Saturday, December 30, 2017

Guarding Our Writing Time by David-Matthew Barnes



Today, I was cleaning up my email inbox and came across the guest post for author David-Matthew Barnes that was supposed to be posted back on December 14th. I guess I had overlook the email, as I had went ahead and posted a book spotlight for the author's novel Riding with James Dean on that date. Anyway, here I am posting the author's guest post a few weeks late.



Guarding Our Writing Time

by David-Matthew Barnes

Time. It is the most elusive thing. It is a luxury of which some of us are willing to beg, borrow, and steal for. People wish for more of it, convinced if they had just a few minutes more the results could be life-changing. 

It's true. We are busy people. Our schedules leave us exhausted, delirious, overwhelmed. To survive, we are constantly juggling, balancing, shifting, always dangling just above the edge of a looming deadline.

I loose count of how many times I hear the words, "There's just not enough time in the day to get everything done." It pains me most when it's my voice saying them.
We are a breed of our own: the busy.

To achieve this livable state of sleep deprivation, we make caffeine our favorite food group, existing in a jittery existence of the fear and consequences of nodding off. We are masters of the to-do list, the weekly calendar, the span of 24-hours.

This constant battle against the clock must be universal. Surely, others feel the tremble of the ticking constantly beating beneath every step they take through their mine field of a day. We constantly avert any possible social scenario that can pose a threat to our down-to-the-second agenda, knowing if we stop long enough to smell those ridiculous flowers the less-busy always talk about it, we're doomed. 

They say the early bird catches the worm, time waits for no one, time is money, and there's no time like the present. We are constantly bombarded by the 
insistence to do more, be more, live more. This is our fuel.

And then there's writing.

I recently had an online discussion with two fellow writers in which time was our topic, specifically how to find more of it. As creative people with unconventional lives and schedules, we are often time-shamed. Example A: "When you're done with your little writing thing, do you think you can actually spend time with your friends and family? We miss you."

To ask someone who is not a writer to understand how we work and why time is everything to us is asking for the impossible. Non-writers can view our desire for writing time as selfish; our writing – and the time we need for it – can inconvenience many people. We are expected to keep a more world-friendly schedule by only tapping into and channeling our creativity during business hours - and never on weekends.

Finding the time to write can become the most challenging aspect of a writer's life. It certainly is for mine. We can tape as many Do Not Disturb signs on our home office doors we want, but that tiny flicker of guilt still remains each time we sit down at our laptops and the world continues to happen without us, hopefully missing us. It is indeed a high price to pay.

Yet, the results can be life-changing - or, more specifically, career-changing. Many of us dream of one day writing for a living, of reaching a point in which our talent and creativity sustains us. But we cannot get there without time.

The discussion with my writer friends ended with the conclusion that each of us need to be more protective of our schedules, that we collectively have to guard our writing time. We are soldiers, protecting our own very precious turf. Because every second really does count, as much as every word we write. 

The struggle against the clock, our own lives, and the demands we must meet can be a difficult one to endure. Yet, in the end, those few moments in which the world around us slips away and nothing else matters but the words on the page - they make the pace worth it. It's usually then we feel like we won. And, as they say, even the smallest victory counts.


About the Author

Get Healthy With Bone Broth Protein!

What are your New Year's Resolutions for 2018?

Like probably many other people, one my New Year's Resolutions is to lose weight . And like almost everyone that makes this resolution, I have failed each and every year. For 2018, my gain goal is get back into a daily exercise routine, get into shape, and feel better about myself, so basically next year will be all about me.

To begin my new "A New Me in 2018" posts, I'm featuring a review on two new protein products from Ancient Nutrition. The products are called Keto PROTEIN and Organic Bone Broth PROTEIN!

Getting the proper amount of protein is important if you want to gain strength and build muscles. While you can get extra protein from food, many people prefer to get it from a pre-workout or post-workout drink or shake. Sadly, many of the protein powders and mixes have way too much sugar in them.

Keto PROTEIN (retails for $54.95) is available in a variety of flavors, but I was sent the "chocolate" flavor. It was created for ketogenic dieters, students, gamers, and anyone looking to boost their mind and increase their strength. Each serving has 11g fat, 15g protein, 1g sugar and 3g carbs that all comes from high quality chicken bone broth and coconut MCTs. It also contains antioxidant and adaptogenic herbs. It's free of soy, grain, dairy, and gluten.

Ingredients include: Chicken Bone Broth Oil, Chicken Bone Broth Protein Concentrate, Organic Chicken Protein Concentrate, Medium Chain Triglycerides (coconut), Organic Ashwagandha Extract (root), Hydrolyzed Bovine Collagen Peptides, Cocoa, Organic Coffee Fruit Extract, Organic Apple Cider Vinegar, Fermented Organic Ginger (rhizome), Fermented Organic Black Pepper (fruit), Fermented Organic Long Pepper (fruit), and Fermented Organic Reishi Mushroom Mycelium (Ganodema Lucidum).

The tub sent to me is 19oz and contains 17 servings (1 heaping 32g scoop). It can be mixed with 12 ounces of water, plain almond milk, coffee, or tea. It's not meant to be a meal replacement, but it can be taken as a workout drink or as a snack.

The Keto PROTEIN Chocolate mixed with hot coffee.

Being the big coffee drinker that I am, I naturally added the chocolate protein to my morning cup of coffee. It blends really well with the hot coffee and it tasted great! I couldn't even tell it was made from bone broth! There's nothing better than drinking chocolate coffee on a cold winter day.

The Organic Bone Broth PROTEIN (retails for $57.95) is an organic superfood powder made from real bone broth. It's available in several different flavors, but the sample tub (16 oz) sent to me is the "Savory Herbs" flavor. There are 17 servings (one scoop) per container (tub). Each serving has 100 calories, 0 sugar, and 20g of protein!

Friday, December 29, 2017

Book Blogger Hop: December 29th - January 4th




Instructions: Select all code above, copy it and paste it inside your blog post as HTML


Welcome to the new Book Blogger Hop!

If you want schedule next week's post, click here to find the next prompt question. To submit a question, fill out this form.

What to do:

1. Post on your blog answering this question:

  This week's question is submitted by Kitty  @ Vicarious Bookworm.


What character or characters would you not mind sharing a New Year’s kiss with?

2. Enter the link to your post in the linky list below (enter your Blog Name and the direct link to your post answering this week’s question. Failure to do so will result in removal of your link).


3. Visit other blogs in the list and comment on their posts. Try to spend some time on the blogs reading other posts and possible become a new follower.  The purpose of the hop is to give bloggers a chance to follow other blogs, learn about new books, befriend other bloggers, and receive new followers to your own blog.
  

My Answer:

I would kiss Sookie Stackhouse from the Sookie Stackhouse mystery series by Charlaine Harris. However, it probably wouldn't be a good idea, as she's a mind reader.


Linky List:

Tuesday, December 26, 2017

A Comprehensive Look into Bioethanol Fireplaces


To make a room comfortable, the surrounding temperature should be perfect, even during the evening times, when the temperature normally goes down. To make your room cozy, you need a system to heat up rooms. And that system, in today's world, can be bioethanol fireplaces, especially for your living rooms.

It’s the time of festivities. People are enjoying their winter vacations, and you must be expecting guests over your place. In case you’re looking to substitute your old fireplace with a state-of-the-art piece or haven’t had a fireplace installed in your home previously, consider browsing through a great variety at Ethanol Fireplace Pros.

Bio-Ethanol Fireplace – What Is It?

5 Things You Should Remember When Buying a Roof for Your Home


Home roofing is one of the trickiest home improvement projects. It requires you to invest your capital, time and energies and can still end up in a disaster if the roofing is done the wrong way. Home roofing is not something that you can get fixed or done any day and takes a lot of planning and patience. It is therefore advisable that you do an extensive research and homework before you start your home roofing project. Although there are many roofing contractors in Walled Lake Michigan who are good at their work and can guide you through the process, it is still recommended that you do your own research so that you can make sure that the project is completed as per your requirements and you will not face any problems with your roofing in the future. Taking a few things into account when buying a roof for your home will help you make a good purchase decision.

1. Durability

A good roof is always the one that has a long life. No matter how economical the roof itself is, the roofing project in itself is a very tedious task and is not something that you would want to do every time you have an issue with your roofing. Therefore it is important that you choose a long lasting roof. Make sure you know and understand how each type of roof is affected by the weather and climate conditions. This is because a roof that lasts very long in a certain climate might not remain as durable in another.

2. Appearance

There are various different types of roofs available in the market that can alter the appearance of your house. The roofing material should also be in line with the material that you have used in other parts of your building structure. The best roof for you will be the one that complements the overall look and structure of your house and will not look aesthetically off.

3. Weight

Saturday, December 23, 2017

Last Minute! Holiday Gift Guide: Leap! Blu-ray


Leap! Blu-ray



Studio
Lionsgate

Retail
$39.99

Rating
PG

Running Time
89 minutes

Discs
2

Where to Purchase
Amazon

Description
Eleven-year-old orphan Félicie (Fanning) has one dream — to go to Paris and become a dancer. Her best friend, Victor (Wolff), an imaginative, exuberant boy with a passion for creating, has a dream of his own — to become a famous inventor. In a leap of faith, Victor and Félicie leave their orphanage in pursuit of their passions. But there’s a catch: Félicie must pretend to be the child of a wealthy family in order to gain admittance to the prestigious and competitive Opera Ballet School in Paris. And with no professional dance training, she quickly learns that talent alone is not enough to overcome the ruthless, conniving attitudes of her fellow classmates, led by the devious Camille Le Haut (Ziegler). Determined to succeed, Félicie finds her mentor in the tough and mysterious school custodian, Odette (Jepsen), who, along with Victor’s encouraging friendship, help her reach for the stars.

Special Features
In the Recording Booth with Kate McKinnon, Nat Wolf, and Maddie Ziegler.
Behind-the-Scenes Video Gallery 




My Thoughts

Friday, December 22, 2017

Book Blogger Hop: December 22nd - 28th




Instructions: Select all code above, copy it and paste it inside your blog post as HTML


Welcome to the new Book Blogger Hop!

If you want schedule next week's post, click here to find the next prompt question. To submit a question, fill out this form.

What to do:

1. Post on your blog answering this question:

  This week's question is submitted by Maria @ A Night's Dream of Books!


Have you ever asked co-workers to give you a book or B&N gift card if they got your name for a Secret Santa gift exchange? If so, did you get what you asked for?

2. Enter the link to your post in the linky list below (enter your Blog Name and the direct link to your post answering this week’s question. Failure to do so will result in removal of your link).


3. Visit other blogs in the list and comment on their posts. Try to spend some time on the blogs reading other posts and possible become a new follower.  The purpose of the hop is to give bloggers a chance to follow other blogs, learn about new books, befriend other bloggers, and receive new followers to your own blog.
  

My Answer:

No. I'm currently self-employed, so I don't have any co-workers!


Linky List:

Thursday, December 21, 2017

LEATHERFACE Blu-ray Review

Lionsgate; Rated R; 88 minutes; Amazon


Available now on Blu-ray from Lionsgate Home Entertainment is the Texas Chain Saw Massacre prequel LEATHERFACE. Directed by Julien Maury and Alexandre Bustillo, the film stars Stephen Dorff and Lili Taylor.

The film centers on a young Jedidiah Sawyer (aka Leatherface) being sent to a mental hospital after being accused of killing the sheriff's daughter. Ten years later, a riot occurs at the hospital and Jedidah (played by Sam Strike) escapes along side three other patients, who have all kidnapped a nurse named Elizabeth. The group tries to escape the sheriff (played by Stephen Dorff), who is hellbent on tracking down and killing Jedidah.

Instead of getting a regular theatrical release, LEATHERFACE was released exclusive via DirecTV, before it released on video on demand and limited theaters back in October. It received mixed to negative reviews from critics.


Special Features include:

Deleted Scenes
Behind the Blood Mask: Making LEATHERFACE




Final Thoughts

Interview & Giveaway with Justine Avery, author of THE ONE APART



Now available on Amazon is the paranormal novel The One Apart by Justine Avery!




The author has taken a few minutes out of her busy schedule to talk about her new book.



When did you become interested in storytelling?

When I was seven years old, I hadn’t even “found” the first genre that would help me fall in love with reading and turn me into an avid reader for life (the genre was stories of girls my age with horses and ghosts—don’t laugh!), but my 2nd grade English teacher asked all of her students to write a new story every single week. Mine were all true, from whatever adventure I had that week or interesting thing I witnessed, but the teacher praised my stories the most and begged me to read them to the class each week. I guess that made me realize I had a knack for telling a story, or at least spotting what makes real life most interesting.

What was your first book/story published?

My very first stories published were travel articles for print magazines—a long time ago. My first fiction story published was Last Shot, published as a single on Amazon: a very dark, psychological tale about a man trying—and failing—to successfully commit suicide, over and over, and how he changes in the process. It’s intense, but ultimately a comedy.

What inspired you to write The One Apart?

It was time to finally sit down and write a novel-length story, whether or not I felt ready for the challenge. I picked up the first few pages I’d already written for a story I knew was going to be “a long one,” based on one sentence I woke up with one morning: “he remembered everything.” I knew the main character remembered things he shouldn’t, things that surprise him, things that might make other people upset, and I started writing to discover what all those mysteries were. I hoped to at least get to 50k words, but the story ended up requiring 117k words to tell it!

What character in The One Apart is the most/least like you, and in what ways?

Tres, the main character, is probably most like me; I think he’s like all of us. He has very specific struggles and gifts, but when it comes down to it, he’s just someone trying to find his place in the world, to fit in with everyone around him, to discover what makes him different but not wanting to be too different. He wants to belong, and he wants to know what he’s supposed to do with the life he’s been given. He’s not afraid to change his mind or his direction, try different things, and explore different things in finding his answers.

What is your favorite part in The One Apart?

Tuesday, December 19, 2017

The Osiris Child: Science Fiction Volume One Blu-ray Review

RLJ Entertainment; Not Rated; 99 minutes; Amazon

Now available on Blu-ray and DVD from RLJ Entertainment is the science fiction flick The Osiris Child: Science Fiction Volume One. Written & directed by Shane Abbess, the film stars Kellan Lutz, Daniel MacPherson, Isabel Lucas, and Rachel Griffiths.

The film is set in the future where the government has colonized a new planet. After being assigned to the planet, Lt. Kane Sommerville (played by Daniel MacPherson) brought along his young daughter (played by Teegan Craft), so he could build a relationship with her. While she lives on the planet, he's up above in the military-style space station.

After several inmates escape a prison mining camp, the government's experiment "creatures" are also released, causing a bit of chaos. Against orders, Sommerville travels to the planet in search of his daughter. He teams up with one of the prisoners (played by Kellan Lutz) in the hopes of finding his daughter and getting her to safety before the government takes drastic measures.


Special Features on the Blu-ray are:

  • 5 Featurettes on the Making of The Osiris Child
  • Deleted Scenes
  • Music Video
  • Photo Gallery
  • Concept Art Gallery



Final Thoughts

Monday, December 18, 2017

To Try Online Dating Or Not?


Is it just me? Or is everyone else (and I mean those of us who are single) becoming a little depressed near Christmastime?

For those of you who don't follow my blog, I have suffered from anxiety and depression, though the two have seem to disappear over the last few years. Then around Thanksgiving the old symptoms started to creep back into my life.

I've been trying to keep myself busy with reading, writing, and posting stuff on this blog, as well as putting up a few videos on my YouTube channel. While I know some of my stress has come from writing posts for my blog's Holiday Gift Guide, I believe my depressed mood is mostly due to the little fact that once again I'm spending the holidays alone. Yes, I spend Christmas with my immediate family, but it would be nice if I had a special lady-friend in my life.

Probably the easiest way to feel better about myself is to attempt to find a significant other by puttin myself out there, but I'm not the most sociable person in the world because of my anxiety issues. Naturally, my next obvious step would be online dating! To be honest, I've tried out a couple of dating sites in the past with no luck, but maybe I should give another go at it.

However, my anxiety always kicks into high-drive every time I do a simple internet search for dating websites, as there are too many out there to choose from. Plus, if I do find a site that I like, what are the chances of me actually finding a female friend that is close to where I live? Do I put a profile on a free dating site? Or should I spend money on a premium website?

Saturday, December 16, 2017

Holiday Gift Guide: Kingsman: The Golden Circle Blu-ray


Kingsman: The Golden Circle Blu-ray


Studio
Fox Home Entertainment

Rating
R

Running Time
141 minutes

Retail
$34.99

Where to Purchase

Description

Kingsman: The Secret Service introduced the world to Kingsman. In Kingsman: The Golden Circle, our heroes face a new challenge when their headquarters are destroyed and the world is held hostage. Their journey leads them to the discovery of an allied spy organization in the US called Statesman, and in a new adventure, these two elite, secret organizations band together to defeat a ruthless common enemy in order to save the world, something that’s becoming a bit of a habit for Eggsy. Kingsman: The Golden Circle stars Colin Firth, Julianne Moore, Taron Egerton, Mark Strong, Halle Berry, with Elton John and Channing Tatum, and Jeff Bridges.

Blu-ray Special Features

KINGSMAN: INSIDE THE GOLDEN CIRCLE (Multi-chaptered Documentary)
  • Distilling The Story: Kingsman Returns
  • Trafficker, Tailor, Southerner, Spy
  • Poppy’s Special Guest: Elton John
  • Nefarious Lairs & High-Falutin’ Headquarters
  • Suited And Booted
  • Weapons of Choice
  • Brothers In Arms
  • Doomsday Protocol: Visual Effects
  • End Game
Black Cab Chaos: Anatomy of a Killer Chase
Kingsman Archives
  • Concept Art: Sets, Costumes (36 Images)
  • Stills: Behind The Scenes, Sets, Props, The Cast (52 Images) 



My Thoughts

Friday, December 15, 2017

Book Blogger Hop: December 15th - 21st




Instructions: Select all code above, copy it and paste it inside your blog post as HTML


Welcome to the new Book Blogger Hop!

If you want schedule next week's post, click here to find the next prompt question. To submit a question, fill out this form.

What to do:

1. Post on your blog answering this question:

  This week's question is submitted by Maria @ A Night's Dream of Books!


Which book(s) would you like Santa to bring you this year?

2. Enter the link to your post in the linky list below (enter your Blog Name and the direct link to your post answering this week’s question. Failure to do so will result in removal of your link).


3. Visit other blogs in the list and comment on their posts. Try to spend some time on the blogs reading other posts and possible become a new follower.  The purpose of the hop is to give bloggers a chance to follow other blogs, learn about new books, befriend other bloggers, and receive new followers to your own blog.
  

My Answer:

Sleeping Beauties by
Stephen King & Owen King


Linky List:

Thursday, December 14, 2017

Winter Reads: Seeds of Hope


Gilead Publishing; 270 pages; Buy Link; Blog Tour
Now available from Gilead Publishing is the Amish-romance Seeds of Hope, book one in the Harvest of Hope Series, by Barbara Cameron.

The novel centers on an Amish woman named Miriam Troyer, who receives a blast from the past when her childhood crush, Mark, returns to the Amish community.

Mark isn't Amish, but instead he was raised an Englischer, but spent his summers on his grandfather's farm in Paradise, Pennsylvania. After losing his job as lawyer, he finds himself traveling back to Paradise to help his family's farm with the harvest, which is more of a way for him to distract his mind of his recent failures. He keeps telling himself that's he's only just visiting and not planning on staying, well, that is until he meets and old friend - Miriam.


Cameron pin2


Final Thoughts

Interview & Giveaway with Carol DeMent, author of Saving Nary


Author Carol DeMent has taken time out of her busy schedule to talk about her book Saving Nary, which is now available on Amazon!





When did you become interested in storytelling?

I always like to write things down but storytelling didn’t really occur to me until I felt the urge to tell a particular story, that of the refugees who survived the Cambodian genocide.

What was your first book/story published?

“Savng Nary” is my first full-length novel. I’ve had a few articles and stories published in professional journals and cycling newspapers here and there over the last twenty years.

What inspired you to write “Saving Nary”?

In the late 1980’s I was working at a refugee center non-profit in Olympia, Washington, helping to resettle refugees from Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. This was right after I had come from two years as a Peace Corps volunteer in Thailand, so I was very familiar with the cultures and the issues the refugees had lived through and were now facing. Their stories were heartbreaking and planted the seeds for the book I would later write.

What character in "Saving Nary" is the most/least like you, and in what ways?

I would say Gail is most like me because we both taught English to refugees and had a “hook” that enabled us to move quickly and more deeply into friendship with our students. For me, it was having lived in SE Asia; for Gail, it was her handicap and how matter-of-factly the Cambodians accepted her – without pity or embarrassment. Also, we both have a bit of the rebel in us!

What is your favorite part in "Saving Nary"?

Well, my initial try at answering this question gave away a major plot point, so I am going to be a little vague here. But I love the party scene, where the protagonist, Khath, sees a photo of a person he believes may have been Khmer Rouge in Cambodia. The ensuing chaos destroys a perfectly wonderful celebration and pulls the plot into darker territory. And just when things were starting to go so well for our protagonist!!

What was the hardest part to write?

Wednesday, December 13, 2017

Stucco and Brick Siding



Brick Siding

Brick siding is a nice-looking choice generally as it is deliberated to last a lifetime. This together with its elegant, rustic, and attractive aesthetic have many homeowners coming back to brick exterior siding. You can find buildings and houses around 100 years ago with the brick siding still in good form.

Brick siding originates in regular brick masonry (solid brick) plus as brick veneer which is a completed exterior that assembles on the house as contrasting to solid brick that holds up the house! Brick veneer is typically a thinner coat on the exterior of the home like old-style siding. Below are the cons and pros of brick siding:

PROS

  • Brick can effortlessly last a lifetime, 100 plus years, with just a over-all wash every now and then.
  • Brick siding is extremely fire resilient.
  • No wood ants  or termites will be recovered inside of brick siding.
  • Brick never requires to be finished or repainted, weathers gorgeously, and will not decay or fade.
  • Since it’s durable, termite proof, and fire resistant, home insurance is generally lower for brick siding homes permitting you to recuperate your investment faster.

CONS

  • Brick siding is certainly one of the more costly choices for siding, fluctuating from $10 – $15 per square foot.
  • Color option is set once you choose on the kind of brick, no renovating allowed.
  • Ultimately the mortar joints can depreciate and require to be substituted.
  • Long fitting period if you are getting the job done by yourself.

Stucco Siding

Interview & Giveaway with Kimberly Love, author of You Taste Like Whiskey and Sunshine




Author Kimberly Love has taken a few minutes out of her busy schedule to talk her new book "You Taste Like Whiskey and Sunshine."




When did you become interested in storytelling?

Probably around the time that I was 18 or 19, so a good almost 20 years ago. I always had stories to tell, but I didn’t know how to tell them. I slowly got interested in how to write a book, though I’ve been reading my whole life.

What was your first book/story published?

I wrote a romance novel in 2009, and it wasn’t my best work I have to admit. Mainly because it wasn’t the genre I should have been in. I published You Taste Like Whiskey and Sunshine almost ten years later and I’ve grown so much as a writer, that I have to say that it’s certainly a far superior book.

What inspired you to write You Taste Like Whiskey and Sunshine?

I guess changing my life is what inspired me to write, You Taste Like Whiskey and Sunshine. I had gone through some pretty horrendous things in my life, things that I talk about in the book. I could have let those things, like abuse, haunt me but instead, I accepted the fact that it made me the person I am today and to acknowledge that I didn’t deserve those things. I’ve moved on and now I’m just hoping to help others to get rid of their demons.

What character in You Taste Like Whiskey and Sunshine is the most/least like you, and in what ways?

It’s a memoir, so it’s all like me.😀

What is your favorite part in You Taste Like Whiskey and Sunshine?

I love the chapter title: Dating is Cool, But Have You Ever Tried Stuffed Crust Pizza! It’s a hilarious take on the ups and downs of dating in today’s society!

What was the hardest part to write?

I experienced familial emotional abuse from an older sister while I was growing up. It certainly impacted a huge part of my life. I’ve moved on from those experiences but digging it all up again was by no means an easy ordeal. I prefer my demons tucked away nicely in a locked closet.

What would your ideal career be, if you couldn't be an author?

I can’t imagine being anything else but an author. But if I had to choose something else, it would have to be something in the world of an entrepreneur. I do not function in a 9-5 atmosphere. I need to have flexibility and freedom.

Do you read reviews of your books? If so, do you pay any attention to them, or let them influence your writing?

“I’ll Be Your Huckleberry” by Dawn Luedecke




One thing I love doing in my book is putting in different foods that would have been popular in the time and setting in which I’m writing. Montana is filled with huckleberries, cherries, and asparagus. So I must confess that these often make appearances in my books. In book 2 of the Montana Mountain Romance series, WILD PASSION, the heroine is a camp cook.

I once had a friend ask me if huckleberries were real. She thought it was nothing more than a famous phrase uttered by the ever so sexy Val Kilmer as Doc Holiday in Tombstone. But what does “I’m your huckleberry” or “I’ll be your huckleberry” mean? According to urban dictionary, it was a popular nineteenth century slang phrase meaning “I’m the man you’re looking for.” It’s such fun phrase that it has become a popular answer in my own family (as my husband is a huge Tombstone fan…both the movie and the actual town).

But I digress.

Huckleberries are one of the most delicious berries I have ever tasted, and they are a Montana staple. Many Montanan’s wait all year for huckleberry season so they can go up to the mountain slopes and pick gallons upon gallons of berries. Jam, syrup, honey, even huckleberry pies and shakes are a popular guilty pleasure in the Big Sky State.

I am currently working on putting together a free downloadable cookbook which will feature recipes featured in all three Montana Mountain Romance books. For you, I’m going to give you a preview of one of my favorite Wild Passion recipes. And guess what…it’s huckleberry. 
 




About the Author

Tuesday, December 12, 2017

Holiday Gift Guide: Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Final Chapters DVD


Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
The Final Chapters
DVD


Studio
Nickelodeon

Rating
PG

Running Time
268 Minutes

Discs
2

Retail
$16.99
 
Where to Purchase

Description

The half-shell heroes go full throttle on their final missions!

First, the turtles clash with some classic movie monsters before traveling to another dimension and allying themselves with the great rabbit samurai Miyamoto Usagi. And in a post-apocalyptic feature, a battle-worn Raphael and Donatello must fight their way through a mutant wasteland in order to reunite with their long-lost brothers. Plus, old enemies return for a shocking rumble in a special double episode!




My Thoughts

Monday, December 11, 2017

Holiday Gift Guide: DESPICABLE ME 3 Blu-ray


DESPICABLE ME 3 Blu-ray


Studio
Universal Pictures Home Entertainment

Rating
PG

 Running Time
90 minutes

Retail
$34.98 (Blu-ray)

Where to Purchase

Description
Illumination, the studio that brought you Sing, The Secret Life of Pets and the Despicable Me franchise, continues the adventures of Gru and his family in Despicable Me 3. After he is fired from the Anti-Villain League for failing to take down Balthazar Bratt (Trey Parker, “South Park,” Team America: World Police), the latest evil mastermind to threaten humanity, Gru finds himself in the midst of a major identity crisis. But when a mysterious stranger shows up to inform Gru that he has a long-lost twin brother — a brother who desperately wishes to follow in his twin’s despicable footsteps — the former super-villain rediscovers just how good it feels to be bad.

Academy Award® nominee Steve Carell (Foxcatcher) reprises his hilarious role as reformed criminal mastermind Gru, as well as his newly discovered twin, Dru. The all-star voice cast also features Kristen Wiig (Bridesmaids, Despicable Me 2), Miranda Cosgrove (Despicable Me 1 & 2, School of Rock), Steve Coogan (The Secret Life of Pets, Philomena), Jenny Slate (Zootopia, The Secret Life of Pets), Dana Gaier (Despicable Me 1 & 2) and legendary singer and actress Julie Andrews (The Sound of Music, Mary Poppins).

Blu-ray Bonus Features

  • All-New Mini Movie The Secret Life of Kyle 
  • Minion MomentsWatch the Minions cause more hilarious mayhem with Gru.
  • Deleted SceneWith intro by Dana Gaier, the voice of Edith
  • Character ProfilesThe inside scoop on the most popular characters, from the actors who play them. 
  • The Making of Despicable Me 3A behind-the-scenes look at the making of the movie. 
  • Developing Dru Behind the scenes character development of Dru. 
  • The AVL FilesThrough the lens of the Anti-Villain League’s hi-tech database, this ultra secret, interactive surveillance briefing showcases all of the agency’s amazing creations and top agents. 
  • Freedonia Visitors Guide Welcome to Freedonia! See all that the town has to offer with this interactive map. From its world class cheese, to its beautiful coastline, Freedonia has it all!
  • Despicable Me TV Tune in for some fabulous fun with these Despicable Me 3 infomercials. Includes “Balthazar Bratt Action Figure,” “Bad Boy Bod by Balthazar Bratt” and “Agnes’ Super Cute, Incredibly Amazing Toy Sale.”
  • “Doowit” Sing-Along Sing along with Pharrell Williams as the Minions plot their escape from prison.
  • “Yellow Light” Music Video — Official music video by Pharrell Williams Minion Mugshots — The Minions add to the long list of celebrity mugshots in their very own “rogues gallery.”
  • Wanted PostersHave you seen these Minions wanted for various crimes?




My Thoughts

Sunday, December 10, 2017

Holiday Gift Guide: Game of Thrones: The Complete Seventh Season DVD



Game of Thrones: The Complete Seventh Season DVD


Studio
HBO Home Entertainment 

Retail
$59.99 (DVD)
$74.99 (Blu-ray)

Running Time
437 minutes

Number of Discs
5

Rating
TV-MA

Where to Purchase
Amazon (DVD)
Amazon (Blu-ray)

 Description

The long winter is here. Throughout seven thrilling episodes, the penultimate Season 7 focuses on a convergence of armies and attitudes that have been brewing for years. As the seasons begins, Daenerys Targaryen - accompanied by her Unsullied army and emboldened by Dothraki/Ironborn allies and her lethal trio of dragons - has finally set sail for Westeros with Tyrion Lannister, her newly appointed Hand. Jon Snow has apparently consolidated power in the North after his spectacular conquest of Ramsay Bolton and the return of Winterfell to Stark control. In King's Landing, Cersei Lannister, bereft of any surviving heirs, has successfully seized the Iron Throne. But as these and others factions drive towards new alliances or (more likely) violent conflicts, the cold specter of another, apocalyptic threat - in the form of an army of undead White Walkers - threatens to undermine the status quo and obliterate the outcome of these smaller, all-too-human rivalries.

DVD Exclusive Bonus Features

  • Conquest & Rebellion: An Animated History of the Seven Kingdoms- From the Game of Thrones realm comes the never-before-seen story of the tumultuous events that shaped the world of Westeros for thousands of years before the series start. Cast members Pilou Asbæk (Euron Greyjoy), Nikolaj Coster-Waldau (Jaime Lannister), Aidan Gillen (Littlefinger), Conleth Hill (Varys), Harry Lloyd (Viserys Targaryen) and Sophie Turner (Sansa Stark) team up to narrate the animated telling of Aegon Targaryen’s attempts to conquer the Seven Kingdoms, written by show writer Dave Hill. 
  • From Imagination to Reality: Inside the Art Department- Extensive two-part featurette detailing the astonishing work of Production Designer Deborah Riley and her Art Department, dissecting the process behind the creation of this season’s incredible new sets, including Dragonstone, Casterly Rock, Highgarden, the Dragonpit, and more. 
  • Fire & Steel: Creating the Invasion of Westeros- Revisit this season’s most pivotal moments with this behind-the-scenes featurette, including interviews with key cast and crew breaking down how fans’ favorite moments were created. 
  • Audio Commentaries - Commentaries on every episode with cast and crew including David Benioff, D.B. Weiss, Jacob Anderson, Gwendoline Christie, Liam Cunningham, Kit Harington, Lena Headey, and more.


My Thoughts

How to Make Your Landscape Look Better



In winter and autumn when the rest of the garden dies, do your garden a favor and add an outdoor water fountain. A pot fountain, nestled in a boulder, adds structure and beauty to the outdoor area. Keep all-season charm in mind when selecting the size and placement of a water garden, chiefly if the material can endure the elements. Even if the water is tapped in the winter, the pot fountain or garden can be a lovely sculptural element.

Best For: Gardeners who prefer all-season concern for their courtyard fountains. A pot fountain or water garden with natural character acts as a focal point when greenery is less prominent and a subtle accent when the garden is in coloration.

Include a Stand-Alone Pond

A little stand-alone pond on a deck or patio or in a garden can be a stimulating architectural article. Plus: It can be a cheap way to begin working with water plants and possibly even a few fish.

Best For: Gardeners who want to explore into backyard fountain potentials but at a controllable level. A self-confined pond needs more upkeep but also offers more garden prospects.

Use a Minute Waterfall as a Pot Fountain Accent

As a borderline, a small water aspect is a good way to taper off and vividly end a flowerbed. For example, the large boulder assortment can signal a discontinuing point for the planted region that jewels the back patio; it also inspires visitors to admire and stop both the flowers and the stream. The sound of dwindling water adds an attractive element to the neighboring deck.

Best For: Gardeners who need the structural and sound appeal of flowing water but not essentially water plants. A small waterfall can be enclosed by plants but might need to not include water plants.

Enlarge a Stream in Garden Fountains

Particularly for bigger backyard fountains with realistic design, a stream can be an amazing way to encompass backyard fountains and add an extensive sense of adventure to an outdoor space. Garden fountains don't require to be excessively wide, but they can make use of both the hardscape articles such as rocks and a diversity of plants to mix it with the surrounding landscape.

Best For: Gardeners who want to emulate the desire of a woodland stream. As it gurgles and trickles along, a fountain stream can lead visitors to resting spots and secret niches.

Saturday, December 9, 2017

Holiday Gift Guide: JUMANJI: The Complete Animated Series DVD


JUMANJI: The Complete Animated Series DVD


Studio
Mill Creek Entertainment

Rating
Not Rated

Running Time
14 hours 25 minutes

Discs
3

Retail
$14.98

Where to Purchase
Amazon

Mill Creek Entertainment

Description

Based on the blockbuster feature film, this exciting animated series continues the amazing saga of two children, Judy and Peter Shepherd, who discover a mysterious and magical board game called Jumanji. Once they start playing, their lives will never be the same. Sucked into a swirling vortex and emerging in the parallel jungle universe of Jumanji, they meet a fellow traveler who has been trapped in the game for over 20 years. Navigating two worlds - their hometown real world and the disturbing fantasy jungle of the board game - as they try to help Alan break the spell, Judy, Peter and Alan encounter thrills and adventures that also help them learn important lessons about life.



Final Thoughts

Friday, December 8, 2017

Book Blogger Hop: December 8th - 14th




Instructions: Select all code above, copy it and paste it inside your blog post as HTML


Welcome to the new Book Blogger Hop!

If you want schedule next week's post, click here to find the next prompt question. To submit a question, fill out this form.

What to do:

1. Post on your blog answering this question:

  This week's question is submitted by Maria @ A Night's Dream of Books!


If you celebrate Christmas, do you feel the need to stop reading anything but Christmas-themed romances as the holiday season starts?

2. Enter the link to your post in the linky list below (enter your Blog Name and the direct link to your post answering this week’s question. Failure to do so will result in removal of your link).


3. Visit other blogs in the list and comment on their posts. Try to spend some time on the blogs reading other posts and possible become a new follower.  The purpose of the hop is to give bloggers a chance to follow other blogs, learn about new books, befriend other bloggers, and receive new followers to your own blog.
  

My Answer:

Not really. While I do read a few Christmas-themed books around this time of year, I also read other books.


Linky List:

The Deuce: The Complete First Season Digital HD Giveaway!



Now available on Digital HD from HBO Home Entertainment is the 1970s drama The Deuce: The Complete First Season, featuring all 8 episodes. The series will be released on Blu-ray and DVD on February 13, 2018.

The series is set during the early 1970s in New York City's Times Square, The Deuce gives viewers an up-close look at the gritty world of sex and crime, as the porn industry begins its climb to legitimacy, cultural permanence, and billion-dollar profitability.

This eight-episode series, which has a 93% Certified Fresh rating from Rotten Tomatoes, is “Vibrant…relentlessly interesting.” (The New York Times). The DVD and Blu-RayTM include exciting bonus content including exclusive audio commentaries from the cast and crew, including James Franco (Oscar® nominee for 127 Hours), Maggie Gyllenhaal (Oscar® nominee for Crazy Heart), and David Simon (The Wire, Treme, Show Me a Hero), cast interviews on this unique period in history, and more. 

Digital Download Bonus Features Include:
  • The Deuce in Focus- Delve inside The Deuce with Michelle MacLaren, James Franco and Roxann Dawson as they talk about bringing the show to life. 
  • The Wild West: New York in the Early '70s- Head back in time in this featurette that focuses on the frontier of the pornography business--New York City in the early 1970s--with the cast and crew of The Deuce. Creators David Simon and George Pelecanos plus James Franco and his co-stars open up about this unique period in NYC history as porn moved from the street to the mainstream screen.

Giveaway Details

  • The Deuce: The Complete First Season Digital HD
  • 2 Winners
  • Sponsored by HBO Home Entertainment
  • Must be 18+ age to enter.
  • USA Entries Only
  • Note: Blogger is responsible for sending the digital code to the winners.
  • Digital HD code can be redeemed at: www.hbodigitalhd.com/


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