Aliens by Design

Obviously, it's too cold to swim--I mean, just LOOK at those erect nipples!--but I'm sure you ladies can think of SOMETHING to do with him! Take him home, wrap him in a blanket, feed him some nice, hot soup and see if his buns will rise.

Speaking of nipples, in the original version of Slave, Cat had four of them, as well as two sets of testicles. My editor thought it made him too alien, but I was of the opinion that it would just give Jacinth more things to play with. Ah, well, I guess when it comes to designing alien lovers, everyone has an opinion.

Eye shape and color, hair growth patterns, and the kind of teeth they should have are all things I considered when designing my Zetithians, but what about you? What would you want YOUR alien to have? I think this guy is a great place to begin, but after that, what would you change? Should he have two dicks? A dick on his chin, perhaps? (though it's been said that the fact that human men don't is proof that God is a man) What about his nuts; do you like them large, medium or small? Held closely to the body or dangling? Curved cock or straight? Thick dick or long cock? Tall or short? Muscle-bound or slender? Long hair or no hair?

Let's hear from you, ladies! What floats your boat? Inquiring minds want to know. . . .

Weeping Cherries

This picture doesn't do it justice, but take it from my neighbor, Janet, this tree is SPIRITUAL!

I wish I was a bit more spiritual myself--in harmony with nature and serene within my world and all that crap--but I'm not. At least, not all the time. Every now and then I feel it, but more often than not, I'm at odds with my world, which is probably true of most of us.

I'm currently writing the last episode in the Cat Star Chronicles series, and my editor recently asked me, "What's next?"

I have absolutely no idea, other than the fact that I need a vacation. None, nothing, nyet, nada, zero, zip.

Maybe if I spend more time under this tree, it will come to me.

Sunday's Hunk of the Day!

Okay, here he is again. He wasn't supposed to post on Tuesday. Guess he was anxious for Ana to see him. . . .

In other news, while those lucky Rita finalists (and I am NOT among them!) are celebrating their heady triumphs, I am pleased to report that Slave has been chosen as a finalist by the National Leather Association for the Pauline Reage Novel Award which serves to:

"recognize writers whose works entertain and educate, while building awareness and tolerance of the leather/SM/fetish community and showcasing their talents."

Don't believe it? Well, here's the notification I received!

The finalists for the Pauline Reage Novel Award are:
Cheryl Brooks, The Cat Star Chronicles: Slave (Casablanca).
Anneke Jacob, As She's Told (Pink Flamingo).
Joey W. Hill, The Mark of the Vampire Queen (Berkley).
Sasha White, Wicked (Berkley).

The winners will be announced at the NLA-I’s Annual General Meeting, which will be held during Spring Iniquity in Houston, TX (April 17 - 19, 2009).

I must admit, I had to chuckle when I received this nomination, because while everyone else at Sourcebooks Casablanca was getting nominated for things like the Cupid and Psyche Awards (CAPA's), I was being singled out by the bondage people.

This, however, is only fitting, as those of you who have read Slave will undoubtedly agree.

So, all you bondage fans out there, let's hear it for the NLA!

This looks like it could be an ad for one of their favorite sports, doesn't it?

Saturday's Hunk of the Day!

For those of you who like them wet and wild. . . .

Fun Stuff!

I feel a bit more human today, so let's have a little fun!

I found this picture when I was looking for hot dick photos, but decided to save it for another day. Cute, isn't it?

A family member recently sent me the list of home remedies, which made me laugh, so I thought I'd share it with you!

AMAZINGLY SIMPLE HOME REMEDIES

Avoid cutting yourself when slicing vegetables by getting someone else to hold them while you chop.

Avoid arguments with the Mrs. about lifting the toilet seat by using the sink.

For high blood pressure sufferers: simply cut yourself and bleed for a few minutes, thus reducing the pressure in your veins. Remember to use a timer.

A mouse trap, placed on top of your alarm clock, will prevent you from rolling over and going back to sleep after you hit the snooze button.

If you have a bad cough, take a large dose of laxatives; then you'll be afraid to cough.

You only need two tools in life - WD-40 and Duct Tape. If it doesn't move and should, use the WD -40. If it shouldn't move and does, use the duct tape.

Remember: Everyone seems normal until you get to know them.

If you can't fix it with a hammer, you've got an electrical problem.

Daily Thought:

SOME PEOPLE ARE LIKE SLINKIES; NOT REALLY GOOD FOR ANYTHING BUT THEY BRING A SMILE TO YOUR FACE WHEN PUSHED DOWN THE STAIRS

Spring colors

My favorite daffodils are in bloom right now. I think they look like clowns. Either way, they always make me smile.

Enjoy the spring!

Another hot hunk!

I was out taking pictures of spring flowers for the blog on Monday evening, and this hunky guy showed up on my deck.

In case any of you have ever wondered, this is what a romance writer's husband looks like.

Notice the way he's smiling . . .

He's seen me through thick and thin in this business, and without his support, I'd have given up long ago. In fact, he's the one who, back in 2004, told me to start writing again because he wanted to retire! Later on, we saw Under the Tuscan Sun and decided we wanted to retire in Italy. The closest we've come thus far is to have the bathroom remodeled to look Italian. I have a print of this Van Gogh on the wall to inspire me, but I see no need to start learning to speak the language just yet. Perhaps I could plant a few cypress trees in the pasture. . . .

Tired

I'm still tired. They begged me to work again last night, but I just couldn't do it. I'm tired, tired, TIRED!

My son went back to Purdue last night. It was nice having him home for a week, even if I didn't get to see a whole lot of him.

I went out and took some pictures of my weeping cherry tree, but they were a little pale, so I took some pictures of my cat, Snake. I call her Snake because she used to lay down flat in the grass and scare the shit out of me when I almost stepped on her. She's my most loyal, loving cat these days. The others only seem to care that they get fed, but Snake likes to love on me.

Speaking of which, I've got to go buy cat food today. Guess that means I have to leave the house. . . .

More signs of spring....

Yes, I know I'm late. I got the weekend taken care of, but forgot to pre-post anything for today. Unfortunately, I can't do it at work, so here's today's blog, written by a bleary-eyed RN in dire need of sleep.

Yet another sure sign of spring are the shirtless boys playing basketball in the park. I know they're there because I pass them all the time on my way to work. I envy those guys the time they have to play, though they probably consider it serious business. I'm having trouble remembering what it's like to play, but at least I get some eye candy--though it's usually very young eye candy--en route to where, trust me, there are no men who look anything like this! My youngest patients are usually in their sixties, and more often in their eighties.

Nursing is not a glamorous job, nor is being a romance writer. I don't have a palatial mansion with an elegant library in which to compose my prose, and there usually aren't any hunks around to inspire me while I'm writing. It all has to come out of my head, and it can't do that when the synapses aren't firing. Guess I should just give it up and post this and go to bed.

See you later this afternoon.

Oh, I almost forgot. I'm the featured author on Whipped Cream and I Just Finished... all this week. Come by and see what's shakin'!

Sunday's Hunk of the Day!

Meet Alex, the possessor of some amazing external obliques.














He's got a nice dick, too.

Saturday's Hunk of the Day!

This is Beiron, who, I believe, is Swedish. More incredible eyes to get lost in. Beautiful hair, too. Beautiful everything, actually. . . There ought to be a law against looking that good.

I hereby volunteer to lock him up.

The First Day of Spring!!!! Really???

It's here. I've seen it. At least, I think I did. It's gotten chilly again since the nice days we had earlier in the week, so I'm glad I took pictures to prove it. I do remember that my hands were dirty after I planted the pansies. I love pansies. When you see them for sale, you know it won't be long before you're planting some of the more delicate varieties. It's hard to wait until May to plant them, though. Of course, it gives me something to have the guys get me for Mother's Day every year.

I got out a bit on Wednesday and picked up all the fallen branches in the yard--which is huge and quite woodsy. All the ice and snow this winter was accompanied by some very strong winds which made quite a mess. There are trees down in the woods, and a few have fallen near the yard. Guess I'll fire up the chainsaw at some point, but I'm not quite ready for that yet. Maybe I can get Budley to do it.

I look forward to spring each year, but the clean-up of winter isn't much fun,even though it does get me out of the house. The grass in April is what I look forward to the most. The color and the scent after it's mowed for the first time are unbelievable. Don't know if the lilacs will bloom this year or not, which is another scent I crave. We had one late freeze that might have ruined them, but only time will tell. Nothing I can do about it now. Time and Mother Nature march on. . .


You can take off your coats now, boys!

Beef Enchiladas, Ole!

Since woman does not live by hunks alone, it's time for another recipe! This one is a favorite with my guys, and it's pretty easy to make.
















Beef Enchiladas

1 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 lb hamburger, browned
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 4oz can diced green chilis
2 10 oz cans enchilada sauce
1 pkg taco seasoning
1/2 cup water
1 16 oz can refried beans
1 pkg soft taco size tortillas (I use whole wheat)
4 cups shredded colby jack cheese
Tabasco Chipotle Pepper sauce (or other hot sauce) to taste
sliced black olives
sour cream


Preheat oven to 375. Spray 9x13 glass baking dish with nonstick oil. Pour one can of enchilada sauce in bottom of pan and set aside. In large skillet, saute onions and garlic in olive oil until soft. Add hamburger and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. When hamburger is well browned, drain fat if necessary, then add green chilis, taco seasoning, and 1/2 cup water. Cook until thickened, then add refried beans and mix well. At this point, taste it and add hot sauce if desired. While filling is still in the skillet, top with 2 cups of cheese. Spoon filling onto tortillas and roll up and place seam side down in the 9 X 13 pan. This recipe makes 7 or 8 enchiladas. Pour the remaining can of enchilada sauce on top, then top with remaining 2 cups of cheese.
Bake at 375 for about 20 min. Serve topped with sour cream and sliced black olives.

Oh, yeah. Don't forget the bottle of Corona on the side!

The Flip Side of Things: Side A

Okay, Ladies!

On Monday, I promised you a look at Side A of Giovanni, and here it is!

There are many things that make this side special: his powerful arms, bronzed skin, dreamy expression, and, of course, the provocative treasure trail. Then, there are those thighs. . .

You remember the rules of the contest. The side of Giovanni with the most comments, excluding mine, wins!

Side B was posted on Monday, so feel free to look back and refresh your memory. ;-)

I'm blogging today on Casablanca Authors. I was feeling verrry strange when I wrote that one. . .

Happy St Patrick's Day!

Since today is St. Patrick's Day, I thought we'd celebrate the event with a photo of that notable Irish hunk, Colin Farrell. I haven't seen all of his movies by any means, but he's definitely one of those bad boy hotties we all seem to like so well. I don't think I've ever seen a more compelling pair of eyes in my life, and I think he'd make a great Zetithian, too.











Anyway, in honor of the day, I'd like to hear more about YOUR favorite Irish hunk, whoever he may be.

Let's hear it for the IRISH!!!!

The Flip Side of Things

In the old days when single records had an A side and a B side, the song on the back was usually not quite as good as the one on the front. This may also be true of men, but there are those of us, as demonstrated by last week's terrific turnout for the Bun Fest, who feel that the flip side is more photogenic.

Taking a different slant on that theme, this week, I'm having a contest, pitting Side A against Side B, and we'll see which one wins.

Today's contest entrant is the flip side of someone known as Giovanni. On Wednesday, you'll see side A. The one with the most comments (mine excluded) wins!

I don't know what the prize will be, as I'm sure he already has everything his hot little ass can provide, but perhaps just the knowledge will be sufficient reward.

May the best side win!

Sunday's Hunks of the Day!

For all of you who've ever wondered what those sexy Scots have hidden underneath their kilts. . . .

Saturday's Weenie Roast!

Well, ladies, I did my best. There are no Google images of a real dick dressed up like a hot dog, and though I have three males in my household, I doubt that any of them would pose for such a picture. I did find a rather ingenious method for cooking weenies for a crowd, though I believe it would work best with a new, unused rake.


























Then there are these charming little peppers that look like they'd set your mouth on fire, which, depending on your preference, might interest some of you.


















These cream puffs are cute, and though they may look tasty, cream puffs are always a bit of a letdown for me. I'm sure they would squirt cream in your mouth very nicely, but the flavor is usually lacking.



















Sausages are juicier than hot dogs, which is a plus, and they have more flavor. As for what I like on my hot dogs, well, mustard, relish, cheese, chili--you name it.























However, I must admit, I prefer my dicks plain.



























I almost forgot! We're having a recipe party on Casablanca Authors Blogspot today. Come on over!

BUN FEST!!!!

Hello, all you bun lovers out there, and Happy Friday the 13th! This is the picture I mentioned in yesterday's comments. I searched and I searched, but this was the best I could do, no thanks to Photobucket for having such strict "rules"! The original I saw had much better resolution and was a larger picture, but you get the idea.

I really need to visit a nude beach sometime. Just to observe, mind you. Mustn't touch . . . or squeeze . . . or pinch . . . or ogle.

I would dearly love to grab some hot naked hunk buns. Don't you just hate having to be politically correct all the time? *grumble, grumble, grumble*

More Hot Buns

Speaking of nice buns, I've been saving these for a rainy day. I think today qualifies.
Enjoy!

Hot Buns and Tight Pants

I don't have much time to post today, but Donna sent me this great pic which reminded me of a blog I'd written for Wickedly Romantic a while back, so I thought I'd post it again along with the photo that inspired it. Forgive me for recycling!

The picture Kendra posted of Eric Balfour a few days ago was quite a treat, but tell me truthfully, ladies: have you ever seen a man dressed like that? In person? These days, a guy has to be a rockstar to wear pants that tight, and you can’t even count on them anymore! In Slave, I left Cat either completely naked or wearing tight breeches with a strategic piece of fabric missing, and, looking back, I think my motivation for that was due to the current trend in men’s fashion for pants that are not just comfortably loose, but fall into the crotch-at-the-knees-and-nearly-falling-off category.

Who came up with that style? Certainly not a woman! It’s no secret that a tight pair of buns is one of those things that a woman looks for in a man, but nowadays it’s hard to tell where a man’s buns are, let alone get an idea of what they might look—or feel—like. I once followed a young man around Barnes & Noble waiting for his pants to finally succumb to gravity and puddle around his ankles, but needless to say, they never did. And so I was left to wonder how he kept them hanging in such a precarious position. Velcro?

Used to be you could at least count on plumbers to show a bit of backside skin, but there must be a profession-wide campaign against low-riding pants, because I’ve dealt with no fewer than five plumbers since my plumbing woes began last November, and while all were relatively young and most were cute, they all had their shirts tucked in and their pants securely belted. What a disappointment!

Men like to see women in tight, revealing clothes, and I’d be willing to bet that some girls have to use pliers to zip up their jeans! Don’t men have any idea that we girls like to see a little something, too? I mean, just look at our book covers!

So, I say: Women of the world unite! Bring back tight jeans!

Ask and ye shall receive. . . .

Here you go, Marie. This was the best I could do. Actually, I thought the pictures of him with clothes on were even better than the ones without
quite so much camouflage. Notice that as you look down the page he has on less and less clothes? Your own imagination will have to suffice for the rest of the images. Apparently Tom isn't in the habit of baring all for the camera. Still, he is pretty cute and does the cheek-stubble thing better than anyone I've ever seen. And to think, I gave up watching football a good thirty years ago! I must confess my ignorance here: I had never seen this guy before I went hunk-hunting for him. Does that tell you anything?

My days as a football fan were back when the Rams were in LA and the Colts were still in Baltimore. Joe Namath and Roman Gabriel were my favorites among the professionals, but it was the crush I had on the hunky football captain at my high school that got me started. . . . *sigh* I wonder whatever happened to him. Unfortunately, he's probably not quite so hunky anymore. :-(


























I'll be guest blogging at Jennifer's Random Musings today. I hope you'll get the chance to stop by! There's also a new interview up on Cheryl's Book Nook.


PS: Donna sent this last one for you, Marie. It isn't Tom, but he's not bad. Some nice external obliques for Kendra, too. ;-)

I'm so confused. . . .

Every year--usually beginning right after Groundhog Day--I've gone out searching for signs of spring, but this year, I haven't been looking, and, guess what? It's happening anyway. While I've been stuck in my writing cave for the past six months, spring has crept up on me. There's a bird building a nest in the window next to the air conditioner, and I can hear it chirping away as I write. The March winds are howling and when I went out to fill up the bird feeder, I spotted a flower blooming amid the piles of manure that protect my roses during the winter. The snowdrops are in bloom, too, and yesterday, I had to reset all of my clocks.

Where did winter go? I've been posting pictures of snow, but now the temperatures are suddenly in the sixties and seventies. Guess that's what happens to writers who seldom venture more than arm's length from their computer. Life goes on without them. Mother Nature obviously doesn't give a damn that I'm spending most of my time in outer space.

Working twelve-hour night shifts is a problem, too. Since I'm usually driving back and forth to work in the dark, last week, there was a revelation. I was suddenly going to work in daylight; didn't even need to turn on my headlights. Trees were starting to bud, but I hadn't seen them--hadn't even been looking for them. Rogue is now in most bookstores, so I know it must be March, right?

Sunday's Hunk of the Day!

Well, Marie. . .


He's dressed. . .


Sort of. . .

Saturday's Hunk of the Day!

Those trunks don't leave much to the imagination, do they?

A Zetithian Heroine?

I've got a little extra time to write today since I got off work at 11PM last night instead of 7Am this morning. *sigh* I guess the people in our town are too healthy to need intensive care these days.

I've about blogged myself out on Rogue, and fortunately, those guest blogs that are still to come have already been written. I'm working on Hero, and still haven't settled on the personality for my heroine. Maybe you all could help me out.

Micayla was given to an Earth woman at the age of two while the family was being chased through a spaceport by Nedwuts. She's pure Zetithian, but she's grown up not knowing what she is or where she comes from. No man has ever interested her in the slightest, though plenty have shown an interest in her. She is now about 27 yrs old and the new communications officer on a space station, which is where she makes all sorts of interesting discoveries. My dilemma is, is she reticent or bold, giggly or dry witted? Will she save the hero (Trag), or need saving herself? A girly-girl or a tomboy? Is she an Audrey Hepburn or a Sigourney Weaver?

We already know Trag--and I've gotten all sorts of mail requesting a book about him--but what sort of heroine do you think Trag would want, and what would you like her to be?

Inquiring minds want to know. . . .

Jean's Mexican Hot Dish

You're all invited to visit Magical Musings where I'm guest blogging today! Come on over!

In the meantime, this recipe was sent to me by Donna, and, trust me, it's a good one!

Enjoy!

Jean’s Mexican Hot Dish

9x13 pan – 350 degree oven – 45 minutes bake time

2 lbs. ground beef

½ cup chopped onions

2 cloves minced garlic

1 8 oz. can tomato sauce

1 28 oz. can diced tomatoes

1 2 ½ oz jar chopped black olives

1 pack taco seasoning

1 15 oz. pkg. cheese taco chips (I used Nacho Cheese Doritos)

1 12 oz. pkg. shredded cheddar cheese

1 8 oz. pkg. shredded mozzarella cheese

½ pint sour cream

Brown meat with onions and garlic.

Add sauce, tomatoes, olives, and taco seasoning.

Crush ½ pkg. of taco chips into bottom of 9x13 pan.

Layer on 4 oz. cheddar cheese, meat mixture, then mozzarella cheese.

Spread sour cream across top.

Top this with remaining taco chips (optional: do not add remaining chips until about 30 minutes into baking time – then the chips will not be quite as crunchy).

Bake for 45 minutes.

Remove from oven and sprinkle on remaining cheddar cheese.

Serve to your friends & family.

*Optional: Sprinkle chopped green onions across top.

Also, this dish is relatively mild. If you want a little more heat, add cayenne or hot sauce to taste.

Happy Guys!

This was sent to me in an email and I thought it was funny, so I'm sharing it.

PS: I added the photo.




MEN ARE JUST HAPPIER PEOPLE


NICKNAMES
If Laura, Kate and Sarah go out for lunch, they will call each other Laura, Kate and Sarah.
If Mike, Dave and John go out, they will affectionately refer to each other as Fat Boy, Godzilla and Four-eyes.

EATING OUT
When the bill arrives, Mike, Dave and John will each throw in $20, even though it's only for $32.50. None of them will have anything smaller and none will actually admit they want change back.
When the girls get their bill, out come the pocket calculators.

MONEY
A man will pay $2 for a $1 item he needs.
A woman will pay $1 for a $2 item that she doesn't need but it's on sale.

BATHROOMS
A man has six items in his bathroom: toothbrush and toothpaste, shaving cream, razor, a bar of soap, and a towel .
The average number of items in the typical woman's bathroom is 337. A man would not be able to identify more than 20 of these items.

ARGUMENTS
A woman has the last word in any argument.
Anything a man says after that is the beginning of a new argument.

FUTURE
A woman worries about the future until she gets a husband.
A man never worries about the future until he gets a wife.

SUCCESS
A successful man is one who makes more money than his wife can spend.
A successful woman is one who can find such a man.

MARRIAGE
A woman marries a man expecting he will change, but he doesn't.
A man marries a woman expecting that she won't change, but she does.

DRESSING UP
A woman will dress up to go shopping, water the plants, empty the trash, answer the phone, read a book, and get the mail..
A man will dress up for weddings and funerals.

NATURAL
Men wake up as good-looking as they went to bed.
Women somehow deteriorate during the night.

OFFSPRING
Ah, children. A woman knows all about her children. She knows about dentist appointments and romances, best friends, favorite foods, secret fears and hopes and dreams.
A man is vaguely aware of some short people living in the house.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
A married man should forget his mistakes.
There's no use in two people remembering the same thing!

Launching Rogue!

Since this is the day for Rogue's launch party on Casablanca Authors and I'm also guest blogging on The Book Girl, I'm taking the day off here. I'd love to have you all drop by and post a comment! We'll have a blast!

He looks like he's having fun, doesn't he?

Wish I was there with him. My feet are freezing!

Which came first: The picture or the blog?

Sometimes I know what I'll blog about and just start writing, but there are other times when the inspiration comes from posting the picture first. I don't feel like writing tonight. I don't have to work, so I should take advantage of the time and get going on Hero again, but right now, I think I'd like a Corona and nice hunk to go with it.

Funny how you never see men like this just lying about on the beach. Of course, when I'm at the beach, I have to take my glasses off to go in the water, which renders me effectively blind. Sometimes I just like to sit(with my glasses on!) and gaze out to sea, casually taking in the visions that walk by. Mostly I see older people and kids, but now and then, something worthy of note wanders past. Do they realize I'm watching? Most men probably don't because I rarely get caught at it, but I don't miss much. I'm always searching for inspiration. It used to be inspiration for fantasies, but now it's for books.

Not surprisingly, I'm rarely inspired by women I observe, but rather, women I know. Something in their lives or their looks or personality that makes me want to make them into one of my heroines. A lovely lady I work with has given me just such an inspiration; she is the template for Fugitive's heroine, Drusilla. Mainly it is her build and her hair color, but she is very quiet, only occasionally muttering some fascinating comments under her breath. She tells me I didn't speak to her for the first year or so, but then, she didn't say much to me, either.

I've been told that my silences are intimidating, but what I'm really doing is observing, evaluating, and deciding what sort of person you are when we first meet. I watch the way you interact with others before doing so myself. Over the years, this habit has had a lot of young nurses shaking in their shoes at the thought of working with me. I don't see myself as someone to be feared, and once I decide to break my silence, I'll tell you anything you want to know. Some people are surprised at just how frank I can be, but I've never been one to beat around the bush; I just tell it like it is.

Nuff said for now. Must write that novel. . . .

PS: I'm guest blogging today on Yankee Romance Reviewers. Come on over!

Sunday's Hunk of the Day!

For those who like tattoos. . . big brown eyes. . . and other things. . . .