July 12, 2008

Free Workshop Today

Am I hot or not? Erotic Romance VS. Erotica. Q&A with Liquid Silver Acquiring Editor, Tina Burns.

All day today July 12th at Romance Divas beginning at 10am Eastern Standard Time.
Featuring:
Tina Burns

How do you know if you’ve crossed into the Erotica zone? Get a professional’s opinion. It will take place at the Romance Diva Forum. All are welcome. To get access to the forum you will need to register. The workshop will be in the “Steamy” section of the forum which requires permission from the admin. Details are HERE.

It’s happening now!!!!! Come and join us.

July 10, 2008

Thirteen Summer Pictures

Here’s Thirteen Summer Pictures

1. Demolition boy in Elko, Nevada

2. Train Boy in Elko, Nevada

3. Yellowstone

4. A Buffalo at Yellowstone

5. Yellowstone Geyser

6. Grandma’s backyard

7. Dirt Faced Okie kids in Winnemuca, Nevada

8. Old Faithful

9. Mt. Contact, Montana

10. Cabin in Montana

11. Back of the Family Cabin

12. The Boulder River

The Boulder River at Angel Falls

July 9, 2008

A Vacation Whiskey Wednesday

Here’s some pictures for Whiskey Wednesday!





Happy Hump Day!!!!!

July 7, 2008

A Late Just Sayin’


I’m almost home everyone. One more day at my mom’s and then it’s onto Fort Bragg and onto home. But I didn’t want to let a Monday go by without a few “Just Sayin”s.

To The Winnemuca Days Inn
You rock. In the middle of a desert with an awesome swimming pool, a gas station right next door and a laundromat a block away, your place rocks!!!! We had a blast.
Just Sayin’

To Yellowstone Park
When I experienced Old Faithful and the Paint Pots as a kid, you were magical–a wonder. This time, you amazed my kids and STILL hold magic for me. I still love you.
Just Sayin

To Nevada
Though I appreciate your speed limit (75 mph rocks when you’re trying to to ‘get there’) I could do without your heat. Whew!!!! 100 degrees is not my thing.
Just Sayin

To My Father
How the hell did you do it for 47 years? I only did eight days and my jaw hurts from clamping. If you’ve got any tips from the beyond, I’m listening.
Just Sayin

To The Dirt Faced Okiee Kids
You’re not going to get fat from eating snacks in a car, your laugh isn’t too loud (Train Boy) and you guys are FINE just the way you are. No matter what ANYONE says.
Just Sayin

To My Cousin
You kept our family legacy exactly the same. All the work you’ve done has preserved a little slice of heaven on earth for me. Thank you so much.
Just Sayin’

Cabin in Montana

July 5, 2008

Upcoming Free Workshop at Romance Divas

Am I hot or not? Erotic Romance VS. Erotica. Q&A with Liquid Silver Acquiring Editor, Tina Burns.

All day July 12th at Romance Divas
Featuring:
Tina Burns

How do you know if you’ve crossed into the Erotica zone? Get a professional’s opinion. It will take place at the Romance Diva Forum. All are welcome. To get access to the forum you will need to register. The workshop will be in the “Steamy” section of the forum which requires permission from the admin. Details are HERE.

July 4, 2008

Happy Fourth Of July!!!


Since I’m traveling this beautiful country of ours, I am especially grateful for the creation of the United States. I hope you all have a wonderful Fourth!!!!!

July 3, 2008

Thirteen Things I Love About Road Trips


In honor of my out of town excursion with my mom through Nevada, Idaho, Wyoming and Montana, here’s some of the things I love about going on these adventures.

Thirteen Things I Love About Road Trips

1. The Scenery
I love to see new places or places I haven’t seen in a long time. Even familiar places can yield surprises. Like when the Dirt Faced Okie kids and I went along the Mendocino Headlands and found a beach I’d never seen. It was very cool.

2. The Hotels
I’ll admit it. I love hotels. I love to walk into a clean room and be able to leave it without having to clean it up before I leave. What a wonderful gift.

3. The People
Waitresses, hotel clerks, fellow diners-somehow I always end up having conversations with these people. It’s fun to see where other people are coming from.

4. The Food
I like to eat out and try new places. When I was younger (and more scared) I stuck to Denny’s because I knew the menu and was too nervous to try new things. Now, I love to try the local greasy spoon and see what they have to offer.

5. Driving At Night
Especially in the desert. You can’t beat the feeling of the cooler night air and the gorgeous light. When I was young, Dad would drive us over the desert late at night and we’d stop for chocolate cream pie at 3am. That was a blast. Mom doesn’t want to do that this trip, but that’s a special memory for me.

6. Yellowstone Park
We’re going to see a bit of Yellowstone on this trip and I love it. The wildness, the dramatic landscape and the beautiful wildlife make it a must see for any traveler.

7. The Adventure
I love whipping out maps and planning a trip, even if I never take one. The Redneck and I have planned a trip to Alaska we’ve never taken. LOL. Someday.

8. Arriving
Whether it’s the hotel at the first stop or the final destination or the end when I come home, I love the “arrive”. There’s a feeling of relief, relaxation as I pull into the driveway/parking space.

9. Stepping Out Of Time
Being on the road means being away from my usual routine. I love it.

10. My Kids Faces
They love an adventure.

11. Making My Mom Happy
Not an easy task, but she’s been so excited to go on this trip.

12. Just Being A Tourist
It’s nice to be in a different environment and be the visitor for once.

13. Montana
My mother grew up there and my family has always loved Montana. I get to show my kids some of the places I loved when I was little.

Today is my Grandmother’s memorial. Though she died last October, today the family gathers to say ‘goodbye’. I probably won’t be around, but you’ll be in my thoughts.

July 2, 2008

Whiskey Wednesday Countdown To Conference


It’s July. How the hell did time fly by so fast? Only a month until I go to my very first Writer’s Conference. The Romance Writer’s Of America annual conference being held in San Francisco the end of this month.
And I have an editor AND an agent appointment.
No pressure.
In that time, I’m traveling to Montana to scatter my Grandmother’s ashes, probably working my temp job, getting the kids to day camp for Cub Scouts and trying to finish “Regaining Command”, Donny’s story.
No pressure.
I’ve been just doing the next indicated thing and no allowing my brain to overload on “Oh my God!!! It’s a MONTH AWAY!!!”. I’m trying to focus on what I need to do right now. So, as I traipse around Nevada, Idaho, Wyoming and Montana, I’m hoping I don’t explode while I’m driving.
And there’s no whiskey when Mom’s around. No way. Damn it.
Wish me luck.

July 1, 2008

A Night At The Redwood Acres Fair

My kids took their first BIG KIDS ride. I was sooooo worried. Don’t tell them, okay?


They both had a blast


AND the races!!!! WOOOOOOT!!!

June 30, 2008

Vacation Just Sayin’


I’m going to be on the road this week as I drive with my mother to Billings, Montana to attend the memorial service for my Grandmother. We’re scattering her ashes at a family cabin. So, I’ll be a bit scarce, though I’ll pop in when I can.

To Redwood Acres Raceway
So, for nine years, the Redneck and I have attended “Fair night at the races” which is usually a blast.
This year wasn’t too bad as far as racing goes, but that’s because the boys from the pits always give us a good show no matter what you may do. But to only publish the time the doors open and not tell your patrons there would BE NO LATE MODEL RACING creates the impression that you’re only after our hard earned money. THAT would be sad, since the people who come out to the races to brave the cold wind, the late night and the bad food work damn hard for ever cent they get. Give us what we want. We want what we’ve had for two generations. Hard racing, Late Models and maybe a crash in turn four. We’re not that hard to please. Why fuck it up?
Just Sayin’

To Kelsey At Verizon Wireless
I just have to say, you ROCK!!! There’s not to many salespeople who can make the TWO FRACKING HOURS it takes to get everything done with the wheelin’ and dealin’ for two new phones and all its accessories pleasant, but I think you managed. Also, you were funny. Thank God. You’d better write that book.
Just Sayin’

To Whipped Cream Reviews
You made my week. Not only did you review two of my books. but you listed me on the “Book of the Week” poll, which is just AWESOME!!! Thank you.
Just Sayin’

To Congress
I want to thank you for…….nothing. As you head off for vacation, I hope you think about all those working smucks that don’t get a vacation. You’re off for two months from your pathetic jobs. Do you know what would happen to my family if the Redneck takes a WEEK off of work? We’d go down the drain. Just once, I would like to see your salaries be dependent on how many days you show up to do your fucking job. This year, our “vacation” as a family involved me packing the boys to Fort Bragg where the Redneck is working and spending eight days TOGETHER instead of just the weekend. Wow. The Redneck is real rested from that. So as you sit in your ergonomic chair and sleep in your Sleep Number bed, remember the people you represent who have to work away from their homes to make money. Remember the people who NEVER get a vacation because they can’t afford to put their mortgage in jeopardy. Remember the people who face bankruptcy if they get sick. Maybe, just maybe, you could be a little grateful for the position you hold instead of using it to further your own pocket book.
Just Sayin’

To Barack Obama
What can I say? But THIS
Just Sayin’

I’ll be missing you guys!!!!