Didn't Expect Any of This, But It Was Really Nice

I drive the same way home from my mother's house every time. I have been using the same route for nearly 15 years. I go through the same toll booth on every visit. Lately, it has gotten to the point where I see the same toll collectors each time. So, imagine my surprise when I pulled up to the toll booth and began fishing for my quarters, and I heard the most unlikely word coming out of the window.

"G'day."

I looked up for a second from my money search and saw a young blonde guy staring into my window. Now, my obsession with all things Australian is well documented, but this seemed like some kind of fantasy come true. I had found my coins and was just about to come up with something witty and clever to say when I saw the headlights pull up behind me. I only managed a weak hello before pulling off into the dark.

Oh well. I suppose the wonderful conversation I had planned in my head was never meant to be. But, I have to say he has left me a little inspired.

The pumpkin pies are in the oven, the turkey is thawed and the filling is made. The cleaning is mostly done, and I'm taking a break to watch "Young Adam" with Ewan McGregor. All I have to say is, Oh. My. God.

I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday. And, to those of you who don't enjoy the beauty of Thanksgiving, have a nice weekend.

Where's The Reckless Spirit I'm Supposed to Have

Things have been kind of in limbo lately, as my personal life has taken over my work life. There just hasn't been much writing flowing at the moment and I have to admit it feels kind of weird to not be accomplishing anything. But, I know it is only temporary and I'm just trying to ride it out.

With the impending giving of thanks, I'm trying to compile a list of things that I am thankful for right now. Obviously, I'm thankful for the wonder of Man Candy Mondays. It makes the beginning of the week so much nicer. Gratitude is so important and I feel like I've forgotten that lately. I encourage you to do the same in your life. Remember all the things you are thankful for. It really helps to get through the rougher times. Here are a few of mine.

*The discovery of Tim Tam biscuits in America. Thank you Pepperidge Farms. Go to Target now and get yours. They are limited time only right now, but let P.F. know how much you love them and they just might stay.

*The return of the AFL. That's right, the boys are back at training and it is just months from now when they'll be running around in tiny shorts again. Yay!

*My niece's laughter when I blow on her belly and the way she waved at me when I left my mom's the other day. It is so amazing to watch her grow.

*The satisfaction of finishing a great story. The joy of creating and knowing that things I've written are out there in the world.

*Henry Rollins Uncut specials on IFC. Amazing stuff from the man I still love.

*Netflix. God, I just love them. God Bless the Netflix.

*Rereading the last page of a great book because you just aren't ready to let it go yet.

*Rove, Hamish and Andy, Hughesy, Carrie and Pete. I will miss you during your break.

If you need any ideas for things you love, watch this video and you just might be inspired. Happy Monday!!

But I Turn Him On, And He Comes to Life

Another week, another Man Candy Monday. I went for two today because I felt like I needed a little extra after the weekend. Things are finally caught up, the deadlines met. But, now a new set has begun. Plus, I'm heading home to spend the week with my mother after her knee surgery. So, if you wouldn't mind sending out some good vibes for her speedy recovery, I'd really appreciate it.

I'm busy, busy. But, I like it. I'm still going to try and get my NaNo novel done, nothing like 50,000 words in less than two weeks. Because a month sounded like too much time. ;)

Have a good week everyone, I'll try and check it but it might be tough.

Do You Wonder if Love is Just a Word?

I've been trying to think of a way to put into words how I feel about the whole Prop 8 thing. But, nothing was really working for me. And, then I saw this. Leave it to Keith Olbermann and his team of writers to put it more eloquently than me.

We Were Just Girls, When We Kissed Each Other's Lips

I really hate the cold. I'm not at all pleased that winter is on its way. It seems like it is happening too fast. It's like I missed fall completely. We're skipping right to the cold, dark winter. I hate that it gets dark at 5pm now. Damned daylight savings time. I can't help but think about the fact that it is summer in Australia.

But, I try to look on the bright side. Good things seem to be bumping into me with alarming frequency right now. I have to be honest, it is still a little freaky for me. I'm just not used to it. Every time it happens, I brace myself for the punch line. Punch being the operative word. It's not that I don't have my fair share of the shit, as well. But, for now, I'm just going to go with the flow, which is currently heading in the right direction.

To that end, check out my story, O Brave New World, on Clean Sheets. This story has risen from the ashes of rejection, to be born anew on the web. I love that. Hope you enjoy it. Let me know what you think.

*NaNo update: on temporary hold until these deadlines cool off. So, it looks like a two week sprint for me. God, sometimes I think I am truly crazy.

_

He's a One Stop Shop, Makes The Panties Drop

It's late (or early, depending on how you look at it) but it is official Man Candy Monday. And, I couldn't wait to put up this picture.

I've returned from my weekend in the country. Well, I live in the country, but where I grew up is still pretty country. Got to spend some time with the family and I got some more good news. Turns out I took 4th place in the annual Palmprint CP Short Story Competition. And, as you can see by the list, I'm in good company. I was very happy that they liked my story, Ten Year Reunion. Plus, my hair looks fabulous. Thank you, Marty.

I also wanted to thank Donna for sending me the great photos from our trip to In the Flesh. It was such a good time and we all look so fetching. I wish we could get together all the time, that our geographic distance was more easily overcome. But, cyberspace makes a nice substitute.

Hope everyone enjoys their Monday. I know I will.
_

I Know All About Lust, et Cetera

I'm heading off to the homestead for the weekend to get my hair did and see the family. Since, for some unknown reason, no one in my family has the high speed internets, it may be a quiet weekend here on the blog. But, not to fear, I shall return for Man Candy Monday.

I leave you with some good news. My story, A Day at St. John's has been chosen for the upcoming Ravenous Romance anthology Lust Chronicles. It is edited by the wonderful Rachel Kramer Bussel. These are true erotic stories and I must say I am quite fond of my little yarn.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend, basking in the glow of a new era of positivity. I know I will be soaking in it myself while I get my fierce new 'do.

See you on the flip side.

*A NaNo update: lagging way behind with just 3650 words. Once I get some projects done, I'll be hitting those keys a lot harder. I'll keep you posted!

_

Finally I've Got Something, Something I Can Raise My Voice For

I am so proud of our country today. I truly believed that this day was possible, but I would have never guessed how good it feels to be here. I'm honored to have voted for Barack Obama and to live in a country that has finally decided to reflect the ideals we are supposed to be built on.

And, on a personal note, I'm so proud of my home state of Pennsylvania. Even though the county I live in didn't go the right way, the place where I grew up went overwhelmingly for Barack Obama. I couldn't be happier. And, I'm so glad so many people all over the country got out and voted for change and for a different way in this country.

Good for all of us!!

But, Whether Winning's Glorified, Idecide

I'm not going to give you an empassioned speech. I'm just going to tell you what you already know. VOTE!!! Whether your state is a swing state (not as awesome as it should be) like mine or not, VOTE!! Whatever your politics, VOTE!!! Blue, red, purple or somewhere inbetween, VOTE!!!!

In case you need some inspiration, I wrote a little something that might make voting sound more appealing. I hope you like it. Oh, and one more thing.

VOTE!!!

*The Right Choice*

"Get out!! You’re not supposed to be in here. I’m trying to vote."
"If you keep quiet no one will know I’m in here. Make sure to read all those props thoroughly. Wouldn’t want to rush into voting before you’re ready."

As he spoke, his hand slid into my panties. I tried to focus on all the levers in front of me. My eyes wouldn’t read the words. My brain was too busy focusing on his fingers pushing inside me. I bit my lip to keep from moaning. I could just see the little old ladies out front catching us and throwing us out in front of all the people in line. I had to vote before we got caught. I wanted it to count.

"I have to finish. I don’t want to keep all those people waiting."
"I’m already done. See? I have my sticker. I got you one too."

I pushed the levers, double checking each one before I pressed and locked it in place. He kept pushing his fingers into my pussy as I made my choices. As the last lever clicked into place, his thumb passed slowly over my clit.

He pressed the "I Voted" sticker just above my right breast. Kissing me quickly, he left the booth first while I composed myself. We walked out hand in hand, rushing past the strange looks from the waiting voters.

"Let’s go home and watch the results. I have a good feeling about tonight."
"Me too."

I Guess You Could Call Me the Candy Lady

I do love Mondays. In honor of fall, I chose this photo for Man Candy Monday. It also reinforces my deep desire to run and jump into piles of leaves. So, enjoy. Hope you all had a wonderful weekend. I know I did.

_

I'll Be Writing More in a Week or Two

At midnight tonight, National Novel writing month began. NaNoWriMo as it is known is a challenge to write a 50,000 word novel in thirty days. The month of November to turn yourself into a novelist. I've participated, and completed, NaNoWriMo every year since 2005. Not that any of those novels are what I would call high quality, I still try and complete my 50,000 words. I do think some of what I've done is good, and may someday turn into something more.

But, if not, it is still fun and a great way to get yourself writing. So, come on, join me. Get those fingers flying and join NaNo today. I'll keep you posted on how I'm doing.