Donica's Daily's

I HAVE MOVED

2009-05-26T16:04:00.000-07:00

I've moved my website, blog and excerpt pages to a new location. Please make sure to go to www.donicacovey.com and mark your pages accordingly. THANK YOU !!

Hugz
Donica

Finally!

2009-05-18T10:39:00.001-07:00

For the first time in months I sat down to read just for fun...I wanted to share the book I read.

Pixels and Pain by James Goodman
from Resplendence Publishing
http://www.resplendencepublishing.com/m8_view_item.html?m8:item=39-500-107-412-2
(Also available in print)

Explore the dangerous domain of a madman…
Johnny Walker is a FBI agent on a personal crusade to catch a killer. One year ago, his little sister was brutally murdered and the police still don’t have a suspect.
Mary Marshall founded a watchdog group to rid the world of online predators after her sister fell victim to a charismatic stranger she met on the popular networking website, HiyaSpace.
As the similarities surrounding their losses draw these two together, they soon embark on a desperate quest for answers—a quest wrought with peril, betrayal, and unimaginable horror.
In a virtual world where everyone’s a friend, and everyone’s a suspect, will Johnny and Mary be able to track down and stop an internet serial killer whose unspeakable deeds threaten to destroy them all?
Or will these two hunters become the prey, unable to escape the web of Pixels and Pain?

Right off I recommend this book HOWEVER, there is some disturbing content and it is NOT suitable for anyone under 18.

That being said, I could NOT put this book down! I began reading it early Saturday afternoon and had to keep going--ignoring all calls for distractions (including a nature break from Mom Nate herself!)

It's a thrilling, gripping, exciting, nerve stretching book!

If you enjoy your romance a little racy and VERY EDGY this is the one for you. It's kind of like Criminal Minds meets Silence of the Lambs, and Psycho with a Happily Ever After tossed in for good measure.

Kudos to James for such a fabulous book!

But, now I have to pay the piper for playing. I've got to finish edits and then dive into some housework.

Hugz
Donica

New cover!

2009-05-12T08:47:00.001-07:00

I'm dealing with a nasty flu virus and haven't been online or working or even barely moving for days. Today I felt well enough to check my email and I'm so glad I did! The cover was sitting there, just waiting for me.

Check it out:

Looks amazing, right?!?!?!?! I...LOVE...IT...

I'm thrilled! And now I've had mroe excitement then I can stand, I'm crawling back beneath my covers.

Hugz

Donica

50 Books! 50 chances to win!

2009-05-05T05:00:00.000-07:00

Win a free book. Find a new author. Discover a fabulous series!

Moira Rogers is sponsoring an AMAZING contest! Fifty first books are up for grabs. How do you snag one? EASY PEASY--go to Moira's blog http://moirarogers.com/?q=node/347 and follow the simple steps.

You could win either Callye's Justice OR Tide's of Maryna's Love.

Good luck and HAPPY READING!

Missouri Authors Unite!

2009-05-04T08:32:00.000-07:00

How exciting! I was recently invited to join a blog that is all Missouri romance authors! I love it! This is a brand new group and I'm looking forward to meeting native Missouri authors, maybe even getting a chance to meet for tea, a sandwich and some fun interactions.

I hope you'll all take a little bit out of your day and hop over to the new place and say hello!

Well, I'm running behind so I better get busy. See you all soon!

Hugz
Donica

Obama's first 100 days

2009-04-29T08:50:00.000-07:00

Sell out!

2009-04-20T09:27:00.000-07:00

Obama and Chavez--hell of a pair.

You know, when the announcement came that Obama was now the president the song Welcome to Hell played on a loop inside my head. I KNEW in my gut that putting Obama into a place of power was a mistake. I couldn't understand how intelligent people could possibly allow themselves to be sucked in by his lies.

Are any of you kicking yourselves yet? You should be! How could this man POSSIBLY have extended a hand in friendship to Hugo Chavez? Knowing the man's Anti-American setniment? Knowing what he's been doing and is hinting of doing in the future?

Obama is doing his level best to show the world that Americans are no longer strong, proud people. He's making us appear weak with his "no longer is it a war on terror" crap. He's joining forces with people who hate us and we allowed it to happen! America has been sold out folks. How long are you going to deny it?

I urge you all to hold on to your memories of what America once was because in less than four years--between Obama and the Clintons--it won't be even a shell of its former self.

WOOOHOOO!!! CHECK IT OUT!!!!

2009-04-16T10:28:00.000-07:00

FINALLY! At least in the UK, technology has hit the brick and morter stores! In the UK they are unveiling a new POD station. What does this mean? For those of you who want to purchse books from yours truly OR from any other author who is released in electronic AND POD (print on demand) fashion you can waltz into the store, select your book and have it printed while you wait!

Please read this article for more information: http://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp?aId=92654

Hopefully the US won't be too far behind! How awesome would that be? Sign up for a book signing, set up your table near the POD station and talk to the customers while they have their books printed up! Then just sign the book and send them happily on their way!

Man, is it exciting!

Now, back to work I go!

Hugz
Donica

ANNOUNCEMENT

2009-04-14T14:52:00.000-07:00

Fabulous news!

2009-04-14T12:05:00.000-07:00

So, I've been struggling for a while to write. I have projects that begin and then they just fizzle. Well yesterday I got an idea and I began playing with it. As I'm normally a panster, plotting was hard for me but this morning my best writing bud Becka helped me brainstorm and I now know what's going on with this tale.

It doesn't have a title but I can say that it is writing itself almost as easily as Dragon's Angel did. This book is my second fantasy work and I'm very, VERY excited about it!

While I won't get into specific details I will say it involves white magic, fairies, black magic, goblins, humans and a battle looming in the distance. It doesn't have a title yet which really should trip me up, but it hasnt. YAY!

So, as of right now this little graphic fits perfectly:

Gotta get back to work before I break the spell! If I don't update for a while it should be viewed as a good thing. That means I'm writing! YAY!!!!!!!

Hugz
Donica

A T13!!!!

2009-04-09T10:37:00.001-07:00

As you all know by now, I'm a music freak. Life wouldn't be life for me unless there was music to it. Out of all the bands I've highlighted I've never shared my absolute positive FAVORITE of all time. The one band that has no equal. There was never another sound like it and there never will be. The lead singer was a gifted, talented albeit eccentric man who confused and entertained the world. His vocals would rival the most classically trained operatic ones--including the great Luciano Pavarotti himself. Actually this amazing tenor performed in a tribute to Freddy you can see this here. (And another fan created a video of what it would be like if these two amazing men had actually performed together. See that here In fact this great singer was an opera fan who had the chance to sing with the operatic diva Montserrat Caballa for the Barcelona Olympics. You can click here to see this amazing video.

If you haven't figured it out yet, I'm talking about the great Freddy Mercury and the equally talented men who all gelled so beautifully and brought to life the phenomenia known as Queen.

Here are some of my top picks of all their songs but the order I have them in ISNT the order of my favorites. I can't pick tops like that. However, here are 13 of my must hear favorites:

1. I’m going Slightly Mad

2. I want to Break Free

3. Bohemian Rhapsody

4. Somebody to Love

5. The Show Must Go On

6. Who Wants to Live Forever

7. These Are the Days of Our Lives

8. Year of 39

9. Seven Seas of Rhye

10. Radio Ga Ga

Queen also did movie sound tracks including Highlander and Flash:

11. Princes of the Universe:

12. A kind of Magic

13. Flash Gordon

As a bonus, here is a relatively unheard song. Actually you'll probably only recognize it if you watched Flash over a dozen times or more...
14. The Kiss

Okay, I'm done...LOL

Have a terrific rest of the week! Hugz to you all!
Donica

Hollywood is SO LAME!!!!!

2009-04-07T01:53:00.000-07:00

I've been hearing plans to remake Fame and Footloose. Most of the movies I've seen advertised in recent times are all remakes of older, BETTER films. I'll pull from my own files:

Yours, Mine and Ours. I LOVE Dennis Quaid--I admit it with no reservations. HOWEVER, the remake fell so flat in my book. After all the original movie was the telling of true story of a HUGE blended family. The remake wasn't true to the original tale at all. Cheaper by the Dozen--Another true story that was muddied by the remake.

Father of the Bride: Spence Tracy, Myrna Loy Elizabeth Taylor=FABULOUS
Father of the Bride: Steve Martin, Diane Keaton--not as good but still on the keeper shelf.

Father of the Bride 2 compared to Father's Little Dividend similar in theme, amusing for certain but still Spencer Tracy out shines Steve Martin.

Parent Trap--again I LOVE Dennis Quaid and Natasha Richardson is one of my favorite actresses but it missed a little of the original Disney Magic.

If Hollywood's writers are so strapped for ideas that they need to "remake" original classics then maybe it's time Hollywood found new writers! I mean, hello! I can name several books that would make Damn fine movies--I have a whole list of author's who's titles would ROCK as movies. I submit them to you now:

1. Unbound by Lori Devoti
Unleashed from the gates of Hell…
Risk Leidof was a hellhound--a legendary, otherworldly creature who was both man and beast. For centuries, he'd been bound to do the bidding of a cruel witch queen. But after being ordered to destroy novice with Kara Shane, the man within him rebelled. And the beast within him was held at bay--for now.

Fiercely drawn to each other Risk and Kara soon formed a passionate alliance as they set out to find her missing sibling--and the key to his salvation. For the power unleashed by the twin witches could free him from the queen's bondage. But that freedom came at a steep price. For a fierce battle would put more than one soul at stake...and two hearts on the line!

2. The Wolverine and the Rose (Or any of the Wolverine series-- The Wolverine and the Jewel, The Wolverine and the Flame) by Rebecca Goings
She’s in danger from mysterious dark knights, she’s discovering magic she never knew existed, and she’s falling head over heels in love.

One night destroys Arianna’s home, wipes out her family and flings her into a world turned upside down.

He’s only kissed her once, but Arianna feels as if she’s always known Sir Geoffrey, the Wolverine knight who saves her life. She can hear his thoughts, feel his memories. One kiss, and they’re trapped in a bond they didn’t choose and cannot break.

Their world’s in terrible danger, their one hope the fabled crystal of the dragon, Mynos. But only a woman can touch the crystal and survive…

3. The B*E*A*S*T Within (any of the B*E*A*S*T series—B*E*A*S*T of Burden, Nature of the B*E*A*S*T) by Rebecca Goings
On the run, out of luck, and out of time–can Noah save the woman he loves from the very agency that made him a monster?

When Lanie Erickson is thrown from her car in a horrific accident, she never dreams she’ll be saved by a white tiger! Nor does she think meeting the man who claims to be the tiger’s ‘friend’ will change her life forever--but it does.

Noah Carpenter has a terrible secret. Mutated genetically by the agency known as B*E*A*S*T*, Noah is a shifter, able to change his shape at will. But he escapes the agency that made him a monster, and now he’s on the run.
As Noah remembers more about who he used to be, his attraction for Lanie grows until it cannot be denied. Even though Lanie knows of his savage side, she welcomes him with open arms.

But when B*E*A*S*T* suddenly abducts her, can Noah save the woman he loves from the torture he once had to endure? And can he do it even if it means killing anyone who gets in his way?

4. The Fairy Godmother by Mercedes Lackey
In the land of the Five Hundred Kingdoms, if you can’t carry out your legendary role, life is no fairy tale…

Elena Klovis was supposed to be her kingdom’s Cinderella—until fate left her with a completely inappropriate prince! So she set out to make a new life for herself. But breaking with “ The Tradition” was no easy matter—until she got a little help from her own fairy godmother who promptly offered Elena a most unexpected job…

Now, instead of sleeping in the chimney she has to deal with arrogant, stuffed-shirt princes who keep trying to rise above their place in the tale. And there’s one in particular who needs to be dealt with…

Sometimes a fairy godmother’s work is never done…

5. Breeding Evil by Liz Wolfe
Someone is breeding superhumans…
…beings who possess extreme psychic abilities. Now they have implanted the ultimate seed in the perfect womb. They are a heartbeat away from successfully breeding a species of meta-humans, who will be raised in laboratories and conditioned to obey the orders of their owners, governments and large multi-national corporations.

Then Shelby Parker, a former black ops agent for the government, is asked to locate a missing woman. Her quest takes her to The Center for Bio-Psychological Research. Masquerading as a computer programmer, she gets inside the Center's inner workings. What she discovers is almost too horrible to comprehend.

Dr. Mac McRae, working for The Center, administers a lie-detector test to the perspective employee for his very cautious employers. Although she passes, the handsome Australian suspects Shelby is not what she appears. But then, neither is he. Caught up in a nightmare of unspeakable malevolence, the unlikely duo is forced to team up to save a young woman and her very special child. And destroy a program that could change the face of nations. But first they must unmask the mole that has infiltrated Shelby's agency and stalks their every move.

They must stay alive and keep one step ahead of the pernicious forces who are intent on breeding evil.

6. Remains of the Dead by Wendy Roberts
Sadie Novak has the kind of job that kills cocktail chatter dead: She owns Scene-2-Clean, a crime scene cleanup company. And if wiping up after murders weren’t spooky enough, she can also see and talk to the ghosts of the victims. When a grieving relative hires Sadie and her employee, ex-cop Zack Bowman, to clean up after the murder-suicide of Trudy and Grant Toth, Sadie figures she’s bound to meet at least one ghost. Instead she finds herself talking to Kent, a man she meets at the scene who is very much alive —so much so, that Sadie agrees to go on a date with him.

When a ghost does appear—the oddly silent Trudy—the spirit seems determined to prove her husband’s innocence, and inspires Sadie to track down the real killer. But as Sadie scours the crime scene, she quickly realizes she’s in way over her head, that Kent has a strange connection to the dead couple, and that someone wants her to give up the ghost...for good.

7. Beyond Death by Jinger Jackson
An obsession that spans time… A love that endures… beyond death…

Allana Simpson is cursed. Love only brings death to everyone around her. She longs for a normal life with one man that she can give her heart to without killing him.

Tom Haugan never believed in curses until he met Allana. She opens up a world for him that he never knew existed. A world he never wished to learn about.

Tom wants to protect Allana, to heal her heart and take away her pain. The closer he gets, the more "accidents" occur. He’s not willing to give up on what they could have. Allana’s longing for Tom and the dream of a future filled with happiness weakens her resolve to remain alone. She trusts him and decides to let him in. Now death stalks them both…

(Yes, I'm giving into vanity here...)

8. Dragon’s Angel by Donica Covey
Can two people go from complete strangers to lifemates before they become nothing more than a fantasy?

A disembodied voice has Keely Morgan feeling like her sanity is slipping away. A pulling desire leads her to bar she’s never been to before and close to a man she’s never met. When a crazy man spouting things about unicorns, dragons and other worlds she’s understandably shaken

Xavier Blake is assaulted with images of black dragons and painful destruction; flashes that seem almost like memories. When Keely approaches him in a bar she stirs something in him that is more than basic attraction. She is familiar, and he feels complete with her near by.

When Keely is attacked Xavier is there to rescue her. Strange forces push them closer together and take them from the world they know to a place where magic exists, unicorns dance and dragons fly. Destiny foretells they will unite and after a hard battle will reign as the king and queen of Grogan. Can they overcome the evil that plots to destroy them?

9. Callye’s Justice by Donica Covey
They shattered his world by kidnapping his fiancée—paybacks are a bitch.

Justice Bernard, DEA Special Agent, and his team have spent years investigating and putting kinks in the chain of drugs entering and leaving St. Louis. He’s seen a lot in his line of work but he’s blindsided when the love of his life is kidnapped on the very day he proposed.

Callye Ann Simone’s world just got turned upside down. One minute she’s with the man she loves, the next she’s in the hands of a madman. It’s going to take all her strength and her faith in Justice to pull her through.
Justice must find her at any cost. Her kidnappers are the very men he's shaken down for drug trafficking--and they want revenge

10. Hawk’s Rayne by Donica Covey
Once the great Nations of the Americas lived in harmony with nature, having pride in themselves and trusting the Great Spirit to provide for them. Over the centuries this was lost, driven out of them as they were driven from their homes. Now one immortal man, Flint Kestrel must find the key that links his people’s past to their future.

Rayne Amitola has the perfect life, one she’s worked hard to achieve as a top advertising executive in the fast paced life of New York City. Suddenly her life is turned upside by the enigmatic Kestrel and his wild claims that she is the key he has searched over several lifetimes to find. She’d tell him to get a life and out of hers, if she was sure he didn’t live forever…

What about you? Can you think of some great reads you've enjoyed that you'd love to see on the silver screen?

I'm anxious to see what you all have to say!

Hugz
Donica

Want to chat?

2009-04-06T10:36:00.000-07:00

Lord willing and the Creeks don't rise, I'll be at a live time chat hosted by my publisher, Champagne Books on April 21 at 9 EST (That's 8 CST for me! YAY!)

I'll be there with my fellow Fantasy/Paranormal Champagne authors. So how do you join in the fun? Simply go to the Champagne Books website www.champagnebooks.com and on the top of the page you'll see a link that says Chatroom. Click it and you'll be taken into the application!

Also: THANK YOU to all who voted for my book Storm Chasing over the weekend. Unfortunately I didn't win but I'd like to offer mny congratulations to Sandy James who DID WIN with her title Turning Thirty-Twelve. WOOHOO!!! COngratulations Sandy!

Over the weekend I was also notified of yet another review for Storm Chasing. I LOVE IT! here's the scoop: Mickey at You Gotta Read Reviews said: The beauty of Storm Chasing is not just the romance which is very well written, with a nice touch of sensuality, spice and humor, but also Ms. Covey’s use of so many well-developed and charming secondary characters. Fortunately for her fans, Storm’s sisters are destined to have their own books too, and I am sure there are more than a few other characters that the readers will hope to see again as well. This is a very enjoyable book; I have little doubt the others in the series will be just as entertaining, and gave Storm Chasing a You Need to Read rating! WOOHOO!! Thanks Mickey!!!!

Well, guess thats all the news for this Monday report. See you all again soon!

Hugz!
Donica

AND ANOTHER THING

2009-03-31T08:55:00.001-07:00

Just because I smoke is no reason to push harder to making me even closer to the pocerty line. "Smoking kills..." "Smokers are second class citizens..." "Make smokers pay higher taxes to pay for health care this and health care that..."

AHEM "KISS MY A**!!!!!"

Did I say it loud enough? No? Shall I shout it? Look, I know smoking is a bad and unhealthy habit. BUT that's no reason to target me and my kind. How many smokers have killed someone simply because they were smoking?

You want to attack smokers because they smoke, how about a little equality? Why don't you target drinkers? I get really sick and tired of people slamming because I smoke. I can't go sit in a restaurant and have a cigarette--but I can be subjected to watchikng people guzzle down glass after glass of booze, growing louder and more offensive with every drink--and there's not a damn word I can say about. THEN I have to worry about climbing into my car and knowing that those same idiots are behind the wheel of a car somewhere around me and my family.

But Donica, I hear you saying, drinking and driving IS illegal. RIIIGGGHHTTT I know it is--but how many people still get behind the wheel after guzzling and are never stopped? Then this means they weren't too drunk to drive---WRONG they were just lucky--this time.

Drinking and driving is a cery sensative subject and I'm not trying to downplay it--not by any means. I enjoy an occassional drink. What I am saying is Alcohol is as destructive--if not more so, than smoking.

Alcoholics have serious heath issues that insurance companies get whammied for--yet no one is banning alcohol, making it more expensive to drink, taxing it out the wazoo. Drinking kills more people than smoking--look at all the drivers who kill and maim. Children left without parents...parents without children...

Let's see some equality. Either start raising taxes on drinking or leave off the taxes on smoking!

Political Statement

2009-03-30T21:26:00.000-07:00

It took a little longer than I expected but already Obama is showing his true colors. I can't beleive how gulible our nation was to elect the man to office in the first place but now I beleive people are getting their rude awakening.

He's selling us out. "You must merge with a foreign car company or you'll be taken down." he doesn't give a spit about what that means to the locals who will lose jobs, lose their retirement funds, what does it matter? He's "the law".

What about the companies that should bee ridden? Corporations that send jobs overseas instaed making sure Americans have employment? how about regulating gas companies and seeing to it that these prices come down and stay down rather than one day being 1.65 a gallon and the next day being 1.99 or higher a gallon?

As long as it goes his way...

Congratulations...welcome to the abomination that used to be a great nation. Do it my way or else...we've heard similar orders throughout history all coming from mouths of so called great leaders such as....Hitler...Stalin...

This has been my opnion and (for now) I have the right to air my opinion publically--for now anyway. Give him time...

Donica

So, Mondays don't totally suck...

2009-03-30T10:07:00.000-07:00

I've been under the weather for more than a week. Getting up and sitting at the computer has been a real challenge for me since I've gotten ill but dragging my butt over today really gave me a boost.

First off, I found my first review for Storm Chasing. Orange Blossom at Long and Short Reviews reviewed it and she had such wonderful things to say. She gave Storm and Vance's tale a 4.5 out of 5. Here are just a few snippets of what Orange Blossom had to say:

"...I love that this series is written about smart (yet sexy) men--scientific men. They are Alpha mixed with Beta so I guess that makes them Gammas. Ms. Covey shows us that smart is sexy--at least I found myself more attracted to a man with a brain. It isn’t all about the body, ladies...If you like your paranormals with a humorous flare, witches who control the elements and fall in love like the rest of us then make sure to read Storm Chasing. Curl up with it close to the fire on a cold, stormy night. It’s sure to keep you warm..." If you care to read all that Orange Blossom had to say, please go to the LASR Blog here: http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.com/2009/03/storm-chasing-by-donica-covey.html

Then there was a special email in my box and I truly hope the sender won't mind that I comment about it. here are few kind words: I just wanted to write to you to tell you how much I enjoyed your book, "Callye's Justice"when I started reading, it just sucked me in and would not let go till long after I finished the book...You are such a talented writer....I could see and feel the characters and all that they went through ! ! ! I am waiting (with not so much patience) for your next book in the Gateway Guardians series, "Betraying Chase"....I love to read Romantic Suspense and you are one of my favorite authors, I am so glad that I read Callye's Justice and became a fan of yours.Please continue writing in this series....you are fantastic ! ! ! ! I have to tell you THIS is what its all about! Knowing that someone enjoyed my book enough that they took time out of their life to stop and write me a note like this...It's really all I hope for. So THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART LORA!

It gave me a real boost! Now I don't feel quite as miserable...although my bed is seductively calling my name again...Either that or the current medication has a really fun side effect....

Hope you all have a wonderful day and a fantastic week!

Hugz
Donica

Conga-rats to Vonda!

2009-03-23T11:26:00.000-07:00

She was able to ID me from the before and after contest at Champagne Books!

The before shot:
This is me, my father, grandfather and my first cow Buttercup.

Here's another couple of shots of me as a kid:

This is me and my first horse, Big Boy. The best horse ever! Man I miss him.

And finally me with my German Shepherd Snoopy.

Thanks for playing the game Vonda! Hope you enjoy the book!

Hugz
Donica

Important announcement

2009-03-22T13:18:00.000-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT INFO:

J. Ellen Smith, Managing Editor
Champagne Books
Box 35069
4604 37 St SW
Calgary, AB Canada T3E 7C7
admin@champagnebooks.com
http://www.champagnebooks.com

Champagne Books Announces Book Clubs
www.champagnebooks.com/book club.htm

March 22, 2009 – Champagne Books is pleased to announce the release of two exciting new book clubs for our readers.

For our readers who prefer to read electronically, our Electronic Book Club is now available for subscription. Readers receive four books each month for the low price of $12.00. This includes two new releases per month, and two alternate books. Ebooks will be billed monthly, and sent to the reader's inbox, in pdf format (default format) approximately five days before the official release date.
For our readers who still prefer the feeling of a paperback in their hands, our book club allows them to receive one new-to-print book per month, and one other book. Books will be billed monthly and will ship at month end. All books are perfect bound, trade paperbacks. $20.00 +6.50 shipping.

Print club members may also receive bookmarks, postcards and other assorted goodies in their packages.
Readers and prospective authors may read more about Champagne Books on the website. Submission Guidelines available online.

For information: http://www.champagnebooks.com
Contact: J. Ellen Smith, Publisher
admin@champagnebooks.com
or Kat Hall, Executive Assistant
kat@champagnebooks.com

Hollywood Dimmed Today

2009-03-18T21:11:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite actresses died today. Natasha Rishardson (Parent Trap with Dennis Quaid)died from injuries sustained in a skiing accident. My sympathy goes to the family.

Donica

What's in a name?

2009-03-12T08:05:00.000-07:00

As an author I collect names. I take names I've heard that are unique, unusual, sometimes down right horrid and put them into a file for future reference. I love having the list on hand to refer to when writing. I'm fascinated by names. Given names, middle names, nicknames, you name it (okay couldn't resist the bad pun.)

One thing that fascinates me is how people come up with nicknames. For instance, I know two men whose given names are Sylvester, but everyone calls them Bill. I have never asked them but, I wonder why that is? I mean, how do you get Bill from Sylvester?

When I worked on the fire department our Chief's given name was John but everyone called him Jack. Again, huh? I know on one of the television shows I watch one of the characters names are John but everyone calls him Jack. How did those names being interchanged begin?

My mother's given name is Myra (Pretty isn't it?) Everyone calls her Toby. *shrugs* I don't know where the nickname came from. One of these days I'm going to ask her though.

My daughter's name is Courtney. My son has called her CourtPint for as long as we can all remember. I call her B, Bebbet, Beebee, or Boo. You'd think my having given her the name I'd have a reason for it. After all, B isn't short for any part of her name so where did it come from? I don't know. She was pretty sick (we almost lost her) when she was first born and she cried alot. I was forever trying to soothe her and calling her baby and the other names just sort of evolved into what I call her today.

Do you know of any nicknames that don't seem to fit the given name? Have you ever been curious as to where the names came from? Do you know the reason's behind calling men named Sylvester, Bill? How does one get Peggy from Margaret?

I did some digging on the whole John/Jack thing and this is what I found: “Jack” has been a nickname for “John” since the days of Middle English around A.D. 1200.
Originally written as “Jacke” (or any other similar spelling variants), it was initially pronounced something like “Jack-eh,” with two syllables, before settling into its snappy one-syllable modern form.

Where it came from is a matter of scholarly debate. The traditional assumption was that it came directly from the French name Jacques, itself a rendering of the Biblical Greek Jacob (or James, in English usage).

Very early on, “Jack” was used as a generic name to refer to any (usually male) peasant or commoner—just like “Jacques” was in France. (This sense is retained in the more recent US slang usage of “Jack” meaning a generic name to call a male stranger, and in generic workman terms like lumberjack and steeplejack. And, it must be said, in generic names for male animals, such as “jackass.”)

But in English, “John” was also used as a generic name in the same way. So “Jack” could just derive from that.

And indeed, there is a solid case for “Jack” being derived from “John.” In the earliest known uses of “Jack,” it is clearly being used as a nickname for “John.” (It’s worth noting that Jack and John sound much more similar in British pronunciations than they do in American; and that “Jan” was a common rendering of “John” in the era.)

Also, it is known for a fact that one diminutive endearment form of “John” around the same time was “Jackin” (also “Jankin” and other forms). By the same token, “Dickin” was a nickname for Richard and “Robin” a nickname for Robert. Those nicknames became shortened through time to “Dick” and “Rob.” It is logical to think “Jackin” followed the same course to “Jack.” (Though language is rarely logical.)

Whatever its source, “Jack” was widely used enough to be treated as a name in its own right as early as the late 1200s.

I'd love to hear what names/name derivatives stump or fascinate you. Have you any answers for me on the Sylvester/Bill thing? The Margaret/Peggy thing? Have you heard any cool names that you think might make a nice addition to my list? Leave me the name in the comment section and I'll be sure to grab it and put it in my file.

Hugz
Donica

New toy

2009-03-05T11:39:00.000-08:00

My Dh managed to pull himself out of the doghouse he's been in for the last few weeks.

Last night he brought me this little gadget.

It's amazing. Of course its much smaller than a laptop and the keys/buttons all shoved together so it makes typing extremely hard to type with but I think it's just going to take some time and practice.

It does all the tthings I want and need in a computer and it's completely portable. I'm really VERY happy with it. if I can just get used to the keyboard layout...

Still, pretty nifty, huh?

I love that I can hook up a full size monitor and key board to it. I can also attach a mouse, a printer, its so kewl!

So far I'm loving it!

Right now I'm sitting in the dining room, watching Burn Notice while the baby plays in her play pit and I can work without being tied onto my desktop computer.

DH is back on top! (Care to wager on how long it takes for him to screw up again? LOL)

Well, guess thats it for now. See you all again soon!

Hugz

Donica

Diet update

2009-03-03T09:16:00.000-08:00

For those of you who wagered I wouldn’t have the will power to stick to this horrible diet, give yourselves a pat on the back. I couldn’t handle it. By Sunday I was so ill I couldn’t bear it. I ended up caving and eating 4 oz of tuna and 6 crackers. My stomach hasn’t recovered yet, I still feel ill.

Sunday I went and bought 6 large chicken breasts that I boiled until the meat fell from the bones. I then shredded the meat and separated it into individual servings. Chicken salad is healthy and its wonderful tasting too. So I’m playing with ideas on how to eat it.

I have combination I came up with that sounded wonderful: mix the shred chicken with red grapes and apple chunks; serve over a bed of fresh spinach leaves. Mix apple juice and mayo for the dressing and viola, instant chicken salad. I’ll let you know how it works out.

My DIL’s grandfather passed away on Sunday, I took care of the baby all day yesterday while she and my son went to tend to the family business. My dad came home from a month at the farm—it was wonderful to have daddy home!

I made dinner for him and mom. I know my mom loves pepper steak, I found peppers and steak but couldn’t find a recipe so I improvised. I took a wok, used some canola oil and soy sauce, stripped a round steak, julienned red and green peppers and half an onion then I tossed it all in the wok skillet. As it cooked, I combined ketchup and pomegranate juice in a mug then when the meat was brown I added the ketchup, pomegranate mixture and simmered on low.

I served it with rice and I have to tell you it was fabulous! I only ate a small bit (trying to practice portion control!) but man! I was mighty impressed with myself. Mom asked for the recipe and I’m like uh…well, I just chopped and tossed and boom! There it is. Then I mentioned the pomegranate ketchup mixture and she’s like huh? What made you think of that? *shrugs* I’m not sure. It just sounded good so I did it. I don’t know how healthy it was but it sure was delicious! If my DH and DD would eat it I’d make it here.

Have to run!

See you all again soon!
Hugz!

For the first time in close to twenty years…

2009-02-28T09:14:00.000-08:00

I’m going on a diet. Why? Well, if you’ve seen photos of me you’re all probably saying it’s about time, finally or something along those lines.

I’ve always had one attitude about my weight: You don’t like the way I look—don’t look at me! I still feel this way so why this sudden attack of insanity? It’s a personal matter. A private and bitterly painful conversation made me open my eyes.

But this thing I’m doing isn’t necessarily classified as a diet. It’s called the Master Cleanse, or the Lemonade Diet.

It’s not as easy as it sounds. For the next ten days whenever I get hungry I have to drink the following concoction: 2 tblsp lemon juice, 2 tblsp molasses, a sprinkling of cayenne pepper mixed in 8 oz purified water and as an added bonus I get a glass of laxative tea at bed time. This is it. No food.

This is rumored to cleanse your body of all the impurities; all those nasty toxins that build up in your system and make you feel so bad. It’s also supposed to reboot your metabolism, shrink your stomach and change your attitude about food. My guess is ten days from now I’m going to be ready to bare hand, skin and serve the first thing that crosses my path. LOL.

The hard part will be sticking to this because I’ve got to be honest, this drink? It’s one of the worst tasting things I’ve ever indulged in. It’s pretty sad when you consider lemons and molasses are two of my more favorite things.

I’m not sure if I can make it. Will that make me appear weak? *shrugs* maybe, but that’s okay too. The important thing is I have to try. Since I made the decision Wednesday to start this I’ve been trying the mind over matter trick—chanting to myself I can do it. It’s only ten days, how hard can it be? I already feel whimpy. Guess I better chug some more of this miracle cleanse…

Check back with me in a couple of days to see how I’m doing, okay?

Hugz
Donica

First Loves

2009-02-24T09:27:00.000-08:00

I watch a lot of classic television. TV Land is one of my favorite channels because I can flip over there and know that I’m not going to have to watch a program loaded with gratuitous violence and sex.

Well, I just saw clips for a new reality show they’re going to be doing. (Reality shows are another big YUCK on my list). Anyway the show is called First Love, Second Chances and they’re putting out the call to fill the cast by asking for people who are eligible to contact them so they can be reunited with their first loves.

I’m not going to lie, I have occasionally wondered how my first love was. Did he find happiness; is he healthy, did his dreams come true? There has even been an odd occasion that I played the What If game—what if I’d married him instead how would my life be different. (Other than the obvious answers, i.e. I wouldn’t have my son, my daughter or my little Alyx) Would I still be a writer? Would I be as close to my best friend as I am? Would I have accomplished my dream of being an EMT?

How about you? Have you ever wondered about your first love? Given the chance would you want to be reunited with them?

For me, I think the answer would be no. While I’d love to see him, catch up and see how he is, the times I’ve thought about this whole scenario, the song Unanswered Prayers by Garth Brooks plays like a sound track to the thoughts.

If given the chance, would you want to be reconnected with your first love? Inquiring minds and nosey writers want to know!

Hugz
Donica

The Big Banana

2009-02-19T15:06:00.000-08:00

My Dh was in the doghouse.

For our Anniversary in October he gave....Nothing.
For Christmas guess what I got....Nothing

DD's bday came along and guess what he bought her....A laptop! Did he discuss this with me? No. Have I wanted a laptop? For YEARS! was I mad? Damn straight! I got nothing for and was completely forgotten...

Last weekend with Valentine's Day I wasn't holding out much hope. And my birthday is tomorrow.

Last Friday I came home from errands and DH says I got your bday present. Want it?

Sure! Let me go clean off my desk.

He gives me a goofy look. Umm it wont' fit on your desk. A laptop that wont fit on my desk? I'm getting irritated BIG TIME.

He calls me on the cell phone to come outside. He needs my "help" in the garage.

I go out to see what he wants and in the garage I find this:

Is it a laptop? well obviously not. Is it smaller than I would like? Yeah. Is it a color I hate? Yeah.

BUT I WOULDNT TRADE IT FOR ANYTHING IN THE WORLD!

DH is officially out of the doghouse and up in brownie points!

He really is a sweet man when he wants to be LOL

I can't wait to get this puppy out and let it run through its paces!

Aint it pretty? Gotta love the big banana!

HEHEHE

Donica

Obama Snubs Nation's Heroes

2009-02-19T10:37:00.000-08:00

I've always been anti-Obama. The man lies as easily as he breaths, is a long standing member of an extremely vocal and BLATANT racist religious organization--has accepted money from foreign groups to support his bid for the white house and now, once again he slaps Americans in the face:

Obama Snubs Nation's Heroes, Becomes the First President to Skip Ball Honoring Medal of Honor Recipients in Over 50 Years

Barack Obama may have stumbled over his words briefly during his inauguration, but he made an even bigger blunder later Tuesday evening. The newly sworn-in President opted not to appear at what should have been one of the most important Balls on his agenda that evening -
"The Salute to Heroes Inaugural Ball."

The Salute to Heroes Inaugural Ball was begun in 1953 for President Dwight Eisenhower's inauguration. The event recognized recipients of the Medal of Honor, the nation's highest military award. There were 48 Medal of Honor recipients in attendance, who were undoubtedly disappointed by the new Commander-in-Chief's failure to show. Over the past 56 years and 14 inaugurations, no President has skipped this event - until now.

The Salute to Heroes Inaugural Ball is sponsored by the American Legion, and co-sponsored by 13 other veteran's service organizations, including those such as the Paralyzed Veterans of America and the Military Order of the Purple Heart.

Instead of attending this ball honoring our nation's heroes, Obama was busy making stops at 10 other official balls. Obama and his wife's first stop was at the Neighborhood Ball. From there they went to the Home State Ball for Illinois and Hawaii, the Commander-in-Chief Ball, the Youth Inaugural Ball, and the Home State Ball for Delaware and Pennsylvania. They finished off the night with brief appearances at the Mid-Atlantic, Western, Midwest, Eastern, and
Southern regional Balls.

Celebrities were a plenty at the balls, with Stevie Wonder, Shakira, Mary. J. Blige, Faith Hill, Jay-Z, Alicia Keys, Adam Levine, will.i.am, Sting, Mariah Carey, and Leonardo DiCaprio in attendance at the Neighborhood Ball. In addition, the other nine balls also featured a star-studded lineup including Kanye West and Kid Rock at20the Youth Ball, Marc Anthony at the Western Ball, and Cheryl Crow at the Western Ball.

It was the party without all of the celebrities that Obama skipped. The very people who he sought to have support him during his candidacy and campaign, who have fought to protect this country, were snubbed in favor of publicity and the opportunity to rub shoulders - yet again - with the out-of-touch Hollywood elite!

Those of the Obamination community--are you still proud of yourselves?

My Way…

2009-02-17T11:02:00.000-08:00

Old Blue eyes and the King himself each sang about how they did it “my way”. The song came from the French Comme d'habitude and when Paul Anka heard it for the first time he decided to fly to Paris and negotiate the rights for the song.

According to Wiki-pedia My Way is one of the most common songs at British Funerals. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/My_Way_(song))

So why this sudden burst of useless trivia? Today is National My Way Day.

How is this opposed to any other day? In this increasingly “Me First" world My Way Day is every single day of the week all year long.

Does it bother you that this world is so full of selfish, spoiled, me first the rest of the world can go to hell, brats? It bugs me. You know that a local television station has a “Do the Right Thing” reward program just to spotlight the occasional act of kindness offered by a kid? How pathetic is that?

I’m not saying rewarding someone for doing something right is a bad thing. It’s just a real pity that it has to be done this way! One person helping another out of the kindness of their heart is such a rare occasion that it has to be put in a spotlight.

I don’t know about you all but I miss the old days. The days when kids said please, thank you, excuse me, yes ma’am (sir), no ma’am (sir). When a man held the door for a lady, or gave up his seat. When people as a whole had respect for one another. I fear that time is long gone and there is no turning back time…

Noella's Gift

2009-02-13T05:27:00.000-08:00

I'm excited to share the newest book trailer added to my line up. This one is for the November releease Noella's Gift. ENJOY!

Hugz!
Donica

Have you heard this crap?

2009-02-11T09:25:00.001-08:00

The postal service is raising the cost of stamps—AGAIN! As of May 2009 we’re to see a rate hike to .44$. This is beyond ridiculous.

I can hear people now: Donica, stop complaining, it’s only .02$! Nothing to get your knickers in a knot over.

I don’t know how your service is but around here? It sucks! In the last four years, I’ve had at least eight items lost by the post office (that averages to 2 a year folks!) Our delivery person is consistently late in delivering our mail. Used to we’d get our mail by 10 am. Now, we’re lucky if the delivery shows up by 5 pm.

If the mail isn’t lost its delayed. I’ve had things (sales flyers, book deliveries, etc) that were supposed to arrive within a certain time period only to have them arrive three to five days later. This is especially frustrating when it’s an awesome sale and I’ve missed it because my post person can’t manage to get it here on time.

They’ve given our mail to the neighbors, given us mail for a resident that hasn’t lived here for over 15 years (and we’ve told them this yet they still manage to do it…)

For such shoddy service we’re going to have to pay even HIGHER rates? This is why I prefer email. I don’t have to deal with the bulls*** that you get from the post office.

Okay, stepping off my soap box for today…
Hugz!
Donica

Christmas…

2009-02-10T08:25:00.000-08:00

…In February? Yep! That’s where I am right now. I’ve gotten tired of my lack of concentration and in order to feel like I’m accomplishing something, I’ve decided to write a handful of novellas. Yesterday my publisher sent out a call for Christmas stories. It was a perfect coincidence. So I’m excited to complete the Christmas tales that have been stirring in my mind and see if I can get them written up and sent in ASAP.

I already have one slated to release in November, Noella’s Gift. I loved this story as it was writing itself and I’m so excited that its going to be released for my readers to enjoy. Interested in a blurb? OKAY! Here goes:

A disillusioned cop, and a bitter woman. Can a little girl take the bah humbug out of their holiday?

Holly Harper has hated Christmas for years. The season full of commercialism has left her feeling cold and bitter. When she finds a little girl freezing and alone a spark warms her heart. She's determined to keep the child until Christmas is over.

Jaxon Cole is a police detective whose Christmas spirit left a long time ago. He knows the season brings an increase in drunk driving accidents and suicides. But when a dark haired woman shows up in his office with a little waif in tow he sees that there is some good in the holiday.

Will they find joy in the season or will their hearts be as cold as the winter winds?

I’d better get moving in order to get those other stories written and sent in. See y’all soon!

Hugz
Donica

Growing older...

2009-02-06T15:20:00.001-08:00

and Crankier...

My birthday is in a few weeks. I’m getting older, I admit it.

My vision, which was always bad to begin with, is getting worse. I’m less patient than ever before—which is terrifying prospect as I was NEVER Prudence Patience to begin with. I’ve also discovered that little things piss me off.

Here’s an example: I get very irritated at the store with little kids around. Today this woman had a three or four year old in the cart. As they walked by this child emitted a scream that would wake the pharaohs still buried in Egypt. Did the mother shush the child? Sure she did. “sh. Don’t do that.” All the while, the child is making dogs across the nation howl.

My solution was simple—take your finger and thumb then thump the little one’s mouth…of course my first instinct was: take the child home and duct tape it’s mouth shut. I mentioned these options in passing to the mother. She was disinclined to accept either helpful hint.

Here’s another example: My husband is very close to waking up in the morgue. He’s on my last nerve. For the last five years, I have said how much I wanted a laptop computer. I need it for my work. My office is in our bedroom and he goes to bed so damn early I can’t get much work done.

Our daughter’s birthday was Sunday. Guess what she got? (Bear in mind he NEVER discussed this with me!) Yep! You got it, a laptop. Am I pissed? Damn straight. Every time I brought it up, “we don’t have the money for a laptop.”

I ask you this: if it was you, would you be pissed?

My birthday is in three weeks, and I’m getting one of two things: a new laptop or a funeral service for a dead husband. If I disappear in three weeks it will be pretty obvious which of the two won out…

I’m this bad at *mumble, mumble* years old, can you imagine what I’ll be like in ten years? Twenty?

Donica

Background Information

2009-02-04T11:45:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone! I'm in a day long chat with other Champagne authors over at Love Romances (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LoveRomancesCafe) We're having a lot of fun sharing excerpts, information on our books and excerpts as well.

In one of my posts I mentioned I'd explain where the idea for my elemental desires series came from. I told them I'd share this story here on my blog. Well, here goes:

Every month or so all the women in our family (on my mom's side) get together to go out for lunch or dinner and we spend a couple of hours catching up on our lives, laughing and bonding. We tend to get a little loud and quite rambunctious, but it's a lot of fun.

One day we all grabbed Chinese food and invaded my Nanny Ann's house. We crowded around her table, stuffed our faces with the wonderful food and spent the evening having a blast.

I was sitting there watching my mom and her sisters interact with each. The love we all share was so plain in their faces and the fun they always have, despite their differences and thought man, I'd love to write something about them.

Then it hit me--sisters, four elements--magic powers--oh yeah! This could work!

Now my mom and her sisters are NOT witches, that's not the inspiration for the characters. It's the way they interact with each other, the way they view the world, and a few of their personality quirks and traits that lent them to my girls.

I told them about the series the next time we got together and for months I made them wonder which witch was which sister. At Thanksgiving that year I sat them down, made them guess and then revealed it to them.

Jo is Maryna. My aunt Jo and I are the closest in age and we spent alot of time together when I was younger. She loves to swim and she is the most mischievous of them all. (Yeah Jo, admit it, you really are--hehehe)

Mom is Storm. Mom's sensible and she is the one all the others turn to for advise. She's loving and caring and always there when they need her. She always looks out for her little sisters, but she knows how to cut loose and have fun as much as they do.

My Aunt Marty is Ember. Ember is the witch of the fire element and it so applies to my aunt Marty. Spit fire...fire brand...fired up...those all apply to Marty. She's a wonderful person to be with and I adore her dearly. She's fiercely loyal and extremely protective. She also has her cantankerous moments (don't we all?!?!) but she's definitely the one who fits my Ember's personality.

Finally, is Tara. The gentle earth mother type. That's my aunt Judy. See Judy is different from the rest of us. She doesn't get mad quick at all! She's got this never ending fuse that's almost impossible to light. She's the quietest one of the bunch. I've only seen my aunt Judy riled once and I tell you what, she's like a little bundle of dynamite. Once that fuse does get touched off and it reaches the end, LOOK OUT!

I was once asked where I fit in. Honestly? I don't. If you ask my aunts, mom and cousins I'm sure they'd all say that I'm on the extreme edge of each of them. People come to me when they want to be told bluntly and abrasively what I think they should do. I have the shortest fuse, the easiest lit, I don't back down, tell it like it is.

Too much information? LOL

Well, I've got to get busy, edits for Chase just began trickling in and I have to get busy on them.

See you all soon!
Hugz!
Donica

The MATCH game!

2009-02-02T11:00:00.001-08:00

For the next ten weeks my publisher Champagne Books is running a new contest. Simply go to their contest page and match before and after pictures of the authors (including yours truly to be registered to win ebooks!

I don't even know the answers but I'm having a great time checking out the before pix!

I'll even give you a hint...I'm not the guy (heheheheh)

Good luck and have fun!

Hugz!
Donica

New video

2009-01-30T15:45:00.000-08:00

Storm Chasing releases in February and I made a new video for this book! Check it out:

See you all next month!
Hugz
Donica

Inspiring Music

2009-01-27T10:46:00.000-08:00

Fan shop

2009-01-21T13:24:00.001-08:00

I have a fan store that is now open! There is a button on the left side under links to connect you with this shop where you can find all sorts of merchandise. I really hope you'll check it out soon!

I'm running wild trying to catch up on all the stuff I've let lapse while I got the store in order. Be watching for more updates and notices soon!

Hugz
Donica

SOS

2009-01-15T07:44:00.000-08:00

I'm blogging today over at Shades of Suspense. Hope you'll come by and say hello!

Hugz
Donica

Long and tiring weekend

2009-01-12T09:12:00.000-08:00

Man what a weekend. I had my book signing on Saturday and once I got over the jitters it was great. My only regret is that I didn't think to have my picture taken with my best friend Kay and my closest bud Ronni. Both were angels and showed for my signing--as did my cousin Linda--who I also spaced on getting a picture with! Lard love a duck I was more out of it then I originally realized.

After the signing we did our girls of the family thing--they took me out for Mexican as a celebration of my big day! I was gone from about noon thirty until nearly 8 pm. Then I had to make a cheesecake for my little Alyx's birthday. She LOVED it!

It was so funny, I said "I guess Elisi has to make you a cheesecake for every birthday now huh?" she got so excited she was giggling and bouncing in her chair. After that, each time I said cheesecake she was just completely bonkers! It was GREAT. Of course now I'm going to have to bake a cheesecake at least once a year!

Over the weekend I also heard from my AMAZING editor Cindy. WE're going to start edits on Chase here shortly. Yay!(yes that was sarcastic) I'm only saying it that way because I'm a little burnt out. I haven't really had a chance to be working on new material because I've been buried under edits. I have three releases this yhear (Storm's is in only a few weeks!) Then Chase and I'm sure by the time I'm finished with his edits I'm going to be diving into edits for Noella's Gift.

While having so many releases is AWESOME, it's also exhausting. I just haven't had much time to write. They say every dream has its price and this is the price for being an author. I truly do love my profession, it just gets tiring after a while.

Well, while I wait for edits I'm going to see if I' can't get back into writing mode!

I wanted to take a moment to say THANK YOU to everyone who stopped by my table Saturday! I was thrilled to meet some very nice people. I'm really glad I was able to spend a couple of minutes talking to you!

Thank you also to mom, Marty, Judy, Jo, Traci, Linda, Ronnie, Kara, Casey, Bob, Daddy, and Karen for taking time to come and see me at the store.

A HUGE thanks to Deborah, the CRM at Fenton's Barnes and Noble. She was the BEST! I absolutely adore her and am most grateful for all the hard work and effort she put into making my book signing the success it was. And to all the employees of the store: thank you for your time! I had a BLAST and I'd love to come again!

I did miss out on the home coming at the Academy though. I had so much to do before Saturday that I just had to miss the Friday night festivities. I really wanted to be there so I could see my buddy Mark Ammons and all of the rest of the Academy alumni. Maybe next time!

I still haven't had my cell phone turn up. I'm wondering where I spaced and put it. Maybe it will show up this week--I hope so! All my most important information was on it!

Well, I better boogie on down the I'net!
hugz!
Donica

Wish I could figure it out!

2009-01-08T13:03:00.000-08:00

I had fun making a little banner and now I can't figure out how to put it up on my blog. Ah well, I have tons of other things I can so with it.

But here's a peak at it:

Cool right? I'm saving my pennies so I can buy the Banner Maker Pro program. Pennies don't seem to accumulate and breed as fast as they once did...

Anyway! Off to work!
Hugz
Donica

Where did the year go?

2009-01-07T09:34:00.000-08:00

One year ago today I was pacing a hospital surrounded by friends and family waiting for my DS to become a Daddy for the first time. For the last year I’ve gotten to watch my little Alyx grow from a teeny little Muppet to a sweet little baby girl who has a fierce independent personality.

In a few hours, we’ll be having a little party for our girl. In a way, I’m sad. Growing older has never really bothered me until this year. Maybe it has something to do with hitting the big 4-0. This past year has taken a lot from my life—but when I look at Alyx, I see all the good that I’ve been blessed with.

Anyway, I thought I’d share a sort of then and now photos:

I will upload some first birthday pix later. Until then! HUGZ!

Donica

Getting closer

2009-01-06T10:12:00.000-08:00

Man are my nerves jumpy, and I'm thinking they're only going to get worse. My book signing is Saturday and I'm pretty anxious about it. The weather has turned and not for the better. This morning we awoke to a sheet of ice on everything. Not a pleasant way to start the day. I'm hoping it clears up by Saturday. If the weather is bad no one will go out shopping for groceries much less go to the book store.

And of course, I also woke up with a sore throat and coughing. I seem to do this, when I get anxious or excited about something I get a cold. I've been drinking nyquil in an attempt to kill whatever has decided to try and ruin my weekend.

This week is shaping up to be very busy. My little Alyx turns 1 tomorrow (where did the time go?) Then Thursday my father is having "minor" (is there such a thing?) surgery on his jaws. Friday is my shopping day with my mom and Friday night is the annual homecoming/reunion at my old high school, Saturday is the book signing, and I think we're celebrating Alyx's bday (since the 7th was a weeknight).

Man, I'm tired after just reading this!

I might skip the reunion. I don't have many fond memories of high school and I don't know how many of the people I do want to see will be there. I'll wait and see what happens.

Well, I better go. I have some writing to get done and some errands to run.

See you all soon!
Hugz
Donica

My fantasy dream

2009-01-02T10:15:00.000-08:00

If the day ever came that Dragon’s Angel would become a movie I’d love these guys to do the sound track. They already have most of the songs that would work for the book! Check out just a few samples below.

The band’s name: Rhapsody (of Fire)
Albums: Eternal Glory (Demo CD)
Legendary Tales
Emerald Sword (singles)
Symphony of Enchanted Lands
Dawn of Victory
Rain of a Thousand Flames
Power of the Dragon Flame
Symphony of Enchanted Lands II
Triumph of Agony.
Genre: Symphonic Rock

If you like fantasy, Dragon’s Angel (of course, LOL), JRR Tolkein, C.S. Lewis, or other then I think you’ll get a kick out of these guys. They’re from Italy and they ROCK! See for yourself:

1. Rhapsody Of Fire - Land of Immortals (LIVE)

2. Rhapsody of Fire - Il Canto del Vento

3. Where Dragons Fly

4. Rhapsody - Power of the Dragonflame

5. RHAPSODY - WINGS OF DESTINY

6. Forest of Unicorns

7 Rhapsody - Rain of a Thousand Flames

8. Rhapsody Warrior of Ice

9. Old Age of Wonders

10. Rhapsody - Dargor Shadowlord of the black mountain

11. Rhapsody - The Ancient Forest of Elves

12. Rhapsody - Rise From the Sea of Flames

13. Rhapsody - Legendary Tales

Hope you enjoyed!
Hugz
Donica

WOOHOO! Nominations are in

2009-01-02T09:11:00.000-08:00

for the annual Predators and Editors best of the year. This year I'm totally pleased to announce I've been nominated for a couple of categories. I'm going to list the categories and the links so that, if you so desire, you may go and vote. The voting ends promptly at midnight on January 14th, and only one vote per category is allowed. Also, on the voting pages the list is in alphabetical order.

All right here we go:
Author of the year:
http://www.critters.org/predpoll/author.shtml

Romance of the year: Tides of Maryna's Love
http://www.critters.org/predpoll/novelr.shtml

And Sci-fi/Fantasy of the year: Dragon's Angel
http://www.critters.org/predpoll/novelsf.shtml

I truly appreciate your time in voting, thank you!

Hugz
Donica

A litte message

2009-01-01T12:39:00.001-08:00

Special SALE!

2008-12-31T10:58:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone! Tonight, for ONE NIGHT ONLY, you are invited to join in a spectacular sale! All my (and all other) Champagne Books titles are on sale! Simply click on the image above to be taken to the Champagne Books website for details. The sale starts at 11 pm MST and runs until 1 AM MST. If you wait until 1:10, you'll miss out!

Now's the perfect time to get copies of Tides of Maryna's Love and Dragon's Angel in eBook for yourself and your friends. (Of course I won't be too terribly disappointed if you buy other titles TOO, LOL)

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Hugz

Donica

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT!!!

2008-12-29T10:48:00.000-08:00

Dear Gentle Readers,

I received an annonymous post regarding the book signing event I'm having on January 10th. The question posed was could they bring their other books to my signing. I checked with the lady at Barnes and Noble and I was told YES! If you have other books by me that you would like to have signed please feel to bring them along with you on January 10 and I will happily sign them all for you!

So, I look forward to seeing you all there!
Hugz
Donica

How was your Christmas?

2008-12-29T10:14:00.000-08:00

We had a very pleasant one. We enjoyed our annual Christmas Eve celebration at my aunt’s home. This year the bright lights of the tree were a little dimmer. Tonya’s absence was felt by all but we did have a good time anyway. It was nice to bask in the warmth of family love.

Christmas day we headed to my parents’ home. We shared a meal of glazed ham, corn casserole, green bean casserole, sweet potato casserole (huh…we had thing for casserole this year, didn’t we? LOL) Hawaiian sweet bread rolls, and cranberry salad.

For dessert, we enjoyed my homemade cheesecake (I made in honor of my SIL’s birthday) red velvet cake (for my son and DIL’s anniversary) and I made baklava for the first time (it wasn’t perfect but it was passable).

I raked in the gifts this year too! I received a story written by my oldest nephew—he may turn out to be an author like his aunt Donica! Homemade cookies my nephews helped make, a gc to Cracker Barrel restaurant from my brother, SIL and nephews. Mom and dad gave me some pretty purple eye shadow, a crème brulee set, a Mary Kay compact and a very pretty necklace. My son and DIL gave me a beautiful picture of my little Alyx in a silver frame and every single album that Rhapsody (of Fire) recorded—including their demo! WOOHOOO!!! My best friend gave me two sweet little purple hand towels with ghosts appliquéd on them, a candle, and an Americana wooden wall hanging and orchid scented hand lotion.. My other closest friend gave me a set of tea light candles and a little puppy dog figurine that when you take off it’s head it’s a tiny little box. My other SIL (DH’s sis) gave me two Indian baby porcelain dolls. (They have joined my collection!) and a fleece horse printed blanket. My daughter gave me the prettiest necklace, pendent and earrings set you’ve ever seen! It’s a copper colored enamel horse with rhinestones, some hand sanitizer in cotton scent and some Black Amethyst hand lotion.. DH gave me this years M&M dispenser, in Madame Green. (Man, I hope I didn’t forget anything! My memory is failing me these days. Lack of sleep I’m sure.)

Well, I have to head off for now. I need to get busy before I take off for the New Year holiday celebrations.

Have safe and happy New Year!
Hugz
Donica

Christmas Wishes!

2008-12-25T03:12:00.000-08:00

A Look at Covey Christmases past

2008-12-24T03:04:00.000-08:00

Grogan prophecy

2008-12-23T12:06:00.000-08:00

And still a couple of more shots

2008-12-21T05:30:00.000-08:00

This is where I had my nasty accident in July. If you scan it around you'll find the highway...that's how far I had to ride my ATV out.

View Larger Map

Here is Assaurus Trail. It's a long ride and like the previous one they can't do any close up shots. This is an 8 hour ATV ride. Thus the name Assasaurus, LOL

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Hugz!
Donica

A couple of more pix

2008-12-20T05:00:00.000-08:00

Wave hi to my Granny and Grandpa!

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Roasting Ear Road--a GREAT place to ATV until the pencil dicks in Washington decide it was too destructive to environment. Wait til this summer and I get pictures of WHY they are trying to restrict us. They claim ATVrs are the ones to be destructive--they are full of SH**. They're the ones butchering the Ozark National Forest!

View Larger Map

Hugz
Donica

Hope these show up

2008-12-19T05:00:00.001-08:00

I'll be sharing a couple of pix each day--hope they work!
My Home away from home--my trailer. You can pan up and round to get a close up view of it.

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This white building used to be a cafe called the Green Acres Dairy Diner. It was where I spent my childhood summers.

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Check in Next time for a couple of more!
Hugz
Donica

Blogging at Shades of Suspense

2008-12-18T05:00:00.000-08:00

Today I’m posting on Shades of Suspense blog (insert link) about my favorite Christmas memory. If you like Elvis Presley you’ll get a kick out of it. Please stop over and say hello!

HUGZ!
Donica

Happy Wednesday!

2008-12-17T12:30:00.000-08:00

Last night was the annual Champagne Books Christmas party and boy did we have a blast! I enjoyed talking to so many of you readers. But I also learned that Dragon’s Angel is becoming a huge hit! I can’t believe it. On one of the sc-fi/fantasy book sites Dragon’s Angel (ranked #8) is outselling a Bersinger series book and on another the Bersinger is listed as number 20 and Dragon’s Angel is #25! How is that for fantabulous?

I was told that Dragon’s Angel is the number one selling title at Champagne Books for the second month in a row. I owe it to all of you, my wonderful readers. Thank you so much for picking up your copy and for telling your friends and family about it.

I’m getting excited for a couple of upcoming events: 1. January 10th is the book signing at Fenton Barnes and Noble. It runs from 2-4 pm. I’ll be signing and sharing Callye’s Justice on this day. I’ll be sending out a few reminders on this blog and also on my newsletter website, so if you’ve not signed up yet, I hope you’ll join the crowd.
The second even happens in February: Storm Chasing, the next book in the Elemental Desires series will be released. I fell completely in love with the cover. The colors, the image, it all looks so wonderful.

Did you happen to scroll down on the left side of your screen? You’ll see the covers for all my books and if you click on them you can read excerpts from the titles. I hope you’ll check them out.

I also want to invite you all to let me know if you’d like a book plate (a sticker) to put inside your print copies of any of my titles. Just email for details and I’d be more than happy to send you an autographed plate.

Well, I’m going to have to head out. My son took my daughter in law to the urgent care so I’m babysitting my little Alyx (along with my dad) and I’m writing you from here. My little notebook computer—dark screen and all.

Hugz
Donica

Storm Chasing now has a cover!

2008-12-10T09:41:00.001-08:00

Looks pretty great doesn't it? The artists, talented and amazing Trish FitzGerald has pleased me yet again. Actually, after she did Maryna's cover for me I sort of asked if she would do the covers for the series. I totally loved the way she created Maryna's face superimposed on the ocean and had hopes of seeing it recreated with the subsequent books.

I'm very pleased with the cover. The only thing I would have liked to see was if she used a photo a friend of mine had sent me. BUT there were issues that prevented the use of the image. Besides, the cover ROCKS as it is, am I right?

WOOHOOO! It won't be long now!

Have to run, need to pretend I'm working for a while.

Hugz!

Donica

The time will soon be here!

2008-12-08T13:21:00.000-08:00

I'm counting the days and I'm anxiously waiting. All this excitement for Christmas? What a BORE! No! This build up of anticipation is for my upcoming trip to the local Barnes and Noble store. Come January 10 I'll be arriving at 2 pm and visiting with folks until the store kicks me out about 4. I hope you will all come if you can!

I'm also still floating on the ceiling with the announcement that Dragon's Angel is Champagne Books #1 Best Seller for the month of November. I'm just so stoked that things seem to be going so well for this book.

I've got to run but I'll be back soon to catch you up on some fun!

Hugz

Donica

Isn't she gone?

2008-12-05T09:40:00.000-08:00

I found the coolest thing on blogger! (I know many of you already knew this and think I'm lame)I can post to my blog and set the date for whenever I want! If I have additional information to add I can edit the saved post. Maybe now I'll be able to keep up with my blog better!

Let me tell you, I'm so very excited about this! I was feeling guilty for my lagging posts. YIPPEEE, LOL

So you see, I am gone for the weekend but I can still bore you! It's like I'm still here-heeheehee.

I made a decision that I'm going to investigate. A few years ago I wrote a child's book for my nephew and the way he loved the book it made me wonder if I shouldn't try to submit it. I'm currently looking for a publishing house to submit it to. If I do find one and it actually sells I think I'll have it published under my real name. I would like to keep my genres separate.

Anyway, keep your fingers crossed I find a place to submit and actually go through with it, LOL

Well, I'm going to head off now and get some things done before I actually do leave town. See you all next week! Have a superfantastic weekend.

Hugz
DC

Invitation to a Party

2008-12-03T14:20:00.001-08:00

Finally working, YAY!

2008-12-03T09:32:00.000-08:00

As all of you who have been following me--THANKS VERY MUCH--knows, I've been struggling with my writing for months. I was standing in the shower and an idea hit me.

Would you like to see the opening? Okay, you got it:

Jack Mason stood frozen in place. Beth Walters crossed the parking lot and opened the trunk of a blue sedan parked across the aisle from him. Fate had done it. It had finally reunited them on the same path. After twenty years she was his again. He watched as she carelessly tossed her sun-streaked medium blond hair over her shoulder. It was longer now, but he’d recognize the shade anywhere.
She turned to the side and he glimpsed her perfect face. Twenty years and she hadn’t aged a day. How was it possible? He took a few tentative steps closer. Maybe she had changed a little. She’d gained a few pounds, not that it mattered. Beth had needed to add weight to her one hundred nothing pounds back in those days. Always obsessed with the fear of getting fat she ate little to nothing most days of the week.
She climbed into the dark blue sedan parked near by.
He jumped into his pickup parked across the aisle from her and after she backed out of her spot, he dropped in behind her.
All along the short drive to the quiet little neighborhood, he remembered the time he and Beth shared together. The way her face would light with joy whenever he appeared. The teasing, coy manner she played shy. The way she heated beneath his touch. His Beth.
She pulled into the short drive of a white and brick house. The front walk was dotted with annuals blooming in a myriad of colors.
A garden of many roses bloomed in front of the house. His Beth had always loved flowers but roses were her favorite.
She grabbed a grocery bag from the back of the car and headed for the front door.
He couldn’t control himself any longer. He had to be with her. After twenty years you’d have thought his love for her would have died. It hadn’t. It only grew stronger with each passing day. Now he was here and she was within arms reach. She’d be his again. No matter what.
“Hello Beth,” he said as he stepped up beside her. “My Beth,” he whispered as he placed his hand on her arm.

Maybe working on this project will get my blood flowing to my brain and I can finish Hunting Mickey and Ember's Flame. Keep your fingers crossed!

Hugz All!
DC

WOOHOO!!! Number 1!

2008-12-02T09:53:00.001-08:00

I turned on my computer this morning to the news that Dragon's Angel is the Number 1 best selling title for November as listed on the Champagne Books website! I'm thrilled as I can be! I haven't had best selling status since leaving By Grace (although that didn't mean much...) With Champagne it IS a big deal! The authors, the publisher, the company ROCKS and they reach so many people every single day.

I'm just so happy!

Here's a repeat of the blurb:
Can two people go from complete strangers to lifemates before they become nothing more than a fantasy?

A disembodied voice has Keely Morgan feeling like her sanity is slipping away. A pulling desire leads her to bar she’s never been to before and close to a man she’s never met.

Xavier Blake is assaulted with images of black dragons and painful destruction; flashes that seem almost like memories. Keely walks into the bar and heads straight for his table. He’s never seen her before but with her close he suddenly feels complete.
When a madman attacks Keely, Xavier somehow senses her fear and saves her. Strange forces push them closer together and take them from the world they know to a place where magic exists, unicorns dance and dragons fly. Destiny foretells they will unite and after a hard battle will reign as the king and queen of Grogan.

Can they overcome the evil that plots to destroy them?

Have you picked up your copy yet? Maybe you have the book and would like the print book. Well, here's how to order:

Simply click Print Price: 11.95 (plus tax, S&H)
or
EBook $6.00

Yeah, I just had to share my excitement and good news!

Have a great rest of the day!
Hugz
Donica

Leaving again...

2008-12-02T09:20:00.000-08:00

My mom is planning a drive to Arkansas this weekend. My brother and his family will be at my grandparents place for the weekend, my dad is already there so mom decided she wanted to go visiting. Of course with it being an almost 6 hour drive she shouldn't go alone so I'm going with her. I swear I've done more travelling in this past year than I've done in my lifetime!

So I have to get as much caught up on my work as possible so I can pack and enjoy my trip. Of course this time I'm taking my little notebook computer along. It's small, it's old and it's wearing out, but as long as it works I'm going to hang on to it. My Santa wish list is for a new laptop computer and promotional ink pens to give out at my book signing.

I'll have to get some things printed up and ready for my special day. 40 days until the big event! Nerves are beginning to act up already. I have to push them aside or I won't be able to concentrate on anything else. I'll be assembling a gift basket as a prize for anyone who attends. Man, I hope I have some entries! It will be truly embaressing if the only ones who show are my family and closest friends.

Laundry and packing list are calling so I best be off.

Hugz
DC

Nightmare Before Christmas

2008-12-01T09:07:00.000-08:00

Okay, I know I avoid hot button topics like politics as a general rule but I have to comment. Talk about a union made in some hellish nightmare! It was bad enough we got Obama as for president (His socialistic view, his dishonesty, his lack of support for our military, his approval of abortion, his insistence on gun control)but now he's taken a murderess and liar as the secretary of state! The best decision our future president could have made was asking Ms. Rice to remain but instead he chooses to surround himself with dishonest politicians. Maybe that's why he didn't ask Ms. Rice, He couldn't tolerate someone pointing out his many faults!

I'm still reeling from the fact he was elected in the first place. I wonder how many voted for him strictly for his race? "Let's make history and have a black man for president." You want a person of color for president? We should have insisted on Condeleeza Rice or Colin Powell. While he wouldn't be my first choice I honestly believe he would have been a good president. He honestly loves this country, he wouldn't try to make a socialistic nation. Both Ms. Rice and Gen. Powell would have supported our troops and helped put our nation back on the right path. God help us all in the next four years we'll be living in hell.

I just read an article that says it all. This article was written by Tod Adkins. This is not quoted in its entirety due to some of what I call prejudice wording DC):
WHITE GUILT IS DEAD
By Tom Adkins

Look at my fellow conservatives! There they go, glumly shuffling along, depressed by the election aftermath. Not me. I’m virtually euphoric. Don’t get me wrong. I’m not thrilled with America’s flirtation with neo socialism But there’s a massive silver lining in those magical clouds that lofted Barak Obama to the Presidency. For today, without a shred of intellectually legitimate opposition, I can loudly proclaim to America: The Era of White Guilt is over.
This seemingly impossible event occurred because the vast majority of white Americans didn’t give a fluff about skin color, and enthusiastically pulled the voting lever for a black man. Not just any black man. A very liberal black man who spent his early career, praying in a racist church for 20 years (Does he have a low opinion of himself because, after all, he is half white! He must truly hate the white half of his heritage if he condones Mr. Wrights "Kill all white men and if God doesn't agree kill Him and get a new God" Obviously these men have never read the Bible!) and actively worked with America-hating domestic terrorists. Wow! Some resume! Yet they made Barak Obama their leader. Therefore, as of Nov 4th, 2008, white guilt is dead.
For over a century, the millstone of white guilt hung around our necks, retribution for slave-owning predecessors. In the 60s, American liberals began yanking that millstone while sticking a fork in the eye of black Americans, exacerbating the racial divide to extort a socialist solution. But if a black man can become President, exactly what significant barrier is left? The election of Barak Obama absolutely destroys the entire validation of liberal white guilt. The dragon is hereby slain.
So today, I’m feeling a little “uppity,” if you will. From this day forward, my tolerance level for having my skin color hustled is now exactly ZERO. And it’s time to clean house. No more Reverend Wright’s “God Damn America,” Al Sharpton’s Church of Perpetual Victimization, or Jesse Jackson’s rainbow racism. Cornell West? You’re a fraud. Go home. All those “black studies” programs that taught kids to hate whitey? (Get rid of them)
Congressional Black Caucus? Irrelevant. Maxine Waters? Shut up. ACORN? Outlawed. Black separatists? Find another nation that offers better dreams. Go ahead. I’m waiting.
Gangsta rappers? Start praising America! Begin with the Pledge of Allegiance.. (This applies to all Americans! Schools should be teaching kids the pledge and SAYING IT EVERY DAY!!!) And please…no more ebonics. Speak English, and who knows where you might end up. Oh, yeah…pull up your pants. Your underwear is showing. You look stupid. (This applies to ALL kids who wear their pants sagging to the knees DC)
To those Eurosnots who forged entire careers hating America? I’m still waiting for the first black French President.
And let me offer an equal opportunity whupping. I’ve always despised lazy white people.
So when you complain “Da Man is keepin’ me down,” allow me to inform you: Da Man is now black. You have no excuses.
No more quotas. No more handouts. (I wish there would be a harsher investigation for welfare. It's only supposed to be a SHORT TERM solution! I know people who need it and they aren't getting it because there is a limited supply of funds. White, black, red or green, get off your butts and get jobs. STOP draining the system!) No more stealing my money because someone’s great-great-great-great grandparents suffered actual pain and misery (and many horribly, horribly abused. BUT you want to talk oppression, lets discuss teh abuse and horrible, nightmarish treatment of Indians! As recent as the 1970s they were still being discriminatged against, abused and mistreated. Who stands up for them?!?!)at the hands of people I have no relation to.
It’s time to toss that massive, obsolete race-hustle machine upon the heap of the other stupid 60s ideas. Drag it over there, by wife swapping, next to dope-smoking. Plenty of room right between free love and cop-killing. Careful…don’t trip on streaking. There ya go, don’t be gentle. Just dump it. Wash your hands. It’s filthy.
In fact, Obama’s ascension created a gargantuan irony. How can you sell class envy and American unfairness when you and your wife went to Ivy League schools, got high-paying jobs, became millionaires, bought a mansion, and got elected President? How unfair is that? Now, Like a delicious O'Henry tale, Obama’s spread-the-wealth campaign rendered itself moot by it's own victory! America is officially a meritocracy. Obama’s election has validated American conservatism!
So, listen carefully…Wham!!
That’s the sound of my foot kicking the door shut on the era of white guilt. The rites have been muttered, the carcass lowered, dirt shoveled, and tombstone erected. White guilt is dead and buried.
However, despite my glee, there’s apparently one small, rabid bastion of American racism remaining. Black Americans voted 96% for Barak Obama. Hmmm. In a color-blind world, shouldn’t that be 50-50? Tonight, every black person should ask forgiveness for their apparent racism and prejudice towards white people. Maybe it’s time to start spreading the guilt around.

***All bold accents are by me. All comments made in parenthesis are aslo by me. DC***

This has been Donica's personal view point. All comments will be monitored closely. Any profane or hate filled posts will be deleted. Freedom of speech is one thing, hate is another.

DC

Home again

2008-11-17T10:40:00.000-08:00

The last two weeks have passed in a whirlwind! The weekend of the 8th I was supposed to go with my mom for our annual trip to Branson. Unfortunately, instead we traveled to Arkansas with my father for a funeral. (In case you’re keeping count this is funeral number four for us since October…)

My Uncle Floyd, my grandfather’s (on my father’s side) youngest sibling, suffered a massive stroke and passed away. It was nice to see so much of the family but horrible to see them under those circumstances.

I was able to reconnect with my cousin Jeff over this weekend. It was amazing to see him after so many years apart. Jeff and I used to spend all summer with our grandparents on their farm but it’s been years since we were able to see each other. We had some fun reminiscing on some of our childhood adventures.

This weekend mom and I did travel to Branson and we had a great time. My granny and our friend Sharon were able to join us. While the weather was quite cold, the bargains extremely scarce and the parking hard to maneuver we had a BLAST!

I’d like to take a moment to speak about a place in Branson called McFarlain’s Family Restaurant.

Now before I get into this I need to make a few specific’s clear.

I’m picky. I only eat specific things. I have found specific places to eat and I only order the same things off the menus offered at each place.

I have another little hang-up—I CAN’T STAND to have one food touching another. I just can’t eat food that has touched something else (there are exceptions to this personal rule but that’s beyond the point)

Mom suggested we try McFarlain’s restaurant. I’ve never been there but I decided to give it a go.

After scanning the menu I knew I wanted Country Fried Steak but I can’t stand a lot of pepper so I was pleased when I learned their creamy gravy was only lightly peppered.

The waitress, a sweet woman named Roberta, joined our table for our order. I gave it and then I asked, “When the meal is plated does the food touch or do you have it separated?”
She grinned and said “It all touches.”
Me: “Can you please plate mine so that it doesn’t? I have this thing…I can’t stand my food to touch.”
Roberta: “I understand. My sister is a nut like you” (At this point she gently taps my head with the collected menus.)
Mom and I chat. Time passes. Before we realize it, it has been almost an hour and we still have no food. We are heading home from lunch and we’ve got a stop planned in Springfield. We need to get on the road.

The manager joins our table with our order ticket in her hand. Seems there was some major catastrophe in the kitchen and our order ticket ended up in her pocket rather than on the prep line wheel.
(I have to admit I must have been in a good mood. Any other time this stretch of waiting would have made me unpleasant. I didn’t get angry, upset or even annoyed—mildly or otherwise! Yes, those who know me are STUNNED I didn’t get bent out of shape!)

The manager was extremely apologetic. She felt terrible for the lost order. To make up for it she insisted we have free dessert—oh boy did they have to twist my arm for that! ;)

When the food arrived, it was AMAZING! My food was served in individual bowls—gravy on the side! The meal itself…let me just say O…M…G…It was FANTABULOUS!

The steak was perfectly tender. It was easily cut through with the fork! The breading had no annoying extra spices. The gravy had a scoosh more pepper than I prefer but even at that it was WONDERFUL!!!!

They serve a honey cornbread on the side that is enough to make you go wild! Its light, fluffy and the “individual” serving size is enough for two people.

There is so much food I couldn’t eat it all in one sitting. I ended up having to bring it home. So of course I had no room for dessert. They gave it to us to go.

Mom ordered their seasonal Pumpkin Cream pie. I had Pecan. Now folks, I’ve got to say, I have had pecan pie before—or so I thought. This was unlike any I’ve EVER tasted before and I can guarantee you none will ever compare to it again. It was the best danged pie I’ve ever ate. I wish we lived closer so I could run out and grab me another hunk!

With my picky eating habits it’s hard for me to find places to eat. Once I find them I don’t deviate. I now have a new place on my Donica Approved list: McFarlain’s.

So, if y’all are ever in Branson and you’re looking for a place to chow may I suggest you drop over to Shepherd of the Hills Expressway and in the Imax Entertainment Complex and hop into McFarlain’s Family Restaurant.

Make sure to ask for a table in Roberta’s section for excellent service. And would you say hello to Tena the manager for me?

So that is what’s been happening in my life—what’s been going on in yours?

I missed it!

2008-11-04T10:15:00.000-08:00

My publisher Champagne Books went to a Sci Fi convention over this past weekend and according to the reports the authors who were able to attend had a blast. Kerry Tolan even did an impromptu book signing.

Unfortunately, I wasn't one of those lucky few but I did get some photos sent to me. These are AWESOME! Once you look at them you'll see why I was so excited about viewing them:

Kewl right?! I was so stoked to see this, I just wish I had been able to be there. Of course, there is always next year...

November and fall is upon us now and my life seems to be growing ever more hectic. Edits on Storm Chasing are almost done. Then I leave Thursday for a my annual trek to Branson with my mom only to return home in time to get ready for a girls night out, then Thanksgiving lists need to be attended to. This means that Christmas is just around the corner, as is my Son and DIL's first wedding anniversary, my little Alyx's first birthday...UGH! Now I've officially made myself feel OLD...

Well, I'm off to get some last minute work done so that I can turn my focus onto my packing lists. I'll see you all again soon!
Hugz
Donica

Follow that tale 3

2008-10-31T07:53:00.000-07:00

Follow that Tale finale

(To read the first two segments: Click here for segement 1
Click here for segement 2)

Gordy had never given her even half the devotion he showed that damn dog.
Twenty years.

She stalked from the stove into the living room. “Twenty years, Gordy. We’ve been married twenty years.”

“Yeah,” he answered as he picked up the television remote and tuned her out.

“A rose Gordy?”

He glanced up at her. “You love roses.”

“Left overs Gordy?”

“You want Hamburger Helper instead?”

“You’re a bastard Gordy. Why don’t you go to hell.”

“Because I don’t go to your palace,” he sniped back.

She brushed the tears away and spun on her heel. She went back to the kitchen and finished heating the food then set it out on the table. She sat down and dug in. Scout scampered into join her and she tossed the buff colored spaniel scraps and bits from her plate.

“What are you doing?”

“Eating.”

“Obviously. You couldn’t call me for dinner?”

He sat down and piled his plate full. They ate in silence, the television droned in the background.

The longer Lynn sat beside him the more her insides festered. She shoved from the table. “I can’t live like this any more Gordy. I can’t do it. For Scout it’s love and kisses, praise and kindness. For me it’s after thoughts and left overs.”

“For God’s sake Lynn stop nagging me. I just got home.”

“Right. Sorry. Wouldn’t want to spoil your anniversary.” Lynn stalked from the room and scurried off to the sanctity of the bedroom. She slammed the door shut, locked it and secured the deadbolt. She dropped onto their mattress and cried until her body was too dry to produce any more tears. She’d made her bed and now she had to lie in it.

Lynn lay back on the bed watching as evening shadows stretched across the wall, the day fading into night. The doorknob juggled. Gordy was ready to get to bed. Good. Let him. He could sleep on the couch for a change.

“Come on Lynn, let me in. I have to go to work in the morning.”

She didn’t reply. She couldn’t. He went to work. He paid the bills. He knew where everything was. She didn’t do anything but stay home and taxi their teen-ager all over the county.

The door rattled harder. “Damn it Lynn! I have to go to bed. Open the damn door.”

She sighed, stood up and let him in.

He brushed by her. “I don’t know what’s wrong with you. Why do you have to get so stupid all the time?”

She was stupid. Stupid to believe things would ever change. Stupid to believe she deserved better. “I’m sorry Gordy. Good night.” Her shoulders felt so heavy.

With leaden steps, she made her way into the living room where she dropped on the sofa, cuddled Scout and leaned back into the cushions for a night of mindless entertainment.

Lynn’s eyelids grew heavy and she couldn’t keep them open. She sank into a deep sleep. For the first time in months, she relaxed. Exhaustion kept her dreams blank. Void of anything. No colors, no sound, no variants of light or dark. Nothing but sleep.

Scout whined and licked her hand. Lynn scooted around on the sofa and looked around. Almost three in the morning. She didn’t sleep that long, ever. She sat up and rubbed her eyes. She’d grab another cigarette, a drink and then get into her bed.

After finishing the glass of wine and visiting the bathroom, Lynn crept through the darkness and climbed into bed. Gordy wasn’t snoring, thank God. She rolled up onto her hip and curled under the blanket.

The sun peaking around the shades glinted off the mirror across from her bed and woke Lynn for the second time. Gordy still lay in a lump beside her. “Gordy?” she shook him.

Gordy didn’t move.

“Why are you home Gordy? Are you sick?” She shoved against him again.

Once more he didn’t stir.

“Gordy?”

She grabbed his shoulder. His body was stiff and rigid. She rolled him to face her and a scream ripped through the room.

Gordy’s eyes were wide open. His skin pale, blue tinted and cool to the touch. From his open mouth, in the middle of his blue lips emerged the rose he’d given her.

Officially the coolest mom…

2008-10-27T10:40:00.000-07:00

Friday night I had girl’s night at my house. My girlfriends and I were going to work on our scrapbooks. We had chow set out for snacking and a huge mound of scrapbook supplies in the corner.

My DH was in his room, my dd was sitting in front of then television, Ronni, Kay and I had our books and pix pulled out and spread all over.

Kay’s cell phone went off and she was talking to one of her boys when Ronni leaned over and said the magic words: ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW.

By the time Kay had hung up her phone Ronni and I had decided we’d meet on Saturday night and for RHPS. Kay is a freak—I mean that with the greatest love in my heart. If you all knew exactly how long Kay and I have been best friends, you’d be amazed—and realize that I’m older than dirt…

Anyway, Kay is a freak, but RHPS just doesn’t fall into her list of things to do. But, after phone calls, hunting down advance tickets etc, the three of us had agreed to meet on Saturday for the movie.

I glanced over at my DD and said “Hey, you wouldn’t want to go with us, would you?”

I didn’t know if she was going to faint dead away or Tigger bounce through the ceiling. She tackled me in a bear hug and told me she would be thrilled forever. (I then went "well too bad, you can’t go…" hehehehe I’m evil I know. But she knew I was kidding)

Ronni and Kay bid us good night and they left. DD and I cleaned up and then hit the sack ourselves. I lay in bed thinking how stupidly impulsive I am and wishing I had restrained myself. I was regretting the movie decisions. Not that I don’t love RHPS. I was just plagued by personal demons.

Saturday DD and I spent the day chasing down costumes. Finally, we selected our outfits and we just vegged for the day to allow ourselves to have the energy to survive the night.

Kay showed up at 930—she was supposed to be dressed up—she looked normal—the poop! DD looked adorable in a monkey suit. DH told me I looked like a demented hooker—so I knew I was good to go.

On the highway we hit a major traffic snap four of the five lanes of freeway had been shut down due to an accident. We were ten minutes late meeting up with Ronni. We left my car and jumped in hers then headed for the theater.

It is here I should note how ADORABLE Ronni looked! She was the cutest Magenta! She did complain about snagging her fish nets but since the torn fishnets fit better into the costume I told her note to worry…

As we park and make our way to the theater I’m watching them for reactions to what they see. My DD kept cracking me up—“MOM! He’s in ladies underwear! Mom! He’s wearing a guy thong! MOM! She looks like a guy!”

Once inside they checked everyone for outside props. The theater was kind enough to let them run the movie with the deal that outside props wouldn’t be allowed. Kinda killed the whole thing but the theater did allow the theater group to provide small prop bags to patrons so there was the same old feel but in a more controlled portion.

Then Mr. Hottie playing Riff Raff joined us, tossing his arms over my shoulders and asking if any of our group were virgins. Well, knowing me, what do you think I did?

Yep! I turned on my daughter and my two best friends “This one, that one and that one,” I said as I pointed at each one in turn. While Mr. Hottie painted on their Vs I received death glares. When Mr. Hottie asked Ronni to be his special virgin I just chuckled and turned away.

We went inside and did the count down until time for the movie to begin. There was the traditional playing with the beach ball through the crowd. Then there was the Rules: F the rules chant. They had everyone stand and Then whoever had seen RHPS more than one hundred times at the theater was to sit down…

I sat in my chair. People around me, including my faithful friends were amazed. If I had to provide and accurate total the number would be closed to double…

Next was twenty-five…a few more found their seats

Then ten

Then five

Then the virgins were left on their feet.

Special Virgins were called to the front for their initiation. Ronni was lucky. All she had to do was let a guy eat pie from her lap! (When I was being devirginized, I had to crawl on hands and knees between a long line of legs, while being paddled.)

Then it was time for the movie.

I. Am. Old. Honestly. I am old. I forgot more than I imagined. Not the movie, mind you. No, I can still say every line with every character; sing every word of every song.

No. The thing that made me feel old was the fact I couldn’t remember every line of audience participation. And I have to tell you, there was some things they said that were new to me! (Since when did they say Al Franken and Allen Greenspan when Dr. F seduces Janet?)

I know my girlfriends and my DD had a blast. Okay Ronnie and DD had a blast. Kay said it was now something she could check off her list and never have to do again…LOL
As we were making the trek back to the car I heard my DD and Kay having a discussion. DD said that I was the coolest mom ever. Kay agreed stating that she’d be too uncomfortable to see it with any one of her sons.

DD repeated I was the coolest mom.

(? Hmmm when your nearly seventeen year old thinks you’re cool does that mean you’ve made a mistake?)We grabbed some late night take out and chowed down then hit bed about 4:30 am.

I finally got out of bed at 1 on Sunday afternoon. I felt like someone had beat me with an aluminum baseball bat. All over. My body ached, my throat and head hurt and all I wanted to do is sleep. Today, I’m STILL achy and all I want to do is sleep.

Ronni and DD want to go back this weekend. Me? It would be fun but, I. Am. Old.

But at least I’m cool!

Follow that Tale 2

2008-10-24T05:36:00.000-07:00

This is the second installment of my Follow that Tale story. (To read the first portion hop over to http://romanticsuspense.blogspot.com)
She wiped at the tears streaking down her cheeks. She had tried to pretend it was all right. She tried to make the world think that she was satisfied in the hell her life had become. She put on a good act and even almost convinced herself of it.
Almost.
She couldn’t do it any longer. She couldn’t sit back and fake the smile, the contentment. She couldn’t deal with it any longer. Something had to give. Something was going to snap. She continued to shiver as she dragged another hit from her cigarette.
Her knee bounced in agitation and her heart ached. Rage, fear, disappointment. The emotions swelled and threatened to seal off her throat.
This was her punishment. She hadn’t been a good kid. Her parents were loving, god fearing people who had loved and encouraged her but she was just bad. She liked to party. She enjoyed being a bit of a wild one. She had lied to her parents on occasion, done things she shouldn’t have, gone places she didn’t belong, hung out with people who she had no business associating with.
Maybe if she’d been a better person she would have happiness. She'd deserve happiness.
But she wasn’t a better a person. She’d made her bed and now she was stuck in it. There was no way out.
The dog barked and danced around the room as her husband pulled his car into the driveway. She sat back and finished off her smoke. Twenty-years. Twenty years today.
The key turned in the door and it pushed open.
“Hey Scout. How’s my boy?” he asked as he bent at the waist to scrub at the spaniel’s floppy ears. “Did you miss me?”
Gordy stood, walked further into the room and closed the door behind. His gaze flickered to her. He thrust a fading rose wrapped in tacky yellow tissue paper in her direction then walked away.
No kind word. No card. She should be happy for the crumb of affection. That’s’ what it was, right? Affection? Meager as it is she should gobble it up. She wanted to. He did remember. He did bring her a small token. It wasn’t much but it was something.
Maybe he would surprise her further at dinner.
“Gordy? Should I change my blouse?”
No response.
“Gordy?”
He came from the bathroom and sat down on the mattress to tug off his shoes. “What?”
“Should I change my blouse?”
“What for?”
“Dinner?”
“Why? You’re just going to go in and make Deja Food.”
Left overs? Twenty years of marriage and he was really going to insist they stay home with leftovers? “But I thought…”
“Fine. I’ll go fix dinner.” He shoved to his feet and left her standing in the bedroom.
Her mind was numb. A cheap ass rose and left overs. Half her life was committed to this man and all she received was a cheap rose and leftovers.
She stood in the doorway fighting the tears that robbed her of her sight. She choked in breath around the pain blocking off her throat. Maybe she was asking for too much. She didn’t want a damn diamond tiara. She didn’t want to go off for a five course meal spending money they didn’t have. Even a trip to the local Ponderosa would be nice. Hell, she’d settle for McDonald’s if he’d only ask her.
She followed into the kitchen and watched as he pulled out the bowls that held the weeks worth of left overs safe. Tears trickled down her cheek. She sniffed.
He turned to face her. “What’s wrong? Why are you crying now?”
He was so clueless. He was arrogant. He was asinine. “Not a damn thing,” she replied and grabbed a paper towel to wipe away her tears. She stepped over to the stove and shoved him. “Get the hell out of my way,” she snapped as she went about reheating the food in the plastic containers. The last three years their anniversary had come and went with nothing to mark the occasion. She shouldn’t be surprised by his callous disregard this year. But twenty years was something special—or it should have been.
He moved into the living room and sat down in the chair then turned on the television. Scout barked and wiggled and Gordy scooped the dog up in his lap.
Kissing sounds came from the other room and she stepped out to watch the affection being lavished on the dog with twisted jealousy.

Will be out of pocket

2008-10-12T18:00:00.001-07:00

Hi everyone,

As some of you know I have a cousin who has been battling Leukemia. Tonya was diagnosed in June of this year.

It's with a heavy heart I share this news with you. She has lost her battle with this horrible disease.

Tonya passed from our life on Thursday October 9th at 9 pm. Our visitation services were today and she will be laid to rest tomorrow, Monday October 13th.

Tonya was an amazing person. She had such a bright spirit and positive outlook on life. I've never seen her upset or angry. She had the most adorable lopsided smile and you couldn't help but share it.

Tonya was also the epitome of the blond cliche--slightly ditzy, always adorable. Her pain is over, but her loss is great and her memory will never dim.

I do have to apologize to my readers. I was running some contests this past week and when Tonya became so ill I completely forgot about those of you who were so kind to join me. Please be aware I will get to announcing winners, I'm just a little out of it for a time.

All the kind words I've received and the prayers that have been shared are most heartily appreciated. Thank you all for your caring, generosity.

Hugz
Donica

Duke

2008-10-10T10:18:00.000-07:00

Today I think I’ll tell you about one of my dogs.

Duke was a goofy dog. He was half American Eskimo and half German shepherd. Quite a combo I know. He was the only one of the litter to resemble a shepherd. All the others looked like snowball but in various colors.

Duke was a strong and obnoxious dog. He jumped the fence on a regular basis. A fence that was five foot tall! So my dad fashioned this thing, a tie out of sorts. He took a chain and attached it to a truck tire. This would allow Duke the freedom to roam the yard but made it impossible for him to escape the yard—we thought.

One day I came home from school and Duke was gone. I was devastated. I even accused my dad of getting rid of him. My dad has NEVER lied to me so when he said he didn’t, he didn’t. Duke showed up back home two days later—still dragging his tire.

We couldn’t think of what else to do but for over a week Duke didn’t take off. We thought he was back for good. He wasn’t.

Once more I came home and Duke was gone. I waited and waited but he never came home. One night I was lying in bed and I heard him beneath my window barking to beat the band. I jumped up and ran outside. Duke wasn’t there.

I was so sad. My dog was gone. I still had his mother and she was a love bug but Duke was something special to me.

I was out with my boyfriend and we were driving home. There is a dead end of sorts—used to be anyway. The recent construction took it away. Anyway, we were sitting there and I saw Duke in the headlights. I jumped out of the car and rushed to him. He wagged his tail, he barked and then he was gone. Not like ran off gone. Like suddenly wasn’t there gone.

It was strange and it gave me the chills but I also had this feeling of comfort. He had come to tell me goodbye.

Many of my strange moments involve different pets I’ve had over the years and I’ll tell you about them at different intervals.

George

2008-10-09T10:17:00.000-07:00

The house my parents live in has a ghost. We all know it. We all accept it. Even my parents finally accept it.

George loves to play pranks. He gets a kick out of it. As his pranks are completely harmless, well, we don’t mind.

When I was a kid my parents—okay my dad—had a pool table. It was so cool to be able to head downstairs once homework was done (and at times even when it wasn’t) to practice my game. One evening I was down playing. I had my transistor radio (does that tell you how old I am? LOL) sitting against the back wall while I hit a few.

Mom called down to tell me it was dinnertime. I turned off my radio, laid my stick on the table and I went upstairs. After supper, I went back down. As I walked down the stairs, I heard the radio playing. Now, I KNOW I turned it off. When I reached the bottom of the steps I found, not only was my radio on but it was no longer on the table at the far wall. It was on the floor near the steps.

I hesitated in my steps. I was still getting used to George and I have to admit I was more than a little scared. I grabbed my radio, turned and ran back up the steps and shut the door. It was quite a while before I’d go back down to the basement. The times I had to I ran as fast as I could.

Now when I go over. I usually make sure to say hello and goodbye to George. He seems to like it.

It's the end of the world as we know it...

2008-10-08T09:17:00.000-07:00

REM’s great song just seems to fit modern ages. Look at your life. Hasn’t the world you knew, you grew up in, all but disappeared?

Remember when you could go outside and run around with your friends and you could be gone all day long without having to worry about anything? Yep, those days are gone.

Remember when you could drive down the road and be exasperated by some fool in the car next to you and while you knew they might salute you, you didn’t have worry if they had a gun in their lap?

Remember when the words pedophile, cancer, sociopath, methadone, aids, were all words you heard but you didn’t know what they were?

Remember when you and your friends could go cruising on a Saturday night to hook up with some hottie and hang at the local burger stand?

Remember when you could sit down as a family and watch good quality television—even if you didn’t want to—and know that what you watched wouldn’t have anything to do with human anatomy, crude behavior, drugs, drinking or who killed who?

Remember those things and then look around you. How many times can you turn on the television and not have to worry about your kids walking through the room? I can count on one hand the times I haven’t worried—and my daughter’s almost 17!

I know this has been going on for a while now. Look at how long CSIs, Law and Orders, or other programs along those lines have lasted. Yes, I do enjoy them—however I think the time slots are a little off.

And honestly, family time television? Forget it! You have the choice of watching reality TV, violent TV, or comedies that are more deserving of an R rating than the prime family time.

Yes I’m tired of it. I want to this world a better place. The way things are going my little Alyx will grow up confined in a small room in the middle of the house so that she can be protected from the insanity and nonsense.

Is it just me or have you noticed it? If I’m wrong or wearing blinders tell me…

Great Granny Wynn

2008-10-06T10:15:00.000-07:00

As you all know by now, my favorite holiday is Halloween. This month is for ghosts and ghouls, thrills and chills. Most people have had events that made them uneasy or slightly freaked out. Myself, I’ve had many. So I decided that I would share each one with you.

(Tomorrow is my day to post on The Writer’s Vineyard so one of my freaky moments is listed there. Check it out: http://thewritersvineyard.com)

My Granny Wynn was a cool woman. She lived in this great old house that was behind the building where her and grandpa had their grocer. I barely remember the store except for the fact that she always gave me a piece of Green Apple bubble gum. (My favorite gum of all time)

I was about 13 at the time the following events occurred.

I had this recurring dream that didn’t make any sense. In my dreams I was running, searching for something. Each night would bring me closer to whatever it was I was in search of. Each night something would stop me from reaching the goal.

One night it was a wall of thorns that blocked my path.
The following night I made it past the wall of thorns only to encounter another obstacle. Then, after this went on for a week I had reached a point where I was almost at the end of my nocturnal journey.

I had overcome the walls and stones, the river and muck only to be grabbed by winged monkeys al a Wizard of Oz.

The next night I past all points and even dodged the monkeys only to fall through a hole in the ground and land in a chair. Merlin was sitting there calmly sipping his tea. He welcomed me and passed me an ornately carved box.

He told me that when I opened the box I would see a picture of a person I dearly loved. When I saw their face they would die so I wasn’t to open it until I was ready. I woke up in a cold sweat. I was afraid to go to sleep after that because each night had led me closer to the final dream.

But I eventually did sleep. I went through all the trials and landed back in Merlin’s house. He pushed the box toward me and asked me if I was ready. I wasn’t sure. He nodded and said it was time.

I opened the box and there inside was a picture of my granny Wynn. I sat up in bed crying as hard as I’ve ever cried before. Just shortly after, the phone rang. It was my grandmother (her daughter) calling to tell us that Granny Wynn had died.

For several years, I thought it was my fault Granny died. If I hadn’t opened that box I wouldn’t have seen her picture and she wouldn’t have died. Of course, as I got older, I realized how silly that was of me to feel that way.

Looking back

2008-09-30T05:55:00.000-07:00

I had to add this video. My DH really loves this. Who doesn't like hamsters? And when they dance its even cuter:

Have to run, there's work to be done!
Hugz
Donica

Things that make you go AWWWWWW

2008-09-27T05:52:00.000-07:00

DD told me about this little song. I hadn't heard of it before so once again we turned to You Tube. I have to say--AWWW Isnt it cute?

CuppyCake Song

Just so sweet...
Donica

old classics

2008-09-25T05:49:00.000-07:00

I enjoy the old classics. Johnny Horton, Hank Williams senior, Hank Snow, Jimmy Driftwood (he's a distant relative, maybe that's why I'm partial to him...) and Little Jimmy Dickens.

I also enjoy anyone who can make me laugh. So when a classic song comes along that can bring on a giggle or three, I have to keep it. I've known this song most of my life.

I hope I can bring a little smile to your face with it:
MAY THE BIRD OF PARADISE FLY UP YOUR NOSE:

What more is there to say after that?

Hugz
Donica

Hanging out with my friends

2008-09-21T05:45:00.000-07:00

Each month my girlfriends and I get together for a girls night out. Being as we're poor (LOL) we go to each other's homes. Our hubbies are usually pretty cool about it.

One night K and I were at Ronnie's and we got to talking about that little annoying thing, the one that is now called Crazy Frog. Ronnie and her DH didn't know what we were talking about so we hit the computer and pulled it up.

How many of you know what Crazy Frog is? Here ya go:

Annoying or fun--you decide...
Hugz
Donica

Another great!

2008-09-20T05:41:00.000-07:00

I LOVE gummy bears. When I was in college, my parents sent me a care package each month and the main item I looked forward to was a HUGE canister of gummy bears. Not your ordinary every day ones but these were imported from Germany. I had to force myself to make them last.

Well, I was eating a bag the other day and my daughter mentioned this song. I'd never heard it before so we hit YouTube for it. I LOVED it!

For all you Gummy lovers out there I give you, THE GUMMY BEAR SONG:

Gee, now I've got the munchies....

Hugz
Donica

Here's another one for you!

2008-09-18T05:37:00.000-07:00

I collect cows. My grandparents have a beef ranch in Arkansas and I spent over half my life there. As a result I have an amazing love of cows. On the hoof or on the grill, I love them.

I was scanning YouTube with my daughter (she wanted me to find a particular song) and I came across this video.

I couldn't stop laughing. Hope it's that way with you!

I AM COW:

Was that great or what?
I hear you laughing even now.

Hugz til next time!
Donica

Funny...

2008-09-16T05:30:00.000-07:00

I decided to find the lighter side of life and I just had to share some videos I came across. As there are so many of them I get a kick out of, I decided I'd do one every day or two.

This particular song has some special "flashback" memories for me--NO, not THOSE kinds of flashbacks! My best friend and I would listen to this one album everytime we got together. As a result we had it, and every other song on the album, memorized.

Recently we'd told a friend of ours about it. She had never heard it. K and I looked at each other and sang it from start to finish. I'm amazed that after all these years, we still knew it word for word.

Anyway--here it is. I give you WildWood Weed, by Jim Stafford:

Hope you enjoyed it!
Hugz til next time!
Donica

Who would you cast?

2008-09-12T09:19:00.000-07:00

I was chatting with a few readers and I shared excerpts from my upcoming release Dragon’s Angel. One of them said that she could see it as a movie.

This is amusing because I, and indeed most all I know, base my characters on specific people. We may change eye color, accents, hair color, etc but we use people, some famous, some not, as our springboards.

In my case, most of my characters are based in looks on famous actors or musicians, but their personalities are based on people I know. No, you won’t find my best friend perfectly portrayed in my books because my character might only need one of K’s obsessions. (Believe me, she’s got A LOT of them BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Ah the things you can be excused by a friend for!)

Anyway. So back to the question. Well let me see… The line up would be something like this:

Callye’s Justice
Justice Bernard (Rob Morrow) Callye Ann Simone (Charlize Theron)

Tides of Maryna’s Love:
River Braddock ( Hugh Jackman) Maryna Duile (Jennifer Connelly)

Dragon’s Angel:
Xavier Blake (Johnny Depp) Keely Morgan ( Portia de Rossi)

And what movie would be complete without a soundtrack? We’ll look at that another day…

See you all soon! Have a fantastic weekend.

Hugz

Donica

9/11 Lest we forget

2008-09-11T08:00:00.000-07:00

From the Ashes of destruction...

And the pain of a cowardly attack

Comes a lasting tribute to the fallen of our nation:

We are stronger, we are braver, and we WILL continue to survive.

God Bless us all.

Donica

Whaddayawantfromme?!?!!?

2008-09-09T10:29:00.000-07:00

What? Oh no, just trying to come up with an attention grabbing header hehehe.
Before I received my final ARC for Dragon's Angel I was looking forward to sitting back and relaxing for a time. At least until after the holidays.

I made the foolish decision to make a quilt for my little Alyx for Christmas. I sat back with all those squares of material--I use 5X5" squares. I began assembling the squares and got down to only 4 swear words a minute--the exact number of times I stab myself with the needle. (Yeah, I hand sew. The machine is heavy, bulky and just a total pain for this. I use the machine for big stuff.)

While I'm working DH and I are watching a television program about storm chasers and they are talking with this meteorologic scientist who has this tricked out car covered with antennas and filled with all this computer equipment.

He and his team are chasing tornadoes all over the place trying to set the car in the center of the vortex to collect data. Along the way they stop to survey damage left behind a tornado. It amazed me to learn how much data they could gather just from the damage. Then they showed him talking to this...I think he was an architect of some kind. They were trying to work out more storm safe building materials.

WEEELLLL, that got me thinking. See my next book in the Elemental Desires series is Storm Chasing. (This book comes out in February) My hero Vance is a storm chasing meteorologist. I had him trying to develop an early warning device, good. After seeing this program my mind started whirling. Vance began whispering to me. I ended up writing my editor and asking if it was too late to do some major rewrites. If I get them in ASAP I can have my rewrites. YAY!

So I start to work immediately. Then I get my ARC for Dragon's Angel. (ARC is advanced reader copy.) This is where I have to focus ALL my attention because this is the final release copy and if I missed something then too bad charlie! It just got missed.

I think okay, I can do this no problem. Until I looked at the calendar. The final edits are due in on Thursday. In two days! ACK! I had been so busy with my rewrites I neglected my ARC.

I've had my eyes glued to the computer trying to complete this and I decided I needed a break. Here I am. On my break.

I guess I've played long enough. See you all another time!
Hugz
Donica

Wonderful Wednesday

2008-09-03T09:18:00.001-07:00

I am so excited today! I think I'm going to bust! I had an email this morning with the cover for Dragon's Angel attached. It is an AWESOME Cover.

Isn't it GREAT?! I'm so pleased.

Well the good news didn't end there. Today you can order your copy of Tides of Maryna's Love--IN PRINT!!! Is that AWESOME or what?? You can go to the Champagne Bookstore at http://www.champagnebooks.com/books/ later today and order your copy! I can't believe it!

The good news doesn't end there. Dragon's Angel will be available in print at the end of OCTOBER!!! I'm just so happy I'm dancing in my seat. Can't dance around on my dang foot yet, but WOOHOOO!!!!

All right. I'm done bouncing--for now!

See you all soon!

Hugz

Donica

Tagged by MEME (Thanx Gator!)

2008-08-31T10:29:00.000-07:00

I’ve been gotten. I don’t usually play along with these things but Gator tagged me and I thought WTH. This is an Unspectacular Meme. Here’s the details:First, the rules:1) Link to the person that tagged you. 2) Post the rules on your blog. 3) List six unspectacular quirks you have. 4) Tag six bloggers by linking them. 5) Leave a comment on each person's blog to let them know they've been tagged.

Six unspectacular things about me. Huh. This is hard

1. I’m a total research freak. I absolutely hate to find mistakes in books—mine or any one else’s. I know I’m not perfect. I’m sure people who know more than I do find mistakes in my books, but I try my hardest to make sure the little things are accurate. This doesn’t negate the creative license thing.

2. Gator listed one of her things as having a theme song for each of her books. Doesn’t everyone? I have an entire soundtrack for each book and these are played on a continuous loop. I can’t work unless there is music playing.

3. I LOVE Dr. Seuss. LOVE LOVE LOVE! At one time I had an entire collection of books but a flood destroyed them all. I’ve been trying to build the collection back up but its been slow going. When I was an EMT I did a tutoring session with a guy who was desperate to pass. At the end of the term, when he “graduated” he gave me a littlke book called Dr. Suessisms. Little quotes about every day things—Like Respecting your Elders: I Will NOT Hop on Pop…

4. I love classic films. Anything with Katherine Hepburn I just adore. Watching her be a total ditz and playing off Cary Grant’s stuffy David Huxley in Bringing Up Baby is just a hoot. But it’s not just Katherine I adore. Most all of the old comedies are in the bag for me. I also love the old horror films. Give me Bela Lugosi, Boris Karloff, or Lon Chaney (and LC Jr.) any day!

5. I’ve had many jobs over my life time: Security Guard, Security Guard Supervisor, Waitress, bus girl, prep cook, dishwasher, asst manager in a clothing store, Babysitter, Emergency Medical Technician, and EMT Lieutenant (and training officer) Stay at home mom, and author. My three favorite jobs in order of faves: 1) Stay at home mom 2) EMT 3) Author

6. I go through yearly phases in my reading. At one time I was majorly into Pre-Civial and Civil War period—I purchased and read everything I could get my hands on both factual and fiction. I also never throw anything away so I have a library that includes Nazi Germany and WWII, Knights Templar, Celtic history, Native American history, Magic/Witchcraft/Wizardry, Guns and Ammunitions, most any subject you can imagine. Comes in handy for myself or when my kids needed stuff for school work.

My turn to tag six…Let me see now….

How about a couple of Bats:
Catherine Berlin
Jennie Adams
Heather Rae Scott
Bronwyn Parry

And a couple of not so batty buds:
Becka Goings
Gabriela Hewitt

Tag you're it!

TODAY!!! ITS TODAY!!!

2008-08-26T09:20:00.000-07:00

WOOHOO!! I'm so massively excited I can't stand it! As soon as I can get around I'm headed for the bookstore. Why? TODAY IS THE DAY CALLYES JUISTICE COMES OUT IN PRINT!

YAY! WOOHOOO!!! Dance with me! Sing with me! Celebrate with me! If you get a chance and find Callye's Justice on your local bookstore shelf, snap a picture for me and email it to donica_covey@sbcglobal.net.

First one to find it and send it on will win a prize. A book thong and stationary set.

So get out there and check it out! Also, anyone who purchases a copy, please send me an email and I will send you an autographed book plate to stick inside it!

Hugz!
Donica

First review for Maryna!

2008-08-22T08:16:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! I just had to drop in and shout out! Tides of Maryna's Love got it's first review and I'm totally stoked! Here's just a bit of what Orange Blossom from Long and Short Reviews had to say:

"If you enjoy classic television from the likes of Bewitched, then this is the tale for you..."

"With all the dark paranormal romantic fiction out there today, I found this lighthearted and sweetly written book refreshing..."

"I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It was a complete delight and just perfect for these late summer afternoons."

To read the review in it's entirety please go over to Long and Short Reviews

I've got a ton of things to do today so I'm off. Have a great weekend!
Hugz
Donica

Feeling stronger every day

2008-08-21T08:22:00.000-07:00

Well, I am happy to say I think the worst is finally behind me. I developed a massive infection that led to several hours in the ER. But after huge doses of antibiotic I am feeling better and the infection is slowly leaving my body. I still have limited use of my arm but even that seems to be improving.

Now on to the even better news: CALLYE'S JUSTICE arrived at my house. I am completely stoked! I couldn't wait to rip into the box. The cover, all clean, was like satin as my fingers glided over the surface. The smell of the pages were sweeter than any flower. I could (and almost did) stare at them for hours. And of course I had to take pictures!!! I scared the poor UPS guy. I got the box and I shrieked with joy.

Tuesday is when the book will be available for the rest of the world. I have already been asked to sign the copies that various people (and they AREN'T family!!!!) purchase. Of course I said yes!

I've also been trying to complete round 2 of edits for Dragon's Angel. It's not easy as I'm still not quite up to sitting at the computer for hours at a time. I do have a personal notebook computer that I was given (My DIL gave it to me when she got her new laptop--wasn't she sweet!!!) Unfortunately while the thing is PERFECT for writing new material and playing games on, edits aren't so great. The screen is almost too small and I'm not able to read ahead to work out what changes make sense. It's frustrating for me because I'm the type that always have my edits back to the editor within 24-48 hours. It's now been almost a week since I received them and they still aren't done--and these are only the first 7 chapters! I'm scared I won't get them finished. They are next on my list for today. I need to get into them before my arm gives out.

So, I'm going to leave you with hugs and the subliminal message: please buy my book. What? I was supposed to actually bury it in the blog somewhere? OOPS! My bad. ROFL

May you have a fabulous weekend and I'll see you again soon!
HUGZ
Donica

Back from vacation--sort of

2008-08-04T08:17:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! Well, my intention was to come in and tell you what a wonderful vacation I had. I’d been looking forward to this all year. And it was an amazing week. Truly. We spent the days swimming, ATVing and hiking, the nights on night drives hunting for animals to take pictures of.

My updates will be a little off for a while. During the trip, Friday (almost the end of our vacation) my dad, my best friend, her son and I headed off for one of our three hour ATV rides. We were headed down a steep grade into a washed out creek bed.

I remember stopping long enough to look at the grade and find the best way to cross the bank—then things went black and then I was sitting on the ground next to my father in more pain than I’ve ever known in my life—and I’ve had two kids!

I can’t remember the accident no matter how hard I try. My best friend and my father have tried to fill in the blanks for me but nothing registers. I do remember them saying “I thought she was dead.”

So, here is what happened, to the best of my knowledge:

My best friend saw me do two things she’d never EVER seen me do before: fail to counter balance and stick out my leg. Counter balance is just what it sounds like, you’re going on a slope you lean away from the middle, the sloped side, to give your bike/ATV a counter weight. As to sticking out the leg, that’s an absolute no-no no matter if you’re riding an ATV or a motorcycle. You’re foot can get crushed if the bike flips on it’s side.

Anyway we figured out that my shoe/foot either got hung on an uproot or the strap got caught in the brake, so I pulled out my leg to try and free my foot. By focusing on this I must’ve been distracted from the fact I needed to counter balance.

The ATV went down forward first, I was thrown into the side mirror. Then I flipped off the back and side of the bike when the creek bank crumbled under the tire. I hit the rocks, bounced upward, but had been knocked out because I collapsed just before the bike slid down the embankment. The back in crashed down by my head so close the tire ended up on my hat.

My head was between the back tires. Because my hat had been pinned on the underside and the way the bike came crashing down, AND because of where my head had been just seconds before, my friend and my dad were sure I’d been killed by 600 pounds of heavy metal.

Where we were, there was no way of a rescue squad getting in to me. There was no way a truck, even a 4 wheel drive, could get down there. The trees were too tall, so the helicopter was out. (I have special insurance that covers rescue choppers—I’m a die hard rider :))

I do remember my best friend asking how they were going to get me out. My dad said “She’s going to have to ride out.” K’s face was so funny, kind of a mask that seemed to say “Have you lost your freakin’ mind?!?!?!”

There was also a suggestion of leaving one of the bikes down there and someone coming back for it. My father discounted this; there really was no one else. My grandfather is as tough as most anyone I know, but he couldn’t have made that ride.

So I rode the ATV out. We were only halfway through the ride but I was told it still took us almost three hours. They had to stop occasionally for me to rest. The ride out is a massive blur. I do remember some things, but for the most part…well, not so much. We reached one point and my dad said we would be reachable by first response or a rescue squad and he asked if I wanted one—apparently I said no. Again, don’t remember this conversation.

We got to my grandparents house, Granny was a little freaked. K went down to my trailer to swap out an ATV for my truck then we loaded me into the truck and made the hour drive to the nearest hospital.

I was immediately taken in, x-rayed and the staff was stunned to find I hadn’t broken a single bone. They put a temporary cast on my foot because the muscles, ligaments and tissues were pretty mangled. My shoulder felt dislocated, but it was only severe muscle bruising.

On Saturday, I came hobbling out of the trailer and was riding the ATV around again. I was afraid I would be too scared to ride again and I felt I had to get on again. There were some patches I did indeed panic but I’m sure that will fade in time.

Then I got my hillbilly shower andf it felt wonderful. What’s a hillbilly shower? Well, take a garden hose and…I hear you laughing but honestly, it works! I got up, put on a swimsuit and pair of shorts, wrapped a garbage bag around my cast and secured it with duct tape—yes, it does fix anything! Then after wetting down with the hose, simply scrub up. After I finished soaping up, my best friend riunsed me off then washed my hair. I accomplished two tasks: cleaned my body AND washed my clothes, LOL. She also took tons of pictures of my heavily bruised body.

I ended up staying alone that night while my best friend, my dad and her little boy went on the night drive together. But, my grandparents came down to visit with me for a few minutes. They wanted to see for themselves I was all right.

Sunday morning I woke up and found I couldn’t move. Not an inch without excruciating pain. I hurt in places I didn’t know I had, or at least hadn’t seen in a LONG while. Sunday was the day we were supposed to pack up and load most of our stuff. Because I couldn’t move even if the place was on fire, my best friend did it all, with the help of her son. (Nick is an amazing kid! Not only did he insist on going to the hospital with us to make sure I was really all right, he helped wait on me. Whatever I needed he more than willingly got for me!)

Monday we did the final load and headed for home. I was absolutely miserable the entire drive. We stopped at Mammoth Springs park—if your ever in that area don’t miss this place! It’s AMAZING! I missed the walk around the dam this time around, but take my word for it, you won’t regret stopping by there.

But by the time we got home all I wanted to do was curl up in a ball and die.

It’s been over a week now. My foot is still massively swollen and the pain gets to be almost unbearable at times. My arm still doesn’t function the way it’s supposed to, but it is getting better.

Friday I went from the orthopedist to the Wal-Mart super center for grocery shopping. Came home in tons of pain. Saturday mom came and got me. We went to Wal-Mart with my Daughter in law and my little punkin face Alyx. Came back in tons of pain. Sunday my daughter drove us to church—16 + learners permit = Mom’s heart attack. We made it in one piece. My brother and his wife and their sons arrived and after services we all went out to eat, then DD drove us home to change and over to mom’s to visit for a while. Then she asked if we could go to, ready? Wait for it…steady…Wal-Mart. It was tax free weekend and she wanted to get some clothes and school supplies. I couldn’t go shopping again if I had to. So she and my brother went.

I even jumped on the back of the ATV yesterday and rode up my street. This was a big mistake. Today I’m sore and my shoulder is cursing me again. I’ll learn, eventually. Maybe. I do have to start taking it easy, letting my body heal and that sort of thing. Today is the day I’m going to do absolutely nothing. Again, maybe.

I am glad the accident happened at the end of the vacation. I’d have been so miserable the entire week! Plus, because of the accident my dad took K and Nick on the night drives and they got to see a wild boar and several deer as opposed to the dozens of bats and one rattlesnake we saw the entire week until that point.

And that’s how I spent my summer vacation. Fun, huh? Well, now that you know where I’ve been youi’ll understand when I say, I wont’ be updating for a while. I’m going to give my arm and leg rest time. If I stay still I’ll recover quicker, I just wanted to let you all know why I haven’t been on before now.

See you all in a few days!
Hugz
Donica

T13

2008-07-17T13:52:00.001-07:00

I decided to do a quick T13. A few of my favorite songs and the videos I dug up to go with them. These aren't in any particular order, just as I found them. ENJOY!

1. Kid Rock Picture:

2. Blue October Hate Me:

3. Aerosmith Don’t want to miss a thing:

4. Sonata Arctica Don’t say a word:

5. Iron Maiden Run to the hills:

6. AC DC Big Balls:

7. Poison Talk Dirty to Me:

8. Motley Crew Home Sweet Home:

9. Skid Row I remember You:

10. Guns and Roses November Rain:

11. Firehouse Love of a Lifetime:

12. Nightwish Phantom of the Opera:

13. Sonata Arctica White pearl black ocean:

Have to dash off. See you in a few weeks!
HUGZ
Donica

Trying to write…

2008-07-15T09:21:00.001-07:00

While visions of my vacation are spinning in my brain. I leave Monday and I CAN’T WAIT!!!!

Trying to focus on a large project is killing me. Three full length novels still waiting to be completed. That’s just the series books! I have three more books begging for completion. I also have edits for my October release sitting in my files, I have a holiday theme submission at the editor’s office (which I’m afraid it’s too late for a holiday story this year).

All I can see is the bright blue sky overhead and the red clay trails beneath my wheels, or the cold, clear water of the creek. The wildlife that inhabit the forest around my place. The serenity, the peace of being in the middle of nowhere, getting lost in the sounds of leaves being gently ruffled in the warm breeze. The sound of the water as it bubbles across the stones that fill the creek bed. The singing of the birds. The white cotton balls dotting the azure sky.

Who knows what treasures await us this year. Two years ago my best friend and her son stepped out onto the front porch, I was going to join them. They opened the door and the smell of wet garbage assaulted our noses. It was the distinct odor of wet bear. Fortunately Smoky remained hidden in the darkness.

Last year the deer were everywhere and they sighted two large black cats in the area. I’m not talking house kitties, if you know what I mean…We didn’t see any of those. I took the gang down to swim—my job is always snake/danger patrol. I stood on the edge of the creek while the boys stepped into the water.

Across the creek I spotted it. The brown-gray stick that moved against the current. I calmly told the boys to get out of the water. I was quite proud that they did so without question. As we stood watching a second snake joined the first and we did get a glimpse of the lovely white interior of a mouth.

Fortunately, these were brown. Now I have heard all the tales on cotton mouths but I have to say, from my experience, the black ones are EXTREMELY mean—as in chase you to bite you aggressive, while the gray-brown are pretty easy going. What’s the difference? Besides the color I mean? I have no idea.

After they swam off in their own little direction, I waited for a time and finally deemed it safe for the boys to go back in. R---iiiii-----g-----ht that so wasn’t going to happen. So I jumped in, dunked under several times, floated, all trying to entice them back in. It only took an hour…

Then there was the rattler, the green snake, the black racer. Not to mention the spiders, deer, frogs and skunks.

I’ve spoken to my dad and he said that last month they had a cattle stampede of sorts. He was down at my place helping me out by getting it all cleaned up and ready (I couldn’t get down there early enough) and while he was inside Trixie (a beautiful black lab with a dime size white patch on her chest and a bright blue husky eye) began going bonkers. She was barking, yipping, howling and whining.

He stepped outside to find her crouched on the ground, every silky black hair on her body standing on edge. The cows were going berserk, tearing through the barbwire fence and racing off in different directions.

A large bear was in the pasture. The pasture behind my place. Maybe this year we will see it rather than just smell it.

Also the wild boar are getting out of control. But my dad and grandpa are helping bring the population under control. A large boar killed granddad’s calf so he trapped it and for the last several months we’ve been supplementing our diets with wild boar roast.

My friend’s are not worried as they trust me to know what to do, plus they’ve insisted I carry a gun this year. Should I tell them I can’t hit the broad side of a barn? LOL

Okay, I’ve tormented you and myself long enough. I’ve got a few final items to clean and pack.

I won’t be back before I leave next week so, I hope you all have a great time and be prepared for me to put up pictures and do a week long diary of my vacation when I get back!

Hugz
Donica

Anger and frustration

2008-07-09T13:24:00.000-07:00

As you all know I recently pulled contracts from a publisher who I felt was giving me a raw deal. I was careful not to name said publisher. But now I will reveal the name so that all future authors know NOT to send manuscripts to this publishing house: By Grace and her sister house Moonlight Publishing.

For three years my books were listed with said publisher and I have TO THIS DATE received NO royalties. The publisher takes the stance that their contract states 50$ or higher receives payment. I can see this if the house was actually making the authors money. According to their accounting I haven't made sales of $50 in 3 years?!?!?!? How is that even possible.

If this publisher was owed money for a length of this time you know they would be screaming for payment!

Well I have sat back and kept silent. I asked for my payment and was told I was NOT entitled to the funds until the next quarter. And now I've been waiting an additional three months. TIMES UP!!!!

I encourage all authors to AVOID said publishing house unless you enjoy feeling like someone said bend over...

I'm giving her another week and if I have not seen my royalties I'm turning the matter over to an attorney. As well as the BBB. This is no way for a publishing house to run. IF I haven't made any money in 3 years then that means THEY haven't made any money which would = no business. I KNOW this isn't true.

Can you tell I'm angry? No? Then maybe I wasn't clear enough. I'm sick of being screwed over by certain people and as the song says I "ain't gonna take any more"!

Okay vented my frustration and am getting off my soapbox now.

Hugz
DC

CONGRATS KIM W

2008-07-07T16:03:00.000-07:00

Kim W was the winning entry into the Tides of Maryna's Love contest. She has won a copy of Tides! Congrats Kim and I'll be looking forward to hearing what you think of the book! I've sent you an email informing you of the win, if you didn't receive it please contact me at donica_covey@sbcglobal.net and let me know. THANKS!

Thanks to everyone who played along and I'll see you next contest time!
Hugz
Donica

Contest

2008-07-01T17:05:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone!

I'm still waiting on entries from the first contest. I hope you get them in soon! I've been away with family stuff for the day and I'm a little slow getting back into the swing. I'll be checking in again in a day or two.

Hope to hear from you soon!
Hugz
DC

Hello everyone!!

2008-06-30T11:32:00.000-07:00

Man am I excited! Tides of Maryna’s Love is FINALLY being released and I can’t tell you how excited I am! I’m dancing, and all bouncy!

This is my first release with Champagne Books and I can promise you it won’t be my last. (Dragon’s Angel 10/08 Storm Chasing 2/09 Betraying Chase 8/09) WOOHOOO!!!!

So I feel the need to celebrate! What can I do?

Well I’ll be thinking up something fun, I promise you that!

Let’s get this party started! Please answer the following questions and I’ll put you in a drawing for some great prizes! There will be journals, book thongs, note cards, stationary sets, to be won. And the ultimate prize? Everyone who enters will be placed into a hat to win a free copy of Tides of Maryna’s Love!

Okay, this first contest will be for you to answer some questions. This will take a bit of work on your part! You need to go to my website and search for the answers!

On with the questions:

1) The Elemental Desires series was born when?
2) Who is Maryna loosely based on?
3) What does River do for a living?
4) What is the name of Maryna’s dolphin friend?
5) Where does the book’s prologue occur? (State)

Please DO NOT post your answers in the comments section of this blog. Send them to donica_covey@sbcglobal.net

Thanks and good luck.
Donica

Fill 'er up

2008-06-24T16:45:00.000-07:00

Gas prices are the hot topic around the nation. The subject is enough to bring anger and frustration at a head for everyone. The speculators who claim they aren't to blame for the constant rising cost of gasoline.

It's enough to make a person snap. In Washington we have these people who claim that refining our own oil is bad for the environment. It releases all kinds of nasty toxins and destroys nature and blah blah blah.

Don't get me wrong I'm a conservationist to a point. I firmly believe we need to preserve what we have but by the same token, what good does it do to preserve it if there won't be anyone who can enjoy it?

The pain at the pump never relieves. The price of gas rises higher, the cost of groceries ultimately climbs in reaction. Everything is going up except the pay checks. The average person is now working their ass off just to pay for gasoline to go back and forth to work--that cuts into the budget for fun stuff like food, clothes and homes.

The number of homeless will increase because people cannot afford their mortgage or rent payments. There will be more illnesses due to the inability to afford the exorbitant medical expenses. (Of course the insurance companies have a hand in that. They'd just rather have a person die from their illness/injury then have to pay out or approve the care people actually need.) More people will be starving and who will be there to help those in need? The ones who can afford it are too busy sending their money to the poor and starving in other countries than caring for their fellow Americans.

When are the people who are supposed to be protecting us open their mouths and and follow through with their promises?

When the Exxon CEO sits back with his 200 MILLION $ paycheck and says there is nothing they can do to reduce the prices of gas there's a problem.

There is massive drilling in Texas, Alaska has a huge oil reserve and what's happening to this? It's being shipped out of the country to be refined by someone else and then we're paying to get it back.

Huh? Makes tons of sense doesn't it. I contacted a refinery once and they told me there was really nothing they could do because the government tied their hands.

McCain and the Republicans want to push off shore drilling to be expanded. I say no. They shouldn't expand. Why? There is already a wealth of crude that is available now and we can't do a damn thing with it, why allow them to drill further out?

EPA: open your eyes to the people you're screwing! You need to make some major changes to help the American people. If you'd get your heads out of your asses you'd see that allowing refining to be done here at home would open up all kinds of markets: The job market: refineries need employees. The consumer market: the gas prices go down, people can afford to work and eat. Grocery prices would go down.

Gas prices have an additional impact. The lack of funds for gas equates limited vacation plans. The communities who depend on tourist dollars are suffering from the lack of visitors to their locales.

I know, once again, it does me no good to rant, no one gives a damn anyway...
DC

What are you going to be when you grow up?

2008-06-17T10:04:00.000-07:00

Remember being asked that question? It seemed as if someone was asking me every single day. Each day my answer was the same: I’m going to be an EMT like the guys on EMERGENCY (Randolph Mantooth et al) AND I’m going to be an award winning best selling author. That was what I knew I was going to do. I was going to make my dreams come true. Period

When we lived in Milwaukee, I did accomplish the goal of being an EMT—in fact, I was a training officer and I was a judge at the National Registry testing for five years. It was the best time in my life. I was able to achieve the rank of lieutenant before I “retired” due to health problems.

When my health kind of bottomed I began to look at my writings from my previous years. I joined Harlequin message boards where I met great people, where I learned a great deal about my craft.

I took those lessons and ran with it. I was finally going to do something about my other dream. I was going to be an award winning, best selling author. I submitted my first query, received a request for a full straight from the gate which is rare. I sent it off with a kiss and a prayer. I was sure I was going to get the contract of my dreams.

I didn’t. And after that I tried a second book: again rejection. I disheartened, disillusioned and devastated. I quit. Yes. I quit. I stayed online in chat groups, I remained faithful the friends I had made over the period of years, but I was so upset by my rejection I was sure I wasn’t good enough.

Then my first break came. I was on a loop where people were talking about this new series that a certain publisher was doing. They had a list of names and what the heroes did. You chose the hero and heroine you thought worked. I read over the list and a story immediately emerged in my head.

I contacted the original poster, asked a ton of questions, and told her about my idea. SHE was the publisher and she loved my idea. Before the year’s end I had my first contract.

Then my second one came in.

Then the third.

My confidence level had grown and so I gave New York another shot. Another shoot down. I was as devastated as before, was ready to give up. But I didn’t.

I made my fourth sale and never looked back at the New York houses and the people there.

Since then I’ve received a couple of rejections, but they have been very few and far between.

As to what I was going to do when I grew up? Well, I was an EMT for close to 12 years. Now I’m a writer. And the whole goal best-selling award winning? For one of my publishers I was her best selling author for several quarters.

I’ve won awards for best paranormal romance, best romantic suspense, best inspirational, best contemporary. I’ve been nominated for the Golden Rose and won honorable mention. I was nominated for a CAPA (but I didn’t win).

So, what’s with all the bragging, right? I have been lucky. If I died tomorrow, I could honestly say I have done what I wanted to do. That’s more than a lot of people can say. I had a goal, I had a dream and I worked VERY hard to realize those dreams. I did stumble along the way, but I eventually picked myself back up. If I can do it, then I know anyone can. Always cling to your goals and don’t give up.

So, next time little Johnny down the block says he’s going to be a cop someday be nice and supportive. He may eventually be the one who pulls you over.

Have a wonderful week!
Hugz
Donica

Anger and Rage

2008-06-12T08:51:00.000-07:00

You know this whole gas bullshit has gotten under my skin. I mean the CEO of EXXON says that its perfectly reasonable for gas prices continue to climb. He swears that the company is barely in the black. This said in all sincerity as the man sits on his ass and collects 400 MILLION dollars. Dollars that the working man has to scrimp and struggle to come up with.

It's honestly impossibly stupid. They sit back and rake in the dough because they know that we HAVE to have gasoline in order to keep jobs. But by the same token, paying the gas to go to work is eating entire paychecks. People are losing homes and meals because they can't buy food, pay rent/mortgage or buy medications, they have no choice but to put it into the gas tank.

The worse thing? The congress and senate have been presented with bills to make some major changes. It would ease the gas burden on tax payers and help us be able to make ends meet. The bill was only in-house for one hour before it was completely and thoroughly rejected. No debate, nothing. Just a big fat No!

Why? It's because they keep getting their pockets lined by the damn oil companies and their special interest groups.

What can we as everyday Americans do about it? Not one friggin' thing. The gas prices used to be regulated. It kept the cost in our wallets under control. It's no longer regulated and look what has happened? Prices continue to climb and wages remain stagnant or decline. jobs get cut.

What do the oil execs do to help us? Again, not one friggin' thing. They keep getting fatter, building greater bank balances and the rest of us are left with nothing. Don't these ass wipes realize that if they drive us so far down we don't have the jobs, because we can't afford to keep them, that soon no one will have the money to donate into the pumps? Then what will they do? Have to live miserly on the millions they gleaned while the rest of the country starves.

It's a cycle of bullshit that doesn't end. Ever. Each president goes into office vowing to make changes to help us and in the end they only care about themselves. You can't trust a single politician. All of them are liars.

What do I want to see? A president who would lower gas and ease the burden on us. A president who will fine all businesses who send jobs overseas. Any company who takes away American jobs to give them to other countries should be fined until they return the jobs where they belong--right here. I want a president who is going to keep promises he makes. I want a president who will work to controlling the outrageous costs of health insurance and medical care. I want someone who will put diagnosis and treatment back into the hands of the doctors and out of the insurance companies. I want to see the fence we've been promised get built. I want to look out into the cities and not see one single homeless person. I want to know that people who need medications are getting them. I want to know that there is no child in America going to be hungry. I want to know that there isn't a single person out there dying because their insurance company said they couldn't have treatment. I want to know that my grandparents will have extended HEALTHY lives because they could afford their medications.

I want a president by and for the people. Not some one who lies as easily as he breathes. I want to know I can trust my president not to encourage war on our soil. I want to have a president who is going to bring our people home to protect and defend us.

I want a president who will let the rest of the world fend for themselves. After all what have the rest of them done to help us? NOTHING! NOT ONE DAMN THING! We're so busy being generous to ungrateful and even hostile nations that our country, our people are left in shambles.

Charity begins at home folks. And every where I look I see the ones who need it going without. I see children who need special care being tossed aside by unfeeling insurance companies. families losing homes and starving due to uncaring government.

Does anyone in our government offices even give a shit? For the third time NO. If it doesn't benefit them then it doesn't matter.

Do I sound bitter and resentful? GOOD! I am angry! I am bitter! I do resent the fact that I helped put these people into office because I believed the crap they're selling.

I got news for you, it's only going to get worse. Investigate the candidates for the next election: Look at what we have to choose from. Look at the track records. Each candidate has his own prejudices, his own secrets, his own agendas. Each one has lied and been excused. You must decide between the lesser of the two evils.

I want a president who actually cares for me, my family, and returning this nation to the status it once had--the greatest nation in the world. One nation under GOD, with justice for ALL. A safe and prosperous country. One that we can be proud of again.

No one is perfect but what we have now is a disgrace. Please give me someone I can believe in, someone I can trust. Please keep promises. Please help our nation heal.

I know, asking for this is like asking to be able to empty the ocean with a spoon. It's never going to happen. I guess I really am delusional.

Donica

It's here

2008-06-09T08:32:00.001-07:00

The day I both anticipated and dreaded has arrived. My daughter has a boyfriend. He stopped by our house yesterday afternoon for a few minutes just to say hello and introduce himself. Very polite, (which should have made me suspicious) but he made my dd smile and happy--that's what counts.

The young man is 18--which I didn't even consider when she told me they were going out. She's only 16. But, he will be a senior this year--to her junior. I don't really take issue with it. She knows her guidelines that I have handed down, (very VERY) firmly. All in all it's nice to see she has a young man to come calling--geez, I sound like my granny...

She just told me about all this yesterday afternoon, half an hour before she had told the boy to come over. Supper needed eating, dishes needed doing, after a day of yard work floors needed to be vacuumed.

I tell DH over dinner. He did not take in stride as I did. He was a little off kilter about the whole thing. I promised if he said or did anything to embarrass her while the boy was here, I'd make him regret it.

The young man arrived, DH headed for the WalMart to pick up a few things. By the time DH was home, the boy was gone.

Then last night it happened. The first of what are no doubt many phone calls discussing everything from pizza to television programming, movies to music, all just to be talking to each other.

Yay my daughter has her first boyfriend...OMG my baby has a boyfriend! See, of two minds on the whole thing...

Hugz
Donica

Wedding Traditions

2008-06-04T11:37:00.000-07:00

June brings to mind brides and weddings and since this is the month for those special occasions I thought we'd look at some wedding traditions and where they came from.

Many of today's popular wedding ceremony and reception traditions can be traced to ancient Egyptian and European customs. These were often based on symbolism, superstition, folklore, religion, and even the belief that evil spirits could bring disease and death to newlyweds and crops, which was very important in many farm-based early cultures. Although the exact origin and usefulness of many of these early wedding traditions are not always clear, popular acceptance has allowed them to flourish. Besides, many of these wedding traditions are just plain fun!

So here we go:

According to various sources, some of the early marriages were literally carried out by the Groom and his "Bridesmen" (or "Bridesknights") who would kidnap a woman (the origin of "carrying a Bride over the threshold") from another tribe! The Groom and his fellow conspirators would then fight off the female's family of tribesmen with swords held in their right hand while the Groom would hold the captured Bride in his left hand, which is the origin of why a Bride stands on the left side of the Groom at a wedding.
After a successful capture, another politically correct practice was for the Groom to hide his new Bride for one month for mating purposes. It is said that the word "honeymoon" was created to describe this one month cycle of the moon when they would drink mead, which was a honey sweetened alcoholic brew that effects both sobriety and the acidity of the womb, thus increasing fertility.

Great right?
Well why did they choose to marry in June? According to the research I've done this comes from the ancient Romans and their celebration of the Roman goddess Juno:

For centuries, the month of June has been the most popular choice for weddings - but the original reason might surprise you. You see, during the 1400 -1500s, May was the month in which the "annual bath" occurred. Yes, just as it sounds, back then people were only able to bathe thoroughly once each year. As such, since the over-all population smelled relatively fresh in June, it was a good time to hold a special event like a wedding! Further, the month of June is named after the goddess Juno, who was the Roman counterpart to Hera, the goddess of the hearth and home, and patron of wives.

Another version I've heard is that they married in June so that the woman could get pregnant and bear the child before the next harvest season. Gotta love those practical Romans. (Not exactly ROMANtic is it? lol)

Keep checking here for more interesting wedding traditions and history.
Hugz
Donica