Yesterday, I finally got my BzzKit for the Burt's Bees Sensitive Skin BzzCampaign.
I got a full size Sensitive Skin Cleanser and Sensitive Skin Moisturizer, and eight samples/coupons to share with friends.
I tried both the cleanser and the moisturizer this morning. The cleanser does moisturize - I could feel the difference in my skin, even while I was rinsing my face. The cleanser is a little more liquid than I'm used to using, and I used a bit too much this first time. It's not as effective on the oily patches right at the corners of my nose as I'm used to from my usual facial cleanser, but time will tell how the difference will show in my face.
The moisturizer is a little pump and needs a good bit of priming before any product actually emerges from the dispenser. It's actually less liquid than the cleanser, and I'll have to learn how much to use. I'm not used to using a moisturizer, because I sweat so much it's just pointless. Luckily, we're heading into cooler weather and I'll be able to give this moisturizer a really good effort.
Hours later, my skin feels good - soft - and I don't have any of the itchiness I frequently have on my face once the dryness sets in.
The campaign ends on Tuesday, so I'm thankful I got this package in before the due date. :D
Who wants a sample?
<img src="http://img.bzzagent.com/image/burts.jpg?Type=activity&Activity=8693751420&Campaign=6466804197&Uid=143335&token=37fbd0376bf0a8bdf1370108b060b9cf" alt=""/>
Friday, November 11, 2011
Saturday, November 5, 2011
To Pen or To Pencil
I think yesterday's BlogHer prompt was about whether one prefers to use a pen or a pencil when writing, you know, on paper, like in the olden days.
Well, I still write on paper like in the olden days, and I definitely prefer a pen. I am a pen whore. I have to try out lots of pens, then when I find one I like, I have to use that kind forever and ever, Amen. It does depend what kind of paper on which I am writing, and why I am writing. I mean, do I need a smooth, fancy line, or big, bold letters?
I'll use a pencil sometimes, too, but it's got to be a mechanical pencil, and pretty much only when using a pencil is required by some obscure rule. I even do crosswords with pen.
Hmmmm. My Amazon search box isn't working. Brat.
Well, I still write on paper like in the olden days, and I definitely prefer a pen. I am a pen whore. I have to try out lots of pens, then when I find one I like, I have to use that kind forever and ever, Amen. It does depend what kind of paper on which I am writing, and why I am writing. I mean, do I need a smooth, fancy line, or big, bold letters?
I'll use a pencil sometimes, too, but it's got to be a mechanical pencil, and pretty much only when using a pencil is required by some obscure rule. I even do crosswords with pen.
Hmmmm. My Amazon search box isn't working. Brat.
Monday, October 24, 2011
State of Mind
Depression has been a part of my life for so long, I don't remember how to really be happy. With or without medication, my depression runs in cycles, from just generally depressed to really, really depressed. Kind of like my own special version of manic/depressive disorder, only without the manic phase. Without medication, those really, really depressed times are especially debilitating.
This year, in addition to moving into a depressing time of year, I'm having a rough emotional patch with changes in my family situation and changes in my life. Seems like I cry at the drop of a hat (or the blink of an eye) and have trouble just doing basic things like bathing and feeding myself.
Depression is not going to win this war, but I worry that this will be the year it wins a major battle for a piece of me.
This year, in addition to moving into a depressing time of year, I'm having a rough emotional patch with changes in my family situation and changes in my life. Seems like I cry at the drop of a hat (or the blink of an eye) and have trouble just doing basic things like bathing and feeding myself.
Depression is not going to win this war, but I worry that this will be the year it wins a major battle for a piece of me.
Monday, October 10, 2011
Changes
By some fluke of television programming, I watched the season finale of Criminal Minds where JJ is reassigned to the Pentagon. So, that was the end of the '09-'10 season? I had read a few things online and knew that for part of the following season, JJ was not a part of the BAU team. Seeing it was so much more emotionally gripping than just reading about the changes in the cast. Anyway, part of her exit interview voiceover resonated with me and I had to write it down.
"This isn't what I want, but I'll take the high road. Maybe it's because I think of everything as a lesson, or because I don't want to walk around angry. Or maybe it's because I finally understand. There are things we don't want to happen but have to accept. Things we don't want to know but have to learn. And people we can't live without but have to let go."
My life has been full of those things, and like them or not, they've had a strong influence over who I am today. I wasn't always so 'zen' about them. I fought change tooth and nail, railed against injustices to me and generally hated the world. At some point, I chose to see lessons in things and make an effort to be and see positivity around me, regardless of the "reality" bombarding me at every turn.
I'm on the outs with my family. I don't really know why. I know what I've been told, but there's something else, unarticulated, at the heart of it. I didn't want this to happen, but I'm learning I have to just accept it and move on. My relationship with my core family will never be the same, and it's their loss, but it's mine, too.
I don't want to know anything about child abuse or pedophilia, and I've had to learn them anyway. Those things in particular have taught me a lot about how strong I am and how much I want to survive regardless of the obstacles. My experiences have shaped me, and more important to me, have helped other people when I've shared them.
My daughter is married now, with a just-now one-year-old son, and is moving to Italy with her Air Force husband. I never thought I'd have to lose that relationship until I died, but I have. As an extension, I've lost my relationship with my only grandchild. That one is hitting the hardest. I don't understand it at all. This change can't all be chalked up to teenage rebellion or new marriage or new baby or adjusting to military life or moving to a new home/city/country, though those are easy excuses readily at hand. So I'm attempting to let go with love and see what I can learn from this hurtful experience other than "keep your heart closed - no hurt that way."
So, last night, I cried watching those last few minutes of Criminal Minds. Today, I cry again, thinking about why those words were so powerful.
"This isn't what I want, but I'll take the high road. Maybe it's because I think of everything as a lesson, or because I don't want to walk around angry. Or maybe it's because I finally understand. There are things we don't want to happen but have to accept. Things we don't want to know but have to learn. And people we can't live without but have to let go."
My life has been full of those things, and like them or not, they've had a strong influence over who I am today. I wasn't always so 'zen' about them. I fought change tooth and nail, railed against injustices to me and generally hated the world. At some point, I chose to see lessons in things and make an effort to be and see positivity around me, regardless of the "reality" bombarding me at every turn.
I'm on the outs with my family. I don't really know why. I know what I've been told, but there's something else, unarticulated, at the heart of it. I didn't want this to happen, but I'm learning I have to just accept it and move on. My relationship with my core family will never be the same, and it's their loss, but it's mine, too.
I don't want to know anything about child abuse or pedophilia, and I've had to learn them anyway. Those things in particular have taught me a lot about how strong I am and how much I want to survive regardless of the obstacles. My experiences have shaped me, and more important to me, have helped other people when I've shared them.
My daughter is married now, with a just-now one-year-old son, and is moving to Italy with her Air Force husband. I never thought I'd have to lose that relationship until I died, but I have. As an extension, I've lost my relationship with my only grandchild. That one is hitting the hardest. I don't understand it at all. This change can't all be chalked up to teenage rebellion or new marriage or new baby or adjusting to military life or moving to a new home/city/country, though those are easy excuses readily at hand. So I'm attempting to let go with love and see what I can learn from this hurtful experience other than "keep your heart closed - no hurt that way."
So, last night, I cried watching those last few minutes of Criminal Minds. Today, I cry again, thinking about why those words were so powerful.
Friday, September 23, 2011
Who we are
Scars remind us where we've been. They don't have to dictate where we're going.
Scars I've got aplenty. My life has been full of bad things, good things and things right down the middle of the road.
For some reason, the bad things stick in my memory more readily. Sometimes, when the bad things revisit, I'm reminded that I believe things happen for a reason. I'm a survivor. Without those previous experiences, I'd be handling new challenges differently, less well.
Not that I'm exactly handling all the new changes in my life in an exemplary manner, but I'm adapting more easily than I might otherwise.
I know, a more complete update is in order. I'm not really ready to write about all of it yet.
Scars I've got aplenty. My life has been full of bad things, good things and things right down the middle of the road.
For some reason, the bad things stick in my memory more readily. Sometimes, when the bad things revisit, I'm reminded that I believe things happen for a reason. I'm a survivor. Without those previous experiences, I'd be handling new challenges differently, less well.
Not that I'm exactly handling all the new changes in my life in an exemplary manner, but I'm adapting more easily than I might otherwise.
I know, a more complete update is in order. I'm not really ready to write about all of it yet.
Friday, September 9, 2011
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Directions
I created this blog originally to share my struggles, in the hopes that someone out there could at least know that they are not alone. It's sort of turned into book review central. I'm hoping to get back to my original plan, and to blog more. I haven't been making time to blog a little each day. Anyway, if you read my blog, just thought you'd like to know. lol
Friday, July 22, 2011
Little update
So, last week, I had a little health scare and went to the ER. This was a big deal for me, because I have no health insurance, and I'm still don't want to think about how to pay for it.
Anyway, I have a kidney stone. Lucky me, it's 7mm, and according to the doctor, too big to pass naturally. Yay?
I've also decided that I read way too many books to review each and every one here. So, I might include what else I've read in a review, but I'm only going to actually write reviews where I want to say something about that book, unless it's one where I'm supposed to write a review, such as for bloggingforbooks or one of the other free books in exchange for review sites.
Also, I'm on G+, if you want to find me.
Anyway, I have a kidney stone. Lucky me, it's 7mm, and according to the doctor, too big to pass naturally. Yay?
I've also decided that I read way too many books to review each and every one here. So, I might include what else I've read in a review, but I'm only going to actually write reviews where I want to say something about that book, unless it's one where I'm supposed to write a review, such as for bloggingforbooks or one of the other free books in exchange for review sites.
Also, I'm on G+, if you want to find me.
Monday, July 11, 2011
Book Review: Raintree trilogy
Raintree: Inferno / Sanctuary / Haunted
I got this one from my wishlist at paperbackswap.com.
It's an interesting trilogy, with each story about a Raintree family member. The Raintree and the Ansara are more than human, and each member of each clan has "gifts." The Raintree believe in using their gifts for good and in helping humankind, though they live as human, with none the wiser. The Ansara are believed to be more every-man-out-for-himself, and some members of the clan are just plain bad.
The first and second stories come to rather abrupt ends, and the third and final story ties them all together at the end. If you read and enjoy books with a paranormal twist, you should enjoy these, at least a little. :)
Inferno is written by Linda Howard. Haunted is by Linda Winstead Jones. Sanctuary is by Beverly Barton. All three are fairly big names in the Harlequin world. Thumbs Up.
I got this one from my wishlist at paperbackswap.com.
It's an interesting trilogy, with each story about a Raintree family member. The Raintree and the Ansara are more than human, and each member of each clan has "gifts." The Raintree believe in using their gifts for good and in helping humankind, though they live as human, with none the wiser. The Ansara are believed to be more every-man-out-for-himself, and some members of the clan are just plain bad.
The first and second stories come to rather abrupt ends, and the third and final story ties them all together at the end. If you read and enjoy books with a paranormal twist, you should enjoy these, at least a little. :)
Inferno is written by Linda Howard. Haunted is by Linda Winstead Jones. Sanctuary is by Beverly Barton. All three are fairly big names in the Harlequin world. Thumbs Up.
Book Review: a trio of freebies
Murder in Georgetown by Margaret Truman. I've read other of Ms. Truman's books, such as Murder at 1600, and I always enjoy her insider's look at the shenanigans of Washington, D.C. Thumbs Up.
Crime Scene at Cardwell Ranch and Smokin' Six-Shooter by B.J. Daniels. Both of these are from Harlequin's Intrigue line. B.J. Daniels writes reliably good romantic suspense. Thumbs Up.
By Invitation Only - an anthology with Lori Wilde as the top-billed author. This is from Harlequin's Blaze line. I got this one as a freebie at my monthly book club meeting, from a friend (Jillian Burns) who's short/novella is included in the anthology. The stories are based around a high-profile celebrity wedding, and each story has a little adventurous romance built into the storyline. I enjoyed them all. Thumbs Up.
Crime Scene at Cardwell Ranch and Smokin' Six-Shooter by B.J. Daniels. Both of these are from Harlequin's Intrigue line. B.J. Daniels writes reliably good romantic suspense. Thumbs Up.
By Invitation Only - an anthology with Lori Wilde as the top-billed author. This is from Harlequin's Blaze line. I got this one as a freebie at my monthly book club meeting, from a friend (Jillian Burns) who's short/novella is included in the anthology. The stories are based around a high-profile celebrity wedding, and each story has a little adventurous romance built into the storyline. I enjoyed them all. Thumbs Up.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Quartet of library books
Dog Tags by David Rosenfelt - pretty cute little murder mystery about a soldier-turned-thief (I know, weird premise) who survives on the streets with his former K-9 partner, until he witnesses a murder. It's written in an easy, friendly style, and is a great beach read. Not too deep, fun, and dogs. Thumbs Up.
The Search by Nora Roberts - survivor of a serial killer moves to an island in the US Northeast and makes a living training dogs, for regular owners and for search and rescue teams. Then, even though the killer is in prison, girls start getting killed using the same signature. MUCH of the book is taken up with dog training lessons, and I found it interesting, personally. Such lessons are applicable to my nine-month-old grandson, as well. lol It was a good murder mystery, with not many surprises, with an interesting romantic couple as the main characters. Thumbs Up.
Indulgence in Death by J.D. Robb - another Eve Dallas book, which starts with Eve and Roark on vacation in Ireland, visiting his family. Of course, there's a murder, and Eve is involved peripherally. But wait until she gets home! I really like the In Death series, and have found only a few that did not live up to my expectations. This one does. Thumbs Up.
Beyond 2012: The Omega Point by Whitley Streiber. An interesting take on "post-apocalypse" life as it relates to predicted events in Revelations, or what I remember of Revelations. The concepts are good, with an enjoyable writing style, though there were a few bits that dragged a wee bit. There are thirty pages of author's note, which I did not get to finish because the book was due, but I skimmed it thoughtfully and found some really cool information/theories/hypotheses. Thumbs Up.
Dog Tags
The Search
Indulgence in Death
The Omega Point
The Omega Point 
The Search
The Search by Nora Roberts - survivor of a serial killer moves to an island in the US Northeast and makes a living training dogs, for regular owners and for search and rescue teams. Then, even though the killer is in prison, girls start getting killed using the same signature. MUCH of the book is taken up with dog training lessons, and I found it interesting, personally. Such lessons are applicable to my nine-month-old grandson, as well. lol It was a good murder mystery, with not many surprises, with an interesting romantic couple as the main characters. Thumbs Up.
Indulgence in Death by J.D. Robb - another Eve Dallas book, which starts with Eve and Roark on vacation in Ireland, visiting his family. Of course, there's a murder, and Eve is involved peripherally. But wait until she gets home! I really like the In Death series, and have found only a few that did not live up to my expectations. This one does. Thumbs Up.
Beyond 2012: The Omega Point by Whitley Streiber. An interesting take on "post-apocalypse" life as it relates to predicted events in Revelations, or what I remember of Revelations. The concepts are good, with an enjoyable writing style, though there were a few bits that dragged a wee bit. There are thirty pages of author's note, which I did not get to finish because the book was due, but I skimmed it thoughtfully and found some really cool information/theories/hypotheses. Thumbs Up.
Dog Tags
The Search
Indulgence in Death
The Omega Point
The Omega Point The Search
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Book mini-Reviews: library books
OK, so these last few are library books, and are due in a day or so. I'll just be giving a thumbs up or thumbs down, mostly, though I may have a comment or two on some of the books. Obviously, I got all these books at my local library, and received nothing for these reviews, such as they are.
Beguiled by Deeanne Gist and J Mark Bertrand. A first-time collaborative effort between two authors who met through a critique group. (now that I'm writing about it, I may have already reviewed this one. Oh, well). I loved the character of Rylee Monroe and the character of Charleston. Some of the old Southern cities have amazing personalities. Thumbs Up.
The Beast Within by Erin McCarthy, Bianca D'arc and Jennifer Lyon. This is an anthology of "other" stories. Werewolves and zombies and magic, oh, my. In The Howling by McCarthy, a young woman loses her boyfriend, and takes up with his brother. She dreams frequently of an old wedding party being attacked by wolves. One surprise is not really a surprise, and the other is only a small one, because the story telegraphs the twists. It definitely had its good moments, though. Thumbs Up. In Smoke on the Water by D'Arc, a couple of federal agents fight zombies on a lake. Zombies are not my thing. At all. Not movies or books or whatever. Nonetheless, I enjoyed the premise of this short, just not the zombies. The author has created an interesting near-future for Earth, and if it weren't about zombies, I probably would have enjoyed it a great deal more. Thumbs Up. Redeeming the Wizard by Lyon was probably the one I enjoyed most. A wizard whose job it is to protect a city has issues, and fighting those issues means that his city is not getting all the protection it deserves. In this universe, people who have no magic at all serve the others who do. One such sister/niece/etc. drives out to pick up Gram for a party, only to find her missing. She goes to the wizard for assistance, and they rub each other the wrong way on sight. Mira insists on having the wizard's help, and together they solve the mystery of Gram's disappearance, as well as the issue Mr Wizard is going to great lengths to hide from his town. Thumbs Up.
I'll Be Slaying You and Eternal Hunter by Cynthia Eden. Both books are set in the Other Universe, where Others are people who are not quite what they appear. Both stories have well-matched male and female leads, and the sex is hot. The Other Universe is interesting, and one I'll likely look for more of when I hit the library again. Thumbs Up for both.
Without Mercy by Lisa Jackson. Jules' little step-sister Shaylee has been sent to an elite boarding school for troubled teens. On the surface, the school has an amazing record for helping kids and many of those kids come back to the school to help others. On the other hand, a girl disappeared there not too long ago, and no one seems to think the school holds any responsibility in the matter. Jules has issues and sees conspiracy theories where there are none, but in the case of the school, something is definitely just a little bit off. Jules uses the fact that she and Shaylee don't share a last name to apply for a job with the school. Once she's there, her first surprise is that an old boyfriend is also there, and he seems to be everywhere she is. The amateur investigation is a source of irritation, and bad guys go to a lot of trouble to shut Jules up. She's plucky, and keeps on truckin', and takes a little time out to have a little shag with Cooper. That's when things really heat up. The final surprise in the story is one I didn't imagine at all. Then, the epilogue opens the door to a possible sequel or related story, with a sinister twist. Thumbs Up.
Smooth Talking Stranger by Lisa Kleypas. Ella Varner's little sister abandons her baby with her and leaves it to Ella to find the baby's daddy. (I have to say that this is one of the most realistic screwed-up families I've ever had the pleasure to read about. Kleypas manages to make Ella's family profoundly damaged without going over the edge into caricature.) Ella's boyfriend refuses to have anything to do with the baby, even for a minute, and so she has to leave her little corner of the universe to go find "daddy." She narrows down the playing field and visits choice number one. Jack Travis, of the Houston Travis family, takes her accusations in stride and, for his own personal reasons, takes Ella and baby Luke under his wing. Ella fights her attraction to Jack, and fights falling in love with her nephew. Jack Travis turns out to be a very handy ally in the search for Luke's father. This book hit a lot of personal buttons for me, and I cried tears of sorrow for Ella, then tears of joy. I hope this book is as good for you. Thumbs Way Up.
Night of the Vampires by Heather Graham. This story about vampire fighters set during the Civil War just hit me wrong almost from the moment I started reading. I liked parts of it, but mostly it just seemed a ridiculous premise. Thumbs Down.
The Killing Edge by Heather Graham. Chloe Marin is not just a survivor, she's a survivor with a gift. Ten years after escaping killers, she's using her past to help other people with their own personal traumas. Girls have started going missing, and Chloe believes it's related somehow to the killing from which she escaped. This story is a fairly fast-paced murder mystery, with some romance thrown in. Thumbs Up.
Beguiled by Deeanne Gist and J Mark Bertrand. A first-time collaborative effort between two authors who met through a critique group. (now that I'm writing about it, I may have already reviewed this one. Oh, well). I loved the character of Rylee Monroe and the character of Charleston. Some of the old Southern cities have amazing personalities. Thumbs Up.
The Beast Within by Erin McCarthy, Bianca D'arc and Jennifer Lyon. This is an anthology of "other" stories. Werewolves and zombies and magic, oh, my. In The Howling by McCarthy, a young woman loses her boyfriend, and takes up with his brother. She dreams frequently of an old wedding party being attacked by wolves. One surprise is not really a surprise, and the other is only a small one, because the story telegraphs the twists. It definitely had its good moments, though. Thumbs Up. In Smoke on the Water by D'Arc, a couple of federal agents fight zombies on a lake. Zombies are not my thing. At all. Not movies or books or whatever. Nonetheless, I enjoyed the premise of this short, just not the zombies. The author has created an interesting near-future for Earth, and if it weren't about zombies, I probably would have enjoyed it a great deal more. Thumbs Up. Redeeming the Wizard by Lyon was probably the one I enjoyed most. A wizard whose job it is to protect a city has issues, and fighting those issues means that his city is not getting all the protection it deserves. In this universe, people who have no magic at all serve the others who do. One such sister/niece/etc. drives out to pick up Gram for a party, only to find her missing. She goes to the wizard for assistance, and they rub each other the wrong way on sight. Mira insists on having the wizard's help, and together they solve the mystery of Gram's disappearance, as well as the issue Mr Wizard is going to great lengths to hide from his town. Thumbs Up.
I'll Be Slaying You and Eternal Hunter by Cynthia Eden. Both books are set in the Other Universe, where Others are people who are not quite what they appear. Both stories have well-matched male and female leads, and the sex is hot. The Other Universe is interesting, and one I'll likely look for more of when I hit the library again. Thumbs Up for both.
Without Mercy by Lisa Jackson. Jules' little step-sister Shaylee has been sent to an elite boarding school for troubled teens. On the surface, the school has an amazing record for helping kids and many of those kids come back to the school to help others. On the other hand, a girl disappeared there not too long ago, and no one seems to think the school holds any responsibility in the matter. Jules has issues and sees conspiracy theories where there are none, but in the case of the school, something is definitely just a little bit off. Jules uses the fact that she and Shaylee don't share a last name to apply for a job with the school. Once she's there, her first surprise is that an old boyfriend is also there, and he seems to be everywhere she is. The amateur investigation is a source of irritation, and bad guys go to a lot of trouble to shut Jules up. She's plucky, and keeps on truckin', and takes a little time out to have a little shag with Cooper. That's when things really heat up. The final surprise in the story is one I didn't imagine at all. Then, the epilogue opens the door to a possible sequel or related story, with a sinister twist. Thumbs Up.
Smooth Talking Stranger by Lisa Kleypas. Ella Varner's little sister abandons her baby with her and leaves it to Ella to find the baby's daddy. (I have to say that this is one of the most realistic screwed-up families I've ever had the pleasure to read about. Kleypas manages to make Ella's family profoundly damaged without going over the edge into caricature.) Ella's boyfriend refuses to have anything to do with the baby, even for a minute, and so she has to leave her little corner of the universe to go find "daddy." She narrows down the playing field and visits choice number one. Jack Travis, of the Houston Travis family, takes her accusations in stride and, for his own personal reasons, takes Ella and baby Luke under his wing. Ella fights her attraction to Jack, and fights falling in love with her nephew. Jack Travis turns out to be a very handy ally in the search for Luke's father. This book hit a lot of personal buttons for me, and I cried tears of sorrow for Ella, then tears of joy. I hope this book is as good for you. Thumbs Way Up.
Night of the Vampires by Heather Graham. This story about vampire fighters set during the Civil War just hit me wrong almost from the moment I started reading. I liked parts of it, but mostly it just seemed a ridiculous premise. Thumbs Down.
The Killing Edge by Heather Graham. Chloe Marin is not just a survivor, she's a survivor with a gift. Ten years after escaping killers, she's using her past to help other people with their own personal traumas. Girls have started going missing, and Chloe believes it's related somehow to the killing from which she escaped. This story is a fairly fast-paced murder mystery, with some romance thrown in. Thumbs Up.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Book mini-Review: Simply Irresistible
Simply Irresistible by Jill Shalvis. I came across this one on the New shelf in my local library. I received nothing in exchange for this review.
This is a Lucky Harbor novel, which means nothing to me, as I've read none of the others. This is the story of three sisters, whose mother recently died and left them a place in Washington State. The family is a bit like mine, in that there are moms and dads all over the place, and the family tree looks more like a forest. The sisters haven't spent much time together, and none have really spent much time with mom, either. The fact that she left this place to them as a group surprises them, and the condition of the place horrifies them. Two of the sisters are all for selling out and heading for higher ground, but the third sister, Maddie, digs in her heels and they end up staying, at least long enough to get the place into decent enough shape to sell.
Lucky Harbor is a little town, and the sisters spend time getting to know one another and the person their mother was to these people. There are surprises along the way, and the sisters confront not just their own demons, but each others. In the process, each sister finds a new piece of herself. It's an enjoyable read, with some heartwarming sisterly love and some middlin' hot romantic escapades.
Thumbs Up.
This is a Lucky Harbor novel, which means nothing to me, as I've read none of the others. This is the story of three sisters, whose mother recently died and left them a place in Washington State. The family is a bit like mine, in that there are moms and dads all over the place, and the family tree looks more like a forest. The sisters haven't spent much time together, and none have really spent much time with mom, either. The fact that she left this place to them as a group surprises them, and the condition of the place horrifies them. Two of the sisters are all for selling out and heading for higher ground, but the third sister, Maddie, digs in her heels and they end up staying, at least long enough to get the place into decent enough shape to sell.
Lucky Harbor is a little town, and the sisters spend time getting to know one another and the person their mother was to these people. There are surprises along the way, and the sisters confront not just their own demons, but each others. In the process, each sister finds a new piece of herself. It's an enjoyable read, with some heartwarming sisterly love and some middlin' hot romantic escapades.
Thumbs Up.
The things kids do...
I had a brief conversation with my grandson, who is eight months old, about his new diapers. I was talking about how they fit his little froggy bottom. He was laughing at me. I told him he was not hung like a bull moose, and he started growling at me. LMAO
Book mini-Reviews: Lori Foster
I got all of these books at my local library. I received nothing in exchange for what reviews I give.
Tempted: this is a collection of three full-length books from 1999 and 2001, written around a family. Each story relates in some way to a family member and how his/her happily-ever-after came to be. Stories are: Little Miss Innocent; Annie, Get Your Guy; and Messing Around With Max. Personally, I loved this anthology. Each one included little tidbits of the other family members, and that helped each subsequent story build on the one before. The family relationships were real and humorous. The sex was hot. The plots were fresh. Thumbs Up.
Bewitched: this is a collection of two full-length books from 2000, with no common theme. Stories are: In Too Deep and Married to the Boss. Perhaps because I'd just finished reading Tempted and enjoyed it so much, I had high expectations, and this book fell short. Although parts of the books were fresh and engaging, mostly, it was just same-old, same-old, and I didn't really enjoy either one of them. Thumbs Down.
Yule Be Mine: this is an anthology of short stories published in 2003, 2005, 2006 and 2007, written around the common theme of Christmas, obviously. Stories are: He Sees You When You're Sleeping; White Knight Christmas; Do You Hear What I Hear: and The Christmas Present. I was actually looking for another similarly-themed book when I found this one, and picked it up on a whim, because it was Lori Foster. Each story is humorous and fun. Maybe because the stories are short, none of the lead characters seem to be carrying around too much baggage, though there are obstacles to overcome, naturally. They wouldn't be romances without that. Thumbs Up.
Back in Black is a full-length story published in 2010. This book pissed me off. Seriously. The heroine is this bad-ass business woman who talks about how she doesn't want to have sex with her client, for several very good reasons, but the second he touches her neck, she gives in and just lets him. The "hero" doesn't believe no is a good enough answer, because he just knows she wants him. He doesn't care about the damage to the lady's career, or the fact that she simply wants to get to know him before they have sex. The cycle repeats, ad nauseum. Sorry, Lori, but if this one had a positive message, I failed to interpret it, though I did enjoy what little I learned about MMA. Thumbs Way Down.
Tempted: this is a collection of three full-length books from 1999 and 2001, written around a family. Each story relates in some way to a family member and how his/her happily-ever-after came to be. Stories are: Little Miss Innocent; Annie, Get Your Guy; and Messing Around With Max. Personally, I loved this anthology. Each one included little tidbits of the other family members, and that helped each subsequent story build on the one before. The family relationships were real and humorous. The sex was hot. The plots were fresh. Thumbs Up.
Bewitched: this is a collection of two full-length books from 2000, with no common theme. Stories are: In Too Deep and Married to the Boss. Perhaps because I'd just finished reading Tempted and enjoyed it so much, I had high expectations, and this book fell short. Although parts of the books were fresh and engaging, mostly, it was just same-old, same-old, and I didn't really enjoy either one of them. Thumbs Down.
Yule Be Mine: this is an anthology of short stories published in 2003, 2005, 2006 and 2007, written around the common theme of Christmas, obviously. Stories are: He Sees You When You're Sleeping; White Knight Christmas; Do You Hear What I Hear: and The Christmas Present. I was actually looking for another similarly-themed book when I found this one, and picked it up on a whim, because it was Lori Foster. Each story is humorous and fun. Maybe because the stories are short, none of the lead characters seem to be carrying around too much baggage, though there are obstacles to overcome, naturally. They wouldn't be romances without that. Thumbs Up.
Back in Black is a full-length story published in 2010. This book pissed me off. Seriously. The heroine is this bad-ass business woman who talks about how she doesn't want to have sex with her client, for several very good reasons, but the second he touches her neck, she gives in and just lets him. The "hero" doesn't believe no is a good enough answer, because he just knows she wants him. He doesn't care about the damage to the lady's career, or the fact that she simply wants to get to know him before they have sex. The cycle repeats, ad nauseum. Sorry, Lori, but if this one had a positive message, I failed to interpret it, though I did enjoy what little I learned about MMA. Thumbs Way Down.
30-Day Writing Challenge, Day Ten
I will not hide my tastes or aversions. I will so trust that what is deep is holy, if we follow the truth, it will bring us out safe at last. – Ralph Waldo Emerson
Think of a time when you didn’t think you were capable of doing something, but then surprised yourself. How will you surprise yourself this week? (Author: Ashley Ambirge)
Well, if I knew, it wouldn't be a surprise, now would it? I'm going to keep on plugging, and I'm sure there'll be a surprise or two in there somewhere.
30-Day Writing Challenge, Day Nine
These are the voices which we hear in solitude, but they grow faint and inaudible as we enter into the world. Society everywhere is in conspiracy against the manhood of every one of its members. – Ralph Waldo Emerson
Is fear holding you back from living your fullest life and being truly self expressed? Put yourself in the shoes of the you who’s already lived your dream and write out the answers to the following: Is the insecurity you’re defending worth the dream you’ll never realize? or the love you’ll never venture? or the joy you’ll never feel? Will the blunder matter in 10 years? Or 10 weeks? Or 10 days? Or 10 minutes? Can you be happy being anything less than who you really are? Now Do. The Thing. You Fear. (Author: Lachlan Cotter)
Play with cockroaches? OK, that's a flip answer to a real question, though I am irrationally afraid of roaches. I suppose I have the same fears many people have - not just the fear of failure, but the fear of success. Once I get moved, I'm planning to take classes, one at a time, in simple things that will contribute to my bottom line, and at the same time will allow me to help people. An example? Reflexology. I can learn that. And I can use it to help people heal. And I can use it to help my financial glass be more than half full, rather than more than half empty.
30-Day Writing Challenge, Day Eight
Imitation is Suicide. Insist on yourself; never imitate. – Ralph Waldo Emerson
Write down in which areas of your life you have to overcome these suicidal tendencies of imitation, and how you can transform them into a newborn you – one that doesn’t hide its uniqueness, but thrives on it. There is a “divine idea which each of us represents” – which is yours? Author: Fabian Kruse)
Uh...I think I already do this. I don't dress fashionably, or drive the right car, or have the right friends, or support the right politicians. Either that, or I just don't get the question.
30-Day Writing Challenge, Day Seven
To believe your own thought, to believe that what is true for you in your private heart is true for all men, that is genius. – Ralph Waldo Emerson
What is burning deep inside of you? If you could spread your personal message RIGHT NOW to 1 million people, what would you say? (Author: Eric Handler)
I guess if I have something that I just have to share, it's this: Deep down, we all have the same basic needs. Stop looking at the outside, and start just loving your neighbors. ALL of them.
30-day Writing Challenge, Day Six
There will be an agreement in whatever variety of actions, so they be each honest and natural in their hour. – Ralph Waldo Emerson
What would you say to the person you were five years ago? What will you say to the person you’ll be in five years? (Author: Corbett Barr)
To the person I was five years ago? Two things. One, you will not always have a job, so set some damn money aside for when things go weird. Or, ask for help, don't just assume, you nutjob. Two, she's twelve now. It will not always be this bad. I promise.
To the person I'll be in five years? Wow. That was easier than I imagined it would be.
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