Friday Fun: Tag! You Are It!

H-E-L-L-O F-R-I-D-A-Y!!!

(Wacko's Hellllooooo Nurse! is stuck in my head today)

So Shannon over at Book Dreaming decided to pay me a visit this morning. Yep, she popped over to this here lil' Royal setting and told me I was tagged...now before I hyperventilated with worry as to what on earth she had tagged me for I grinned. Not just any grin, but a big one.

You see I have been a bit chaotic and busy lately. Not able to post as regularly, have missed my Wednesday writings and well am just now beginning to slow down even the tiniest bit. To some it might appear that my slow down and their slow down are TOTALLY different definitions, but I promise it really is beginning to be a little more laid back at the Castle. What had me smiling was the comments from Monday's post. There wasn't just one, but 9. Nine comments. Each one sweet, sincere and genuinely glad to have visited. I had not yet posted my own comment to everyone else and well I just wanted to say Hello & Thank you. You have all been so supportive during these adjustments for our Kingdom and have visited here each time I have posted. For that I am forever grateful. We all go on soapboxes every now and then about the wonderful community of writers, book bloggers & authors that we frequent, I often chime in and this time I just want to express the simple appreciation for y'all letting this Southern Princess prance around & feel so welcome. I hope that I am able to return the love in every way possible.

Now on to the tagging:

This is the one where you have to write the following list of items in your own handwriting and then post a pic of it here. I had to split mine up because my cell phone won't hold the whole thing legibly...so here goes...The instructions are to write the following items:
1. Name/Blog Name.

2. Right handed, left handed or both?

3. Favorite letters to write?

4. Least favorite letters to write?

5. Write: The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.

6. Write in caps:CRABHUMORKALEIDOSCOPEPAJAMASGAZILLION

7. Favorite song lyrics?

8. Tag 7 people.

9. Any special note or drawing?

Okay so the ones who are now tagged:

if you cannot decipher on the photo here they lovelies are again...(if you have already done this one, please just divert your post to the link) ;o)

Jemi @ Just Jemi

Lola Sharp @ Sharp Pen/Dull Sword

DL Hammons @ Cruising Altitude

Karen Amanda Hooper @ Eternal Moonshine of a Daydreaming Mind

Frankie Mallis @ Frankie Writes

Talli @ Talli Roland

Summer @ ...and this time concentrate

Okay, whew! Well that was fun! I hope you all enjoyed this odd look into my handwriting!
Have a wonderful weekend and be sure to check out DL's Fantabulous HIGH DRAMA BLOGFEST tomorrow..should be a great one!

Also be sure to check out Lola's AWESOME Whatever Lola Wants or her Back from Maine Contest!!!!

*I should add one disclaimer...um I change my signature about every 3 months, so the way I write my name can be different at a moment's notice.

Wednesday's Written Word: Beloved + Love Letter Blogfest...

My Wednesday's Written Word has been taken over by loving thoughts for the literary characters who stole my heart years ago... Frankie came up with this idea in order to honor our literary loves the day ECLIPSE premiered. It is for some to showcase Jacob & Edward and for others to give light on their favorite literary loves.

The word for today is Beloved and it is for more than one man! *GASP* yes, I am in the love triangle (really a square) so commonly found within the pages of our books, so common that it is rare to ever select a book that does not have the now expected 3 hearts where one is meant to be broken no matter the odds or actions of the others...

Yet here in my Kingdom my heart is safe, my love intact and my dreams filled with thoughts of not two but three men (I mean my husband isn't fiction but come on my heart beats for the real life humorous character who fills my days as well as the ones who fill my dreams)...

***

My Dearest Professor Bhaer,

It is over tea, as we both dislike coffee, that I revel in your sweet demeanor and unique wit. Try as I might to avoid running into you on my daily walks, it appears that fate has still managed to direct my hands.

You at once recognized my inky fingers for the writer I have hidden. Your kindness knows no bounds and your patience unlike any other.

It is in your sweet smile that I blush and lose all train of thought. You care not that I forget my umbrella in the rain, or run sometimes through the fields forgetting my stature. Your counseling when I need help is something I treasure.

I will never let your love for learning, your excitement for teaching those children who would not have the opportunity and your ability to make me forget everything around me when I feel your hand in mine be taken for granted.

Thank you my beloved Fritz.

Your dearest Courtney

Professor Friedrich "Fritz" Bhaer - Little Women 1868; Jo's Boys 1886; Little Men 1871 by Louisa May Alcott ( I read Little Women every summer, it has been that way since I was nine. It remains one of my favorite stories and Louisa is one of my favorite classic authors.)

Dear Colin,

At first I was unsure as to why your presence unnerved me. Your dashing good looks and loner demeanor made me suspicious. My own haven had become habit and the fear of the unknown tried to hold me back. But it was the kind heart that you tried so hard to conceal that when discovered stole my own.

You gave me a new outlook, a realization that love can see past the physical qualities that we think mar us to relationships. Instead you embraced me. The me from the inside, the soul, the spirit that yearned to be understood and wanted desperately to be seen as stronger than even I thought I could be. You saw that. You saw me and I am forever grateful.

It is your love that steered me beyond certain prejudice and opened a young mind to the idea that anything is possible, mysteries can be solved and love can remain through the test of time. Our journey through myth, legend, trust, fidelity, past lives and reincarnation planted the steps needed for my current imagination to continue creating stories.

Thank you Colin. I will love you always...

Courtney

Colin McCallum- The Court of Three Sisters by Marianne Willman 1994 (This, like Little Women, is a book that my young hands read over and over and over again. The spine is worn down almost to nothing, the pages crinkled, it was a book more than likely considered a bit too old for my young mind but my heart understood every page. I still read it now at least once a year. It holds the adventure, the romance, the paranormal, the unbelievable story line that has since inspired many of my own works.)

So please visit the other Love Letters and discover new dashingly delicious hunks/ladies to haunt your dreams...

Have A Wishful Wednesday!

For other blogfest entries and other Wednesday's Written Word entries please visit my Original Works page.

Continuing a "Wicked" Week!

Last Wednesday I threw out the challenge of writing a quick story, snippet, scene based around my word challenge of WICKED! It is always fun to see where someone's mind goes when a particular word directs them..hence the reason I love Wednesday's Written Word!

My Royal Court never disappoints. Here are the other entries I received:

from Christa:

“Wicked sweet,” he slapped me on the back.

I smiled and popped my skateboard into my hands. He doesn’t know what wicked is. “Yeah, yeah,” I shrugged him off. “I’m headed home.” Once I turned the corner from the skate park, I dropped through the pavement and dirt, pausing to watch a worm inch by as I loosened my hair from its ponytail so it fell to my shoulders, then landed in the den at home.

“Hey honey,” I kissed my husband on the cheek.

He set down his book and smiled up at me. “Good day?”

I shrugged. “It was fine, but I’m glad I’m home.” I plopped into the couch beside his chair. Sure, the beginning of the marriage had been rough, but we’d settled into a nice routine together.

Coming home to the God of the Underworld wasn’t too bad, if you thought about it.

from Riv Re:

I tossed in the final bit of powder into the pot. It made a loud boom, and I checked to make sure that no one heard and was coming in to check on me. The door was still closed and locked. I looked in the pot and it was a golden color. I held a plastic spoon over the pot and it began to sizzle and disintegrate. Smiling I opened up the little package and tossed it in. Another boom. And then the pot drained. I looked in and jumped back as a little cloud of mist rose. I shivered as it began to circle me.
"You call yourself wicked?" a voice hissed at me. I couldn't speak, so I just nodded.
This earned me a cackle from the mist. The hair rose along my spine.
"Sacrifice something for me, and then you will be under my protection," he commanded.
I nodded and rolled my sleeves up. My classmates wouldn't DARE mock me after this.
I picked up the little package with some tongs. I gave it a small squeeze and all of the liquid drained back out, now a silver color. But it was more steel gray than silver.
I held my hand over the pot. As I hesitated, my palm became hot, like the spoon. I gulped.
"Do it now," the voice hissed, right in my ear. The mist had mostly disappeared, but a bit was left, and it seemed to make the voice stronger.
I clenched my teeth together and plunged my hand into the pot. A silent scream escaped my mouth and I fell to the floor, unconscious.
I awoke to find my arm looking the same as before, but stronger, colder and full of dark magic. "Yes," I whispered to myself, smiling despite the lingering pain, "They won't dare make fun of me again."

from Kirthi:

He was wicked, in the bad way, with tattoos and black leather, and that horrible scar running down the side of his face. I guessed that he must’ve smoked too, and maybe did drugs. What scared me the most, however, was the way he looked at me. It was as if I were a thousand gold bars or as if I were a free, unlimited buffet or something. I didn’t want him to look at me like that, I didn’t want him to look at me at all, but I was afraid. What if he beat me up or stalked me? I knew one thing, that I didn’t like wicked people, that I would never like wicked people, that I never have liked wicked people.
Ironically, we’ve been married for 18 years now, and we’ve been in love for every single one of those years.

***

Okay now there happens to be an AWESOME contest over at the wonderful Frankie Writes!

Frankie's 500 Follower Contest Extravaganza ends June 6th

GO! CHECK IT OUT! - Oh Tell her The Princess sent you! Now go, scoot, enjoy your Tuesday!

Have a Terrific Tuesday!

WARNING LONG POST AHEAD: Flash'n Fanny-Awards-Tagged-Bonus

Don't forget my Memorial Day Word Challenge Contest!

Enter HERE

***

Whew! What a crazy week...for those of you who read of my sad little flashdrive Flora on Monday well, she is no longer with us. We were able to remove some files (thank you IT Guru) but not all of them. Some snippets for my WIP are gone - that made me cringe - and a few Critiques for my Crit Group - that also made me cringe - but overall the damage was minor. I did however bury Flora with sweet words before scooting over to the store and adopting our newest member. Meet:

FLASH'N FANNY!!!*

Oh yeah, she's trouble with a capital "T" and boy is she here to party! She happily accepted a few files yesterday while also telling me she can hold plenty more...this girl might be a bit wild,but we love her already!

Now, Fanny is getting settled in quite nicely so we hope to have a long relationship - though she did make eyes at Gavin the Gateway Laptop* and Tabitha the Toshiba* netbook huffed a little, but ah, what's life without crazy women! (yes we have a serious mixture of techie gadgets - we are a fully diverse household)

***

Now, just the other day I received recognition from some AMAZING bloggie buddies.

Shannon O' Donnell from Book Dreaming ever so sweetly honored me with the Happiness 101 award! I love this award - not only is it pretty but it means that every now and then I make someone happy they stopped by my blog. That is awesome. Shannon should know that there isn't a single post of hers that does not make me grin. I want to pass this on to:

Jaydee Morgan - Her posts are always full of great information and she always makes me smile!

Lola over at Sharp Pen/Dull Sword - Not only is she my Wolfpack leader, but her posts ALWAYS make me smile!! I mean who doesn't love someone who starts their profile with My name is Lola. (I'm not a showgirl). ;o)

Talli Roland - Talli's blog is filled with wonderful posts on books, her writing, photos of England that will make you yearn to cross the pond, Banoffee Pie and a sense of humor that is refreshing!

***

Summer over at ...and this time concentrate got extremely mushy and passed out the following award:

I have to say I was beyond words when I saw my name listed. I am honored to have made this list. I only hope that as we move further towards our dreams that I can continue to be worthy of her list.

Now I get the lovely pleasure of passing this on as well. You all may know that I have been blogging for a while. Since '07 really, but '07 & '08 I was blogging in hiding... i.e. I only let family know that I had a site and the site was purely a journal. Then in 2009 I decided to step out. I noticed that some authors listed blogs on their book jackets and well I decided to google a few. Through this exercise I discovered Writing Blogs.

You all welcomed this Princess with open arms. I discovered that my email inbox was beginning to be filled with correspondence much like Pen Pals from my youth. I began to open up, share things that I never would have imagined. (Wednesday's Written Word hasn't always been around, ya know? ;o) ) You critique and teach me things I am unaware of, you make me remember that writing is something I can do anytime, anywhere and you make me realize that dreams are important in life.

(It goes without saying my hubby & family deserve this award a thousand times over!) So many of you, in fact my entire Royal Court deserves this award. I know that there will be people I have yet to meet that deserve this acknowledgement & that is so awesome!

Here is a snippet of those who have pushed me to go further & continue to do so:

Shannon Messenger

Frankie Mallis

Shannon O'Donnell

Lola Sharp

Summer

SarahJayne Smythe

DL

Portia

Tara

JP

Lisa & Laura

Simon (this one is fairly unisex so no worries Simon)

Vivian Marie Aubin du Paris

Thank you all.

***

One of those wonderful names above *cough*DL*cough tagged me with the five question experience! Five questions - five answers for each question.

I am happy to oblige with my answers:

Question 1: Where were you five years ago?

1. At this very same desk - only 2 years into the job after college.

2. Planning my wedding for the following year.

3. Moving into my new house.

4. Discovering the ins and outs of really living with the man you are going to marry.

5. Loving life.

Question 2: Where would you like to be five years from now?

1. Loving life.

2. A published author (hopefully on book two or three or four)

3. Planning or preparing for a summer vacation

4. Possibly playing with my very own children...

5. Still enjoying the wonder that is blogging!

Question 3: What is (was) on your to do list today?

1. be sure to get everything before heading to visit the fam

2. WRITE

3. CRITIQUE

4. Watch my twin nephews play baseball

5. charge my phone ;o)
Question 4: What five snacks do you enjoy?

1. Candy Apple (I mean the traditional apple dipped in red hard candy...yum)

2. Cotton Candy

3. Watermelon Jolly Ranchers

4. Chocolate coated sunflower seeds

5. Twizzlers

*its amazing that I have teeth*

Question 5: What would you do if you were a billionaire?

1. OMG! - TRAVEL with the entire FAM

2. Go to Orlando more than the traditional twice a year that I already go (worked for Disney years ago and still get a few perks ;o) )

3. Heck - have a house in Orlando

4. Secure the future of my children & family - most importantly

5. Use it to share books with those who don't have the means or libraries that need the funding - perhaps open some sort of Indie library/store concept...hmmmm.....

Okay so there you have it - an extremely long Friday post. If you hung in here through the whole thing - thank you ever so much! if you didn't well then you missed out on this:

One random commenter on THIS post will win a copy of:

Incarceron by Catherine Fisher

Contest ends Sunday at midnight - announcement will be made on Monday along with the Word Challenge Winner!

Open internationally.

Must be a follower.

*None of the companies listed here paid me anything to list their brands - they should ;o) but they don't. The photo of Flash'n Fanny is from Office Depot. Yes we love our gadgets and yes I will shamelessly promote the affairs of my gadgets - their love life amuses me.

Have a Fantabulous Friday!

ROYAL COURT REMINDER & BIG NEWS FOR A GREAT FRIEND!!

Good morning members of my Royal Court!

First of all:

CONGRATULATIONS FRANKIE!!

You are amazing - I am so happy & proud of you! ;o)

CLICK HERE TO SEE WHY FRANKIE IS DOING A PERPETUAL HAPPY DANCE TODAY!!

Now: This is just a Royal Reminder!!!

LAST DAY TO ENTER MY DARK DIVINE CONTEST!!!

CLICK ON THE PHOTO ON THE RIGHT SIDEBAR

OR

Original Contest Post

You have until 11:59 PM EST tonight!

Winner will be announced on Monday May 10th!

As always, thanks for entering!

Now SHOO go over to Frankie's Blog and see what all the excitement is about...

Monday Memos...

Life is short and we have never too much time for gladdening the hearts of those who are traveling the dark journey with us. Oh be swift to love, make haste to be kind.

-Henri-Frederic Amiel

Just a reminder that there are tons of things going on out here in the blogging world!

Shannon's 400 Follower Hush, Hush Contest Shannon is giving away a (SIGNED) copy of Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

Frankie's 400 Follower Body Finder Contest! Frankie is giving away (SIGNED) The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting & some Swag!

Giveaway With Heart Sarah Ann is hosting a contest to benefit NightLight International - an organization that rescues girls in and at risk of trafficking and prostitution in Thailand.

Anne Riley's Murder Scene Blogfest is being held on April 10 so hurry over and sign up on her site!

Don't forget about My 100+ Follower Extravaganza! it ends on March 31!

Also, please don't forget to spread the word and/or donate to Team Brooklyn Rose. The widget for the March of Dimes is on my right sidebar. You can read my original post TEAM BROOKLYN ROSE

If you peruse my sidebar on the right you will see other contests as well!

So go ahead, get to clicking! ;o)

Have a wonderful Monday!

Anton Chekov makes this Long Winter Better & a few Birthday Shoutouts!

"People don't notice whether it's winter or summer when they're happy" -Anton Chekov

This is my mantra for this Winter.

I am always looking forward to Spring & Summer. I wish for warm weather and pine for sunny afternoons. This winter though, I have decided, is here to test me. Winter has decided to see if I can live by Chekov's words. I am glad to say that I think I am doing okay. There are moments where the wind cuts through me and I let the misery fill in my cuticles... but then all it takes is a weekend like this past one. Where the sun came out, but the wind stayed and I stood outside drinking in the Alabama sun. It is still Winter but it is Winter with a Splash. I did not think about wanting Spring & Summer, I did not wish Winter away, I merely enjoyed the day.

I was happy.

I am happy.

So no matter what Winter throws at me from here forward I will just exist within the moment, neither wishing time faster nor wishing it to slow down, I will just enjoy it.

If it snows, well, who doesn't love Snow Ice Cream...

if it rains..what better sound on your roof is there..

if its hot.. where is the nearest pool of water (creek, river, pool - whatever)..

if it storms... ahhh what better atmosphere for a good book and glass of tea...

Yes, weather do as you will, create my ambiance and remind me how happy I am to experience it all...

On another note, it is Dr. Seuss' birthday today!!

It is rare that a child anywhere has not been touched by Dr. Seuss in some media. Be it a movie, a cartoon, a book or just his rhyming words. His work is that of a legend that makes education a fantastical journey that I enjoy immensely. His whimsical characters brought to life with simple rhymes and colorful illustrations are imprinted in my memory. I still remember the One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish word for word.

Poster courtesy of the James Kennedy Public Library

If you want a fun and interactive look at Dr. Seuss' creations check out Seussville there are tons of things to do and explore courtesy of Random House. Click on the link, remember your childhood or discover new characters from a great author.

I also want to say

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

to Frankie !!

She is an amazing author and a hilarious blog war aficionado. If you don't already follow her, well get over there...click on the link...you won't be disappointed!

While you are clicking around, don't forget about the Saradise Contest over on Sara McClung's blog! It is awesome!!! Click on the link!

Plus This Is Not My Day Job's 101 Follower Contest! A purse, books, come on who would not enter? 101 Follower COntest

Have a great Tuesday everyone!

OVER THE TOP!

I was honored with the OVER THE TOP award from Frankie Writes the other day! I have to say that I definitely am Over the Top...er..or at least pretty high maintenance... :o)


Okay so the rules are I have to answer the following questions & pass it on to 5 bloggers...

Your Cell Phone? AWESOME

Your Hair? Long

Your Mother? Gorgeous

Your Father? Warm

Your Favorite Food? PIZZA

Your Dream Last Night? Murder

Your Favorite Drink? Sweet Tea

Your Dream/Goal? Published

What Room Are You In? Kitchen

Your Hobby? drawing/shopping/reading/traveling/swimming...so many

Your Fear? Failure

Where Do You See Yourself In Six Years? Happy

Where Were You Last Night? Out

Something That You Aren't? Tall (oh Frankie how I had to put this)

Muffins? Blueberry

Wish List Item? Finish WIP with Pride

Where Did You Grow Up? Rural South

Last Thing You Did? Write

What Are You Wearing? Dress

Your TV? On

Your Pets? Peanut Butter Barr

Friends? Supportive

Your Life? Wonderful

Your Mood? Content

Missing Someone? Friends

Vehicle? JEEP

Something You Aren't Wearing? Watch

Your Favorite Store? Barnes&Noble

Your Favorite Color? Black

When Was The Last Time You Laughed? 15 minutes ago

Last Time You Cried? Yesterday

Your Best Friend? Fantastic

One Place You Go To Over And Over Again? Barnes&Noble (no soy latte Frankie but kick a** rice crispy treat ;o) )

Facebook? Yes but only to snoop

Favorite Place To Eat? Home

Okay Over the Top Blogs:

Karen Amanda Hooper - because her mermaid concept definitely sounds Over the Top & I am loving it!

Shannon Messenger - because her USC lessons are wonderful & the fact that she shares them is just...well.. Over the Top

Mariah Irvin - because, okay lets face it who doesn't love a good Western & her "Jane's Air" sounds wonderful, plus the love for James McAvoy...Over the Top.. ;o)

Sara McClung - because that trailer for "Shattered"... um sensational & Over the Top!

Tracy of A Blissful Life - because I just discovered her blog (thank you Shannon O' ironically it is due to you already giving her this award, but I can't help it..she deserves it!) and I LOVE it! Definitely Over the Top!

So please if you already visit these blogs - bravo! If you don't shame on you & you should start now! Thank you Frankie for such a fun award!

Happy!

Happy = delighted, pleased, or glad, as over a particular thing; characterized by or indicative of pleasure, contentment, or joy

I travel between many blogs on a daily basis. Each one unique, each one a pleasure to read.

Last night I was reading one in particular ( Karen Amanda Hooper ) and I found myself extremely happy to be learning something new. Karen talks about creating a simple html link for when you comment on someone's blog & you want to leave a link to your own (check it out, so simple & really cool).

Many of the blogs I visit have been doing this exact thing in their posts & I always wondered how to do it. Well after sitting down and following her simple instructions I found myself elated to create one for my current contest. Then I laughed. Loudly. This simple trick had made me so excited. I was itching to use it. (Note the new link to the contest on the right sidebar) *giggle*

My husband thought I had lost my mind. But no matter, he simply lives with that thought most of the time. This new technique to learn was perfectly timed. I received a few awards over the past couple of days and well, one in particular applies here.

I received the Happy 101 award from Shannon O'Donnell and Frankie Writes

Is this not the yummiest looking blog award?! The rules are that I must list 10 things that make me happy... (random order)

1. Learning something new

2. Opening the cover of a book I have never read

3. Opening the cover of a familiar book to find myself just as excited as when I first read it

4. My family & Friends

5. My dog Peanut Butter Barr can lift my spirits anytime, anywhere

6. The written word...be it my own or that of someone else, there is nothing like language and its ability to create and explore

7. Sweet Tea

8. Warm sunshine glistening off emerald Gulf waters

9. The smell & texture of an old book...there is magic in its perseverance

10. Fashion... lol.. it, like a book, evolves, creates, explores, defines and perseveres...

So those are my ten...bizarre aren't they? ;o) that one was actually easy. Sometimes I have to remind myself that happiness is such a personal thing. What makes me happy is not guaranteed to top my husband or friends' lists. But every now & then our wavelengths mesh and I remember that shared happiness is special.

Now to pass on to 10 blogs that make me Happy! (forgive me that some of these are return to Sender; I am honored to be in their list and I want them to know that they in turn make mine)

1. Frankie Writes

2. Karen Amanda Hooper

3. Lisa&Laura

4. Cleverly Inked

5. Carol's Prints

6. Sara McClung

7. Shannon Messenger

8. MaryBeth Smith

9. Constantly Risking Absurdity

10. Simon C. Larter

Please check out these blogs. The fact that I smile EVERY SINGLE time that I see their update on my blogroll should tell you how awesome they are!!! Please note that it only asked for ten...if you peruse my blogroll(s) you will find dozens more blogs and they each are special to me!

Then Frankie graced me with another awesome award...however, she is unsure if there are any rules or not to this one so she passed it on to some favorite friend blogs - so I will do the same!

1. JuJu
2. MaryBeth Smith
3. Frankie Writes
4. Shannon O'Donnell




So click away, discover a new friend, find a blog that makes you smile..I promise you won't be disappointed!


Oh & don't forget to enter the contest by January 19 at Midnight!Click on the right sidebar link to enter!!