see more Lolcats and funny pictures
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Saturday, December 26, 2009
snow in Lincoln
What a wild winter--our second blizzard in a month. This white Christmas will be one we'll remember for a long time.
Here's a few pictures of the 11 plus inches around my house. This is what we found after shoving the storm door through about five inches.
The drift at the sidewalk turn from the driveway.
Take three steps from the back door and run into this--and there's a drift twice as tall between my house and next door. Thank goodness we don't need to scoop that one!
Take three steps from the back door and run into this--and there's a drift twice as tall between my house and next door. Thank goodness we don't need to scoop that one!
Monday, December 14, 2009
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
LK Hunsacker and Family Relationships
Meet author LK Hunsaker
LK Hunsaker holds a psychology degree from University of Maryland
University College and an arts degree from Illinois Central College.
The author of “Finishing Touches” and the “Rehearsal” series,
both revolving around the arts, Hunsaker dabbles in fine art,
piano, and guitar and runs a group assisting writers with their
publishing goals. Several of her short stories and poems have been
published in literary ezines. Widely traveled as a military spouse,
she is now settled in western Pennsylvania with her
husband and two children.
**Welcome, welcome to starr words! And thanks to everyone for stopping by. Don't forget to leave a comment--Check the end of this blog for the great prize for one lucky commenter.
So, without further ado... LK?
Hi *lizzie!
Thanks for having me at your blog! I read one of your posts on someone’s blog the other day where you mentioned how your Keltic books inadvertantly became a family saga. Today, related to that thought, I’m going to make a bit of a confession about my new book that I haven’t yet. In time..
Family is a huge theme in all of my novels, either with direct involvement or with family background that affects a character’s thoughts or actions. Sometimes both. In “Finishing Touches” Jenna marries young to escape her parents who have little to do with her. In the Rehearsal series, Susie loses her mother young and her father, who she adores, travels for work, leaving her with a friend of her parents she can’t connect with. One of the main male characters is nearly smothered by his single mom and the other escapes home to get out of a situation that gets out of hand. All of these characters show the results of their family lives within their current stories. There is also interaction with certain family members within the novels.
Like *lizzie, my original intent was not to build a family saga, but the Rehearsal series is becoming one, as well as focusing strongly on romance and friendship. In fact, it’s becoming such an invasive theme, that not only will one of its characters be the mc of the sequel, but she also jumped into Ryan’s story as I was writing it.
Here’s the confession: Dani, Ryan’s best friend in “Off The Moon,” was pulled from the Rehearsal series. She actually pulled herself in, as I had no intention of doing so while planning the book. As Rehearsal begins in 1974, and this one is a contemporary, Dani grows up not only in the world of music, but also with readers who follow my work. References to bands in “Off The Moon” come from the series. It’s not at all necessary to read the series in order to follow “Off The Moon” but the whole background story is available for Dani and Raucous. I should say it’s currently half available. Two of the series of four are out. The third is my next book-to-come.
Back to Ryan and family, his brother is a prevalent minor character and the loss of their father in Ryan’s teen years makes the brother relationship different than it would have been. Will is six years older and has taken over as a father-figure through the years. Now that Ryan is an adult, they have to readjust. Ryan’s relationship with his mom is also an interesting one. As his personality is very two-sided, so is the way he reacts to his mother, as well as to most of the authority-type women around him.
Kaitlyn’s relationship with her family is even more complicated, but I can’t say much here for fear of giving away the story. ;-)
What do you, as readers, think about family backgrounds in novels? Do you like to see them? Are they interference to the story? I’d be interested in hearing your thoughts.
--------
Buy Link for Off the Moon preorders:
http://www.elucidatepublishing.net/books.html
free US shipping through Nov. 27, discounted outside US
Off The Moon website:
http://www.lkhunsaker.com/OffTheMoon/main.html
Also, be sure to check my blog for novel-related features. I have an interview with NYC drummer Gino Scalmato up, as well as an interview with singer/songwriter Vicki Blankenship. More to come! http://lkhunsaker.blogspot.com
----------
Off The Moon
LK Hunsaker
"Riveting" Ryan Reynauld is immersed in a world of music, parties, and temporary companionship. Having risen to the top of the pop charts, his biggest concern is objecting to the way his music is produced. That is, until he finds a young woman standing on a window ledge. Against the advice of family and friends, and through media attacks and fan protests, Ryan determines to care for her himself, making a promise that threatens to destroy his career.
Convincing the skittish girl she can learn to trust again comes with a steep price. Sometimes the path to recovery begins by allowing your world to implode.
Elucidate Publishing
November 2009
Print ISBN 978-0-9825299-0-4
Ebook ISBN 978-0-9825299-1-1
Thanks for letting me chat here today, *lizzie!
**You are most welcome. I enjoyed your take on families and sagas!
---------
Next up—RELEASE DAY! Author Interview and Excerpt hosted by Classic Romance Revival, Nov. 27
http://www.classicromancerevival.com/blog/
The full tour itinerary is available at http://www.classicromancerevival.com
Don't forget to leave your comments! One person from each blog will be drawn to receive a signed, mailed copy of the short story LK has written as a bit of a prequel to Off The Moon, called Toward The Sky, plus there will be a signed print book drawing for anyone who comments on at least 8 blogs! Winners will be posted at http://www.classicromancerevival.com/blog/?p=1520
University College and an arts degree from Illinois Central College.
The author of “Finishing Touches” and the “Rehearsal” series,
both revolving around the arts, Hunsaker dabbles in fine art,
piano, and guitar and runs a group assisting writers with their
publishing goals. Several of her short stories and poems have been
published in literary ezines. Widely traveled as a military spouse,
she is now settled in western Pennsylvania with her
husband and two children.
**Welcome, welcome to starr words! And thanks to everyone for stopping by. Don't forget to leave a comment--Check the end of this blog for the great prize for one lucky commenter.
So, without further ado... LK?
Hi *lizzie!
Thanks for having me at your blog! I read one of your posts on someone’s blog the other day where you mentioned how your Keltic books inadvertantly became a family saga. Today, related to that thought, I’m going to make a bit of a confession about my new book that I haven’t yet. In time..
Family is a huge theme in all of my novels, either with direct involvement or with family background that affects a character’s thoughts or actions. Sometimes both. In “Finishing Touches” Jenna marries young to escape her parents who have little to do with her. In the Rehearsal series, Susie loses her mother young and her father, who she adores, travels for work, leaving her with a friend of her parents she can’t connect with. One of the main male characters is nearly smothered by his single mom and the other escapes home to get out of a situation that gets out of hand. All of these characters show the results of their family lives within their current stories. There is also interaction with certain family members within the novels.
Like *lizzie, my original intent was not to build a family saga, but the Rehearsal series is becoming one, as well as focusing strongly on romance and friendship. In fact, it’s becoming such an invasive theme, that not only will one of its characters be the mc of the sequel, but she also jumped into Ryan’s story as I was writing it.
Here’s the confession: Dani, Ryan’s best friend in “Off The Moon,” was pulled from the Rehearsal series. She actually pulled herself in, as I had no intention of doing so while planning the book. As Rehearsal begins in 1974, and this one is a contemporary, Dani grows up not only in the world of music, but also with readers who follow my work. References to bands in “Off The Moon” come from the series. It’s not at all necessary to read the series in order to follow “Off The Moon” but the whole background story is available for Dani and Raucous. I should say it’s currently half available. Two of the series of four are out. The third is my next book-to-come.
Back to Ryan and family, his brother is a prevalent minor character and the loss of their father in Ryan’s teen years makes the brother relationship different than it would have been. Will is six years older and has taken over as a father-figure through the years. Now that Ryan is an adult, they have to readjust. Ryan’s relationship with his mom is also an interesting one. As his personality is very two-sided, so is the way he reacts to his mother, as well as to most of the authority-type women around him.
Kaitlyn’s relationship with her family is even more complicated, but I can’t say much here for fear of giving away the story. ;-)
What do you, as readers, think about family backgrounds in novels? Do you like to see them? Are they interference to the story? I’d be interested in hearing your thoughts.
--------
Buy Link for Off the Moon preorders:
http://www.elucidatepublishing.net/books.html
free US shipping through Nov. 27, discounted outside US
Off The Moon website:
http://www.lkhunsaker.com/OffTheMoon/main.html
Also, be sure to check my blog for novel-related features. I have an interview with NYC drummer Gino Scalmato up, as well as an interview with singer/songwriter Vicki Blankenship. More to come! http://lkhunsaker.blogspot.com
----------
Off The Moon
"Riveting" Ryan Reynauld is immersed in a world of music, parties, and temporary companionship. Having risen to the top of the pop charts, his biggest concern is objecting to the way his music is produced. That is, until he finds a young woman standing on a window ledge. Against the advice of family and friends, and through media attacks and fan protests, Ryan determines to care for her himself, making a promise that threatens to destroy his career.
Convincing the skittish girl she can learn to trust again comes with a steep price. Sometimes the path to recovery begins by allowing your world to implode.
Elucidate Publishing
November 2009
Print ISBN 978-0-9825299-0-4
Ebook ISBN 978-0-9825299-1-1
Thanks for letting me chat here today, *lizzie!
**You are most welcome. I enjoyed your take on families and sagas!
---------
Next up—RELEASE DAY! Author Interview and Excerpt hosted by Classic Romance Revival, Nov. 27
http://www.classicromancerevival.com/blog/
The full tour itinerary is available at http://www.classicromancerevival.com
Don't forget to leave your comments! One person from each blog will be drawn to receive a signed, mailed copy of the short story LK has written as a bit of a prequel to Off The Moon, called Toward The Sky, plus there will be a signed print book drawing for anyone who comments on at least 8 blogs! Winners will be posted at http://www.classicromancerevival.com/blog/?p=1520
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Guest Blogger Tomorrow--LK Hunsaker
Tomorrow author LK Hunsaker makes starr words a stop on her blog tour to talk about her new release Off The Moon.
Come on by, say hi and leave LK a comment!
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Happy Turkey Day
At my 'day job' I'm a lunch lady. Yesterday the daycare Yellow Room, a great group of 2 year olds, brought mz *lizzie a fantastic Thanksgiving turkey! Who better to watch over the lunch line? Or to wish everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving! Okay, I know I'm early... a few extra days of good wishes can't hurt, can they?
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Friday, November 13, 2009
Friday the 13th
Steeped in history, suspicion and folklore, Friday the 13th holds differing meanings for each person. For me, it's a great day. A happy and luck filled day. A day that brings a smile.
And this is a special day. Today is the third time the 13th has fallen on a Friday this year. We also celebrated the day in February and March. A year with so many Friday the 13ths won't happen again until 2015.
So, what do you think of Friday the 13th? Any superstitions? Or, is it just another day to get through before the weekend?
And this is a special day. Today is the third time the 13th has fallen on a Friday this year. We also celebrated the day in February and March. A year with so many Friday the 13ths won't happen again until 2015.
So, what do you think of Friday the 13th? Any superstitions? Or, is it just another day to get through before the weekend?
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Celebrate Veterans Day
"How important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and
she-roes!"
- Maya Angelou
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Friday, November 6, 2009
Friday, October 30, 2009
Knights Templar and Pac-Man?
Times-Online reports the discovery of tombstones...and Pac-Man?
'Pac-Man' markings create new mystery at former stronghold of Knights Templar - Times Online
'Pac-Man' markings create new mystery at former stronghold of Knights Templar - Times Online
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Friday, October 23, 2009
*lizzie's words go travelin'
Here's the place to be today for an excerpt from Blue Keltic Moon
http://elainepcantrell.blogspot.com/
http://elainepcantrell.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
If you do what you always did...
...you'll get what you always got.
So says author Cheryl St. John in the introduction to her upcoming class. Check out the details here and start next year getting rid of the stuff that holds you back!
And yes... I've already signed up!
So says author Cheryl St. John in the introduction to her upcoming class. Check out the details here and start next year getting rid of the stuff that holds you back!
And yes... I've already signed up!
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Prompting your writing
To keep in the brilliant habit of writing every day, sometimes all you need is a nudge. A little prompting.
Check out the idea starters at http://twitter.com/Daily Prompt
I really like today's prompt--
Your camera has images on it that you haven't taken.
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Check out the idea starters at http://twitter.com/Daily Prompt
I really like today's prompt--
Your camera has images on it that you haven't taken.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
The Writer and The Food Show
Blogging today at
Discover if there's a connection between
writers and food shows!
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Mashing the Monster
Thanks to Cheryl... uh, Drac... my crit group and I dance around the castle!
Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Find out more about *lizzie
I'm being interviewed today at
Stop on by and leave a comment!
Virginia and I would love to see ya there.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Monday, September 21, 2009
4th graders are so cool!
The fourth grade class made this card for my birthday last Friday. It took three of them to carry it into the lunchroom. How cool are these kids? Very cool!
And to each and every one...
Thank you!
**click on the picture to see it close up. Definitely worth the click!
Friday, September 18, 2009
Tooting my own birthday horn
Although why I'd want to is beyond me. I'm past the excitement of a cake and candles. Past the need to hear the Happy Birthday song. For the most part, today is simply another day.
Prezzies? Who doesn't like goodies wrapped or hiding at the bottom of a gift bag? You know the best prezzie you could give me?
Have a wonderful day... just for you!
Thursday, September 17, 2009
You've Heard It Before
And you'll hear it many, many times as we head into flu and cold season. Listening to someone spout off about washing your hands can get tiresome. But, listen anyway.
Washing your hands is the number one way to prevent the flu and colds from attacking you.
In my mundane world... hand washing is a well used mantra. Here's a fun way to be reminded!
Washing your hands is the number one way to prevent the flu and colds from attacking you.
In my mundane world... hand washing is a well used mantra. Here's a fun way to be reminded!
Monday, September 14, 2009
Crimson Moth-- New Publisher of Erotic Romance
Brilliant red wings flutter on a bright September day.
September 15th is the day... the place
Check out our first title
Fury of Fire: A Woman Scorned
by Cricket Sawyer
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Brutus Says...
Think BLUE!Read Blue Keltic Moon.
No, I'm not in *that* book.
Look for me in *lizzie starr's Birds Do It.
Or come visit me at Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo.
Thanks to John Shaver for taking such a beautimous picture of me.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Happy Birthday to author Eve Savage!
Another great friend--another great birthday wish!!
And Eve (along with a writing partner) has a new book out this month as well! How's that for a grand birthday celebration!
Toddle on over to her website and find out more about her wonderfully hot books! And of course, wish her a
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Happy Birthday to my BFF Barb
Since it's almost my birthday and folks won't let me forget the fact... I thought I'd say an even bigger happy birthday to one of my writing friends!
Barb writes romantic comedy and cozy mystery. With plenty of comedic moments! Check out her blog here and say Happy Birthday!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BARB!
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Blue Keltic Moon Available!
My latest fantasy romance Blue Keltic Moon,
the first of the Children of the Keltic Triad, is available now!
Duty before love. As much as Breanna's heart protested, Gowthaman would have to wait until she returned with the rescued Alfar-Sindhu prince.
Love before self. Following Breanna into the world between worlds, Gowthaman faces the pains of his past, risks his intellect, his sanity and his life. For her.
Destiny before all. In the time of the Blue Keltic Moon.
Here's a tiny teaser...
~ * ~
If she touched his mind that intimately he would not be
able to disguise his feelings for her. Then she would know
how much she truly meant to him. How he loved her.
Desired her.
If she touched his mind that intimately he would not be
able to disguise his feelings for her. Then she would know
how much she truly meant to him. How he loved her.
Desired her.
He froze in the doorway of the small chamber he used
as work space. Breanna stood to one side, her profile lit by
the flickering soft candlelight he preferred to the
harshness of mechanical lights. She studied a heavy stone
tablet, angling it toward the flame to peer at the faint
notches of carving.
as work space. Breanna stood to one side, her profile lit by
the flickering soft candlelight he preferred to the
harshness of mechanical lights. She studied a heavy stone
tablet, angling it toward the flame to peer at the faint
notches of carving.
Gowthaman avoided thinking about how the flame
brightened the golden strands of her short hair. He pushed
away thoughts of the intensity of her bright blue eyes
when she concentrated. When she traced the angled cuts
of words with her finger he shuddered as if that finger
touched him. He swallowed heavily.
~ * ~
Click here for a longer excerpt and to discover all of *lizzie starr's books!
* romance with a sparkling twist!*
Monday, August 31, 2009
Friday Night Fun
Last Friday night--or was it Saturday morning--on my way home from critique I met up with...
A DUI checkpoint. And all I'd had to drink was water.
Okay, so it way about the time folks would be heading home from the bars, and I was on a busy street. Thank goodness I had my seatbelt on!
After driving down a long stretch of street lined with traffic cones, then being blinded by what had to be the brightest flashlight in history, I handed over my license and insurance card. Luckily the officer decided he didn't need to see my registration--the glove compartment isn't the neatest.
Question--Have you had anything to drink tonight.
Answer--Nope, nothing but water. (and quite a lot of that. Should I tell him I'm only about a mile from home and the bladder knows it?)
Then questions about the stop. Did I mind? Naw. Do I think checkpoints help stop DUI? Ah, now there's the question...
Let's see. They had to give fair warning of the stop. And the lighted sign was positioned far enough away from the stop if thinking cells were present the driver could turn off. (Actually, the sign's what saved me with the seatbelt issue!) But I'm not sure a DUI person would have those thinking cells in operation. If they did, they wouldn't be driving.
And it was rather imposing to have half a dozen officers milling about nearby...just in case.
But with a smile and a thank you from the officer, I was on my way...
I've got to say a huge thank you to the men and women who strive to keep the streets safe! A brief stop anytime is worth that!
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
some things you just gotta do
I don't often take 'quizzes' folks send me, but since I use the Keltic world in many of my books, how could I not see what random Irish Gaelic phrase I am...
|
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Group blogs
I'm blogging about group blogs at Charge of the Write Brigade. Post a comment and let me know if you think group blogs are friend or foe!
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Dancing with the Stars
With the new cast of Dancing with the Stars announced... I've picked my two pre-dancing favorites.
Donny, well, because he's Donny. Not that I had much of a life in college, but I would spend that one evening a week with the Donny and Marie Show. Yikes! How much does that age me?
Mark-uh... abs! Besides, I love Iron Chef and he looks pretty darn good in a suit as well. Imagine this...
tight Latin strutting pants.
'nuff said.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Moving...
Moving.
Need I say more?
But after too many days of packing and moving boxes, bags and furniture... I've begun to settle in. Sort of.
Why is it even now I can't let go of stuff that's been in a box for over a month and I haven't missed? My To Be Read shelf(ves) are like my credit card balances--I'll never see them empty--meaning there's no way I'll ever be able to read all these books. (Thank goodness the audio books are hidden on a computer. LOL) Twenty quilt projects from now, I'll still have fabric.
Why is it so difficult to let go?
So, I'll take a deep breath and be brave. No, not brave--ruthless! Like a pirate I'll take my cutlass and carve a path through the clutter.
Only one question will remain...Why didn't I do more of this BEFORE I moved!
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Charge of the Write Brigade
I'm blogging today at Charge of the Write Brigade...
Inspiration and pirates...what could be more fun!
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Blue Keltic Moon Cover
Available September 2009http://www.wings-press.com/
This cover lovingly created by JinGraphix! She's the best!
Monday, July 20, 2009
September's Blue Keltic Moon
My newest tale Blue Keltic Moon will be released in September...
here's a review as a teaser.
"Enter the fascinating world of Blue Keltic Moon which continues the story of The Prince of Darkness. A griping read about Breanna, the leader of Alastriona. She fights to save mankind while trying to win the love of her life, protect her family and keep an evil elemental from reentering the world.
If only we could all find the soulfire to light our life the way Breanna and Gowthaman do.~~Tina Gayle
And, be sure to check out author Tina Gayle at http://www.tinagayle.net/
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