Archive for May, 2007

The Amazing Allergy Boy

May 31, 2007

So, for those of you who have read this blog into antiquity, you’ll know that my son tested positive for an allergy to grasses and pollens. Well, at that time (last June), we gave our son a scratch test (a nifty test where they literally “scratch” you with a bunch of stuff to see if you’ll have an allergic reaction – peanuts, grasses/pollens, soy, pet dander, etc.) Anyhow, my son Levi was allergic to grasses and pollens, so much so, that the hive he got as a result was the size of a quarter. Normal hives from the scratch test are about the size of a pea.

(This is not normal hay fever, folks. Those of you who are nodding about being allergic to grasses and pollens… Sit down. lol My son’s trumped you. Keep reading.)

Ever since his scratch test, we’ve noticed he’ll be sniffly and very stuffy if he even thinks about playing on the grass. Therefore, when he goes outside to play with his sisters, he’s only allowed on the gravel and dirt of our yard. Poor boy. Last summer, his cousin played in the grass, then stood on Levi’s bed in his shoes. Levi woke up the next day with a rash on the side of his face and pustules on his ear. EEWW. I know.

This season, we’ve noticed my son’s allergies have decided to BAM! Kick it up a notch! The boy is miserable, but he insists to go play with his sisters. Reminding him of the grass, he runs out the door with his stick that he’s happy to pretend is a pirate cutlass.

But then he comes back into the house – and his eyes are so swollen, my boy looks…odd. The whites of his eyes are completely red, they are watering non-stop, and I notice *something* in his eye. What the heck is that?? Oh my gawd, his eye is so swollen, you can see the inside skin of his eyelid on the OUTSIDE! It looks like it’s turning inside-out.

To make a long story short, he picked up a clump of grass to throw into a box in the backyard, only to rub his eyes (because of his allergies) only to make things a million times worse by rubbing the oils of the grass DIRECTLY INTO HIS EYES.

Needless to say, I called DH, he came straight home from work, and we took the boy to the Urgent Care. Their solution? Up his dosage of Benedryl and do NOT let him play outside until he’s all better. And even then, make sure you supervise where he plays.

Remember that new deck DH and I had installed this spring? The boy will ONLY be allowed to play on that outside. How sad is THAT?!? :( But holy crap. I’ve NEVER seen someone so very allergic to grass. I’ve seen people sneeze and wheeze in the springtime, but this boy explodes if he so much as touches the stuff.

The doc says it will only get WORSE as he gets older. There’ll be no mowing the lawn for this boy. And outdoor sports are right out. He’ll have to be happy with (indoor) Basketball or Ice Hockey.

My poor dude.

~~Becka

Thursday Thirteen #11 ~ 13 Wolverine Knights

May 31, 2007

This week is going to be an easy one for me, so here we go. Thirteen of my Wolverine knights from The Legends of Mynos series.

1.) Sir Vincent of Westchester – Originally stole the Crystal of Mynos from Castle Templestone millennia ago at the urgings of the dragon Iruindyll, setting in motion the death of King Timothy as well as the destruction of dragonkind.

2.) Sir Benjamin of Stollinshire – A young Wolverine who lived millennia ago. Mynos chose him as king after the death of King Timothy.

3.) Sir Darryn of Winterborne – Married Kendra, the Crown Princess of the elven kingdom, who abdicated her throne to be with him.

4.) Sir Geoffrey of Emberdale – Known as the youngest Wolverine to hold the title of ‘King’s Best’.

5.) Sir Sebastian of Tabrinth – Best friends with Sir Geoffrey, and soon becomes Captain of the Guard at Castle Templestone.

6.) Sir Cederick of Breckenwood – A harsh man who regrets decisions he’s made in his past, but who also has a large heart.

7.) Sir Nathan of Emberdale – Good friend to Geoffrey while growing up, but is known as a womanizer at the castle.

8.) Sir Duncan of Marynville – A younger Wolverine, he’s a novelty at the castle with red hair and green eyes. Very kind, gets along with everyone.

9.) Sir Ethan of Krey – A prankster, but good friend to both Sebastian and Duncan.

10.) Sir Connor of Emberdale – Sir Geoffrey’s father.

11.) Sir Quinn of Breckenwood – An aging Wolverine, ready to pass on his sword to his son Cole.

12.) Sir Joshua of Korenth – Good friend of Sir Ethan, a handsome man with light brown hair and sea-green eyes.

13.) Sir Briand of Breckenwood – The youngest Wolverine in the king’s service, Sir Briand is determined to gain the respect of his fellow knights.

And there you have it. Thirteen of my Wolverine knights. Here are some linkies for you if you want to learn more:

http://www.rebeccagoings.com/TheCrystalOfMynos.pdf

http://www.samhainpublishing.com/romance/the-wolverine-and-the-rose

http://www.samhainpublishing.com/romance/the-wolverine-and-the-jewel

~~Becka

Thirteen Celtic Animal Allies

May 31, 2007

Thirteen Celtic Animal Allies

The following list gives many of the animals known to the Celts and told of in their legends and myths. (Note: This is cross-posted in my blog.)

1. Adder (snake) – Associated with wisdom, reincarnation, and cunning. The Druids carried an amulet called gloine nathair (serpent glass). In the Scottish Highlands, the adder symbolized the Cailleach’s power.

2. Badger – This animal is unyielding in the face of danger and is noted for its tenacity and courage. The badger will teach you to fight for your rights and defend your spiritual ideasYou drank a bottle of pop and not a soda.

3. Bear – The bear was noted for its strength and stamina. It can help you find balance and harmony in your life, and the strength to do what is necessary.

4. Wolf – The wolf is a cunning, intelligent creature, capable of out-thinking hunters. It can teach you how to read the signs of Nature in everything, how to pass by danger invisibly, how to outwit those who wish you harm, and how to fight when needed. Sometimes the world, seen on a journey, will lead you to a spiritual teacher and guide.

5. Butterfly – Many cultures cal butterflies the souls of the dead and the keepers of power. They will teach you to free yourself form self-imposed restrictions and to look at problems with greater clarity.

6. Cat – The cat is a strong protector, especially when facing a confrontational situation.

7. Crane – The crane, with its colors of black, white, and red, was a Moon bird, sacred to the Triple Goddess. Magic, shamanic travel, learning and keeping secrets, reaching deeper mysteries and truths.

8. Crow – This animal is to treated with care. Along with the raven, the crow is a symbol of conflict and death, an ill-omen associated with such Goddess as Macha, Badb, and the Morrigan. It was also considered to be skillful, cunning, single-minded, and a bringer of knowledge. It is of value when trickery is needed. It also teaches you to learn from the past, but not hold onto it.

9. Deer – THe deer represents keen scent, grace swiftness, and gentleness. There are ways of reaching your goals other than force.

10. Dragon – The dragon symbolized the power of the Elements, especially that of the Earth, but also of the treasure of the subconscious mind.

11. Hare (rabbit) – Associated with transformation, the receiving of hidden teachings, and intuitive messages.

12. Salmon – The salmon teaches you how to get in touch with ancestral knowledge and put it to practical use.

13. Wren – A sacred bird to the Druids, its musical notes were used for divination. As with many other birds, the wren was considered a messenger from the deities.

Source: Joelle’s Sacred Grove

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!
1. Dog’s Eye View 2. Christina’s Shoebox 3. Samantha Lucas 4. Amanda Young 5. Jenny’s Wandering Thoughts 6. Off the Wall Thoughts 7.

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

Goodbye, Old Friend

May 29, 2007

You’ve been with me for 12 years, meowed for your breakfast, rubbed on my feet, came running when I whistled. You warmed my lap countless times, watching House, as well as LOST, Firefly, Buffy, Angel, ER, Friends, and countless other shows and movies I’ve watched over the years. You would crawl under the blankets with me at bedtime or curl up around my head and purr, much to my husband’s dismay. In your old age, you became ornery, demanding to be lifted up to the dryer in order to eat your kibbles. You’d weasel your way onto my lap, despite me pushing on you to get off. You were on my lap, dammit, and you were going to stay there.

Your name was Justin Time Jr., named so for two reasons; #1 being you were a runt kitten who’s mother had left you behind to die, and #2, being you looked exactly like DH’s childhood cat Justin Sr. You latched on to me as if I were your real mother, clinging to me every day of your life.

Even today, when we took your last trip, when you were scared at the vet, you held on tight, refusing to be moved, refusing to be parted from your Mommy. I love you, Big J. I’ll miss you terribly. God gave you to me, now I’ve got to give you back. I pray you are finally in a better place with no more pain.

I’ll never have another kitty like you, Justin. You will always be in my heart.

Goodbye, old friend.

~~Becka

New at Samhain — one of our own!

May 29, 2007

From our own Bianca D’Arc:

“Hara’s Legacy”
A Red Hot, Futuristic Romance Novel
Click for an excerpt! http://samhainpublishing.com/excerpt/haras-legacy

It’s a serious game of cowboys and aliens when three psychically gifted brothers try to protect the one fragile, empathic woman who holds all their hearts against a menacing alien threat. First in the Resonance Mates series.

Montana rancher Caleb O’Hara’s precognitive abilities saved his family from an alien attack that annihilated almost everyone on Earth. Now the aliens have come to study the remnants of humanity. Caleb knows the only way to ensure the safety of his young wife, Janie, and his beloved brothers, Justin and Mick, is to keep the family together on their isolated ranch.

All three O’Hara brothers love Jane. They grew up next door to the young, empathic beauty and she stole all their hearts at one time or another, though she married Caleb. Caleb foresees the shocking truth of what they have to do in order to survive, and Caleb’s visions never lie.

They’ll have to come to terms with a new world, and an evolving relationship, all while finding a way to protect two newborn babies who are innocent pawns in the aliens’ deadly game. Somehow, this one talented family holds the key for humanity’s survival on this new, conquered world called Earth.

To see what Bianca had to say about her new release, check out her recent blog entry here! http://paranormalauthors.blogspot.com/2007/05/shameless-plug-2-new-releases-from.html

*************

And don’t miss…

“Don’t Let Go” by Sydney Somers
A Paranormal Romance Novel
ISBN: 1-59998-474-1
Sleeping with the enemy was never so magical. Book two in the Spellbound Series.

“Male Call” by Denise Agnew
A Contemporary, Red Hot Romance Novella
ISBN: 1-59998-649-3
Her sexy letters are his only lifeline in his dangerous world…

“Susanna’s Seduction” by Patrice Michelle
A Contemporary, Red Hot Romance Novella
ISBN: 1-59998-596-9
All it took was the right man to seduce the spontaneous woman within her…

“The Rocktastic Corduroy Peach” by Michael Amos
A Mainstream Novel
ISBN: 1-59998-479-2
The Rocktastic Corduroy Peach—big schemes, big dreams and some really big drama-queens.

******

Enjoy!

Jody W.
www.jodywallace.com

Writing fantasy: A question for you.

May 28, 2007

I love writing fantasy, and I’m always looking for helpful books and links. So, I’d love for you to share with us some of your favorite research books, and site links. Do you have anything special on names, concepts, mythology, characterization…etc? A book you pick up time and again for help? An Internet link you’re constantly clicking through to do research?

Until later~
Mel

Shameless Plug – 2 New Releases from Bianca!

May 28, 2007

Yes, I’m going to use my blogging opportunity today as a shameless plug for my new books. Out today from Phaze is an anthology called “Fortune’s Fool” in which I have a novella titled “King of Swords.” All of the stories in this anthology have something to do with fortune telling, precognition or psychic phenomena. My story has a little of each and is set in the distant future, on a space station, out among the stars.

Here’s the blurb: Sparks ignite when a psychic meets a special ops warrior aboard a space station. When enemies attack, will close quarters and danger draw them together?
And a bit more from my website: King Of Swords is the first in a series of stories set in the same future as my Sons of Amber series, but earlier in the timeline. King of Swords takes place a generation or two before Ezekiel, when the ongoing Rim skirmishes with forces of the jit’suku empire make the civilian stations in the outlying areas of the Milky Way Galaxy dangerous places to live. Watch for the next Sons of Amber story – Michael – coming this August!
Here’s the link to my page on Phaze, where you can purchase the book: http://www.phaze.com/authors-biancadarc.html

Now, as for tomorrow… my novel, Hara’s Legacy releases from Samhain Publishing and it’s a HOT one! Hara’s Legacy is the first in a series of five novels set on a future Earth. The survivors of humanity must teach the Earth’s new inhabitants what it means to be human… and to love.

This story is a very hot menage tale set in a post-apocalyptic world. It has a mix of genres – a Western flavor and three hunky cowboys – an alien threat and lots and lots of love. The heroes all have psychic gifts – the eldest brother is precognative, the middle brother telekinetic and the youngest a very strong telepath. All must band together to protect the highly empathic girl-next-door they all grew up with and love.

Check out my website for more information and the purchase link, or just go to the Samhain home page or My Bookstore And More to purchase sometime either late tonight or tomorrow. And let me know how you like it!

Memorial Day

May 28, 2007

I am proud to be an American.
I am proud of the men and women who fight for our country.
I am proud of the brave families who send their children, siblings, spouses to war.

I will never take my freedoms for granted.
I will never take our soldiers’ sacrifices for granted.
I will never turn my back on our troops.

I will remember the fallen who died to preserve my way of life.
I will remember the fallen who died to keep my children safe.
I will remember the fallen who died for people they will never know.

I say thank you to the fallen, for your noble sacrifice.
I say thank you to those still serving, fighting for me, for my family, for our country.
I say thank you to the families; through your love and support, our country is protected.

I do not know you, but I’d hug you if I could. Today, my flag flies in honor of you.

~~Becka

Divination Sunday – Comment and you may win a FREE reading!

May 26, 2007


We now declare the Hogwart’s School Annex officially open! :)

My love affair with Tarot decks began a few years ago after J.C. Wilder showed me her impressive collection. I fell in love with the art of Tarot. Before long I purchased my first deck, the Ancestral Path deck.

But, like potato chips, you can’t stop at just one.

My collection of tarot and oracle decks now consists of:

Ancestral Path Tarot
Sacred Circle Tarot (personal favorite)
Llewyllyn Tarot (most recent purchase, card pictured above)
Arthurian Tarot
Lord of the Rings Tarot
Faeries Oracle
Fairy Ring Tarot
Celtic Oracle
Rock Art Tarot
Mini Rider-Waite Tarot
Celtic Book of the Dead Oracle

Those are just the ones off the top of my head. In order to do a complete list I’d have to get up and go upstairs to my bookshelves. :)

I tend not to buy a deck unless the art really speaks to me – reaches out and grabs me. It has to be lush, beautiful, complex. So that every time I look at a card, I see something different, depending on the question at hand.

I may go years between deck purchases, until I run across something that screams “buy me!” Such a deck was my most recent purchase, the Llewellyn Tarot. Of all the decks I own, this one and also the Sacred Circle tarot give me readings that are spot on. Rarely do they fail me. The art is amazing, and it’s based on Welsh legends, which includes Arthurian myth.

Some of the other decks, like the Fairy Ring tarot, are beautiful to look at, but give me nothing but gibberish when I do a reading. It’s funny, because Fairy Ring was done by the same author and artist as Sacred Circle, which is one of my mainstays. Others, like the Faeries Oracle by Brian Froud, give nothing but happy, positive readings and the art is just breathtaking.

So before I wax poetic (and boring) about my beautiful tarot decks, let’s hear what you have to say about your experiences with Tarot. Do you have decks of your own? Have you had readings before?

Post a comment here and I’ll draw names as to who gets a free, 3-card draw from my happy, amazing Faeries Oracle deck. Good luck!

Recipes to Entertain those Paranormal Guests

May 26, 2007

Entertaining vampires and wolves can be a chore, but throw in the mindless zombies and you really have your work cut out for you. Here are three creepy crawly recipes I’ve collected over the years, perfect for feeding any supernatural guest you happen to have stopping by.

Severed Finger Cookies
Recipe By: CulinArt
Servings: 48

NEED
1 Batch Basic Sugar Cookies
1 cup Blanched Almonds
1 Tablespoon Red Food Coloring

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Place almonds in a bowl, drizzle on enough red food coloring to coat almonds. Stir almonds around so that they are evenly colored. Place almonds on paper towel-lined platter to dry.

Work with one half of the dough at a time and keep the remainder refrigerated. Scoop dough into tablespoonful-sized balls. Roll each piece of dough into a finger shape. Press 1 almond, pointy-end out, firmly into 1 end of cookie finger to form a nail. Press the tines of a fork lightly into the dough just below the nail and in the center of the finger to form knuckles.
Place cookies, about 1-inch apart, on parchment-lined cookie sheets; bake for about 10 to 15 minutes or until pale golden. When cookies are done, let cool on cookie sheet for 3 minutes. Remove cookies to platter to cool completely. Repeat with remaining dough and almonds.

~~~~~
Paranormal Party Cake
When cake is cut, it spurts green goop.

NEED:
BATTER
18 1/4 oz box white cake mix
4-serving package green gelatin

BLACK FROSTING
Blue food coloring
Chocolate frosting

DECORATIONS
4 black licorice whips
2 big green gumballs
6 little gumballs

Prepare cake using two 9-inch round cake pans. Cool.

Prepare the gelatin according to package directions. It works best if it is just a little on the soft side.

On a foil-covered cookie-sheet, place one cake layer for the body. Cut a smaller circle out of the center of the layer. Place this smaller round of cake as the spider’s head. Fill the hole left in the body layer with gelatin. Place the other cake layer on top of the body and trim cake slightly to shape , if desired.

To prepare frosting, in a mixing bowl, add blue food coloring to the chocolate frosting until black in color. Frost the entire cake black. Cut the black licorice whips in half and insert for the eight legs. Position the gumballs as eyes.

~~~~~

Worms
15 min., plus overnight chilling

NEED

Notes: Use a cleaned 1-quart milk or orange juice carton to hold straws
• 1 pkg. (6 oz.) raspberry or grape flavor gelatin
• 3 envelopes unflavored gelatin
• 3 cups boiling water
• 100 flexible plastic straws
• 1 tall (same height as extended straws), slend 4 cup container
• 3/4 cup whipping cream
• 12 to 15 drops green food coloring

1. In a bowl, combine gelatins.
2. Add boiling water; stir until gelatins completely dissolve.
3. Chill until lukewarm, about 20 min.
4. Meanwhile, gently pull straws to extend to full length; place in tall container.
5. Blend cream and food coloring with the lukewarm gelatin mixture.
6. Pour into container, filling straws.
7. Chill until gelatin is firm, at least 8 hours, or cover and chill up to 2 days.
8. Pull straws from container (if using a carton, tear carton away from straws).
9. Pull straws apart; run hot tap water for about 2 seconds over 3 to 4 straws at a time.
10. Starting at the empty ends, push worms from straws with rolling pin, or use your fingers; lay worms on waxed paper-lined baking sheets.
11. Cover and chill until ready to use, at least 1 hour or up to 2 days.
12. Worms will hold at room temp. up to 2 hours.
Makes about 100, including a few casualties.

Michelle M. Pillow
Maiden and the Monster, Now in Print!
Winner, RT Reviewer’s Choice Award Best Erotic Romance

Find out more about Michelle Pillow:
www.michellepillow.com
http://michellepillow.com/authorblog/
http://www.myspace.com/michellepillow
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/michellempillow/join
FREE READ! http://www.ravenhappyhour.com/raven.htm