What a weekend...

I'd forgotten (okay, maybe repressed is a better word) how tiring an infant and a toddler are. My sister, Cait, and I babysat our niece and nephew from about noon on Saturday until about 11pm. Good lord, those kids are busy.

Madelynn is three and a total wild child. Freakishly adorable, but exhausting. We played Tinkerbell-Butterfly-Faery and read books (mostly the same three over and over and over and over) walked to the park, played there, coerced her to eat, played the balloon game which consists of hitting the balloon around, Madelynn squealing and then informing me that I'm doing it wrong.

"Not like that, Bumpy!!!"

Oh yeah - she also renamed us. Cait is now Aunt Grumpy and I am now known as Aunt Bumpy. I asked our niece if that meant she was Lumpy and she gave me a look of utter disgust and said, "Uh...No! I Madelynn." Yeah...I got told by a toddler.

We didn't have to coerce Nolen to eat. He's five months old and is definitely his Daddy's boy. I think that child would have eaten the entire time if we'd let him. He also felt the need to spit-up constantly. Only on Cait. She was not impressed. Not even a little. And let me tell you - an all black wardrobe and baby spew...not a good combo. He even got her socks. That kid has coverage. But he's snugly and ridiculously cute and we love him.

After we left, we went to our favorite cemetery to see if we could get some orb pictures..cause we're nerds like that. Unfortunately, there was a party at the hall near the graveyard, but we explored anyway. I know we got a few orbs in the pics, but I haven't been able to download them off my camera yet because my computer was being stupid, but more on in a sec. Then we drove around and sang at the top of our lungs and visited GVSU's campus where Cait posed suggestively with statues. Helllllooooo...Facebook.

Yesterday my stinking computer crashed, but after many long tortuous hours, the hubby fixed it. Thank God it happened on a Sunday. That reminds me...really need to do a backup today.

I hope you're all having a spectacular day! I'm off to do some major house purging since the Salvation Army truck is coming through our neighborhood this week! Yay!! I love getting rid of stuff we don't need anymore!!!

Yes...this is my life.

You know that phrase, "In the parade of dumb and stupid, I'm the one twirling the flaming baton?" Well boy-howdy, I'm not leading the parade of dumb and stupid - I AM the parade. In a nutshell - I just flashed the damn Fed-Ex guy. The extremely hot (but stoooopid) Fed-Ex guy.

Here's the Reader's Digest version. I have an enclosed front porch. I have two small kittens. Hot guy knocks on my inner door, leaving the outer door wide open, with a package for me, I open the inner door a crack and say, "Please shut the door...I have kittens that I don't want to get out." He stands there staring like the village idiot.

Yes, it's almost noon. Yes, I have my jammies on. Don't judge me. I'm a writer. It's what we do.

I feel comfortable stating that he wasn't staring because of my ravishing beauty. Seriously - my hair is sticking out at weird angles, my glasses are crooked and I'm in my jammies. My ugly jammies. It's more of a night shirt, really. It should also be noted I was sans undies - not that it was apparent while I was standing at the door, but more on that later.

So while, he stands there with a vacant expression on his face mumbling about needing to sign for my box of bookmarks, Morrighan and Willow - cutest and also naughtiest kittens in the world - dart around our feet while he says, "Oh...you have cats." Why, yes. Yes, I do. I mentioned them earlier when I asked you to close the fucking door.

I yelp and tell him to move while I dart outside and scoop up the spastic little balls of fur. That's when my jammie shirt flips up showing my bare ass. I should also mention the two cars that drove by while I was grabbing the kittens. I'm pretty sure one of them contained my neighbor, Betty the Biddy.

To make my day complete, as I stumbled up my steps with an armful squirming kitten, Morrighan clawed at my jammies, exposing my right breast to the Fed-Ex guy who continued to stare like Cleetus the Slackjawed Yokel.

I put the kittens in the house, signed for the damn bookmarks on one of those electronic signing things, after adding a small nearly illegible note that said, "Next time, close the damn door."

The Funniest Video Ever

When I was in high school, MTV first came on the air. (Yes...I know...I'm old. Whatever.) Anyway, I watched it whenever I could (at my friends' since my parents refused to get cable) and was totally fascinated by it. The first time I saw Bonnie Tyler's Total Eclipse of the Heart, my response was, FWUH? I couldn't figure out what the hell that bizarre-ass video and its shades of pedophilia had to do with the angsty love song.

Well...I still don't know, but I'm thrilled to report that some freaking genius has made a literal video of Total Eclipse of the Heart. If you're not familiar with literal videos, it's where someone sings a voice over of the original song with lyrics about what's happening in the video.

I. Love. This. Video. (okay, the talking in the middle is pretty lame, but the rest of it makes me laugh until I cry.) I hope you guys enjoy it, too. I think the balls/metaphor line is my favorite...or maybe it's the ninjas...I can't decide.

See more funny videos and funny pictures at CollegeHumor.

It's Moonlit Magic Time

TEB is doing something kinda nifty - they're re-releasing individual stories from anthologies as single titles and Moonlit Magic releases today! Here's the blurb and excerpt.

Blurb:

Brought back to Ireland by her job, American Beckett Matthews jumps at the chance to study an artefact that recently washed ashore on an Irish beach. She’s thrilled to have the opportunity to explore the history of the necklace. She’s far less enthused to explore her personal history with the man who found the treasure—her first love.

Kieran Brennan has waited five years for Beckett to finally return to Ireland. When he found the necklace, he knew it was more than a historical find—it was the key to reclaiming the only woman he ever loved. Under a curse from the Faery King, he couldn’t follow her when she'd fled to her home in the States years ago and now in his arms he'll help her face her fears and return to him.

Unfortunately, he isn't the only one after Beckett. Denied his tribute, when she fled, Aodhan the Faery King wants to claim her for his own.

Excerpt:

Kieran’s hands fell heavy on her shoulders as Aodhan moved closer. The king reached out and trailed a finger along the deep neckline of the ridiculous dress she wore. Shivers raced across her skin at his touch and Kieran stiffened behind her.

“You don’t wish to share your woman with me,” the king finally spoke, addressing Kieran, amusement glinting in his eyes.

“I don’t wish to share her with anyone,” Kieran corrected. “But tonight isn’t about choices, is it?”

Aodhan didn’t answer, he stared at Beckett as if he could strip her with his eyes. Who knew, maybe he could.

For a moment, she worried that they would fight over her. Kieran stroked his hands over her shoulders and up and down her arms, while Aodhan stepped closer.

It was actually going to happen. She was about to be smack in the middle of a threesome. With a freaking audience, no less. She squeezed her thighs together to quell the throbbing ache.

“This is probably a really bad idea,” she whispered.

Aodhan grinned. “If it’s such a bad idea, why are your nipples hard and begging for attention?”

She glanced down at her traitorous breasts. Her nipples poked sharply against the gossamer fabric. “Oh no,” she muttered.

Kieran settled his hands at her waist. “Your body isn’t saying no.”

“My body should be ignored. It has a terrible sense of self-preservation.”

He chuckled, his lips at her ear. “I know I said I didn’t want to share you, but you have no idea how arousing it is to see you trapped between our bodies, his gaze devouring you, desperate to taste you.”

His erection pushed insistently against her bottom as he spoke. “I think he’s craving you as badly as I am.” Sliding his hands forward, he cupped the sides of her breasts and brushed his fingers across her nipples. “I don’t think ignoring your body is the answer.”

She couldn’t keep the whimper of need from escaping. In response, Kieran thrust lightly against her ass, his hard length pulling on the fabric that covered her.

The heat in the other man’s eyes was unmistakable, and his cock began to swell as he leaned forward and took her mouth in a searing kiss, feasting on her mouth. He tasted of vanilla and spice, and she felt giddy—almost drunk off the flavour. He pressed his full weight to her and his cock was trapped between them—hot, hard, throbbing against the softness of her belly.

Just as quickly, he left her lips and began trailing open-mouthed kisses between the valley of her breasts and then up along her neck. With purposeful movements, he slid the dress’ tiny shoulder straps off and down her arms, completely baring her breasts. The cool night air kissed her flesh and pebbled her nipples farther. Aching to be touched, she raised her eyes to meet his and she was lost. Lost to the night sky in those fathomless depths.

Aodhan cupped her breasts. His hands felt so good on her body, she pressed her lips together to keep from groaning aloud. His touch was drugging. Was that even possible? He’d emerged out of the ground—anything was possible at this point.

She leaned back against Kieran’s chest arching into the king’s caress.

“That’s it, Beckett,” he murmured. “Relax.”

Aodhan twisted and pinched her nipples as Kieran cupped her breasts, pushing them forward. The other man took the hint and drew a distended peak into his mouth, swirling his tongue around the aching nub before sucking hard.

Unable to remain still, she drove her fingers through his hair and held his head at her breast.

“More,” she demanded, her voice a strangled whisper. “Harder.”

“Christ,” Kieran breathed in her ear as he loosened the closure on her dress and eased it from her, letting the fabric puddle on the ground around her feet. Pushing his hand between her body and Aodhan’s, he cupped her mound through her panties and she rocked against him.

“You’ve soaked these,” he groaned. He brought his damp fingers to his mouth to suck her essence from them, and she nearly came from the sight. He slid his hand down her body, and shoved his hand into her panties. Parting her dripping folds, he stroked her, causing her to writhe with need.

Far too soon, he pulled his glistening hand from her pussy and held it out to Aodhan. “Taste her,” he growled.

Beckett whimpered as the king gripped Kieran’s wrist and pulled his fingers into his mouth on a groan. Aodhan’s eyes closed as he sucked her juices from her lover’s fingers. She’d never seen anything more erotic. Arousal shook her and as she watched the men, fresh cream dripped down the inside of her thighs.

“More,” the king demanded.

Six Degrees of Separation and Cover Art

So I was hanging out with the lovely Brynn Paulin the other day and she was helping me make promo stuff for the upcoming Romanticon 'cause technology and I aren't best-ies.

Anyway, we were talking about what images we'd use on the postcards and wondering about what EC would do with the cover art for my upcoming print anthology for my three Torrid Tarot books. She brought up my author page on EC's site and started smirking when she hit the cover for I Put a Spell on You. Before I show you what amused her, let me show you what I had envisioned for my character.

In my head, this is Gray Foster.


















In the artist's head, this is Gray Foster.


















Now check out what Brynn found.


Gray Foster on my book cover bears an uncanny resemblance to Elijah Wood who totally looks like Hester Prynne. I think there might be fewer than six degrees of separation between I Put a Spell on You, The Lord of the Rings and The Scarlet Letter.

Well done, Brynn! :D

Catching up

My Dad had another bypass surgery on Friday and I'm pleased to say that although it was more extensive than the doctor had planned on and despite a minor infection, he's doing quite well. Of course, he's more than ready to go home, but they're going to keep him at least another day. I'm about to go up there to hang out with him for a while while he tries to convince the kitchen staff that pancake batter should always be made with beer to make them fluffy. I don't think he's winning this one.

I've also been purging my house, one room and cupboard at a time. When the housing market eventually picks up, I want this house fixed up and ready to sell. I can't stand this neighborhood and I'd love to get out somewhere in the country - or at least in a neighborhood where I can't see into my neighbor's bathroom from my kitchen. That would be freaking spectacular.

My husband and I both came from families that never really got rid of things, because 'you never know when you might need something.' Well, I'm trying to adopt the attitude of 'if I haven't used it in the last year, I'm probably not going to.' So far, it's working...we'll see how well that goes when it's time to purge the books and fabric.

In other news, I finally got off my butt and made a facebook account, so if any of you are on it, I'd love it if you came and friended me. I'm a little lonely over there. ;)

All right, I'm off to the hospital, the last set of kitchen cupboards, and the shifter menage...hope everyone is having a great day.

Have you seen this show???

So last night, Jen Armintrout (because she's made of awesome) took me to Chicago to see the national touring company of Spring Awakening.


Best. Musical. Ever.

Seriously. It was the best show I've seen in ages. (Laughter, tears, chills - utter brilliance)


The show is set in Germany is 1891 and it follows the lives of several teenagers as they explore the issues of sexuality - both opposite and same sex relationships, religion, conformity, incest, suicide, abortion and a pile of other delightful topics. The music is brilliant and the lyrics are both funny and heart-rending. Here's the thing...this show is depressing as hell and also weirdly hopeful.


If this show comes anywhere near your area, please do yourself a favor and go see it. I'm hoping the tour swings around to Michigan before it closes, because I'd go see it in a heartbeat.

Things That Piss Me Off

Yesterday, we went to a wedding reception for my husband's niece, B and her partner. Despite the sweltering heat and humidity, it was absolutely beautiful. I've known B for almost as long as she's been alive and I've never seen her look happier. I've never seen her partner look happier either. Both women glowed with a joy that was almost tangible.

At this point, you might be wondering, okay, Bron, if everything was all daffodils and teddy bears, why are you pissed?

Aside from the fact that same sex marriages aren't universally recognized in the US, I was pissed off by the behavior of some of the guests. One in particular made snide comments, rolled her eyes and pointedly turned her back during the first dance.

I understand that some people believe that homosexuality is a sin - I don't agree with it, but I respect their right to have an opinion. However, if you're knowingly attending the celebration of the union of a same sex couple, leave your hatred at home. If you can't do that...don't go.

As promised...Ren Faire pictures!!!

These are some of the pictures I took at the Bristol Renaissance Faire. I love the faery pictures - especially the spider faery - which is weird since I think spiders are the devil.

The Cuteness At My House

Okay, so I know I said I'd post faire pictures (and I will) I've been sidetracked by cuteness. Last night, my husband took me and the boys on a surprise trip to the Humane Society where we met these two...who then came home with us.

Meet Willow (smaller and lighter colored) and Morrighan (we may end up regretting naming her after the Celtic goddess of war...she's a naughty little thing.) They were abandoned in a box in a parking lot long before they were ready to be weened. They're adorable, wild and snugly and I'm so glad they've come to live with us. :) The boys (the furry ones) aren't so sure yet, but I think the girls will win them over in no time.

It's Here!!!!!

I just got back from a lovely long weekend with my three favorite guys -- the hubby and both boys. We went to a fantastic Renaissance Faire in Kenosha, Wisconsin. It was a bit of a trek but so worth it. We had a wonderful time - in fact, I'm looking forward to doing it again next summer. I'll be posting pictures later this week, so please check back. :)

In other news, Handcuffs and Lies is available - today from Resplendence Publishing!!!! I'm so excited about it, I'm having a contest to celebrate. Between now and Friday at 6pm EST, leave a comment to be eligible to win a print copy of Legend which also contains stories by Brynn Paulin, Carol Lynne and Lacey Thorn!