4 Stars from RT for Silken Canvas

The first review is in for Silken Canvas and it's from Romantic Times magazine! The 4 star review says:

"Moore has given readers of erotica something to enjoy. With sizzling characters and an actual plot she has crafted a story that both entertains and thrills."

Silken Canvas will release in 3 weeks and is available now for pre-order. Just think, with the busy holiday shopping days ahead, you could pre-order Silken Canvas, and have a sexy romance waiting on your e-reader Christmas morning. Merry Christmas to you!

Pre-order from Samhain
Pre-order from Amazon
Pre-order from B&N

And speaking of Christmas, this year I am participating in the Smutketeers 12 Days of Xmas Bash 2012. Check their blog every day for tons of authors and giveaways. I'll be hanging out there on Dec 15th.

Natasha
Silken Canvas - coming Dec 25th
www.natashamoore.com

Swim Test for Graduation

Swim test for graduation - Life skill or Arbitrary Requirement?

Many colleges still have swim tests for graduation. I attended Cornell University, where such a requirement was in place and still is today. The test is something you take during freshman orientation. If you don't pass, you are automatically signed up for swimming lessons. (The school also requires 2 years of physical education, which does not count as an academic class for graduation.)

Many other colleges have this requirement including the Massachusets Institute of Technology, Notre Dame and Columbia University. These colleges believe that the ability to swim is a critical life skill. Other colleges have eliminated their swim requirements, stating that the test is arbitrary.

People who often have trouble with the test are students from large cities, where pools or swimming locations are not present and the student never learns to swim. Such a student sued MIT a few years back, but lost.

I also attended Columbia University as a graduate student. There was no swim requirement. That discrepancy makes the rule seem a little arbitrary. The undergraduates need to have this life skill, but the graduate students don't?

On the other hand, I included the above picture of my husband and dd jet skiing in Hawaii for a reason. Think of all the activities you won't feel comfortable enjoying if you can't swim. That's in addition to the fact that you are risking your life. You'll miss so many fun adventures if you're afraid to get in the water.

And there's this: Once I was jet skiing with my husband in Puerto Rico (on the same machine). He decided to race with his buddy. I begged him to slow down, but his middle name is "Thrill Seeker" and mine is "Coward". I was so angry I jumped off in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean and swam to shore. Who knows. If I couldn't swim, I might be divorced today! (j/k)

So, on balance, I vote for the swim requirement. Though it may be painful if you can't pass the test originally, you'll be better off in the long run if you know how to swim. And the schools who have the test all have lessons to teach you.

What do you think?

I Think I Traumatized My Son

So a funny from over the holidays. No spoilers I promise. I’m a fan of the Twilight movies. Unfortunately, this year, I didn’t get to go to the midnight showing of Breaking Dawn Part 2 like I usually would and all my friends were busy with the holidays, so I didn’t have anyone to go with me afterwards. Well, momma used her powers of persuasion and convinced her kids to go with her. My daughter was on board, but…well, let’s just say my son wasn’t completely thrilled about going. He didn’t have to go, mind you, but he loves the movies and didn’t want to be left out, so he went.

The kissing. This exchange reminded me very much of the “Is this a kissing book?” scene from The Princess Bride. My son took the kissing as well as little Fred Savage did. Every time Bella and Edward would lock lips, I’d look over and he’d have his hands covering his eyes. At one point I couldn’t hold my chuckle back anymore. He chastised my amusement with a, “I’m not used to this, momma!” I took pity on the poor kid and made sure not to make another noise about his embarrassment over two people kissing.  

Now for the part where I think I really traumatized him. I think everyone has heard there is a twist in the movie that wasn’t in the book. Yeah. Very bad mommy moment on my part…the fan girl came out and I forgot who I was with. There is a poignant moment that starts this twist. When it happened, I yelled…yes yelled in a theatre full of people, “WHAT!” Now in my defense, I talk to the TV when I watch it, so my kids know I can be verbal when I really get into a show. However, it didn’t go over that well this time. I FREAKED my son out. My reaction immediately set him on edge and it wasn’t long afterwards (after another WHAT! I couldn’t keep stifled) the tears started. All he knew was momma was having a very animated reaction to something going on and he didn’t like her reaction. He spent the rest of the movie with his head in his shirt.

BTW--the girl LOVED the movie and laughed at me every time I had a rather lively response to the movie. That’s how different my twins are.

Next time, though, I’ll just stick with the action movies for the boy. He loved The Avengers. But keep the romance ones for just me and the girl.

Abby

Stirling Castle, Scotland, Part 3: Inside the Palace

Between 1538-42 James V, the King of Scotland, had this building, the Palace, built for himself and his French queen, Mary of Guise. A couple weeks ago, I showed you the outside of the building and the original Stirling Heads which adorned the ceilings. Below are the important rooms inside the Palace

This is the recently recreated Royal Lodgings of James V and Mary of Guise as they would’ve looked in the 1540s. Experts researched for years to get every detail exact so we can see and appreciate how rich they would’ve looked when new.

Above is the King’s Outer Hall. A sign on site reads: “Only people of some social standing were allowed into this room to wait for a possible audience with the king. Staff then decided who might be given the privilege of petitioning or conferring with the monarch. The chosen few were invited to enter the King’s Inner Hall.”

I loved this suit of armor displayed in the room.

 This oak door is original 16^th-century and this was verified by dendrochronology. It is amazing it survived so many years given Stirling’s military occupation.

The King’s Inner Hall “Visitors had the opportunity to meet the monarch in this room. Access to the king was tightly controlled—it was a great honour. Look for the Royal Arms of Scotland above the fireplace. The king’s chambers are unfurnished as they would have been after James V’s death.”

The painted design at the top of the walls is called grisaille paintwork, designed to mimic relief-carved stonework. The fireplace with its carved eagle capitals is original.

Recreations of the Stirling Heads reside on the ceiling as they would have in the 1540s, richly detailed and colorful.

The King’s Bedchamber: “Only the most important visitors and personal friends met the king in the intimacy of his bedchamber. Can you see the unicorn, a royal symbol of purity and strength, over the fireplace? The monarch probably dressed, washed and prayed here, while sleeping in a small room nearby.”

 James V’s crown is alternated with his royal ciper I5 is shown on the ceiling of the King’s Bedchamber. You will also see the royal arms, and symbols of the great European chivalric orders.

The Queen's Bedchamber

King James V died in 1542 and may not have seen this Palace completed. This is why his rooms are bare as they were originally. Contrasting those empty spaces are the richly furnished Queen’s Lodgings. Mary of Guise lived here after her husband’s death and eventually assumed control of Scotland as regent.

The Queen’s Bedchamber is right next to the King’s Bedchamber. The ceiling shows an arabesque antique style, in gold leaf, centered on the heraldic arms of the de Guise family. Luxurious brocaded gold cloth hangs on the walls. Persian carpets are on the floor and table.

The Queen’s Bedchamber: “This room was reserved for the queen and her most important visitors. The great state bed was symbolic—she slept in a small room nearby. Look for three birds shot by a single arrow painted on the ceiling, the mark of Queen Mary of Guise’s family.”

Detail of the alerion, three eagles shot with a single arrow, a deGuise symbol

Another ancient oak door leads into this room.

 The Queen’s Inner Hall: “Honoured guests would be granted a chance to meet the queen in this room. The stools and benches were for her ladies in waiting. The newly painted ceiling includes portraits of James and Mary, though it may once have been covered with carved heads.” Experts believe this because there were more heads than would’ve been required for the King’s Inner Hall only. Plus a visitor from 1731 described “two of these ceilings set of with ye well carved busts.” The set of Hunt of the Unicorn tapestries displayed in this room are highly prized.

“The Unicorn in Captivity”

These new tapestries were commissioned by Historic Scotland and some were woven at the castle. Each takes two to four years to complete. They are based on the original set of 16^th century tapestries now in the Cloisters Museum of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Based on remaining inventories, it is believed that James and Mary had a number of tapestries. A set could have cost as much as a new warship. This set contains 7 tapestries that tell the story of hunting the unicorn in order to obtain its horn, believed to have magical powers of purification. This story could have several different interpretations, from religious to romantic.

Detail of “The Unicorn is Found”

The Queen’s Outer Hall: “This was the waiting room for people hoping for an audience with the queen. Those selected by her staff then moved to the Queen’s Inner Hall. This room was also used as an informal dining room.”

Interesting detail of the ceiling in the Queen's Outer Hall.

James V

Mary of Guise

I hope you enjoyed this visit to James V's and Mary's royal home.
Vonda
www.vondasinclair.com

Welcome to the World, Little Guy!

I'm thrilled to share the news that my grandson was born this past Friday afternoon. He was 7 pounds, 15 ounces and measured 20 inches, those important statistics for those of you who like to know those things.

I'm sure he'll be told at some point that he was a Black Friday baby. But all that meant to us was that my daughter got to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner with family before going to the hospital.

My daughter and her husband struggled with fertility problems for several years, so to finally have this perfect little boy is even more of a blessing. Little guy's parents didn't agree on a name until he was born, Daddy finally giving in to Mommy's favorite. So, I hope you'll let me indulge in a little grandma bragging and show off some photos of my new grandson, Colin.

Only a few hours old, in his mommy's arms.

Grandma holding him for the first time.

He loves his grandma already, can't you tell?

Getting ready to go home.

Loving his swing.

And yes, Daddy says Colin is a Steelers fan.

Thanks for indulging a new grandma. I promise no more pictures, at least for a little while.

Natasha
Silken Canvas - coming Dec 25th
www.natashamoore.com

What To Do With That Leftover Turkey (or Tofurkey)

Since everyone is probably sitting around moaning about how much they ate yesterday, I figured today would be the perfect time to share some creative recipes on how to cleverly disguise the turkey leftovers you’ll undoubtedly be eating for days and days. Here are a few of my super-simple- to-make favorites…

Turkey pesto.  In a round casserole dish, alternately layer thinly-sliced pieces of turkey breast slathered with pesto, and a layer of sliced white mushrooms. You can make as many layers as you want -- I usually do three or four layers for two people. Add about 1/4 or 1/3 cup of white wine (this is for moistness, since the alcohol evaporates away), cover the casserole dish, and heat in a 350-degree oven for 30-minutes. Add a side of mashed potatoes or a vegetable and you have a meal.

Turkey curry. Patak’s Tikka Masala is my favorite curry sauce, but there are several varieties in the grocery store. (Spicy-hot Vindaloo is my hubby’s favorite.)  Start out by sautéing garlic and shallots in a skillet in a little oil. Add chunks of dark meat turkey, sliced white or bella mushrooms, and thin slices of red and/or yellow peppers. Add the Patak sauce of your choice, heat for about 12 minutes for the flavors to blend, and serve over white rice. If you microwave a couple of poppodums, you’ll have a trip to India without ever leaving home!

Turkey parmesan. If you’re feeling like an Italian meal, try this one. On a diagonal, thinly slice big pieces of white meat turkey, layer with your favorite Italian red sauce, sprinkle on top with shaved parmesan, and heat on a plate under a broiler until the cheese melts. Served with broccoli and garlic bread, this one is delicioso!

Of course, there are many old comfort-food standards like hot open-faced turkey sandwiches with gravy, and my personal favorite – a stuffing sandwich with mayonnaise!  (When I was growing up, my grandma made the best stuffing in the whole world. I can still taste it if I close my eyes, LOL!)

I go all-out on Thanksgiving, making a big  family meal with turkey, stuffing, gravy, roasted carrots and parsnips, potatoes, cranberry sauce, and Brussels sprouts with bacon. The traditional Thanksgiving day feast is a lot of work, but the best part, in my opinion, is that you get to enjoy the leftovers for days afterward without having to do any more cooking!

How about you? Any favorite T-day recipes to share?

Leigh

Have a Wonderful Thanksgiving

 All of us at Fierce Romance would like to wish our readers a happy Thanksgiving! Hope you enjoy your day with your family and friends. Thank you for visiting our blog and reading our posts!

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