Alone in the Woods, part 3

I sat down on a tree stump and waited.

And waited.

I recited the alphabet, counted up to a hundred and tried spelling my name backwards a few times. My friends hadn't come back for me. The sun was getting closer to the horizon line and I did not want to be out here alone in the dark.

I had two choices. I could go back to the cave and sleep there until morning or I could try to walk back to town.

Both held little appeal. Janice was the girl scout, not me. I didn't even want to go on this stupid camping trip. I hated the outdoors! I longed for my clean bedroom, with my pink canopy bed and princess telephone. I wanted to paint my toenails, while watching The Tonight Show. Slumber parties beat camping trips any day of the week.

Deciding there was no way I'd make it back to town before nightfall I headed back to the cave.

Alone in the Woods, part 2

How could my friends just up and leave me like that? I walked down the hill back to our campsite. When I reached the clearing it was empty. It was as if we had never been there at all. Even my own belongings were gone!

"Not funny, gang!" I yelled. If those jerk-offs thought I would be going camping with them ever again they had another thought coming.

I checked my watch again. The time read 1:15 pm, the same as when I had checked several minutes ago. I lifted my wrist to my ear. Silence. "Dangit!" I thought I had wound it before we left! I turned the fob until it wouldn't go any further. The second hand started running again, but I had no inkling what time it really was. By the position of the sun in the sky, I would guess it had to be close to dinnertime.

And I had no food or water. Or shelter.

My friends were going to be back any second. I was sure of it. Then we would all have a laugh.

Ha ha, very funny.

Alone in the Woods, part 1

I stumbled outside and pain shot through my head, bringing me to my knees. I had to shut my eyes against the brightness of the sun's rays. How long had it been since I had seen daylight? It seemed like I had been wandering around in that cave for days. I squinted and checked my watch. Two hours? That couldn't be right!

I glanced around. Where were my friends? "Hello!" I called out, getting no reply but an echo of my own voice. I was alone.

-

This story started out as merely a description of my headache. Interesting how one thing leads to another.

Star Wars is Back!

We just got home from seeing the new Star Wars movie, The Force Awakens. I give it two thumbs up! I am a lifelong Star Wars fan, so I was going in with a critical eye.

When we first sat down in the theater, the guy next to me said this was his third time back, so that was a good sign.

I did keep the negative reviews in mind. Some said that there were too many scenes that blatantly copied the first film. I did see some familiar elements, but I don't think they copied the scenes. Dialogue was used again because there are certain lines that always have to be in every Star Wars movie, such as "I have a bad feeling about this.". That didn't bother me at all.

I had read all the spoilers. Sorry, but I've always been a spoiler junkie. I don't like surprises. I'm very happy to know the ending of a movie first, then watch the character journey to that end. I knew what the big climactic scene was going to be and I was ready for it.

SPOILER ALERT: Someone dies. (You're shocked, I know.)

Honestly, I was more upset when Luke lost his hand in The Empire Strikes Back. I won't really miss the character and it was good drama, pivotal to the story. I look forward to the aftermath in the next film.

One thing I was pretty upset with (mini spoiler alert) was the fact that Luke Skywalker was not in the film! Okay, we do get to see him in the last moment of the film, but that was not enough for me. I love Luke Skywalker, always have. I wanted this movie to be about him training the new generation of Jedi warriors. I think we will get that in the next film, though.

All in all, I think J. J. Abrams was the perfect choice to direct this new trilogy. He's a fan and it shows.

Living Clouds

I pause from my work and look up out the window. The sun shines through the white puffy clouds that dot the blue sky, making them glow from within.

I notice them changing shape. It's fascinating how bits of the same substance can break off and become living beings. There are swirls and brush strokes on one side, but on the other are what appears to be animals.

A hippo opens his mouth wide, probably trying to intimidate another animal.

Elephants march along in parade formation, each one getting smaller down the line.
A dragon swoops down to obliterate everything in its path.

Then it all dissipates until the next time I look up.

Reopening The X-Files

I had heard that my favorite TV show of the 1990s is being resurrected next year. My daughter was excited to see it because I had shown her some of the old episodes. But I told her, "You can't watch the new one without catching up on the original series!"

Seriously, there is so much that went on over the 9 seasons of one of the greatest TV dramas ever, I cannot imagine new viewers getting into it without the backstory. Maybe the show will touch on it, show clips, have flashbacks, whatever. I wanted my daughter to see it firsthand and really appreciate the characters and their journey. Thankfully Netflix has all the episodes. We have been binge watching for weeks and are only on season 3.

In order to get through it faster, I have been telling my daughter which episodes are integral to the ongoing story: anything that mentions UFOs, aliens or government conspiracy. Of course we've also had to watch some of the episodes that I remembered being really cool or scary, like the one with the killer cockroaches! I'm also looking forward to the haunted house, where Scully and Mulder found their own corpses buried under the floor. Eeek!

The truth will be out there again in January, and I can't wait!

Happy Holidays 2015

Sorry I didn't post anything yesterday. I was busy all day and night, just like today.
I will be back to my regular posting tomorrow.

Editing and Editing Again

I have been trying to format my story all night. It's almost midnight and I am falling asleep. Of course, as I'm going through the text I am able to edit my story. It's a blessing and a curse. I am finding things to add and change, thinking "Thank GOD I caught that and took it out!". Unfortunately every time I read what I've written I want to change something else. When does one just stop editing and let it go?

I have never tried to convert a Word file to e-book before and it's been an agonizing process. Hopefully I will get it uploaded tomorrow because I need to go to sleep.

Creating Book Covers

Last night I was doing research on book covers. I was finding sites that sold images and thought about creating my own. I could have done it, but it turns out it's a much better deal to buy one from a cover artist.

I've been spending a lot of time on kboards, which is a site for kindle fans. There are many authors on the site who offer advice to newbies like me. I found a thread about book covers and found several artists. I compared their prices and decided to start with Ebook Indie Covers. Artist Melody Simmons can do any style of cover. She does custom work, too, but I was in a hurry to publish a short Christmas story and she happened to have the perfect cover for an amazing deal. I would have definitely spent more in resources and time trying to create my own. I didn't need the headache.

And I got my cover this morning! How's that for a Christmas miracle? Thank you, Melody!

Now i'm off to figure out how to convert my word document.

Tripping Cat

Oh, man. I think Uncle Barry put something in my catnip. I guess he finally got even for the hairball incident.

I feel dizzy. Whoa. Time is bending. It's folding in on itself. I can see the future and the past at the same time.

I am everywhere at once!

I am the universe!

I love Uncle Barry.

*Photo credit to Paul Meyers

Stop Stealing Music

This is not really a movie review, but I had to talk about the subject matter.

Today we watched a documentary about Jared Leto's band Thirty Seconds to Mars. What they had set out to create was a lighthearted film about the making of their second album, but it soon became a horror story when the band found out they were being sued by their record label, EMI.

It was a fascinating film. It turned out that the band had been given a bad deal of a contract that had basically earned them no money from their record sales or concerts and left them nearly $2 million in debt to the record label. When the band tried to end their contract, citing a rule about contracts not being binding after 7 years, the record label told them that rule didn't apply in this case and sued them for $30 million.

The main thing I learned is that record companies take everything and then add on hidden fees, which they can lie about, including losses due to illegal downloads, which aren't even the band's fault!

A comment is made in the film about how much time and money gets poured into creating a song, which is then sold on iTunes for less than the cost of a cup of coffee, yet people still steal it, rather than pay the band for their hard work.

At the end of the film Jared Leto asks of his massive concert audience "Who has our new album?" The crowd screams. "Who downloaded it for free off the internet?" The same crowd screams again. It sounded like nobody paid for it. This band has yet to make any money off their music. Very sad.

Always pay for your music. It doesn't cost much and you will help the artist t keep making art.



-

I want to add a comment about "mix tapes". I have a completely different view of those. When people share a mix of songs with friends they are actually doing free promotion for the artists. Those people receiving the mix may have never discovered the artists on their own. It creates the possibility for new listeners to go out and buy the artist's back catalog. But that is just my opinion. I have never illegally downloaded a song and I never will, but I have discovered many new favorites thanks to "mix tapes".

Cat Pooped

I am completely exhausted.

It's Christmas Eve and the entire family showed up. Aunt Mary's twin girls have been chasing me all day, trying to tie ribbons on my tail. I'm a boy! (Well, sort of.) Let me have some dignity!

Uncle Barry drank too much eggnog and puked in my litter box. If Mom and Dad think I'm gonna scrape up that mess, they better think again. That's disgusting! I pooped in the dog bowl. Scruffy will never notice, believe me. Now I'm working up a nice hairball for Uncle Barry. He'll be taking his boots off any minute. He always does at this time of night.

Aunt Dolly's little boy keeps screaming, "KITTY!" and trying to pick me up by the scruff of my neck. Hey, kid, I'm not a kitten anymore! I should just give him a swipe of my claws, but he is sort of cute for a human. I'll just put up with it until he stops amusing me.

Soon the family will gather around the tree to open presents. I will be heading to my favorite pillow bed so I can just spread myself out like a spilled bag of kibble.

Thank god Christmas only comes once a year.


*photo by Paul Myers

Record Party

Tonight we went to a record party at our friends' house. A bunch of us got together, brought boxes of records and a couple of turntables. Each of us took turns picking a record to play. We drank wine, ate food, and sang at the top of our lungs.

My pick of the night was The Monkees Greatest Hits. I had fun belting out She with Mickey Dolenz. I was surprised others in the room knew all the words, too.

I just remembered someone saying they were going to play The Partridge Family for me. I don't think they ever did. I would've crooned along with David Cassidy on I Think I Love You.

It was a lot of fun taking a trip down memory lane with all our old records. We plan to make this an annual event.

Do you like records?

Can't Balance My Checkbook

I have had a checking account since I was a teenager. I even worked in accounting years ago. I've always been pretty good at math.

Why can't I balance my checkbook?!?

I never used to have this problem. Each month I would carefully go over my statements, comparing each transaction. If there was a discrepancy I would make a notation and go back through my checkbook to see what was missing.

For some unknown reason, over the last several years, there has been an offset that I cannot figure out. Not only that, it seems to have gotten bigger.

I'm not stupid. I check and re-check my accounting and it always comes up different than the bank statement.

What the heck! Is there a ghost in my account? Is my computer calculator glitching out? Do I keep doing the same mistake over and over so I don't notice it? I give up. I have decided to just leave it alone and only go by my paper register, rather than the online one.

I know, you're probably shaking your head right now. You're screaming, "Holly, are you crazy! Get this straightened out!"

Well, I would if it bothered me too much. You see, the discrepancy is POSITIVE. For years my account has been growing as if there was a secret interest being added that the bank is not showing. It's not an interest account.

So long as the account is not showing I have less than what I do, I'm good. I just wish I could figure out how this keeps happening.

Until then I will continue to go by the balance in my check register and not what the bank claims I have.

My Daughter Grew Up!

It just occured to me that my daughter is turning 15 in a few weeks.

What?!? When did that happen?

She grew up when I wasn't looking! Actually, she's always been very mature for her age. That probably comes from being an only child and having only her parents to talk to every day.

She's great with kids her own age, too. We had her socialized very early on, knowing she would be an only child. I did not want her to turn out like me, someone who hid in the back of a room with a book.

I still do that.

Pirate Fantasy, part 11 (The End)

Carina stared at the moon, wondering if she had hurt Edward's feelings. She had been a bit ungrateful. She looked up at him, suddenly captured by his eyes. "I didn't say that...exactly." She cleared her throat. "I said we might not--" He interrupted her with his finger to her lips.

"What if we do? Could you be happy married to a merchant?" He stroked his finger softly down her cheek.

His touch made her skin tingle. It was a most pleasant feeling. What had he asked her? Oh, yes. Could she be happy married to this kind brave handsome man. There were much worse fates in life, such as being stuck in a tower on an island. So what if she wasn't going to be a lady pirate sailing the seven seas, robbing from the greedy and giving to the needy? She gave him an impish grin. "Well, you're no Robin Hood, but I suppose you'll do."

He slowly pulled her closer. "Perhaps we should get to know each other better." He leaned down and touched his lips to hers and she once again forgot about everything else. All that existed was the feel of his mouth on hers and the warmth of his embrace.

--

Epilogue

When the group had arrived in the port of London weeks later, after a few trading expeditions, Carina was awed by the great ships, some twice as large as her husband's. The air smelled of fish and rot, but she didn't care. She was captivated by all the activity, people arriving and departing, cargo being loaded and unloaded, shouts and laughter, parents and children.

She and Edward had gotten close on their voyage home. They had most definitely suited. They had suited quite well every night and morning for the past several days. She enjoyed married life very much.

Upon arriving in their townhouse, one they would all share, a special courier had been waiting. He told the men their mission had been a success, but that Chester Hopewell had been shot when trying to escape. Her "father" was dead. None of them had felt any remorse.

John had grown stronger each day, both physically and mentally, thanks to her mother's care. Apparently most of his affliction had been caused by grief. He had never gotten over losing Helene. When he lost his arm, he felt he had nothing left to live for. Now he did. Her parents had gotten married the moment they could find a willing minister.

Edward was more than a merchant. He sailed quite often on missions for the King, sometimes taking Carina with him. Thanks to her vivacious personality, she had become one of His Majesty's most valued spies, easily gaining information from ladies at society meetings.

Her life had become the grandest of adventures.

The End

Hail Yeah!

It hailed for a few seconds yesterday.

I sat alone in my office, typing away at my laptop. I had the window blinds open to let in light without wasting electricity. The sky started growing darker and I heard the gentle patter of rain on the window. Within seconds the water was beating harder against the glass, getting louder and louder. Then it sounded like rocks were being poured on the roof. My husband yelled out from the next room, "It's hailing!" Before I could jump up to watch the show he called out, "Oh, it stopped already!" Too bad.

I love watching hail come down. It's the closest thing we get to snow in this area. I just wouldn't want to be outside when it was happening. Ouch!

Plagiarism Sucks

I read an article today about the overabundance of plagiarized stories on Amazon. These are books by self published authors, something I plan to be. An author, not a plagiarizer.

I was shocked. People were basically stealing short stories from message boards and simply putting their own names on them. Who does that? Jerks!

Thankfully some people discovered this was happening and reported the culprits.

This is exactly why I will not be publishing full stories as anything but a book. Sure, I will keep posting short stories here on my blog, but they are just writing exercises done in the spur of the moment, not in depth novels.

Pirate Fantasy, part 10

Carina sulked. She should be happy, she knew, but somehow the thought of being married to a pirate had excited her. Now she was married to a merchant? At least she was free of her "father".  It was a pity that her true father had been kept from her, a man who would have loved her, rather than seen her as a burden.

She watched her mother interact with John Lafitte and smiled. It was as if they were young sweethearts, both of them attentive to each other. Then she looked over at her new husband. She took a bite of delicate fish while she studied him. He was actually a fine looking man with his light brown hair and kind grey eyes. He smiled quite often, which was a pleasant change from the dreariness that had surrounded her at home.

"You have a beautiful smile," Edward commented.

"Thank you." She reached for another bite, but noticed she had finished her food.

"Would you stroll about the deck with me?" He stood and held out his hand.

She took it and followed him outside. It was a beautiful evening. The moon was bright and there were more stars than she had ever seen.

"Evenin', Eddie."

"Cookie, allow me to present Carina Lafitte, my wife."

"A right pleasure it is, Missus."

"Thank you. I'm pleased to make your acquaintance. Cookie? Did you happen make that magnificent feast we had tonight?"

The older man swelled with pride. "I did indeed, ma'am."

"It was the most delicious meal I have ever eaten. Thank you." She impulsively kissed his cheek.

"Aw, now, I'm just doing my job."

"And you do it so well," Edward replied, narrowing his eyes in mock jealousy as he steered his wife away from his friend.. "Have a good evening."

"You, too," Cookie said with a wink.

The newlyweds walked over to the railing. "So...you fear we will not suit?" Edward asked.

Pirate Fantasy Haiku

This poem was inspired by the pirate fantasy my heroine has.

stormy seas beckon
leading us to distant lands
adventure is nigh

Pirate Fantasy, part 9

Edward watched as Captain Lafitte stared at Carina and she stared back at him. A sparkle returned to the old man's eyes, something that had been lost for years.

"My daughter?" John touched her cheek. "I never even suspected."

Helene leaned against him with tears in her eyes. "I thought you had changed your mind about me, or that something had happened to your ship when you never returned."

"But I did--" he began.

"I know. My father told me years later on his death bed. He wanted forgiveness for giving me to Chester Hopewell. He saw how unhappy I was in my marriage and felt guilty. He honestly thought he was giving me a better life, but I would have been happier had we sailed away on your ship and never returned." She buried her face in his side and started to cry. "We've lost so much time."

"We are together now, my love. Nothing else matters." He held her tight. "For me it's as if no time has passed. I still love you as much I did then. I could never love another. I have been married to the sea."

Carina smiled through her own tears. "I am so happy to know my father was not that cruel man who cared only for money."

Edward took her hand. "Your true father is a good man. He took me in when I was a young boy living on the streets. He gave me a job and taught me how to take pride in my work. And now I am a successful merchant."

"A merchant? So you're not even a sailor? I thought I would at least get to travel." Carina pouted.

Edward laughed. "Not to worry, my dear. I do sail occasionally. John and I do some trading in other countries when the weather permits. But our main venture is a string of shops we own together."

"We are quite wealthy," John added with a wink.

The group sat down to dine on a seafood feast. Carina ate with abandon, explaining how she had dreamed of such delicacies for years.

"There is something you should be made aware of," Edward announced grimly. "Hopewell was behind the attacks on several trading ships, including His Majesty's own vessels."

"That is how I lost my arm," John whispered.

Helene touched his hand. "You are still just as handsome as ever, with or without that arm."

He brought her hand to his lips. "You honor me, my lady."

Edward continued. "There has been an ongoing investigation these past few years. That was the reason we were on the island."

"You are agents of the King, too?" Carina gasped. "Is there no end to your accomplishments?"

"It appears Hopewell made the right choice of husband after all, my daughter." Helene laughed. "Not that it was his intention."

"Even if it hadn't gone as planned, we would have found another way to save you."

"So why did you marry me? You could have had your crew simply hold a gun to my father, er, Hopewell, while we made our escape."

Edward blushed. "I suppose I could have done it that way, but the simple truth is... I wanted you."

Carina shook her head. "You didn't even know me!"

"I saw you from afar as we were entering the bay. There was something about you that drew me in. Maybe it was love at first sight."

Carina shrugged. "We shall see. Perhaps we won't be able to stand each other by the time we return to your home, wherever that may be."

"London."

"Of course. You are agents of the crown. Silly me. How exciting." Carina did not look excited at all.

Writing With Partners

I used to write with a partner years ago and it was an amazing experience! We both fueled each other, pushing us to write more, better, faster. We bounced ideas off each other and developed several projects together.

I miss that.

I need to find some writing groups and make some new connections.

Pirate Fantasy, part 8

Edward took a deep breath before knocking on his bride's door. The moment it opened he was momentarily speechless. Carina had changed into a sky blue gown that matched her eyes and he found himself drowning in them. "Ahem. Good evening, my lady."

"Sir?" She looked at him in confusion.

He smiled, realizing she might not recognize him without his disguise. "Forgive my earlier ruse and allow me to officially introduce myself. I am Edward Lafitte...your husband."

Her eyes went wide. "You are not a pirate?"

"Sorry. You seem disappointed." He held out his hand.

She took it and smiled shyly. "No, not at all. Well, maybe just a bit. I was hoping for a grand adventure."

"Speak for yourself, daughter."

Edward looked over at the maid in surprise. "Mrs. Hopewell?"

"Now I must beg your forgiveness," Carina clutched his hand between her own. "My father was a cruel man. I wanted my mother away from him. It was my idea to dress her like this."

"Oh, not to worry, my dear. She is most welcome. In fact she should join us for supper with the captain."

"Thank you, sir," Mrs. Hopewell replied.

"The captain? I thought you were the captain."

"Well, I am, though not officially. The captain is ill, so I have been running the ship in his stead."

Mrs. Hopewell removed her cap and apron and the three went to dinner.

Edward introduced his new bride. "Carina, may I introduce my captain and adopted father, John Lafitte."

Captain Lafitte stood and bowed, holding out his good hand. "A pleasure, my dear girl. Beautiful name. It was my mother's name." He squinted at her and looked sad for a moment. "You remind me of  someone I used to know. I loved her so." He looked down at the floor.

"John?" Mrs. Hopewell stepped forward.

Captain Lafitte looked up at the older woman. He shook his head. "It cannot be," he gasped. "Helene?" He held out his good arm.

She nodded and ran to him. "Oh, John! I tried not to let myself hope, but when I heard the name Lafitte I did wonder." She touched his cheek. "When my daughter came up with the plan to sneak me aboard, I jumped at the chance. At the very least it would take me away from my horrid husband."

"Yes, you married another. You didn't want me."

"I did! I did want you! My father kept us apart! All I wanted was you!"

"Why did you marry Hopewell?"

"Because of me." Carina whispered with tears in her eyes. She leaned back against Edward for support. He held her to him and stroked her arms gently, watching the exchange with fascination. It was clear to him what was going on. His captain had been telling the truth about his damsel in distress all along.

"John, I was forced to marry Hopewell. After my father sent you away I confessed to him that I was with child. Your child." She took his hand and placed it in Carina's. "Meet your daughter."

Getting Into The Holiday Spirit

Tonight we put up the Christmas tree, a fake one we've had for years. It looks pretty real, though. We like to decorate it with pop culture icons like Superman, Mickey Mouse and Darth Vader.

While my husband and daughter started on the tree, I was in the kitchen making one of the few things I haven't screwed up yet: kind bar candy squares. They are very simple and sort of healthy, made with almonds, dried cranberries, coconut, chocolate chips and rice syrup. They are the treats I am bringing to the office holiday party this week. As I was putting them into boxes to store in the fridge I worried that there wouldn't be enough. Well, at least everyone will be able to eat one, maybe two.

After we finished with the tree we all sat down and watched Elf. It's my favorite Christmas movie. I've already quoted Buddy the Elf in this blog, but I'm going to do it again.

The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.

Go ahead! Sing like there's nobody watching... or listening.

Movie Review: Friends with Kids

We just watched Friends with Kids, starring Adam Scott, Jennifer Westfeldt, Maya Rudolf, Chris O'Dowd, Kristin Wiig and John Hamm. It was like a Bridesmaids reunion! It was full of witty conversations and sex jokes, but at the heart of it was a serious drama.

The story is about a group of friends from college who grow up together and start families. Two of the friends are not involved, but very close. They see their other friends having kids along with relationship problems and decide it must be because the romance was ruined by the kids. These two friends want to have children, but don't want to see it ruin their possible romances. Since they haven't found their true loves yet, they decide to have a kid. They can share responsibilities and search for love, since the hard part is out of the way. Their friends all think they're insane. Having a kid changes everything. They find that out the hard way.

My 14 year old daughter, my husband and I had a great discussion over this story. Once you are a family unit and find your groove do you really want to change things? What if the other partner finds love and you don't? What if one friend falls in love with the other friend? Can you trust those feelings? Or is it just the convenience of the family unit?

I liked the movie, but the ending left me hanging. I was hoping for a bonus scene.

Pirate Fantasy, part 7

Edward brought three men with him to meet with Hopewell one last time. The older man came to greet him as soon as he entered the villa.

"Ah, there you are, Lafitte! Thank you for agreeing to have the ceremony so quickly. You'll understand if I don't let my daughter leave here without such protection."

"Absolutement, Monsieur Hopewell. I, too, am eager to take my bride away wis me." More than the old man realized.

They adjourned down a long corridor to a small chapel. His bride was already waiting there with her mother by her side. She was stunning, dressed in a gown of white satin with tiny flowers in her hair. For a moment he forgot how to breathe. At her wide eyed stare he remembered who he was supposed to be. He stepped up to her and bowed gracefully. "Mademoiselle, it ees an honor to have one so lovely as you for my wife. I assure you will have zee best of everysing."

Carina curtsied. "Thank you, Monsieur. You honor me, as well." She stared at the floor. It was too bad. He longed to gaze into her eyes.

The minister joined their hands together and began the ceremony. An hour later Edward's men were loading the last trunk onto his ship. He helped his wife step aboard. "Welcome to your new home, my love."

Carina stopped and glanced at his face. "I'm sorry. Did you just lose your accent, sir?"

"All will be explained shortly. First, let me show you and your maid to your rooms." He led the two women downstairs and opened a door to a large suite. "This is my room, but consider it yours now." She blushed at his words. "Do not fret. I promise not to enter this room without your permission." He saw her visibly relax. "I will let your maid help you settle in, before I show her to her cabin." He left them alone.

Carina grabbed the other woman's arms. "We did it!"

Mrs. Hopewell looked up at her from beneath the large ruffle of her mobcap. "I find it hard to believe no one recognized me."

"Why would anyone suspect you would be disguised as a maid?"

"I warn you, I have no such skills whatsoever." Her mother smiled.

Carina laughed. "I'm sure we'll be able to take care of ourselves."

Edward Lafitte gave a farewell salute to the island as they sailed away. Then he went below to visit his captain. "Sir, we are away. Our contacts should be raiding the villa even now."

"Good. Good. I'm sure they'll find plenty of damning evidence of Hopewell's betrayal to the Crown."

Edward nodded. "I have a wife!" He sighed happily.

"Congratulations, my boy. Is she pretty?"

"She is a goddess."

"Then what are you doing here? It's your wedding night!"

"Sir, we've only just met. I would never force my attentions on her."

"Oh. You married a woman you only just met? How does that happen?"

"We rescued her, remember?"

"Right! Did I ever tell you I tried to rescue a damsel in distress?"

"Yes, sir. You did at that. What happened?"

"I wanted to marry the girl, but her father forbid it. I knew she loved me, so I vowed I would steal her away. I plotted and planned for weeks, but when I returned with my crew I discovered she was to marry another. Women can be so fickle." He stared at the wall, telling Edward he was done talking.

Too Much Sugar

Just got home from another birthday celebration.

Too much sugar.

Rockin' Birthday!

My husband gave me a very special birthday celebration today! He took me and our daughter to a fancy dinner and then the local stadium to see Trans-Siberian Orchestra's special Christmas show.

If you're not familiar with this band, they are basically a rock opera, complete with strings, wailing guitars, powerful vocalists, a video extravaganza, flames and fireworks.

At one point this giant pyramid covered in video screens opened up and started shooting flames into the air. It was right next to us and it was HOT.

A good time was had by all.

Here is a commercial for the tour. If you enjoy rock operas, this is a treat!

Pen Names

I have been researching pen names this week.

There are good reasons for using a pen name. Some people want to protect their real identity from crazy fans. Others might want to protect their families from embarrassment.

I don't use one for this blog, nor will I for my mainstream and young adult novels. But there are other subjects I may write about that I don't want people to associate with these family friendly books.

I had the perfect "nom de plume". I had used it with a writing partner in the past. Good thing I never purchased the domain name. I was about to when I decided to do another name search. Sadly, it turns out there was already a writer with the same name! What are the odds?

Although I found some good suggestions (use name generators, list keywords in your genre, search family tree, etc.), in the end I simply mixed up a couple names of my favorite romance novel characters. Luckily the name, and all its variations did not exist. I was shocked, but happy. I am going to buy the domain name and just sit with it for a bit to make sure I love it.

I will not tell you what that name is. That might change one day. For now I will maintain a little mystery.

Pirate Fantasy, part 6

Edward sat down by his captain. "It's done, sir. Hopewell is drawing up the contracts right now. By this time tomorrow we should be on our way from here."

"You're a good lad. A good lad. Did I ever tell you I also once tried to rescue a damsel in distress?"

"No, sir." Edward wondered if the man was delirious.

"She was so beautiful, hair of gold and eyes of blue. She lived on an island."

"Sir, I think you are confusing things."

"Oh. Maybe, I am." He looked sad. "I tend to forget things lately."

"It's all right. I will keep you informed." He got up to leave.

"Keep her safe, my boy."

Edward looked back, but the old man was asleep.


Carina paced her room. Francesca had just brought news of her future husband. He was a pirate! She hoped he was a good man. She had never heard of a kind pirate, but she was sure there had to be some. He could be like Robin Hood, taking from the wealthy and giving to the poor.

She walked to the window and stared out at the water, hoping to catch a glimpse of his ship, but there was nothing there. It was probably on the other side of the island. She sighed and looked over at her lunch of cold pheasant and fruit. She hoped her husband would feed her lobster.

She was startled when her mother burst into the room. She rushed over and took hold of her hand. "Daughter, I must throw myself on your mercy. Your father is punishing you for my past indiscretion."

Carina was shocked. She had never seen her mother as anything less than composed. "Whatever do you mean?"

"I had sworn never to reveal my secret, which is the reasonI haven't been attentive to you these last few years. I love you, my daughter, but it is just so painful to see you each day and be reminded of love lost."

"What are you saying? Do I remind you of your younger self so much?"

"You do, yes, but it's your father I see in you most of all, and it feels like my heart being torn from my chest whenever I see his beautiful eyes looking back at me." She smiled sadly.

"I never thought I favored my father much."

"Hopewell is not your father," she said in disgust. "My own father forced me to marry him when he found out I was with child."

Carina froze, her head starting to spin. "I'm a bastard?" She gripped the edge of the table for support.

"To the rest of the world you are legitimate. My father made sure of that."

"Why didn't you marry my real father? Was he already married?"

"No He was a captain on a merchant ship. He had regular business here with my father. We became friends, then sweethearts. I gave myself to him on his last night here and he promised to return and marry me. I believed him. I had loved him so very much. I never saw him again. He never even knew about you." Silent tears rolled down her mother's cheeks.

Carina's heart clenched as she listened to her mother's pain. She wiped away her tears and embraced her. "I'm so sorry. Do you think he perished in the sea?"

She shook her head. "I found out years later that he had returned just as he promised. A few weeks after our night together he asked my father for permission to wed me. But my father had loftier expectations for my future. My husband never forgave me for bearing another man's child."

She chuckled. "I think he was more upset that the man had been a common sailor, rather than a nobleman. And he blames you for us never being able to have more children. Now he has searched for the most despicable of husbands for you. He is practically crowing over the fact he's marrying you off to a sailor, and a disgusting one at that. I am so sorry."

"Mother, do not despair. I am ready to meet my fate and the new adventures that await me. Anything is better than being stuck in a tower for the rest of my days." She stared out at the vast blue. "The sea calls to me."

"Just like your father." She held her daughter tight. "I wish I could go with you."

Carina smiled to herself. "Maybe you can. I have an idea."