Walking, Eating, and Getting Sick

I was all pumped for this weekend. Thought I’d get some walking in. And I did on Saturday. Walked with Hubby after dinner and got nearly 5 miles in. It was great.

Then Sunday morning happened. Saturday’s dinner apparently did not agree with me, and I was up at least 20 times between 3:30 and 7:30 am. The sad thing is, I had eaten at Chipotle (which has been having problems of late), but I ate the same thing as Hubby and he did not get sick. Not at all! How did I get so lucky? It’s just not fair I tell you!

So my plans to walk with Hubby on Sunday were scratched. Probably just as well. Hubby got wet walking (and hit with hail, too) as storms popped up out of no where. Ha! Teach him not to get sick, huh?

I do plan on walking to the fitness center this morning (fingers crossed I’m feeling better and I have good weather). Which means I’ll have to walk back after my workout. But I’m determined to start getting more miles in (or at least 10,000 steps a day). I still want to add more cardio to my routine, but today might not be the day I want to start. Don’t want to push my luck.

And if getting sick wasn’t bad enough, I put a hole in my crown while eating a hamburger yesterday (guess there was a bone chip in it). I called the dentist and left a message. Hopefully he’ll be able to see me soon. I hate thinking what kind of food and junk will end up inside that hole. Ugh.

By the way, I got this crown 8-9 years ago when I cracked the molar eating…wait for it…a hamburger!

Sometimes I feel like I just can’t win.

Hey, did you notice? Today marks the 13th post of the month. That matches January, February, March, and April. And I haven’t even manipulated the system to do it. Yet. I think it would be cool to have 13 posts each month. Think I can do it? Well, I’m gonna certainly try now!

I’m all set to watch game one of the Stanley Cup Finals tonight. We’ll see how much of a wreck they make me tonight.

Have a great Monday. Is it a holiday for you? Hope the weather cooperates, then!

Stacy

Penguins and Stress Tests

Penguins are going to the finals! We’re playing for the cup!! Whoo hoo! What a game. So glad that’s over. Next: San Jose Sharks. I see more stress in my life next week!

Speaking of stress… I had my stress test yesterday (in more ways than one, if you also count the Penguins game). Doctor said there didn’t seem to be much of a change from last year. I, however, thought there might be. I lasted 9 minutes, 17 seconds on that treadmill last year. I’ve been exercising all year long, and I only lasted 9 minutes this time. Seriously? I feel like a total failure in the exercise circuit (I don’t run, but I do lift weights—thought that might count for something). Then again, it could be a symptom. But she said I was okay and to come back in 6 months. Who am I to argue with the doctor, right?

So… What are you plans this weekend? I think I’ll be smiling through most of mine. J

Have a great Friday!

Stacy

Wednesday Reads and More Heart Palpitations!

What a game last night! Penguins held on so they can play game 7 on Thursday, but there was this moment I thought we might lose again. Whew! Me so happy!!

Here’s what I read the past week:

May 23: “Dead Ice” by Laurell K. Hamilton, Book 24 in the Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter series, an urban fantasy at 560 pages. Blurb from book: Becoming the fiancée of master vampire Jean-Claude is wreaking havoc with Anita Blake’s reputation as a hardass—to some extent. Luckily, in professional circles, she’s still the go-to expert for zombie issues. And right now, the FBI is having one hell of a zombie issue. Someone is producing zombie port. Anita has seen her share of freaky undead fetishes, so this shouldn’t bother her. But the women being victimized aren’t just mindless, rotting corpses. Their souls are trapped behind their eyes, signaling voodoo of the blackest kind. It’s the sort of case that can leave a mark on a person. And Anita’s own soul may not survive unscathed…. I truly believe a reader can only enjoy this book if they read, and enjoyed, the twenty-three that preceded this. The majority of this book covers twenty-four hours, and man, a lot is packed into that time. Anita can’t go ANYWHERE without someone either needing her help or harassing her (I especially enjoyed Thomas Warrington). But hey, that’s what I like about this series. A lot of day-to-day (or hour-to-hour, in this case) stuff interspersed with the main problem. If for not all that other stuff in Anita’s life, this would have been a really short book, and that would have been sad.

So… I’ve got no question today. My mind is fried. Hockey can do that to a person, and you don’t even have to be playing! Not that I ever played. J

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Waking Up With the Answer!

You all know I’m revising Ghostly Interlude. I’ve BEEN revising for a long time now. What with my doctor visits and a possible surgery for me last summer and then Hubby’s cancer, it’s a wonder I’ve worked on it at all. But I’m determined to get this story done. I only had one problem…

What should book 3 in this series be about?

I mean… I have book 1 and book 2. I can’t have a series without at least a third. I just can’t.

I got lucky with an idea for book 2. Dean was a character in book 1. But I have no one in book 2 that I could use in book 3. It was a real stumper.

Sunday morning I woke up with the answer. And I could have slapped myself silly.

I don’t know about you, but I LOVE it when that happens. Sure, I’ll have to go in and add a character in book 2, but man, I’ll gladly do that to get this story finished. And then hopefully I’ll be in full-blown mode to start book 3 (of which I kind of already have something started—I just had no idea it would ever be useful!).

Now, let’s see if this will motivate me to finish quicker. I could use a little quick by now.

Looks like the Penguins want to win this the hard way. Two losses in a row! Argh!!! Why do I watch this stuff? Oh yeah, I like the game. Still… Ugh.

So… What gives you heart palpitations?

Have a great Monday!

Stacy

Bugs – They're What’s for Breakfast

Well, they're not for MY breakfast. No sir. But the birds around here really appreciate the fact we leave the porch light on all night.

As you can sort of see in the first picture, the June bugs are lying around in the early morning. I came back from the gym and found pieces of bugs (second picture).

And if I needed any proof the birds were responsible, I saw a bird snatch a bug up off the ground when I went out to get the paper.

I hate June bugs, and I hate that they converge around the porch light. But I don’t mind it quite so much if the birds are making sure those bugs don’t return. J

Well… I signed up for another reader/author event: Ohio Readers & Writers Expo (http://ohioexpos.com/) July 23 in Akron, OH. I’m sharing a table with another author (Donna MacMeans), plus I’m driving up there with her. It’s nice that I won’t be alone, which really takes some of the pressure off me. Why that is, I don’t know. Maybe it’s because I don’t feel so alone.

I’ve gotten all the buy links for A Vampire Wedding now. You can click on the cover on the sidebar (which will take you to my website) or go to the book’s page on this blog. I’m very close to getting the print version completed. Just waiting on the cover. Then I’ll cross my fingers I can get enough books delivered before June 9th (which is when Lori Foster’s Reader Author Get Together (RAGT) starts). Nothing like cutting it close, huh?

So… Do you help feed the birds in your neighborhood? How?

Have a great weekend!

 

Stacy

No Wednesday Reads and I Cooked!

I’m reading a long book, so of course I’m now behind in my reading goal. Having a release kind of took some of my time, too. So did sending out my newsletter. And then there’s revising Ghostly Interlude (yep, still working on that). Sometimes reading does have to take a back seat, regardless of how much I’m enjoying the story.

And yeah, I’m enjoying it very much. Makes walking on the treadmill much less of a chore.

Hopefully I’ll have that book to report next week!

Yesterday I managed to remember to cook dinner. Almost messed up again, though.

I was smart (or so I thought). I set my alarm for 10am. Problem was, I wasn’t HOME when my alarm went off! Figured, huh?

But luckily I wasn’t far and I managed to get the chicken into the crock pot only 20 minutes late and dinner was yummy! Even Hubby was able to eat it all. That made me extra happy.

Penguins play again tonight. Monday’s game was stressful, but they won it in overtime. Whew! Hopefully they continue playing well, especially now that they’re in Tampa.

So… What are you reading now? I know I ask this a lot, but I figure you’re not still reading the same book. And if you are, how come? J

Happy Reading!

 

Stacy

A Vampire Wedding is Available!

I approved the publication for A Vampire Wedding on Saturday. I would have done a pre-order if I could have done that with Barnes & Noble, but I couldn’t, so I just went with “publish now.” The purpose of a pre-order makes it so it looks like I sold a lot on release day, which I guess generates some kind of buzz somewhere. I can’t imagine I generate any kind of buzz. Yet. Someday I will, though. You just wait and see!

Once A Vampire Wedding shows up for sale in the important places (B&N, iBooks, Kobo—it’s already on Amazon HERE), I’ll send out a newsletter (and post the buy links on the page and along the sidebar).

Oh, and I plan on celebrating by giving away a bag of books to newsletter subscribers ONLY, so if you want a chance at that (and you live in the good old U.S. of A.), you better subscribe now (HERE), because I expect to be sending out the next newsletter SOON. Like, hopefully, tomorrow SOON.

Next up, getting the paperback ready in time for RAGT, which is less than 4 weeks away!!!! I hope I make it. I really want copies available for sale so it doesn’t look like I don't have something new. Because I do. I doooo!!!

Hubby and I made it to the Dragons game on Friday. Turned out to be a nice evening. And the Dragons won, which is pretty rare this year. They’re the only team that HASN’T won in the double-digits yet. Ugh. We were supposed to attend Saturday’s game, too, but the weather had gotten way too cold and windy (wind chill was 36 degrees). I’m okay with cold weather during football games; it’s kind of expected. But for baseball? No thanks. Plus, Hubby just wasn’t up to that. Heck, neither was I!

Tonight is game two of the NHL Eastern Division finals of the Stanley Cup playoffs between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Tampa Bay Lightning. I wasn’t able to watch all of game one on Friday (only the last period), and I guess it was just as well (the Penguins stunk!). I expect a better game tonight! Let’s go Pens!!

So… Have you ever made plans, wrote said plans DOWN (on paper, even), and then completely forget? I did that yesterday. Planned on fixing dinner in the crockpot. Put note on kitchen counter, with some of the ingredients, to remind me. Did I remember? Hell, no. That would require going INTO the kitchen. D’oh!

Have a great Monday! I’m eating pizza tonight. I’ll cook tomorrow. I hope. J

Stacy

There Was This Grand Plan – Part II

Last Friday I posted the first of the two character interviews I created for my newsletter. If you missed it, you can read it HERE. Today I’m posting the other one. This interview, originally shared in last August’s newsletter, features Jack from My Sunny Vampire and takes place before his book, so no spoilers! Now, while Perry has shown up in Bite Me, I’m Yours and Blind Temptation, he is not a character in My Sunny Vampire. However, he is mentioned as that vampire (not by name, though) who could dig into minds. So if you didn’t know that, now you do!
 

Getting to Know Your Committee Members by Perry Davenport.

Perry: Hello, fellow vamps, this is Perry Davenport here to interview Committee Member Jack VanAllen. He has been on the Committee since 1878, making him the second-longest member after our fearless Head, Barnet Groves.

Jack: Shouldn’t that be second-longest serving member? I think Abe is the longest by six inches.

Perry: What are you, the grammar police?

Jack: Just pointing out the obvious.

Perry: Yeah, sure. So tell us, Jack. It’s a known fact you prefer positive blood to negative blood, but what we don’t know is how you can tell the difference. What makes negative blood so distasteful to you?

Jack: I thought you were going to ask me real questions during this interview.

Perry: That is a real question. One I got from a listener, even.

Jack: Fine. I don’t know why, but negative blood makes my stomach upset.

Perry: So, it’s psychosomatic?

Jack: It’s not psychosomatic. And if you wish to continue with this interview, I suggest you ask a different question.

Perry: Okay. Don’t be so touchy. Here’s a fun question for you. Boxers, briefs, or commando?

Jack: What male vampire wears undergarments? You?

Perry: Oh, well, no. Not me. Point taken. Next question. What’s your dream vacation?

Jack: Why would I want to take a vacation? I like my job.

Perry: But wouldn’t you like to just get away for a week?

Jack: And do what?

Perry: Okay, so you’re a workaholic. What do you do during your free time?

Jack: Sometimes I swim. Sometimes I read. Sometimes I work on my car.

Perry: (snapping fingers) Yes, your car. You own a 1965 Mustang, right?

Jack: Actually, it’s a 1964-1/2. First generation. Bought it brand new.

Perry: I bet that thing is worth a pretty penny.

Jack: I wouldn’t know. I don’t plan on selling it.

Perry: No, of course not. What other cars have you owned?

Jack: None. I like that one.

Perry: Not even before the Mustang? Maybe a Model T?

Jack: I walked faster than the Model T.

Perry: Well, yeah, didn’t we all? Okay, here’s a more serious question. The Committee hasn’t set a precedence, but what do you think of a vamp controlling a mortal for personal gain?

Jack: I know some vampires resort to that tactic, but I’d like to think they do it out of need and not fun. Still, while we are forced to control a mortal for feeding, we do not have to resort to that for fun. That is what our allure is for.

Perry: But isn’t that the same as controlling?

Jack: Not at all. It is just an attraction. The mortal can still say no. We vampires can be more persuasive in other ways, just as mortals are to one another. Do you control a mortal when you’re not feeding from them?

Perry: No. I mean, what’s the fun in that? I like a little interaction.

Jack: Exactly.

Perry: Will the Committee ever set a rule to prevent it?

Jack: As long as it’s not an issue, I doubt it. Mainly because there are times when the vampire is in need. And if we start making rules for every little thing, we might end up with another vampire war on our hands. And a war in this technological world would surely out us all. All the more reason to keep the calm.

Perry: Keep Calm and Avoid Publicity!

Jack: What?

Perry: Never mind. Thanks for joining us today, Jack. It was a real pleasure.

****

Tonight Hubby and I might actually be able to attend our first Dragons game of the season (since the other first game was rained out). No rain is in sight tonight. At least, not until after midnight. Our second game is tomorrow and while there isn’t rain forecasted, it’s supposed to be colder. As my husband asked, “Don’t the weather Gods know it’s May?” Apparently not. I foresee going from chilly weather straight into 90 degree temps. There will be no beautiful days in between. I just know it!

So… It’s Friday the thirteenth today (my daughter’s favorite day). Are you superstitious? Sometimes I think superstition is just another form of OCD. What do you think?

Have a great weekend (and don’t walk under that ladder!).

Stacy

Wednesday Reads and the Penguins MOVE ON!

Got so excited last night watching the Penguins win—in OVERTIME!!!—that I completely forgot to post this. And now it’s raining, so no walking outside (boo!), so I’m in no hurry to get to the fitness center and use the treadmill. I’m so tired of rain.

But the Penguins WON! They’re in the Eastern Finals. Whoo hoo!

Here’s what I read the past week:

May 9: “Ashes of Midnight” by Lara Adrian, Book 6 in the Midnight Breed series, a paranormal romance at 353 pages. Blurb from book: As night falls, Claire Roth flees, driven from her home by a fiery threat that seems to come from hell itself. Then, from out of the flames and ash, a vampire warrior emerges. He is Andreas Reichen, her onetime lover, now a stranger consumed by vengeance. Caught in the cross fire, Claire cannot escape his savage fury—or the hunger that plunges her into his world of eternal darkness and unending pleasure. Nothing will stop Andreas from destroying the vampire responsible for slaughtering his Breed brethren…even if he must use his former lover as a pawn in his deadly mission. Blood-bonded to his treacherous adversary, Claire can lead Andreas to the enemy he seeks, but it is a journey fraught with danger—and deep, unbidden desires. For Claire is the one woman Andreas should not crave, and the only one he’s ever loved. A dangerous seduction begins—one that blurs the line between predator and prey, and stokes the flames of a white-hot passion that may consume all in its path…. Another goodie. Very suspenseful. If you love paranormal romance and haven’t read this series yet, what are you waiting for?

So… Our Dragons game was cancelled due to rain (kind of glad we decided to stay home). My outside walking is cancelled due to rain. What has rain cancelled for you? Are you sick of rain, or wishing it would come your way?

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Movies and Footy and Baseball and Hockey

It’s been since Christmas that I’ve been at the movie theatre. That’s a long time for me nowadays. I used to go a lot more often, but prices do nothing but creep up and I really don’t like the hassle getting tickets at our local theatre, since they assign seats.

Although I guess I have to admit it’s nice knowing our seats are available regardless of what time we arrive—but that’s the ONLY good thing about it.

Sure, I could buy the tickets on line, but then I have to pay a fee. I’m NOT paying a fee for the local movie theatre. Nope. No way.

Anyway… for Mother’s Day I wanted to see “Captain America: Civil War.” I drove to the theatre last week and bought tickets (they don’t charge a fee that way). Was it worth all the fuss? You betcha. I really enjoyed the movie (I especially loved Stan Lee’s part!!) and if you like the franchise (is that the right word?), you’ll enjoy this one, too.

This weekend I also finally watched “The Martian” (we have that on DVD). What an awesome flick. I probably would have loved to have watched that on the big screen, though. I bet it was impressive. Still, it wasn’t too shabby on our 40” HD TV.

On Saturday, Hubby and I went to Columbus to see my daughter play footy. Okay, we stayed to watch the guys play, too. Even though we got rained on at times, it was such a pleasant experience to watch this year. That’s because the Jillaroos have gotten BETTER! They beat Toronto easily (as did the guys) and my daughter actually scored a point (she usually plays defense). This was also the first time they had to contribute some of their players to the other team to even it up (it’s usually the other way around).

Overall it was a very nice weekend even with the rain and chilly weather on Sunday. Tonight Hubby and I are going to our first Dragons game for the season. It might rain on us there, too, and the team isn’t playing so well this year, but I plan on having fun anyway because I’ll be with my Hubby and I’ll be watching baseball. I do enjoy watching baseball. Heck, I used to love to play.

Okay, I played softball, but it’s close.

Tomorrow the Penguins play game 6 against the Capitals. Don’t know what happened to the Pens on Saturday, but they totally sucked. Maybe they just wanted to win the series at home. Who knows? I just hope they do. I don’t want a game 7. Too much stress. I don’t need that.

So… Do you prefer your movies at the theatre or at home on your television? If you go to the theatre, do you buy popcorn and candy and drinks? I haven’t done that in decades. Not that I don’t like popcorn—I love it, actually—it’s just too expensive and I don’t need to eat during the movie. I don’t even eat popcorn during the movie at home. I try to limit my snacks. It’s not like I need the calories!

Have a great Monday.

Stacy

There Was This Grand Plan – Part I

In an effort to get newsletter subscribers to actually OPEN my newsletters, I wrote a couple of character interviews (based on my Bitten by Love series). They turned out pretty good, too. But alas, not many people actually read them and my plan to have five interviews for the newsletter was cut to only two.

I want to share these interviews now (and yes, this post is kind of long—for me). A Vampire Wedding is due out this month (that pesky copy editor, who happens to be my daughter, is finally working on my piece—yay!), and the “interviewer,” Perry, returns in that novella, so what better time to share these with everyone else?

For those who haven’t read this series, Perry first showed up in Bite Me, I’m Yours and then later in Blind Temptation. He’s one of my favorite characters (probably why he keeps popping up in my books) and I had a lot of fun writing the scenes between him and Victoria in Blind Temptation (and no, he’s not the hero in that book). And that’s when I came up with the idea of him interviewing the Committee Members for their vampire website. The second interview is with Jack (My Sunny Vampire) and I’ll post that next Friday.

If you subscribe to my newsletter and have already read this, sorry for the repeat. Unless you really, really liked it, then you can enjoy it again!

 

Getting to Know Your Committee Members by Perry Davenport.

First up: Victoria Braeden

Victoria: This interview is stupid. Why does everyone need to know more about me? Are you recording this? Don’t record this! Damn it, Perry.

Perry: [snickers] Lighten up, Vicky.

Victoria: How many times do I have to tell you not to call me that?

Perry: Maybe when you start liking it.

Victoria: [mumbles]

Perry: What was that? I didn’t hear you.

Victoria: [rattles off some German words]*

Perry: Just so you readers know, Victoria doesn’t like to be called Vicky, so if you’d like to see her all riled up, that’d be a way to do it.

Victoria: That better be stricken before this is published. And I get final look at the material.**

Perry: Whatever you say, Victoria. Why don’t we get started? My name is Perry Davenport, as if you didn’t already guess, and I’ve been summoned to interview each Committee Member so all you vampires out there might understand them a little better.

Victoria: Summoned? Really? This was your idea!

Perry: And a good one at that, too. Don’t you think? Our first guest, as if you couldn’t tell, is the not-so-lovely Victoria Braeden.

Victoria: What? That wasn’t very nice. You plan on insulting all your guests?

Perry: Only the difficult ones.

[sound of Perry’s arm getting punched]

Perry: Feel better?

Victoria: For someone who wants my cooperation, you sure are going about it all wrong.

Perry: You’re right, and I apologize. So let’s get on with this, shall we? As many of you know, she became a member in 1932. But let’s find out stuff you don’t know. Victoria, do you have a favorite blood type?

Victoria: All the blood types taste the same to me.

Perry: Even diabetics? I love that nice sweet taste as it rolls over my tongue. Real rush!

Victoria: Good for you.

Perry: How about sex? Prefer one over the other?

Victoria: I’m not going to talk about my sex life, you pervert.

Perry: I meant the sex of your donor.

Victoria: Oh. I prefer women over men.

Perry:  Oooh… Tell us more.

Victoria: Oh, don’t be disgusting. I don’t feed for sex, unlike you. It’s just I’m used to women and my late husband didn’t necessarily like me feeding from men.

Perry: Controlling, was he?

Victoria: No. We both agreed not to feed from the opposite sex. That’s called compromise. Something you’ll never understand.

Perry: Whatever. What type of music do you enjoy?

Victoria: I absolutely love Beethoven. I got to see him perform in person. And then met him afterward. Such a gentleman. It was so exciting.

Perry: Anything more…modern?

Victoria: Henrik took me to see Benny Goodman once. He was very entertaining.

Perry: How about something in the 21st century? Like 50 cent. Coldplay. Maroon 5. Neon Trees.

Victoria: Now you’re just making names up.

Perry: I’ll take that as a no, then. What’s your favorite vacation spot?

Victoria: Germany.

Perry: Can you be a little more specific?

Victoria: Anywhere in Germany.

Perry: You know, you’re allowed to elaborate. Maybe you’d be better at a quick round. Which do you prefer? House on the beach or cabin in the woods?

Victoria: As long as it’s in Germany, I don’t care.

Perry: That’s not what I… [groans]. Between those two, and it doesn’t matter where in the world, which would you prefer?

Victoria: Are they light tight?

Perry: Yes!

Victoria: Don’t get huffy with me. You’re the one asking the stupid questions.

Perry: They’re not stupid. They’re supposed to make you think. How about, granny panties, silky thong, or commando?

Victoria: What does that have to do with a house on the beach or a cabin in the woods?

Perry: They don’t. What do you like? Which are you wearing?

Victoria: You’re sick, you know that?

Perry: I don’t see a panty line so I’m thinking commando. Or maybe a thong.

Victoria: That does it. This interview is over.

[sound of chair sliding across the floor followed by the slam of a door]***

Perry: Well, that was fun, wasn’t it? Come back next month when I interview Jack VanAllen. Someone who will probably be more cooperative than Victoria

Notes from Perry:

* If I knew German, I’d put down what she said. But I don’t so I won’t even try. However, I’m pretty sure she was cussing. She likes to cuss in German.

** Victoria got final look at the material. It just wasn’t the material I published.

*** Victoria has a glare that could melt ice. I’m just saying…

 

Will Perry ever have his own book? If I continue with the series, he most likely will. He’s a fun character to write, that’s for sure.

So… Got plans for the weekend? I’m going to see “Captain America: Civil War” on Sunday. Already have my tickets. Can’t wait!

Have a great weekend and Happy Mother’s Day!

Stacy

Wednesday Reads, Playoffs, and Goals

This was supposed to be the week I got ahead in my reading; I tend to read a lot when I’m on a cruise (and while traveling to the port and back). At least I’m not behind. Yet. Thankfully I can read while walking on the treadmill, or else who knows HOW far behind I’d be.

Here’s what I read the past week:

Apr 28: “Veil of Midnight” by Lara Adrian, Book 5 in the Midnight Breed series, a paranormal romance at 355 pages. Blurb from book: A warrior trained in bullets and blades, Renata cannot be bested by any man—vampire or mortal. But her most powerful weapon is her extraordinary psychic ability—a gift both rare and deadly. Now a stranger threatens her hard-won independence—a golden-haired vampire who lures her into a realm of darkness…and pleasure beyond imagining.. A combat-loving adrenaline junkie, Nikolai dispenses his own justice to enemies of the Breed—and his latest quarry is a ruthless assassin. One woman stands in his way: the seductive, cool-as-ice bodyguard, Renata. But Renata’s powers are put to the test when a loved one, a child, is threatened and she’s forced to turn to Niko for help. As the two join forces, as desire fans the flames of a deeper hunger, Renata’s life is under siege by a man who offers the equisitie pleasure of a blood bond—and a passion that could save or doom them both forever…. Still enjoying the heck out of this series. Good thing, too. I’ve got all the books!

May 3: “The Saints of the Lost and Found” by T.M. Causey, a paranormal mystery/suspense at 297 pages. Blurb from book: Avery Broussard has the curse of seeing lost things (and make no mistake about it, it is a curse). Missing belongings and beloved pets, lost love and loved ones—she sees it all. Long ago, that curse destroyed her own chance at true love, causing her to flee her Louisiana home, vowing never to return. She’s kept that promise too, until a phone call from her estranged father forces her hand. Her big brother is dying, and she may be his last remaining hope. Avery wants nothing more than to help her brother, but doing so pulls her into a labyrinth of lies and deceit rooted in her own lost love and her family’s twisted history. It doesn’t help that a little girl has gone missing, and the abduction is tied to a killer Avery failed to help the FBI catch. With no time to spare, Avery realizes her curse might well be the only thing she can trust. Is it too much to hope that she might save her brother and find the missing girl before she becomes the killer’s next victim? Wow. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started reading this (I just knew it was darker than her other comedic works), but once I cracked open that book (and yes, I read an actual paper book), I had a hard time putting it down. It grabbed me right away and took me on a ride full of twists and turns. Excellent suspense and highly recommended for those who like to read them.

Penguins and Capitals play game 4 of round 2 tonight. Both sides are missing several players, so should be an interesting game. Sure hope Penguins come out on top. I want them to win this in FIVE!!

So… How are you doing in your goals this year, whether it’s reading, writing, or something else? Ahead, behind, or right on schedule? I’m on schedule for reading, behind on writing, and I didn’t bother with anything else! J

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Would Have Been Cruising

Nassau, Bahamas
(currently the wallpaper on Big Red, guess I'm into
that whole torture thing!)

Last year (in April) we booked a cruise to the Dominican Republic for this week. In March we had to cancel it. Hubby actually debated whether or not he should. Doctor told him it wasn’t advisable to go, especially since we didn’t know which route of treatment he would choose. It wasn’t until he called Carnival and found out it was the last day we could cancel and get most of our money back that he took it as a sign and cancelled.

Now that Hubby is in the clear, he could have gone on that cruise. And if not for that refund, he would have (since it was paid for). But I’m kind of glad we were able to cancel it because there’s no way he would have enjoyed himself. And I would have only had fun if he did, too.

Still, I’m missing not going right now. Weather is pretty dreary here and I want some warm and sunny and beaches. It’s hard to let go when you’ve been looking forward to something for so long, you know? Oh well, it’s not like we don’t have another cruise in the fall. It’s not as long and it’s going places we’ve been before (like Nassau), but it’s a cruise, which is the important part. I just wish I didn’t have to wait six more months!

I’m soooooo addicted to cruising. The withdrawals are brutal. Can’t you tell?

One good thing about having to cancel this week’s cruise: Hubby and I can take our time driving out to Denver for RomCon (romantic book convention) and do a little sight-seeing on the way. He’ll have the vacation time to do it now.

Gotta look at the positives!

Penguins beat the Capitals on Saturday (yay!), tying up the series, and they play again tonight. So far Round 2 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs is a nail biter and we’re only two games into it. Sure would be nice if the Penguins just took the next three games. Nice on my heart! J

So… What boring things are you doing this week? I want boring, because I don’t want to feel alone in being bored. Okay, maybe I’m not totally bored (I do have revisions to work on and there’s hockey), but it’s certainly not as exciting as being on a cruise (and I would have done the revisions on the ship with all that fresh, warm air…*sigh*).

Stacy