Monday? Seriously?

Posted on August 23, 2021 by Silver James

Yup. It’s Monday. And I had to start the day with no coffee. I’m currently surviving on the sustenance a couple of cans of Diet Coke provide. Why you ask? Jake and I are back at VA while Lawyer Guy has another procedure. Fun times. Not. Anyway, as you can probably guess, I actually wrote the blog last night and set it up to post at the usual time this morning.

Last week happened. There was a weekend. We had company. That is is all.

Okay, not quite. We had Stormy for a couple of days and then his school started. We picked him up after school on Friday and he stayed with us until Sunday afternoon while his parents had a child-free weekend. Those are important and Stormy is normally pretty good. I remember now, though, why I’m not a big fan of cartoons. I can only do so much time watching Shawn the Sheep or Rocky and Bullwinkle or…or…take your pick of cartoons. He loves them all. He also loves balogna and cheese sandwiches. Whatever.

Wow, the Oklahoma Green Country Little League Softball team took Nationals! What an amazing group of girls. They went undefeated through the whole tournament. That includes regionals! The team is 85% Native American representing 4 tribes. They came together for only 2 practives before hitting the regionals in Texas, which they swept. Then they swept their pool and the semis and finals. It was fun to watch. In Little League Baseball news, there’s an awesome kid from Texas–the only girl in this years LLWS/Baseball tournament. Ella Bruning made a splash playing catcher. Turns out, she pitches, too, and tossed a no-hitter. How about them apples!?!? Girls Rool! Boys…well, they’re pretty cool even if they might drool a little too. 😉

I’m still doing the marathon listen to Ilona Andrews” Kate Daniels series. Kate’s world is crazy so I’m totally relating right now. At least she gets to kick ass and take names. I’m currently living vicariously through her.

Writing. Yeah…about that. Okay, I did get some scenes written but I’m so far behind schedule on projects. I just can’t get in the “write” headspace. I’m a professional. I know what I should be doing. My brain? Yeah…nope. It wants nothing to do with any of the projects, even when I promise Iffy that she can wreck havoc. Ah well.

Not much else going on. It’s hot again. But this is to be expected in August in Oklahoma. I totally sympathize with those in the West who are suffering heat, drought, and fires. And the NE for the hurricane. Go home, Mother Nature, you’re drunk! Or, as a friend of mine pointed out, “The world is drunk too.”

On that note, I’m off. Oh! I’m taking part in Long and Short Reviews Anniversary party tomorrow. I’ll be posting the link in tomorrow’s blog but I thought I’d give you a heads up! Anybody do anything interesting over the weekend? Good book you’re reading? New recipe? Family fun time? Tell me something good.

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Friday Sinema: If Only

Posted on August 20, 2021 by Silver James

Y’all grab a glass of sweet tea. Or coffee. Coke. Whatever. Sit yourself down, relax and take a 15-minute break in your day because these commercials should be real! I dare you not to laugh. I double-dog dare you!

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Thursday Thoughts: Universal Click

Posted on August 19, 2021 by Silver James

This struck me for two reasons. Well, probably more, but two right off the top of my head. One, it’s a nice message to get and hang onto in dark times. Two, isn’t this the way a lot of romances work? Either the heroine or hero is in a bad place, feeling lost and alone, and things look their darkest and then BOOM! He or she walks into their lives and bingo. The story takes off.

Silver, there are some things that are best forgotten. And when I remember what a few of them are, I’ll drop you a line. But a couple of things worth remembering, that are all too easily forgotten, are the times in your life when you felt absolutely alone and uncertain. Yet somehow, perhaps beyond perception, there was a great click, after which suddenly a new friend appeared, an idea was imparted, or a connection established, causing the tides to turn and the floodgates to open.

And remembering this, should such “alone and uncertain times” ever revisit, however dark they may seem, you’ll at least be comforted by recalling how transient they always are.

Pass it on,
The Universe

©www.tut.com
Silver, did you just hear something?

This is also often the case when actually writing and you hit a rough patch. Words don’t fit. The story seems convoluted and messy and just not…right. You’re frustrated, your Muse has run away from home, and you wonder why the heckfire you ever decided that you wanted to be a writer. And then…like magic…CLICK! It all falls into place. Don’t give up. It’s a good fight we’re fighting and we all know, deep down that the words will come. Yeah, yeah, sometimes they come kicking and screaming, but they come. Wait…did you just hear something? What’s clicked in your life lately?

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Wednesday Words: Middle Ground

Posted on August 18, 2021 by Silver James

Today’s #1lineWed theme is appropriate. It’s Wednesday. The middle of a normal work week. Of course, writers wouldn’t know about anything remotely resembling a normal work week. Sort of like anyone working retail! Anyway, it’s Hump Day and the theme is **MIDDLE**. Here’s another peek at the Irish Mob Wolves WIP, as things “heat up” between Mick and Shannon.
****
“You’re a broody one tonight.”

Mick ignored his brother. “I need t’run.”

“Aye, we all need some wild time,” Ronan agreed. “What’s got you in a twist?” He followed Mick’s gaze and flashed sly smile.

“Don’t think ya know any bloody thing.”

“Why don’t you—”

“Shut it, Ronan. Ya might be older’n me and ya might be the boss o’me when it comes to business but ya don’t know shite about nothin’ else.”

Ronan’s smirk just deepened. “When your Irish comes out, you’re feelin’ it deep, boyo.”

“Shut up.”

Ronan leaned back in his chair and sipped his glass of Irish whiskey, noting that his younger brother never took his eyes off the waitress. Shannon was a pretty woman.

Mick watched her intently. She returned from break and there was something…different about her. Pink cheeks. A breathlessness. Lips…swollen. Some gobshite had kissed her. She approached with his ale, and his nose flared. “Who touched you?” he snarled.

“How do you know someone did?” Shannon’s chin jutted, her whole body screaming defiance.

“And why do you care?” She slammed the glass on the table and the creamy foam on the top of the Guinness sloshed over the sides. “I may work for you, Michael O’Connor, but you don’t get a say in my private life.”

Mick swallowed his growl and forced his wolf to settle down. Ours! the animal insisted. She wasn’t theirs. Not by a long shot. And she couldn’t be. He had no room in his life for a woman. Especially not one who threatened to take up permanent residence in his heart. She stormed away before he could retort. Turning to his brother for help, Ronan shook his head.

“You’ll not be puttin’ me in the middle of this. I’ve told ya before—and often—that if you want the girl, go and get her.”

Mick slammed back the dark ale, gulping down half of it. “She drives me bloody bonkers.”

“What’s your wolf have to say about it?”

Mick shot Ronan a glare then deliberately finished off his Guinness. “I’ll find the bloody wanker and—”

“Do nothing,” Ronan cut him off. “You haven’t claimed her, Mick. She can do whoever she pleases.”

And damn if he wasn’t right.
****
And damn if Mick isn’t going to try to coerce Bowie (Shannon’s brother) into getting right in the middle of Shannon’s business. Too bad, because Bowie’s up to his eyebrows with the flame-haired (and tempered) Fiona. Fun times ahead! Readers, what book are you in the middle of reading right now? Writers, got any middle words to share?

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Tuesday Treats & Titles: Fudge Bottom Candy-Crunch Pie

Posted on August 17, 2021 by Silver James

Baby, it’s hot! And I’m all about the cool and creamy when it comes to sweet. I know a former EMT who feels the same way. Also…chocolate! You can’t go wrong with chocolate. Right?

Total Time: 1 Hr. 20 Min. (incl. refrigerating)
Pret Time: 20 Min.
Cook Time: 1 Hr.
8 servings

Prep our Fudge-Bottom Candy Crunch Pie in just 20 minutes. That means there’s no need to wait for a special occasion to make Fudge-Bottom Candy Crunch Pie.

What You Need
2 pkg. (3.9 oz.) JELL-O Chocolate Flavor Instant Pudding Pudding
2 cups cold milk
3 oz. BAKER’S Semi-Sweet Chocolate, divided
1 chocolate cookie crumb crust
1 tub (8 oz.) COOL WHIP Whipped Topping, thawed, divided
2 chocolate-covered toffee bars (1.4 oz. each), chopped, divided

Let’s Make It
1 – Beat pudding mixes and milk in large bowl with whisk 2 min.
2 – Microwave 2 oz. chocolate in medium microwaveable bowl on HIGH 1 min. or until almost melted; stir until completely melted. Stir in 1 cup pudding; pour into crust.
3 – Add half the COOL WHIP and all but 3 Tbsp. chopped toffee to remaining pudding; spread over pudding layer in crust.
4 – Top with remaining COOL WHIP and toffee. Melt remaining chocolate; drizzle over pie. Refrigerate 1 hour.

Kitchen Tips
Tip 1 – Size Wise: Since this indulgent pie makes 8 servings, it is the perfect dessert to serve at your next party.

Tip 2 – Vanilla Pudding with Toffee: Prepare using 2 pkg. (3.4 oz. each) JELL-O Vanilla Flavor Instant Pudding.

Tip 3 – How to Easily Drizzle Chocolate: Use fork to drizzle melted chocolate over pie.

Click MY FOOD & FAMILY to get all the nutritional details. As I mentioned at the beginning, former EMT and now mate to an Alpha Wolf, Celina Monaghan is all about the easy and the comfort, especially after what she went through in BLOOD & FIRE. Rhys Kendric knows a good thing when his mate sets it in front of him. And he likes the crunchy bits. A lot. 😉 Want to check out their story? Just click on the picture above or on the title. You can read the book for free with Kindle Unlimited or grab it for your keeper shelf for the bargain price of $2.99. And be sure to have some great pie on hand to help you cool off. What about y’all? Do you like the cool and creamy on a hot day?

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Monday, Monday, So Good to Me

Posted on August 16, 2021 by Silver James

I’m not really a Monday kinda gal. Or I didn’t used to be. Now? I’m lucky if I remember what any day of the week is, much less Monday. Bein’ older’n dirt sucks. That said, it certainly beats the alternative. So what’s new in my world?

Let’s get the “ehh” out of the way. Writing. There was some. Not much, but some. On a happier note, I now have models for the major characters–both heroes and heroines. I had to do a switch, though. I’d picked out the model for Maura Brannigan, the assistant ADA who is in Ronan O’Connor’s crosshairs. Then I found another model and decided she was right for Maggie O’Brien, who lives nest door to Callum Fitzpatrick. I often download several pics of each character and I did with all these, as well. Then I decided I needed to put names with faces (can you say “procrastination”?) so I went into my digital file to rename all the photos. And as I compaired the original Maura with the original Maggie, I realized I had them backwards. So, that necessitated MORE renaming. I wasn’t really procrastinating. I was organizing. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.

Stormy was over several times. He’s a fun kid and I know he and Lawyer Guy are enjoying their time together. He’s here today and tomorrow and then his school starts on Wedneday. Second grade. And he keeps getting taller! Pardon me while I go do a little muppet flail in the corner.

Still in something of a reading slump so rather than ruining what might a really good book if my head space was right, I’m falling back on favorites that alwsays hit the spot. At the moment, that’s Ilona Andrews’ Kate Daniels series. Kate and Curran are a favorite couple and it’s been about 18 months so…

Baseball is much better! My Cards are starting to get the hits and winning games. They still have a LONG and bumpy road to the playoffs but there’s a chance now. It’s good to have starting pitcher Jack Flaherty back. He had an awesome game against Kansas City in his first start after coming back up from being injured. In softball news, Oklahoma’s Little League Softball team is in the national tournament. They could come into the semi’s/finals, as the top-seeded team. We may get to watch them on ESPN2 today and ESPN tomorrow. The games are televised, I just have to remember. 🙄 I should probably put a reminder in phone’s calendar.

Waking up at 5 or 5:30 every day after a restless night usually means that I’m nostly conked out by 9 p.m. See my comment above about age. I fall asleep during the ball game and therefore don’t manage to check out other shows on TV. I only mention it for something to say and tag. LOL

That’s pretty much my world at the moment. Nothing exciting. Nothing out of the ordinary. Nothing to brag about. And y’all don’t want me ranting about the state of the world. Trust me. When I can’t avoid the news, I end up wanting to b!tc# slap a whole bunch of people who are too stupid to understand the implications of their previous actions. 

I’ll just add this, you always need to be careful what you wish for. And to illustrate that thought, my sister from another mister, B.E. Sanderson is celebrating the birthday of her book WISH IN ONE HAND, which is book 1 in her Once Upon a Djinn series. The series is some awesome Urban Fantasy so dip your toes in for free and then grab the other 3 books in the series.

Have a great week all. What would you wish for?

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Friday Sinema: Southern Horror

Posted on August 13, 2021 by Silver James

Happy Friday the 13th. I thought I’d share this little horror flick brought to y’all by It’s A Southern Thing. Stay safe out there, ya hear?!?

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Thursday Thoughts: Universal Buttons

Posted on August 12, 2021 by Silver James

The world is pretty crazy. I cringe when I walk into a room with a TV tuned to the news. I can’t look at any of my social media feeds–which isn’t fair to the people I care about–but it’s self-preservation because the stupidity just…burns. I admit that I have hot buttons. Push them, the world is going to get  reaction. Usually, it’s poor Boone and Jake. Loki is smarter. He knows when to disappear. And it’s Lawyer Guy. I listen to him gripe. He listens to me. That’s in the marriage rules. Anyway, when this popped up in my inbox, I stopped to think about it, and I decided it was worth sharing.

You know those folks who push your buttons, Silver?

Here’s the deal: Once you love your life and yourself so much that you no longer care about their behavior… they disappear.

Spiritual housekeeping,
The Universe
©www.tut.com

The power of self-love, Silver, is all of that and so much more.

I think the Universe just might be on to something. I walked away from a professional organization because they let the bullies dictate the rule. I can’t abide bullies. And man, the world is full of them right now. And yeah, all those hot buttons are getting pushed. So what am I doing about it? I’m walking away. I’m an adult. I can ignore the stupid. And then I write. I get to dictate the rules in my world. I get to punish the bad guys, make sure the good guys win, and those who matter get their Happy Ever After. Take time today and every day for a little self-love, people. Learn to take the power back. Find a way to channel the good you find and ignore the rest. I know. Easier said than done, but hey, it’s worth a try, right?

P.S. I’m still working on making them disappear. It’s a Work In Progress…like one of my books.

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Wednesday Words: Heal Me

Posted on August 11, 2021 by Silver James

Guess what today is? #1lineWed which means a new snippet and today’s theme is **HEAL**. Have I mentioned Ronan O’Connor? Yeah, he’s the very sexy Wolf who is the nominal leader of Boston’s Irish mob. Wanna guess who his mate is? I think I’ve introduced Maura Brannigan here before. Or not. Anyway, she’s an assistant district attorney. Fate is such a…brat sometimes. 😉 Anyway, apropos of nothing, have a snippet that currently is a random scene in the book. It’ll find it’s place eventually.
****
Why did Maura even bother locking her door? Finding Ronan O’Connor sitting in her living room no longer freaked her out. No. Not sitting. Lounging. He sprawled on her couch, feet propped on her coffee table, the TV tuned to something sporty. He muted the program, watching her as she dropped her purse and keys on the hall tree before stripping out of her coat and kicking off her boots. Ignoring him, she headed to the kitchen. After an interminable day at work, she wanted two things—the bottle of wine chilling in the fridge and a hot bubble bath.

He followed her, and as soon as she turned from the fridge, he snagged the bottle out of her hand. A corkscrew appeared as if by magic. Maura didn’t bother with a wine glass, grabbing a plastic tumbler instead. This was no time for the finer things. He smirked, damn him, but poured a healthy amount into the glass she held out. She stepped around him, still not speaking, and schlepped to the bathroom. She shut and locked the door, then realized she’d forgotten the bottle. Opening the door, she reached out, retrieved the bottle from him, shut and locked up once more.

Ten minutes later, she was naked but for steaming water and bubbles. The door opened. Of course it did.

“Why can’t I keep you out?” she asked without opening her eyes.

“And why would you want to?”

The faint Irish in his voice washed over her as gentle as the bubbles in her bath. Focus, she ordered her brain. “Gee, let me think…because I don’t like you.”

“Why do you keep lying to yourself?”

Good question. She did like him. Despite everything. Like the fact he was the number two boss of the Boston underworld—at least the Irish portion of it. He was a criminal. And Maura Brannigan was the up-and-coming, shining star of the District Attorney’s office. It was just a matter of time before they were together in a courtroom, her at the prosecutor’s table and him across the aisle with his defense attorney.

“Go away, O’Connor.”

“That’s not gonna happen, Maura.”

Frustrated, she slugged back the wine left in the tumbler. Before she could set the glass down, he’d refilled it. “It won’t work.”

“Oh? Ya seem to be relaxin’ with all that wine in ya. I think it’s workin’ just fine.”

She opened her eyes so she could roll them at him. “Us, Ronan. We won’t work. We can’t work.”

“He’s dirty,” Ronan said, cutting her off.

Maura saluted him with her glass. “As I found out today. Thanks for noticing.” She sat up, ignoring the way his eyes dropped to her chest. She could be a burlesque queen for all the bubbles covering her. “I can’t fix this.”

“No, ya can’t. The man made his bed and crawled into it with the scum.”

She wanted to scream. “How many murderers and rapists will get out because of him? How many victims and families who finally started to heal will be torn apart?” She choked back a sob. “Too many, Ronan. Too fucking many.”

And then she was out of the tub and cradled in his lap as he sat on the closed lid of the john. He held her and soothed her and she cried. Maura never cried. Except this once. With this man. Just for now. Tomorrow would be a different story.
****
And that’s the crux of it. I’m going to enjoy watching these two dance their tango. Writers, any healing words to share? Readers, when you’ve had a bad day, what do you reach for to help heal your frazzled nerves?

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Tuesday Treats and Titles: Lemon-Blueberry Bread

Posted on August 10, 2021 by Silver James

I love blueberries. Blueberry muffins. Blueberry pancakes. I even buy extra packages of dried blueberries to add to our trail mix. I also like lemon. I put lemon in my tea, on fish, and lemon meringue pie is a favorite. Mix the two flavors? Yummers!

Total Time: 1 Hr. 15 Min.
Prep Time: 10 Min.
Cook Time: 1 Hr. 5 Min.
16 servings

Sweeten up your family’s day with our Lemon-Blueberry Bread Recipe. This Lemon-Blueberry Bread Recipe makes use of a great combination of fruit flavors.

What You Need
1-1/2 cups plus 1 Tbsp. flour, divided
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
3 eggs
1 cup sugar
1 cup BREAKSTONE’S or KNUDSEN Sour Cream
1/2 cup oil
1 tsp. lemon zest
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1 cup blueberries

Let’s Make It
1 – Heat oven to 350°F:
2 – Combine 1-1/2 cups flour, baking powder and salt in large bowl. Whisk eggs, sugar, sour cream, oil, lemon zest and vanilla until blended. Add to flour mixture; stir just until blended.
3 – Toss blueberries with remaining flour; stir gently into batter. Pour into greased and floured 9×5-inch loaf pan.
4 – Bake 1 hour to 1 hour 5 min. or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 min. Remove bread from pan to wire rack; cool completely.

Kitchen Tips
Tip 1 – Substitute Applesauce for Oil in Baking: Looking to cut some of the fat from your baking recipe? Applesauce makes a great substitute for all or part of the oil in muffin, brownie, cake and cupcake recipes. Just use 3/4 cup applesauce in place of each cup of oil. (Note that this substitution is not recommended for cookie recipes or for fats other than oil.)

My Thoughts? Healthy is one thing but does applesauce change the flavor? Not sure I’d try this for this particular recipe because…lemon! And blueberry!

My Food and Family is my go-to for recipies so CLICK HERE to get all the details of this one! Blueberries grow wild in West Virginia and when they ripen, all the kids go picking and the mates get together–well, except Hannah, because…well…it’s Hannah!–to bake, preserve and generally have a good time. MOON SHOT tells the story of the Wolves coming back together and moving to West Virginia so they could finally take care of business. I’d suggest reading the rest of the books because…that’s just me. I like to start at the beginning. You can read MOON SHOT for free with a Kindle Unlimited subcription or buy it for your own library. 😉 Just click on the picture above or the title to head on over to grab your copy.

What about y’all? What two flavors do you like to pair together?

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