloween was my ONE year Blogoversay. Since I will be out of town for a few weeks, the celebration must wait until I return. But I want all of you to know I am planning something special, so stay tuned. Also I almost at 500 friends! YAY! I hope to get there by the celebration... then I will really be celebrating! Some special giveaways are planned. Once I figure out what date, I'd appreciate your help to spread the word... I know I can count on all of you for sure.

Thanks for stopping by today and don't forget to drop by Alex's site for the list of other support group posts.

HAVE A GREAT DAY EVERYONE!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN! DARKSPELL LAUNCH SPOOKFESTA ...

Happy Halloween everyone.


Today is the day that Elizabeth Mueller's novel DARKSPELL launches. Elizabeth is an amazing author and blogger friend so do drop by her blog here and find out all about DARKSPELL and check out the wonderful illustrations that she's created for it. Order it here from Amazon.


In honor of Halloween and Darkspell, Elizabeth is hosting a SPOOKFEST! And it is such a fun one too. "If I had all the magic in the world, I'd ... " Could you imagine the fabulous possibilities. SO for today what would you answer? We'd all like to know...


If I had all the magic in the world, I would definitely use it for good. I would cure the people of the world... NO cancer, NO aids, NO diabetes, NO high blood pressure, NO crippling arthritis, NO mental illness, NO ___ (fill in the blank). And lastly, NO anxiety for my writer pals. We'd all have best selling books.  So everyone in the world would be happy and healthy and therefore create peace....

As a special treat for Halloween I would like to share with all of you an excerpt from my first book AMBER AND THE WHISPERING WILLOWS.

Like Elizabeth I also illustrated my novel This excerpt and illustration is from chapter 13, Nina's Revenge.

Amber gaped at the former gymnasium. Dozens of carved pumpkins flickered; each one illuminating a different expression: some scary, and some smiling. Life-sized scarecrows guarded the haystacks and the straw covered floor. The spider-webbed ceiling attracted hundreds of black bats accompanied by dozens of waving ghosts. 

Justin combed the crowd for his friends. 

“Have a good time, kids,” Uncle Paul said as he left to chat with the other chaperones.

Amber and Nina searched for Elise, Cindy, and Denise. As they hunted, the “Monster Mash” played over the loud speakers. Amber spotted Cindy’s zebra mask and took Nina by the hand, weaving through the crowd toward her. 

“Hi, Cindy. I just love what you and the others did to the gym ... it looks amazing! I’d like you to meet my best friend, Nina Landau. She danced in the recital with me.”

“Hi. I remember you — you did that sweet solo.”  

Nina blushed. “Thanks, Cindy. It’s nice to meet you. I’m so glad Amber has met some friendly girls at school ... it’s such a nice change from Lucy Carpenter.”

“Oh, so you know Lucy?” Cindy cringed. “That’s right, you’re in the same ballet class.” 

A few minutes later Amber introduced Nina to Elise and Denise. They had a wonderful time bashing Lucy and the wannabes. Mr. Easterbrook soon joined the group and complimented them all on their costumes.

“Amber, can we get something to drink?” Nina asked.

Amber nodded and they excused themselves from the others. At the far end of the gym four large tables set with orange and black tablecloths seemed to groan under the weight of all kinds of sweets: cupcakes, cookies, brownies, cakes with orange and black icing, candied apples, caramel apples, trays and trays of candies, apple cider, fruit punch and sodas.

They each took a frosted cupcake and some punch. Students as well as teachers chatted and danced to the upbeat music. 

Amber and Nina munched on their cupcakes and were just about to return to the others when Nina heard a familiar sneer.

“What are you doing here, mouse? You don’t go to this school,” Lucy said, stepping into their space. 

“I invited her!” Amber glowered. “We’re allowed to bring a guest.” 

“Vermin don’t count,” Lucy chided. Heather and Colleen burst out into fits of laughter.

“So why are you here, princess? If I’m a mouse, you’re a rat!”  

“Come on, Nina, let’s go ... they’re so not worth our time.” 

As the turned, Lucy clutched a handful of flowers, ripping them off Nina’s leotard. 

“They’re way too pretty for the likes of you.” Lucy laughed. 

Nina didn’t react at first, but Amber’s face flushed.

Lucy, Heather, and Colleen continued laughing as a thick green vine sprouted from a nearby jack-o-lantern. It crawled along the straw covered floor toward the three girls. Within seconds it wrapped itself around them, binding them before they could react. Amber heard three muffled screams as they hit the floor, disappearing under the table. The orange tablecloth covered up the incident. 

Amber marveled at Nina’s skill. Her timing couldn’t have been better. No other people happened to be at the table and the music played too loud for anyone to hear. 

“If I hadn’t seen it. I never would’ve believed it,” Amber whispered. 

Smirking, Nina lifted the tablecloth, and smiled at the three girls with a gleam in her eyes. 

“Enjoy the rest of the party, girls ... I know I will.” She waved to them and dropped the tablecloth back over them. 

Well everyone I hope you enjoyed my Halloween excerpt and illustration ... please let me know what you think.

 HAVE A SPOOKTACULAR DAY!

RULE OF 3 ... THE FINALE ... "WE MEET AGAIN SONNY BOY." HAUNTING ENOUGH FOR ROMANTIC FRIDAY WRITERS ... PLUS A CASTING CALL ENTRY.

Happy Friday everyone.

Once more I must apologize for posting my entry later than I should have. I wanted it to be something special, so I took my time and even added a hundred or so extra words. Since I am no longer in the competition and took creative license. Don't forget to read the other bloggers entries. There are some amazing stories in this blogfest. Drop by J. C. Martin's blog.

Also my dear friend, Denise (L'Aussie), had asked to write an entry for this week's Romantic Writers Friday Challenge. Theme ... HAUNTING. So drop by her blog for the more exciting entries to read.

If you would like to read the first three segments here are the links...

Part One: The Escape ... here.

Part Two: Renaissance ... here.

Part Three: Resurrected ... here.

And now for the conclusion. I hope you all enjoy it. "We meet again sonny boy."

Aidan joined Tanya in the early morning hours. He flashed a smile before taking a seat at the kitchen table. His eyes lingered a second longer than usual on her curves as she maneuvered between the stove and sink.

Tanya’s face flushed and matched the freckles that sprinkled across her nose and cheeks.

Aidan grinned. He tore his eyes away from Tanya’s tight butt, craned his neck around the room like a submarine periscope, and then cleared his throat. “Ah, where’s your dad?”

Still flushed, Tanya faced him. “He went into town to pick up supplies.” She moistened her lips, “He should be gone most of the morning.”

Aidan raised a brow and his eyes brightened.

A moment later, the lights flickered before blowing out. Only a faint stream illuminated through the window from the street lamp.

“What the hell just happened Tanya?” Aidan tensed and twitched like a nervous cat.

“Relax. A circuit must’ve blown.” She shook her head. “Do you always get this freaked when the lights go out?” She stepped around the table and over to the counter, opened a drawer, and pulled out a flashlight.

A few drops of sweat trickled down Aidan’s back, sending icy shivers up his spine. the memory of his dad locking him in a dark, mildewed cellar penetrated his mind. “For two days the sadistic bastard left me there,” he grumbled.

“What was that, you said?”

“Er, nothing.”

“i’ll be right back.” She stepped toward the cellar door, opened it, and disappeared. 

Aidan’s eyes stared at the beam of light glowing softer with each of Tanya’s steps. 

I really should go with her. Willing his foot to move, it remained glued to the same spot. Several more drops of sweat mingled with the first ones and saturated his t-shirt.

A muffled scream raised the hairs on the back of his neck. “Tanya!” he called out.

She didn’t answer.

Lead-like legs managed to reach the cellar door. “Tanya!” His voice cracked. 

A trace of a snicker echoed up the stairs and into the kitchen. 

“Cut the crap Tanya ... this isn’t funny.”

Once again, silence louder than gun fire assaulted his ears.

Aidan’s breath caught in his throat. His mouth dried to sawdust. Only one drop coated his throat as he tried to swallow.

He inched closer to the opening, straining his neck. Widened eyes searched the gaping dark hole.  

A lit flame from a candle caught his eye. “Tanya?” His raspy voice whispered into the chasm. 

Moving ever so slowly onto the landing, a deep voice vibrated the rickety wooden steps. “Join us, sonny boy.”

Aidan froze. Sweat poured down his face. “No? I-It can’t be? Y-you’re dead. I killed you.”

“Guess again.” His voice cut like a razor into a vein. “I’ve got a friend of yours. She’s quite a babe. Ah, to think what I can do with her? Care to watch?”

Aidan’s stomach churned. He sucked in a deep breath through gritted teeth. “Let her go, you bastard. It’s me you want.”  Racing down the stairs, he came to a halt on the last step. 

The captain’s right hand covered Tanya’s mouth, the other cupped her right breast. Tears streamed from terrified eyes and collected on the captain’s broad fingers.

Adrenaline pumped through Aidan’s veins. Think fast. 

His eyes set on the flickering candle just behind them. 

Tanya cried out. Aidan’s eyes darted, locking onto to his father’s.

“Let her go, Dad.”

“I don’t think so.” He ripped her blouse, exposing her breasts. “Nice. Very nice.” 

Tanya kicked and screamed. As his father tried to control her, Aidan grabbed a can of W-D 40 sitting on the side shelf. He ripped off the top and aimed the aerosol at the candle flame.

It ignited with a sizzle. The flame shot, setting his father’s jacket on fire. Cursing, he released Tanya, who ran behind Aidan. 

Aidan continued to douse his father. Within seconds the cursing turned to screams of torment. The captain desperately tried to put himself out, but the flames engulfed him. 

“Let’s get out of her before the place blows.” Aidan dropped the can, grasped Tanya’s hand, and sprinted up the stairs. 

He pulled off his shirt and handed it to her as they ran out the front door.  

Seconds later, the house exploded into flames.  

Tanya jumped into Aidan’s arms, trembling. 

“It’s over now. He’ll never hurt either one of us again.”

*     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *  

 And now for the Casting Call blogfest. This was is truly fun. Chose characters from your novel and show a picture of them either through photograph or illustration. Drop by our host's site Carrie Butler.

For this blogfest I chose my first novel: Amber and the Whispering Willows. This middle grade fantasy was a pleasure to illustrate. As I wrote about each character, I had a visual, so all I had to do was create them visually. Most of you know I illustrate as well as write, but for those who don't here is an introduction I hope you enjoy the visuals.

These images are from the cover that I created. And please remember this is an original work of art, so please don't reproduce it without my permission.

The full cover.

Click to enlarge.... Center is Amber. To the right, Nina, her best friend, Jasper the rabbit, Uncle Paul, and Justin.

To the left of the tree: Dak, Commander-in-chief of the fairies. The blue fairy is Liah, princess of the fairies.

For more fun illustrations check out the top of my blog. In the banner click onto My Illustrations.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone! What fun plans do you have?  I plan on catching up with my blog friends and reading lots of Rule of 3 segments and checking out some other fun characters.

RULE OF 3 ... SEGMENT 3 ... RESURRECTED ... BETTER LATE THAN NEVER.

Hi, all,

First, I would like to thank all of you for the encouraging support on my last post. Your comments meant so much to me and my friend. She couldn't believe what an amazing support system our community has. You are all SO special to me.

Since my time with her was constant, I never had the chance to finish my third segment for the Rule of 3. It saddened me to be disqualified, but my friendship means more to me than any prizes. Friends should be cherished.

So for all of you who have supported me by dropping by for the first two segments, here is the third. I hope you enjoy it. I will definitely have the fourth on time for those of you who might want to wait until Wednesday.

Thanks again for your friendship and patience.

Resurrected

The captain stirred from a throbbing pain exploding inside his temples. A trembling hand wiped the dripping blood away from his eyes as he rolled onto his knees. 

His lips twisted into a sinister grin. “The kid’s got balls.” He spat out saliva mixed with blood. “Let’s see how long it will take for me to catch up to you sonny boy.” A maniacal laugh escaped through his stretched lips.

Standing on weakened legs, he straightened up to his full height, stepped into the hall and opened the linen closet. He grabbed the first aid kit tucked away under the bath towels. 

A moment later, he entered into the bathroom and flipped on the switch. Hallowed eyes stared at the crusted bump and congealed blood clinging to the side of his face.

After a quick wash, he swabbed the wounds with peroxide, smeared on anti-bacterial cream, wrapped his head with gauze, and then taped up the ends.

“This should do ... now where did my little mouse go? This cat’s hungry.” His eyes lit for a brief moment as he tore out of the bathroom and down the stairs.

He glanced at the clock. Cursing, he flung open the front door. Panes of glass rattled within its frame from the sheer force of the slam after he darted through over the threshold.. A sleek black Volvo awakened with a toot and a flash of headlights.

Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted a rusted red pick up. Releasing the accelerator, the car coasted past the gas station and boarding house. He spotted a dirt road, turned onto it, and continued into a thick mass of Elm trees.

With the cunning of an alley cat, he slinked out of the car and moved toward the structure.

He hid in the shadows, only the meager lamppost cast an single beam of light. Peeking into the grungy window, he spotted his prey. Moistening his lips, he grinned. “I hope you enjoy your meal sonny boy ... it will be your last.”

Dark, brooding eyes flicked to a teenage red-headed girl. Hmmmm. Tasty. I hope he got some of that. It would be a shame to leave this world without one last roll in the hay.

The captain’s eyes swept the scene once more, zeroing in on the layout of the interior. A plan rippled through his brain like waves to a shore. 

“In just a few short hours, sonny boy, we’ll meet again.” He inhaled a long, deep breath and disappeared into the darkness.

Click here for part one.

Click here for part two.

I hope you enjoy them everyone.

Friendships ... WILL THEY ENDURE THE TEST OF TIME?

Hi, all,

I am so sorry I didn't get the chance to post yesterday. It has been CRAZY the past few days. But before I get into that, I would like to welcome my new friends to my blog.

Twelve in the past few weeks. I am almost at 500... I still have less that two weeks to my blogaversary. Of course I will do something special for all of you. This year has one of THE most amazing years I've had and it is mainly because of all of you.

My new and old friends ... Thank you. Lee, Natzers, Joshua, In luv with words. Daina, Lynn, Patty, Khlemoyne, Ann, Mish, Jeremy and Kristen. I am looking so forward to getting to know all of you a little better.

Something unexpected and wonderful happened to me today. An old college friend, who after so many years, faded from my life because of her obligations with work and family. Although I tried to keep up the friendship, it had been one sided for many years and frankly, I got tired of it.

I finally wrote an direct email to her explaining how I felt and what I expect from a real friend. We had been through so much together for years, even after we graduated.

Months went by with now response. At that point I buried the past and looked ahead. Never expecting to hear from her again.

Two weeks ago I received a phone call from her. After an extensive apology, she asked if she could visit. This was not the first time she had wanted to visit and it never happened.

I was skeptical. Why wouldn't I be? She ran by a few random dates. We picked the week and the conversation ended.

Ten minutes later, I received an email. She had booked her flight. She was coming on the Oct. 17th. My jaw dropped. She was really coming to visit.

Well, yesterday she flew in and I have to say it was like we saw each other last week instead of a decade ago. She's staying until Saturday and we have the best itinerary. With fall leaves blustering about and temps in the low 50's it will be great walking weather.

We have reconnected and it feels GREAT! She is practically like a sister to me. Sometimes you just have to let your friends know how you really feel. And if they are true, they WILL endure the test of time.

Has this ever happened to you? I would really love to hear your story.

Have a great Tuesday everyone.

Don't forget my third installment of the Rule of 3 will post either tomorrow or Thursday. It will be tough to write because of my friend's presence, BUT, of course I will do it. She is amazed that I am an illustrator turned interior designer and now writer. Life is FULL of surprises.