The Friday 56, Part the Thirteenth

Rules:
* Grab the book nearest you. Right now.
* Turn to page 56.
* Find the fifth sentence.
* Post that sentence (plus one or two others if you like) along with these instructions on your blog or (if you do not have your own blog) in the comments section of this blog.
*Post a link along with your post back to this blog.
* Don't dig for your favorite book, the coolest, the most intellectual. Use the CLOSEST.

I found this via Shiloh Walker's blog. She found it at The Bookaholic Zone, who found it at Storytime With Tonya & Friends, which - as far as I can tell - is the originator.

Today's line is from Night Myst (Indigo Court, #1) by Yasmine Galenorn. (I recently reviewed this book on TuraLura's Picks.)

"Krystal was strung out. A crack addict."

That would be the main character, Cicely, taking about her mother.

Bark For Life (Cross-posted)

The American Cancer Society does this cool event every year called Bark for Life.

The American Cancer Society Bark For LifeTM is a noncompetitive walk event for dogs and their owners to raise funds and awareness for the American Cancer Society's fight against cancer. (From the page linked above.)

Cool, huh?

So, I signed up. Like half an hour ago. The Asheville, NC event is on Saturday, 7 August. Luckily it's not until late afternoon, so maybe it won't be too hot. But it will be August, so it will be hot. Or raining. Or both. Probably both.

I'll be walking Ginger, my yellow lab whose mom was a beagle. She's the most laid back of the three dogs and, therefore, the best fit for this.

I think it will be fun. Plus, Ginger will get to socialize: sniff other dogs and lick their owners.

I'll get some exercise, too. Bonus! ^_^

Edit: Totally forgot something! I also have a personal page on their servers that y'all can visit. Please donate and help me raise money for the American Cancer Society. Thanks.

Hey Bird Dog

I haven't slept well lately. Nothing unusual about that; I rarely sleep through an entire night.

However, this is the second night in a row that I haven't slept at all. (Though I did sleep for 4-5 hours during the day on Friday.)

This past night, I simply stayed up too late reading. (Darn you, M.J. Rose and Yasmine Galenorn! ^_^)

The night before last, though, my lack of sleep was all Ginger's fault. Ginger is my youngest fur child and the only female of the three.

She's also a bird dog. She proved that Thursday night.

We used to jokingly call her a bird dog because she seemed able to fly. A 6-foot fence could not keep her in the yard, despite her only being about a foot and a half tall at the shoulder. Dog can jump!

She didn't jump the fence Thursday night. I wish that was all she'd done.

Honestly, I told a fib earlier. My lack of sleep wasn't all Ginger's fault. Just mostly.

Unable to sleep - and with a growling stomach - I got back up not long after going to bed. (I think it was about 3 am.) Ginger pleaded with those lab eyes of hers to go out. Since I was up anyway, I opened the sliding glass door for her.

There was such a nice breeze, I left the door open but closed the curtain so we wouldn't get bugs. Ginger loves when we do this; she likes being able to come and go as she pleases. The curtain doesn't bother her, she simply goes under/through it.

A few minutes later, while I was fooling around on my computer, I heard something flapping against the curtain. It sounded like something fairly small, so I figured it was just a bug and would go away eventually.

Ginger, who was back inside by now, went to investigate the noise.

"Get it, little one. Get that moth."

She did. She chased something small and dark from under the curtain through the house. I could hear her wrestling with something near the front door. Dang that moth's putting up a fight.

It was no moth.

It was a bird. A small bird. And boy was it dead.

I choked.

I knew I had to get it out of the house so neither Ginger nor her brothers would eat it - who knows what kind of parasites the thing may have had!

I was crying by the time I picked it up in a couple of paper towels. I barely managed to open the front door and toss the poor thing into the yard before I broke down.

Yeah, after that, I knew I wouldn't be able to sleep. I also couldn't focus well enough to write or I would have written this up right then.

The Friday 56, Part the Twelfth

Rules:
* Grab the book nearest you. Right now.
* Turn to page 56.
* Find the fifth sentence.
* Post that sentence (plus one or two others if you like) along with these instructions on your blog or (if you do not have your own blog) in the comments section of this blog.
*Post a link along with your post back to this blog.
* Don't dig for your favorite book, the coolest, the most intellectual. Use the CLOSEST.

I found this via Shiloh Walker's blog. She found it at The Bookaholic Zone, who found it at Storytime With Tonya & Friends, which - as far as I can tell - is the originator.

Today's quote is from Into the Dreaming by Karen Marie Moning. It's a great little book that makes me want to find the rest of this series. ^_^

"I will eat what I deem fit."

A Couple of Contests

I'm not ranting this Thursday. (Only because I'm too annoyed to control my language on the rant brewing in my head.) So, I'm posting about contests around the blogospehere instead. ^_^

Okay, I lied. I'm only blogging about two contests. I'm too lazy to go off in search of more...

Lisa Desrochers is hosting a monthly debut author contest on her blog to celebrate the release of her book later this year. Each month's winner is given the choice of one of four YA debut novels or asigned ARC of Personal Demons. (Guess which one I want!) You can enter July's contest here.

I'm hosting a simple little contest over on TuraLura's Picks. I'm giving away two prizes of a Forgive My Fins bookmark and two mer-mark temporary tattoos. You can enter here.

There are plenty of other contests going on, though. I'm just not posting about all of them. ^_-

"Google is your friend; I am not." - Some guy on usenet years ago

Waiting on Wednesday: Mockingjay

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

My choice for the week:



Mockingjay

Book three in the Hunger Games trilogy. The first two books were phenomenal, so I'm sure this one will be as well!

Book blurb from Goodreads:

Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has survived the Hunger Games twice. But now that she's made it out of the bloody arena alive, she's still not safe. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge. Who do they think should pay for the unrest? Katniss. And what's worse, President Snow has made it clear that no one else is safe either. Not Katniss's family, not her friends, not the people of District 12. Powerful and haunting, this thrilling final installment of Suzanne Collins's groundbreaking The Hunger Games trilogy promises to be one of the most talked about books of the year.

Release Date: August 24, 2010

Tuesday Quotes 3

"Can we stop at the next exit. I want a peach milkshake." - Zane, riding in the back seat of a 15-passenger van

"You wanna pee on who??" - Jim, the driver of said van

Saturday Snippet #3

Third snippet from Elika's Story. This one is still in Kregen's POV.

Soft humming drew his gaze. A hymn to the Mother, from the dawn service. The girl wore the pale blue of a priestess-in-training.

Just a child, then. He would never hurt a child. No matter his need. He would look elsewhere for nourishment, but perhaps she could answer a question for him.

He shouldn't even have to get too close. Just close enough to see her ears or eyes or, preferably, both. Elven pointed ears and metallic-hued eyes would let him know he had finally made it home.

The Friday 56, Part the Eleventh

Rules:
* Grab the book nearest you. Right now.
* Turn to page 56.
* Find the fifth sentence.
* Post that sentence (plus one or two others if you like) along with these instructions on your blog or (if you do not have your own blog) in the comments section of this blog.
*Post a link along with your post back to this blog.
* Don't dig for your favorite book, the coolest, the most intellectual. Use the CLOSEST.

I found this via Shiloh Walker's blog. She found it at The Bookaholic Zone, who found it at Storytime With Tonya & Friends, which - as far as I can tell - is the originator.

Today's quote is from the book I'm currently reading: Inkheart by Cornelia Funke.

"But why not? I mean, you make up stories."

Tuesday Quotes 2

"Dork" - Me

"I love you, too" - Frank, my then boyfriend, now husband

"Whenever you insert logic into a fantasy setting, God kills a catgirl" - Hill

Monday Raves

On the flip side of Thursday Rants, we have Monday Raves... ^_^

Last week, I got to see Toy Story 3 in the theater. It was amazing. Toy Story 2 is my favorite in the series, but this one was still incredible. I do like it better than the first one.

That's not what I'm raving about today, though. Nope, I'm raving about the theater where I saw the movie.

Cinebarre at Biltmore Square Mall in Asheville, North Carolina does something rather awesome on Tuesdays. Every Tuesday, all day long, all movies are just $5.

Their regular prices are $7 for matinées, $9.50 for later shows. But not on Tuesdays.

I love that they do this. It's such a great idea. I wish more places did something like this.

Just one day a week, have reduced admissions prices. That would be so cool! It wouldn't really work for restaurants or stores. But it could work for museums, amusement parks, things like that. ^_^

Sunday Sunday III

Mom (that is, my mother-in-law) sent these lyrics out in an email the other day, and I think they're very appropriate for my mindset today.

Thanks, Mom!

I Know Who Holds Tomorrow

by Ira F. Stanphill 1950

I don't know about tomorrow
I just live from day to day
I don't borrow from the sunshine
For the skies may turn to grey.
I don't worry for the future
For I know what Jesus said
And today He walks beside me
And He knows what is ahead.

Many things about tomorrow
I don't seem to understand
But I know who holds tomorrow
Oh, and I know who holds my hand.
Oh, many things about tomorrow
I don't seem to understand
But I know who holds tomorrow
Oh, and I know who holds my hand...

Every step is getting brighter
As the golden stairs I climb;
Every burden's getting lighter,
Every cloud is silver-lined.
There the sun is always shining,
There no tear will dim the eye;
At the ending of the rainbow
Where the mountains touch the sky.

I don't know about tomorrow;
It may bring me poverty.
But the one who feeds the sparrow,
Is the one who stands by me.
And the path that is my portion
May be through the flame or flood;
But His presence goes before me
And I'm covered with His blood.

Many things about tomorrow
I don't seem to understand
But I know who holds tomorrow
Oh, and I know who holds my hand.
Oh, many things about tomorrow
I don't seem to understand
But I know who holds tomorrow
Oh, and I know who holds my hand...

The Friday 56, Part the Tenth

Rules:
* Grab the book nearest you. Right now.
* Turn to page 56.
* Find the fifth sentence.
* Post that sentence (plus one or two others if you like) along with these instructions on your blog or (if you do not have your own blog) in the comments section of this blog.
*Post a link along with your post back to this blog.
* Don't dig for your favorite book, the coolest, the most intellectual. Use the CLOSEST.

I found this via Shiloh Walker's blog. She found it at The Bookaholic Zone, who found it at Storytime With Tonya & Friends, which - as far as I can tell - is the originator.

Today's line comes from Forgive My Fins by Tera Lynn Childs. (I'm working on my review, so it's close to hand. ^_^)

After pulling on the skirt and blouse from Quince's bag-o'-costume-fun, I found some accessories in the bottom of the bag.

Thursday Rant - Aloe

Why is aloe everywhere?? I've been noticing it creeping into more and more things in recent years, mostly in soaps and shampoos and such. It's in those little strips on razors now. Every razor, it seems.

This is all well and good for most people.

If you're allergic, however, it sucks. Soap that makes you break out in hives? A razor that burns if you happen to nick yourself shaving? No thanks.

Even worse, the latex gloves used at our local health department have an aloe coating on the inside of the glove! That's ridiculous.

I hope no one who works there is allergic to aloe.

Waiting on Wednesday: Personal Demons

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

My choice for the week:



Personal Demons

Yep, another YA paranormal. First in a series of (at least) three. ^_^

Here's the blurb from Lisa Desrochers' blog:

Frannie Cavanaugh is a good Catholic girl with a bit of a wicked streak. She's spent years keeping everyone at a distance—even her closest friends—and it seems her senior year will be more of the same...until Luc Cain enrolls in her class. No one knows where he came from, but Frannie can't seem to stay away from him. What she doesn't know is that Luc works in Acquisitions—for Hell—and she possesses a unique skill set that has the king of Hell tingling with anticipation. All Luc has to do is get her to sin, and he’s as tempting as they come. Frannie doesn’t stand a chance.

Unfortunately for Luc, Heaven has other plans, and the angel, Gabe, is going to do whatever it takes to make sure that Luc doesn’t get what he came for. And it isn't long before they find themselves fighting for more than just her soul.

But if Luc fails, there will be Hell to pay…for all of them.

Yeah, this is totally my kind of book! I can't wait!

Release date: September 14, 2010

Tuesday Quotes (and Anecdotes)

This week's quote is more of an anecdote. One my mother used to relate to me quite a lot. One of those "do as I say not as I do" things...

When she was in high school, her mother repeatedly threatened to buy her a dictionary.

Why?

Because shit was the only word she knew.

True story. Grandma corroborated it.

"My father was a sailor; my mother cursed like one." - Me

Saturday Snippet #2

Here's a second snippet from Elika's Story. This starts a section done frpm another character's POV: Kregen, my male main character.

If you like it, please comment. Thanks. ^_^

Kregen stalked northward. The forest had never been this quiet before.

Now, though, birds and other small animals scattered before him. Even the insects left him alone.

Three days he'd been in the forest, Three days and only a single, stupid squirrel for food. Squirrel blood didn't even take the edge off.

The Friday 56, Part the Ninth

Rules:
* Grab the book nearest you. Right now.
* Turn to page 56.
* Find the fifth sentence.
* Post that sentence (plus one or two others if you like) along with these instructions on your blog or (if you do not have your own blog) in the comments section of this blog.
*Post a link along with your post back to this blog.
* Don't dig for your favorite book, the coolest, the most intellectual. Use the CLOSEST.

I found this via Shiloh Walker's blog. She found it at The Bookaholic Zone, who found it at Storytime With Tonya & Friends, which - as far as I can tell - is the originator.

Today's line is from Beyond the Dark by Lora Leigh, Angela Knight, Emma Holly, and Diane Whiteside. Specifically, it comes from the "Dragon Dance" short by Angela Knight.

"Oh, you're not crazy"

Very reassuring, Mr. man... *rolls eyes*

Certainly sounds like an interesting story. Of course, I've yet to read an Angela Knight story I didn't like. ^_^

Thursday is for Ranting...

An Open Letter to Southern Living Magazine OR WTF, Y'all?


Subscription Department
Southern Living Magazine
P.O. Box. whatever
Where Ever, USA

RE: Your subscription offer of 2 April, 2010*


To whom it may concern:

Do you routinely send out subscription offers to dead people? I only ask because the nice little letter I received back in April was addressed not to me, but to my father. My father died on April 15, 1998. Let the man rest in peace.

Please remove his name from your lists. Thank you.

Sincerely,
TuraLura


Oy. Before this past April, it had been at least five years since I received anything addressed to my father. I thought his name had finally been removed from mailing lists. Apparently, I thought wrong.

There's got to be some way to keep this from happening again. Maybe some national register of the deceased, which companies would be required to check names against before doing mass mailings.

Had this happened closer to the time of his death, it would have been more understandable. It also would have been worse, as it would have served to bring the pain of losing him right back to the surface. At this point, after twelve years, it's a little easier to handle. A little.


*Took me long enough to write this. I had to calm down first. I was seeing red when I first got the letter!

Waiting on Wednesday: A Wild Light

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

My choice for the week:



A Wild Light (Hunter Kiss #3)

In the past week, I have read both of the first two books in the Hunter Kiss series by Marjorie Liu. I've had both since they released, but only just got around to actually reading them, which is both good and bad. It's good because now I don't have as long to wait for the third book, but bad because I missed so many opportunities to recommend the series to people. (Of course, when I worked in a bookstore, I recommended them just on my previous experience with Miss Liu. I could have done a better job of it had I actually read the books.)

What can I say about this series? For starters, it's incredible. The books are dark, but not quite horror, and full of luscious prose. Urban fantasy at its finest.

About the book (from Marjorie Liu's website):

For too long Maxine Kiss has felt an inexplicable darkness inside her-a force she channels into hunting the demons bent on destroying the human race. But when she finds herself covered in blood and crouched beside her grandfather's dead body with no memory of what happened, Maxine begins to fear that the darkness has finally consumed her.

Release date: July 27, 2010 (More than a month away! Ack!)

Other titles in the series: The Iron Hunt (book 1) and Darkness Calls (book 2)

Tuesday Quotes

I've kept a notebook of quotes for years now.

Each Tuesday, I shall share a random one (or two).

"I wouldn't say such things if I were after me if I were you." - Jenni

"Who's having a cow about veal?" - Sabrina

In My Mailbox - TuraLura's Picks

Today's post can be found on my book review blog, TuraLura's Picks. In this post I discuss books received/checked out of library/bought last week. Enjoy!

Sunday Sunday II

From Practice God's Presence.com, "Just a Closer Walk With Thee". This has long been a favorite hymn of mine. I especially love Patsy Cline's rendition.

JUST A CLOSER WALK WITH THEE


Just a closer walk with Thee,
Grant it, Jesus, is my plea,
Daily walking close to Thee,
Let it be, dear Lord, let it be.

I am weak, but Thou art strong;
Jesus, keep me from all wrong;
I’ll be satisfied as long
As I walk, let me walk close to Thee.

Through this world of toil and snares,
If I falter, Lord, who cares?
Who with me my burden shares?
None but Thee, dear Lord, none but Thee.

When my feeble life is o’er,
Time for me will be no more;
Guide me gently, safely o’er
To Thy kingdom shore, to Thy shore.

I Love Quizzes

Okay, so I'm not ready to share another snippet. Instead, I'll take a few quizzes from various places online and post my results. ^_^

First Quiz: Which Otherworld character are you most like?

Note: The quiz is about Yasmine Galenorn's Otherworld series. Which I haven't actually read. Yet.

Results:

You are most like Delilah D’Artigo

Half human, half-Fae, you’re a two-faced Were, with both Tabby and Panther natures. And you belong to the Autumn Lord, above all. As his only living Death Maiden, you’re learning to accept your destiny and to embrace the power of the predator within.

Which Otherworld Character Are You Most Like

Where I Found It: Ilona Andrews' blog

Off to find some more quizzes...

Coolness, I found one for the Disney Princesses.

Second Quiz: Which Disney Princess Are You???

Result:

Belle

Belle is as lovely as her name implies but her natural unaffected beauty is far more than skin deep. An intelligent and avid reader Belle yearns for faraway places and exciting adventures. She is a loyal, loving daughter and when the beast finally wins her trust she gives him all her kindness and patience and then realizes she has also given him her heart. With her inner strength and outward beauty, Belle is a young woman who can and does make things happen.

Where I Found It: About.com: Toys

I think those two will be all for today. I'll probably do this again sometime. ^_^

The Friday 56, Part the Eighth

Rules:
* Grab the book nearest you. Right now.
* Turn to page 56.
* Find the fifth sentence.
* Post that sentence (plus one or two others if you like) along with these instructions on your blog or (if you do not have your own blog) in the comments section of this blog.
*Post a link along with your post back to this blog.
* Don't dig for your favorite book, the coolest, the most intellectual. Use the CLOSEST.

I found this via Shiloh Walker's blog. She found it at The Bookaholic Zone, who found it at Storytime With Tonya & Friends, which - as far as I can tell - is the originator.

Today's quote is from Scandalous by Jenna Petersen.

"Katherine, everyone will obviously know the truth, but if you marry me you'll maintain the protection of the Mallory name."

Not the most romantic marriage proposal.. ^_^

I Think I Misssed a Day...

Thursday just up and disappeared on me. BEFORE I figured out what to blog about...

Sigh.

Waiting on Wednesday: Blackest Night

No, I am not waiting on Blackest Night. I'm aware the story arc is finished and those comics have now moved on to Brightest Day. However, I thought it was an appropriate title given my three picks for Waiting on Wednesday. ^_^




Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Generally, each post will focus on a single book. But I couldn't decide. So I'm doing two books and a comic. ^_^

First, the comic:



Black Widow #3

The new Black Widow series is being written by one of my favorite authors, Marjorie Liu.

I love her Dirk & Steele series of paranormal romance, so when I saw she was writing the new Black Widow series, I was super excited. The first two volumes were awesome. The second ended in a bit of a cliffhanger; the final page being the image to the right.

Black Widow versus Elektra!? This is gonna be good. Thankfully, this releases in a week. I only have to wait until June 16th to get my hands on it.

Now if only I could get these next two so soon...



Night Myst

The first volume of Yasmine Galenorn's new Indigo Court series. Witches and fae, sexy and a little bit creepy.

Since reading the first couple of snippets Miss Galenorn posted to Twitter early this year, I've been hooked on this book. Then she posted the first chapter to her website.

I've been in suspense since that chapter was posted. Thankfully, the wait is almost over. June 29th can not come soon enough.

At least those two release this month...



Beautiful Darkness

I have been waiting nearly a year for the second book in the Caster series by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl.

Late last summer (while on break at work), I saw an advert in Publisher's Weekly for a brand-new book for young adults. The ad listed an email address for requesting an Advance Reader Copy of Beautiful Creatures. I copied down the email address and then promptly misplaced it. Once I finally found it a couple of weeks later, I emailed to request an ARC.

I wasn't sure I would actually get one, since it took me so long to send the request. Luckily, I did. I received the book in August, but didn't get around to reading it until September. I think my co-workers should be grateful for that. Otherwise, I would have talked their ears off about it even more than I actually did.

It was incredible, awesome, amazing. I don't have words adequate to describe it, though I did try in my review. I loved it! I was thrilled to hear about the sequel.

Now, I just have to wait until October 12th to actually read said sequel. Ack!

Note to self: SCHEDULE posts in advance

Ugh, sorry guys. I wasn't on my computer much either Monday or Tuesday, so I didn't get a chance to blog. Had I known in advance that I wouldn't be around either day, I could have written the posts ahead of time and scheduled them to go live on the appropriate days.

So... yeah. I'll have today's real post up shortly. ^_^

Sunday Sunday

Every Sunday, I'm going to post a Bible verse or the lyrics to a hymn that means something to me.

From Wikipedia, the lyrics to "How Great Thou Art."

Verse 1:
O Lord my God! When I in awesome wonder
Consider all the works Thy hands have made.
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder,
Thy power throughout the universe displayed.

Refrain:
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee;
How great Thou art, how great Thou art!
Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee:
How great Thou art, how great Thou art!

Verse 2:
When through the woods and forest glades I wander
And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees;
When I look down from lofty mountain grandeur
And hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze:

(Repeat Refrain.)

Verse 3:
And when I think that God, His Son not sparing,
Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in;
That on the cross, my burden gladly bearing,
He bled and died to take away my sin:

(Repeat Refrain.)

Verse 4:
When Christ shall come with shouts of acclamation
And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart!
Then I shall bow in humble adoration,
And there proclaim, my God, how great Thou art!

(Repeat Refrain.)

This hymn makes me cry every time I hear it, which has less to do with the lyrics than might be expected. You see, it was performed at both my parents' funerals.

It's been twelve and thirteen years since those bleak days, but I still can not listen to this hymn without crying. It was my mother's favorite, which was why it was chosen to be sung at her funeral. My father so loved the way Miss Janice sang it at Mom's funeral, that we asked her to sing it at his as well.

I'm not sure why this has been on my mind lately, but it has. So I thought I'd share. Thanks for reading. ^_^

Saturday Snippet

I've decided to start blogging more regularly. I may not blog daily, but I will try. It'll mostly be short posts, and probably mostly memes, but I am going to post more regularly. ^_^

Without further ado, here's a snippet from my current WIP (work-in-progress): Elika's Story (tentative title). The work, and, therefore, this snippet, begin with Elika's point of view (or POV).

Warning: Raw and unedited.

Elika pushed through the undergrowth, hoping this clearing would be the one. Being so far from the village made her nervous, but the usual supplies of [Shadow Weed] were already decimated. This latest outbreak approached the three week mark. As the only herb useful in keeping [Darkening] at , [Shadow Weed} is in high demand.

Still. The forest scared her, so still. A loud bird call, then silence.

Too much silence; she heard roots leave the ground as she worked. Most herbal infusions required just the flower or just the stem. This one required the entire plant.

Elika's hands started shaking seconds before she heard a raspy intake of breath. The predator stalking the forest had found her.

The Friday 56, Part the Seventh

Rules:
* Grab the book nearest you. Right now.
* Turn to page 56.
* Find the fifth sentence.
* Post that sentence (plus one or two others if you like) along with these instructions on your blog or (if you do not have your own blog) in the comments section of this blog.
*Post a link along with your post back to this blog.
* Don't dig for your favorite book, the coolest, the most intellectual. Use the CLOSEST.

I found this via Shiloh Walker's blog. She found it at The Bookaholic Zone, who found it at Storytime With Tonya & Friends, which - as far as I can tell - seems to be the originator.

Today's quote is from The Iron Hunt by Marjorie M. Liu. (So happy to have finally found my copy!!)

I did not like mysteries. Especially when they involved me.

Included the fourth sentence simply so the fifth one would make sense. ^_^

The Friday 56, Part the Sixth

Rules:
* Grab the book nearest you. Right now.
* Turn to page 56.
* Find the fifth sentence.
* Post that sentence (plus one or two others if you like) along with these instructions on your blog or (if you do not have your own blog) in the comments section of this blog.
*Post a link along with your post back to this blog.
* Don't dig for your favorite book, the coolest, the most intellectual. Use the CLOSEST.

I found this via Shiloh Walker's blog. She found it at The Bookaholic Zone, who found it at Storytime With Tonya & Friends, which - as far as I can tell - seems to be the originator.

Another easy one. No worries about things falling on my head today!

Today's quote is from Intertwined by Gena Showalter, which I checked out from the local library yesterday.

Dreadful silence.

Hmmm, interesting. Good thing this is next on my to-read list. ^_^

The Friday 56, Part the Fifth

Rules:
* Grab the book nearest you. Right now.
* Turn to page 56.
* Find the fifth sentence.
* Post that sentence (plus one or two others if you like) along with these instructions on your blog or (if you do not have your own blog) in the comments section of this blog.
*Post a link along with your post back to this blog.
* Don't dig for your favorite book, the coolest, the most intellectual. Use the CLOSEST.

I found this via Shiloh Walker's blog. She found it at The Bookaholic Zone, who found it at Storytime With Tonya & Friends, which - as far as I can tell - seems to be the originator.

Time for another round of trying to dig out a book without making stuff fall over. Loverly.

"Pokemon Diamond and Pearl Strategy Guide Volume 1" - page 56 only has two sentences. Crap.

"Marvel Mangaverse Volume 1" - no page numbers. Heh, um, no.

Third time's the charm? We shall see...

"Twilight Begins" by Maggie Shayne. Huzzah! Page 56 has at least five sentences!

The intensity of his gaze boring into her eyes was staggering.

The Friday 56, Part the Fourth

Rules:
* Grab the book nearest you. Right now.
* Turn to page 56.
* Find the fifth sentence.
* Post that sentence (plus one or two others if you like) along with these instructions on your blog or (if you do not have your own blog) in the comments section of this blog.
*Post a link along with your post back to this blog.
* Don't dig for your favorite book, the coolest, the most intellectual. Use the CLOSEST.

I found this via Shiloh Walker's blog. She found it at The Bookaholic Zone, who found it at Storytime With Tonya & Friends, which - as far as I can tell - seems to be the originator.

Today it's easy for me to find a book without worrying about things falling on my head. I just finished writing my review of this one last night. (Which should be up at The Season and TuraLura's Picks soon.) Today's selection is from Charming the Devil by Lois Greiman. (Great book!)

"Faye's heart beat like a drum in her chest. The enemy had been reduced to one now."

The Friday 56, Part the Third

Rules:
* Grab the book nearest you. Right now.
* Turn to page 56.
* Find the fifth sentence.
* Post that sentence (plus one or two others if you like) along with these instructions on your blog or (if you do not have your own blog) in the comments section of this blog.
*Post a link along with your post back to this blog.
* Don't dig for your favorite book, the coolest, the most intellectual. Use the CLOSEST.

I found this via Shiloh Walker's blog. She found it at The Bookaholic Zone, who found it at Storytime With Tonya & Friends, which - as far as I can tell - seems to be the originator.

Among the piles of books around me, I'm trying to figure out what I can reach without making other books fall.... Still looking... Okay, found one! And nothing fell. Yay me!

Today's selection comes from The Stirring by Robert Moeller. I received this book as a Christmas present 3-4 years ago, but haven't actually read it yet.

"Dr. Ray, can you come?" He hated to pressure his old friend, but Steven felt he had no choice.

I included the sixth sentence as well to give some reference to what's going on in the scene.

Unfortunately, this small quote stirs no interest in me. I will eventually read this book, but it's not jumping up and down screaming for my attention. So it will be a while before I do read it.

The Friday 56, Part The Second

Rules:
* Grab the book nearest you. Right now.
* Turn to page 56.
* Find the fifth sentence.
* Post that sentence (plus one or two others if you like) along with these instructions on your blog or (if you do not have your own blog) in the comments section of this blog.
*Post a link along with your post back to this blog.
* Don't dig for your favorite book, the coolest, the most intellectual. Use the CLOSEST.

I found this via Shiloh Walker's blog. She found it at The Bookaholic Zone, who found it at Storytime With Tonya & Friends, which - as far as I can tell - seems to be the originator.

Today's selection comes from Blue Diablo by Ann Aguirre, which I was lucky enough to win - just last week - as part of a contest among the author's followers on Twitter. It arrived this past Monday. Thanks again, Miss Ann!

"He'd never gotten there with me, and I'd figured it was somehow my fault."

Interesting... Especially following the first four sentences on that page. Now I'm looking even more forward to reading this. Good thing I'm planning on starting it as soon as I finish Libba Bray's Going Bovine. ^_^

I Love Twitter

Ever since I joined in late October, I've made quite a few contacts. Maybe even friends. I've actually talked to several writers.

I've talked about writing, gotten help with cooking - and I still failed to make brownies - and just had random conversations. It's awesome.

Plus, twitter has helped me with my writing. Having to fit what I want to say in only 140 characters is tough. I'm getting better, though. I'm learning to be more concise.

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Another benefit, which I discovered earlier this evening during the Oscars, is not having to actually watch the Oscars. Oh, wait, I wouldn't watch them anyway. But I did find out about the only two awards that piqued my curiosity: Best Animated Movie (or whatever it's called), and Best Actress.

Up was nominated for Best Animated Movie. I was thrilled when it actually won!

Sandra Bullock, one of my favorite actresses, was nominated for Best Actress. She also won!

I found out moments after the awards were presented instead of waiting until the next day - or whenever I finally remembered - to look it up somewhere. That was really cool. I liked that. ^_^

The Friday 56

Rules:
* Grab the book nearest you. Right now.
* Turn to page 56.
* Find the fifth sentence.
* Post that sentence (plus one or two others if you like) along with these instructions on your blog or (if you do not have your own blog) in the comments section of this blog.
*Post a link along with your post back to this blog.
* Don't dig for your favorite book, the coolest, the most intellectual. Use the CLOSEST.

I found this via Shiloh Walker's blog. She found it at The Bookaholic Zone, who found it at Storytime With Tonya & Friends, which - as far as I can tell - seems to be the originator.

Whew. Okay, let's get to it!

Today's quote is from A Lady of Persuasion by Tessa Dare, the third book in her historical romance trilogy. I haven't actually read this one yet, despite the fact that it's been beside me for months. I somehow lost my copy of book two. I'm only about halfway through it, but I can't find it. It's just gone. (Insert "Twilight Zone" music here.)

Anywho...

"Indeed, never in his life had he been so determined to succeed at any venture. It was what he did best, keeping ladies smiling."

I included the sixth sentence because it flows so well and makes the fifth one make more sense.

I adored the first book in this series. As soon as I find the second one, I will be finishing it. Then, THEN I will finally read this one.

Teaser Tuesday? Pashaw, It's Teaser Thursday!

As promised, a short excerpt from my current project.

Unedited as yet, so please no comments about my spelling or grammar. Thanks!

Rosa leaned up and against Darrec to steal a quick kiss. Which he didn't return. Again. "What is wrong with you? Why do you not kiss me anymore?"

Darrec stifled his groan. "You know why, Rosa. I don't love you. I never really did." Now she would cry, and he would feel bad and apologize. She would beg him to hold her until he gave in. Or walked away, which he kept threatening to do. Today he would.

Rosa lowered her head and nodded. They'd had this conversation before, multiple times. It still hurt. "Less than two months ago, you swore you loved me. You spoke of marriage. Then she came home. Now you love her. So fickle." She looked up into his eyes. "I expected better of you."

She took a step back ans turned away. Her eyes were dry. If they were to stay that way, she had to leave. "I can't compete with a memory." Two steps. "That's all she is, you know. A memory. She's changed since we all played together as children. She's not who you think she is. Kaliani is a princess now, not the girl from your memory." One more step. "Why choose a memory over flesh and blood, warm and willing me?" Her resolved shattered and she ran. Away from him, away from their special place, just away.

Not until she reached her tiny attic bedroom did she stop running. She would be punished for shirking her duties, she knew for certain. She needed a good cry first. Then she would return to work. Maybe.

Darrec watched as Rosa began to walk away. He stiffened when she called Kali a memory. It had been no mere memory that had shyly kissed his cheek. Her resulting blush had taken his breath away. She was beautiful, even more so when she blushed. He'd wanted to take her into his arms and kiss her senseless. Luckily for him, he'd remembered their relative positions and stopped himself. A guardsman seen holding the crown princess would lose his head. if he were lucky.

So why did he remain loyal to her? They could never be together. He didn't fully understand his own reasoning.

He came back to himself as Rosa said 'warm and willing.' Willing? That was new. She'd only teased before. Before he could ask if she were serious, she fled. Not that it would be hard to find her. She would either be in the kitchen ratting on him or in her bedroom.

Her bedroom. Now there was a thought. It should have stirred him more. Had it, he would have gone after her. His lack of real reaction told him all he needed to know. Warm and willing was no longer enough. he wanted what his parents still had, what he saw every time Da looked at Mum: love. Mere companionship would not do. Only love.

After all, love was what separated man from beast.

He was no beast. Not anymore.

Now he was a man.

Welcome!

Welcome to my new blog of random goodness! Here I will talk about whatever pops into my head! I'm not going to try to post every day, but I hope to do at least two a week. Most will be short little rants or raves, but some will be longer.

And a few will even be about writing: what project I'm currently working on, maybe even a teaser or two.

In fact, I believe my next post (coming shortly) will be a teaser to celebrate the launch of my new blog!

Be warned, I am working on a header image for this blog. It shall be piratey!