Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Davy Jones

Davy Jones died today--the singer, not the tentacle-faced captain from Pirates of the Caribbean. And I'm sad.


Way back when, my dad actually 'allowed' me to pick one TV show a week. I chose The Monkees. (He wasn't home when Dark Shadows was on, so I didn't have to make that choice.) For some reason, he just didn't care for the show, so he'd go to bed. So I was able to watch Laugh In as well. Those were silly nights.


One of my favorite Monkees' songs? 






Rest in Peace Davy-We'll miss your smile. 

Friday, February 24, 2012

Welcome Tina Gayle and The Unwilling Widow

The Executive Wives' Club Series

Four women...
One fatal car wreck...
Everyone's lifes changes...

Blurb for "The Unwilling Widow":
Jennifer Larson, having lost her husband, friends and the perfect life she’d had plan, now faces the biggest challenge of her life, moving into an unplanned future. While the rest of the Executive Wife Club is still wallowing in the past, Jen is tempted into the future by a sexy chiropractor, Hagan Chaney.

But does he really love her or is he only after her money like everyone else?

Excerpt:
Friday night sitting at a booth in a nice, romantic restaurant, Jen silently wished she could enjoy the subdued atmosphere, and order a rib eye steak. Instead, her hands shook and her stomach churned with doubt. The survival skills, she’d learned after becoming a real estate agent demanded a calm composed front, but she couldn’t pull it off.

Hell, who was she fooling?

After ten years without a date, what made her believe she could do this again? She stared at the menu. Could she even swallow a bite of beef? And if not, what should she order?

She lifted her gaze to the drop-dead gorgeous man on the other side of the table. Hagan Cheney, a Greek god incarnated, had strawberry blonde hair glowing like gold around his head. Wide shoulders and strong arms encased in a hunter-green cashmere sweater. Apollo, himself, wouldn’t look any better.

Why in heavens name did he ask her on a date?

And why did she care?

She had no plans other than a casual dinner for two.

He glanced up and a pretty-boy grin crossed his lips. The twinkle in his hazel eyes softened the square line of his jaw. “So have you decided what you want?”

Heat simmered low in her belly. Oh, yeah, answering that question the wrong way could get her into a world of trouble.


Find out more on Tina's Book Page


Visit Tina at www.tinagayle.net
www.tinagayle.blogspot.com

Monday, February 20, 2012

Heroic Actions?

I'm watching one of my favorite old movies, Ben Hur (the Charleton Heston version) and noticed something that made me stop and think.

Why do heroes often do something stupid? We rail against a too stupid to live character, screaming, at least in our heads, 'Don't go in the basement!' But when a hero's actions are perceived as stupid, we cheer them on.

Ben Hur for instance. Before the chariot race begins, he removes his helmet. He's raced before. He should know what might happen if he falls from his chariot. Or someone tries to smash his head with a whip. But no, our hero will prevail. . .bare headed.
Or Luke Skywalker. Just when the action gets intense--he turns of his targeting computer. We know the Force is with him, but those he's trying to protect and save really don't have a clue. Is someone muttering a 'long time ago in a galaxy far far away' sentiment equal to don't go in the basement? Because without a targeting computer, he's toast. Or, maybe not. :)

And, have you noticed the villain often has some sort of cheating going on that directly affects the hero's heroic stupidity? Like Masala's chariot wheels--with sharp, pointy things designed to destroy the competition.

But, that's all part of what makes a tale interesting, isn't it?

What examples in movies or books have you seen where the hero does something heroically stupid?

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Congratulations Malachy

136th Westminster Best In Show
Malachy 

Congratulations to this handsome Pekingese. Winning breed, the difficult Toy group and topping the days off with Best in Show, Malachy made his dignified way around the show ring and into the trophy bowl.

Unfortunately, I wasn't cheering for Malachy (although I do have fond memories of my canine friend Slipper). Nope, my hopes were for one of the pups whose breed has never won a Westminster Best In Show...the Dachshund. 

Cinders is a lovely lady, a wire-haired sweetie. She'll always be my pick for best in show.

And for those of you who may not care about what pup won a dog show--here's model Malachy O'Conner for today's eye candy.


Tuesday, February 14, 2012

It All Started With A Sniff

Take a look at this interesting...and thought provoking article on the history of kissing from the Montreal Gazette. 

Have a wonderful Valentines day. 
And for you...

 

Sunday, February 5, 2012

Alan Hale and Fozzie Bear

 

Today I indulged in a couple of my favorite Errol Flynn movies...The Sea Hawk and, of course, Robin Hood. Besides Errol Flynn, these movies share another remarkable star--Alan Hale.

The interactions between the two men in their movies is fun to watch, and a good way to study successful relationships. But that's not what I want to talk about. 

I love when Alan Hale laughs. His mouth opens and his face infuses with happiness. His whole character sparkles with joy. And I'm reminded, each time, how much he reminds me of Fozzie Bear.

Same expression, same joy, same infectious smile. Both from them and from me. Although I can't imagine Alan Hale saying "Waka waka."

I can't be the only one who sees a resemblance, am I?

Friday, February 3, 2012

I forgot to wear RED!

This morning I was half way to work when I realized that my lime green shirt wasn't what I wanted to wear today. I'd forgotten my RED!


The first Friday in February is -National Wear Red Day®-to show support for women's heart health. And as someone whose heart strives to be healthier, I should have remembered!



To make women more aware of the danger of heart disease, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) and partner organizations are sponsoring a national campaign called The Heart Truth®. The campaign's goal is to give women a personal and urgent wakeup call about their risk of heart disease.

The centerpiece of The Heart Truth is the Red Dress, which was introduced as the national symbol for women and heart disease awareness in 2002 by NHLBI. The Red Dress® reminds women of the need to protect their heart health and inspires them to take action.




The wearing of red as a symbol came about a year after I had my surprise--now I wear my scar with pride. Today, I want to encourage everyone to know and understand the risks of heart disease, hopefully to prevent having to go through the same fun times I have. And if not for yourself, then for your loved ones...never underestimate the effect heart disease will have on family and friends--even though they may never say a word.


Luckily have have red aprons here at work. So I'll wear a red apron for heart disease awareness... and to keep my clothes clean. :)


Are you aware of the dangers of heart disease? Do you wear red this first Friday of February? Be healthy everyone!












®National Wear Red Day is a registered trademark of HHS and AHA