Note: Today’s blog is written by Shirley’s longtime friend, Delle Jacobs. Please make her feel welcome!

Thanks Jaunty Sisters for inviting me!

Anyone remember when technology didn’t rule our lives? I don’t mean just rule, mean utterly destroy us at the whim of some little electron? I’ve spent most of the day asking myself just how I got into this mess in the first place? If I’d been like my friend Ruth (who was born sensible, into a Mennonite family who made certain she stayed that way) I would have retired from the State of Washington’s Social Services as soon after computers were introduced as it was financially possible. I would have followed her advice and never used a drive-up teller or online banking. I would have continued driving an older car that had nothing computerized in it. And of course Ruth would never have written, much less read a romance, so if I were listening to her, I wouldn’t either.

I love Ruth. She’s fascinating. She’s taught and toured in most countries of Asia and a lot of Europe. And she never stayed in any job longer than five years in her life. It was a rule for her. But let’s face it, I did read romances and I’d hungered all my life to write. Computers made it possible.

But I also remember when you could use a computer just by sitting down and typing. White words appeared on a blue screen. Blue. No other color. I’d heard about the internet, but I didn’t believe it. Couldn’t see how anything could work that way. Who would pay for it? I remember when I didn’t know anything about Yahoo and its thousands of loops. Now I’m on 39 of them, all on digest, and I still get hundreds of posts a day. Now my entire life feels chained to a touch pad and little black squares with gray letters. What I can do is totally amazing. As long as everything goes right.

Today, yes, was one of those days. I’ve got this ebook that just came out, you see. APHRODITE’S BREW. It’s an electronic wonder. I wrote and revised it on my laptop. I submitted it by email to Samhain, communicated with the editor by email, and that’s how I got my call. In an email. I didn’t know for months the editor was someone I already knew by a different name, and I’d never seen her in any case. Cover art all done by email. When I needed an ARC to send to RT, quickly, I took my galley to Kinko’s, handed the clerk my jump drive, and two hours later I had five printed copies of my book. Then I did a video on my laptop, and a banner ad, and a bookmark ad. I’ve promoted online, guest blogging and as a featured author. I couldn’t have even imagined doing all of that even when I bought my first laptop.

But today? I have been horsewhipped by the internet. There was the SPAM filter that digested two whole digests I really needed. I didn’t find out until too late. I signed up for a promo to place my book trailer on previewthebook.com. They wanted MOV format. Windows Movie Maker can’t read that format. Need Quicktime. Download Quicktime. Now I can’t use Photoshop. Tinkered with QT, got it to stop taking over as default. Thought I did anyway. But I had a request to do a book cover for another author, and I needed to buy some royalty-free photos. Sure enough, QT re-assigned itself as the default program. Photoshop couldn’t read them. I got tired of fighting it and un-installed the Quicktime Pro, which I had been told could make movies only to find out it can’t do half what clunky old Windows Movie Maker can do. For that I’d paid $30. So I then paid $20 to have Preview’s customer support convert it for me. They sent it back for me to check over. I can’t. Don’t have QT anymore. And if I download it again, there goes Photoshop, which I need.

Software got me another time too. I made the mistake of letting my hubby buy a new computer with Vista. Vista doesn’t talk to our print server. Vista doesn’t talk to anything. And poor Jeff couldn’t figure out his internet program. He griped so much I finally went and looked. It didn’t look like Firefox. It was AOL! It had come packaged with the computer and I hadn’t seen it. And no, it would not relinquish its hold on his computer. Took forever, but we finally got it un-installed and gone for good– we hope– amazing how some of those things rise from the dead.

Oh, but that’s not all. You see, there’s a way you can make your laptop battery last over twice as long. You run the laptop straight off the AC cord, with the battery removed. That’s because if the battery is in place, it keeps recharging itself all day long, and that’s what wears them out. Unfortunately, the cord tends to come unplugged. Twice today I had to do over from scratch the new cover I’d started.

Well, I know my book is selling well. My editor, who, yes, I have met at last, told me so. And I’ve got almost 350 hits on my video, more than twice what the previous one had in two months. Computers have completely changed my life. But if anyone ever tells me computers will carry us into a paper-free society, which was the original justification for the state making its 5,000 workers learn to use computers they each had to share with at least four other workers, I’ll throw a book at them. My whole house is filled with computer-generated paper. And I have hundreds more paper books on shelves than I ever had before.

I think I’ll go read a book tomorrow. A paper one. Unfortunately, if my laptop ever really crashed, I would be devastated. I can’t imagine living without it now!

Cowboys as Heroes…

Those three words are a mouthful, and readers usually fall in one camp or the other: they love cowboys as heroes, or they hate ‘em. Me? I fall into the love ‘em camp. This might have something to do with the fact that I spent the first eight years of my life on a working ranch/farm. No, it’s not a glamorous life, but there’s something heroic about a man who earns a living through hard back-breaking work. Or maybe it’s just because they often look so darn good in their Stetsons and jeans.

Anyway, this whole idea of cowboys as heroes got me thinking, and I checked out the American Film Institute’s (AFI) list of all time heroes to see how many cowboys made the top 50. There aren’t many, but here they are:

Will Kane (Gary Cooper) High Noon
Shane (Alan Ladd)
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (Paul Newman and Robert Redford)
Rooster Cogburn (John Wayne) True Grit

That’s a good start, but I’d like to add some more recent ones:

The Assassination of Jesse James (Brad Pitt)

3:10 to Yuma (Christian Bale and Russell Crowe)

And finally, here’s Dylan Greer, the hero of my latest Intrigue, THE HORSEMAN’S SON. I think he’s a great example of why I love cowboys.:)

So, where do you stand when it comes to cowboys? Do you love ‘em, or do you look elsewhere for your heroes? Anyone who posts a comment will be entered into a drawing to win an autographed copy of my February Intrigue, NEWBORN CONSPIRACY.

Hello! It’s me, Jaunty P. Quills. Sandra K. Moore asked me to pick her winner for today. It was a tough decision…so tough I threw acrons with each poster’s name into the sky and the one that bonked me on the head won. (I’m a little dizzy now)

It’s Cindi Hoppes! Congrats, Cindy. Email Sandra at sandra@sandrakmoore.com to let her know where to send the book.

System reset

Sounds technical and scary, doesn’t it?

And yet, that’s what happened when I embarked on a 10-day cleansing fast recently. You may have heard about the lemonade-based Master Cleanser — there must be about a dozen books about it and hundreds of web sites, both pro and con — and sure enough I did it.

Well, 7 days of it, anyway.

I’m not really sure why I chose to do this fast. I mean, sure, a coworker was interested in doing it, and sure, I had some other spiritually-oriented stuff going on in my life that seemed to synchronize with this particular activity. But going 10 days without eating solid food isn’t something I tend to just do.

But I just did it.

I learned a lot, too — more than I would have thought possible:

• I can live without Starbucks.
• I don’t have to have a huge lunch to survive the work day.
• Organic, grade B maple syrup is way expensive.
• A blood sugar drop doesn’t necessarily have to catapult me into Angry Bitch mode.
• Peppermint tea is really, really good.
• Every day is a good day if I choose to let it be.

So while the fast is meant to be a physical fast, it also turned into a spiritual one. I spent a lot of time being “present,” in the moment, as I listened to my body tell me how it felt. Most of the time, that feeling was, “Fantastic!” Other times, the feeling was a little tired, but I quickly learned that I’d not paced the lemonade drink correctly.

I kept a detailed journal of how I felt both mentally and physically, including the cravings that would pop up. One of the nuggets of wisdom I read about cleansing is that we crave what we’re detoxing, so I know there was quite a bit of red meat and Skittles detox going on!

After I ended the fast, I wanted nothing more than some nice raw fruits and veggies. Here’s what I’ve stopped craving and eating:

• Coffee, tea, and sodas (no caffeine!)
• Sugar of any kind, including my beloved Skittles
• Meat of any kind
• White flour
• Chocolate

I’m sure there’s more, but those are the big ones for me.

All sorts of doors have opened for me. For example, yesterday I had lunch with some coworkers at Lupe Tortillas, a fantastic Tex-Mex restaurant. I ordered a meatless, cheeseless burrito, and the chef actually came out to warn me that the beans were cooked with bacon and he could make some Portobello mushroom tacos if I preferred.

Maybe I should explain that I don’t like mushrooms. Nasty things. But I thought, what the hey, and told him, Sure, I’d try mushroom tacos.

Oh my god.

He’d sliced up the Portobellos and grilled them just like fajitas, and those tacos were the most delicious things I’ve ever put in my mouth…. Just fantastic.

So my little experiment with the Master Cleanser has been a great way to naturally reset my system — to eliminate the cravings for junk and processed foods, to remind me of my body on a moment-to-moment basis, and to give me a more open mind about food.

What resets your system?

Everyone who posts a comment will be entered in a contest to win a copy of my latest Athena Force: Without a Trace.

I’m not a lucky person. I’ve wasted money on lottery tickets, raffles, auctions…I just don’t win.

So imagine my surprise when I actually won something—something I really, really wanted to win.

If you’re a regular visitor to this blog, you’ll remember that I went to see my favorite group, The Newsboys, back in October. That was in Austin. Saturday night they played here in Houston, and I had tickets to go again. I also saw a contest in our local paper for a chance to win 2 front row seats and 2 backstage passes to the concert.

So, naturally, I entered.

And to my shock, I won!

And so Saturday night, I found myself in the front row of the concert. I could touch the stage. I was so close I could touch the Newsboys if I wanted (but I didn’t). Here are some pictures we took.

The concert begins

Peter sings

The drums rise and spin around

Right in front of us!

After the concert, we got to go backstage and do a meet and greet. I got all the Newsboys’ autographs and shook their hands. It was really cool! I was too nervous to ask for a picture, so I didn’t get a picture with all of us together. But maybe I can Photoshop my head into this one.

So what about you? Have you ever won anything?

P.S. Author and JQ friend Sandra K. Moore will be blogging with us tomorrow. Don’t forget to stop by.

We were flipping around different TV stations last night, and the movie, Earth Girls Are Easy, was on.

We didn’t watch for very long, but it was amazing to see some of today’s big names in the cast of this film. It came out in 1989 and featured Jeff Goldblum, Geena Davis, Jim Carrey, Damon Wayans and Michael McKean.

While we were switching around, we came across Legend (1988) starring Tim Curry and Tom Cruise. Can you imagine Tom Cruise in a wild fairy-and-dwarf-ridden tale? Oh yeah … he’s there.

We saw Matt Damon in Mystic Pizza (1988). I think he must have been about 12 at the time!

What about George Clooney in Return of the Killer Tomatoes! (1988).

Courtney Cox was in the 1987 masterpiece, Masters of the Universe. Oh my!

Then there’s Johnny Depp in Nightmare on Elm Street (1984). Shirley, eat your heart out!

I know I’ve seen a lot more, but I just can’t think of them. Help me out here and jog my memory. What other movies featured our beloved stars of today before they became “known”?

Before I start today’s post—the winner of my ARC for One Night Stand is Danette. Please contact me off loop at cindykirk@aol.com and I’ll arrange to send it to you!!!

You’ve probably seen this post. It’s been making the cyber rounds. But no matter how many times I read it, the sentiment stll rings true.

IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER – by Erma Bombeck

I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of
pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I
weren’t there for the day.

I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose
before it melted in storage.

When my aunt died and we were cleaning out her house, I found a set of towels with lace edging that she’s “saved back.” I’m using them now.

I would have talked less and listened more.

This is a big failing of mine. I love to talk

I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet
was stained, or the sofa faded.

My hand is in the air. I like the house to be “perfect ” if company is coming over.

I would have eaten the popcorn in the ‘good’ living room and
worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to
light a fire in the fireplace.

I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble
about his youth.

My father was a rambler and now that he’s gone I would love to listen to his stories…again

I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my
husband.

I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a
summer day because my hair had just been teased and
sprayed.

I would have sat on the lawn with my children and not worried
about grass stains.

I would have cried and laughed less while watching television-
and more while watching life.

I would never have bought anything just because it was
practical, wouldn’t show soil, or was guaranteed to last a
lifetime.

My hand is going up again

Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I’d have
cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment
growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in
a miracle.

I really tried to do this, though I was so eager for the baby to come, I probably did wish away that last month

When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have
said, “Later. Now go get washed up for dinner.”

There would have been more “I love you’s”.. more “I’m
sorry’s”….but mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize
every minute…look at it and really see it .. live it…and never
give it back.

Stop sweating the small stuff. Don’t worry about who doesn’t
like you, who has more, or who’s doing what. Instead, let’s
cherish the relationships we have with those who Do love us.
Let’s think about what God HAS blessed us with. And what we are
doing each day to promote ourselves mentally, physically, emotionally,
as well as spiritually.

Life is too short to let it pass you by.

We only have one shot at this and then it’s gone.
I hope you all have a blessed day.

Am I the only one this resonates with?

Robyn’s post the other day on her favorite things reminded me of a writing workshop a friend conducts about walking a mile in your character’s shoes. In the workshop, she explains that you need to know not only what shoes your character put on that morning, you also need to know why she chose that particular pair of shoes.

It goes beyond knowing whether she accessorized her office attire with strappy, bright colored three-inch heels or ballerina style flats in neutral black. Fashion sense and availability of disposable income aside, why is your character drawn to one thing over another? What draws you to the sparkly chandelier style earrings instead of understated pearl stud earrings, or no earrings at all?

Birth order and other factors play a role, but a big part of why certain things draw you is your backstory. What in your background made you who you are today? If you know that Robyn grew up in Texas eating spicy Tex-Mex on a regular basis, for example, you understand why she considers mild salsa to be chunky ketchup.

In high school I was very much an introvert, self-conscious and uncomfortable being the center of attention. Aside from the fact I’m a middle child, I felt out of place when we moved to a small town where most of my classmates had known each other since kindergarten. I was drawn to photography and became a reporter and photographer for the school paper, which allowed me to be there and observe and record without being an active participant – an outsider on purpose. When I slowly broke the habit of biting my nails, I started wearing nail polish in champagne, beige frost, and other subtle shades.

After graduation I landed a job in the camera department of a major retailer. My enthusiasm for the hobby of photography was contagious, and I was successful at selling camera starter kits. Repeat customers would ask for me by name, seeking advice in their new hobby. My self-confidence soared and self-consciousness dipped down. I grew my nails even longer and started wearing polish in plum, wine, and other red shades. Black for Halloween, alternately red- and white-tipped nails for the holidays. Change on my inside was reflected on the outside with what I was drawn to, what I was comfortable with.

Knowing all this, I try to make sure each character’s backstory is compatible with their story arc, and vice versa. What makes it impossible for my Regency heroine to even try on a pair of breeches at the start of the story, and what makes it possible for her to be comfortable wearing them before the final chapter? What influence do experiences in her childhood and teen years have on her actions and choices as an adult? It takes me almost as long to write the first five chapters as it takes to write the rest of the book because of laying the foundation and getting it right.

As critical as it is to get the backstory right for my characters, it flat out terrifies me sometimes to realize I’m creating the backstory for my son. Every day. Yes, there’s the whole nature vs. nurture debate, but still… Will he look back on his childhood as a happy one? Will we be able to avoid making the mistakes our parents made? Make an entirely new set of mistakes? How will I react the first time he throws a temper tantrum in the checkout line?

At this stage there’s really only five things needed to make him happy –- food, sleep, clean diapers, teething aids, and Mom or Dad’s attention. Toys are fun, a pacifier is soothing, being in the swing makes him positively giddy. But I’ve heard his needs will soon become more complex…

If you’re interested in reading an excerpt for this book, then click here MargoMaguire.com and go to the “Coming Soon” page. I hope you enjoy it!

I suppose I could start singing now something about whiskers on kittens and brown-paper packages, but y’all couldn’t hear me and spontaneously bursting into song happens often enough at my house, but I shall pass. Instead I just want to share with you some of my favorite things.

Y’all know about my obsession with a certain type of red gel pen, but what about my favorite candy? Let me preface this by saying there are plenty of great choices out there. Snickers are super yummy and sometimes a perfect choice. A Twix can hit the spot when you can’t decide between candy or a cookie. And there are plenty others that I like, but when it comes down to it, if there was only one kind of candy in the world, then it would be an easy choice for me. It really just doesn’t get any better than that.

I love jewelry, really all kinds. I’m kind of like a fish in that regard, any thing that sparkles immediately gets my attention. But I absolutely adore earrings. And my favorites are the lovely dangle-chandelier-type earrings with the lovely stones. I have them in practically every color and different sizes and shapes and they go with anything. They’re just so pretty and so feminine and they make me happy.

I can almost guarantee that if I turn the TV on during the day – which I don’t do if I’m working – then it goes to one specific station. Channel 231 here and it’s the Food Network. I love it. The Professor even knows the names of most of the hosts, much to his embarrassment (but it’s only fair, I know everyone on CNN), because it’s on so often. But I love getting new recipe ideas and learning techniques. And it really stretches my creativity for cooking. It’s also perfect background noise if you just need a tiny afternoon nap.

A few years ago my mom gave me a pair of flip-flops. They were ugly, but crazy comfortable. And I wore them all summer and then all the next summer too and it saddened me when the weather turned cold and I had to put my comfy shoes up. So I bought a winter pair. Same brand, only enclosed that I could wear with socks and thus keep my tootsies warm. My Crocs are purple and they look like Smurf shoes and they just make me smile when I wear them. I know I must look ridiculous, but I simply don’t care.

Since I started writing full-time, nearly 3 years ago, I’ve stopped wearing make-up everyday. But I still love make-up and tend to wear it a few times a week. So it’s important that I have good stuff, especially since I have Rosacea and always have rosy cheeks – I never buy blush. A few years ago I tried some stuff I’d seen on an info-mercial (I know I’ve told y’all before they could sell me a box of dirt in an info-mercial) and I love it. It’s the mineral based make-up and it’s the only stuff that covers my redness without making me look like I’ve spackled my foundation on. And it doesn’t feel heavy. It’s just great for looking natural.

Sometime in the afternoon, usually between 2 and 3 I get hungry and need a snack. I try to keep healthy snack options in the house, things like raw veggies, fruit, nuts, cheese and whole grain crackers. One of my favorites is Laughing Cow cheese. Ever tried this stuff? It’s so yummy. And great on all kinds of stuff. It’s good on apples, celery, wasa, pretzels, crackers, your finger, uh…well, that’s just in a pinch if you can’t find anything else.

So how about you? What are some of your favorite things?

And be sure to scroll down and see if you won Sophie Jordan’s contest from yesterday.