I just think of a few of my favourite things…

It's Wednesday, and another edition of FAVOURITE THINGS. This month it's SONGS.

Now, I know everyone is going to think all my favourite songs are from Nickelback. Oh, nah, nah. I've decided to pick one or two faves from my favourite singers. So the list will be varied, people. You still don't trust me. Sigh.

Now, some may think I have an odd taste in music. I'm really quite eclectic. It often varies with my mood. Which varies with what's happening in my life. But there are those few songs—the ones that seem to stand the test of time. That hold their meaning, their beauty regardless of time and changes. So, without further ado, here is my list of all-time favourite songs—in no particular order other than what popped into my head.

Just the Way You Are
New York State of Mind
Piano Man

All by, of course, the piano man, himself, Billy Joel. There's something classic about these tunes. So much so, my kids also love Billy Joel, or at least the ones that are indicative of the man.

Far Away
Rockstar
Savin' Me

Oh, you knew it was coming so might as well get it over with. Nickelback. Tried and True. At their best. Yes, I love all their new stuff, too, but these three songs are just timeless for me.

Whatever It Takes
Broken

By the talented band, Lifehouse. They are a fairly new band to me, but I can't get enough of these guys.

Monster
Bleeding Out
Radioactive
Battle Cry

Imagine Dragons. I'll admit. I didn't exactly love this band at first, until I listened to more than just their first song. Now, I'm hooked.

Sarah's Smile
Wait For Me
One on One

Yes, Bronwyn will cringe, but I don't care, damn it. Hall and Oates. I still love these guys. Yes, I've seen them in concert and I won't apologize for it.

If This Is It
I Want a New Drug

I'm just going to list all the bands Bronwyn hates now. So she can breathe again soon. Huey Lewis and the News. They are AMAZING in concert. Definitely a band that is almost better live. And yeah, I know what Bron will say about that...they couldn't get any worse. But I disagree. Oh Bron...guess which band is next...

Don't Stop Believing
Faithfully
Separate Ways
Open Arms

I could list more, but...you got it. The classics of Journey. Steve Perry. Need I say more.

Bohemian Rhapsody
Another One Bites the Dust

I love Queen, but honestly, only a couple in my all-time faves. Not that I won't listen to the others. Hell, they still play We Are the Champions at sporting events. But these two are the ones.

Lose Yourself
I'm Slim Shady
Not Afraid
I Love the Way You Lie

I used to think Eminem was too angry. Too intense. Then my kids started listening to other rap music and I've learned to love this guy. And these songs get me moving no matter what.

Colder Weather
Goodbye In Your Eyes
Sweet Annie

As I've said, I'm a country girl. I really am. I love country music, and the Zac Brown Band is probably at the top of that list, along with Keith Urban, Brad Paisley. And these three songs. I'll put them on whenever they pop up on the radio and they're on virtually every playlist I have.

Freedom
Father Figure

I saw Wham in concert when they were obviously still together. And George Michael still does it for me. I love the man's voice and I don't care what anyone says, the guy is sexy. Period.

How To Save A Life
Look After You
Syndicate

What list is complete without Fray. Love these guys.

Follow You, Follow Me
Tonight, Tonight, Tonight
Hold On My Heart
Turn It On
Misunderstanding

Man, I could go on forever. I used to listen to Genesis and Phil Collins forever. They are definitely defining artists of my teenage years.

In The Air Tonight
I Don't Care Anymore
I Wish It Would Rain Down

And Phil on his own.

Okay...this list is getting huge.

Battleships
Waiting For Superman
September
Life After You
Tennessee Line

Daughtry. Love this guy. The band. They are amazing

Hotel California
New Kid In Town
Every other freaking song by this band!!!!!!!

The Eagles. Nothing more needs to be said.

Okay, I have to stop. Stop, I tell you. Or I'll keep going forever. And ever. Songs by 3 Doors Down, Matchbox 20, Maroon 5...Hell, I'll never stop. Please check out the other ladies and see if their lists are never ending as well.

Bronwyn Green
Jessica Jarman
Gwendolyn Cease
Kayleigh Jones
Kellie St. James
Jenny Trout

I'm so happy…

So, after taking a week off—okay, I wasn't really slacking. I moved this weekend, and let me tell you, I'd much rather have been blogging last Wednesday than packing—and it's not much better this week.  But I found the laptop so…

This week on Random Wednesday, it's "What Makes Me Happy."

Well, I can tell you my number one right this moment—NOT MOVING! Not moving makes me very happy. Moving, however, not so much. The next one best be to the forever home, lol. 

Anyway, things that make me happy in no particular order…

Running on the trails. Nothing rejuvenates me more than trail running. The trees, the dirt, the sounds of nature. I honestly don't know how folks run in the city. But then I'm a city girl.

Anything else to do in nature, lol. Hiking, kayaking, camping, mountain biking, star gazing... you name it, it makes me feel great joy...

Writing. When it's going well. Sometimes I want to pull my hair out, but most of the time, I love writing. Having a story that's playing in your head materialize on 'paper' is beyond satisfying. 

Reading. I love being transported somewhere else with characters that make me feel like family. A well-written book is one of life's greatest pleasures.

Hanging with friends and family. I love my kids, love being with them. They are hilarious and such characters—they make simple chores like shopping an adventure. And the ladies of this blog—OMG...our time at the cabin doesn't compare. I never laugh so much as during that week.

I'd love to saying being with that special someone, but…hey, one day! And with that will go all the 'happy' activities, snicker. Because that makes me very happy...

Watching a good movie or TV series. Except for when they do stupid things... hello. Walking Dead. No more dumb moves, okay? And no killing off major characters, sigh. 

Finally, being on or near the water. Maybe it's the whole evolution thing—the whole starting out in water—but I love the sounds of waves lapping on the beach, of birds calling—most things involving the water. Boating, swimming...I just love the water. 

That's all for me. I know, a bit whimsy on the post, but hey, I'm still surrounded by boxes. Please check out the other ladies. I'm sure their lists will be all shiny and full of pictures...

Bronwyn Green

Jessica Jarman

Gwendolyn Cease

Kelley St. James

We go together like wham a lam a lam a…

It's Wednesday...so it's randomness time, lol. There's just one problem—the topic this week. It's Favourite School Memories. And honestly, I sit here and I'm thinking…do I have any? LOL. No, it's not as if I can't remember any…I'm getting there, but not quite, thanks. But it's mostly just a blur. Classes, the cool kids (no I wasn't really part of them). I was one of the smart kids. So, the cool kids accepted me because hey, they needed help with Algebra :)










Before we get to that... how about a blast back to my school years... I remember having crazy crushes on Tom Wopat (Luke Duke all the way, baby). And wanting to roller-skate like in Xanadu, lol. And let's not forget Grease. I must have seen that movie in the theatres over a dozen times...back when you could get in without having to mortgage a house.

But things I do remember…Getting to colour in class! Hey, it was the best thing. I remember staying late just to keep colouring. Back when I lived within walking distance and kids walked to school without worrying about that kind of thing.

Phys-ed…again, I GOT to play sports. Run, hell I didn't even mind the square dancing and polka routines we had to do. Though, as I was also the lead, it's hard to switch back now…:)

I remember that in grade school, when you got to grade 6 you got to go to the 'big kids' wing. We had this awesome section of the school at the far end on the upper floor that was just for the grade 6's. It had double doors and was so super cool. It was as if you'd arrived somewhere special. The first real passage of rights.

I remember having this third grade play we had to put on. Our teacher was lu lu. Seriously. And she had us tossing these balls up in the air, which was fine for the coordinated kids. But for those who weren't—yeah, the fact the band was playing directly at below the raised stage didn't end so well for them. I'm pretty sure you can imagine what happened. But I honestly still laugh about that now.

We won't talk about middle school. We just won't. And things will be fine.

Then high school. I remember first crushes...kind of finding out who you were and which friends were friends worth having. I remember dances and playing cards in the cafeteria. That was huge. That we had a cafeteria, lol. And yeah, played there a lot.

I also remember grade 12 English. Mostly because that's where my love of story-telling began. I mean, really began. Where a teacher actually told me to consider writing stories. So yeah, that's a good one.

And honestly, not much else. School is more of an overall, I did fine. I got good grades, and wasn't terribly tormented. Have good memories, and some I'd rather forget. But I survived and won't rock in a corner later mumbling about it. No, I have lots of other memories for that :)

But go check out the gal pals. See how coloured their memories are...and we'll see you back here next week.

Bronwyn Green
Jessica Jarman
Gwendolyn Cease

And then I don't feel so bad…

Another Wednesday. Wow, I nearly forgot. AGAIN. This time is was yet another deadline, which I actually met. I still can't believe it. It's also hard to remember what day it is. Here in lovely British Columbia, the teachers are on strike. So—no school. Yup, be jealous folks because I have an extended summer vacation. Of course, this will most likely not bode well for later, but I'm trying to enjoy it as I have no control over what happens.

Anyway, it's another episode of my favourite things. And this week it's cover art. Sooooooooo, because everyone is always saying you need to promote yourself...my post is going to be the top several covers I'VE MADE... YES ME. MOI. I. I started making covers several months back (oh, maybe longer but hey, I can't remember) and I've made quite a few since then. So I thought I'd highlight my favourite—let me clarify that. By to date, I also mean ones I can show. If the author and/or publisher hasn't revealed it yet, then I can't steal their thunder. That would be un-Canadian, 'eh? So here are the ones I still look at and go.... le sigh. And in no particular order. I'm just pulling them out of the computer, lol.

In a word—perfection. And I don't mean that in a vain sort of way, lol. When this book releases in October—you must go and read it. YA at it's best folks. And by perfect I mean it suits the story so, well, perfectly. The girl, the scene from the book. The blending of colours. Yeah, one of my faves.

I made this one for the three amazingly talented ladies of this group. And I love it. Again, the colours, the castle. The romantic couple. Le sigh.

This was probably one of the first covers that I made that I really stopped and thought... hell yeah. This is for Kim Dare and frankly, I'm always so worried with covers for her because she's so amazing and I want the cover to do her book justice. And this one just fit the story so well. I love it.

This was the first cover of mine I got to make. Can I just say THANK YOU RESPLENDENCE PUBLISHING! I do covers for them now and they've been super supportive. Most of my faves are RP covers. And I feel so fortunate to have the chance to give the awesome authors there pretty covers to go with the incredible books. I love the colour of the aurora borealis, how it plays off of my name and the couple—I wanted romantic and I thought this really felt that way. Him kissing her forehead—yeah, I'm hopelessly romantic that way. It makes me smile every time.

Okay, this is my release that coming out September 17th with RP. I fucking love it. I know, I made it so that's a bit vain, but damn...it just really turned out better than I'd hoped. The guys are super sexy but the girl. I just love this picture. It's perfect for an old west image. I think anyway. And it's sexy without showing too much skin. And the wolf... yeah. Love this one.

I also love this one which I got to make for my awesome gal pal, BA Tortuga.. again I was super worried because I'm a freaking stalker and fangirl and I didn't want the cover not to equal the brilliance I know would be inside. But damn, the colours in this one. Yeah, that guy in the front is awesome. The shading on his skin... Just... yeah. Love it.

I love this one for it's elegance. This girl is so beautiful and the male model is one of my favourites. It's understated, which is it's charm. I just loved the way they went together. And the colours. 

I also just made one for Sean Michael, which I'm not sure is out and about yet, but wow... it turned out so freaking hot. The guy…he should be my reward. And the way the colours play off each other. I'm actually sad I can't show it off. I also made a few for the lovely Jessica Jarman, but again, not revealed yet. As if my cover for my upcoming release in October entitled Ricochet. Again, super hot and awesome mix of colours. The title just pops out.

Of course, I could just keep going. Adding more. I've done more for Kim that I love, and some others as well, but these are ones that jump out at me every time.

Now hop on over to the other ladies and see what their take was and what they love in a cover.

Bronwyn Green

Jessica Jarman

Gwendolyn Cease

Kellie St. James

Leigh Jones

Ram tough…

Well, it's Wednesday again already. Where is the time going. Okay, I know...time is linear, or at least that's the going theory, but…I swear that I'm caught in some kind of space/time continuum then...where it gets sucked up faster than it should.

Anyway, it's time for Wednesday randomness and this week's episode is all about the zodiac. Or should I say, my SIGN. And no, not the one that says... hey, I'm in need of a boyfriend, apply within. For some reason the ladies don't want to delve into that matter. Shocking, I know. 

No, this is about those magical signs we all have based on our birthday. In case the picture isn't enough of a giveaway, and you don't love my catchy title... I'm an Aries. That's right people... THE RAM. An extension of the God of War, himself. Okay, so he spells his name 'slightly' different, you get what I'm going at here. Aries is a kick-ass sign, but…does it describe ME? 

SPOILER ALERT. I just said Kick-ass...I think we all know how this puppy will end. But let's pretend to be surprised.

Well, let's have a look at what the traits are...

So... almost all Aries descriptions suggest an outgoing, adventurous nature. So check. I'd say that's a fair description, without being vain or anything. I have tried to be shy before, but…it doesn't work out so well for anyone. Now, I do love my alone time, like running, but, that's about enough. Next...

We are trusting....I actually laughed at this. My gal pals are always looking at me as if I'm crazy when I say that I leave my doors unlocked, or my keys in the car. Hell, I'm not the only one. And while I'm pretty sure it's more of a Canadian thing, when I think about it, my friends that do this as well are all Aries, lol. So maybe it's a combination of both.

But I'll admit. I am trusting. I tend to believe that most people are good... honest. I don't generally suspect the worst, and I'm okay with that. Yes, I realize this goes against everything I've learned from Criminal Minds, but...

Then it says we tend to bounce back. I'm currently in the 'bouncing' phase and whether it's an Aries thing of not, I'm not one to let shitty things hold me down that long. I tend to dust off, stand up and get right back on that horse. Though many would argue that this is just because I'm stubborn...

Of course this doesn't apply to me romantically. That's the next point. I've read a few posts that suggest Aries have difficulties with relationships. Of course, who doesn't, but... I do find that I tend to expect a man to be a 'real man'. I know it's not poetically correct but... I want them to be tough. Hell, I don't stop because of an injury. I push through. I don't cry at the drop of a hat... he can't either! I do expect him to equal me in that aspect...then I also expect him to know when it's time to ease back. Be sensitive for a rare moment. This isn't asking too much, right?

And this, my friends, is probably why I'm not in a relationship. Why I'm hesitant to get into one. I know I'm demanding and well, that complicates things. That and I need another several hours in each day to find the time...or guys who want to date me, lol...

Here's more...

so... yeah, I am kinda most of these things.  I workout daily... and yeah, you don't want to be around me if I have to miss too many days in a row. I'm a freaking bear.  And me... argumentative... I beg to differ on that point. Strongly if necessary. 

As for sex drive... yeah, let's not even go there right now. I might hurt someone.

In the end, though I don't know if I put much stock in horoscope signs and the like, I am an Aries, even though I'm on the cusp. I'm quick to temper, rarely ask for help and I'd like to think I love as passionately as I cry. I'm ram tough, and proud to be one.

And just to show you that I'm not alone in how accurate the Aries personality is... here are just a couple famous Aries...

Robert Downey Jr... need I say more.

Reese Witherspoon... adore her.

Nathan Fillion... eat your heart out Bronwyn. Mal's mine. And holy shit, he's Canadian. Did you know that! Oh, going to be rubbing that in for a long time to come.

David Tennant too... 

Anyway, go check out the other ladies...see if they match their sign. And I'm starting to think this might explain why some of them have such bad taste in music... and guys they find hot...

Bronwyn Green

Jessica Jarman

Gwendolyn Cease

Kellie St. James

WHAT, WHAT...

Okay, so I couldn't think of a catchy title for a self interview. It's late and well, my brain is fried. Now before I start, please scroll down to the previous blog, also posted today for a cover reveal for a new YA book coming out this October. My very talented friend Christine Allen-Riley is releasing her first YA —EVENTIDE — and trust me...you're not going to want to miss this book. And the cover's pretty, too!

Okay, so as stated this week's blog is a self interview...cause I know you're dying to know more about me. Hell, yeah :) So without further ado...

• What’s your favorite word? 

Is this even a question, 'eh? I think you all know the answer... 'eh. And if I can't pick that one, then it's the ever useful word, fuck. Don't believe me... take a look at this video. And when you're done laughing your ass off, all I'll say is... you're welcome. And read on.

• What’s your least favorite word? 

There is only one word that makes me want to tear my hair out... cunt. I know, odd for someone who writes erotic romance but I really don't like it. I rarely use it in my books unless some creepy person is using it as a derogatory word. Not that I'm upset if others use it in their books. I just don't particularly like it. There. Deal, people.

• What turns you on?

Um, breathing. Next question... hey, I'm single. Don't judge.

• What turns you off? 

I'm assuming this question is intended for prospective bed partners... so smoking. Seriously, it's a real hard limit for me. Again, not judging. I have friends I adore and love who smoke, and that's fine. I'm just not going to jump into bed with you to get all hot and sweaty if you smoke.

• What sound do you love?

A couple of sounds that I really like, are the sounds of a switchblade and a motorbike...

Like you didn't know I'd go directly for a Nickelback song... hello... but for reals, anything from nature. Okay, I don't appreciate pigeons cooing at 5 am. And crows are irritating as hell. So perhaps I should rephrase that. How about... the sound of the ocean. Water lapping on the beach. The wind rustling the leaves. Wind chimes. Crickets. Loons—which isn't the same out west as it was out east. The cry of a hawk. Children laughing and singing. A piano and a guitar.

• What sound do you hate?

Traffic, dogs barking endlessly. Sirens. Basically most of the sounds associated with the city. There's a reason I live out in the boonies. I like quiet.

• What’s your favorite curse word?

Umm, hello...please refer to the question above about favourite word period. Still stands.

• What profession other than yours would you like to attempt?

I would love to be a guide. Seriously. Taking people hiking through the mountains, that sort of thing. There's a reason I wrote Hard Target. And I'd love to be Taylor (though I already know how to fly a helicopter, so... though like her, I'd probably fly it into a tree it's been so long, lol.) I'd also love to be a profiler. BAU unit here I come! Oh yeah, me and Dr. Spencer Reid :)

• What profession would you not like to do?

 Lawyer. No explanation needed here.

• If heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the pearly gates?

Oh, Lucy, you have some 'splaining to do...

• Dog or cat person?

I have both, but dog. Cats don't willingly go for runs in the woods with you;)

• Coffee or tea?

Tea. Hate coffee.

• Star Wars or Star Trek?

Star Trek. I love both, but come on... James T Kirk. Jean Luc Picard.

• Buffy, Angle or Firefly

You are seriously going to make me choose. Firefly.

• Pirate or ninja?

Ninja. Hello!

• Morning or night person?

Um, I'm writing this after midnight. Think that's self explanatory.

• Procrastinator or get things done early?

Again, writing this after midnight on the day it publishes. Think that answers that question. Have I mentioned how many books I have due in a very short time? yeah...I'm waiting, I guess.

• Introvert or extrovert

God, I'd love to be an introvert, but I don't think anyone here would label me as shy. Ever.

• What do you like best about writing?

Living the story in my head. Feeling as if you really know the characters.

• What do you like least?

Those times when you have to bleed every word, and it keeps you away from other things. Though that would be solved if I were better at the previous question regarding procrastination.

Whew...and there you have it. Now you know a bit more about me...and in the end, not sure if that's a good thing. Please drop by my partners in crime to see how they answered, because enquiring minds want to know :)

Bronwyn Green
Jessica Jarman
Kellie St. James
Leigh Jones

COVER REVEAL — EVENTIDE by CHRISTINE ALLEN-RILEY

OMG. I can't believe the world gets to see the cover for an up-and-coming YA novel that is going to rock your socks off. And it's by the extremely talented Christine Allen-Riley. I won't go into great detail about the book as it's outlined below, but here is the fabulous cover (um, yeah, that's a bit vain since I made it, but...it is pretty, lol.) Anyway, please check it out and set your calendars for October. You aren't going to want to miss this! 

Eventide (Iron Falls, #1)

by Christine Allen-Riley 

Release Date: 10/2014

Summary from Goodreads:

The driver in a tragic car accident that killed her best friend, Devon Greer is consumed by guilt. When powerful hallucinations convince her that she’s seeing Rachael everywhere, Devon thinks she’s going crazy. But her friend isn’t truly gone.

To save Rachael from the faeries who stole her, Devon must pit herself against the Court of the Sidhe. Once she witnesses the true form of the fey, Devon’s life is in danger—and so are the lives of everyone she loves.

Now, Devon must not only protect herself, but also Jonah Seafort, Rachael’s cousin and the only person Devon can trust to help her. While the Sidhe walk among them, no one is safe…

About the Author
Lover of books, nature, cats and shiny things. Active disliker of cooking, cleaning and stress. Mom, freelance editor & YA author - also a bit of a nerd.

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