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between 12:01 am on 5/28/11 and 11:59 pm on 5/30/11 (US/Central).

Ramdom Things

I am so behind this week.
 Here are 13 Random Things that have kept me busy.

1. Fulfilling a request to write a short story for a new collection. I don't know why I struggle so much writing erotica. Once I've muddled through it, it usually turns out pretty good if I do say so myself, but it sure is a battle crossing the finish line.

2. Making arrangements for my tattoo party for the 4th of June. I hate it when people say they are going to be here and when I call to confirm they are all like, I'm not sure... If I can..... We won't be coming after all... At this rate I'll have to reschedule and I was soooo looking forward to a new tattoo.
I am getting this one, but with thigh high black laced boots instead of the stripes stockings.


3. Preparing for my grand daughters' visit next Thursday/Friday.  I haven't seen her since before Christmas. I can only imagine how much she's grown.

4. Enjoying my new computer chair. I couldn't really afford it, but there was a huge 1/2 price sale and I couldn't turn it down. My old one was a health hazard just sitting in it. LOL





5. Dealing with my two son's drama. I won't get into it, but you'd think they were the teenagers and not 25 and 27 yr olds. Talk about childish. Geesh. I'm actually happy they live in another city right now lol

6. Catching up on laundry. It's so easy to get behind. I so miss having my own washer and dryer. It is the BIGGEST downfall to living in an 2 story apartment.

7. Trying so hard to lose weight. When I'm stressed or upset, guess what I go for? It's not good we live kitty corner from one of the best bakeries in the city.

8. Putting the finishing touches on my June 11th release. It is my 2nd Elle Laudan title, Mystified.. (Adult Site)
$1 from each copy sold will go to Mark's Run for A.L.S. (Lou Gehrigs' Disease)

9. I'm pretty pleased with the cover.

10. Blurb:

Legends come to life on Spirit Island, tossing a pair of rekindled lovers back in time. Tokoda comes face to face with the barbaric Sioux tribe, while Tara suffers a case of mistaken identity in the village of her Ojibwa ancestors. Tokoda vows to find Nara and bring her home safely. That is, if there is even a way for them to get back home at all.

11. Just finished putting together a book, CD, ebook and Calendar for the same fundraiser, WWR (Women Who Ride) Conga Ride/Fundraiser for Breast Cancer Research. Kickin' Cancer to the Curb. All proceeds go to this Fundraiser. I donate $1 from ever copy of She Rides sold to this cause.
               Back Cover


12. Putting together a Charity Cook Book where several authors have contributed recipes, childhood memories etc. I am looking for a few more authors to bring the page count up to a good number. All proceeds from this book will go to the Sunshine Foundation. Making dreams come true for kids with severe physical disabilities & life threatening illnesses.

Sample Page of Cookbook.. If you're interested in contributing, please send me an email to adellelaudanATyahoo.com. Please put Cookbook in the subject line.

13. Must take some down time just for me. I think I'll reward myself this weekend with a day of doing nothing but reading a good book. Any suggestions?

Happy Birthday Bob & New Cover Art!

Happy 70th Birthday Bob Dylan!

  

          Bob Dylan Now & Then

Here's my cover for my next Elle Laudan release, Mystified.
Created by the talented Lex Valentine
Not suitable for those under the age of 18 yrs old.

Coming on June 11th to Passion In Print

$1 from each Ebook or Print copy sold will go to

Mark’s Run for A.L.S

Featuring Colt Harley

Legends come to life on Spirit Island, tossing a pair of rekindled lovers back in time. Tokoda comes face to face with the barbaric Sioux tribe, while Tara suffers a case of mistaken identity in the village of her Ojibwa ancestors. Tokoda vows to find Nara and bring her home safely. That is, if there is even a way for them to get back home at all.

Breast Cancer Research Fundraiser

 Kickin' Cancer to the Curb!
Available in Print  Ebook  CD
Show your support and purchase your copy HERE


All proceeds go to 
WWR (Women Who Ride) Conga Ride/Fundraiser for Breast Cancer Research

I've been working hard with Flo, the founder of the Conga Ride, to help bring life to Debbie aka Boots' story with a photograph time line. 
I think it turned out beautiful, a real testament to cancer survivors, women who are fighting the beast, and those who are no longer with us.
I hope you'll take the time to purchase a copy. Remember, all proceeds go to Breast Cancer Research. More info HERE

Combo : Myths & Recipes

Combination this week. So busy lost track of time.

Myth #1: You can take weight off of specific body parts by doing exercises that target those areas.

Truth: This concept is called "spot training". For example, doing sit-ups will strengthen you abs but will not take the fat off of your stomach. Similarly, an activity like running burns fat all over your body, not just your legs. You can, however, compliment a balanced exercise program with a selection of weight training exercises to gradually lose weight and tone the body.

Recipe : Spinach-Berry Salad

1/3 c almonds, slivered

4 c baby spinach

3/4 c strawberries, quartered 

1 T balsamic vinegar

1 t Dijon mustard

1 t honey

3 T extra virgin olive oil

Salt and Pepper to taste

Place the almonds in a dry skillet or saute pan. Cook over low heat, shaking the pan the entire time until the almonds are toasting. Almonds are done when you start to smell a "nutty" scent.
Remove almonds from the pan to cool. (Do not cool in the skillet because they will burn from the heat that remains in the pan.) Wash and dry the spinach.

Prepare the dressing by placing the vinegar, mustard, and honey in a mixing bowl. Slowly whisk in the oil until all is incorporated. Place spinach in a large bowl. Add strawberries, almonds, and dressing. Toss to coat. If desired, season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Myth #2: Women who lift weights will bulk up.

Truth:  Women’s testosterone levels are much lower than men’s, so in most cases, they are not capable of building large muscles. In fact, since muscle takes up less room than fat, women tend to lose inches when they lift weights. So in addition to the physical benefits (increased metabolism, decreased risk of osteoporosis, increased strength), strength training will help you slim down too!

Recipe : Cool Cucumber Salad

1 large cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons cider vinegar 
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt
Pepper, to taste 

In a medium bowl, combine cucumber slices and onion slices; set aside. In a small bowl combine remaining ingredients. Add dressing to cucumber and onion, toss well. Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 hours.

Myth #3: If you can’t exercise hard and often, there’s really no point.

Truth: Even moderate activity is shown to reduce your risk for heart disease and stroke. If you don’t have 30 minutes in your day to exercise, try splitting it up into 10-minute segments instead. Everyone can find 10 minutes to spare sometime during the day! Remember that any exercise is better than none!

Recipe : Fresh Fruit Salad w/Honey-Yoghurt Dressing

1 cup low fat vanilla yogurt
2 T honey
½ t ground cinnamon
2 large, seedless oranges, peeled, sliced, and halved
½ large pineapple, peeled, cored, sliced, and cut in wedges
1 apple, cored and chopped
1 ripe pear, cored and sliced into wedges 
1 kiwifruit, peeled and sliced

 1. In a small bowl, combine the yogurt, honey and cinnamon. Stir well to blend  ingredients.
 2. Arrange fruit on plates and drizzle the honey-yogurt dressing on top.

Myth #4: Performing abdominal exercises will give you a flat stomach.

Truth: This is similar to Myth #1 above. The fact is, the only way to get a flat stomach is to strip away the fat around the midsection. This is accomplished by doing cardio/aerobic exercise (to burn calories), strength training (to increase metabolism) and following a proper diet. Abdominal exercises will help to build muscle in your midsection, but you will never see the muscle definition unless the fat in this area is stripped away.

Recipe : Tuna and White Bean Salad

2 cans chunk light tuna in water, drained
1 can White Beans (canelli) may substitute chick peas, drained
1 red bell pepper, diced
 ¼ cup red onion diced
 1 tbsp olive oil

Mix ingredients and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours.
Serve on a bed of greens.

Myth #5: You will burn more fat if you exercise longer at a lower intensity.

Truth: The most important factor in exercise and weight control is not the percentage of fat calories burned, but the total calories burned during the activity. The faster you walk, bike or swim, for example, the more calories you use per minute. Although you will be burning fewer "fat calories", you will be burning more total calories, and in turn, will lose more weight.

Recipe : Almond Chicken Salad w/Asparagus

2 cups asparagus tips, diagonally cut
1/2 cup plain, non-fat yogurt
1 teaspoon curry powder
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
2 cups cooked skinless, boneless chicken breast, chopped
1/2 cup red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
2 tablespoons sliced almonds, toasted
spinach leaves

1. Steam asparagus for 2 minutes or until crisp-tender. 

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the yogurt, curry, lemon juice and salt. 

3. Add asparagus, chicken, bell pepper, cilantro and almonds and toss to coat.

4. Serve on fresh spinach leaves.

Myth #6: No pain, no gain!

        Truth: Exercise should not be painful! At the height of your workout, you should be sweating and breathing   hard. You should not be so out of breath that you cannot answer a question, but should not be so comfortable that you can carry on a full conversation. That’s how you know you are working at a good level. It’s important to distinguish between muscle fatigue (feeling "the burn") and muscle/joint pain (sharp and uncomfortable pain during movement). Pain is your body’s way of telling you that you’re doing something wrong. Listen to your body. If it’s painful, stop!

Recipe : Sunshine Fruit Salad

3 20oz. cans pineapple chunks, in 100% juice

2 15oz. cans mandarin oranges, canned in light syrup, drained

3 medium kiwi fruits, sliced into bite-size pieces
2 large bananas


Open and drain pineapple, reserve the juice.

In a large bowl (preferably one with a lid if it needs to be transported) combine all of the fruit, except for the   bananas.
Stir the fruit, then pour in enough of the reserved pineapple juice to submerge most of the fruit.

Chill for at least 1 hour.

Before serving, slice and stir in the bananas.
Serve with a slotted as well as a regular spoon, so your guests may help themselves to as much of the pineapple juice as they'd like.

Recipe : Iced Coffee Drink

1 T chocolate Carnation Instant Breakfast mix

(you may use cocoa powder, but it will be gritty)

1 T instant coffee
2-3 packets of Splenda
2 oz. hot water
5 oz. cold water
2 oz. fat-free milk
1 Tbsp. fat-free liquid coffee creamer (your choice of flavor - I like Hazelnut!)
Lots of ice

1) Combine breakfast mix, coffee, Splenda, and hot water in 16 oz. glass.
2) Add cold water, milk, and coffee creamer. Stir.
3) Fill cup up the rest of the way with ice.
You can top with fat-free Cool Whip and ground cinnamon or cocoa powder if you would like a more "Starbucks" appearance. (Not included in nutrition info.)

Recipes Courtesy of SparkPeople www.sparkpeople.com

Rain Rain Go Away...

I'm not a huge Glee fan, but my youngest loves it, and I have to admit, the music part of the show is usually pretty entertaining. So, if you like the show or not, I think this is a great mix for a rainy day. Enjoy!

Guest - Rie McGaha

On Becoming a Marine by Rie McGaha

I've been many things in my forty-twelve years, everything from wife to mother to counselor to Nana and many, many other things inbetween. I also have several causes that mean a lot to me and one of them is our military. My youngest son, Cody, along with four of his brothers and sisters, and I watched the TV with rapt attention as events unfolded on 9/11/2001. I remember feeling horrified, yet disbelieving as the second plane crashed into the Twin Towers, and I my children who were still at home to try and console while also trying to make sense out of what was happening for them. After a while I told my children, who were home schooled, that they had the day off and needed to go outside for a while. I didn't want them watching the destruction hour after hour like I did. On their way out, Cody was last and stopped at the door and looked up at me. He said, "Mom, when I grow up I'm going to be a Marine and stuff like that won't happen anymore." He was eleven years old.

Cody never wanted to be anything else. He was a Marine in the making. Although a rather lazy student who did as little as possible when it came to schoolwork, he never lost sight of being a Marine. When he turned sixteen he found out that he could join the Marine Corps at age seventeen and asked if I would sign the permission slip for him. Knowing my son would be devastated (and make my life unbearable) if I said no I decided I would make a deal with him. I told him I would sign the permission forms if he picked up his grades and graduated before he turned seventeen. After all, he couldn't join without a diploma either. Although I knew he was capable of the work, I also knew he was lazy when it came to schoolwork, and never thought he would put forth the effort to graduate a year and a half ahead of others his age. Boy, was I wrong!

He graduated in February 2007, and turned seventeen the following April. One month later, on May 7, 2007 my baby boy was on his way to Camp Pendleton for boot camp. This was the longest and worse fourteen weeks of my life. Cody is my baby and he and I had never been separated for more than a couple of days at a time in his entire life. Fourteen weeks seemed like years. On August 4, 2007 we flew to California for boot camp graduation. It was the proudest day of my life.

I continue to be proud of not only my son but every mother's son and daughter who serves this country proudly and bravely. They are American heroes and deserve not only our respect but our support and undying gratitude. There are several organizations who work to help our wounded warriors, homeless vets, and those who can't find jobs once they return home. Please support our military in whatever way you can.

Cup Of Joe For A Joe - http://www.greenbeanscoffee.com/coj/faq.php

Soldiers Angels - http://www.soldiersangels.org/

Feed Our Vets - http://www.feedourvets.org/index/home

Wounded Warrior Project - http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/

Hire Heroes USA - http://www.hireheroesusa.org/

Calen by Rie McGaha

Blurb:

When Calen MacLeod begins having dreams of an ethereal beauty who beckons to him, he passes it off as just having an itch he hasn't scratched in a long time. But when he leaves on a journey to find her, following the directions she's given him in his dreams, he begins to doubt his sanity. And when he finds himself high in the Mackinaw Mountains in a secret fortress with unicorns and a pink and white castle, surrounded by women, each one more beautiful than the next, it's a fantasy no man would want to wake up from. But Arianna is the only woman for Calen.

The women of the Fortress have lived in peace, hidden away from the humans who tried to annihilate them all. But now a 500-year-old demon is out to destroy the women's matriarch, Ariella, and he'll stop at nothing to complete his mission. When Calen MacLeod shows up, he throws a wrench into Damon's plans. Never let it be said Damon isn't ready for anything, but when he kidnaps Arianna and takes her to modern day San Francisco, is he ready to meet Calen, who will stop at nothing to save his ladylove?

Excerpt 

The fire rose in the dark, casting its light in a wide circle. The woman stood with her hands raised over her head, her back arched and her face tilted toward the moonless sky. Only a backdrop of black velvet covered in stars glittering like diamonds lay overhead. She chanted in a language strange to his ears while her body swayed rhythmically. Blue, red and yellow sparks shot from the fire. The wind gusted and blew her long hair back, while her sheer gown billowed around her. He was mesmerized, enchanted, aroused. He remained in the shadows, wanting her, but not wanting to intrude. Suddenly, all went still, and she looked directly at him. Though he remained hidden, he sensed she knew he was there. She began walking toward him, but stayed  within the circle of light cast by the fire.

"Come," she whispered.

He stood frozen in place.

"Come to me," she whispered again.

He remained where he was.

"When you are ready to know, come to me."

Calen bolted upright, ready for action, but nothing stirred. A dream, he thought, his eyes growing accustomed to the darkness. 

Thanks for the most interesting Blog Post, Rie. It was a pleasure to have you here today. 

 If anyone is interested in more info on this book, visit  http://www.riemcgaha.com/ 

***If anyone knows why such a big space shows up between the post and the end, can you please tell me how to get rid of it. Thanks! 

Thursday Thirteen

I thought I’d have a little fun today and share my thoughts on a few Stars/Shows in the Spotlight

1. American Idol Judges

There is definitely a new flavour to Idol this year.
Steven Tyler? How’d that happen? Aerosmith is one of my favourite bands, but a judge on Idol? There is definitely more to that story...maybe his new best-selling book?
Jennifer Lopez? Hmmm, is it a coincidence she has this new album? Dance on the Floor? I think she needs to dance in the closet LOL If she did a better job of her lip syncing, I might actually enjoy her videos.
Randy Jackson? The new Simon? I’m a little ticked off with Randy (and Jennifer) about their attacks on Haley the past couple of weeks. I’m sure that’s the intention, but I still think he’s a jerk.

2. American Idol Finalist – James Durbin

I think he’s great. He is definitely the next Big Name from Idol contestants, following Chris Daughtry and Hedley.

3. American Idol Finalist – Scotty McCreery

He’s only 16yrs old, but could he be the next Johnny Cash? He’s got a long career ahead of him, win or lose.


4. American Idol Finalist – Haley Reinhart

Haley is my favourite female artist. I love her style, and the fact she sings what she loves, no matter what. Yes, she’s been given a hard time lately. Last week because of her Gaga song, and this week, Michael Jackson song. She sang the crap out of both and Randy and Jennifer had nothing good to say.

5. American Idol Finalist – Lauren Alaina

It is my prediction she will be the one to go tonight. She’s good, she wouldn’t have made it this far if somebody didn’t like her. I think she needs more experience, confidence to make a name for herself.

6. Dancing with the Stars – Kirstie Alley

Can someone say OMG? While I admire her for putting herself out there the way she has, what’s with the potty mouth? She talks like she’s a trucker when being interviewed. Maybe she thinks its humour, I think it was funny at first, but enough is enough. More power to her though, at 60 years old, she’s really working hard.

7. Charlie Sheen

He’s laughing all the way to the bank. Yes, he’s a jerk, and has about as much class as Howard Stern, but he’s making a killing from all the negative media. I predict it won’t be long before he crashes.

8. Movie – Thor – Chris Hemsworth

This is the movie I want to see most. I love that he’s a blond, and I love his muscles...just saying ;)

9. The Voice

I watched a whole show this week for the first time. I’d watched bits and pieces before, but I’m glad I tuned in. It’s actually quite good, and I found my new favourite emerging star. See #10

10. The Voice Favorite Contestant – Vicci Martinez

Wow, what a voice on her. She’s amazing. Who cares if she’s gay? Wake up people, this is the 21st century. The girl rocks the house, isn’t that what it’s all about? I’d love to see her win the whole thing.

11. Adele

I love her. I love her voice, her music, her personality, her style.



12. Devine Design – Candice Olson

I love design shows. My daughter wants to be a designer.
Candice’s makeovers are amazing.


13. Justin Bieber

I have two teen daughters, and you can’t even say his name without them going, ewwwww!
He’s cute, I guess. This is the only song they like of his.

Weightloss Wednesday

Total Weight Loss = 10 pounds

I feel like a failure. I've totally veered off the healthy path to weight loss. I quit smoking after 35 years, why can't I do this? I think in part, food is a 'must have'. Cigarettes you can completely cut out of your life. Food, you can't.

I know now, with no doubt, I am an emotional eater. Some people wallow in booze and drugs, some depression, for me, it's food.

So, I'm trying the scare tactic. I have planned events I cannot get out of this summer. I'll either show up heavy, or not. The choice is mine. Other than my daughters' Grade 8 graduation, in 2009, my mothers funeral in 2010,  doctors visits, and groceries some of the time, I have become a self-imposed prisoner in my own home. I'm not making light of the fact, I'm finally owning up to it. The thought of someone seeing me from my life, before moving to the big city, scares the bejeesus out of me.

I've never had a weight problem my whole life. I was what some might say, a tall drink of water. I could eat anything and not gain a pound. It was after my last child, who was born six months before my back surgery, I started gaining weight. It was a slow process of up and down, that is until almost 3 years ago when I separated, moved to the big city, and quit smoking, my weight spiralled out of control.

There is no way of taking back yesterday, so I begin this journey all over again with this post. I've booked a tattoo party in my home for June 4th and 5th, so whether I like it or not, I will face people again. I WILL lose some weight before then.

So this is why I've shied away from Wellness Wednesday last week. Simply because I was embarrassed. Guess what?  I'm human. It's okay to mess up.The winners in life, pick themselves up again and brush themselves off.  It's a new day!  On my mark...get set...go...

Until next time,
Be Healthy & Healthy

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Thursday Thirteen

Thirteen of my Favorite Kustom Graphics 

True Kustom Ind

There is another slide show and blog post at my weekly contribution at Ignition Nation

Some Wicked Paint

There is one reason I want to share this incredible artwork...Josh Bourassa. Josh is the owner of True Kustom Paint and Fabrication located in Denver CO. Yes, I am in awe of this man and his teams’ incredible talent, but it’s more than that. Despite huge success, the man remains approachable. So often we are introduced to these larger than life personalities, and you’ve got a snowball’s chance in hell of actually connecting with any of them on any level. Simply put, Josh is a nice guy.
This slide show is only a small sample of the paint put out by True Kustom. You can see much, much more on the WEBSITE