WORDLESS WEDNESDAY - A WEEK IN PICTURES

Hello and welcome to a week in pictures. Yeah, yeah, it's supposed to be wordless, but whatevs. I cannot NOT say anything. Thankfully, we did stuff this past weekend so the images aren't all kitten pics. You're so lucky. Enjoy!!

Now run over and check out what the other Blogger Girlz did this week. I bet they were way more exciting.

Jessica
Bronwyn
Kris
Kellie
Jessica D


See you all next week!! -- Gwen

THE HARDEST THING I'VE EVER WRITTEN

When I first saw this post idea I thought everything I write. LOL! Because at some point every single book is a struggle in its own way. Maybe the characters aren't doing what I want or I'm doing massive rewrites, but something happens to make me think, "Gah, it should be easier than this."

On further and deeper thought though, the books aren't the hardest thing I've ever written. Because ultimately the books bring me joy and I hope they do the same to the people who read them. Nope the hardest thing I ever wrote was a letter.

*okay so here's your trigger warning. I'm going to talk about an abuse situation. so if this is something you can't read then I'm so sorry.*

Here's a hot guy pic for you to look at then you can go to Jessica's blog post. Ohhhh look he's a Spartan warrior. Yippy!

If you stayed with me, I was sexually molested when I was a child. 
An older cousin is the perpetrator, which I think makes it harder. He was, what most people would term a child, but he molested me.

Anyway, after about a blue billion years of therapy I finally found an awesome therapist. She was so amazing and with her I could get my life back on track. One day she suggested I confront him. This was so terrifying for me, but I agreed. She suggested I write him a letter and that's what I did. I wrote him to let him know that I knew what he'd done, it wasn't my fault, and I was giving it back to him to carry since I'd been dragging this weight around all my life.

I still remember mailing the letter. I was terrified and almost went and got it, but my friend Jennifer wouldn't let me. So that letter went out. I didn't know if he'd get it or read it, but that one act made me feel better.

When I was a kid four of my dad's siblings lived side-by-side. This older cousin lived in one of the houses. So, about two weeks after sending the letter, I got out of my car after I got home from work and looked down the street and who did I see getting out of a car? Yep, it was him. He turned and we looked at each other and I'll never forget it, but he ran. He ran from me. Left his car door open and a kid strapped in the car seat, while he ran for his mom's house. I realized right then that he's nothing but a coward. 

I've seen him since and every time he dodges me. That's good. Because he's carrying the guilt now because I won't ever do it again.

Now you can check out what the other Blogger Girlz have to say. Oh and if you have a comment, question or whatever just drop it down in the section.

Jessica
Bronwyn
Kris
Jessica D
Kellie

See you all next week! -- Gwen

MAY SONG FLASH FICTION

The song this month is "Family" by Noah Gunderson. If you're interested here's the video.

Noah stood with his hands in his pockets staring at his older brother. How did things get so fucked up? Noah thought Dan had it all figured out. He’d gone to college, graduated top of his class and was working as an accountant for a big company. The last time they’d spoken, Dan had talked about how great his life was and how he was so glad, he’d gotten out. He wanted Noah to do the same, but sitting around in a business suit just wasn’t what he wanted to do. And now it didn’t matter.

Tilly staggered up to stand next to Noah. “Look at him. He was so desperate to get away and he didn’t end up any better than the rest of us.”

Shit, he could smell the liquor on her.

“What are you doing here?” He didn’t look at her. He knew if he did, he’d say stuff he couldn’t take back.

“He’s my son and I have a right—”

“Right,” he whispered, “you have a right? Great, so what, you decided to show up to his funeral drunk? You couldn’t even manage to stay sober long enough to come and pay your respects.”

“I’m grieving.”

“The only thing you’re grieving is your lost pay check.” He spun on her and forced her back. “I know Dan sent you money every month so you could take care of your children. Instead, what do you do? You drink it and drug it away. So don’t come here and start talking about rights and grieving. You don’t know what that means.”

“I’m your mother—”

“You’re nothing to me.”

A large hand landed on Noah’s shoulder and he took a deep shuddering breath. Callan Monroe, Dan’s best friend, leaned in. “Is everything okay?”

“Fine,” Noah said, stiffly, “she was just leaving.”

Tilly smiled at Callan. “Well hello, who are you?”

Noah looked away in embarrassment. Shit, the bitch was going to flirt with someone at her own son’s funeral. Adopted, he told himself, they all had to be adopted. There was no way this woman gave birth to them. He almost started laughing since it was something he’d told Dan all the time when he was a kid. Tilly had kidnapped them from their real parents and one day they’d find them and take them home. Dan had always laughed, but Noah hadn’t been joking. Not really. Deep down, he always hoped someone would come and rescue them.

“Stay here,” Callan murmured, as he escorted Tilly away.

Noah closed his eyes and leaned against the wall. He didn’t know what he would have done without Callan. When the police had come to notify Noah of his brother’s death, he’d fallen apart. He was barely twenty-two and struggled to take care of himself and his younger half-siblings. The only positive in the world had been Dan. Dan, the big brother who'd sent him money, so he could take care of himself and his younger brothers. Because he’d known their egg donor wouldn’t use it to take care of them.

Callan had shown up to offer his condolences and let Noah know he was Dan’s sole beneficiary. Thankfully, the man had ended up helping Noah make the million decisions a sudden death demanded. Tomorrow was the funeral, then they were going to Dan’s house to go through his things. After that, Noah would be alone. Callan would go back to his life. And the last link to Dan and normal life would disappear.

Callan stepped up to him. “She’s gone.”

“Sorry.”

The older man put his arm around Callan’s shoulder. “Don’t apologize for something that’s beyond your control.”

Noah nodded. “Right. Okay.”

Callan studied him. “Let’s get out of here. Before you say anything, Dan would be the first one to tell you to take care of yourself. Staying here isn’t doing that. Besides, he’d not here.”

Noah looked toward his brother’s casket and blinked away tears. He was right. That wasn’t Dan. No matter how long Noah stayed, it wouldn’t become Dan again. Fuck, he just never imagined it would turn out this way. Dan was the one who should have lived. He had so much promise and so many plans.

“Noah,” Callan spoke softly, “let’s go. We’ll go back to my place and you can crash.”

He nodded and let Callan steer him out of the room.

Now run over and check out the other stories.

Jessica
Bronwyn
Kris

THE LIE AMONG THE TRUTHS

This past Wednesday we did three truths and a lie. If you remember my stories were about growing up in the catholic schools, dancing on a bar in New Orleans, riding roller coasters, and hiking through a Mexican jungle.

The lie was *drum roll please* The evil roller coaster!! I hate roller coasters. They scare the stew out of me. I couldn't ride one once, much less multiple times. So, if you guessed that one, go you!!

I did go to catholic schools up through and including college. The reason, I got a full time job at the college and part of my benefits were 2 free classes a semester. I was so not turning that down. I got my undergrad in Liberal Studies for free and half off my Masters tuition.

I did dance on a bar in New Orleans. LOL! Like I said, our bartender was hot and had an awesome Cajun accent. Who am I to turn that down? Besides, free drinks!!

And yep, hiked through the Mexican jungle. So flipping hot. It was like 98 degrees and a billion percent humidity. The more I walked the more I thought, I have to get something out of this. So I wrote the opening scene to Quest for Fire using the experience. The book is no longer available, but it's in the pile to be rewritten. When it is, I'll let you know.

See you all on Monday for Flash Fiction based on a song!!

Gwen

THREE TRUTHS & A LIE

Huh, this actually sounds like the name of a really cool book or movie, but it's our post for today. Now, I'm not sure if I'm supposed to let you guess which one is the lie, but I think that's what I'm going to do. I'll tell you four things about myself and you'll have to decide which one is the lie. It's more fun that way. 

First, though, here's male hotness, which is never a lie.

Okay, so here we go.

1) I went to Catholic school from 3rd grade all the way through college. I started out in a public school, but when my Mom was told they were going to bus me to a school over forty minutes away from home she took me out and put me in the parish school. I also went to an all-girls' catholic high school and finally to a private, catholic college.

2) I once danced on a bar in New Orleans for free drinks. The bartender, with a hot Cajun accent, offered us free drinks if I got up on the bar and danced so I did. Hey, it was for free drinks, people.

3) I once hiked over a mile through Mayan ruins in billion degree heat. I used this experience as the opening chapter of my first published book.

4) I love roller coasters and once rode one like four or five times in a row. I kept getting off, then getting back in line again. I could have done it longer, but my sister said no more and we had to move on.

Now, it's up to you to decide which one is the lie. I'll tell you in next week's Random post. 

Now, run and check out what the other ladies have for you. 

Jessica
Bronwyn
Kris
Jessica D
Kellie


See you all next week! -- Gwen

FAVE THINGS: BEAUTY PRODUCTS/COSMETICS/ETC.

Welcome to another fabulous Random Wednesday post. Today, we're talking about all our fave beauty products and cosmetics. First, here's major male hotness

Okay, so I wish I could tell you I have tons of favorite things, since I'm such a product person, but I would be lying. I've never been one for makeup. I use foundation and blush . ..  that's it. Nothing more. Sometimes I toss on lip gloss, and, if I'm really crazy, lip stick, but nothing else. 

There are a few things that I always use though and, no matter what, wouldn't give up.

1. Bath & Body Works - I looooove them! My cabinet is loaded with shower gel and body lotion. I'm allergic to most perfumes, they're just too strong for me. Lotion, on the other hand, I can handle. I love the smell of B&B products. Right now, I'm using Honeysuckle and something called Pure Paradise. The back of the bottle reads like a hot romance novel for lotions: This alluring scent is a sparkling blend of juicy star fruit, dewy fragipani blossom and water lily drenched with sun-kissed coconut and white musk. Turned you on, didn't it?? I know! Me too. And, yeah, if anyone knows what a fragipani blossom is let me know. I think somebody made it up, but that's just me.

2. Essential Oil from Acorns & Alchemy - Bronwyn turned me on to this place and I've found that I can wear the fragrances I get there. Of course, they're all essential oils so that's probably why. I love the names and the fragrances. So much fun. My last order included a scent called "13" (primary notes: blackberry, raspberry, clove, basil, bergamot) and Dark Goddess (primary notes: cinnamon, clove). I can't tell you how much I love them both. They let you order small tester bottles so you can decide which one you like best. Love it!

3. Moisturizer - I always use moisturizer, every night. I also always wash my face. I know some people skip it because . . . whatever lame excuse. I never have. Even when I rolled home at 5am from a night that was best forgotten. I always washed my face and lotioned. I use Oil of Olay. My mom used it, so that's what I use. I have regular for the daytime and nightcream for  . . . .night. 

4. Sunscreen - I use this when I know I'm going to be outside for any length of time. I have really fair skin and burn very easily. So sunscreen is a must.

Huh, yeah, that's about it for my incredible beauty rituals. I wish I could tell you I go to the spa and all that stuff, but that's a big old N-O. If you have any fabulous products that you love, let me know. And now run and check out what the other ladies love.

Bronwyn
Jessica
Kris
Jenny
Kellie
Jessica D
Paige

See you all next week! -- Gwen

MAY FLASH FICTION - BASED ON A PICTURE

The evening breeze lifted Charlotte’s hair bringing with it just a hint of the coming autumn. The moon, shiny and plump, in the sky offered plenty of light to see the large, grey building. Windows, exactly twelve, ran in two rows letting passerby know there were two floors, but nothing more. Heavy drapes covered all the glass, not allowing anyone a peek into what may lay inside. A large wooden door, painted a soft blue-gray, was softly illuminated by an old-fashioned metal lamppost, and, looked to be, the only way in or out.

“I don’t think this is a good idea,” Charlotte said, coming to a stop in the middle of the sidewalk.

Jane, her accountant wardrobe ditched for the evening, turned to face Charlotte, hands on her hips. “What are you talking about? Do you know how hard it was for me to get tickets?”

“Besides,” Theresa chimed in, “how many times do you turn forty? We wanted to get you something amazing for your birthday and, you have to admit, this is amazing.”

Charlotte gazed at the building. “Is it safe?”

Jane nodded. “I checked it all out. The Club is very exclusive and rarely allows humans in. The only way I got tickets is it’s your fortieth. For some reason, vampires think that number is special. I had to apply nearly eight months ago, fill out quite a bit of paperwork. Come on, Charlotte, this is a once in a lifetime experience.”

“For all of us,” Theresa put in. “You’re the youngest so we won’t ever get another chance to see inside.”

Charlotte ran her hands up and down her arms. They were right. The Club was an once-in-a-lifetime deal, for them anyway. Vampires came and went, since they owned and operated the establishment, but humans weren’t allowed, unless they received special permission.

“You’re right,” she finally spoke. “It’s my fortieth and I deserve something special. Thank you two so much for this gift.”

Jean smiled. “It’s our pleasure. You deserve an amazing birthday.”

Theresa hooked her arm through Charlotte’s as the three women walked to the blue door. Charlotte dug the gold-embossed invitation from her purse and rapped on the door. After a long pause, a panel slid open and she pushed the invitation through.

Another pause and, she wondered, if they wouldn’t be admitted anyway. Finally, though, locks started opening and Charlotte’s eyes widened. There had to be ten locks, maybe more. The night grew silent again and the door opened revealing a man holding her invitation.

“Are you Charlotte Reynolds?”

Ireland was thick in his voice and she looked up to find the prettiest blue eyes watching her. Okay, the rest of him wasn’t bad either. Thick, black wavy hair streamed to his shoulders and the beauty of his face probably made people weep. Damn, if he were her man she’d keep him behind locks too.

“I’m sorry,” she managed to speak, “yes, I’m Charlotte. And these are my friends Jane and Theresa.”

He stepped aside. “Please enter The Club and be welcome.”

They stepped through the door to find themselves in a very small foyer. The man closed and locked the door behind them. When the last lock clicked into place the wall across from them slid open revealing a courtyard. A large fountain dominated the space with only a few people sitting in a small private area off to one side.

“Follow me,” the man said and motioned for them.

Charlotte fell in behind him and thought, yeah, she would follow him forever. He had a world-class ass encased in tight black pants. And, she reminded herself, he looked to be twenty-two so knock it off. He’s young enough to be your son.

He led them across the brick-paved courtyard and opened another door. Music, lights, and colors washed over them and Charlotte stood stunned trying to take it all in. People dressed in everything from evening gowns to ratty shorts danced, talked, and milled about. She’d never seen a more confusing scene.

A woman stepped up to them and smiled, revealing small fangs. “Hello and welcome.”

“This is Charlotte Reynolds,” the man spoke, “she’s here celebrating her fortieth birthday.”

“How exciting. My name is Andromeda and I’ll be your hostess this evening. Let me show you to your table so we can begin your party.”

Charlotte turned to the beautiful man; a tad disappointed he wasn’t staying with them. “Thank you so much.”

He took her hand and bowed low, kissing her palm. “Lovely Charlotte. I haven’t been twenty-two for a very long time and, believe me, you’ll see me later.” With a wink and a flash of fangs, he walked away, leaving her staring after him.

And there it is. My piece based on the above photo. If you have thoughts or ideas just leave them in the comment section. Now, run over and check out the pieces the other ladies wrote.

Jessica
Bronwyn
Kris
Jessica D
Kellie
Kayleigh

See you all on Wednesday!! -- Gwen