It's October...Have You Hugged Your Breasts Today?

I saw an unusual sight the other day, at least unusual for me (which some could argue makes it EXTREMELY unusual). My DH and I were watching a football game a couple of weeks ago between the New York Jets and the Baltimore Ravens, and I noticed that there was a certain feminine flair to the whole undertaking. It wasn't the jiggling cheerleaders, the sleek black uniforms of the Ravens, or the fact that the Jets were getting their collective ass handed to them and looked near tears. No, it was something else.

And that something else was pink.

On the uniforms. On the headgear. On the sideline personnel's hats. On the cameras. No matter where one looked, there was something pink. Hot pink. Light pink. Baby pink. All shades of the pink rainbow were represented and represented well.

Welcome to October, which is national Breast Cancer Awareness month. I won't go into great detail about this disease because you can read all about it on the Susan G. Komen website. However, I think that when a disease reaches such proportions that big, strappin' football players are wearing hot pink headgear without batting an eye, that's significant. I know sometimes it feels overexposed, as everywhere you look you can see something pink or something about fighting the disease. I, myself, have gotten a little annoyed more than once because the cause sort of hijacked my favorite color and made it the poster child for a disease that for a long time I wanted to leave in the past where I thought it belonged.

However, I can't. Cancer touched my life in such a way that it will always be a part of who I am. I can deny it no more than I can deny my impatience or my desire to always be right (bad things that I hope have made me a good person as I try to overcome them). So I've quit grumping about my favorite color reminding me of the "bad old days" and have learned to enjoy being surrounded by something I love put there by people who are trying to make a positive difference.

Like the Jets and the Ravens. These guys were serious about wearing this pink, and it certainly didn't affect their masculinity any, although I must say the Ravens' sleek black uniforms had a certain slimming effect that was uncanny and quite lovely. I fully expected one of them to turn toward the camera and say,
"Hi, Mom! You were right. My butt does look better in black. Check your boobs!"

Nah, these guys were pounding each other senseless and getting sweaty and grunting and just having a whale of a good time playing football. The message sent? Real men wear pink. Real men wear pink because it matters. Real men wear pink because it matters because women and men are dying from a disease that we can defeat.

You matter.

Please, check your breasts today.

Practice Makes Perfect

Well, I don't ever expect to be perfect, but each time I struggle to start a new story, I seem to forget that once I get into the habit again of writing daily, it gets easier and easier. The words flow faster with each day that passes. The story reveals itself as I write and I don't have to worry so much about it. I WANT to get to the keyboard and take my characters farther along their journey.

It's the same with exercise. The hardest part is showing up. Once I get in the habit of working out every day, it's easier to do again tomorrow. I WANT to do it again. I feel better when I do. And it's harder if I let a few days go by.

So tell my why I let days go by without exercising. Why I don't pull up my current wip for several days in a row? Maybe it's just human nature to procrastinate. Or maybe it's just me.

I'm happy to report I'm rolling right along with my writing right now. Unfortunately, it's taking me a little longer to get back on the exercise track.

How about you?

Natasha
FLAUNT IT - Available now
RISK IT - Coming Nov 15th
www.natashamoore.com

The Woes of Quitting

Smoking, that is.

Back in December of 2010, I wrote my New Year’s resolution blog. My two personal goals were to lose the 25 pounds I’ve gained from all the back crap last year, which I’m proud to say I’ve lost 20 of those 25. I’m back in the gym and moving around so much better. Yay me!

My other personal goal was to quit smoking. I kind of wrote this one down and then went on with my mad-smoking self. I love to smoke. I know. A cringe-worthy statement for anyone who doesn’t smoke, but it’s the truth and I see no reason to lie about it. BUT, you have to give up things you love to do sometimes, which is where I’m at now. So I’ve quit. Day freaking 2, which feels like two freaking years.

I’ve quit in the past. Cold-turkey, after being a smoker for seven years. Didn’t smoke for 5 years. Honestly, I didn’t see the big deal on why people found quitting so freaking hard. It’s wasn’t. Boy, not this time.

Quitting for the second time has been waaaay more difficult. I think it all boils down to that I wasn’t a writer when I quit the first time. I’ve conditioned myself write and smoke. Even now as I’m writing this blog, I feel like I am crawling out of my skin. I should have a cigarette burning beside me in an ashtray that I pick up and take a drawl off of as I think of my next words. I don’t have one, and I literally feel like I need to run a circle around the house. I feel like I can’t sit still. Edgy. Buzzing with a craving for a cigarette.

Good LORD, does it SUCK!

Why am I blogging about this today? Because I need to get it out. Talk about it. Because I DO want to quit. I need to quit. I just didn’t realize how hard it was going to be this time around, and how badly I had myself conditioned to write and smoke. How that craving would hit me full force the moment I sat down in front of my computer.

I’m sucking on peppermint sticks like mad. Getting a lot of straightening up done. Can see myself spending extra time at the gym. But how do I work without sitting down and immediately needing to get back up again because I feel so crawly?

Any ex-smokers out there who are writers who have any tips?

Should I go someplace new? Will this spike in craving lessen within the next couple of weeks as my nicotine levels drop? Am I always going to see my laptop as a trigger?:(

Blach! Why did I ever start back?

Esme

Highlanders get Reviewed

I was so excited to find these two wonderful reviews from Romancing the Book. The first is for My Fierce Highlander


WOW!!!! Vonda takes you on a trip to the Highlands of Scotland. Where we meet two wounded souls, one hurt in a physical battle and the other by mental and physical abuse. They find that they can heal each other, finding love and peace along the way.

My love for Highlanders came at an early age I think that maybe in an earlier life I lived there. I also think it may be my strong Irish ties. Whatever it is I fell in love instantly with Alasdair MacGrath wanting to be the one that finds him on the battlefield and heals his broken body. Fragile Lady Gwyneth Carswell, was used as a pawn by men, until she meets the devastatingly handsome MacGrath.

We find that Gwyneth is banished to the highlands for some reason by her father. Given to distant cousins she is forced into a loveless marriage. She finds herself caught up in the violence of two clans. One is her distant relatives; the other is that of the MacGraths. She is living with Mora, who has taught her the art of healing.

After a fierce battle she hears moaning. Investigating brings Alasdair into her life. She finds that all he wants is peace and that he just may be someone that she can trust. But trusting men comes hard for Gwyneth.

As they get to know one another the feelings that were underlying come to the surface. But they have a rough road ahead.

Stolen kisses and a rather heated afternoon delight leaves you wanting more. More is exactly what you get. Gwyneth wants Alasdair but doesn't feel that what they have is real. It is just words of a man to get her to do as he wants.

The past comes back and takes them on a journey in search of her kidnapped son and brings them closer together but still at an arm's reach. Leaving you to wonder what was going to happen next for the lovers.

Over the course of time we find that Alasdair and Gwyneth find that they have more than just a physical relationship (which by the way tends to be rather hot!). Romance so heartwarming and classy...

From the Scottish burr, the highlands of Scotland, Ms. Sinclair pulls us in and leaves us wanting more. At times I could hear the distant sounds of bagpipes and see the heather dusting the fields of the highlands. I wasn't able to put this down and read it from start to finish. I look forward to the next book in the series, My Wild Highlander. I would highly recommend this book and would read it again. Five stars, Reviewed by Robin 

***

Review for My Wild Highlander by Romancing the Book:


Once again Ms. Sinclair hit it out of the park with this story. From the classy way she told the love story of Lachlan MacGrath and Lady Angelique Drummagan. And the obstacles that are put in their way, to make this a real page turner that is hard to put down.

From the beginning as we find out about Lachlan, womanizer of the Highlands. He has had his run of the countryside and has now met his match in Angelique. He has saved one of the King's trusted men so the king in return bestows upon Lachlan the fiery Angelique. Along with marriage to Angelique come land and a title.

Angelique knows of Lachlan's womanizing and doesn't hold much in him being faithful to her. She has a hard time with trust and doesn't want to have a man in her life, let alone her bed. From the start the kisses that Lachlan bestows upon on Angelique leave her wanting more. And more is exactly where they head. The steaminess of passion comes off the pages and makes you want to keep reading to find out just what happens.

Throughout the whole story we find a very classy and crisp romance that takes us to not only the bedroom but outside where we find that sometimes to make things work you must do things together and work hand in hand. TRUST!

From the beginning Lachlan wants to prove to Angelique that he can be trusted. He sells his beloved dagger to get a special ring as a token to her. And as he wins over her people and surrounding clans he feels that this just may work.

But with many great stories there is always an adversary and this is no different. A distant relative feels he is entitled to the title and the land. Of which he wants to hold for his nephew. In the meantime he wins over some of the clansman that had sworn their allegiance to Lachlan. As the story unfolds a man from Angelique's past joins forces with a woman that wants Lachlan and with Angelique's distant relative.

Angelique is on her way to trusting Lachlan completely when the past hits them and they are once again on the run....

Ms. Sinclair's My Wild Highlander is a must read and one that I recommend and will read again. I look forward to the next Highland Adventure. Five stars. Reviewed by Robin 


Thanks again, Robin, for the awesome reviews!!
Vonda
www.vondasinclair.com

Time for More Inspiration

From time to time I like to share some inspirational quotes I've discovered on my journey toward this goal of published writer. Of course, once I reached that goal, I find I still need to return to these quotations as my journey continues. For we're never really done. One goal leads to another. And another.

"Visualize this thing you want. See it, feel it, believe in it. Make
your mental blueprint and begin."
-Robert Collier-


Self-discipline is when your conscience tells you to do something
and you don't talk back.
-W.K. Hope


When love and skill work together, expect a masterpiece.
-John Ruskin


If the going is real easy, beware, you may be headed down hill.
- unknown


You may be on the right track, but if you just sit there you'll get run over.
- Paul H. Dunn


Hope one of these may give you the inspiration you need to move forward toward your current goal this week.

Natasha
FLAUNT IT - Available now
RISK IT - Coming Nov 15th
www.natashamoore.com

The best time you can have with your clothes on...

I've said it before, and I'll say it again: Ellora's Cave's RomantiCon rocks. It's simply the best time you can have with your clothes on! And this year was amazing. Truly. I know, I know, I say that every year. I suppose that's because this Con just keeps getting better and better every year. Here's my quick recap:

I drove over to Akron, OH on Thursday. It's not a bad drive in from Chicago, but it is a booooring one. I arrived around 3 or so and waited for my roomies, Mari Freeman and Samantha Kane to arrive. I get to see them only a couple times a year, so there's always lots of hugs and laughter once we get together. The Meet and Greet was held Thursday night. What I love most about the Meet and Greet is getting the chance to reconnect with all the friends I've made in the previous years.

Paige Tyler, Me, Mari Freeman and Kaily Hart at Thursday Night's Meet & Greet

Again, the night was filled with lots of hugs and laughter and, oh... Did I mention Cavemen? Sigh. Yes, there were the Cavemen. I knew Rodney and Angelo, but all the other guys were brand new this year. And I have to apologize to the guys from years before, but this year's guys? They were great. The best. So personable and friendly... and so damn hot.

Johnny B, Ace, Nick, Angelo, Kory, Cole, Georgio and Manuel. Sigh.

Several workshops were held during the day on Friday. I attended a great one held by my editor and the publisher at Ellora's Cave, Raelene Gorlinsky. She talked about the Path to Purchase at EC. Great info for aspiring and current EC authors. Then came the Act it Out workshop. This one is always a ton of fun. Volunteers act out some rather... Well, let's admit it -- we've all written an awkwardly worded sex scene at one point or another. His mouth went where when her body was turned what way?? Kudos to the great "actors" who showed us just how impossible some of those scenes can be.

Me and Kaily Hart at the Stone Age party.

This year's RomantiCon theme was The Time Machine. At Friday night's party, we went way, way back to the Stone Age. I know for a fact that I've never seen that much animal print or fur in one place before. Everyone looked amazing, including, yes, the Cavemen. Loin cloths, anyone?? Again, sigh. After the guys entertained us with some hot performances, we danced the night away, closing down the party at a way-too-early midnight. It was probably for the best, since we all had to get up for more workshops the next morning.

Mari Freeman, Samantha Kane and me with the guys.

Me with Kory and Johnny B

There was a pole dancing class, Cougar Games and a few hypnotherapy sessions to help your writing/muse on Saturday. Then we all went forward in time to the Future Party and Awards on Saturday night. Sci-Fi and Steampunk and fire dances, oh my! The night flew by, we were all having so much fun.

Cole. Sigh.

Sunday brought the workshop Mari, Samantha and I put together. The Games for Grown-Up Girls workshop was exactly what it sounds like -- a few of your favorite childhood games sexified. We gave away some great gifts: books, fun party favors and even some naughty candies. We're going to have to come up with something pretty great for next year to top the fun we had this year.

Me, Rodney, Samantha Kane, Angelo and Mari Freeman after the bingo party.

The whole event wrapped up Sunday night with the pajama bingo party. Rodney and Angelo did a great job hosting the night. What's better than two sexy men who are funny, too? I was sad to see the weekend come to an end. All too soon Monday rolled around and it was time to head home. And here it is, Friday morning, and I'm still missing everyone. I suppose I should have it figured out by now -- it takes a long, long time to come down from EC's RomantiCon high. I, for one, can't wait until next year.

Kristin
www.kristindaniels.com
www.facebook.com/authorkristindaniels
http://twitter.com/Kristin_Daniels

P.S. I have more pictures and videos up on my Facebook page. Stop over and take a look!!

Puppy Party

Welcome to the newest addition to my family:

My oldest daughter always wanted a dog. For various good reasons, we never got one.

This past summer she spent every free moment pining after dogs online. I knew the moment was imminent. Three weeks ago, she and her roommates "got lost", ended up at the pet store, and came home with 2 guinea pigs. (Note: this was the first day she moved into her post-college apartment.) We hoped the rodents would stave off the craving.

It was not to be. Last week, she managed to find the same pet store, and bought a dog. He is certainly one of the cutest dogs ever. A cavachon. He has the sweetest personality. She brought him over to our house on Monday. All the neighbors swarmed.

I had to leave the party to make dinner. After dinner, I went upstairs to work. I could hear the party resume in our front yard. I finally decided I'd better go out to chase the kids in to do homework. What did I see? My neighbors and family, sitting on my driveway, because they couldn't bear to leave and we had put away our outdoor furniture.

"Well," I said, "do we know how to entertain or what?"

So I joined the party (abandoning homework for the greater good). One of my neighbors, a senior in high school, a big guy football player, asked if he could invite his friends over to see this dog. (That's how cute the puppy is.) So here I am, entertaining friends and strangers, on the driveway. No food. No booze. No one would leave.

Who knew that little bundle of cuteness was an instant party?

And let me close by saying, no one would ever sit on the driveway for the pleasure of my company!

Are your pets a good excuse for a party?