May Coming Attractions!

Spring is in full bloom and it's going to be a great month in the lair!

Kate Carlisle will get us started with a release party on May 2. Come join the fun as Kate launches MURDER UNDER COVER, the fourth book in her Bibliophile Mystery series.


May 3rd Auntie Cindy will host Kris Kennedy who will talk about her new book, DEFIANT.


On Wednesday, 4th May, Anna Campbell hosts New York Times bestselling author Sarah MacLean who will talk about her sparkling new historical romance ELEVEN SCANDALS TO START TO WIN A DUKE’S HEART.


Debut author, Virna DePaul is visiting us on 5/5 to talk about her release, CHOSEN BY BLOOD.



On May 6, Kate welcomes back Avery Aames, author of the Cheese Shop Mysteries, who will show us all sorts of new ways to Say Cheese!


May 7th Let’s celebrate with Tawny’s release party!! JUST FOR THE NIGHT is my 24 Hour Blackout story, trapping two ex-lovers together. Now they have to decide if they are back together forever... or Just For The Night.

Suzanne Ferrell welcomes Addison Fox on May 9th. Addison will talk about her third book in her Sons of the Zodiac series, WARRIOR BETRAYED.

On Monday, 16th May, Anna Campbell hosts historical romance author Vanessa Kelly who will be talking about her latest release MY FAVORITE COUNTESS.


On May 18, we get a peek at Captain Jack Sparrow's early career when A. C. Crispin, author of Pirates of the Caribbean: The Price of Freedom, visits with Nancy.


On May 29th, Susan Sey welcomes Cat Shield who will be talking about her debut novel MEDDLING WITH THE MILLIONAIRE.

On May 31, Anna DeStefano and Nancy will chat about Anna's new book, Secret Legacy. To protect an endangered child, the second of Anna's telepathic twins must join forces with a psychic warrior who once broke her heart.


AUTHOR CONTEST!!

Anna Campbell is holding a Hardback Heaven at Midnight Contest, open until 30th June. She’s giving away three signed copies of the beautiful hardcover Rhapsody Book Club edition of MIDNIGHT’S WILD PASSION.

To enter, just email Anna on anna@annacampbell.info and tell her the name of the hero and heroine of MIDNIGHT’S WILD PASSION. For more information on the contest, please visit her website on: http://annacampbell.info/contest.html

Bandit Booty

As usual, I'm behind in announcing my winner. But I promise it wasn't because I was playing Angry Birds. The winner of an ARC of ONE NIGHT SCANDAL is:

Kirsten!!

Kirsten, please email me at christie @ christiekelley . com with your address so I can get the book out to you.

A Beltane Celbration

This evening, Gabrielle Riel will play a live music event celebrating Beltane from 6:00pm to 9:00pm (North American) Pacific Daylight Time on gullar sahir Reverie. She will waken the Spring Spirit inside of you with Early, Celtic, Folk and Classical music. The program corresponds to an event in the virtual world of Second Life, the invitation for which is as follows:

An invitation from the Lady of Skye, Eva Bellambi...

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Spring is here! For many of us, this means a relief from the cold, dark days and snows of winter. As the days lengthen and get warmer, we are greeted by the rebirth of the earth itself: bulbs come up and bloom, filling the air with their heady, tempting fragrance; birds chirp and sing as they return from their winter migrations to build their nests; cats yowl out their urgent readiness for motherhood. All around us are symbols of fertility, growth, warmth and light.

This year we celebrate as the creatures on the other side of the veil. The goddess. The green man. The faerie. The spirits. Other fantastical beings. However, do feel free to come in your human form, The Fae Queen of Skye will pull you to the other side, if but for a while.

Please join us in Winterfell Anodyne (http://slurl.com/secondlife/Winterfell%20Anodyne/212/158/35) on April 30th for the Beltane Festival beginning at 6:00pm SLT.

As is my tradition, the event will include:

• Gathering 6:00pm - 6:10pm SLT
• Recognition of the Knights of the Order of the Red Rose (knighted Beltane, 2007) and the Bellambi Clan
• Lighting of the Beltane Fires
• Music
• Maypoles
• Gifts of light to take back to your own dark hearths
• Dancing
• Places to be alone with your Green Man or May Queen to celebrate the fertility and the renewal of life.

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You can find more information about Beltane in Eva's Blog.

A Call to Armless Struggle

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How old are you?

Really, how old are you? And if you don't mind my asking, Why do you fucking have to have exact change when paying for everything? Is there some kind of fucking union that forces you to first, COLLECT coin, and then DISTRIBUTE coin? I mean, why do you ALL fucking do it! Men, women, old kids, do it. They are compelled to go up to cashiers with a bag full of change. Have you ever noticed it. They never come up with cold, hard cash and peel some lettuce. Those that do, are not all that old. I'm talking about the elderly.

I don't know if you noticed it, but I've noticed it all over. When I was in Florida,  when I was in North Carolina, Massa- chusetts, California, and in New York. Old people have this trembling, confused way about them. When they come up to the counter, like I've said before, it seems as if they are under the impression that the cashier is going to literally give them the items that they've brought to the counter. They have their purses closed, their money bag tied tight an stare at the cash register total as if it's in Chinese.

AND THEN THE FUCKING FUN BEGINS.

NOW, they reach for their purses. The old men too...they have change purses. And they have to search for them at first. This is a two pronged attack. First, they go for the cash if need be, and then the coin. The cash is always crumpled up, and has to be meticulously un-crumpled to check it's denomination. The funny thing is that as they un-crumple each bill and lay it out, they do so ever so slowly and carefully, until they've finished all of the cash that they have. Now it's time to go rooting through their pockets or purses again.

And then after retrieving their change purses, they upend them on the counter, spilling change all over. With care they pull the coins back towards them, then with a finger, slide a coin up to the center of the counter, followed by another, and another. But instead of doing this by the coin, like quarters first, then dimes, then nickels, which are easier to count that way - they start pushing the closest coin to their finger. When done this way, it's harder to count. 25, 30, 31, 32, 37, 62...you know what I mean? So in moments, Granny and Pappy Dirt are lost in trying to count their change. It doesn't happen fast enough though. It takes them five minutes of meandering to lose track.

You are pulling your hair out at this point. I mean, what the fuck else can you do? So is the cashier. When the elderly person(s) realize that they have to do the entire count again the cashier does it for them, this time separating the coins by their proper denominations and then separating the amounts. In moments, they've counted out the exact change, allowing Pappy Dirt to push all of his change all the way back into his change purse and get to move on with his short life.

All the while, he (or she) is talking to you at a million miles an hour with a  cheese eating, KoolAid grin on his face. It's enough to drive you mad. And whenever I'm behind an elderly person, I've come to expect it. The thing is, I'm prepared for this shit when I get older. I'm bucking the system, because if its not a system in place that is causing all of our old people to act this insane then it could only be one other thing.

The desire not to disappear. And this disturbs me. The older you get, the more you fade away, disappear, become nothing to family, friends, society. Then the change thing would only therefore be a cry for recognition, a shout for attention that is a painful cry, or wailing. They are begging for whatever little attention that they can get, so desperate to have someone just notice them for an instant. Just a moment, even if it's just to wait on line behind them, or count their change.

Think about that the next time you are standing behind one of them, waiting for your turn at the register.

Hobobob

Main: From the Library - Music for Beltane Eve

Today is the last day of April and tomorrow is May Day, also known traditionally as Beltane. In the modern Neopagan calendar, Beltane is one of the cross-quarter days where the Sun is mid-way between Equinox and Solstice, and the opportunity for a Fire Festival. It's also a Sabbat for the Wiccan community, where it takes on some of the characteristics of a Germanic May Day festival with an emphasis on fertility and the inclusion of Maypole dancing.

We should also remember that May 1 is also traditionally a day of celebrating the working people of the world. The image shown here is an illustration by Walter Crane from 1895 which brings together both the traditional meaning of May Day and the importance of the celebration to working people - and today's programme is dedicated to workers around the world struggling for fair treatment at the hands of the powerful.

Today's programme presents some music to help get you in the mood for the big festival of tomorrow, with traditional dancing and pieces of music that evoke the time of year. It majors on the traditional dance, with some Celtic material and other music thrown in, and we leave it to others to delve deeper into the Neopagan and Wiccan aspects of the festival. In particular we draw your attention to gullar sahir Reverie at 6pm Pacific today, where Gabi will present a special programme for Beltane.

Don't forget to join us at 11am and 7pm Pacific Time (19:00 and 03:00 in the UK) for the latest instalments in our exciting radio adventures - Return to Inverness and The Illusionati in The ZBS Radio Hour.

Today's programme is presented by Elrik Merlin and produced by gullar sahir in conjunction with our friends at the Alexandrian Free Library Consortium of Second Life. You can listen to the programme in-world now at http://main.radioriel.org, or simply click here to start your player, if your browser is configured to do so. Listeners in the United States are encouraged to tune in using this link: http://loudcity.com/stations/radio-riel/tune_in

For more information on the Alexandrian Free Library, current exhibits and the work of Consortium members in general, please visit the Alexandrian Free Library website, or one of their branches in-world.

Honeymoon in Maldives

                                        
There are many beautiful places on earth, where you can take your partner on honeymoon to indulge in the moments of privacy and romance. But, to be in Maldives with partner during this special time of life means something different. On your honeymoon in Maldives, you can show your beloved the exotic milieu of azure colored sky and tropical palm trees swaying on the touch of soothing breeze. The combination of majestic blue sea and wide expanse of white sandy blanket will add to the mood of love and intimacy. You will not be able to resist the fun of getting bronze tans all over the skin.

Male

                                                    

In this capital city of Republic of Maldives, you will get to witness a fine mixture of old as well as modern beliefs. The skyscrapers and excellent infrastructural conditions add to the elegance of this island city. Having a population of more than 80,000 people, Male is best favored for its soothing climatic conditions. The city faces monsoon period from March to November

 Ihuru 

                                           
It is also referred to as ‘Angsana Resort and Spa Maldives Ihuru’. The spellbinding charm of Ihuru Island is difficult to ignore for anyone, especially the honeymooners. This island was made open in 2001 on 1st of October. Many tourists count Ihuru among the most beautiful destinations of Indian Ocean. Travelers find here attractive opportunities to pamper themselves with rejuvenating spa therapies and massages at its Angsana Spa.

Kulhudhuffushi

                                        

Kulhudhuffushi, most often referred to as the administrative division of Haa Dhaalu Atoll, is considered amongst the biggest and largely inhabited Maldives’ islands. In this island, the main occupation of the locals is shark fishing. Besides, many people work in cargo vessels.

This picturesque island in Maldives is worth visiting for folk dances.

Ari Atoll

                                                   
This natural atoll in Maldives has two divisions such as Northern Ari Atoll and Southern Ari Atoll. Segregated for administrative reasons, the Southern Ari Atoll boasts of an array of 105 islands. Both the parts of Ari Atoll register an average temperature of 28.1 degree Celsius all round the year. If you are planning for honeymoon in Maldives in this part of the island group, you are suggested to arrive here in the months of November and February.

Thinadhoo 

                                        
Located at a distance of 78 kms from Male, the Thinadhoo Island is a paradise for vacationers and romantic couples. The place is most preferred for its elegant landscapes and pleasant weather. It is an ideal hideaway to find an escape from hustle and bustle of urban life

Hithadhoo

                                                
Recognized as the capital city of Seenu Atoll, Hithadhoo is a heavenly abode of natural elements like palm trees and shrubs. A leisurely stroll near Hithadhoo Island will introduce you to its soiled roads, narrow lanes and lush vegetation. The bent houses will seem like a perfect match to the surroundings. Being here, you would enjoy with your love special moments of romance on its pristine beaches. In addition, the other characteristic elements of this part of Maldives to be enjoyed are asphalt roads, fish processing industry and garment factories.

                                           

                                                                                             

KENTUCKY BORDER BOLOGNA

by Jo Robertson

I recently returned from a visit with my brother Fred and his wife Sylvia in North Carolina. Their lovely house looks out toward the Pasquotank River, a gorgeous view. During this visit Fred and I spent a lot of time working on his personal story.

You see, I didn’t know Fred existed until about five years ago. He and I have different mothers, but the same father. But that’s a blog for another day.

Today’s subject is Kentucky Border Bologna! During my North Carolina trip, I discovered this delicious meat product. I use this term because I don't know what they put in it, and I suspect I'm better off remaining ignorant!

To a southern-bred gal like me a fried bologna sandwich is like heaven. I eat the artery-clogging stuff like an addict. I don’t care. Just give me my next fix. If you're wondering what can possibly be so great about bologna, you haven't tasted the really good stuff.

When my brother Fred visits his hometown in Kentucky, he always buys several of these bologna rolls. Sylvia freezes them and they slice off the amount they want as they use it.

Kentucky Border Bologna is sharp and salty, tasty either warm or cold. We had it for breakfast and lunch, and I could've eaten it for dinner, but Sylvia made me go healthy. Party pooper.

However, she packed several sandwiches for my wait at the airport on my way home, and luckily, airport security did not considered Kentucky Border Bologna a homeland security violation. Silly people.

Kentucky Border Bologna is the best bologna I've EVAH tasted. I had no idea where it was manufactured, but I heard a rumor that it isn’t shipped anywhere outside Kentucky.

That alone was enough to intrigue me, so I made a few long-distance phone calls. The meat department manager at Ralph's Food Fair in Grayson, KY -- a very nice gentleman with a lovely southern accent -- assured me that they did indeed sell Kentucky Border Bologna. He even tracked down the writing on the wrapping -- Kp Packing.


A little internet detecting led me to the company, Kp Packing in Erlanger, KY, where another helpful woman told me the product is now called Kentucky Best Bologna, a mistake in naming, in my opinion. There's something wickedly catchy and illegal about Kentucky Border Bologna.



The picture is from their website. Seriously, Kp, you need to get a larger picture!


Unfortunately, they do not ship outside of their region, so we Californians cannot jump on the internet and order some of this delicious spicy meat.



Sigh. I think I'm going into withdrawal.


I suppose my arteries will thank the company, but my taste buds are crying for a huge helping of this salty delight.

So, right now I’m eating my plain old PB&J sandwich and watching the delightful Timothy Olyphant in the latest episode of “Justified.”
Right now that’s the closest I can get to Kentucky and their delicious border bologna.



I’m in the mood for sharing our decadent foods. So, what’s your wicked delight, food-wise? Find any recent recipes or tasty treasures to share?


Here’s a recipe Sylvia gave me, a “healthy” version of Key Lime Pie. We ate about three of them when I visited, which is good because the recipe makes three.

Sylvia’s Key Lime Pie

3 reduced-fat graham cracker crusts
16 oz light Cool Whip
12 oz frozen limeade (or lemonade)
2 cans fat-free condenses milk

Beat together, pour into shells and freeze until firm.

Okay, let's get down and share our favorite decadence!

Have a beautiful weekend.

My darlings, what are your plans for the weekend? Alex and I are going out to a neighborhood French restaurant tomorrow and I'm thinking about wearing false eyelashes just for fun. Have you ever worn them? (Any tips?) Hope you have a wonderful weekend, and here are a few great posts from around the web...

Update: This. (Genius.)

Beautiful Royal Wedding photo. (How gorgeous was Pippa's dress?)

And a funny flowchart.

Ominous Manhattan weather this week.

New York City gets made under.

April showers.

Wedding sparkles.

All kinds of stripes.

Magritte coat hangers.

Aren't you glad this isn't your to-do list?

Basket backpack. (Jane Birkin would have approved.)

Adorable spring collection.

Three guys living in IKEA.

Pretty in pink.

Finally! A truly friendly bike shop in NYC.

Plus, three Cup of Jo posts you might have missed:
* Seahorse tails.
* How to look confident.
* Sea-salt brownies.

Have a good one, my lovelies! xoxo

(Photo by Sweet Eventide, via Poppytalk)

Mother's Day gift guide

My dolls, if you're still looking for a Mother's Day present, I put together a little gift guide here. xoxo P.S. And the present I got my own mom.

Three pretty things

How would you like to wear this...
read a book here...
and vacation here?

(Top photo by the Sartorialist, bottom photo by Papa Stour. Via TKOW)

Congratulations, Will and Kate!

What a romantic moment...
...although maybe a little too loud. :)

(Via Elle)

Shellshocked and Left to Cry

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We have now surpassed technology with common sense.

I realized something today that disturbed me. I looked at all these gadgets that I have attached to my email application, you know, those notifiers and shit. You get an email and a banner slides up with the subject line, and a tune plays. It lets you know the instant something interesting comes in and if you want to drop the application that you are in to go check your email.

I'm working, looking at what's popping up, and they are just notifications, ads, newsletters, blah, blah, blah. But no personal emails. I don't hear from my friends any more, I don't hear from relatives. Nothing. It's a void out there now when it comes to keeping in touch with friends through email. And do you want to know why?

Fucking Facebook. I abhor Facebook. I never use it, but I had to give up and make a profile and find a few friends. Something that got out of hand the instant that I did it before. But that's another story. Right now, we have given up our privacy and identity to enter into a 'club of communication.' We tell Facebook everything that we can of a personal nature to join, and then this data goes into the ether and we can now join with our family and friends in the wonderful experience of communicating with them. Like we couldn't to that before with email. So here's what happened.

For those of us who resisted Facebook, our emails evapor- ated, leaving us with notices and news- letters. We entered into a social wasteland, we were EXCLUDED and therefore left to rot alone in our own Private Idahos. We were abandoned by friends and loved ones until we could take it no more, and were forced to join just to 'stay in touch'. This is what happened to me. I looked on Facebook, and watched as all of my friends were interacting, with their thoughts and experiences, and doing so outside of the old email days, and I said to myself, 'I'd better start friending people again.'

You see, that was the first of my problems with Facebook. I friended one person, and then another and another until I was completely inundated with data. Now, I have to play a game of catchup if I'm going to make Facebook work for me. I want to tailor it a bit better so that I can keep an eye out for my friends and relatives. And this is the disturbing thing....KEEP AN EYE OUT. That even sounds a little like invasion of privacy. Know what I mean? I'm being as criminal and as nosy as the people who created Facebook.

But I've conceded. I'm going to learn how to use it just to keep up with the people in my life.

Like I said earlier though, our technology has surpassed our common sense. Now, that I'm swallowing my pride as well as the bullet in learning and using Facebook, I've looked at the idiotic nature of Twitter. I find it just as morally corrupt and bankrupt as Facebook. However, who am I to say these things. Facebook has undoubtedly changed the landscape of the Internet, okay....then what the fuck is TWITTER doing? Changing the fucking stupidity?

I mean, do I really want to know what you are doing right this fucking second? It's bad enough that you can do it on Facebook, but TWITTERING daily? Through your cell phone? Maybe that's my problem. I don't have a cell phone to twitter. Maybe if I did, it will make perfect sense to bore people with my scratching my ass. I mean, I KNOW I bore the fuck out of you with this fucking blog. And I only give you an overview of part of my life. And yet, here you have people handing out the minutiae of their lives in mass dosages. I mean, I made a twitter account some time ago because I didn't want to be left behind. Then I found that sometimes technology doesn't make us smarter, and isn't more useful, it is just a burden and a fad.

Whatever. Now I have my Twitter account reacti- vated. I'm going to use Facebook. I feel like a dirty whore giving blowjobs 'out back' for ten dollars, and what can I say? Can I make an excuse? Can I say that I'm sorry to turn out to be a hypocrite to all of my readers out there that will link me to my past condemnations of these two sites of social media? Go link away. I can eat crow, with salt and pepper, deep fried in vegetable oil.

Or I'll post it up on Facebook, and then Twitter you that I did it.

Hobobob