Fun with fonts....

Some of the most awesome fonts don't come standard with your computer. Sure, there are many to choose from - but there are loads of others out there.

I was looking for a specific font for a project at work, and figured I'd have to purchase it in order to create the graphics I needed. The price range for the set I was looking at was $24-$105 dollars depending on the website.

While searching the interwebs, if found this font site that allows you to test fonts before you purchase them. Not only that, but you can change colors during the test and actually save the test sample as a bit map file.

Like I mentioned before, there loads of fonts out there we never have a chance to use - above is my name, in a graphic font called Gargoonies... and there are many others to choose from. In the search or font finder option, type in anything, I tried "fun" and "goon", you'll be amazed with the different styles and options. Then click on the title of the font and select the option to create a sample. I found that it was necessary to put the cursor in the font size box, then enter before changes would be applied to the sample window below.

Just think of all the fun you can have making your own buttons and graphics. If you post something, come back and let me know!

I just can't see where it's right...

I'll probably see a lot of flack for this post, but I don't really care, there are not that many folks that blog hop here anyway, and what the hell, it's my damn blog!

I loathe the Simpsons! Well to be truthful, I don't like many (read: NONE AT ALL) of the 1/2 situation comedies - Friends, Seinfeld, Everybody Hates Ramon - name one - and I'm sure I've tried it and failed to like it. In fact most, I can't even watch 10 minutes of before I'm searching for Discovery or the History Channel or something with claws and teeth!!

Neeper used to watch the Simpsons with her grandfather when he was alive. It was something that they did. I'm sure they talked about the shows, he was a very loving man and there is a very big hole in her life now that he's passed, but I still don't think it's something she or any child should be exposed to under the age of 15. Keep in mind Neeper also saw the Exorcist at age 5, and more than once, because the "adults" she was living with didn't see fit to wait until she was sleeping or even send her out of the room while the watched that nastiness!!!

Why, many ask, don't I like the show? Well... it puts a very bad, bad, bad (did I mention BAD) light on family life, and community. Of the shows I can remember, the kid or the father is always trying to get away with something (typical sit-com plot peeve by the way) and while they most likely don't... the fact that they even tried, sends the wrong message to children. So maybe you had a good childhood and nice family up bringing. You lived in an ok neighborhood and you find the stoopidness of it all funny. Fine.

But what if you didn't have a wonderful family life, and the best neighborhood to grow up in. What if the boob-tube was your baby sitter, and the Simpsons are where you learned your family values. GAG. ME!!

I didn't allow my kids to watch that crap when they were growing up, and I think they had a pretty ok up bringing. So I will not allow Neeper to watch the show, unless her dad watches it with her... and ... he didn't want to last night. So she cried about it. And then we argued about it... and feelings were hurt. It's a dumb damn TV Show, and I will not back down on this.

What is it about the situation comedy that I find so distasteful? It could not be the 'it's really stoopid but I'm going to do it anyway and see if I can pull it off' turkey on my head type of images that were relentless during sweeps. And who the hell cares who was the father of the baby? Give me sex in the bible any day, at least the fiction was original, not baked up crumbs from some other show.

I think I could go on and on and on - cause next I'd pick on un-reality shows - but I think I've ranted enough for tonight. Feel free to leave your comments - and unless they're full of stuff that is totally off topic, I'm sure I'll let them remain.

Ah... that feels better!

Actors in a action.....

Not as recognizable as the pink ribbon, but it will be!!

During the Golden Globe awards tonight I saw several of the actors wearing a blue puzzle pin on their black tuxedos. I had no idea what this little pin symbolized, so of course, I had to look it up.

This little pin is from Autism Gear and some of the proceeds from the sale of the items on this site are used to support The Autism Society of America. I've never seen this little pin, but it made me look it up, so I figured I share.

Check it out!!

Christmas, the empty nest version...

My nest is not empty, not really - but it feels that way.

I have mentioned that this year my son (PFC) joined the Marines, and my daughter (Buffy) moved to Florida to go to school. I have Dub, Neeper and Roomie living in house with me - along with 9 cats - so you see, the nest is not really empty.

PFC has been home since the 22nd, and will be headed to the midwest in early January for MOS training - but he has not been home much.

Christmas Day was really though for me, it was just all wrong. Showers took too long, the Fudge was not packaged and I was missing Buffy something dreadful. I took Neeper to Da'Rents (my parents house) for breakfast, but had to go back and pick up Dub cause the hot water was lacking after 2 had showered. (Neeper doesn't know the meaning of 'quick' in the shower)

Da'Rents house seemed REALLY empty. Brodar (my brother) was not around (yet), Mom was bustling around in the kitchen and Roomie and her guy (does he have a name yet?) were helping with vittles. PFC was sitting in the living room with his PSP, but I felt the hole.. the missing thing.. Buffy was not there. It made me cry, and just re-living it the tears are flowing again.

Some would say, that 'at least you had one of your kids there for the holidays' and that is true... but I really miss Buffy. I worry that she's not sleeping enough, or eating right. I didn't plan for her to be GONE so I didn't have the funds saved go pay for her to come home for Christmas. Next year, I hope will be better with that.

I'm not sure why I was dragging my feet when it was time to return to Da'Rents after Dub was ready to go, it just felt so wrong. When we arrived, the breakfast dishes had been cleared and folks had already started opening gifts. (Thanks for waiting people!) There was a flurry of activity as gifts were opened and for a while I was distracted. There were lots of ooh's and aah's, many nice things were gifted and some odd things too.

Roomie and her guy (I'll have to come up with something for him, I'm just not sure yet!) left for his family do. I had a short phone conversation with Buffy while she waited for others to 'wake up' or 'come home' so they could have their meal. Buffy and her crew didn't have anywhere to go for a Christmas dinner, so I'd ordered sammies, veggies and deviled eggs for them from Albertsons. Who knew grocery stores in Florida didn't do ham or turkey dinners for Christmas, or maybe it was that you had to order them more than 4 days ahead of time.

I mixed up some eggnog with brandy, then Mom, PFC and I started a game of rummy while Neeper talked with Valkyrie and Mr. Peabody on the phone. About 3 hands in, my head pounded so bad I needed a nap. Not sure if it was the brandy, stuffy sinus or stress, but the head won.

Buffy and her crew called and woke me from my slumber some time later, to thank me for the yummies I'd ordered. It was nice to talk with them, and some of the sorrow I had about Buffy's holiday lifted. She was having a good time, with folks she liked, and she was safe.

I'm still teary about it, even now.. though I'm sure it has something to do with the approaching new year celebration and PFC's departure soon after. I suspect it will be better in the years to come, but I'm not looking forward to my kids (that are not kids any more) having lives of their own where they are not able to be with me during the holidays. Is that selfish.. you bet, but I won't apologize for it. I love my kids, enjoy spending time with them, am proud of the adults the have worked to become and I miss them bunches when they are gone.

Beta is better ... how?

I've done it.
I switched to Beta. Figured I'd better do it before they did it for me.

Already I don't like HAVING top put the damn labels on things before you can post put up a post, and that ASSUMES you remember how you have labeled things in the past... YUCK!

Crossing my fingers this doesn't turn out badly!

Support your local Sheriff? uh no..local Romance Author!!

Multi-published author Shelli Stevens has a signing!!

Where: Saturday, December 16, 2006
What time: 2pm to 4pm

Where?
Lynnwood Borders at Alderwood Mall (upstairs!)
3000 184th St SW
Lynnwood, WA 98037
(425) 776-7530

Let's do the time warp again.... 6 mo in speed review

This is a time warp of semi-weekly proportions...

June, My Mate (a.k.a. Dub) and I flew to MD to pick up the Neeper for the summer. The day we left, one of my kitties had a blood clot and had to go to the Vet. Then my daughter (we'll call her Buffy for now) reached the age of 18, and the family went bowling to celebrate. The next week my Divorce was final. Buffy graduated High School the following week and her dad came up for the event. June saw lots of calls from Neeper's mom, much turmoil (catch up here) and head scratching about her future. Kitty improved, and the mercury began to rise in Seattle. The work, it just kept coming.

July saw the passing of Dub's Mom, JEast, and more turmoil for the Neeper. Dub started working on the King County Airport Runway Project, and the hours were long! Neeper started coming to work with me more often, as Buffy was making noises about finding a job, and Kitty dislocated his back leg and ended up in a splint. The work, well, it was the work.

Mid/Late August my son, age 20 and we'll call him Jake for now, went San Diego, for Marine Boot Camp. I cried, was moody, and then there was lots of work. Buffy started working for Home Depot, that meant that Neeper had to come with me to work every day. Oh the work!

Beginning of September Neeper started school (hear the loud cheer: YEAH!) and work kept on keeping on. Kitty saw a specialist about the leg and we hoped that it would not come to that. I started cleaning in Jake's room, thinking to move Neeper in there so Buffy could have her space. It was more emotional than I thought - I cried and didn't make it very far.

Late September My Mate started working Sunday's in the bus tunnel and My Roomie started spending MORE time with her boyfriend. And the work kept coming.

In the Beginning of October there was the ECW Conference (note to self, finish the damn post that's in the drafts section) and then there was more work. Kitty's leg was so bad it had to be amputated. I cried, we paid the hefty bill and he came home as a tripod, but on aspirin for the rest of his life.

Mid October Buffy decided to move to Florida to go to school. I cried, was moody and there was the work. She at least packed up her stuff in boxes so I could send it to her, but there was cleaning to do in her room too. Kitty improved and things seemed to be going good, but there was always the work. Neeper had fun with her new cousins on Halloween, but I have forgotten where we hid her candy. Oops!

Early November Dub and I went to see Stephen King at Benaroya Hall. There is a post forthcoming on this one too... I think, a place holder at least! Kitty had a relapse and was back at the vet. They didn't know if he'd recover this time and I cried. Work was work, school was school and my Roomie kept putting words to file on her book. Work, work and more work.

Mid November Dub and I flew to San Diego for Jake's graduation from Marine Boot Camp. We'll call him Private First Class (PFC) or Marine now. PFC came home with us for 10 days, which included Turkey Day. The holiday was great, food and fun and family - but Roomie's boyfriend didn't make it. (He's still in trouble with me for that one!)

Late November we had snow, and it stayed for a couple days. School was closed and I worked from home. Work was done, but backed up more, just love the work.

Early December, Neeper reached the age of 10, though if she'd been any more excited about her birthday she may have exploded before making it there. She went shopping with Roomie for clothes and toys, then we met for lunch and had a mini celebration.

The work was the work, but Kitty had a relapse again and ended up at the emergency vet. I cried and was moody and worked very hard not to bite off the heads of those I love. Sadly I had to put him down the next day. I cried, and spent as much time with him as I could before he had to go. The rest of the day I spent with my folks helping them with a Christmas project, though my heart was not in it, at the very least it was a nice distraction. There is another post about the Moo (Kitty) forthcoming, but it's still too raw to do right now.

It's technically still early December, and I'm so ready for this year to end. Roomie's made leaps and bounds of progress on her manuscript, Neeper's doing well in school though she rushes her work and has nasty handwriting. Dub's been taking art lessons when he can and his drawing is shaping up nicely. I think Buffy's going to have a job at Winn-Dixie soon, if she doesn't already. PFC will be home on or around the 19th for another 10-12 days liberty, and some of the work is easing up. And I've cried all the tears I think I can, without dipping into next year's allotment, so I'm done ok.

That's the news, what there is of it... let's hope the posting will pick up now - these review shows are difficult when the memory fades.

Tag - I'm it!

Ok, fine - I'll play along but I don't have done few MeMe posts, and will make an exception cause I've been tagged by my roomie - Aura. From her blog:

"The lovely Kristen tagged me to write 5 fairly interesting things about myself for all to see."

Fairly interesting? I'm the least interesting person I know, but as I said, I'll play along.

1. When I was in kindergarden, I was hit in the head with a golf club (3 wood I think) at a friends house. I think that crack in the skull could explain so much!
2. High School: I flunked typing freshman year (when it was still called typing), and now spend my day doing mostly that. I also played the flute all four years.
3. I love peanut butter and dill pickle sandwiches, I ate them even before I was preggers.
4. I wanted to join the Air Force and fly fighter jets, but I was told that not only was I too short (at 5' 2") but because I was a girl, I would be allowed to fly transports but not fighter jets. I decided to make movies instead, and have an 'almost' degree in Broadcasting, that goes unused as I work for a major financial institution as a business systems analyst.
5. My cell phone bill once showed I'd used 28,852 minutes in one month. This was an average month.

Happy now? In the spirit of Tagging - I'll tag my buddies Serra and Paula.

Blog about Stephen King...

This is a place holder ... so I have a place to put the story when I can put all the works/thoughs together.

An Evening with Stephen King - TANKS ROOMIE!

My Roomie left me a message this frosty October morning, that Stephen King was to be in town Wednesday for a lecture. She followed it up with a link to the details via instant message, and I checked it out - only to find all the tickets that included the reception afterwards were sold out. *pout*

Thinkin' Dub (My Mate) would appreciate the lecture, I prepared to buy tickets to listen to the Master of Horror talk about his body of work, while I pondered the chances of slipping into the reception unnoticed (FAT CHANCE!!) . One of the many voices in my head was chanting 'eBay. eBay. EBAY!' so on the off chance that someone had reception tickets for sale - I bopped over to the auction site and typed in 'Stephen King Seattle' - and was shocked.

Only one item, but there it was, my wish come true.... tickets to the King lecture with the RECEPTION afterwards. ~~ I heard voices in my head cheering as I clicked the link and found a BUY IT NOW option and did just that! ~~

Holy Cow ~ I'm going to have a chance to meet the Master of Horror... BUT more importantly, I'll have a chance to surprise My Mate with something extra special right here in our own back yard!

Now the worry begins:

• How to tell Dub?
• What to do with Neeper?
• Where to dine that evening?
• What to wear?
• Where to park?
• Will they allow cameras?
• Will he sign book?

I'll post more when when some of these questions have been answered!

Not your normal song virus...

Goin' to the Conference and we're going to be in-spiiiired. (to the tune of "Goin' the the Chapel")

This weekend is the Annual Emerald City Writers Conference, and I'm attending with my roomie in an effort to kick start my writing now that the Big "D" is final and legal and done!

I'm taking some lovely Pepperminty Scenty Soapies from my buddy Serra, that I'm planning to give to the organizers and some of the authors I've met over the years as little 'thank you's' - but still trying to figure out what to do with the washy clothies. Serra suggested A China Rose fold, which is totally awesome, and I've been toying with an envelope - but so far that's a bust. We'll see.

So from this weekend conference, I expect to be inspired to park in front of the computer and write down some of the many ideas that have been floating in my head for years.. and who knows, maybe I'll actually finish one, sell it and eventually work as a writer full time.

or not..

perhaps I'll just continue to dabble at writing and work forever as a pawn in Corporate America. More news, later!

CHOW!

Stats, Traffic and Sundries

I've never been one to watch traffic to my site, no need, I'm the only on that visits regularly, and that's not at all regular. *hee hee*

Serra had a post on her site for a new 'traffic' option or some such goodie, and I thought I've give it a try.

eXlinks traffic cops - monitors - whatever! Check it out!

Good stuff should come your way if you sign up pre-launch, so follow the linky above and join the club.

Just like that... She's gone!

Today's been a very rough day. My Mate took the bus to work and like most days while Neeper has been here, I returned home and started answering email and checking the to do items I had for the day.

My Mate Beeped* me, like always, when he stepped off the bus, but asked me to call him back instead of just using the radio.

The conversation went some like this:

Lesa~Dragon: Hi Dub**, what's up?
My Mate: I had a call from Mouse while I was on the bus.
Lesa~Dragon: Uh-oh, is everything ok?
My Mate: She said My Mother is dead.
Dragon: What?
Mate: My Mother is dead.
Dragon: How? When?
Mate: I guess she was having trouble breathing last night and went to the hospital. The Doctor called this morning and told Mouse she died in the night.
Dragon: Oh My God! No.
Mate: Yeah.
Dragon: Where are you? I'll come pick you up.
Mate: On the street. Yes, please.
Dragon: Ok, go to the office, and let them know what happened, and I'll be there to pick you up as soon as I can. I'll call when I'm close.
Mate: Yea, I'll go pick up the van first, then go into work.
Dragon: I'm on my way, be there as soon as I can.
Mate: Ok.
Dragon: Dub?
Mate: Yes, Dub?
Dragon: I Love You.
Mate: Thanks. Come get me.
Dragon: On my way.

JEast was gone? I was stunned,and turned circles for at least a full minute trying to decide if I should change out of my PJ's or just go. I went down the hall to brush the sleep out of my hair and pull it back, when my Roomie cracked open her door and asked if everything was alright. Apparently she heard my exclamations and was curious, thinking there was a new Neeper development. I told her as quickly and quietly as I could, Neeper's bedroom is right next door, and then dashed off to the city to pick up My Mate.

I called my Mom (as yet not nicknamed) on the way, and left a message on her cell phone. I asked her not to call back after a certain time, sure I'd have My Mate in the car with me, but when she called back I was still in traffic. I BAWLED while driving on I-5, talking to my Mom about My Mate's loss, our loss really, and trying to explain all the things that have happened with the Neeper over the last couple years. She didn't have any idea how Springer like things had been. I don't know if we will have the $ to send My Mate and Neeper back for a service, and if I had to tap into the International Bank of Dragon's Mom and Dad - I figured they needed to know ASAP.

Then I called a Co-worker in LittleApples and told him I had to cancel our weekly Power Hour meeting. He was very understanding and offered any assistance needed. He's a great guy.

I called My Mate when I was close, and picked him up near a local bar he has been to after work a couple times. Seems they're not open at 8 AM, go figure. We returned home in relative silence, and then he called Mouse back for more details and to check on how Grumpy took the news.

I just can't believe she's gone. It's not sunk in yet, and I don't know how long it will take before the hurt goes away, but it hurts really bad. There is a hole, a huge black hole inside both of us that will take much healing time to find the light again.

When Neeper wakes up, we'll have to break the news to her. Damn this won't be easy. Crap, I have a meeting I have to prepare for.. I just wish I could send someone else.
More update later, maybe, maybe not.

* Beep is the radio function on Nextel Phones
** We call each other Dub, like Silk Stalkings detectives called each other "Sam" - it's a long explaination.. someday I'll tell that story perhaps.

Mom Again?

Or so it would appear... not that I'm complaining but it's just different.

My kids are now grown, graduated and gettin' on my nerves. (not really but sometimes) My Mate has a 9 year old daughter ~ "Neeper" ~ and she's come to stay with us for the summer the second weekend in June.

About two weeks after Neeper arrived, we received a call from her mom ~ "Valkyrie" ~ stating that the boyfiend ~ "Mr. Peabody" ~ had missed work, and was drunk and passed out naked on the living room floor. Valkyrie didn't want to have Neeper in the house with Mr. Peabody doing stuff like that, and suggested perhaps Neeper should stay with us longer than the summer. It seems Mr. Peabody has some dependency issues, and has been known to relieve himself throughout the house, not always in the bathroom. My Mate and I agreed it would be best that Neeper stay with us.

A few days later Neeper received an email from her mom saying that Mr. Peabody was being good again and they were acting loving again to each other. A couple days after that, Neeper told My Mate that she didn't want to go back and live with her mom, and then she told her mom the same thing during a phone call. Next think I know Neeper is crying because Valkyrie has told her she HAS to come home and that's just the way it is.

Additional informatoin that may fill in holes later on: Valkyrie was arrested in May for assalt, seem she used the flat edge of a knife on Mr. Peabody, the cops were called, and Valkyrie spent a few nights in jail. During the time she was locked up, Mr. Peabody was calling My Mate and asking what he intended to do, then saying he needed to 'be a man' and then demanding that Mr. Peabody be allowed to adopt Neeper. Uh.. HELL NO. We had thougt at that time that we may have to go out early and pick up Neeper, but we were able to let her finish the school year in MD.

Also, some time last year, Valkyrie took a baseball bat to Mr. Peabody - and the cops were called then too but I dont' think there was any jail time. They have a volitale relationship and there have been times when Neeper has called My Mate because her mom is drunk and nasty and Neeper just wants to be away from the house. At those times, she'd figure out how to make it to My Mate's Rents house for a couple days, until things settled down. It's tough for us to do anything about it, as My Mate's family lives in Maryland - nearly 2700 miles from Seattle.

It's been tough this year for the Mate-Rents too, Mom ~ "JEast" ~ has been having Kemo treatments since April for her lungs, and Dad ~ "Grumpy" ~ had his left leg amputated at the knee in early May and then a quintuple (5) by-pass heart surgery in the beginning of June. Since Grumpy has been unable to drive, and really in the hosipital or extended care for those two months (and still), Neeper has to less options for leaving the house when things grow too tense with Valkyrie and Mr. Peabody. To make things in MD even more like a Springer show, My Mates Sister ~ "Mouse" ~ her husband ~ "Saint" ~ and their family (5 kids total though not all of them live at home right now) have been forced to move from the house they've been in for over 12 years, because it's being sold and they can't afford what is being asked for it. (too much by the way, if you ask me) So Mouse and the three youngest kids ("BonBon" ~ age 9, Neepers best friend, "Thomas" ~ Age 5?(I think) and "Nate" ~ Age 13) are moving in with the Mate-Rents, while Saint is going to stay with his parents near by for the time being. The oldest is living with his other grandparents out of state and "Coyote" has been hanging out at the Mate-Rents off and on for the last 9 months - mooching.

This is not the worst thing that could happen, with Grumpy in the hospital still and JEast doesn't drive, but it's a small house, and the Mate-Rents have been sans little kids 24/7 for a lot longer than I have.

Back to the present ~ Last weekend, Valkyrie called, very in her cups (read: drunk), and a conversation with My Mate started out that maybe it would be best for Neeper to say with us. In the course of the 10 minute conversation, though she did a 180 and ended the call with "If Neeper is not back in MD by August 1st, I'm calling an Alphabet Goverment Agency, and reporting a Neeper-napping." to which My Mate replied, "Thanks for the warning."

Today - July 4th, Neeper was chatting with Valkyrie and again the subject of the return trip to MD was brought up, which sent Neeper into tears again. Poor thing! And of course, we were at the Dragon-Rents place with my family, so then others wanted to know "What was up?" Thankfully it was easy enough to say that she'd just had a disagreement with her mom on the phone and leave it at that.

We don't know what is going to happen from one day to the next, but at this point, we are not planning to send Neeper back to MD until we've talked with someone familiar with family law. There reasons too numerous to count why she should not return, and one really important reason she should stay ~ because it is what is best for her!

More Neeper Saga updates later as the story developes - Happy Fourth All!

It's Official...

Signed, Sealed and Delivered ~ I'm free!

At approximately 2:39 PM Pacific Daylight Time on June 12, 2006 ~ The BIG "D" is final, filed and finished!

I'm planning a definitely Divorced Party for myself and my Mate this weekend - there will be much drinking.

And in other Official News - My Daughter Graduated from High School last night and "Mom does the HAPPY DANCE!!"

More news later - too much work to do at this time for a long posty!

Book Review: Dark Prince and Dark Descent

My Roomie is working on her 4th year in the Pacific Northwest, after moving to Seattle from Florida. Aura is a big fan of Christine Feehan, and the Carpathian characters she has been writing about since the late 90’s. Many times Aura has suggested I might like the series because it is contemporary, rather than historical. I’ve thought about it, but my TBR shelf was stacked with other authors at the time, and I figured I’d pick up Christine eventually.

Christine’s Wild Rain was just on the shelves when I bought it at the airport after I’d forgotten to bring a book along on a business trip. I really enjoyed the story and her writing style was easy to follow. Wild Rain is the first in a series of books about shape shifting cat people, and I look forward to the next in the series expected out later this year.

Aura splurged on an audio book version of Dark Prince, the first in the Carpathian series and was listening to it in the car one day when we were shopping.. uh, I mean running errands. The characters sounded interesting and I was intrigued by the parts I heard. Aura has offered her copies of the books to me many times, but I have always turned her down – I can be hard on paperbacks - thinking I would pick up my own copies when I was ready to read.

On a trip to the book store with the boyfriend and his kids, Aura picked up a copy of Dark Prince for me – little sneak – so I could read it whenever I was ready, and some how it ended up on the top of my TBR pile.

From the beginning of the book there was intense non-stop action. And too much sex. Yes, you hear me right, too much sex. Unusual for me to say, but I was about ready to put it down and find something else when I shared my thoughts with Aura. She said that she’d heard somewhere (perhaps even from the author herself) that the published version of Dark Prince was not the book Christine had written. I know publishers and editors often take certain liberties, and I really wanted to see how the story ended so.. kept on reading.

It was fascinating the way the author jumped form one characters head to another, yet the printed page did not offer any indication of the move form one character to the other – not even so much as and extra space between paragraphs. At times, with all the action, it was hard to follow who’s thoughts were who’s. Characters seemed to appear without much introduction, though the reader was supposed to understand and accept them without suspicion. That fact also made me uncomfortable and caused confusion.

I enjoyed the story and the adventure – but the writing, mechanics and flow of the book was a bit disappointing. I’m still not sure if I like the main characters. Raven started out as likeable, and when she confronted the vampire hunters in the forest I was with her every step. It was believable that when she first met some of the other Carpathians, she could hear their thoughts and it made her crazy… but it was really too much to expect that they’d have control all the time when they were around her, I didn’t buy that. I know that Mikhail is a prince, and old school, but he felt like an over bearing macho man, and I don’t think I can say that I ever really liked his character. He didn’t seem to let Raven grow and adjust to the changes, but his over protective assuming attitude was way beyond alpha male for my taste.

I felt there was much of the detail missing, and want to know more. I have to continue to remind myself this was the first in the series, perhaps the first book Christine published. I do want to read more, and plan to, but I think it will be a couple months before I visit with the Carpathians again. Withholding judgment on the series until I’ve read more.

The book Aura bought also had a novella length story from an anthology as a
bonus feature. Guess I’m going to visit the Carpathian Mountains sooner than I thought.

Dark Descent ~ initially part of The Only One Anthology ~ started with a bang, literally - with Traian fighting vampires and Joie was shot on the job, but the writing and syntax was much easier to read after struggling through Dark Prince. The characters jumped off the page and while I wanted to know more about the special gifts of Joie and her family, the shorter story was more cohesive and solid, and I would think that’s because the author is now very comfortable with the world she’s created and the publisher will print the heart of the book, not just the sex and action sequences. I hope that the story started here will be more fully explained in the series – there are still so many unanswered questions.

It is very apparent Christine knows the craft of writing and has good stories to tell. I think it will be easy to move past the disappointment from the first book and enjoy the series as the tale of the Carpathians unfolds. I will, however, read them in order of publication, including the other novella stories, because there was information in Dark Descent that will probably color the books about some of the characters already introduced but their full stories yet untold. I don’t think it was a good idea to include Dark Descent with Dark Prince.

Book Review: In Deep Voodoo

The title alone made me pick it up, and the potential for paranormal had me taking it home. In Deep Voodoo was a delight to read though I did complain to my Roomie that there was not enough sex in the first 2/3 of the book. However, the mystery of who killed the ex-husband and the journey to find the real killer made up for the lack of steam between the sheets.

The suspense in the story along with the comic timing had me fit to be tied when I left the book on my desk over the last weekend. The characters remained fresh in my thoughts until I was able to pick up the story again on Tuesday after working from home on Monday. I was giggling at my desk during lunch at one particularly funny....

“Doing the research on dimethyl sulfoxide. The chemical has, shall we say, a checkered past.” He put a fork full of tofu in his mouth, then stopped, grimaced, and swallowed.
“It grows on you,” she said encouragingly.
“I bet this stuff would grow on just about anything,” he said, turning to the salad.
She bit back a smile. “So what did you learn about the chemical?”
“It’s a by product of wood pulp, used commercially in paint thinner and antifreeze.”
She made a face. “I thought the man in the square said it was used to preserve body organs.”
He nodded. “The medical grade of the substance was used for organ transplant preservation in the 1960s, but there were side effects, and the close kinship of the chemical to harsher commercial grades made it suspect. Apparently the cheep and potentially harmful grades were popping up at roadside stands and general stores.” He grimaced. “I image it tasted like this tofu.”
She laughed. “But it’s good for you.”
“What is it exactly?”
“It’s made from soy bean milk.”
He scratched his temple. “And I didn’t even realize soy beans had nipples.”
She bust out laughing; he was so…male.

I have wondered myself about how they milk soy beans, I’m glad I’m no alone not knowing… uh.. yes.. moving along.

I’m pleased to say I was surprised to find out who the killer was, I should have seen that coming but maybe I was too fixated on the lack of sex to see it clearly. I like to be surprised, it doesn’t happen often. While checking out the author site, I discovered there are several other titles that sound like they’d be a lot of fun to read.

I’ve added Stephanie Bond to my growing list of authors to look for at Half Price Books, and I’m sure I’ll be traveling to the Full Price store near me in October when the follow up to Voodoo comes out.

Classic Example..... of what NOT to do!

I really like Miss Snark.

Her site is educational, entertaining and scares the b-jeeberz out of me all at the same time.

I have not had a chance to check in over there much in the last couple months, but today I was surfing (read: avoiding work) and ended up at her blog.

I've known some folks who didn't think their poo was stinky, and some other folks that were very full of themselves too... but THIS CLOWN is just SO over the top. Heed well the "beverage warning" within the Snarky One's post... it does not mean have a drink!!

Oh, Pinky!

Bird Flu in South Florida

Aura is from Florida, and I think more than one of her family members has lawn art. We do not know yet the extent of the tragety for the Petersons, but a memorial will be held in a few weeks when the family is all gathered.

This was just so goofy I had to share.

Book Review: Breath of Magic

Teresa Medeiros is known for her historical story lines having only recently ventured into paranormal. I’m not big on historical novels, though after reading the ‘blurb’ for several of her books on her website, there are one or two that intrigue me. Magic, time travel and betrayal are the elements for a fascination tale from the past into the present called Breath of Magic. My Roomie recommended this book to me when I said I needed something a little different than the contemporaries I’ve been reading lately.

With a bang the story takes off on a wild ride, keeping in the realm of possibility but still teasing the depth of my belief that there is magic in the world if you know where to look for it. After being catapulted from the simple Puritan life to the decadence of New York City the young Witch Wannabe discovers it might be easier to return to the past and face those who would put her on trial than to suffer the distain of the man she’s fallen head over broomstick in love with.

I enjoyed the way the characters in the present interacted as if they really had known each other since childhood, and the painful twist of mistrust that followed the lovers through their courtship and beyond was well crafted. There were times I wanted to toss the hero off the top of his mighty tower for being a jerk, and yet his tenderness and growth brought tears to my eyes in the end.

I discovered there is a follow up to this story and now I’ll be on my way back to the book store to track it down. There are also a couple other paranormal titles on Teresa’s shelf, if you like vampires. I here they’re pretty good and look forward to starting another Medeiros title soon.