Win the WAKE trilogy SIGNED! via Shannon Messenger!

( picture "stolen" from Shannon's Blog forgive me Shannon ;o) )

Okay the books above are not just there to taunt you at awesome stories...

they are there for you to win!

Yes to win...

of course that is only if I don't get them first!

That's right, the awesome Shannon Messenger has decided to grace us with an amazing opportunity...click on over to her blog...enter... I dare you.

Of course, sure I am a sweet Southern girl, Princess, Royalty, face of my Kingdom...

so yeah, I will give you a run for your money...

oh yeah...

just watch out a cast iron biscuit pan throws a mean punch

or maybe just maybe I get you good...

with sugar & sweet tea & a smile...

take a chance...enter... ;o)

WIN WAKE TRILOGY SIGNED

oh yeah ...mention me when you enter... ;o)

Another Great Contest - via The Blog: In Which A Girl Reads!

Check out the blog:

In Which A Girl Reads
She has reached 400 followers...

YEP FOUR HUNDRED FOLLOWERS!!! WOW.

Her blog is a lot of fun to visit and has been one of my favorites on my blogroll for a while now.
So go ahead, click on the link, enter to win... peruse her site & add her to your favorites...

go ahead...

good.

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!

Presenting: Wednesday's Written Word - FLICKER

I have really enjoyed all the blogfests & flash fiction contests that float around BlogLand. Each one has been a nice break from my current WIP (though I missed out on Simon's & Carol's :o( ). College was really the last time I did the short story/flash fiction concept. But now, I remember why our teachers always said that if you like to write and need a good mind exercise then try your hand at flash fiction or short story writing to break up the monotony a large piece can bring you; especially during revision time.

So what better day during a work week is there to write something quick than Wednesday? Wednesday already has the mid point stereotype, it starts with a W, to me its the oddest spelling of the weekdays (n after the d...then the e...*raises eyebrow*) and plus it just sounded like fun.

Okay then from here on the Princess is declaring Wednesday's Written Word as a weekly exercise to be done in her kingdom. Now its official...now I need to post a story......um....the idea is great..now I just need...forgive me for going into an archive (its from November so not THAT long ago-but if you have read it via email from me, I did make some minor adjustments) but I never posted this on HERE before so....

Flicker

by C.S. Barr

Bright orange flames dance atop the candles, their shadows move rhythmically against the stone walls in silence. The dark night coats the window panes revealing my reflection as I stand surrounded by the soft light.

A chill runs down my back as I hear the slow footsteps outside the door.

I know that this is it, this moment is the reason I was born. The silence has now disappeared. My heart begins to beat wildly. My ears are filled with the loud, hard pounding in my chest and the footsteps continue to come closer. I know that I should relax, that I should accept my fate. But I cannot stop the fear as it creeps into my bare feet and runs up my body. It reaches my heart and begins its climb into my mind. I worry about pain, about loss, about never knowing what could have been.

Visions flicker in front of my eyes and the window panes are no longer black. Each section becomes a montage of memories. I see myself as a child playing innocently at my home along the riverbank. The young girl I remember does not know fear, she does not know her fate, and she only revels in the sweet smell of honeysuckle and the forbidden game we played along the water.

Quickly the scene moves forward to my first love.

At fourteen I sat beside a boy along the same river. The sky was filled with twinkling stars and the cool breeze seems to stir my hair even now. My heart reminds me of that feeling; the wonder of learning to love and enjoying its innocent pleasures. Laughter and sunlight fill me as stolen moments flicker across my vision.

I see the first kiss and warmth breaks into my fear but before it can fill me the scene moves forward again.

Shimmering water glows against the night sky and now the fear grips my heart in a vice. It is a memory of only one week before. My hair glistens in the moonlight as they lay me on the grass. My guardians stand over me speaking a language that had once defined beauty. I see my eyes close as the guardian leans closer to my face. He kisses my forehead and tells me everything will be as it was meant to be. He straightens and throws a white shining powder along my body. I could feel every piece as it hit my skin. My eyes open and on my chest there is a wreath of rosemary.

I remember the scent as a tear slips down my cheek.

My heart continues to race as the doorknob turns. I want to run, to change my fate but my feet are frozen to the ground. I stare straight ahead as a large man allows a sly grin to cross his face.

He says nothing but steps back for me to exit.

Surprisingly my feet move and I leave the chamber. As the door slams behind I am encased in darkness. At first its startling but then my eyes relax and I see the shapes all around me. Hundreds of figures fill the area. Their silence is forgotten for the sound of my heartbeat. As one they separate allowing me to walk through them. They wear long dark robes identical to mine. There is no break in the lines of bodies; it is as if they became a single organism. In the corner of my eye their heads seem to blend as my feet carry me across the room.

After what seems like forever I reach a stairwell. Two figures stand at its edge. My palms are sweating as they remove the robe I wear. I stand there in a pale white gown of silk with my head bowed. The man who removed me from the room stands behind me and places a rosemary wreath on my head. Again the scent moves me to tears. He does not follow me as I move upward.

Silently I begin the climb. The soft fabric sweeps along the stairs with every step. The stone walls seem to close in on me the higher I climb. I reach the top of the stairs to find a door. The dark chestnut wood reminds me of my home and I smile a little. I reach forward and touch it. Course veins of wood meet the soft skin of my fingers. The grooves remind me of my riverbank and my skin tingles from the connection to something familiar. The large trees that had brought me freedom and comfort as a child rest softly in the recess of my mind.

Daily I would climb quickly to the top and see the world below every chance I could. The gnarled door before me invoked feelings of home. Wood from the trees held me safely above the ground, we used it to keep the house warm and the walls sturdy. I had been taught of its importance.

This element of the earth reminds me that fear is not what controls me. I chose to break the rules. This is my fate. I was destined to make the choices that brought me here. Unexpectedly my heartbeat slows down and I feel the fear loosening its hold.

I straighten my shoulders and reach for the knob.

When it opens I hear the ocean and feel the salty breeze as it licks at my face. The wind seems to be pulling me over the threshold. I step across and the full force of the night hits me.

No longer am I at the river.

The darkness of the chamber no longer blinds me.

The moon shines along steep cliffs of deep blue rock. Swift wind greedily grabs my gown and wraps it around my body. It seems to be waiting; hungry for my soul. No longer can I hear my heartbeat. Though it beats hard against my ribs, it is the sound of crashing waves that fills my mind. I cannot see below but I hear the applause of the sea. The foamy water claps excitedly as I take another step. I feel the edge of the stone now. The ledge was only a few feet in length, long enough for me to understand that distance in all things is irrelevant.

I stare straight ahead knowing the final step is already determined. I see a spark of light fly across the midnight sky and everything stops.

A falling star.

I forget the elements and their demands. In that second I am rewinding the visions from earlier finding the one that is most important. I see it; that day at my riverbank. It is the morning the cycle began.

Hoof beats in the distance told me he was close. I remember the excitement, the anxiousness. We were to leave that day. The fog had been thick and he had been late. Fear of rejection had me thinking he would never arrive. My heart leaped as he stepped from behind our favorite tree. I ran to him. His arms wrapped around me tightly but only for a moment. It was long enough for me to feel the goodbye. I clung to him as he pulled me back and told me that love cannot conquer what I am. I began to shake as I tried to argue. I screamed his name while the tears flowed and he turned away from me.

Then I felt the weight of the limb in my hands as I swung at his back. I felt the blood trickle over my fingers as he lay in the water. I watched the sadness in his eyes as he slipped away forever.

My toes are curled on the edge of the stones. The rosemary wreath has begun to slip on my head. I put my hands out to the sides and look down at the ocean.

They told me that I was destined to change everything.

They told me that it was why I was born.

They told me that I would be the ultimate burden.

My feet feel the open air as I begin to fall.

The wind whips my hair yet I do not scream, I no longer fear the inevitable.

I simply fall, accepting that they were right....

A Girl who Loves to Shop...

LOL. Yes 3 posts one day... by me...wowsers.

The first one about the amazing Maggie's contest was such a blast to put out there! So awesome. Then Princess Bookie (I mean I can never ignore a Royal friend) surprised with her contest as well, so how could I not post more than once? Can you not feel the contest excitement? ;o)

Well on other notes I discovered today an interesting thing about myself: I am sometimes indecisive when shopping.

*BWAH HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA - maniacal laughter of the husband & family members & friends-that already knew this and are laughing at my attempt to feign ignorance*

ahem, yes indecisive... and picky (hush mom ;o) ) I was minding my own business and shopping at Charming Charlies during my lunch break. For those of you unaware of this utterly female store let me explain:

Upon entering Charming Charlie's a a hummingbird cannot compare to the beat of a woman's heart as she gazes at the array of items to covet.

Her wallet crawls to the edge of her purse peeking out at the plethera of jewels, handbags & clothing that will drain it of the money she has hidden deep within the zip pocket.

Her shoes will shed a tear at the realization that they have just become yesterday's favorites to the many shelves of sandals, flip flops & heels that fill the adorable modern store shelving.

Her clothes will be in turmoil...the soft white cotton top will be excited at the prospect of pairing with the sea foam scarf hanging on the back wall, but will shutter to think of how it will end up in the hamper due to the bright yellow blouse that beckons her over.

After the initial shock of the sheer size of the store and its many items her mind rests on the organization of it all. Yes - the store's layout will make you swoon... COLOR CODED. OMG! For someone like me, a bit of a control freak & healthy addict of specific colors, not only is this perfect for my mind to map out but also for me to drink in colors I normally skip.

So as you can imagine I walked in slowly, allowing myself to breathe in the accessories that seem to whisper to me. I itch to search for the perfect items to spend my Valentine's Day giftcard on. Then it happens...the animal is loose!

I move from section to section, finding at least one thing in every one! My feet are quick along the tile floor, I skirt other women as my eyes catch sight of my prey. I smoothly pick up a tunic laid down on a shelf and deftly maneuver carrying three purses & two boxes of shoes. I pile clothes on my arm, not caring about tangled hangers I smile as I march to the dressing room.

I try them on. Select half to look at a second time. Then pair it down to a few items that I absolutely adore...then it happens. I stand in the oversized dressing room looking at a bench and there lay 4 tops, 3 dresses, 1 pair of shoes, 5 purses & some earrings. I CANNOT buy it all it is more than the giftcard amount - I still have books to purchase after work at Home #2 (Barnes&Noble)...HOW DO I CHOOSE??

For a moment I want to just hug each piece. Instead I pick them up and sit on the bench examining each one & its uses. Then after thirty minutes I narrow it down: 2 tops, 2 dresses, no shoes, no earrings - 3 purses...still not where I need to be. I decide to do the annoying thing. Cart it all up to the counter & make that split decision as the total builds on the register.

Yeah, that's me, long blonde hair, blue eyes, turquoise top, black pants, black heels standing at the register biting her lip as the girl begins to ring up my selections.

"Wait." I whisper. She pauses.

I look down at the items, a sigh escapes my lips. "Just these today." I say and bow my head, defeated by that annoying little voice ("Marcus will kill you - you better not get it all!").

A small smile at the one dress, one shirt.

But WAIT! The dress is on sale! The dress is on sale!

She smiles at me and waits as I must choose. OH DEAR LORD! I had just gotten comfortable with the decision! Now I look back at the pile, ask how much my total is... yes...it is still under the giftcard amount...a devious grin spreads across my face and I put the purse in front of her.

She nods conspiratorially, that female understanding of shopping.

So yes, I walk out with one shirt, one dress & one new purse... and $0.71 cents left on my giftcard...head held high I step out the door and turn to the right...there is still time to head across the street to B&N...

ANOTHER way to win Linger!!

I am so excited to do a back to back post on ways to win LINGER by Maggie Stiefvater!

Yep you heard me!

Holy Werewolves!

CHECK THIS OUT

Enter to win a copy of Linger at:

Princess Bookie's Contest for Linger

Hurry click on the link, go enter - be like me and help your odds by trying to discover as many ways as possible to win a copy of LINGER!

I cannot wait to hear more from Sam & Grace!

WIN! One of NINE ARCs of LINGER by MAGGIE STIEFVATER!!!!

Okay seriously if you have not read Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater you are missing out... not only is it a captivating story it is perfect for this cold winter we are having! Maggie is graciously giving away NINE ARCs - YES NINE!!! OMG! I am holding my breath, saying a little prayer & wishing on all the stars for this one! It does not hit the shelves until JULY!!!

So here are the deets:

In Maggie Stiefvater's Shiver, Grace and Sam found each other. Now, in Linger, they must fight to be together. For Grace, this means defying her parents and keeping a very dangerous secret about her own well-being. For Sam, this means grappling with his werewolf past . . . and figuring out a way to survive into the future. Add into the mix a new wolf named Cole, whose own past has the potential to destroy the whole pack. And Isabelle, who already lost her brother to the wolves . . . and is nonetheless drawn to Cole.

At turns harrowing and euphoric, Linger is a spellbinding love story that explores both sides of love -- the light and the dark, the warm and the cold -- in a way you will never forget.

Comes out in stores everywhere July 20th. Pre-order here.

Enter to win an advanced review copies of LINGER, Sisters Red, The Dead-Tossed Waves, and The Replacement on Maggie's blog

Remember - go get SHIVER - you will not be disappointed. Be sure to check out her blog too, she has a hellcat named Monkey who likes listening to Audioslave...yeah, you heard me...

Valentine's

HAPPY VALENTINE'S Evening!

I hope that your Valentine's weekend has been a wonderful one...

Mine was superb:

Valentine's Day the movie & dinner on Friday,

Saturday morning with my husband and dog;

lunch and an American Idol themed birthday party with my niece & nephews;

Karaoke with the kids at the party & in the car;

Percy Jackson with my nieces & nephews Saturday night;

lunch, an afternoon of romantic movies and cuddling with husband & dog;

this was a wonderful Valentine's Day!

Now to continue the evening of great, sappy cinema...

Sweet, good night! This bud of love,

by summer's ripening breath,

May prove a beauteaous flower

when next we meet

Good night, good night!

as sweet repose and rest

Come to thy heart as that within my breast!

Ahhh sweet Juliet... Shakespeare definitely new his love and his tragedy...