Lean Out And Touch The Treetops Over Town

In 2007, I got it into my head that I wanted to go on a hot-air balloon ride. I scheduled it for my 31st birthday and started counting down the days. But, 10 days before the big day, I fell hiking and broke my leg. So, I had to cancel the balloon trip. I rescheduled for November, but high winds kept us grounded yet again. I gave up, thinking it just wasn't meant to be.

Then, as fate would have it, I got a call out of the blue from the balloon company asking me if I wanted another crack at a ride. I jumped at the chance and set it up for a sunrise ride on Halloween. Well, I got the call I dreaded as soon as I saw the weather report last night. We are, once again, a no go for my hot-air balloon ride. So, now I have to wait again for my chance to go up into the wild blue yonder. Hopefully, when I do get the chance, it will look something like the picture.

But, I did get some good news to ease the pain a bit. It's still a secret for now, but needless to say, it helped a lot.
_

So All I Can Do Is Patiently Pray

So, more good news has come down the pike. The table of contents for Please, Sir: Erotic Stories of Female Submission, is out and it looks like it is going to be an amazing book. Not only is the cover hot and pretty, the line-up is fantastic. I have another great neighbor in Emerald and the book also includes Elizabeth Coldwell, Sommer Marsden, Shanna Germain, Alison Tyler, Donna George Storey and the editor, Rachel Kramer Bussel.

The book is available for pre-order and will be out in May. How cool is that?

_

Don't Sing Along Or You'll Get What I Got

Well, it may not be David Williams, but something else great showed up on my doorstep today. My contributor copies of Best Women's Erotica 2010 edited by Violet Blue, came in the mail today, delivered to me by a handsome man. My lovely husband braved the chilly wind and brought me the thick envelope. Ironic, since my story, Amy, starts with the delivery of a very special padded envelope.

It has gone a long way to improve my sour mood. The book looks amazing and I'm surrounded by some incredible writers. Alison Tyler and I are neighbors in the book and Kristina Lloyd, Emerald, Rachel Kramer Bussel, Sommer Marsden and many more round out a brilliant collection.

So, things are looking up. Thank goodness. Now back to work.

_

I'm A Wino Man, Don't You Know I Am?

My Candied Men usually don't wear so much clothing, but David Williams is a stone-cold fox. He could be my Candy Man every week. And, I need him now more than ever.

Because right now, I'm enervated. Everything is getting on my absolute last nerve. My weekend was anything but restorative and now I'm back under a mountain of stuff to get done. So, until David knocks on my door, hands me a cold beer and offers to rub my feet, I'm fussy. Wolfman, take me away!!

I can't help it, I need more!!

_

A Horse That Knows Arithmetic, And A Dog That Tells Your Fortune

I had this big, rambling and somewhat disjointed blogpost written about simplicity. Sounds counter-intuitive, doesn't it? That's why I erased it. It just didn't make sense. Once I figure out a better way to say it, maybe I will. Until then, not so much.

I'm off for the weekend, to the mothership. She rented a dumpster in an effort to clear out the rest of the shenanigans that are clogging up her basement. I'm on board to help. I love throwing things away. It feels so damn good. Clearing out the unnecessary, sounds like just what the doctor ordered.

So, keep it simple everyone. Have a great weekend.

_

Went Berserk And Worked And Exploded

BEST COMMERCIAL EVER!!!!

_

Literally Frozen Stiff From Nothing Happening

For the first time in a while, I had a completely useless weekend. I didn't get anything significant accomplished, I didn't do anything exciting and I don't have any regrets. Sometimes, you just need to recharge the batteries and take a little break.

What better way to get a little charge, than with some electric Man Candy. This is the 52nd time I've featured some delicious Candy on my blog, and I'm happy to say some progress has been made. More men are being featured on erotica covers and there has finally been some real discussion about the issue. So, kudos to Kristina and Mathilde. Keep up the fight.

I've got a lot of work ahead of me in the coming days. Hopefully my new found focus stays put.

_

Over And Under In Between The Ups And Downs

I've been all over the place lately. I have a lot to do, but things keep popping up and trying to get in my way. I'm managing, but it has not been easy by any stretch. My thoughts have been so difficult to corral. Struggling just to find a simple adjective has become so tiring. It is just one word. But, the time I spend agonizing over it is almost comical.

I'm looking for a break, but I don't know if I'm going to find one. It seems no matter how far ahead I get, I'm still at the same place on the side of the mountain. The dirt and rock beneath my feet just keeps sliding. The summit remains elusive. And, I don't know if I'll ever get close to it.

There's not much else to say, except I want to send my thoughts out to those people in my life who are struggling so mightily right now. My teeny, tiny mountains to climb seem so trivial by comparison. Just know that I'm thinking about you all and I know you are all stronger than you think you are. Keep going. That's all any of us can do.

_

Words Are Very Unnecessary

Completely unnecessary. But, not in the way you might think. Right now, I need more words. Words on the page seem to be all that matter right now. But, the words I'm putting here, they are starting to feel unneeded.

This week, there didn't seem to be much to post about. Sure, there were things I could have said, things I could have gone on about. But, instead, I chose silence. It's funny, when my voice was gone, all I wanted to do was talk. Now that my voice is back, I find there is less to say. It's odd. Maybe I feel like I'm shouting out into the world and nothing but an echo is coming back. Or, maybe I'm just enjoying the quiet.

Or, maybe I just prefer pictures. Man Candy always seems to be the right thing, no matter what the circumstance. Right now, I'd rather fill the void with him. I'm sure my feelings will change again, but for right now, this is it.

_

Should Think Clear And Focus, But I've Things To Do

I am one of the world's worst procrastinator. It has been a problem for me my whole life, but as a writer now working with deadlines, it is down right overwhelming. When I have a concrete date in my head of when something is due, I am drawn to that date like a moth to a flame. But, I don't want to become one of those writers who sends everything in at the last minute. It is a constant battle.

The problem is, I've gotten some stories accepted that I sent in at the last minute. This rewards my bad behavior, thus making it acceptable in my mind. That only deepens the problem, making me procrastinate more. It's a vicious circle. And, I hate those.

I'm getting better, sometimes even managing to send stuff in a whole two weeks early. That's right. Baby steps. Right now, I'm working on two things, trying to get them both in early. But, the procrastination beast is always taunting me. Distracting me and wasting my time. Forcing me to clean out the cabinets or refold my sock drawer. Real important stuff. But, I must fight and type on. Wish me luck.

_

If You Believe, There's Nothing Up My Sleeve, Then Nothing Is Cool

It's hard to believe another week is starting, let alone another month. I can't believe it's October. But, then I stared at the gorgeous, swollen and gleaming full moon last night and I said a silent thank you for the season of Autumn. I love waking up chilly in the morning and smelling fireplaces at night.

After spending a lovely day with my Mom yesterday, I'm ready to start another week of work. My inspiration has been crowding me all weekend. I'm ready to let it take over. Here's hoping I can keep all my stories straight and actually get something accomplished.

This week's Man Candy makes my heart warm. I hope everyone has a good start to their week.

_

I Think There's Something That She Needs To Get Off Her Chest

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I've decided to turn this little blog pink. I know it is a small, meaningless gesture, but I know far too many people who have been rocked by this terrible disease. I figured any little thing I can do to get the word out there is a good start.

There are so many ways to help, contribute or take action. One of my favorites is the Save the Tatas campaign. Check out their merchandise and make sure to take the time this month to do your own self-exam. Go on, spend a little quality time with the girls. It could save your life!!
_