Happy Easter

Well Happy Easter everyone. Sorry for being gone so long. My motherinlaw was sick, dying from cancer. She passed away on March 8th, 2008. I will post about her hopefuly tomorrow.

hugs to all and Happy Easter.

WendyK

I love this song

Wow it's been a long time since I posted. But life gets in the way and time gets away from us. I recently had a friend, Fatin, who posted this song on her blog and I adore the song. Don't know why really, but it just I don't know. I like it. I've listened it probably 60 times in 3 days.LOL



WendyK

Read an awesome book today.UPON THE MIDNIGHT CLEAR

Today I read UPON THE MIDNIGHT CLEAR by Sherrilyn Kenyon. It was great. Here are my journal notes/review from my journal log.

UPON THE MIDNIGHT CLEAR
A Dream-Hunter Novel
Sherrilyn Kenyon
ISBN: 0-312-94705-4
November 2007
Paranormal Romance

Read November 5, 2007

Rating 4.5 or 5

This is an excellent story. What happens when those you trust most, betray you in the worst way? It’s a question asked from both the heroine and hero, however each reacted in completely different ways. Aidan O’Connor reacted with pain and anger and retreated to a place of isolation. Leta, a Goddess, instead turned to protecting the innocent to keep anyone else from feeling the pain she has. Now Leta finds Aidan as the innocent who needs protecting. But it maybe Leta who pays the ultimate price.

This is an interesting, fun, sexy, fast read. While it is part of a series and connected to Kenyon’s Dark-Hunters, it does perfect as a stand-alone or entrance into her worlds. There is also a special short story at the end that is a perfect little gift for those us who have followed Kenyon for years. Once more Ms. Kenyon has delivered a romance that will touch you, make you smile and leave you wiping tears from your eyes. This is sure to be a treasured addition to my keeper shelf.

It does have a more Christmasy theme and time frame, but I do believe I'll be rereading it at other times. Fans of Scrooge, A Christmas Carol, and other version of the old tale are likely to find Kenyon's UPON A MIDNIGHT CLEAR a refreshing look at things. I truly enjoyable way to spend a few hours.


I'm so used to writing reviews I tend to write even in my journal as if I was writing a review for www.theromancereadersconnection.com. LOL

A great book....

DEAD SEXY
Kimberly Raye
ISBN: 0-373-79362-6
November 2007
Harlequin Blaze
Love at First Bite book one
Read October 27, 2007

Wow! What a great vampire cowboy story. Jake is a vampire, has been for over a 100 years. However he’s ready to end his torment and to finally be free. As a vampire Jake can feed on blood or sex or both. Being in Skull Creek, Texas, Jake finds himself at the only event that will allow him to find a woman. One who will understand a no strings attached sexual encounter. What he finds is Nikki Braxton, a woman who sets him on fire in more than just a sexual way. Nikki isn’t prepared for Jake, but then again she wants a normal ordinary guy, and Jake certainly isn’t that.

Jake is here to break a curse and be free, but will he find that freedom may mean the end of his dreams? Or will his freedom lead him straight to Nikki’s heart?

This was a great story. Quick, well written, fascinating, sexy, fun, and so charming you’ll be eager for more. This is book one in a series and I can hardly wait for the next book. Outstanding read!

WendyK

Reading, relaxing, and in general wasting a day

Well, I'm just wasting a day, today. I'm reading some and playing online and in general doing nothing. I need to be cleaning the house, or painting the other house, or decluttering, since I have a ton of stuff to decide if we're keeping or not. Most we aren't. But I just don't feel like doing any of it.

So what's everyone doing on this Saturday the last of October?

WendyK

On a lighter note, or should I say sunken?

Recently a the remains of a sunken vessel were found in the Tar River, near the Old Sparta Bridge. It appears to be an old boat that may have been sunken 200years ago. This drought we are going through has offered a rare chance to see what is at the bottom of the river.

Here's a link to an article about it.
http://www.hickoryrecord.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=HDR%2FMGArticle%2FWSJ_BasicArticle&c=MGArticle&cid=1173353067113&path=!news!statenews

and here's another one:
http://www.newsobserver.com/1565/story/732302.html

More to life than fighting

Recently a friend sent me a link to a blog with an interesting orginal post. The orginal post was on court rulings about what is libel and what is free speech and so on. It was interesting. However the comment went from being about this issue to an issue of racism in the romance writing/reviewing world. As a reviewer I do not look at an author's picture. Heck half the time I only notice who the author is after I've read the book. Unless it's a "must buy" book from an author I already love. I look for great stories, with interesting plots. Or yes I look for stories set in NC or written by NC authors. What can I say I want to support my local state's authors and stories that have the great ablity to know that my state is awesome.

However what really got to me was, that all this energy was spent going back and forth over an issue that wasn't meant to be the main topic. It was like watching a snowball go downhill. What started as a small thing slowly built until it overtook the whole post. Much as a small snowball when sent downhill will roll into a huge thing.

While reading all these posts I could only think, here my mominlaw is battling a cancer that is winning, and these people are fighting over placement of books and supposed racism. Okay sounded like some had valid points and that some really did react in a racially based way. However some sounded more like they got their feelings hurt and wanted to lash out. I am not, nor can I ever be of a different race. I am human, I am God's child, I am me. I am an American. I have many different cultures in my background, from Irish to Scottish, to Dutch to German, to Native American, to hillbilly. I can remember having people be racist towards me because my cousins are half Native American, and because we had little to no money and the fact I was fatherless. Well I had and always have had a father, his name is God. He created me, and loves me for who I am and who I will become. He does NOT see me as white, black, pink, purple, yellow, or orange or any other shade. He sees me as Wendy, his child, the one He created with love and who has a place waiting by His side when my final page is turned.

I do know what racism is, I have felt it. Yes I am considered white, I'm blonde(okay not so much now) with green eyes, and yep I'm on the heavy side. Okay I'll say it I'm fat. Dang now I'll hear a ton of things on how fat is wrong. Well sorry that's the word. And simple fact is, it's a word. Same as thin. It's all in the eye of the beholder. I see me, not fat. So anyway. But the issue of books and authors dealing wiht racism and how things went from a nice post with good information to a cat fight just bothered me.

There are HUGE issues facing us all. At the end, there is death. For some, such as my mominlaw, death is looking closer and closer as each day passes. Why all the name calling and fighting? Okay so some people don't want to read a book by an AA author. Okay sorry for them. They maybe missing out an excellent story. Or maybe not. Not all white authors appeal to every white reader. I have a few I won't read. Not for their color but because their writing style doesnot work for me. So by the standards of the post I just read, I'm racisist for not reading certain authors works. Why? Because they are white? Or because I don't like their writing?

Do I think placement of books by AA authors or about AA authors needs to be rethought. of course. But then I think Christian Fiction, namely romance needs to be place with the secular romance as well. They are put over in the Reglious section and are overlooked by millions of readers, when they are excellent stories that many readers would be surprised to see in the Reglious section to begin with.

So why not just start a campaign? How about we as romance readers go into stores and put all ROMANCE in one section? I mean really is it racism or just something that has to do with genre location? So many genres are mixed and blended now that it's actually hard to say a book is "just" romance. You have fantasy books that are romance or mysterys with romance or even horror with romance. So what do we do to correct the issue instead of just going over and over it?

I would love to see a post about solutions rather than a post going over what is and isn't racism and who is or isn't a racist.

Anyway I found I needed to rant or just randomly comment. I'm really rather irked. My loved one is battling a disease that is killing her, yet people expound so much energy on something that is not life or death. No one will die if a book is not put in a certain section or if a book is not reviewed by a site. However if we took that same energy and put it into sending out positive thoughts, goodwill, and prayer for our fellow humans who are dying from diseases maybe, just maybe if they have to die, they will die with peace in their hearts and a smile on their faces. Rather than pain. I am a firm believer that all this negative energy being put into the world is hurting not only those they aim it at but others who have no idea the issues are even being discussed.

So stop with the anger, stop with the name calling, stop with the negative and come up with good things to say. Come up with solutions rather than adding to the problems.

Okay I'm going now. I've ranted and randomly talked and just in general made a pain of myself. Not sure I even make sense to anyone. I guess I'm angry that a good woman is dying from a disease while others are complaining. At least they aren't facing a death with no hair, a death that if she continues the treatments will lead her to an end much as she entered the world, as a baby. An end that she fears will cause her loved ones more pain than they need. Cancer.....

WK

I love my state

Recently we took the kids to Manteo, NC. We has such a wonderful time and really didn't spend much money. We went to the Aquarium, and Bodie Island lighthouse, we saw the ElizabethII and the ocean. As well as went to the Inlet to see the boats coming it. It was a wonderful fun day that I'm sure I'll always remember. I'm posting a few pictures from our trip. Hope you enjoy them.

WendyK

Weekly household tips

Hey,
If you notice I've changed a few things on my blog. I plan to also post at least once a week with a new household tip. This week's tip is how to remove old stickers from furniture. If you can't read the tip please let me know. I'm wondering if the font is too hard to read.

Hope this tip will hope someone. If you have a tip you'd like to share with me please email me or post it here.

hugs,
WendyK
highlandlovesong@yahoo.com

From one health issue to another

Well we've been dealing with my motherinlaw's health lately. Still aren't sure why her sodium is so low or have a certain answer as to the cancer question. Then yesterday my fatherinlaw has another of his spells, this one happens while he's at the doctors or just before he gets there and he's sent to the heart center. Where they find he's got an issue with his heart. It requires surgery and they will do that on Tuesday. So while still trying to help my mom since her back surgery, help my motherinlaw since she's tired, we now have my fatherinlaw to worry about. The only one not sick is my stepfather and we're waiting for him to have something happen.LOL

Add in school's started, my son's issues with speech and his vision, and I wonder if I'll ever get my house straight.LOL Oh well, I've never lived in a musuem and have no desire to, so I guess a little mess is okay. At least we have clean clothes and food to eat and do have a house even if it is a mess.

Live goes on and as the saying goes with everything there is a hiden blessing. Since the doctor things the stress over my motherinlaw is what allowed them to finally see what his hearts been doing, that's our blessing. They say if it hadn't of done it now, he'd probably have died of a heart attack in 3-6mths and there wouldn't have been anything we could have done to save him.

Now it's a day to clean my house, might even hit the kids jungles. Wish me luck:)

hugs,
WendyK

I'm playing with the blog

If you can't see anything please let me know. I'm playing with things trying to change them up a bit. I like the placement of things just wanted to adjust images and colors. So let me know if you can't see anything or if it's hard to read.

Thanks,
WendyK

School has begun

Well school began on Tuesday. What a week it's been since then. I know it's only been 2 days of school but it's been a busy two days. Both my babies are loving school so far. My son came home today with something he made and he says it's to show that he loves his mommy and daddy so much.

While my son will be in school all week, my baby girl is only there on Tuesday and Thursday's. She loves it and would be there all week if I let her.

I'm already trying to think about next year as well. Since my son can't continue as his school next year. They only do up to K right now. So we'll have to find another school, put him in public or look at other options. I'm wondering about Home Schooling. My biggest concern is that he hates to work with me on schoolwork. I guess if I work with him enough this year maybe he'll accept doing it with me otherwise.LOL

I'm worn out and haven't done a thing. Now I'm off to read. Have a great day.

WendyK

My baby boy is 6

It's been a while since I posted. Alot has been going on. My motherinlaw is sick unsure of the exact cause. At one point they said lung cancer, now they don't think it's that, but either way she's still sick. Her sodium is extremely low. So it's been a rough August. I'm glad to see September arrive. Maybe it'll bring better news.

Yesterday my baby boy turned 6 years old. It's hard to believe he's that old. Seems just yesterday I brought him home. He's grown up so much. Both my babies return to school on Tuesday and both are extremely excited. I hope it stays that way.

He's such a wonderful little boy. I hate to see him growing up and at the same time I'm thrilled to have the chance to watch him grow and change.

Well that's all I've got to say for now. I'll come back soon to post again. I hope to start posting everyday.

Have a great day and labor day!
Wendyk

School Pics

These are my babys' school pictures. I'm so proud of how they turned out and how wonderful my kids look and are.

Just had to share.
WendyK

Fountain News?

Today while I was out running a few errands, I happened to pick up my small town's FOUNTAIN COMMUNITY NEWS, it's a single sheet, doublesided newsletter. I thought it was great that our towns' idea of crime in consisted of someone driving off without paying for $30 worth of gas. The cashier knew who it was, and the person later came back and paid for the gas so no charges were filed. We had a total of 7 incidents reported in April, including the gas incident. All were minor things in comparison to what the towns near us suffer. It's just neat to be able to say I live in a small community that is safe.

I have to say we have not taken part in alot of the activities the town is now doing, which I hope to correct soon. It seems we forget the events or have made other plans and can't make them.

In other areas of my life, things are going great. My mom is having good days and bad days. I'm hoping the good days will outdo the bad shortly. She's finally started PT but I'm not sure if it's helping or making it worse.

Me and the kids recently went to the beach, Emerald Isle, NC. We had a good time. It was busy with alot of the military down for Memorial Day celebrations, but it was nice. I'm eager to go back.

My kids are out of school now. My baby boy will be in Kindergarten next year and baby girl will begin a 2 day program. Both still get up every morning saying "we got school today?"

The last week was busy and I still have totes to complete for the teachers.

Otherwise we are just trying to build my hubby's home inspection business and get things ready for a move. That is if the home we are moving to is ever finished.LOL
We are just doing some adjustments to a singlewide, adding hardwood floors, oak cabinets, pocket doors, new windows, painting, and a few smaller details.

on the Reading front, I've read a few Category romances. I still love these books, but a lot seem to feel as though they are missing chapters. The endings seem to happen just a tad to quickly and neatly. Or else the heroine just rolls over and accepts an "I'm sorry" after being so very strong for the whole book. I wonder if there isn't a better way to end some of these and still give readers a HEA.

I did read Maureen Child's MORE THAN FIENDS and loved, loved, loved this book. It's the beginning to a new series and seems to be good. I also got to read Deeanne Gist's COURTING TROUBLE, I loved this book as well. It's a Christian Fiction title that had a few surprises and was excellently written. To read my review of either of these books please visit, www.theromancereadersconnection.com.


Well I think that's enough for today. Hopefully I'll be able to post more often now.

WendyK

Brenda Novak's diabetes auction

I'll post later today or tomorrow, but I wanted anyone who may read this to head over to Brenda Novak's diabetes auction. There are some great things up for auction and it's for an awesome cause.

please visit Brenda's website to learn more about it or to join in the fun.

www.brendanovak.com

hugs,
WendyK

How Romance begins........

On one of my yahoogroups, the one for www.theromancereadersconnection.com, they were discussing reunions and we went off course and soon we were discussing how we met our spouses. At least some of us were. Well of course I had to say something about meeting my hubby. It was complete chance. A former friend repeatedly asked me to go with her to visit her aunt and uncle's place at the river. I kept saying no, but then finally agreed to ride with her. We walk in the door of their home and laying on the floor is my future hubby. He was soo cute.:) Still is, imho. We have been together ever since that day. We were married 1yr and 10days after the day we met. And coming up on June will make 11yrs we've been happily married.

While reading how some others meet their spouses or boyfriends, I wondered just how many of us meet our other half by chance or as me and hubby say by "God's hand". Our song is "Keeper of the Stars" as it perfectly fits us.

Anyone want to share their meetings with me? Or with us at TRRC? If so go by and join our group. We'd be glad to see you and hear your story, just as I would be glad to read about it here.

May you all have a blessed day today and remember know matter what there is somone stronger than us there to hold us up when we can't stand on our own.

WendyK

Wild weather

I swear you never know how to dress these days. Today was just wild. The temps weren't too bad, but the wind. Goodness it was awful.

I don't have much to say today. The weekend the family planned a garden so the rain might be good for it. But who knows. I do know my kids are suffering from sinus issues. This weather doesn't help with that either.

Okay back to tending to other things before I fix supper.

Wendy

Where have all the heroes gone?

I got a message in a yahoogroup about Angela Knight's blog. She had posted an interesting discussion. So I went over and read it. Here is a link if you want to read it as well:

http://angelasknights.blogspot.com/

Really a great discussion going on. As a romance reader, I found I agree with what was being said.

I'll post more on my thoughts later. I'd love to know others thoughts and feelings about this issue.

WendyK

Friday the 13th, the date not the movie

Well happy Friday the 13th to one and all. I forgot it was actually the 13th until someone posted about it in one of my yahoogroups. It's just a date to me. I was going to post some of my kids funny comments from yesterday as they struggled to decide who got to watch what they wanted and who got to pick what they played, but since then I've forgotten their exact words. The gist of it was that my son is the oldest therefore he gets to pick all things while babygirl thought since she's the princess and baby she should get to pick all things. Then she added, I'm just a weethingy. Have no idea where that one came from. So big brother said, well I'm the biggest so I'm boss, now you do as I say! It was rather entertaining to stay out of it and let them figure this out. They were cute and as long as the pushing didn't start I just sit back and let them decide. So baby girl got to pick the show they watched, it was a tape that baby boy liked as well, and baby boy picked what they'd play while the show was on. Then he had to add,"I'm still the oldest". Somehow this is more important.

They amaze me sometimes, with their reactions. They always hug and act like they haven't seen each other in ages if they are apart for a few hours. They fight like crazy but no one else better pick on one or the other. Baby boy still doesn't like that his "sissy" is in another building from him at school.

And with the weather playing outside is hit or miss. So playing inside means they can't run as much. Hopefully Spring will decide to bloom soon.

Have a great day and weekend everyone.
WendyK