Greening Up Monday

Posted on March 16, 2020 by Silver James

It’s Spring. Sort of. We had rain and temps in the 30s-40s but my daffodils are blooming and the first day of Spring arrives the end of this week. So, there was a week and a weekend. There was also cedar pollen, golden oak pollen, and other such stuffs. So I have a runny nose, post-nasal drip, and a slight cough. You’d think I had the plague! I do not have a fever nor do I have shortness of breath. I just have my typical spring allergies. Fun times. So was going to Wallyworld. People are just…looney tunes over this beer flu stuff. Before you jump, let me explain. I’m older than dirt. I remember polio. I remember measles, mumps, whooping cough, and a whole host of childhood diseases that have been tamed by vaccines. I remember Legionnaire’s Disease, bird flu, swine flu, SARS, and a host of others. There’s always something out there waiting. More people have been sickened, survived, and been killed by this years version of the flu than they have by Corvid-19. WTF are people clearing the shelves of toilet paper and paper towels? This isn’t a huge national disaster where roads are impassible and transportation/manufacturing are at a standstil. It’s a sickness, the majority of those who have contracted it have survived. The media is in a feeding frenzy and people are buying into. For crissakes, the CHEESE SHEVLES were empty. CHEESE!!!!!!!!!!!! What the ever-loving fuck?

Okay. Climbing down off my soapbox with this last thought: I’m part of the at-risk demographics. I’m giving people more space and I’m washing my hands before I touch my face. If I were to have actual symptoms or had been in contact with someone who’d actually been exposed, I would self-quarantine. Easy peasy, people!

Moving on to wow moments of the week… I heard a woodpecker last week when we hit 80. I never saw it, but I so enjoy that rata-tat-tat sound. Also, my oldest bestest friend showed up on my doorstep yesterday as a surprise. We live a distance away and she got a wild hair. We sat, drank coffee, and talked. And talked. And talked. And we hugged. Screw social distancing. Anyway, there’s a reason she’s my oldest, bestest friend.

In other news, I’m pissed that sports are canceled. Yes, I understand why but I’m still pissed. I love the Spring for baseball and softball. Thank goodness for LIVE PD and the few other shows I watch. And books. Lots and lots of audio books. I think I’ve embarked on a totaly re-listen to the Eve Dallas/In Death books. There are 51 of them plus novellas. That’ll keep me for awhile. 😉

Speaking of TV, OMGWTFBBQ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The Bear! The Mama Bear! On “The Masked Singer.” Blown. Away! Watch her performance…

Then watch the panel’s guesses (hysterical!), the unmasking and her farewell rap with Nick Cannon. Y’all, this woman is now my hero! And if you don’t already know who it is, prepare for a shock and maybe a change of mind…

I’m going to leave it on that note because it makes me smile and laugh and we need a hellava lot more of this in our lives right now. I’ll be getting some work done this week. I hope. I’ll be missing my baseball but I’ll be catching up on listening, writing, and LIVE PD. Oh, and the next episode of “The Masked Singer.” Y’all have a good week. And our question for the day? How much toilet paper do you have stashed at your house? I happen to have a 10-pack and an 8-pack (acquired TWO WEEKS AGO!) because I bought one and LG bought the other a day later without looking to see if I’d already replenished our supply. 🙄 I wish he’d bought cheese instead! 🤣 Stay well out there!

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Friday the 13th Links of Random LOL

Posted on March 13, 2020 by Silver James

I’ve been collecting these for awhile and since National Procrastination Week just happened, go grab another cup of coffee (or beverage of your choice, then go click on the links to waste some time and see some totally cool stuffs. Besides, it’s Friday the 13th and this is a whole lot better than walking under a ladder. Just sayin’…

Y’all know how I feel about male models. This father/son duo totally deserves their own book! CLICK HERE for the best-named Instagram account evah!

I ❤ dogs. And funny gifs are a favorite procrastination, especially when I CLICK HERE to check out the dog fail gifs.

Wait…WHAT?!?! Yes, you just saw that…or you did if you CLICKED HERE.

I don’t know if I’m a little creeped (or would be if I woke up and/or CLICKED HERE and found one of these staring at me) or I want one!

Every wondered what to do if you get attacked by an animal? Then you need to CLICK ON this funny survival guide.

Horse sense? Or memes? You choose when you CLICK THIS. 

On the artsy side, our final two linky-dinks:

This artist uses flora to make statues of fauna, with amazing results. CLICKTY-CLICK

And the final link today is guaranteed to blow your mind. This Italian artist takes body painting and hands to a whole new level. You know you want to so JUST CLICK IT.

You may now return to your regularly scheduled day. Have a great weekend!

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Thursday Thoughts: Universal Procrastination

Posted on March 12, 2020 by Silver James

Last week was National Procrastination Week, but I put it off. As one does. So I’m observing it this week. Also as one does…

What if it was your downtime, your lounging-in-bed-too-long time, your walkabout time, and your blow-Friday-off time that made possible your greatest achievements?

Would they still make you feel guilty, Silver? Or would you allow yourself to enjoy them?

About time –
The Universe
© http://www.tut.com ®

Even your watching-the-rain time, Silver?

I’m a writer. It’s my job to lounge in bed, go walkabout, blow Friday off, and take advantage of downtime by staring out the window, looking at videos, and otherwise giving my brain food for thought to fire my imagination. That’s my story and I’m sticking to you. And no. I don’t feel guilty. How about you?

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Wednesday Words: Here There Be Dragons

Posted on March 11, 2020 by Silver James

So…the theme of the week is “Mythical Creatures.” Hrmmmm…. Do I have any of those lurking around my books or WIPs? Why, yes. How about that! Since Nikos was featured in yesterday’s Tuesday Treats, I thought I’d share today’s snippet from THAT OL’ BLACK MAGIC. This is the first meeting between Sade and Nikos, in a restaurant in New Orleans. As a set-up, Sade is there investigating the murder of an important magick. She’s just read a text message from her godfather, the master vampire Mathias, to drop the case. Thes snippet opens with her spoken response to his order…
****
“The hell you say, you fangy sonavabitch.”

“I beg your pardon?”

Sade looked up from her phone. And up some more. The man standing at her table put a crick in her neck. His pale blue eyes flashed silver in the golden lights of the chandelier above her table. That same fixture cast a soft halo around him and she had to squint to get a better look. His close-cropped hair was of indiscriminate color and he wore his expensive suit like a second skin.

She really wished Caleb was with her. He’d sniff out the magick’s flavor in a heartbeat. Or Roman. Roman was older than dirt. Hell, Roman was dirt. Or granite. Same thing.

Emeralds set in a buffed, silver metal—platinum if Sade had to guess—sparked at the magick’s cuffs. A watch that probably cost six-months’ worth of her salary gleamed on his right wrist. Impeccable. If she had to describe him in one word, that would be it. Impeccable. And sexy. Oh, mama, the man was that.

His full lips curled into a knowing smile and his eyes narrowed almost imperceptibly as he gazed at her. “I hope you were not speaking to me. I am neither fangy nor a son of a bitch.”

Eric appeared with an ice bucket and stand, making a show of setting it beside the table and decanting the champagne. Sade watched with one brow arched before turning a lazy gaze toward the man still standing expectantly.

“What flavor are you?”

His eyes narrowed as he stared down at her and a layer of his sophistication slipped slightly. Nikos briefly wondered if he’d made a mistake. Then her emerald green eyes snapped and he knew she was most definitely something beyond normal experience, even for the Drakon of the Kholkikos Clan.

“Nikolas Constantine. May I join you?”

“Sade Marquis. No, you may not.”

Her voice vibrated through him and the small mark at the corner of her mouth beckoned him with each word. Ignoring her denial, he pulled out a chair and sat.

“Seriously? What part of no do you not understand?”

“Your steak is getting cold, Sade.”

“That’s Special Agent Marquis to you.” She put her palm on the table and when she moved her hand, her badge case flipped open to her ID. “FBI.”

If he’d been standing he would have backpedaled a few steps. He’d been so enthralled by her looks the import of her name had blown over him like a cloud playing peek-a-boo with the sun. Even more intrigued now, he leaned forward, holding her gaze.

“What brings the infamous Special Agent Sade Marquis of the FBI to New Orleans?”

Her mouth thinned and her chin raised a fraction. “Official business. And you haven’t answered my question.”

“What question would that be?”

“What are you, Nikolas Constantine?”
****
This is the book that started it all–the first case in the Penumbra Papers. And now I have the urge to go back and reread it, even though I wrote it. What about y’all? Are you tempted? And if you haven’t read this book, you need to. Seriously! Just click on the title and go grab it. It’s available wide. Writers? Any mythical characters to share? Readers, what’s your favorite mythical critter?

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Tuesday Treats: Pastitsio (Greek-Style Lasagna)

Posted on March 10, 2020 by Silver James

Lasagna is a favorite. So is mac and cheese. This tasty Greek version combines those to favs into a delicious mix fit for a dragon enforcer. 😉

Total Time: 1 Hr. 20 Min.
Prep Time: 30 Min.
Cook Time: 50 Min.
6 Servings

Do yourself a favor and try our Pastitsio (Greek-Style Lasagna). With a sprinkle of nutmeg, pastitsio is as easy to make as it is delicious.

What You Need
1 lb. lean ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
1 jar (24 oz.) CLASSICO Tomato and Basil Pasta Sauce
2 Tbsp. HEINZ Red Wine Vinegar
2 Tbsp. butter
1-1/2 cups milk
1 cup plain nonfat Greek-style yogurt
1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
2 cups elbow macaroni, cooked
1/4 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese

Let’s Make It
1 – Brown meat with onions in large skillet; drain. Stir in pasta sauce and vinegar; simmer on low heat 15 min., stirring occasionally.
2 – Meanwhile, melt butter in large saucepan on low heat. Add milk; bring to boil on medium heat, stirring constantly. Simmer on low heat 3 to 5 min. or until thickened, stirring frequently. Remove from heat. Stir in yogurt and nutmeg. Add macaroni; mix lightly.
3 – Heat oven to 350ºF. Spread meat sauce onto bottom of 13×9-inch baking dish sprayed with cooking spray; top with macaroni mixture and cheese.
4 – Bake 45 to 50 min. or until macaroni mixture is heated through and top is lightly browned.

Kitchen Tips
Tip 1 – Serving Suggestion: Serve with a bagged green salad tossed with your favorite KRAFT Dressing, such as Italian or Ranch.

Tip 2 – Nutrition Bonus: You’d never guess that this low-calorie Greek lasagna can fit into your healthful eating plan. Eating right never tasted so good!

Same drill as always, CLICK HERE to pop over to My Food and Family to get all the details. And since I only have one Greek-ish character y’all need to send Nikolas Constantine, Drakon of Clan Kohlikikos, some love. Being both Greek and a dragon shifter, Nikos does like to eat. This dish is an easy favorite that he doesn’t get all that often. Nikos, being the dragon he is and having an emerald fetish, would love to collect FBI Agent Sade Marquis and add her to his hoard. Lucky for our reading pleasure, our intrepid Special Agent isn’t having any of that. Read how they first met in THAT OL’ BLACK MAGIC. Set in New Orleans, it’s a rollicking Urban Fantasy. If you haven’t read it, you know you want to…

What about y’all? If you had to pick, would it be lasagna or mac-n-cheese?

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Monday After DST

Posted on March 9, 2020 by Silver James

Falling back isn’t so bad but this whole falling forward BS? Totally sucks. It’s 5 o’clock in my head and my body says, “Just one more hour, Moooommmm.” The clock says it’s 6 o’clock and my brain is all, “The dogs need out, the cats are waiting on the porch, and coffee!” Brain, trust me! There ain’t enough coffee in the world to compensate for the biannual torture that is Daylight Savings Time. I’ve heard the rumor that there might be a bill in the US house to do away with the practice but no one can decide whether to just keep the clocks on DST or switch back to Standard Time and leave. I vote we love Nature alone. The sun knows when to come up and when to set. Trust me! That said, just make it stop! Pick one and leave it alone.

Moving on. There was a week. Stuff happened. My wow moment was looking out my offie window to see a hawk perched on the honeysuckle bush outside, watching me watch it. Saturday was a 5 a.m. start to make sure LG was up and moving to open the American Legion Post at 6 for pancake breakfast. Then we had pancakes, followed by siren test, followed by family lunch at our favorite Mexican restaurant. Jake gets to go and he does pretty well though he was a bit antsy at the post. They are doing some construction repairs and we decided he didn’t like the smells. Plus there were a couple of men with canes and he wanted to hide behind me when they walked by. This is not the first time. I think one or more of his previous owners beat with a stick, cane, or broom. We’re working on his reactions.

Still reading/listening to the Kate Daniels series. I’m down to IRON AND MAGIC, followed by MAGIC TRIUMPHS. That’s the end of the series. Not sure what I’ll pick up after that. I need to check to see what’s releasing in the near future that’s on my wish list. I did listen to (mostly) a book on my library hold list from a favorite author. She changed genres and while the language and narration was beautiful, the pace was so slow I just didn’t care after a bit. I’m in the minority so…

Writing is slow. I am having fun being a beta reader for someone else. Fun times, even though I’m slow there too. I can do about 20-30 pages at a time–NOT because of what I’m reading but because I’m reading. Stupid eyes. They go blurry and part of my beta reader duties is catching typos. Hard to see those if I can’t see. Don’t get old. Totally sucks!

My Cardinals are playing some decent baseball and my Cowgirls are hanging in the Top 15 in softball. Yay!

OH! Another WOW Moment of the Week. Who the heck knew Tom Bergeron can sing?!?! He’s the host of Dancing With the Stars and former host of America’s Funniest Videos. He was the Taco on The Masked Singer and his first appearance was a dead-on rendition of Frank Sinatra’s “My Way.” That was followed up by Elvis Presley’s “Bossa Nova Baby” and finally, the Four Tops “I Can’t Help Myself.” He nailed them all! Totally impressed and when he revealed his identity, the panel’s collective brain exploded. Fun times.

And…that’s pretty much it in my little corner of the world. What are y’all up to? Good times or no good? 😉 Me? I’m gonna have another DST-sized coffee then start my day.

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Friday Sinema: Say Please

Posted on March 6, 2020 by Silver James

I had a Siberian Husky. Micco, once the light bulb came on, was people. He did things like argue with Only, calling shotgun to sit in the front seat. He always won. Ane he always insisted I buckle him into the shoulcer harness seatbelt. He also talked to me. We carried on long conversation, each knowing exactly what we were saying. When I came across this video, I was reminded of Mic. This is Sherpa. He lives in Portsmouth, England. Total con dog. Have a great weekend. We have pancake breakfast, siren test, Mexican food, and Gentleman Jake gets to go. That makes him a happy dog. Like Sherpa. Have a great weekend!

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Thursday Thoughts: Universal Magic

Posted on March 5, 2020 by Silver James

Someone once described writing as an exercise in magic. When you think about it, it sort of is. A writer makes up people and the things that happen to them and then uses words to paint a picture that tells the story we’ve imagined in our heads. I mean, think about it. I heard a song, liked the title, and wrote my first Harlequin Desire: COWGIRLS DON’T CRY. Seems kinda magical to me.

And it’s not just in writing where magic happens. I look back on Only’s childhood–sitting outside for an hour to watch a cicada emerge from it’s beetle stage to the fairy-winged adult, chasing the northern lights and the Perseid meteors, or snuggling in bed and reading stories. Magic is having a daffodil bloom every year on my birthday. It’s looking out my window to see a hawk looking back. It’s watching a brilliant sunrise while the birds sing a welcome to the dawn. It’s a baby’s giggle, the hug of a granchild, the purr of a cat and a dog leaning in for more pets. It’s the little moments and the big ones. It’s…life.

Oh yes, Silver, yes indeed. Today you are going to be enveloped by the magic. It will be in the air you breathe, the sounds you hear, and the sights you see. Play off the moments in-between the moments, look to the unseen, and give thanks.

Feel it, enjoy it, but most important, use it!

It’s already begun,
The Universe
© http://www.tut.com ®

Silver, inhale it. Close your eyes, count to three, exhale…. Notice how the magic stays with you?

What’s the magic in your life? Let’s all try to keep our magic around so give this a try. *breathes in deeply*…*closes eyes* One. Two. Three. *exhales* Oh, yeah. It’s still there. I can feel it. Have a magical day filled with possibilities!

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Wednesday Words: Hidden Figures

Posted on March 4, 2020 by Silver James

Another Hump Day and more words. I thought you might like a peek at where my brain is at the moment. MOONSTRUCK: BETRAYAL combimes BRIDE’S MOON and ROGUE MOON, with added content that delves deeper into some the situations going on behind the scenes. In this instance, the story shifts to 12 years before ROGUE MOON, back before Hannah met Mac and the Wolves. She’s on her own, but y’all know Hannah. 😉
****
Twelve Years Ago
Hannah hated airplanes. Hated to fly in airplanes. Hated jumping out of perfectly good airplanes. All of which her job entailed. Commercial flights gave her headaches. Military planes turned her all but catatonic. She hadn’t yet decided about this sleek private jet that belonged to the Joint Chiefs. She could stand up in it but she wasn’t exactly tall. The seats surrounded her in leather luxury and the airman with the mischievous eyes flirted each time he brought her a drink or snack.

She looked up as he approached. Yeah. He was about to start in again. She really didn’t want to remind him that she was a superior officer and he was enlisted. She was so not an elitist but sometimes?

“Time to buckle up, ma’am. We’re on approach to Nellis.”

Nellis Air Force Base, located in North Las Vegas. Home of the Thunderbirds. And a two-hour drive from her final destination. Groom Lake. Evidently, her USAF pilots didn’t have the security clearance to land there. Stupid Area 51.

She cinched her seatbelt a bit tighter and huffed out a breath. She caught the airman staring at her chest. Seriously?
“You know,” he said, all but purring, “what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas?”

On no. He didn’t just go there. She leaned her head back, eyes closed. Without opening, she said, “You realize I’m an Army major, right?”

The airman didn’t say a word. She opened her eyes and stared at him. “And you do realize that I’m a special assistant to the Joint Chiefs and that I’m here on official business?”

As she watched, his Adam’s apple dipped hard as he swallowed. When he didn’t speak, she arched a brow and offered him her patented you’re-a-dumb-ass look. He wasn’t too dumb to get the message. She didn’t get a salute but his hand rose to his brow before he stopped it.

Fifteen minutes later, she confiscated the front passenger seat of the black SUV that had been waiting on the tarmac for her, and yes, she had to pull rank to do so. She hated being chauffeured and she was going to figure out the route to this super-secret base hidden out in the badlands. Area 51 was a fiction but it sounded good. The official name was classified but the the dry bed of Groom Lake and those semi in the know called it the Nellis Bombing Range Test Site. That’s not the only thing that was out there.

Hannah settled in for the trip. As they hit the city limits, she closed her eyes halfway, giving the impression she was dozing. She wasn’t. She was watching and plotting. She was on her way to see a man about a failed experiment, with every intention of finding out where the bodies had been buried and which closet the skeletons were hiding in.
****
What about you writers? Any hidden words to share? Readers, what books are hiding on your shelves that you keep meaning to read?

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Tuesday Treats: Snickerdoodle Bars

Posted on March 3, 2020 by Silver James

I ❤ snickerdoodle cookies. I especially ❤ the soft, chewy version. I also ❤ white chocolate. Imagine my delight when I tripped across this delicious recipe?!?

Total Time: 39 Min.
Prep Time: 15 Min.
Cook Time: 24 Min.
16 Servings

Enjoy a classic dessert in a whole new way with our Snickerdoodle Bars recipe. Topped with cinnamon and a drizzle of white chocolate, Snickerdoodle Bars are a taste sensation you need to try. Mark your next special occasion with a batch of delicious Snickerdoodle Bars.

What You Need
1 cup flour
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 tsp. CALUMET Baking Powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1 egg
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 tsp. vanilla
1 Tbsp. plus a dash of ground cinnamon, divided
2 Tbsp. granulated sugar
2 oz. BAKER’S White Chocolate, broken into small pieces

Let’s Make It
1 – Heat oven to 350°F.
2 – Line 8-inch square pan with foil, with ends of foil extending over sides. Spray with cooking spray.
3 – Combine flour, brown sugar, baking powder and salt. Whisk egg, butter and vanilla in medium bowl until blended. Add dry ingredients; mix well. Remove 1/2 cup batter; reserve for later use.
4 – Pour remaining batter into prepared pan. Combine 1 Tbsp. cinnamon and granulated sugar; sprinkle evenly over batter in pan. Top with small spoonfuls of reserved batter.
5 – Bake 22 to 24 min. or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
6 – Melt chocolate as directed on package. Stir in remaining cinnamon. Drizzle evenly over dessert. Cool completely. Use foil handles to remove dessert from pan before cutting into bars.

Kitchen Tips
Tip 1 – Storage Know-How: Store these tasty treats in an airtight container at room temperature up to 5 days before serving.

Tip 2 – Size Wise: After you have enjoyed a serving of these classic cookies, freeze remaining cookies for a treat to be enjoyed or shared at another time.

Y’all know the drill, CLICK HERE to get all the nutritional details over at My Food & Family. FYI, I’m not the only who loves the idea of white chocolate drizzled over a snickerdoodle. 😉 Jacey Connor, mate to Nate Connor and mom to Joy and Grace, is a big fan and she makes them whenever she and Joy decide to have a girl’s night. You can bet there was a pan of these waiting when Nate walked in the door after rescuing Joy in FIGHTING FOR ELENA. If you’d like to read more about Jacey and Nate, you can read HUNTER’S MOON but I’d suggest MOONTRUCK: LIES because you get two books in one, plus bonus material! Just click on the cover picture or any of the titles for the links.

What about y’all? What’s your favorite cookie? And are you a white chocolate fan?

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