Happy Halloween!

I know I post this picture every Halloween, but honest to goodness, it's still the absolute best Halloween pumpkin I've ever seen in my life. I'm not sure how anyone could ever top it.

Unless he were to lose the cutoffs.

Halloween should always fall on a Monday. ;-)

Saturday's Hunk of the Day!

Dipping into my Named Hunks file, we find Cody just waiting for someone to give him a hand with that awesome YD of his.


You get the YD.


I'll grab his balls.

Friday Fun!

One of our Sextet authors, Ginger O'Brien sent me this one. It's season appropriate and made me laugh.

Poor bats. There are disadvantages to hanging upside down that we can only guess at.

I'm working the whole Halloween weekend. Thursday through Sunday. Ah, well. It beats being unemployed, and I only get to see trick or treaters if I'm at work. A few kids always visit the hospital--usually the children of employees--and they're adorable.

Where I live there are no trick or treaters. Ever.

Which is probably just as well because Peaches would steal their candy.

A few nights ago, I was pulled out to the Medical floor to be the monitor tech. During a peak period of conversation, I jotted down a few of the comments I overheard. Some of them are funnier in context, but this is just a brief excerpt of the strange stuff nurses, aides, and respiratory therapists talk about in the middle of the night while their patients are napping.

I want a pool, but I want a pool boy, too.
That’s an example of how not to chart.
They probably don’t have a job anymore.
I peek into other houses to see how they’re decorated.
Yeah, them are tough boogers to put on.
Would you call that a diaper rash?
Ah, good word.
I’d give her away to one of the kids.
I’d be happy with a screened porch, a front porch, and a place to swim.
I just can’t listen to mouse stories.
Possums are marsupials. I don’t think they swing with cats.
Spironolactone smells like spearmint.
I thought it said you can get help from community hotties instead of hotlines. Damn.

Okay, since Nan has apparently missed out on the Joy of Derrick, who is, BTW, my inspiration for Tarq, the hero of Stud, I must post one more pic...



























Or maybe two. . . .



























And, yes. The thighs and the curved YD make it into the book!

Thursday Thoughts

There's something about inserting a page break and writing the words: Chapter Ten (or two or twenty) that are somehow intimidating to a writer. At least they are to me. I just sent Chapter Nine of Stud to Sandy James for her to critique. I think it's a good chapter, but we'll see what she thinks of it. Now I have to write the next one. A new chapter can be scary, or it can be exciting. I just left Tarq and Lucy on the brink of something... interesting. Which means that the next chapter will be a hot one.

I have to be in the right mood to write a sexual encounter, and I'm feeling pretty good today, but there is that blank page staring back at me, daring me to begin.

It's funny, too, how things will pop up at just the right moment. I just received an email from a family member that had this written at the bottom:

Life is a rush into the unknown. You can duck down and hope nothing hits you, or you can stand tall, show it your teeth and say "Dish it up, Baby, and don't skimp on the jalapeños."

Now, as someone who is particularly fond of jalapeños, there are times when I feel this way, but there are just as many when I don't. I've always been one to fly under the radar, and seldom put myself up for any sort of target practice. That's not to say that I can't be outspoken when the need arises. Just ask anyone who's ever been to a staff meeting with me. If there's an unasked question in everyone's mind, I will be the one to blurt it out.

Speaking of blurting, I guess I'd better start that new chapter now. After all, I need to write at least fifteen more of them.

Too bad I need to make a run to the bank.

Nah! I'll go tomorrow. Must write!



























Come on, Derrick. Inspire me!

Whopping Weasels and Backstage Pass!

I finished reading Olivia Cunning's Backstage Pass, and, yeah, it's hot. If there's a sexual variation that wasn't addressed, it's not one I care to read about, and the frequency of sexual encounters will keep your arousal level at a steady high. However, there was one thing about it that put it a cut above other books that are simply about the sex: I cared about the characters.

And not just the hero and heroine. The guys in the band were all such interesting individuals and the banter between them was snappy and entertaining. I'm dying to learn more about what makes them tick and watch them as they find their own true loves.

I will most definitely be reading the next book in the series, Rock Hard. That's a title we can all appreciate!

And now, for this week's whopper! He's got more of a rapper look going for him as opposed to the heavy metal rockstar thing, but somehow I think we can overlook that in light of his other stunning qualifications.

Tasty Tuesday Mexican Spaghetti

Ever start to fix dinner without having a clue what you're going to make? That happens to me more and more these days. I'd had the jars of the peppers and tomatoes in the fridge for a good while, and I finally did something with them out of desperation. The hamburger was in the freezer, the spaghetti in the cabinet, and I'd bought the cheese sauce not knowing why. This was the result. It was very easy and Budley seemed to think it was darn good.


















Cheesy Mexican Spaghetti

1 lb ground beef
1 tsp Odobo seasoning (mixture of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and oregano)
2 tbsp roasted bell peppers, chopped
2 tbsp sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1 23 oz jar Tostitos salsa con queso, medium (I used about 3/4 of the jar)

Season the ground beef with the Odobo seasoning and brown in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add peppers and tomatoes. Continue cook until juices have evaporated. Spoon off fat and add the cheese sauce. Cook until heated through. Serve over spaghetti.

As always, the hunk is optional, but will add to the overall enjoyment!

Monday Moons: New or Used?

I honestly can't remember whether I've used this guy before or not. But just in case I haven't, and since he's much too good to overlook, here he is.

You see, I have two files. Unused Hunks and Used Hunks. There is also a Named Hunks file, where I keep any shots of a particular guy whose name I happen to know, whether I've used them or not, so it gets a bit confusing at times.

The problem is that I don't always go right back and transfer a picture from unused to used once I've posted it.

It's such a tough job.

Don't suppose anyone would care to volunteer, would they?

I'm up over 30,000 words on Stud. My critique partner, Sandy James, says she likes it the best of any of my CSC books so far.

With her help, I'm becoming a better writer, which may have something to do with it, but I think she likes those tortured heroes, and Tarq is a bit tortured. She made the comment that given his history, she didn't think she'd like him. But she does. (insert satisfied smile here) This is the first time I've had someone to critique a book chapter by chapter as it's being written, and it's wonderful to get feedback along the way instead of writing the entire book and sending it to my editor or agent before anyone else has had a crack at it. That way I know that someone likes it and has already found some of the errors and inconsistencies that I've missed.

The writing process seems to go faster, too. Sandy was sending me chapter after chapter of her latest project, and I couldn't believe she was actually sending them to me as she wrote them. When we first began working together, I was revising Virgin, which was already written. I was making changes and passing each chapter on to her, but now, I'm working on Stud and sending the chapters as I finish them, getting her feedback, and revising as I go. My previous style was to just keep on writing, while going back to earlier chapters and tweaking them only when I needed to change something or refresh my memory, never seeing the chapter breaks as the milestones they truly are.

Who knows? I might actually get good at this someday!

Sunday's Hunk of the Day!

Here's a little something for all you football widows to enjoy.






Paybacks are hell, aren't they?

Saturday's Hunk of the Day!

Here's another hairy one for you, Nan!


Enjoy your Saturday!

Friday Fun!

Speaking of fun, just imagine the hours of entertainment you could have with this:



















And this:




















And this!


















Enjoy your Friday!

Thursday Thoughts

I finished the bondage-themed short story a couple of days ago, and I'm back at work on Stud. It's coming along, though not a quickly as I'd hoped. Our next short story theme is Legends, and the ideas have been distracting me a bit. I'm thinking of doing a King Arthur story with a twist. Sort of a Guinevere Does Camelot thing. Or at least she does Lancelot and Arthur together, thanks to a bit of Merlin's magic.

I think it may be the menage thing that has me so interested. My editor at SB is very much against multiple partners. I had to fight for the scene in Rogue where Trag and Tychar do Kyra together. However, there was another scene that I had to cut Trag out of. Want to see it sometime? It's pretty hot and fun too!

Let's see now... We need some pics to go with this post...

Here's King Arthur looking quite regal.


















And this would be Lancelot trying to find the Lady of the Lake.
























And Guinevere with one of those other Knights of the Round Table.

















Lucky girl!

Whopping Weasel Wednesday!

Mesmerizing, isn't it?


I was intending to write a review of Backstage Pass for today's post, but I haven't finished reading it yet. Suffice it to say, I'm about halfway through and I've read about a few things I didn't know existed. Like vibrating cock rings. A quick check of the "family planning" section at Walmart reveals that there is such a thing, readily available to the general public.

Who knew?

I don't think this guy needs one, though. He's already got some serious veins popping up. A vibrating cock ring would probably make something explode.

And we can't have that, can we?

Oh, yeah. I'm blogging on Casablanca Authors today. Something about spooks and such. Come on over!

Tasty Tuesday Jalapeno Artichoke Spinach Dip!

A few weeks ago, I took the night off from writing and everything else that was happening in my life and sat down and watched Food Network all evening. One recipe caught my attention, and though exact measurements weren't given and I can't remember which show I saw this on, I scribbled down the basic ingredients. Sunday night, I put my culinary skills to the test and devised my own version.

I would have taken a picture of the whole thing, but it disappeared too quickly. With some Ritz crackers, it was dinner for me and Budley. Suffice it to say, we did NOT go away hungry, and the warmed-up leftovers were even better!

Jalapeno Artichoke Spinach Dip





















Ingredients:

Coat 2 good-sized jalapenos with a little olive oil and roast on a cookie sheet at 4oo degrees until the skin is browned and the peppers are soft. Remove caps and chop.

Mix with:

One 14 oz can artichokes, drained and chopped
2-3 oz fresh spinach, chopped
6 oz cream cheese
6 oz ricotta cheese
3 oz Parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp salt, pepper, and garlic powder mixture (Paula Deen's House Seasoning)

Mix well and top with another 2 oz Parmesan cheese and sprinkle with the House Seasoning.
Bake in a greased baking dish (I used a souffle dish) at 375 for about 30 min, or until hot and bubbly and the cheese on top is lightly browned. Serve with the crackers or chips (and hunk!) of your choice.



























Now, that's one hot jalapeno!!!!

Monday Moons!

Unless you like guys with long hair or blondes, there's a little something here for everyone. A bit of a dangle, a tattoo, a ball for you sports fans, and a smokin' hot bod. Not to mention #1, Grade A perfect buns.

On the writing front, I'm having a bit of difficulty getting back in the swing of things on the next CSC book, currently known as Stud. I've been distracted by my bondage short story for the Sextet group. Just imagine a 31 year old single nurse working on her next door neighbor (who is six years her junior and a virgin whom she used to babysit) with a pair of tweezers and four-point leather restraints--at his request--and you'll understand my dilemma.

To top that off, I recently acquired fellow Sourcebooks author Olivia Cunning's new book, Backstage Pass. Let me just say that if you think my stuff is hot, and you enjoy what Kate Douglas writes, you're gonna love Olivia's book. I haven't finished it yet, but when I do, I'll write a short review of it here.






















Backstage Pass was released October 1st, but so far, it hasn't made it into many bookstores. I ordered my copy from Amazon, but if enough of you regulars (and all you lurkers--yes, I know you're out there!) go into Borders or B&N and ask for it, maybe they'll start stocking it. It's published in the trade paperback format, so it costs a bit more, ($14.99 cover price) but it's $11.94 on Amazon plus shipping.

How hot is it? Well, let's just say that after reading the first few chapters I was inspired. . .

Sunday's Hunk of the Day!

Well, gang, we finally put the Wickedly Romantic blog to bed. No one seemed to have time for it anymore, and, as you know, I can post MUCH better pictures here.

I kinda wish it had been left up instead of completely shut down, though. After all, there's a fair amount of personal history there, some that I would have liked to continue to have access to. But perhaps it's better this way.

They say the internet is forever, but I disagree. Nothing is permanent.

Not even a nice, hard YD.

Saturday's Hunk of the Day!

Sometimes it's what you don't see that intrigues you the most.

Then again, there's something about those eyes. . .

Friday Fun!

Anyone want to go for a ride?



Yeah, I thought so...

Thursday Thoughts

I haven't said much about the trip to visit my sisters yet. We had fun at the Berea Art Fair and browsing the shops in Berea. I got some Christmas shopping done, but, like last year, I mainly came away with a greater appreciation for the plight of America's dairy farmers.





















I won't go into the politics of it, but suffice it to say that someone, somewhere is working very hard to eliminate all dairy farms within the US. It's the only explanation for some of the bullshit the farmers have to put up with. Most have given up. My sister loves her cows, but no one can make a living on a dairy farm when the feed for the cows costs more than the milk they produce.




















Whenever I visit, I hear more horror stories like combines being repossessed when a farmer is out in the field trying to harvest his crops. How can anyone make a payment on a combine when they can't harvest their crop? It makes no sense.

And it's not just the family farms that are suffering. Even some of the big conglomerate farms are failing. One of these days, no one will be able to afford to farm. Then the government will have to pay people to work on state-owned farms, and no one is going to want to work that hard for the pittance they'll receive. Something is very rotten, and the stench isn't coming from Denmark, it's coming from the decay of the American farm.

Whopping Weasel Wednesday!

I'm still trying to get back into the swing of things since finishing the revisions to Virgin and everything else that's gone on around here. I did more writing upstairs at my sister's house than I can do at home--mainly because I didn't have internet and emails to distract me there!

I'm writing this on Monday afternoon after changing the sheets on my bed and cleaning out the mug cabinet in the kitchen. You know how you buy a new mug wherever you go and someone always gives you a few at Christmas? Well, they add up. Mikey and I filled four big grocery bags full of mugs, cups, and old plates that we never use anymore. I need to make a run to the Goodwill store to drop this stuff off.

Maybe this guy would give me a hand. Of course, I'd never be able to recognize his face from this picture. . .

Tasty Tuesday Pepperoncini Beef!

Donna sent this one, and I tried it out a few days ago. It's almost as yummy as the hunk!

Pepperoncini Beef Sandwiches (12 servings) You won't won't be saying where's the beef? It's right where we like it. In the buns. Add a nice cheese slice. Delicio!!!

Ingredients

• 1 (3 pound) beef chuck roast
• 4 cloves garlic, sliced
• 1 (16 ounce) jar pepperoncini( Tuscan peppers or Italian sweet peppers)

Directions

1. Make small cuts in roast, and insert garlic slices in cuts. Place roast in the slow cooker, and pour the entire contents of the jar of pepperoncini, including liquid, over meat.
2. Cover, and cook on Low for 6 to 8 hours.
   

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Monday Moons and Yummydoodles!

Since there was some question last about the validity of last Tuesday's hunk, Donna sent me a few more pics of him.

From these, I think we can conclude that Guiseppi's YD is for real.

Sunday's Hunk of the Day!

Now, there's a guy who needs to come out of the closet!

I'm blogging on Wickedly Romantic today.

That is, if I can think of anything to say. . . .

Saturday's Hunk of the Day!

I was looking forward to cooler weather.


Now I'm not so sure. . . .



Have fun and enjoy your Saturday!

Friday Fun!

Need a good laugh? I've received this list in an email from a couple of different people, and thought I'd share it with the CBEB gang. Some of them are absolutely priceless.

Paraprosdokian is a figure of speech in which the latter part of a
> > sentence or phrase is surprising or unexpected in a way that causes the
> > reader or listener to reframe or reinterpret the first part. It is
> > frequently used for humorous or dramatic effect.
> >
> >
> >
> > - I asked God for a bike, but I know God doesn't work that way. So I
> > stole a bike and asked for forgiveness.
> >
> >
> > - Do not argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level and
> > beat you with experience.
> >
> >
> > - I want to die peacefully in my sleep, like my grandfather. Not
> > screaming and yelling like the passengers in his car.
> >
> >
> > - Going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than standing
> > in a garage makes you a car.
> >
> >
> > - The last thing I want to do is hurt you. But it's still on the list.
> >
> >
> > - Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear
> > bright until you hear them speak.
> >
> >
> > - If I agreed with you, we'd both be wrong.
> >
> >
> > - We never really grow up; we only learn how to act in public.
> >
> >
> > - War does not determine who is right -- only who is left.
> >
> >
> > - Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit; Wisdom is not putting it in
> > a fruit salad.
> >
> >
> > - The early bird might get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese.
> >
> >
> > - Evening news is where they begin with 'Good evening,' and then
> > proceed to tell you why it isn't.
> >
> >
> > - To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism. To steal from many is
> > research.
> >
> >
> > - A bus station is where a bus stops. A train station is where a train
> > stops. My desk is a work station.
> >
> >
> > - How is it one careless match can start a forest fire, but it takes a
> > whole box to start a campfire?
> >
> >
> > - Some people are like Slinkies ... not really good for anything, but
> > you can't help smiling when you see one tumble down the stairs.
> >
> >
> > - Dolphins are so smart that within a few weeks of captivity, they can
> > train people to stand on the very edge of the pool and throw them fish.
> >
> >
> > - I thought I wanted a career; turns out I just wanted paychecks.
> >
> >
> > - A bank is a place that will lend you money if you can prove that you
> > don't need it.
> >
> >
> > - Whenever I fill out an application, in the part that says "If an
> > emergency, notify:" I put "DOCTOR."
> >
> >
> > - I didn't say it was your fault, I said I was blaming you.
> >
> >
> > - Why does someone believe you when you say there are four billion
> > stars, but check when you say the paint is wet?
> >
> >
> > - Women will never be equal to men until they can walk down the street
> > with a bald head and a beer gut and still think they are sexy.
> >
> >
> > - Why do Americans choose from just two people to run for president and
> > 50 for Miss America?
> >
> >
> > - A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory.
> >
> >
> > - You do not need a parachute to skydive. You only need a parachute to
> > skydive twice.
> >
> >
> > - Always borrow money from a pessimist. He won't expect it back.
> >
> >
> > - A diplomat is someone who can tell you to go to hell in such a way
> > that you will look forward to the trip.
> >
> >
> > - Hospitality: making your guests feel like they're at home, even if
> > you wish they were.
> >
> >
> > - Money can't buy happiness, but it sure makes misery easier to live
> > with.
> >
> >
> > - I discovered I scream the same way whether I'm about to be devoured
> > by a great white shark or if a piece of seaweed touches my foot.
> >
> >
> > - Some cause happiness wherever they go. Others whenever they go.
> >
> >
> > - I used to be indecisive. Now I'm not sure.
> >
> >
> > - I always take life with a grain of salt... plus a slice of lime...
> > and a shot of tequila.
> >
> >
> > - When tempted to fight fire with fire, remember that the Fire
> > Department usually uses water.
> >
> >
> > - You're never too old to learn something stupid.
> >
> >
> > - To be sure of hitting the target, shoot first and call whatever you
> > hit the target.
> >
> >
> > - Nostalgia isn't what it used to be.
> >
> >
> > - A bus is a vehicle that runs twice as fast when you are after it as
> > when you are in it.
> >
> >
> > - Change is inevitable, except from a vending machine.

Here's a new Peaches pic for you, Judy! She was feeling a bit less crazy at this particular moment.
*sigh* It didn't last long.

I'm visiting my sisters this weekend and won't have internet access. I know I can count on you ladies to hold the fort for me!

Thursday Thoughts

Thought I'd give you ladies a little update on the erotic short story anthology idea. We've decided to call ourselves the SEXtet. Cute, huh? Our first theme was menage and we had a critique meeting last Saturday. It was so nice to sit around and talk writing with other writer friends. We had food and fun, and Mellanie Szereto made these fabulous truffles. . . .

But I digress. We talked for six hours, critiquing each other's stories. There was one part of mine that I thought I should change, but nobody seemed to want to change a word of it, which made me feel very good, especially since I was still in the midst of the revisions to Virgin.

In fact, I was so brain dead from all of that revising that I didn't remember the idea I'd had for our next theme, which is bondage. On the way home, I remembered what I'd come up while driving home from the September INRWA meeting. I think it came to me on that same stretch of highway. Funny how places and smells and such will trigger ideas and memories. Anyway, I emailed it to our loop, and one of the SEXtet responded with: "That is SO Cheryl Brooks." :D

Since I know you're just dying to hear what my idea was, I'll run it past you and get your feedback.

This is the story of a younger man who enlists the aid of his slightly older neighbor, a nurse, to help him with hair removal in a very interesting spot. He's allergic to depilatories, doesn't think he could stand waxing, and figures the only way is for someone else to use tweezers and restraints. Then he discovers how much he enjoys being tied down. The title is A Delicate Procedure.

So, there it is, ladies. What are your thoughts?

Whopping Weasel Wednesday!

Okay, so he's a little young, but he looks very natural, doesn't he? Love the curve.

Moving right along. . . .

It was forty degrees here yesterday morning, so I went to the barn in my winter coat. Not two weeks ago, it was 95. I don't know if this is due to global warming or not, but it's damn strange.

I was hoping we might actually get a little cool weather before going straight into winter, but it looks like fall is going to be very brief. Peaches is loving it. She's always a rambunctious pup, but for every ten degree drop in temperature, her craziness doubles.

You watch. She'll be certifiable by January.

Tasty Tuesday Cheeseburger Soup!

Donna has sent us another scrumptious recipe, along with some other fun stuff!

Donna writes:

"It's October so I'm thinking Octoberfest and Yodeling and Grouse Hunting naked,

and then drinking German Beer and eating Cheesy soup.

What could be better to warm up your cold rear?"

CHEESE BURGER SOUP Serves 6

Ingredients

• 1/2 pound ground beef
• 3/4 cup chopped onion
• 3/4 cup shredded carrots
• 3/4 cup chopped celery
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 3 cups chicken broth or (2 cups broth 1 can Beer).
• 4 cups cubed potatoes
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups cubed Cheddar cheese(I like Sharp Cheddar)
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1/4 cup sour cream

Directions

1. In a large pot, melt 1 tablespoon butter or margarine over medium heat: cook and stir vegetables and beef , until beef is brown.
2. Stir in basil and parsley. Add broth and potatoes. Bring to a boil, then simmer until potatoes are tender, about 10-12 minutes.
3. Melt the remainder of butter and stir in flour. Add the milk, stirring until smooth.
4. Gradually add milk mixture to the soup, stirring constantly. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to simmer. Stir in cheese. When cheese is melted, add sour cream and heat through. Do not boil.
   

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Monday Moons!

Today is the deadline for the revisions to Virgin. I could probably keep tweaking it forever, but as my CP, Sandy James said: "Cheryl, it's time to step away from the keyboard."

I suppose deadlines are good for that, but there's something about getting the nerve to actually hit "send" that's very difficult to do. Sooner or later, however, it has to be done.

Now I can get back to the next book and start writing another short story.

*sigh* Until the next round of revisions. . . .

Sunday's Hunk of the Day!

Not sure I care for the tattoo, but the rest of him is pretty nice.

I'm also blogging on Wickedly Romantic today.

Give him a kiss and come on over!

Saturday's Hunk of the Day!

Sorta makes you want to have a Great Veins Week, doesn't he?



Have a great Saturday!

Friday Fun

This was me a few minutes ago.



























This was me when I realized at 11:40 that I didn't have today's blog posted.




















Enjoy your Friday!