§ "The King[s] of the Night"

This is the 'book cover' from the week's posted photo. Upon viewing this, the challenge for this meme is to write a blurb [the inside cover flap] that will entice the reader to drop down their VISA on the counter and purchase the book and enjoying it. It's to be either fiction or non-fiction. For all the rules, just click the linked image on my sidebar; then, participate!!

Here goes---






book title:
*:*:MIDNIGHT MONARCH:*:*:
[an unauthorized biography]

Laughing and applauding as she listened, Johnny loved being a comic; his mom was his best audience. Walking by the window, looking out to the snow-covered, frigid landscape, secretly Johnny moaned "I've got to get away from this godforsaken country!" Turning to face his mother at the kitchen table Johnny blurted: "Mom, I'm leaving when I have enough saved up. It's like living at a dead end street here." Reaching in the back of the cupboard, bringing out her secret savings, Ruth handed it to her son giving him her blessings. Aboard a Greyhound, California bound, he befriended another; camaraderie grew over the miles . The days-long journey ended at 12:01a.m. His friend exited the bus as Johnny began his departure. Ed shouted with Johnny's last footfall... "Hollywood? Her-r-r-r-e's Johnny"!!! In the darkened early morning hour, the world had a rising star, the Monarch of Midnight.

[147 - Word Count Tool]


Book Cover designed by Anni...
In its entirety, plus text,
[with the exception of photo and/or credits]
is copyrighted by law.
see copyright on sidebar
© 2011

MEME PARTICIPATION BUTTONS linked on sidebar






FRIDAY FODDER

Okay, I'm all for equal rights of both genders. But, I've often wondered just how many out there of us lady bloggers feel that we are being 'SHORT' changed when it comes to advertisements. Everywhere you look these days, there are scantly-dressed ladies...in store windows, in magazines, on billboards, in movies, and even down to the 'in home' versions....commercials!! Take for instance, Victoria's Secret. You're relaxing for the evening, and enjoying a good movie when up comes a commercial for ladies' underwear. All the women parade around 'in their comfort zone'......in less than skimpy, revealing, underwear. And what we women get for opposite gender advertisements are those dumpy dudes dressed up in ill fitting fruit costumes...stretching the collars of a T-shirt or the elastic waistbands? I mean, really....come on!! I propose that we all should unite and demand that Victoria's Secret open a new chain of stores and advertise profusely!!! VICTOR'S SECRET!!!! Come on, let's hear it for the boys!!! Honestly, I can see Lifetime picking up commercial time for these products, can't you. More than likely they'd keep some of us women pleased about commercials now and then. Who needs a snack run between commercials when you have equal-time eye candy like this?!! There, I've stated my thoughts on this, now it's your turn to speak up.....
{insert catcalls and whistles from me}


Three photos borrowed from Google search for Underwear for Men...no, I didn't go to any porn sites...lordy!!

§ Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown...~Wm. Shakespeare

BOOK BLURB








This is the 'book cover' from the week's posted photo. Upon viewing this, the challenge for this meme is to write a blurb [the inside cover flap] that will entice the reader to drop down their VISA on the counter and purchase the book and enjoying it. It's to be either fiction or non-fiction. For all the rules, just click the linked image on my sidebar; then, participate!! BOOK BLURB MEME LINKED IMAGE found on my sidebar.


Here goes---



book title:
*:*:ROYAL SECRETS:*:*:

Within the shadowed walls of the complex, rooms are filled with historic scandals. If only the walls could tell all!! As the story opens, the plastered facades whisper and reveal 'closet skeletons' that reach far into the imagination. From the sunlit balcony, behind the ironwork and through the curtained confines, many-a-lovers have had secret rendezvouses. From royal dynasties to government politicians; even some published in syndication as accidental suicides only to discover several ended as cold-blooded murders and cover-ups. Join me now...forget life outside your world as you know it, and curl up with your favorite icy refreshment. Open the book. You'll get a glimpse of an atmosphere filled with deceitful love affairs and dangerous liaisons. Revelations, revolutions, racy!!! And, ROYAL secrets....

[123 - Word Count Tool]


Book Cover designed by Anni...
In its entirety, plus text,
[with the exception of photo and/or credits]
is copyrighted by law.
see copyright on sidebar
© 2011






FRIDAY FODDER


On Monday I mentioned, and gave a 'rave' review of the newly theater released "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" movie. I couldn't say enough good about it. It's one of the best I've seen in months!! Maybe years. Well, another movie, released a couple of weeks ago, we saw. And that is THE SMURFS. It is/was a delightful, fun animation with live action added. Sweet and adorable. I even found myself laughing out loud several times. Tho the movie is quite predictable from its beginning, it's still very much worth seeing. Granted, I admit, I didn't know that much about smurfs other than they're blue...and even tho it's probably considered a 'kiddy show', it's pleasing, and actually makes you forget about everything outside the theater doors, enjoying the 90 minutes or so of entertainment. The 'live' sinister cat [owned by Gargamel] was a hoot. Coughing up a smurf hair ball was hilarious. Only if you own a cat would you appreciate this!! Anyway...getting back to the movie. The Smurfs end up in NYC and the adventure to return home begins. With a 'Sweet Mixture of Smurf Folical Ambrosia' [hairball -Gargamel words] and the 'Magical Window Machine' [computer -Papa Smurf] everything turns out 'Smurfy'!!! [spoken by Smurfette].


Smurf graphic borrowed from Smurf Home Site

§ Whoa....

BOOK BLURB







This is the 'book cover' from the week's posted photo. Upon viewing this, the challenge for this meme is to write a blurb [the inside cover flap] that will entice the reader to drop down their VISA on the counter and purchase the book and enjoying it. It's to be either fiction or non-fiction. For all the rules, just click the linked image on my sidebar; then, participate!! BOOK BLURB MEME LINKED IMAGE found on my sidebar.

Here goes---






book title:
*:*:RAIN SCENTS:*:*:

Maria and Pedro made their way to the clinic. Maria was only 24 weeks into her first pregnancy and in labor. Josephine was born; the outlook of her surviving was next to impossible. Yet, through the night, the little girl clung to life enmeshed in tubes and under ultraviolet lights. The specialists and local pediatricians, called in for the child's care, gave the couple a most disheartening set of circumstances. Their daughter would not live. Maria blanched; looking up to the heavens and with what strength she had left, uttered..."Save Josephine, take my life instead"!! Exhausted and torn, suffering an eclamptic seizure, Maria went into a coma, clenching with all her might Pedro's hand. Whispering sounds of the storm from outside her hospital window and rain scents coursing through her nostrils; Maria found peace for now. Pedro wept.

[138 - Word Count Tool]


Book Cover designed by Anni...
In its entirety, plus text,
[with the exception of photo and/or credits]
is copyrighted by law.
see copyright on sidebar
© 2011






FRIDAY FODDER



Last Saturday evening during the Houston Astros' game a favorite player left the field during the 5th inning. Rumors were rampant throughout the baseball's trading. The month of July with the deadline for teams trading players and haggling here and there was July 31st. Now, to me, Hunter Pence [the right outfield player and excellent batter] was good for the team ... in so many ways Bud and I 'grew' with him. He played ball in the Astros' training camp here in Corpus...the Corpus Christi Hooks. Why, I even remember his first day in the big league. Up to bat...he got a walk. And instead of walking to first base as any veteran player does, Hunter RAN!! I enjoyed his enthusiasm for the game all through his Texas career. I still feel he was good for the Houston team. I can't figure out why on earth they would trade him. In fact, for me, he was just about the only one on the pro team that would show any signs of wanting to PLAY the game instead of just showing up and collecting his paycheck [like so many professional players do these days]. Granted, baseball isn't what is was during the days of steroid use with all the records being broken and high performing athletes...which is good. It's become what baseball WAS and SHOULD be again. But trading Hunter? Oh my. It was a sad day in 'bedrock' for me to watch him trot off the field from his position...seeing all his teammates say their good byes and shaking hands with him. Then, in the dugout for the Astros all the others hugging, talking and tears flowed from my eyes. Even Hunter held back tears. This is a 'first' for him...I'm sure being traded is taking his emotions where they've never been. But one thing in the back of my mind is ...I really think the manager and coaches for Houston were holding him back; not letting him perform to his potential. And I secretly hope that one day, HUNTER PENCE will be a star athlete in his own right and show the owners that decided to trade him....well...."I hope they eat their shorts because of their error trading him"!!! IMG courtesy of M*L*B [no copyright infringement intended. I couldn't get the embed src to work after clicking on the button provided at the site] To watch the video [see if you think he's about to break down in tears] HERE


By the way, the following night, for us Astro fans, Hunter was shown at the Phillies' game...wearing #3 --- as he came out on the field, playing the same position as when he was in Houston, he received a warm welcome and standing ovation!!! That made me feel better. And he did well in his debut game with the Phillies HERE.

§ Stars are Bright...big and bright...deep in the heart of Texas---

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BOOK BLURB





This is the 'book cover' from the week's posted photo. Upon viewing this, the challenge for this meme is to write a blurb [the inside cover flap] that will entice the reader to drop down their VISA on the counter and purchase the book and enjoying it. It's to be either fiction or non-fiction. For all the rules, just click the button above; then, participate!!

Here goes---







book title:
*:*:Eidolon:*:*: [pronounced EYE-doh-lun]

You won't find Eidolon on any map; ever. Yet, some have decided to stay and become residents. Travelers can stumble upon it at any given time, at any spot between other towns, on any desolate highway!! Eye witnesses have proclaimed its existence around the country. But, none notice a lane into the Eden. It's been said that it covers acres of land, while others proclaim it is a quaint, small, family spread. There's folklore of markers with "Eidolon - Population....growing". Dozing at the wheel, Franklin swerved when out of the barrow ditch a girl clad in granite blue-gray, beckoned him with her amiable waving hand. The car heavily damaged, through trickling blood from his wounds, Franklin imagined a cemetery of size never seen before. He dreamed now, turning cold and ashen, waiting for help. Will he survive? Or does Eidolon have a new resident?

[144 - Word Count Tool]


Book Cover designed by Anni...
In its entirety, plus text,
[with the exception of photo and/or credits]
is copyrighted by law.
see copyright on sidebar
© 2011




FRIDAY FODDER


A bit of history before I show you my gift from Bud...

Texas blue topaz was designated the official state gemstone in 1969 and in 1977 the lone star cut was also recognized as the official state gemstone cut. The Lone Star Cut, designed by two native Texans, is a special gemstone cut that reflects a five-pointed star (the lone star of Texas - Texas's nickname is the Lone Star State). You can read how the stone is cut into the specific facets so it will be a Texas Star, The Lone Star, at this site. Several years back, after I found out the special cut in a gemstone existed, and reading that the blue topaz was the official state's gemstone, I wanted one. But....oh so beyond my budget!! Topaz is only found within the borders of the state in Mason County. It occurs in granite outcroppings and soils. It is usually found in stream beds and ravines but occasionally can be located atop the ground. Topaz resembles quartz and the best to represent the state, the color is sky blue. Early settlers called the topaz stones that they found 'desert ice' because of the frosted surface, which is produced by tumbling in streams and rivers for eons. Topaz in Texas is not mined commercially, so the only way to obtain stones is to buy them or to hunt them yourself.

I was hoping that the beautiful pendants seen in jewelry store catalogs would go down in price, but the market remains steady. While walking the area around a street fair this past Spring, jewelers from Austin [the capital city] were showing some of their custom designed works of art. As we walked by, I noticed the small advertising sign at their booth that they had on hand the Texas Star...I knew then, I had to go in and see them in real life. Just to ogle and dream. Bud secretly bought a pendant, and gave it to me for our anniversary this past May. I spent months searching for a unique gold chain and finally found something, I wanted something unique as the stone cut, I think I like this; not completely sure tho [I'm thinking it's a bit too long], I may just continue looking and if I find something I like more...well...


After several photos taken [it's very difficult to capture the 'star' in a photo unless the light is hitting it just right], this is my Lone Star Cut pendant. Two top photos are the 'front' view, while the third, bottom photo, is from the back side---

§ Expressions in motion....

Join by clicking on Book Blurb Button

BOOK BLURB









This is the 'book cover' from the week's posted photo. Upon viewing this, the challenge for this meme is to write a blurb [the inside cover flap] that will entice the reader to drop down their VISA on the counter and purchase the book and enjoying it. It's to be either fiction or non-fiction. For all the rules, just click the button above; then, participate!!

Here goes---







book title:
*:*:Expressions of Anni:*:*:

No matter what path you take in life, there are always thoughts and expressions running through your mind as you take steps forward. Here, in this book, Anni shares by-ways taken through memories, song, love, family, laughter, tragedy and added for fun, some zealous, zany bridges she's crossed or come upon near a certain fork in the road during all changes of seasons. The original poetry will make you laugh, cry, ponder, and perhaps trigger a stroll down your memory lane!!

[81 - Word Count Tool]


Book Cover designed by Anni...
In its entirety, plus text,
[with the exception of photo and/or credits]
is copyrighted by law.
see copyright on sidebar
© 2011

- - -<><><>- - -

Note: Actual poetry published by moi!

If you like, each poem link will open in a new window...and I've written and posted many different styles...each linked in POETRY under the sidebar's 'table of contents'...or others over on my Poetry Blog ---also linked on sidebar. The following critiques are taken from comments on individual posts.

Sharon wrote of "Eclipse of Darkness": I loved it.You sure do have a gift for words.
Shadow says of "Eclipse of Darkness": Your poem is simply amazing, so perceptive, a true reflection!
Pea writes of "Autumn Colors, Autumn Splendor": Anni, you truly are a poet at heart!! I just loved this one, the words made me picture it all in my mind, bringing it all to life.
Mar critiques of "Alphabet Haiku -part one and two": Love your haiku's, what a creative mind!
The Gal Herself wrote of Alphabet Haiku -part one and two": Q was my favorite --
Carmen writes of "Love Beckons True": You made me cry. :) the good kind of cry. I love your poem



FRIDAY FODDER


Yesterday, I had posted some photos of years back of our two kids to represent the song: "The Way We Were". Anyway, I also posted that my parents used to take our two kids camping and fishing as often as time would allow during the summer months and into early fall if weather permitted. The kids loved these excursions. And it gave time for Bud and me to be alone for a long weekend, and sometimes an entire week. VERY often, dad's favorite place to go fishing from their boat, was a place called Horsetooth Reservoir just outside a small town, nearing the Wyoming border by some 60 miles. The reservoir was huge....and only a little over an hour's drive from where we lived. It was in the foothills, behind the football stadium for the CSU Rams [a college world renowned for their veterinary medicine --we used to use their facilities often for our horse and our smaller pets, dogs and cats]. But, back to Horsetooth....it was a most unusual mountain. You could see it from the interstate highway #25 looking west toward the Rocky Mountain Range. Or, way before it became an interstate highway. Not too often, but seldom, Bud and I would drive up there when the kids and grandparents were camping out to spend a day with them, and go hiking since Bud and I were never big on fishing like our kids were.

From this article: its history--
According to legend, a horrible giant guarded the Valley of Contentment and prevented the Indians from hunting game there. After Flying Eagle discovered the giant’s den, the great Chief Manumoku was chosen by council to kill the monster. Flying Eagle used a white rabbit to lure the nighthawk guardian of the giant from this post. Then Chief Manumoku, clasping a tomahawk studded with stars, slashed the sleeping giant’s heart once and again as it attempted to rise. The giant’s blood turned the valley red and the cleft heart became the stone we now call Horsetooth Rock.

Well, while scanning and preparing the photos for my blog entry yesterday, I scanned and didn't use these two of their favorite fishing spot close to home. My nephew, who lives in Windsor Colorado, close by, says it's all now quite inhabited and housing surrounding parts, tho still a park, it's all changed and not as open country as it once was when we lived in Colorado. What a shame---

§ A Centenarian Tale...

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BOOK BLURB






This is the 'book cover' from the week's posted photo. Upon viewing this, the challenge for this meme is to write a blurb [the inside cover flap] that will entice the reader to drop down their VISA on the counter and purchase the book and enjoying it. It's to be either fiction or non-fiction. For all the rules, just click the button above; then, participate!!

Here goes---





book title:
*:*:Quandom Popularity:*:*:

A reflection; a youthful image faded into view. Today had been a monumental day...a celebration at Shady Willows Sanatorium. In lavender silk, Beatrice still had a stunning way about her. Her nurse assisted in preparation. Miss Christian, a Washington Gazette freelance reporter, arrived to interview her. Anxious to begin, Chelsea had many questions for her, but realized upon meeting, she'd just enjoy whatever conversation Bea shared. Years had passed. The once elegant debutant, Bea became the city's newest centenarian. Looking back into the mirror with daylight dissolving, the young woman's reflection, beautiful and virginal, danced like the shadows on the wall. Beatrice Part I was published in the Editorial section the following day. It began: "I was as dishy as the gal in the mirror..." Beatrice spoke clearly. "...Washington Politicians; including a few presidents had their way, many many decades ago...." Part II; made front page news!!

[148 - Word Count Tool]


In its entirety, the text is copyrighted by law.
see copyright on sidebar
© 2011


"Juicy, tart... right down to the core!" H. Clynton, retired

"Everything you wanted to know about Washington's elite, but were afraid to ask!" Woof Blister, CNN-Cable

"Quandom Popularity makes my Twitter pages seem prudish. Wow!" Oscar M. Weener, ex-Senator.




FRIDAY FODDER

If you follow me faithfully you may recall the post I did for Show n Tell several months back. The one about the Blue and White Oriental Carafe? [shown here] Well, a few weeks ago, while Bud and I trekked the antique mall in town, I came upon some matching cups. With the same scenery! The dealer was asking a high price for them, but I bargained with her and got the four for $10 less. Now I have the whole set; made in England...carafe AND cups!

§ BOOK BLURB and Friday Fodder

Join by clicking on Book Blurb Button




BOOK BLURB







This is the 'book cover' from the week's posted photo. Upon viewing this, the challenge for this meme is to write a blurb [the inside cover flap] that will entice the reader to drop down their VISA on the counter and purchase the book and enjoying it. It's to be either fiction or non-fiction. For all the rules, just click the button above; then, participate!!

Here goes---












book title:
*:*:Plenary Summons:*:*:

From out of nowhere a lone figure of a young girl bent down and gently stroked the can of Heineken. Grayness and ash were everywhere. The tin faintly gave a dim glow of some promise to her torn heart as her once tawny hand, now covered with charred and scorched flesh, touched the metal. Kristianna was alone on this vast land. Not even the hint of air was stirring. An indistinct voice was noted. Was someone singing? The budding adolescent, startled from her thoughts, slowly made her way; following the sound she had heard. Perhaps others survived. Mayan predictions were precise. Today was December 22, 2012...the day after. Somehow, her mind was reeling; plenary summons - total recall. Did the world from yesterday end? As she forced herself forward with each strenuous step, the melodic voice became clear. Was someone else alive; or catastrophic delusion? Her heart pounded!!

[147 - Word Count Tool]



"A positive approach to a negative prediction. I predict this new novel will keep you spellbound; a page turner." ~Jay P Moregunn Boston Globe

"Intense and imaginative! Well done." ~January Farfennoogin Denver Post

"As the Heinekin glimmers hope, so does Hootin' Anni. Her vivid thriller will keep you turning the pages to the surprising end!!" ~News "Butch" Carver San Francisco Examiner

"This book has everything. Brilliant!!" ~Tex T. Writer Houston Chronicle


In its entirety, the text is copyrighted by law.
see copyright on sidebar
© 2011




FRIDAY FODDER

We had planned on going to this weekend's annual Shrimporee [63 years, and counting!] in Aransas, a fun filled weekend, but with the week's temperatures soaring to triple digits, I doubt if we'll go. It's an outdoor event with Outhouse races, a sexy leg competition [MEN'S], parades, craft shows, food, and fun. Did I mention food? Well, everything under the sun will include shrimp. A veritable shrimp fest.

"Aransas Pass' annual Shrimporee offers entertainement, food, music and more. Highlights of the festival, which is billed as the "Largest Shrimp Festival in the World," include a carnival, kidfish tank, shrimp cookoff, petting zoo, arts & crafts, live entertainment and more."

We'll just wait and see what the weather is like. I'm not going to be out there in temps at midday when they're reaching the 100 degree mark, with the heat index in the 110-120 degree range. And the huge expected crowds, it'll make it all the worse and most uncomfortable.

photo of sand castle at Port A's annual sandcastle festival a few years back.

§ Blurbs and Fodder [they're ba-a-a-ack!!]

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BOOK BLURB







This is the 'book cover'. Upon viewing this, the challenge for this meme is to write a blurb [the inside cover flap] that will entice the reader to drop down their VISA on the counter and purchase the book and enjoying it. It's to be either fiction or non-fiction.

Here goes---












book title:
*:*:5 rue Balard:*:*:

From my hotel window I gazed. The day was peaceful. Drinking my café au lait, I was startled from my reverie when a blood curdling scream came from the chamber maid cleaning the room adjacent to mine. 5 rue Balard, in Paris, would never be the same. History was being made the day I arrived. Like centuries ago when Jack the Ripper ran rampant through White Chapel in London's Harlem district....mutilated bodies. From floors above, floors below, there came echoes of more outcries. The plant outside my Parisian window withering and dying, incarnadined and limp, could've described the woman's remains in the suite next door. Then, more dismembered victims found; lacerated cleanly like that of the work of a skilled surgeon. The city of lights had a serial killer. A crime of the century. Will the case remain open for forensic science for decades? Who is this cut-throat?

[149 - Word Count Tool]



Would you purchase my book?
New, published June 2011
US -$24.95
Canada -$34.95
This week only 10% discount for Bloggers!
[insert wink here]


In its entirety, the text is copyrighted by law.
see copyright on sidebar
© 2011

- - -<><><>- - -

FRIDAY FODDER

They're returning! After the world's largest oil spill from the previous year, there has been concern and high anxiety to see what the effect of the disaster would play on the sea turtle population. Last year, Bud and I went out to the island and the National Seashore Preserve to watch the release of the baby Kemp Ridley Sea Turtles. On a very productive season, approximately 220 females return to our shores to nest. This year, so far, 155 nests have been spotted and the eggs are gathered and incubated [for the safety] in a special facility on the island!! Soon, once again, the hatchlings will be released into the Gulf. So far, the population seems to be holding its own!! Altho, it takes about a decade for the turtles to reach maturity and of nesting age, with so many returning, it IS HOPEFUL!!!

[turtle photo taken at 2010 Release]

OIL SPILL SURVIVORS

Also, the Padre National Seashore Kemp Sea Turtle Release Schedule for 2011 Link is found at the bottom of my blog!!!

§ Blurbs and Fodder

Join by clicking on the meme tag








BOOK BLURB








This is the 'book cover'. Upon viewing this, the challenge for this meme is to write a blurb [the inside cover flap] that will entice the reader to drop down their VISA on the counter and purchase the book and enjoying it. It's to be either fiction or non-fiction.

Here goes---














book title:
*:*:JOSEPHINE'S DOOR:*:*:

1959. A black car slowly pulled to the curb. Outside, a blizzard played havoc around the city. Inside, alone. The roaring fire warmed the room. Background music from the 40s played. A fireplace log rolled and crackled. Josephine placed her ivory hands on the chair, briefly glancing at her golden wedding band hesitating for only a second as a picture of her late husband came to memory. Upright, she stirred the blazing logs. The doorbell chimed. She glanced through the lead glass panel to see a dark silhouette of a tall man; shivering. Josie turned the knob. Staggering momentarily, she knew right away who he was. It was instant recognition. During WWII, in 1945, men in uniform knocked on her door on such a night like this. Her husband was shot down over the English Channel; his body was never recovered. This stormy night became a haven of wayward love, Jeremy returned----
[149 words - Word Counter Tool]

Would you purchase my book?
New, published May 2011
US -$24.95
Canada -$34.95
This week only 10% discount for Bloggers!
[insert wink here]


In its entirety, the text is copyrighted by law.
see copyright on sidebar
© 2011



- - -<><><>- - -




I didn't feel like cooking dinner. Nor did I have the gumption to even take anything out of the 'fridge to defrost, so I did an unthinkable...I bought a frozen pepperoni pizza from the grocer's freezer section. To me, that's a thing unheard of. Afterall, I'm perfectly capable of cooking. In other words, I have two good hands, the knowledge and know-how...yet, laziness took over!!! Frozen pizzas?----Lordy have they ever improved in taste. Either that, or I was so lacking ambition ANYthing would have tasted good. LOL But I gotta tellya, I bought a large Pan Pizza by Red Baron. Wow. Truly impressed. I know now that that'll be a pizza choice if ever we feel like it again someday. Actually, in my estimation, this product was better than restaurant style pan pizzas. The crust was so crispy and just the right amount of garlic...and the big seller....the extra thick crust was cooked...ALL the WAY through! [restaurants have crust that is too doughy for my taste when it comes to deep dish pizzas].

pizza graphic borrowed from Red Baron site
infringement not intended

§ Here a patch, there a patch, everywhere a patch...patch!

and New this Week!---



Join by clicking on the meme tag








BOOK BLURB




This is the 'book cover'. Upon viewing this, the challenge for this meme is to write a blurb [the inside cover flap] that will entice the reader to drop down their VISA and purchase the book. Enjoying it. It's to be either fiction or non-fiction. Just buy...buy...buy!! So I thought this week, since I've seen the meme entry last week while visiting a bloggin' buddy, I thought I'd try my skills. Here goes---






book title:
*:*:BRONZE MIRAGE:*:*:

Experience the mythical and mystical as each one comes to life only by your touch. Go ahead...marvel at their complete composition!! Characters will surround you with adventure...some being impish and demonic. Within the printed archives, you will find some are authoritative as you follow along with their promising grandeur in leadership; falling in love with the love of it all...perhaps a lord dazzling another damsel. Could it be you alone in a garden filled with the sweet scent of white rose blossoms, and the handsome Lord at your side? Turn the next page; taking you into another era and be transported back where you burrow into a surreal love triangle!! Hark....a distant sweet melody of a magical flute? You won't be disappointed...go on...reach out your hand, and caress! Life is too short!!! Live a little, love a lot.....if only for a fleeting moment. (150 - WORD COUNT TOOL)

Would you purchase my book?
New, published May 2011
US -$24.95
Canada -$34.95
This week only 10% discount for Bloggers!
[insert wink here]

In its entirety, the text is copyrighted by law.
see copyright on sidebar
© 2011



- - -<><><>- - -


FRIDAY FODDER

Have you ever been so perturbed at the way the inner-city workers function? Have you ever seen a group of street workers on the job with heavy machinery and all are standing around with their bright orange vests and hard hats...all but one?!! The ONE is the only worker actually working!! The rest...from maybe four others to a whole dozen or more...are just standing around leaning on their shovels and pick-axes; gabbing with one another? I think it holds true with EVERY city. It's a shame to drive by them in a construction zone and see this, knowing you're paying their wages. Well, I'm always the kind that writes letters to the editor of our local newspaper, or even now over the years that I've had access to online emails, I email them or I've been known to go out to the city services site and fill out complaint forms. And this past week, I've been at it again. First off, anyone who has been in this town, even the Winter Texans who come here for the winter months from the cold North...they too write in their complaints of the atrocious infrastructure of the city streets. It's always the same ol' story ---the budget is in deficit! But, hey people...they all seem to get pay raises! It makes no sense. Well, for the last few years the street repairs have been only patch up jobs of chuck-holes and in a day or two, the patch work has been kicked out with the high volume of traffic. One street that Bud and I use very frequently to avoid the freeways to get back home is, seriously, A WASH BOARD. And it's been deteriorating for months. This week, I had had enough!! I got online, filled out the form...and gave them my view of the situation. As I've said, I've done this plenty of times....90% of the time, my writing them has been good. Work accomplished. We'll see if the entire street gets a resurface in time. I sure hope so!! But, thing is...if it DOES get the needed repair work, just how many employees will it take? [Like how many does it take to change a light bulb kinda scenario...lol]


UPDATE: As we drove home from the book store, we used the street mentioned above...well, they did do some work on it. But, NOTHING like it should have been done. They only patched the holes...the 'washboard effect' still holds true. And I think of the wear and tear on our poor tires!!


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And to change the whole spiel here, we plan to go see the new POTC [part 4]...The POTC "On Stranger Tides" this morning's first showing. No, we're not waiting to see it later, in 3-D; it's the entertainment value, not the effects we want.

§ b!n L@den Cocktail...

a B!n L@den cocktail:

TWO SHOTS AND A SPLASH OF WATER.

I've been working diligently when time allows me to do so...on my strong opinions of this past week in American History and the actions of the Navy Seals and the White House. But with all the yard work we've been doing and going to the beach daily, I haven't had much time. Hopefully, I can get my thoughts down complete and posted for my Monday Morsels.


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§ Once upon a time....

...ever since the presidential campaign back in '08 and seeing the future 1st lady come on stage wearing a beautiful and yet a simple cut dress, I've become obsessed with the color [of the dress]. Yes, I state my favorite colors are were dark forest green and royal purple...well, they still are favorites of mine, but the color of this dress...what I call magenta...it's quickly become a favorite of mine also. The color, when I wear it, brings out the silver in my graying hair. [the subject of gray hair will follow this] Not only that, I think it brings out a glow in ANY complexion. I never, ever, thought a certain color would accentuate any skin tone but this particular color, in my estimation...and I've seen it on many women since the campaign year only 'cause I've been paying attention more to the color...and as I say...the color is GOOD for ALL skin tones. All thanks to our 1st lady, well, at least through my eyes.... The color has been around forever of course. And being a jeans and t-shirt kinda gal that I am, I finally found a magenta T-Shirt. And I'm pleased as punch. Me? Dresses? Nah!! Now, the color...back to the color magenta:

"Magenta is a color of universal harmony and emotional balance. It is spiritual yet practical, encouraging common sense and a balanced outlook on life. The color magenta helps to create harmony and balance in every aspect of life; physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. A combination of red and violet, magenta contains the passion, power and energy of red, restrained by the introspection and quiet energy of violet...."
read more on the color HERE

Michelle O photo courtesy of Access Hollywood dot com - no infringement intended.



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Then, returning to my thoughts on graying hair. My color of hair when a lot younger was a strawberry blond. Some days, especially in the summer when out in the sun a lot, it was quite near platinum blond...but with a very dingy yellow tinge to it. The redness returned in the Fall and Winter ...depending on the season. As the years passed and after I had my two children, it became quite dull and more a dish water blond. Darkening with age. Then, the five decades put a whole new scenario with my hair color. It was like it was overnight...but the dingy yellow blond became gray on top with a light ash blond at the nape of the neck. And being the outdoorsy person that I've always been, my face is sun-bleached and rather wrinkled. What am I saying? A WHOLE LOT WRINKLED!! Which is okay, no complaints here...but the hair...I'm not even contemplating coloring it...dying it back to blond ---it would look SO artificial with the skin condition. Now, I used to put a silver rinse in my mother's hair each time I'd fix up her 'do' for her. It was a gray rinse. Turning HER dingy Irish-strawberry-blond-turned-gray hair a vibrant shiny silver. More or less, a lot like what you see Paula Deen's hair color is on the Food Network. And, to be honest, I would like that color if only I were so lucky. The last time I had my hair trimmed off my neck for the season [bobbed short], my regular place I go to get my hair cut, she and I got to talking. I told her that I've looked and looked all over for a gray hair rinse --just a rinse; not dye. She said just get the expensive gray hair shampoos..."it'll work like the rinses of long ago did." I now have Pantene for Silver Hair. It DOES take the dingy yellow tones out. And I thank her for her advice. I would never have guessed that a shampoo could do 'the trick'. I asked Bud if he could see the difference in the gray tone...he said:
"What makes the difference anyhow? I'd love you if you were bald and toothless."

Pfffft....gimme a break. I know he just wants me around to cook his meals and clean up hair balls. The CATS' hairballs that is.

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WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE COLOR?!!? [answer it now], then click here to see what it tells you about your personality. [being that my color WAS green I feel reading about the color MAGENTA fits me better]. rofl

§ Deckle Edged

...back to my title for this post:

If you're 'into reading books' like I am...or just like to go to book stores and peruse the newly published books and see for yourself what the authors are coming up with these days, you may have noticed a unique and cool part of a certain book. DECKLE EDGED PAGES. Now, I must admit I like this feature. It makes the book feel, to me, more valuable....kinda like finding an old antique book worth mega bucks. LOL Okay, so what is deckle edged? Tho, in today's times it's a new 'feature' that some publishers are using...it's just plain cool, and I never knew until a few days ago just what the term meant.

If you go online in search for a new book, you may have noticed that some of books are identified as "deckle edge" in the title page. Deckle edge books are bound with pages that are made to resemble handmade paper by applying a frayed texture to the edges. Deckle edge is an ornamental feature designed to set certain titles apart from books with machine-cut pages....




Deckle Edged cut
thanks to
amazondotcom




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And Speaking of books. Y'all know that Bud and I like to go and spend an hour or two at the used book stores around the area. Books Inc at Portland Texas [over the harbor bridge and a few miles across the bay] and Half Price Books in town. I admit my favorite of the two is Half Price. Tho, Books Inc in Portland have quite a few rare books I've found there. Anyway, the other day when it was too hot to be outdoors and nothing on TV worth watching really, I did turn it on and scanned through the program guide and a National Geographic program was aired at that time for an hour. I figured it wouldn't hurt to watch it. Abraham Lincoln is an historical figure in American History that I always enjoy reading and learning. Even on our honeymoon to Chicago years ago, I asked Bud to stop while we were driving at New Salem to go through the area known for Mr. Lincoln. Sorry, I kinda got off track a bit...anyway, the program wasn't all that fulfilling because it focused on the Civil War instead of Lincoln himself. Okay...fine. But in the interim, there was a section of the characterized Lincoln sitting and reading a book that I've always wanted to read when I was a youngster, but never ever have. I found a large copy of it at Half Price Books the other day...Harriet Beach Stowe's "Uncle Tom's Cabin". It's a classic, and it's proclaimed by several historians to have actually been the 'culprit' of the starting of the war between the states. So, now I have a copy of it, and will hopefully sit down and actually read it. Another one that piqued my interest was "The Alamo: an Epic"...a Texas history of the infamous battle in the form of an entire poem...PAGES and PAGES long-over 300 pages. Quite a while ago, there were mixed reviews of his work, but I like poetry a lot and also, to be truthful, I find the subject of the Alamo quite boring. Maybe if I combine my like of poetry with the doldrums of the Alamo...I may enjoy it and learn a bit more than I already know of the Independence of Texas. The other book that I bought was another on my favorite era...The Tudor England. A novel that may show some light on the 'what ifs' of the Armada and Spain.