MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Worry

I have learned this month that all worry does is make you either eat or not eat, ruins your complexion, gives you massive headaches, kills good night sleep, and does absolutely nothing to your problems. They are still there and you just get to feel miserable in them. Give them over to God and let Him be in control. After all, we have enough to do this time of year! Merry worry free Christmas!!!

A Disk Drive to Remember

Well, my laptop of two and half years decided a few days ago to kill its hard drive. I am not sure if it will be able to be recovered, but thankfully, I backed up the important stuff on a mini drive...eg. my writings. I still hope most of it can be recovered since all my images and a few little things I want are still on there.

For now I have borrowed my mother's slower, older laptop and though it does do what's needed, I miss the quickness of mine as well as the wider keyboard. This one is rather small, but I am managing. Still, I thank God that I am still online and still free to bug you all with my little rantings. Aren't you happy?! ;)

So...here's to a blessed holiday and a wonderful new year....slow, little computer and all...

You must be a writer....

You can't write because you are mad at the character you are currently writing....and you argue with said character even more than people in real life. (not that I have EVER done that) ;P

I Can Do It On My Own

I am not published, but have written some fanfics and short stories...poems that are on certain sites on the web. I have learned many things about writing...some the easy way and others...not so much.

For those writers out there who believe that you can do it all one your own....you are very wrong. I don't mean that you have to have a co-author (I write without one as well)...to find one as good as mine is to me would be a long stretch (not that there isn't ones out there) what I mean is someone who can be your eyes...catch things that you miss, right wrongs that might not be physically possible, tell you if your timeline isn't just a bit off, and just be that voice of reason that tells you if your character might be a little too much of a drama queen or if the words you are using aren't up to par.

We all have a different way of writing. Some of us like just saying it is hot...others need twenty five words before we get our point across...but we all need a voice of reason. So...don't do it on your own...get a beta reader or just a friend....someone that loves your work as much as you do...and who you don't mind tearing into said work, being honest, and realizing that they are doing it to better you as a writer.....trust me, it's worth it. Laters, Gators...

Quote to think on.....

"Never confuse trust with convenience." Me

There is a reason...

As a writer, I have learned that not just everyone should look at your search history. With things like major arteries, collapsible sniper rifles, and kinds of explosives, one could really wonder what exactly might be going on. Of course, this is in light of the three prior items, which trust me isn't much better.

In reality, one might think I was going to war or then there are the other like blood letting, assassination methods, and the ever popular Jack the Ripper legend, where the ideas of me being a psychotic killer could come to mind. What's funny is that my husband takes it all with a grain of salt knowing that it's not the ranting of an insane woman out to seek revenge on a cruel world or a blood crazed freak in need of another gory fix. It is just me doing what I do best. Search out the web to better my stories and hope to God no one thinks I am anything or everything I have said above.

I am a writer....I promise...no matter what that little devil on my shoulder says to you....don't believe anything he tells you...I know I don't. (wink)

Nothing is true....

"...Everything is permitted."

For any of you familiar with that phrase, you probably know what this post is about. A wonderful series of video games known as Assassin's Creed, where the future meets the past in an array of blood and glory all at the point of a handsome hooded man and his hidden blade. This is what my diet has been for the last few days and it has become quite apparent in my dreams.

Picture if you will a mysterious man in a white robe who can kill someone before they even realize he is there. He's a champion of the people even though he doesn't chose to be and can leap from high towers to land in a stack of hay all around the cry of a bird of prey. His voice is sultry and rough and his demeanor worthy of dangerous, but all hidden deep in unbridled sex appeal.

Someone asked if my dreams had been good and I have to say yes, mixing the fighting assassin's that already plague my mind, her long red hair falling around her shoulder as Altair pulls him to her in a hidden and forbidden embrace. Or as they dance, lights of fires catching blades as the two do battle neither able to kill each other, but betraying their own people to remain together.

And as the game winds down and I realize that this passage soon will be at an end, I have hope that the next will continue to spur these dreams and images as I allow my fingers to write them down and play in a word where hooded men run on rooftops and take leaps of faith into my heart....

Quote to live by....

"Sometimes the best way to deal with reality.....is to create your own."

Sleep Deprived Writings

Caution, this is so not something one should do....especially when writing with a co author.

As much as I love my Muse, (see below post) I have come to find that not enough sleep makes a good idea become a bad idea in five seconds flat. And my fingers tend to go on auto pilot, which can lead to all kind of screwy debauchery. Especially half thoughts and bad choices in words. Thankfully, when writing, nothing is set in stone and the mistakes of a bad night are easily rectified by a couple clackings of the keyboard and the excessive use of the delete button.

Still, I offer this to a certain person out there who has to put with me and sometimes I am sure would like to brandish his shotgun my way. Thanks for not blowing my head off with Mathilda. You know who you are.....

An a'MUSE'ing complaint

A Muse...something or someone that encourages or inspires someone to write, also the name for which most writer's coin their creative spark. All in all, the Muse is an important part of a writer's lifestyle.

So here is where the problem arises. Mine won't shut up. I love her to death, but when it comes to the need for sleep, she continues to talk through the night telling me all the other things i could be doing. One of her biggest flaws (or mine) is I flitter to several different ideas and never quite stay on one. Especially when she is in overdrive.

It's not that I don't like her or wish her to be gone, but a little slower would be nice. Please....and sleep...oh, sleep is a powerful thing and I still devote half the night to her. LOL!

Just a Babble

Figured I best post something since well, I was one...bored, that happens in my life from time to time especially when I'm tired and coughing and my kids are busy watching something while my hubby is out workin' his muscles....and two, I feel like typing about nothing in particular, a feat that if you ask my co author from Canada, he'll tell you that is one thing I am excel at...that and annoying him with strange questions that come from maybe just a wee bit too much sugar and not a whole helluva a lot of sleep. The latter though I assure you is so not my fault.

I had every intention to go to be early, but my blasted cough kept me up until I finally downed enough drugs to sedate a Brahma bull. Midnight and my body decided to go to sleep. For all of three minutes....before I heard....'Momma, it's Carol...your daughter...it's your daughter.' My stupid neighbor's across the street...their drunk daughter came home screaming at the top of her lungs, crying like she was going to die if her mother didn't open the door. Is it wrong of me to have wanted to slam her headfirst into the brick of her mother's house. Finally, after about fifteen minutes of this, the mother opened the door (God, did I feel sorry for her) and let the whining brat inside. And this girl is older than me...I bet at least in her forties. She has been carted to the hospital for drug overdose like five times since she's been living with her mom. That was in July, people.

Anyway, after that, the lull of my hubby's breathing and the wind blowing through what's left of the leaves on my tree, my body decided it was now ready to sleep. Well, at least for another few hours, until that blasted cough woke me up. Here's hoping my co author don't want to kill me tonight. We write until two, but I do have a whole two liter of Pepsi. More sugar and caffeine should drive my mind crazy.....and my partner even more so.....Laters, Gators....

http://www.suvudu.com/freelibrary/

Has Kiss of Shadows by Laurell K. Hamilton for a free downloadable ebook. Definitely worth checking out ya'll.

Quote for you to think on....

Judge not, for do we not all have dark

secrets we would rather leave buried in graveyards of denial?!

and they say night is meant for the things that go bump

and the things that scare and horrify,

but i like the night and the dark and the things that go bump

so I pray tell which am I?

Why I Write

Wow! What a question to be asked at seven in the morning, but this was what was sent by a friend to my email. She is doing a little survey among a few of us that are aspiring authors...I believe that if you write anything that is yours and yours alone, published or not, you're a writer. Anyway, here goes my answer and if you don't follow it, is okay. My mind is kind of like those 3D pictures that were popular a million years ago, where you had to relax your eyes to see the image...well, in my mind's case, most of the time you have to be either completely drunk or nuts to understand it...most of my friends will tell you both helps tons.

Why I write...in the seventh grade, my mind began to wander down paths and into worlds that it ought not to when trying to learn math and science. I began creating characters in my mind since the rest of my imagination had been bottled up by moving to a new city and trying like hell to fit in. Gators, this girl couldn't fit into a mental ward, but try as I might, nothing seemed to work to stifle the caged beast from slipping out and making me miss the lessons my teachers were teaching.

Finally, one of the teachers I will always remember forever...Mrs. Moore, my seventh grade English teacher handed me a notebook and said three words that have forever changed my life..."WRITE IT DOWN." Never has better words been spoken to this little girl, who could never really find her place in the world to call her own. So, I made a world of my own.

With the quickness of my pen, I began to spin the webs of creativity, be it a poem about death, coffee, or just walking in a forest...to a full blown story about a heroine in search of her prince or crazed man with a shotgun, whichever the case may be. Notebooks filled with ideas that overtook me and flowed from my mind to my fingers like water from a faucet.

It has been more than fifteen years since that day, the day my teacher released the caged beast out on to paper and now, on to screen with the advancement of computers and Word...and the fact I can afford a laptop. Still, the mind continues its rants and though I have found quite a nice place to remain for a season or two, my place will always be in the stories I write. They are not only my blood...they are my soul bore out upon the sheets that soon will be tossed by the winds of change.

Why do I write you ask...well, the easiest way I can explain is...I write because I must. To silence the voices in my head, to free my imagination from the cage of reality, to search for that one thing that makes me...me. I write, my friends, because in writing, I feel complete. I found my place to belong, even if I had to create it to find it.

Sanctuary Season 2

Don't forget to set your DVR or just tune in to the new season of Sanctuary on the SyFy channel this Friday. Should be an awesome season!!

'the forgotten'

Wow...just wow! There aren't many series that grab me on the first episode and then leave me breathless at the end. 'the forgotten' is just such a show. Starring veteran actor Christian Slater as ex cop and now leader of the Forgotten Network for the Mideast, he leads a group of volunteers that take over where the cops leave off...finding the names of the unknown murders that happen and giving the families closure as well as the victims their names back.

With a great set of characters from a artist that gets community service for vandalism to a phone company employee that might be just a little too overzealous, the history of their lives is just as interesting as the cases themselves, but does no way take from the case at hand. Even Slater's character Alex has a reason for his obsession with the 'job' as his eight year old daughter has been kidnapped and missing for the last eight years.

Again, this is the first episode and as always I will wait to pass the most judgement until then. Still this is definitely one to check out, especially if you already watch the 'Dancing With the Stars' that run before. I hope to see it last and develop into a great series.

'the forgotten' airs Tuesdays on ABC at 10e/9c.

Watch the pilot online at http://abc.go.com/watch/the-forgotten/235186/235271/pilot

New NCIS

Everyone is familiar with NCIS and its crime solving crew that consists of Gibbs, Abby, and Ducky...to name a few. It's a show that brought the criminal solving to the military level, liken to JAG, but with a bit more of the gore we are use to seeing with the CSI's. The chemistry between characters is something that is just a wonder to behold and makes the show incredible to watch. This season I am sure will be no exception.

After the season premiere though last night, NCIS fans were introduced to a new series with a new crew and a new location, NCIS Los Angeles. Starring screen veterans Chris O'Donnell and LL Cool J, the pilot opened with a scene of G. Callen (O'Donnell) staring out into the ocean thinking on a flashback of him being shot next to his partner, Sam Hanna (Cool J). You find out later that he is coming back from a long leave, in which he needed to heal.

Their new headquarters reminded me of Angel's hotel from Whedon's hit series by the same name and I was surprised as well as pleased to see veteran actress Linda Hunt playing the support manager. An especially cute moment was when she asked G what the letter stood for. In which, Callen replies that 'they' being his foster home never told him.

As far as the series goes, I have only seen one episode and as anyone who is a regular reader knows, I don't pass too much judgement until I've seen a couple. My biggest thing with the new NCIS is it lacks the chemistry of the first. I was hooked by episode one and fell in love with the characters almost immediately. Still, though, as a watcher of all the CSI's, NY was the hardest for me to get into, but after awhile, I did finally grow to really like it.

Truthfully, Los Angeles will remain on my DVR and I will try again, seeing as they develop the characters as well as the story line that envelopes them. For you that didn't catch the pilot....go to http://www.cbs.com/primetime/ncis_los_angeles/?ttag=mktg;Fall09Google and watch it now.

NCIS Los Angeles airs on CBS on Tues @ 9e/8c.

Castle Castle Castle

Well, tonight is the night that season two of Castle begins and am excited beyond measure. Maybe it's the fact I get to see the always sexy Nathan strutting his stuff on screen or that my brain gets a chance to solve a great murder mystery. Either way, I am hoping that it is as good as it was when it left off. Sitting pretty in its safe spot after Dancing With the Stars, I hope anyone that hasn't taken a bite will stay after and see what you are missing. Enjoy!! Castle airs tonight on ABC @ 10 east/ 7 west.

Season 2 trailer @ http://abc.go.com/shows/castle

Suvudu Free Library

http://www.suvudu.com/freelibrary/

For those who love ebooks for free...this is a great place to get sci fi and fantasy ebooks. Once a month, they post a few for download. Go and enjoy what they have posted.

Wicked The Musical

My sister and I had the pleasure to attend Wicked The Musical at the Tulsa PAC last Tuesday and I just have to say it was an experience that I will remember forever. Watch the trailer here.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0m6sclZkH0

Coraline

Ahhh...the beauty of stop-motion animation...something that has kind of fell along the wayside for the ease of a computer animation (not trying to take the hard work out of that). I just miss the hand drawn and the claymation that seems to have been replaced. I'm an old fashion girl at heart, though I do love the beauty of CG stuff and nothing can be the special effects. Still, if you are a lover of the genius of Neil Gaiman's work, Coraline will take you on a dark adventure into a little girl's want for everything and the realization that sometimes getting it is not always best.

Coraline is the story of a little girl that is forced to move somewhere new for her parent's work, both who ignore her and are absorbed in their own little worlds. In an effort to entertain herself, she meets Wybie, a weird boy with a stray black cat, who tells her of his grandma's sister disappearing in the same apartment as she lives now.

Coraline laughs it off, but when she find a little door that seems to lead to another world at night, she starts believing that just maybe Wybie is right. On the other side is her life only the way she wants it with everyone catering to her every desire and totally absorbed in making her happy. The only thing that is odd about this new place is everyone except the black stray cat as buttons for eyes and the cat seems to talk. Will Caroline stay or will see she what is really going on in front of her?

For lovers of Nightmare Before Christmas and Corspe Bride, Coraline will give you all the good fun darkeness you've enjoyed, but this is definitely not a movie for younger viewers. It is scary, has a scene that involves a fat woman and a thong, and could give nightmares rather easily. I suggest that this one can wait until they are at least ten, same as the novel that started it all. Besides that, Coraline is visually gorgeous and a definite buy on BluRay, if you have it. The clarity and 3D scenes make it stunning as well as pull you into the world that Gaiman creates.

I would definitely give this one a 4 1/2 out of 5. Be careful what you wish for.

KNOWING

So....Netflix delivered a good movie on my doorstep this morning and with no pre-thoughts (those ones you have even before you open the seal on the envelope) my hubby and I put it in the Playstation and prepared to watch a movie that seemed to stem around numbers and natural disasters. What transpired though had me at the edge of my seat.

Nicolaus Cage stares as a widower raising his young son, whose school celebrates its fiftieth anniversary by digging up a time capsule that was buried on the eve of its opening. Inside they find pictures the children in the past drew, plus a very odd letter filled with numbers. As Cage's character studies these scrawls further, he discovers that each set of them tells of a certain disaster that is about to take place including date as well as number who die. Within minutes, he as well as the watcher begins an adventure to find out exactly what the numbers are running down to.

With over the top, but well done special effects, this movie is a wild and weird ride that begs the question of what is going to happen next. Storyline moves at a steady pace, but beside, Cage and his son, the minor characters are numerous and are almost fly by night, never giving the audience a chance to really care about them. Great twists keep the film entertaining and though not one to own, it is definitely a movie to rent, though definitely not for the young ones. Recommended for those thirteen and older, in my opinion and even then, I urge parents to watch it first. Otherwise, a definite worth seein' film... 3 1/2 out of 5...

Returning Series

Well, thankfully, this last year was better to me than the previous as two of my favorite shows were cancelled and a few other went to pot. Back in the fall and winter of 2008-09, though my TV watching was restored by great shows like Lie To Me, Castle, and Dollhouse....all three returning for another season and hopefully just as impressive as last year's.

"Lie To Me" on Fox was just awesome...putting together a great scientific field with a very awesome cast of individuals. The art of lying has always interested me and this series does everything plus leaves you breathless and waiting for more.

"Castle" on ABC...well, besides having Nathan Fillion as the main role (Can you say HOT?), this series is just an over the top crime fun for all that keeps getting better. Though filled with murders that are pretty easy to solve (coming from a woman who use to eat mysteries for breakfast), the chemistry between Rick Castle and his daughter makes it a great addition to the line up. So glad it's coming back.

"Dollhouse" on Fox...Creator Joss Whedon says it all..intense, great dialogue, and quite a rip roaring plot, this series I think was saved solely because Fox was afraid they would have another Firefly. It has good elements though and I really believe left to mature, might become quite the series, almost as good as Firefly itself. (Please, fellow Browncoats, no shooting me).

Also along for the ride is "Sanctuary", which I reviewed a few entries before. A show about a place for abnormals to go and be free, safe from the destructiveness of humans.

Now, if there is a series here that you love and I have not mentioned, then please let me know. I love the CSIs as well as The Closer. These are just ones that got a second chance to make a good first impression and here's hoping they can and do.

For more info on these or others, check out their websites.

Harry Dresden "Wizard for Hire"

For those of you who have never heard of the other Harry, the one without the scar who instead of a traditional wand carries a drumstick and instead of a snowy owl has an annoying spirit in a skull by the name of Bob, then you are missing a series of books that will capture your heart as well as your soul.

Imagine Harry Potter without his friends, grown up and in a world of muggles he is trying to keep safe from things that not only go bump in the night, but have a rather dangerous way of doing so. Written by the master author, Jim Butcher, The Dresden Files chronicles the life and adventures of Harry Blackstone Copperfield Dresden (conjure at your own risk), a wizard who lives and works out of Chicago. Born to a mother who was a witch and a father who was a travelling magician, Harry had a good life until his mother was killed by something. As he had his father continued on, young Harry realized he was special and his uncle wanted to train him.

When a mysterious heart attack takes his father down, he is forced to move in with his uncle, who isn't all that he seems.

'Storm Front' begins that the series as Harry begins to explore the darker venues of the world from demons, vampires, and werewolves, to the Seelie and Unseelie Courtst run by the Fey. If you are an urban fantasy lover or just one who has caught the fantasy bug, these books will definitely by worth your time. Especially if you were a fan of the short lived SciFi channel series that though was good, didn't do the books justice.

Here is Jim Butcher's site for a list of the eleven novels in the series. Not necessary to read them in order but it does help...

http://www.jim-butcher.com/

New Series

So...my sister and I found a new series that we've been watching....well, it is actually going on its second season this fall, but if you have Netflix, you can catch the first season online. It is called 'Sanctuary' and will be on the new improved SyFy channel.

If you like the legends of old like the Folding man, Big Foot, animal mixed humanoids, and just things that go bump in the night, you will enjoy this dark fantasy/sci-fi show. Dr. Helen Magnus (played by Amanda Tapping) is a beautiful scientist that seems to has wisdom beyond her years and with the help of her daughter, Ashley (Emilie Ullerup) and a few other various colleagues, offer sanctuary for the world's 'abnormals', or creatures and beings that come from our legends and myths

Joining their little group is Dr. Will Zimmerman (Robin Dunne), a forensic psychiatrist whose mother was killed by something evil when he was young. Of course, laughed off as just a young boy in trauma, Will is ignored and becomes an eccentric...good at his job, but regarded as crazy. When a case that is not all that it seems lands in his sights, Will comes face to face with Dr. Magnus and her collection of creatures.As the pilot concludes, Helen offers Will a job, to work with her and protect the 'abnormals' finding them and giving them a sanctuary away from the destructive humans, who don't understand them.

Sanctuary reminds me a little of 'X-files' and has the dark raw humor of series like 'Angel' and 'Buffy'. Its characters are well developed and fun, though I have only watched a few episodes. The special effects are television quality and the action is believable or as much as a fantasy show can make it. As for the story lines, they are well played, interesting, and keep you guessing throughout the show.

If you miss the good fantasy felt in 'Angel', or the investigations in 'X-files', 'Sanctuary' offers that in a dark and fun way. It's an extremely entertaining romp and comes back this fall on the SyFy channel. Watch and enjoy!!

'Sanctuary" returns this fall...check out its website for more info.....

http://www.sanctuaryforall.com/

Wow!! Has it been awhile...

So....since my last post...I have moved...which to most is such a big undertaking that one tends to go completely insane in the process, requiring one to ask their local Psych for meds to make brain return to normal...thankfully, I was already quite crazy to begin with so no meds for me....I have started writing full time....well as mush as full time is at least a few hours every day with the benefits of a co author most of those who has gotten use to my craziness...as seem above and is less likely to talk to his psych into offering me said meds to calm me down or him down depending on how much of an influence I am on him...I just hope I don't drive him to drink, since that's what my hubby says...though I think he just likes an excuse to have a cold beer when he gets home....I have both kids home....the blessed school year is over and has now opened up the summer to both my kids and now that having a backyard is wonderful, there is still the nagging 'moms' that come with both kids home....and they wonder why I am crazy....try having a three year old and an eight year old who are polar opposites of each other in a house where their mommy is trying hard to write...I have learned to have selective hearing...whether it be cries or crashes.....thankfully, each still has all their limbs and they are still in one piece.....So if you wonder where I have gone....see above. All other complaints....well, email me!!! ;)

BadToTheBone360x280

Firefly Fans

If you are a Firefly Fan and have not experienced the wonderful world of Fireflyfans.net, then you should take a few minutes and go. There you will discover original stories, artwork, and wonderful people who have not lost the signal and who hope that one day the wonderful series will return. For those who know not what I speak of, Dear Reader, please check it out on Hulu, Blockbuster, or on Netflix. I know right now you can watch Serenity instantly on Netflix so please give it a try. You might find out just what the big deal about being a Browncoat really is.

So please stop by and visit us at Fireflyfans.net. I am there with my OC characters Angelle and Cat as well as are my friends, Jane and Ali. Both great writers and awesome people to hang with.

http://www.fireflyfans.net/

Bolt Review

So, my family rented Walt Disney's Bolt from Netflix over the weekend and like most movies we get, I always watch it first as the reviewer and then another time as just entertainment, unless I really don't care for it. Well, to make a long story short, I ended up watching it three times and even after the third, I still laughed and loved it.

Following in the wonderfully entertaining animal stories like Finding Nemo and Chicken Little, Bolt opens with the adventures of a young pup becoming a Wonder dog, able to leap huge distances and melt metal with his powerful stare. Above all, is his SUPER-Bark, which can destroy everything with its power. He does all this to keep his owner, Penny from the evil clutches of Dr. Calico. The only problem is he thinks it's real when really it is just TV.

Imagine his surprise when some events drop him on the completely opposite side of the country and releases him into the real world away from the rubber props and plastic guns. Now, Bolt has to become a 'real' dog and manage a way back to his Penny and Hollywood. Along for the ride is alley cat, Mittens who is street wise and must explain to her captor that he is in fact a real dog void of powers. To make the trio, well, a trio is Rhino, the danger craving Rhino the hamster. With his antics and pure belief that Bolt is exactly who he says he is, the three begin a one way trek cross country that will take Bolt from the TV hero he's not to a 'real' hero that might just find friends in places he never thought he would find.

Walt Disney truly has another masterpiece here with familiar voices like Miley Cyrus and John Travolta and great animation that is synonymous with the Disney name. The characters will make you fall in love with Bolt and his unwavering courage, Mittens and her street wise attitude, and Rhino and his belief in impossible thing. It truly is a gorgeous story of the impossible dreams of three very normal house pets.

What I woke Up to this morning

This is what I woke up to. It finally ended around 5 pm. Earlier in the week, we were in the 80s.

Let the snow fall down....

just as long as I have my friends and family and heater to keep me warm.

Dollhouse "Getting Good"

So, several more weeks and episodes later and I must admit, Dollhouse, by Firefly and Buffy creator Joss Whedon has really taken the world by storm. It had a lack luster start, making some not want to tune in for the next episode, but those of us die hard Whedon junkies, were rewarded when we continued to be loyal and know that if Joss is the one writing it, then it has to get better. Plus, we all know what Fox did to Firefly so who knows what they might have been trying on Dollhouse.

Last weeks episode though, really amazed me and others like me. It began to fill out the story behind the Dollhouse, instead of just teasing us with bits and pieces and tonight's episode sounds like it's just going to get better from here on out.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with the Dollhouse name, the series is about young women and men called actives that are 'programmed' to be whoever they are needed to be. Hired by the wealthy to be the perfect date or hired to enact justice in some form or another, they are then stripped of all knowledge by having their memories wiped and bringing them back to a child like state. Sadly, they have no memory of their past or of any other 'life' they might have had. There is no idea whether they have done this voluntarily or not.

So, if you are one who watch one episode and decided to give up or if you are just tuning in, give the Dollhouse a try. It might just surprise you. Oh, and in the vase are three flowers and one of them is yellow. Don't get it....watch!!!

Author Spot: Rita Mae Brown

Well, I'm sick in bed with a cold and I find that when I am in this particular spot, I always seem to reach for a book that I've read before. One of my favorite authors that I tend to grab is Rita Mae Brown.

Be it her wonderful Mrs. Murphy and Tee Tucker series or the Fox hunting adventure of Sister, I find that I love reading them over and over again. Her way with how animals think and what they would say has me rolling on the floor. even tossing a look at my cat as he stares at me wondering what he might be saying.

For those not familiar with her writings, Ms. Brown writes mysteries, most set in smaller towns in Central Virginia. Both have something to do with the tradition of Fox Hunting, though 'Sister' Arnold's stories (e.g. Full Cry, Outfoxed, The Hunt Ball, etc.) are centered around the sport. Each has their own set of animal characters that 'talk', but only to each other. It lends a fun side to the art of murder that some books lack.

Her co-author for the Mrs. Murphy mysteries is her striped tabby Sneaky Pie Brown, who bears an extraordinary resemblance to the main 'cat'ater in the books, Mrs. Murphy. Together with her friends, Tee Tucker (a welsh corgi) and Pewter ( a fat grey feline always in search of food), they help their always curious owner, Mary Minor 'Harry' Haristeen solve the case without getting killed in the process.

If you haven't read anything by Rita Mae, I implore you to. She is a wonderful writer that puts her whole heart into her stories. Her characters are so real you wonder if they actually exist somewhere in the world and you can tell by the way she writes each of their struggles, that she truly cares what happens to them. Even the settings of her novels wrap you in the art of New England and its lush traditions, some of which are dying out.

So, if you are searching for a book to spend an afternoon with or something to take with you on your next flight, pick up on of the many books in Rita Mae Brown's creative library. You might just find yourself looking at your pet wondering just what it might be thinking.

For a list of her books, please stop by her website at http://www.ritamaebrown.com/content/index.asp

Close Encounters Review

Are you a fan of Anne McCaffrey with her ships that speak, and races that seem to mean more than meets the eye? How about a heroine that is genetically engineered to protect that which she is swore to protect and that was satisfied with traveling the cosmos with her ship until fate lad her to the burly arms of a tribal man? Well, look no further than the debut novel of Katherine Allred, Close Encounters.

Meet Kiera Smith, a GEP(Genetically Engineered Person) with her cocky ship, Max and the rock cat that is just a little more intelligent than what's go for him, Crigo. Their job is to search for new life forms, map new planets, and basically trek through the galaxy. Though Kiera is okay with her life, the longing to be normal eats at her, even though she is very special indeed.
When a call comes in from her maker, Daniels, Kiera jumps at the chance to save a race and see why a major corporation has taken such an interest in a planet. What she finds is a primitive race that is gentle and may just be what she has been looking for, even though she might just have to fight to save it.

As I started this novel, I wasn't quite sure what to expect. I am not a big sci fi fan, though I did enjoy Anne McCaffrey and others like her. This book, though, truly surprised me. Reading like an urban fantasy with lush environments and memorable characters that draw you in, Allred immerses her readers into a place where those wanting good plot get it and those wanting a romance with action are equally satisfied.

With scenes that are violent and others that will take your sexual breath away, this is definitely for the older reader, but is definitely worth a read or two. Even if you are not into sci fi and like the feel of urban fantasy, this book might appeal to you. So, take a ride on a ship called Max and enjoy the creative mind of Katherine Allred in Close Encounters.....

Got Me Some Castle

So...two episodes have come and go with another slated for tomorrow night and all I have to say is...are you watching?!

Richard Castle is the new break way author, whose thrilling novels are talking the world by storm. The only problem is he's tired of writing them, and is ready for a change. He gets it when a copy cat starts turning his novels into reality.

Brought on to the case by his own sheer curiosity and the fact the detective is an attractive young woman, Castle charges in, finding being shot at and in the thick of things is rather thrilling. Suddenly, the once bored writer has found his new character using the fast talking Beckett as a model, much to her utter annoyance. Before long, things might get more heated than either would like them to be....

Castle is such a great series, filled with humor, wit, and that whodunit intrigue that you can only get with these type of shows. Coined 'Murder She Wrote' with a rather sexier Angela, Castle is played by the stellar and rather heartbreaking Nathan Fillion, who starred in the cult show Firefly. One of the things that makes him so perfect for this role is the fact that Fillion has such a terrific way of waering his emotions on his sleeve. His face is so readable and you actually think of him as Richard Castle, not an actor playing him.

I love the chemistry between the characters, from hot talking Beckett to the relationship between Castle and his level headed daughter or his rather eccentric mother. Each is well written and excuted. I will say that is definitely a series I hope goes far into a few more seasons.

So, if you haven't flipped over to Castle on Mondays on ABC, then maybe this would be a good time to. I think you'll find that solving the murder is as much fun as getting to the conclusion in the frist place....

Wicked Game Review

In lue of the May release of Bad to the Bone, I wanted to post a review for the first in the series:

As you open Wicked Game by Jeri Smith-Ready, I am sure that what goes through your mind is the same as what went through mine...not another vampire novel. After all, most have somewhat the same plot, the same blood thirsty characters and damsels in distress and probably the same lines that come from countless hours spent reading said novels, only to find that the book ends the exact same way. Well, dear reader, what you hold in your hand is not one of those carbon copies. Get ready for an adventure in vampire DJ-ing at its finest.

Enter our main character, Ciara Griffin...con artist now trying for the straight and narrow forced to become one of the labor minded aka getting a job at WVMP, a radio station that plays just about every kind of music out there. Things get slightly weirder when she soon discovers her new bosses are not human at all, but vampires that remain hooked in the eras they were turned.

Thinking that this might be cause for a quick exit, Ciara soon learns that WVMP is in serious trouble from a big corporation willing to just about anything to get their hands on the vamps' station, which has been keeping them basically 'alive'. So with an expert con that just might pull WVMP into the big leagues and a little bit of old fashioned luck, Ciara begins something that will either make her or break her and the latter might not be such a good thing....

As with all of Jeri's wonderful stories, Wicked Game goes above and beyond with believable characters, one that will make you love them or love to hate them. Her writing flows with every word pulling you deep into a story that is both original and full of surprises. There are a few good sex scenes that are tastefully done. though I would still make sure not to let pre-teens read this. It is definitely an adult book.

So, if you are truly looking for a good original vampire story that will keep you on the edge of your seat and even have you singing the songs that seem to well up through the pages as you read, Wicked Game will definitely not disappoint, I assure you.

On March 31, the mass paperback is coming out. Preorder yours from Amazon now.

http://www.amazon.com/Wicked-Game-Jeri-Smith-Ready/dp/1439101345/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1237750678&sr=1-2

And don't forget to pick up a copy of Bad to the Bone on May 16th.

Jesus Fish Review (Movie)

So I was asked by a friend to write a review for an independent film about the reality of Christians. He told me that it would be a film that would definitely be a new concept and not something that i had ever seen before. My response was of course, i would watch it and give him my opinion, but that i was more into review books and not one for independent film. Not that it's not a great hobby or even career starter, I just didn't need another hobby. Anyway, here is my review of a very controversial film called Jesus Fish....

Filmed in and around the Tulsa area, Jesus Fish begins like most Christian films, a young girl trying to win a soul to Jesus before they pass on. For five whole minutes, you begin to wonder what exactly is so special about this film. With in a second or two, everything changes as a tench coat Jesus look-a-like bursts through the door packing a loaded shotgun and screaming at the top of his lungs. Suddenly, your eyes widen and you begin the journey through the lives of several different people that all belong to one very different Bible study.

You will meet people from every walk of life and will experience things like a drug dealer's house, a church play, and a grave scene for a girl that may or may not be dead. The characters will have you screaming to hit them and cheering as a few get just what they deserve. At the end, you will look on a story that might just change you look on the Christian life forever.

As an independent film with a rather low budget, Jesus Fish was well put together with a decent script that at times seemed a bit unbelievable, but no more so than most good films. The characters were well developed and well portrayed, though more heavy on the strength of the females than the males. They did invoke emotions within the audience keeping one entertained until the end.

Jesus Fish is a rather odd little film that is rated R because of violence and an 'implied' rape scene. It is definitely not for the young ones and could be offensive for some more sensitive viewers. Though not something you might watch over and over, Jesus Fish is definitely worth watching at least once. It will definitely be a ride you won't soon forget.

Here is the website..... http://www.jesusfishmovie.com/

CASTLE

Don't forget to watch Castle starring the delicious Nathan Fillion on Monday!!!!

Lie to Me and Dollhouse Review

I have watched Lie to Me for about three weeks now and have been utterly pleased with its storyline as well as its charcters. With a good cast and episodes that strike not only the heart, but also give us a look into the minds of criminals and victims alike, this crime drama can hold its own with veteran shows like CSI and NCIS. Definitely check it out if you haven't already. On FOX Weds @8pm cst.

Dollhouse created by Joss Whedon, who brought us Buffy, Angel, and Firefly has only had two epsiodes to its name and I am still waiting to give it a good review. With kind of a blah start, I was unsure, but after the most recent episode, I am reserving judgement until another couple episodes. I will say that so far, I am enjoying what I see and am truly curious as to where they are going with it. Another to check out if you haven't. On FOX Fridays@ 8pm cst.

Don't forget Castle March 9th on ABC @ 9pm cst.

The Warded Man

I received this new novel by Peter V. Brett a couple days ago from Del-Rey for review and so I decided to sit down from my few months being a mom to read it. I was so glad I did. The Warded Man is an intense ride that begins with the lives of three young children that through different diversities survive to fight on in a world where just the corelings or demons aren't the only things that should be feared.

In this well written novel, you will meet Arlen, Leesha, and Rojer, each set on their own path by tragedy or by the evil of others. Their journeys are all thwart with different types of danger from One Armed demons to the evil of greedy men. Each one will have you wrapped around their stories as they pull you from the world you know into one that nights are feared and demons roam only to take you into that darkness never to return.

The Warded Man is a well put together novel. With intense actions scenes that do not rob from the brilliant dialogue, the beautiful, yet, horrifying imagery literally engulfs you in a world that is filled with mountains, deserts, wall cities, and small villages. Each chapter brings you deeper into the shadows filling your mind with visions of small fire demons to the large stone ones.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves good fantasy and great action. It is a bit on the dark side with some violence to kids as well as to grown ups so please use discression when looking at it for kids younger than sixteen or so. Other than that, I implore you to give Mr. Brett a chance. I know I will be reading the next in his series for sure.....

Good Omens review

Because of recent events, e.g. the knighting of Sir Terry Pratchett, I decided to reread one of my favorite books by him and writer Neil Gaiman, Good Omens. Now, if you are a lover of movies like Dogma or Joseph and the Technicolor Dream Coat, this is just the book for you.

Imagine if you will that the Apocalypse is coming and you knew exactly when the Antichrist would be born....say you decide that you actually like this planet and the lifestyle you have grown accustom to and just maybe you're not quite ready to give that up...this is exactly what has befallen the angel from the garden of Eden and his best friend, the demon who possessed the snake.

Together they decide to stop the end of the world, by switching the Antichrist and another child at birth, giving the would be destroyer of the world to some good wholesome people, imagine the Cleavers. Thus, begins an adventure that will make you laugh out loud. From the colorful four horseman or should I say horseperson, to the fluffy hell hound, who you just want to cuddle...Good Omens is one book you can not put down, even if it's the 'end of the world'.

Discworld Creator Knighted

If you have had the pleasure of reading any of the over 25 novels in the Discworld series, the name Terry Pratchett is a familiar sight. Over the New year's holiday, he was knighted by the Queen joining the ranks of Sean Connery and Patick Stewart. This is a great honor for him, but one well deserved for the world and novels he has brought us. If you have not had a chance to read his books, some of the titles are:

1.) Colour of Magic

2.) Soul Music

3.) Good Omens (with Neil Gaimen)

and the list goes on.........

Happy 2009!!!!

Make a resolution to be nice to at least one person a day. Be it a stranger or someone you know and be blessed in the coming year....